Podcasts about Holding On

What if the exhaustion you've been carrying isn't a sign that you need to do more — but your body's way of telling you something needs to shift?You can be a founder, a mother, a partner, a caregiver for aging parents, or a woman in midlife building something meaningful — and still find yourself running on fumes. The women I work with love their lives and the people in them. And they still feel their bodies quietly asking for something they haven't been giving themselves.Burnout signs in midlife don't always announce themselves loudly.. You're still showing up. Still dependable. And underneath that, you feel flat, disconnected, and unsure why a life that looks full on the outside feels so heavy from the inside. For those navigating caregiver burnout — years of holding everyone else together — that heaviness can be especially hard to name.This isn't weakness or a lack of gratitude. A nervous system that has been overriding its own signals for years is doing exactly what it was designed to do. The exhaustion makes sense. And there's a deeper pattern underneath it worth understanding.As a somatic experiencing practitioner, life coach, author, this solo mid-year episode offers a body-based reset through the lens of somatic experiencing and nervous system regulation. I share a piece of my own burnout story, explain what's happening biologically when meaningful work quietly becomes depleting, I walk you through simple somatic practices you can use today, and offer journal prompts to help you listen to your nervous system before it forces you to stop.In this episode, I'll share:Why burnout takes hold even when your life is full of things you genuinely love — and what's happening in your nervous system when it does.How your body communicates through chronic tension, fatigue, emotional flatness, and low-grade dread long before it shouts.Why pushing through disconnects you from your purpose, your values, and your own clarity.What somatic experiencing is, why it works, and how it's different from every other approach to stress and burnout you've tried.Three simple somatic practices to bring you back to the present moment through the felt sense.Three journal prompts to help you honor your first half and set a soulful intention for the next six months.Burnout recovery doesn't begin with doing more. It begins with slowing down, coming home to your body, and choosing the second half of this year from a more grounded and stable place.Much love and freedom,LaurieConnect with me:Click here to download your FREE Mid-Year Check-inClick here to purchase my “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” it's $29.99Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteInstagramRESOURCES MENTIONED:Midyear Reflection Journal Prompts: A set of questions to honor what you've carried in the first half of the year, name what feels out of alignment, and choose one soulful intention for the months ahead.Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: A body-based approach to working with the nervous system, developed by Dr. Peter Levine, that supports releasing stored stress so you can move through life with more regulation, presence, and ease. Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to step away from your phone… even when your  mind and body is asking for a break?The texts, notifications, social media scrolling, and constant pressure to respond to that email can leave you  feeling wired, distracted, and disconnected from yourself. Your mind may say, “Just one more thing,” while your body is quietly tightening, bracing, or whispering that it needs space.And if you've been pushing through for years — caring for everyone else, managing work, family, caregiving, and the invisible weight of modern life — you are not broken. Your body may simply be responding to a world that rarely rewards you how to pause.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mary Donohue, founder and CEO of the Digital Wellness Center, whose work blends neuroscience, behavior, and technology. After living with chronic leukemia, caregiving stress, and surviving a heart attack, Mary began looking more closely at digital wellness and how constant connection affects the brain, body, and our ability to pause.Together, we talk about digital overload, micro breaks, nervous system regulation, social media anxiety, and stress-related illness. Mary shares why even a small pause can help your body settle and give you more space before you respond.In this episode, you'll learn:Why midlife women may be especially vulnerable to chronic stress How women over 50 can begin noticing the subtle body cues they've learned to overrideWhat micro breaks can offer when your mind and body feel overstimulatedHow social media anxiety can quietly shape your mood, focus, and sense of calmHow a simple 3 minute micro break can help you regulate you emotional well-being.The connection between technology and mental health in our everyday choicesHow your nervous system staying in a low-grade activation (fight or flight response) can show up without you even knowing it. IWhy giving back, connecting with others, and creating more joy can help you feel more groundedHow technology can become part of the solution when it is designed with human well-being in mindThis conversation is a gentle reminder that the pace of your life may be asking more of your body than it was ever meant to hold.You don't have to wait until you're exhausted, anxious, or completely overwhelmed to give yourself a pause. Sometimes one small moment of space is enough to help you start hearing what your body and brain have been trying to tell you all along.With love and freedom, LaurieClick here to purchase my “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” it's $29.99Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoClick here to watch the Barbie clip referenced in this podcastFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Dr. Mary Donohue: Victoria on LinkedIn: Dr. Mary DonohueVictoria's email: drmaryedonahue@gmail.com RESOURCES MENTIONED:Digital Wellness Center: Founded by Dr. Mary Donohue, this science-backed platform helps people manage digital stress, take healthier microbreaks, and build more balanced technology habits. Message Received: A book written by Dr. Mary E. Donohue, offering a practical seven-step framework for breaking down communication barriers at work, especially across email, digital tools, video calls, remote teams, and generational communication styles. The Happiness Lab: A podcast hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos that shares science-backed insights for improving well-being. How to Win Friends and Influence People:  A classic book by Dale Carnegie that shares practical principles for building stronger relationships, improving communication, and positively influencing others. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living: A book by Dale Carnegie that shares practical lessons and real-life stories for managing worry, finding purpose, and living with more peace. Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Heart disease in women is their number one killer — and most of us still don't know the signs.We've spent years worrying about the right things: the screenings, the genetics, the family history we carry quietly into every doctor's appointment. But women's heart health looks different than we've been taught. The symptoms are more subtle. The risk factors include ones nobody warned us about — like menopause, estrogen loss, and the emotional suppression when we carry our loved one's pain..My guest today, Victoria Gustafson — certified heart-centered life coach and speaker — knows this firsthand. In 2024, Victoria suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on a pickleball court. A bystander performed CPR and kept her alive until paramedics arrived. She is among the 1% of cardiac arrest survivors who walk away without brain damage. And she is here, sharing the wisdom that could genuinely change — or save — your life.This is not a scary episode. It's an empowering one.Why a healthy, active woman's heart stopped without warning — and how the split-second decisions by bystanders brought Victoria backThe difference between cardiac arrest vs. heart attack — and why understanding it is essential to how you advocate for yourself as a womanWhy heart disease in women so often goes undetected, and how women's symptoms can be more subtle and often get dismissed by the medical systemThe connection between menopause and heart health, and the critical role estrogen plays in protecting your cardiovascular systemWhy it's important to get a baseline heart testing work up — and the benefits of asking for a Holter monitor, an advanced lipid panel, or a coronary artery calcium scanHow body awareness and somatic healing connect to heart health — and what the body's whispers and nudges might be telling youThe link between people-pleasing, emotional suppression, and the physical body — and why the caretaking and peacekeeping so many of us do lives somewhere we can't seeWhat nervous system regulation has to do with how we protect ourselves — physically, emotionally, and spirituallyThe biggest takeaway from our conversation. Warning: it might make you feel lighter when you learn what it is.Your heart has been carrying so much. It's time to listen to the flutter, the fatigue, or the sense that something might be off.With love and freedom, LaurieLinks to heart related episodes mentioned:How Safe Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Health can Close the Bedroom Gap with Dr. Maria SophoclesIs Hormone Therapy Safe? The Science Behind HRT and Breast Cancer Risk with Dr. Maria Sophocles.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Victoria Gustafson:Victoria's website: heartcenteredlifecoach.com Victoria on Instagram/Facebook: @alittlelucyloveVictoria on LinkedIn: Victoria GustafsonVictoria's email: victorialg@icloud.com Episodes mentioned:Dr. Maria Sophocles Episode 1 — Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe? The Science: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-hormone-replacement-therapy-safe-the-science/id1694026063?i=1000709404025Dr. Maria Sophocles Episode 2 — How Safe Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Health Can Close the Bedroom Gap: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-safe-hormone-therapy-and-vaginal-health-can-close/id1694026063?i=1000749413636Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

"Holding On to Love and Hope Through a Lifetime of Suffering" - Listen to my Morning Monologue: I'm sharing my take on pressing issues, enlightening research on human behavior, answering questions I get by email, and my favorite, most instructive interactions with callers. Everything you'll hear is designed to help you become a better spouse, parent, family member, co-worker, friend, and human being. It's the free therapy you need!  Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.com Follow me on social media: Facebook.com/DrLaura Instagram.com/DrLauraProgram YouTube.com/DrLaura Join My Family!! Receive my Weekly Newsletter + 20% off my Marriage 101 course & 25% off Merch! Sign up now, it's FREE! Each week you'll get new articles, featured emails from listeners, special event invitations, early access to my Dr. Laura Designs Store benefiting Children of Fallen Patriots, and MORE! Sign up at DrLaura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever found yourself reacting in a way that feels bigger than the situation in front of you… and then thought, “Why did I respond like that?”You're not alone — and it's not random.That disconnect — between what your mind wants to do and what your body actually does — is often where deeper emotional patterns, trauma responses, and nervous system reactions live.In this episode, I sit down with Annmarie Chereso, conscious relationship coach, to unpack what's really happening beneath emotional triggers, relationship conflict patterns, and those moments when you feel like you “lose control” emotionally.We explore how awareness — not force — becomes the first step toward emotional regulation and lasting change. And Annmarie shares a fresh perspective on somatic healing practices and emotional regulationIn this episode, we dive into:Why emotional triggers are often linked to deeper trauma responses and nervous system activationA new approach to relationship healing that doesn't rely on forcing yourself to “be different”What somatic healing and emotional regulation actually look like in real lifeHow to begin building self-regulation skills when emotions feel overwhelming or intenseWhy noticing your patterns is more powerful than trying to fix themThis conversation reframes healing entirely — not as something you “achieve,” but as something you become aware of over time. Through that awareness, your relationship with yourself and others begins to shift.This isn't about becoming someone new.It's about finally understanding what's been happening beneath the surface all along.You don't need to have it all figured out — you just need to start noticing.With love and freedom,LaurieClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Annmarie CheresoWebsiteInstagramFacebookRESOURCES MENTIONED:The Perfectly Imperfect Family: A book co-authored by Annmarie Chereso that shares personal stories and insights on navigating family dynamics and shifting internal states. Martha Beck Wayfinder Coaching Program: The professional coaching training program where both the host and the guest completed their training. Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

What if your motherhood guilt isn't proof you failed, but a sign you've been carrying too much for too long? You can give everything to your children and still hear that relentless inner critic whispering it wasn't enough — and over time, that pressure can become maternal stress, emotional exhaustion, and even maternal burnout carried quietly beneath the surface.But what if that voice and the sensations associated with them aren't telling you the truth?So much of what we believe about being a “good mother” is shaped by cultural beliefs and unexamined parenting beliefs — expectations that were never designed to be humanly sustainable. The pressure, the second-guessing, the ache of regret…it's not random. And these thoughts can cause dis-ease in your body.In this solo episode, I'm talking about parenting guilt and shame, the stories so many mothers carry, and why they can be stored in the body.  We'll look at motherhood through a compassionate somatic lens and make space for a gentler relationship with your maternal identity.In this episode, you'll learn:Why old emotional patterns can feel so persistentHow the nervous system reinforces self-critismWhat having impossible standards can do to a mother's body and sense of selfWhy exhaustion is often a sign that needs attention. It's not a personal failureHow inherited messages shape the way you measure yourselfHow to stop mom guilt A body-based approach to without relying on willpowerWhy self compassion for moms is not indulgent, but essentialHow repair can create more honesty, connection, and healingIf you've been carrying the quiet belief that you should have done it differently… or that somehow you weren't enough… You don't have to keep relating to yourself through criticism and pressure. There is another way to meet yourself — one that includes more understanding, more space, and a different kind of strength.Cheers to finding your freedom,LaurieClick here to purchase my “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” it's ON SALE for $19.99Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoClick here to watch the Barbie clip referenced in this podcastFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteRESOURCES MENTIONED:Sandwiched: A book written by Laurie James, detailing her experiences with the "sandwich generation" (raising children while caring for aging parents).The Voo Exercise: A vocalization technique used to tone the vagus nerve and discharge nervous system tension.Barbie the movie clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBqlDWHkdHkPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

In this episode, Kiran Chawla sits down with Twanna Sibley as she courageously shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter, Jasmine Newhouse, who was tragically killed by domestic violence at just 18 years old. Tawana opens up about Jasmine's relationship with her older boyfriend, the warning signs she noticed, and the overwhelming feelings of helplessness she felt as a parent desperately trying to protect her child.With raw honesty, she reflects on their family's unimaginable pain during Jasmine's final moments and how this devastating loss forever changed their lives. Today, Tawana channels her grief into powerful advocacy. She discusses her mission to honor Jasmine's memory by raising awareness about domestic violence, encouraging open conversations about the issue, and reminding listeners that help is available for anyone trapped in an abusive relationship. Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and child loss that may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out for help—you are not alone.Timestamps06:03 The Day of the Incident24:34 The Aftermath Begins27:43 The Fatal Night34:49 Holding On to Hope37:56 The Decision to Let Go41:00 Seeking Justice for Jasmine48:25 A Call for HelpLocal Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersFamily Worship Center ChurchSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

When your kids leave the nest and the caregiving finally stops — who are you?That question can stop you cold. And if you've been living it, you already know how disorienting that silence can be. This honest, heartfelt conversation is for every person standing in that in-between space, wondering who they are. My guest today is Jay Ramsden — podcaster, empty nest coach, and someone who has lived this reckoning from the inside out. After a 30-year career in education and years as a primary caregiver, Jay didn't just adjust to the empty nest. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. He walked the Camino de Santiago. And somewhere between the altitude and the miles, he found a philosophy that changed everything: Mpole, Mpole — Swahili for slowly, slowly. One intentional step at a time.In this episode, Jay and I go deep on what it really takes to rebuild your identity, shed the roles that no longer fit, and step into a second act that finally feels like yours.In this episode you'll learn:Why pivoting your career can feel unsettling even when every part of you knows it's timeHow to rebuild your self-identity and what intentional living looks like day in and day out — not just in theoryHow to use "what's in the way" as your map toward more freedom and self-discoveryWhat Jay learned from getting comfortable with going slow — and why lasting personal reinvention requires exactly thatHow to recognize when caregiving has quietly become your whole identity, and what it takes to reclaim yourself from the inside outWhat JOMO is and how shifting your FOMO opens the door to truly liberated livingHow to start trusting yourself again to create a more meaningful, purpose-driven second actIf you've been feeling stretched between who you were and who you're becoming — this episode is your reminder that there is still so much of you left to discover.This chapter gets to belong to you too. Cheers to more love and freedom,LaurieClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Jay RamsdenWebsiteInstagramTiktokRESOURCES MENTIONED:Strength to Strength: A book by Arthur C. Brooks mentioned for its insights on managing life transitions and shifting focus from external achievementsThe Obstacle Is the Way: A book by Ryan Holiday that explores using challenges as opportunities for growthPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

What does it look like to wake up at fifty and finally ask, "What do I actually want?" For Debbie Weiss — bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Maybe I Can podcast — that question became the turning point that changed everything.In this deeply honest and vulnerable conversation, Debbie shares the emotional arc of her transformation: from decades of family caregiving that left her financially stressed, emotionally depleted, and disconnected from herself, to building an entirely new life through what she calls "sprinkles" — small, intentional shifts that slowly and powerfully rewrote her story. Her journey from identity loss to empowered living, including losing over 80 pounds, writing a bestselling memoir, and discovering that personal growth doesn't require a giant leap. It just requires one tiny step, taken consistently.In this episode, I sit down with Debbie Weiss, an author, speaker, and podcaster who spent thirty years navigating the intense caregiving burden of looking after her disabled father, a son with special needs, and a husband struggling with chronic illness. Debbie's story is a powerful example of how midlife women can reclaim their lives, moving from a place of deep identity loss to one of purposeful, empowered living.In this episode you'll learn:How to recognize when you've slipped into victim mentality — and the first small step toward reclaiming your personal agencyHow to manage the physical and emotional toll of being the family caregiver without losing your spirit or your sense of selfWhy self-care is not a selfish luxury but the necessary foundation for showing up as your best self for the people you loveHow to approach a midlife career change or a new passion project by making "maybe I can" your new daily mantraThe role resilience building plays in moving through the stages of grief recovery after profound lossWhy sandwich generation women need to release the pressure of perfection and embrace the "1% more" rule for sustainable, lasting changeHow to begin your own personal growth journey by committing to just one doable, body-led goal at a timeThis episode is for every woman in the sandwich generation who has quietly wondered whether there is anything left for her on the other side of all that giving. There is. And Debbie is proof.A note from Laurie:The power to change your life has been within you all along — even when it feels completely buried. You are not alone in this journey. And it is never, ever too late to start choosing yourself.If this episode speaks to something you've been carrying quietly, share it with a woman in your life who needs to hear it. And if Debbie's story moves you, leave a review — it helps more women find this conversation when they need it most..Much love,LaurieClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE iPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Gugs Mhlungu speaks with resident clinical psychologist Dr Khosi Jiyane unpacking the concept of limerence, what it is, how it can originate from childhood wounds and traumas, and practical ways to recognize and manage it. Gugs Mhlungu gets you ready for the weekend each Saturday and Sunday morning on 702. She is your weekend wake-up companion, with all you need to know for your weekend. The topics Gugs covers range from lifestyle, family, health, and fitness to books, motoring, cooking, culture, and what is happening on the weekend in 702land. Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu. Listen live on Primedia+ on Saturdays and Sundays from 06:00 and 10:00 (SA Time) to Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/u3Sf7Zy or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/BIXS7AL Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does happiness sometimes feel out of reach even when you think you are doing everything right? You take steps forward, check the boxes, show up for the people you love, but underneath it all, something still feels unsettled. Life can start to feel rushed, full, or emotionally heavy, yet you can't quite put your finger on it.This is what happens when you're not prioritizing the foundational keys to happiness and, in turn, living with a dysregulated nervous system. When your body stays in a constant threat response—do more, earn more, and achieve more is when your nervous system becomes overwhelmed. Sleep becomes harder, and when you do wake up, you feel exhausted.In this solo episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I reflect on the work of Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor, host of The Happiness Lab, and one of the leading voices in positive psychology. Her research offers a grounded look at how to feel happier, and I add a somatic lens to the conversation, because happiness is not only a mindset issue–it happens when you have a regulated nervous system.In this episode, you'll learn:Why chasing success before happiness has it backwards — and what the science actually showsThe Somatic Experiencing perspective on each principle and why the body is the missing piece of the happiness conversationWhy your nervous system state and learning nervous system regulation matter more than your mindsetHow self-compassion and emotional agility help feelings move through you with less shame and fearThe 10 principles Dr. Santo says genuinely move the needle on human happiness, which include more human connection and social connection.What prosocial behavior does to your mood, and why the helper high matters more than you might thinkHow to implement each principle with specific, research-backed practices.This episode is for you if you've ever felt like you were doing everything right and still not feeling the way you thought you would. You are allowed to slow down, listen inward, and find your way back to what helps you feel more alive.Much love,LaurieClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteRESOURCES MENTIONEDDr. Laurie Santos: Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcastThe Happiness Lab Podcast: Available wherever you listen to podcastsSomatic Experiencing: Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, PhD — a body-based approach to healing trauma and nervous system dysregulationResearcher Sonja Lyubomirsky: Positive psychology research on happiness and successThe Harvard SPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Have You Ever Asked Yourself, "What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?"I've asked myself that question more times than I can count — and especially after my kids left the nest and I felt that undeniable pull to reinvent myself once I became a freebird and left my marriage.If you're feeling that same pull right now, you are not alone.This week, I'm joined by Patricia Noel Drain, a business mentor, author, and podcaster who has made it her mission to support midlife women who are ready for a career pivot or a bold new chapter. Patricia helps women over 50 discover their gifts, reconnect with what matters most, and create work that feels both aligned and profitable.Her own midlife career change led her into this work — and the conversation we have is one I know so many of you need to hear. In this episode, we cover:The 7 key ingredients you need to navigate midlife reinvention or second career to find more happiness in your next chapterHow to recognize when you need a career change at 50 — and what that moment can actually feel like in your nervous systemThe emotional signs to watch for when you sense something needs to shift in your career or lifeHow Patricia's framework can bring more clarity and confidence to your season of career reinventionWhat it really looks like to build a meaningful midlife career that fits who you are now — not who you used to beHow to approach starting over at 50 in a way that feels manageable, realistic, and even excitingWhy this work matters deeply for women changing careers in midlifeHow to think about careers after 50 in a way that feels expansive and fully aligned with the life you want to createWhether you're seriously considering a second act career or simply listening to the whispers telling you something needs to change — there is still so much room for you to grow, evolve, and create the life you truly desire.This one is for every woman who has ever wondered if it's too late to start again.Spoiler: it's not.Cheers to finding your freedom,LaurieClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Patricia Noel Drain:WebsiteFacebookEmail: patricia@patriciadrain.comWhen Passion Meets Profit PodcastPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

You can command a boardroom, lead a team, and hold your own in the world — yet the moment you step back into your family home, something shifts. Old wounds resurface. You shrink. You react. You become a version of yourself you thought you'd outgrown. This regression is a sign that your internal conflicts are tethered to a hidden social architecture designed long ago.And…you're not broken. You're responding to a blueprint that was written long before you had any say in it.In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I sit down with therapist, author, and mental health advocate Minaa B. to unpack the hidden sibling relationship dynamics that quietly run our adult relationships. If you've ever wondered why sibling rivalry and parental favoritism  doesn't just disappear in adulthood — or why certain sibling conflicts still leave your nervous system dysregulated days later — this conversation is for you.In this episode, we talk about:Why family systems are the primary containers that shape our lifelong attachment patterns.How to foster emotional attunement to understand your needs within difficult relationships.How parental favoritism and triangulation fuel chronic sibling conflict — and what to do about itThe role of emotionally immature parents in fracturing sibling bonds and your sense of belongingHow to decode your personal sibling blueprint and create relational safety — even with difficult family membersThe ways an emotionally immature parent can fuel sibling rivalry through triangulation.Improving your social skills by joining supportive community groups to practice active listening.The power of culture shifters who are willing to break generational dysfunctionWhy understanding the narcissistic spectrum can help you depersonalize a sibling's harmful behavior.How emotional reciprocity and horizontal relationships build the secure, balanced connections we all deserveWhether you're healing from sibling parentification, working through emotional neglect, navigating blended family dynamics, or doing deeper generational trauma work — Minaa offers a compassionate, practical roadmap toward secure attachment in adulthood.Much love,LaurieClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Mina B:InstagramWebsitePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

"The more success you create in the world, the more shadows you must be willing to face within yourself." What if the real mastery in life isn't about controlling the world… but learning to master yourself? In this powerful episode of SoulTalk, Kute Blackson sits down with Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi, founder of Shaolin Temple Europe and author of Shaolin Spirit: The Way of Self-Mastery, for a profound conversation about the mind, fear, identity, and the deeper purpose of life. Drawing from ancient Shaolin wisdom, Master Shi Heng Yi reveals why many of our fears are simply projections of the mind and how true freedom begins when we stop grasping onto our thoughts. He also speaks with rare honesty about the hidden price of success, the role of discipline in personal transformation, and why inner peace and love for life matter more than anything we achieve in the external world. This episode is a powerful invitation to step back, question the roles you play, and rediscover the deeper truth of who you really are.   TIMESTAMPS (00:03:00) The Unexpected Path: How a Childhood Decision Led to the Shaolin Way (00:08:30) The Question That Changes Everything: Who Are You Beyond Your Roles? (00:13:00) Fear and the Mind – Why Most of What We Fear Is Only a Projection (00:18:30) The Real Problem Isn't the Thought… It's Holding On to It (00:25:00) Facing Fear Instead of Avoiding It: A Powerful Shift in Perspective (00:32:30) The Hidden Price of Success: "The More Light You Shine, the More Shadows You Cast" (00:41:00) Discipline, Emotional Control, and the Strength to Hold Inner Pressure (00:46:30) Is Life Just a Movie? A Radical Perspective on Suffering and Identity (00:55:00) Letting Go Without Losing Everything: The Secret of Non-Attachment (00:59:30) What Truly Matters in Life: Peace of Mind, Family, and Inner Freedom   In This Episode You'll Learn • Why mastering your mind is the foundation of true freedom. • How to stop feeding fearful thoughts and regain control of your inner world. • The difference between the roles you play in life and who you truly are. • A powerful Shaolin perspective on discipline, pressure, and emotional control. • Why success and achievement often come with hidden inner costs. • How letting go of attachment can bring more peace, clarity, and gratitude into your life.   Some Questions I ask • How do we deal with fear in a world full of uncertainty? • If we can't control our thoughts, how do we stop being controlled by them? • What is the hidden price of success and discipline? • How can we build inner strength without suppressing our emotions? • Why do some spiritual traditions say life is like a movie? • Who are we beyond the roles and identities we've built?   Get in Touch: Create a life that is a masterpiece. Join the transformational journey: www.boundlessblissbali.com Email: kuteblackson@kuteblackson.com Website: www.kuteblackson.com  Get your free gift on: www.eightlevelsofgratitude.com  Master Shi Heng Yi official website https://www.shihengyi.online/   

When midlife hits and your body changes and getting dressed can suddenly feel frustrating. Waistlines shift. Fabrics fit differently. Pieces that once felt effortless now feel off.But here's the truth: style in midlife doesn't have to feel confusing and it definitely doesn't have to feel defeating.In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I'm joined by personal stylist and conscious fashion expert Renée Lara, who has over 20 years of experience helping women align their wardrobe with their values, lifestyle, and evolving bodies.Renée's path is anything but ordinary, from studying nursing to psychology, to a life-changing encounter with Mother Teresa, to ultimately following her calling into sustainable, soulful fashion. Her approach blends practicality, emotional well-being, and conscious consumption, especially for women navigating menopause and midlife transitions.We talk about why fashion for women over 50 isn't just about looking good, it's about feeling supported, expressing who you are now, and choosing clothing that honors both your body and the planet. In this episode, we explore:Why midlife style is less about trends and more about personal alignmentWhat to do when menopause body changes make it feel like nothing fitsHow you can embrace your shifting shape with confidenceMindset shifts to feel more at home in your clothesWhy fabric, texture, and comfort matter more than ever, especial for gen x styleHow to build real-life Gen X outfits that work for casual or virtual daysCompassionate style practices that support body changes without self-criticismThe must-have pieces for a simple capsule wardrobe worth investing in for generation x fashionHow accessories can instantly elevate your look and confidenceIf you've been searching for fashion for women over 50, menopause fashion tips, Gen X style inspiration and a simple capsule wardrobe for midlife then this episode is your invitation to accept who you are now — and to get dressed with more ease, clarity, and confidence.Much love,LaurieClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Renee:https://www.reneelarastyle.com/https://www.instagram.com/reneelarastyle/Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Joy can be a radical act on a Chicago stage. We sit down with the C.R.E.A.M  Girls—Indica and CookieNoMilk—to unpack how routines, faith, and a gritty sense of humor keep them balanced while they chase bigger rooms and brighter lights. From West Side roots to synchronized performances, they show how therapy, poetry, and family history turned into a sound that's equal parts fun and fearless.We go deep on the craft. Why stage presence matters as much as bars. How image communicates intent. What open mics can unlock when you treat them like headline sets. The C.R.E.A.M Girls explain why audience engagement isn't optional, how a signature handshake and coordinated fits make you memorable, and why artists should invest in performance planning, not just studio time. They name-check influences from Mary J. and Drew Hill to J. Cole and Durk, then draw a clean line between nostalgia, lyricism, and energy that moves a room.The most powerful moment centers on “Holding On,” a record born from personal loss. CookieNoMilk opens up about grief, resilience, and using music to speak when words fail. From there, we widen the lens: what today's hip-hop is missing—respect for women and room for maturity—and how the city can win with less gatekeeping and more honest guidance. We talk dream collabs, the difference between BET and the Grammys, and why Chicago's indie film scene needs stronger scripts, rehearsal, and coaching to match its ambition.If you care about artist development, community building, and the unglamorous habits that lead to stage-ready magic, this one hits home. Tap in, share it with a friend who's grinding toward their first big look, and leave a review so more Chicago artists can find these gems. Subscribe for new episodes, mixes, and our upcoming Poetry Night details.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.

Do you get a pit in your stomach when you listen to the news? Maybe your body tightens, as each headline adds to the heaviness of the collective trauma we're living through right now?When institutions protect powerful people instead of holding them accountable, survivors can experience secondary victimization, as the harm continues instead of being addressed. If this is something you can  relate to you, support exists and emotional safety can be rebuilt.In this episode, I'm covering:The visceral impact of the Epstein files and the patriarchy of protection.Startling statistics on the epidemic of childhood abuse and its link to trauma recovery.My personal healing journey and breaking the silence around family secrets.How to use somatic healing to discharge trapped energy that may be stored in your body.Four specific somatic practices to restore nervous system regulation.Why finding a community of survivor support is a vital lifeline when systems fail to protect us.This conversation is a bridge to help you move from a state of freeze into a place of empowerment. By practicing these tools and increasing your body awareness, you can signal to your nervous system that you are safe in the here and now.You are worthy of protection, LaurieCall the DOJ ScriptClick here to listen to my podcast on Overwhelm Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsitePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Do you feel like the gap between you and your partner's sexual desire is widening?Has managing a home, raising kids, and building a career left you feeling disconnected from your body and from sexual pleasure?You are not broken. And you are not alone.In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles, board-certified OB/GYN, founder of Women's Healthcare of Princeton, nationally recognized menopause expert, and author of The Bedroom Gap. With over 1.2 million views on her viral TED Talk, “What Happens to Sex in Midlife,” Dr. Sophocles is leading the conversation on female sexual health, perimenopause, and closing the intimacy gap in long-term and short-term relationships.Together, we pull back the curtain on sexual health, menopause wellness, hormone therapy, vaginal health, and the cultural silence that has left so many women believing they've simply “outgrown” desire. You haven't. Midlife intimacy is possible when you understand what your body actually needs.When you realize that menopause wellness is about restoring what your body is missing (not pushing through discomfort), you can release the guilt and choose real support.In this episode, we explore:Vaginal health and vaginal estrogen: how targeted treatments restore comfort, and support long and short-term relationship intimacyThe truth about perimenopause and heart health and how estrogen therapy may help in early menopauseWhy Viagra widened the “bedroom gap” and what couples can do about itBioidentical hormone therapy and menopause relief: what's evidence-based, what's marketing, and what actually works3 practical ways to reduce painful intercourseSexual dysfunction in women: causes, solutions, and when to seek supportWhat current science says about hormone therapy so you can make informed decisionsThe connection between intimacy, longevity, and overall post menopausal healthYou were never meant to outgrow sexual desire, you were taught to deprioritize it.Your physical comfort matters. Your pleasure matters. And this next chapter of life can include confidence, connection, and vibrant intimacy.If you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, low libido, painful sex, or relationship disconnection, this conversation will give you clarity, science-backed guidance, and hope.Tune in to reclaim your anatomy, close the bedroom gap, and embrace midlife with confidence and heart.Much love,LaurieClick here to listen to Dr. Maria Sophocles first podcast interveiwClick here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExercisePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

One day when Tony Gyenis was sitting in his kitchen looking outside enjoying nature in the fall through his window with the falling leaves. He then noticed a tree that had all the leaves off the branches except one leaf. One leaf was hanging on while the many thousands of other leaves have fallen off already. Tony talks about the parallel when it comes to life. Are you the type of person that would be that last leaf?This episode touches on the human limits of our minds and expectations. Spirit says that you are a warrior but the question is do you feel like that? Do you easily feel sorry for yourself or pity yourself and you always tend to find people to offer sympathy rather than uplift you? Several examples are given to help you last another day. If you are having such a tough time and feel you are alone spirit hopes this podcast will help you inspire yourself to keep going.     If you are looking for more answers on this topic listen in and discover more about the source in which your brain is talking to you in this podcast.This Meditation only podcast channel with Tony and his Tuning Forks: https://raisingyourspiritsmeditation.buzzsprout.comIn the meditation portion of this podcast we used the Sunlight Meditation: Sunlight Meditation - Masculine For safety reasons we ask that you not listen to the meditation portion of this podcast if you are driving or operating any machinery as the sounds and frequencies will place you in an altered state. Here is a link to Tony's many classes/workshops especially his world class transformational Sound Bathing Events every month where you can attend virtually on ZOOM from your home: https://lovehigherself.com/eventsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@raisingyourspiritswithtony108 Meditation only Podcast Library: Raising Your Spirits Meditation Podcast (buzzsprout.com)Tony Gyenis conducts a free weekly Facebook LIVE meditation class on Fridays at 1:30pm Eastern called Tuning In with Tony . Here is the link to Tony's page to join his weekly class: https://www.facebook.com/tony.gyenis Book your spot here: https://calendly.com/whitelight878/tune-in-with-tonyTony's eCard:https://link.v1ce.co.uk/pbex/tonygyenis Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do your children really know who you are?Not just the mother who managed schedules, emotions, and daily life—but the woman underneath it all?Motherhood shifts in midlife—so do we. Maybe you're navigating an empty nest, single motherhood, or a quieter new chapter—you may find yourself asking deeper questions about identity, inner peace, and how to stay meaningfully connected to the people you love most.In this episode of Confessions of a Freebird, I sit down with Bernadette Catalana, author of Daughter Lessons and mother of two, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about mother–daughter relationships, generational healing, and leading by example.Together, we explore what it means to love our children with intention while staying true to ourselves. Bernadette opens up about the weight of people-pleasing, the emotional realities of single motherhood, and how she carried her own mother's sorrow before consciously choosing to break that cycle. We talk about family dynamics and how generational healing often happens in the most ordinary moments—and why finding happiness isn't something we arrive at, but something we practice along the way.This conversation is for any woman in midlife who is learning how to release old roles, speak her truth, and model emotional freedom for the next generation.In this episode, you'll hear us explore:Why truth-telling is a radical act for women raised to keep the peaceHow personal growth and identity shift in midlife—especially after children grow upWhat it really means to lead by example as a motherHow emotional healing in parents breaks generational trauma from being passed down. The unseen weight of single motherhood—and why it deserves more compassionHow family dynamics and generational patterns show up in everyday lifeWhy choosing contentment over performance can deepen your relationship with your childrenYou are still deeply needed. Your presence still matters. And this season of life holds more meaning, connection, and love than you may realize.If you're ready to embrace this next chapter with honesty and heart, I invite you to listen in and join us for this rich, reflective conversation.Much love,LaurieClick here  to sign up for my FREE Somatic class on Wednesday, February 4th at 4pm PSTClick here to fill out my Podcast survey for 2026.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExercisePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything “right” on your healing journey—only to find yourself right back in your old pain on your personal growth journey?Maybe you finally found a healing modality that worked. You felt grounded, regulated, even hopeful. And then one comment, one moment of disconnection, or one unexpected ending stirred something much deeper—bringing old wounds, loneliness, or abandonment back to the surface.In this deeply personal solo episode, I'm reintroducing myself—not just as your host, but as a woman actively in the midst of her own healing.I share openly about my recent breakup after a 3.5-year relationship, and how it activated an abandonment wound I've carried since childhood. Despite years of personal growth and trauma-informed work, I realized something important: healing isn't about finding the right tool—it's about going deeper into the body when old patterns resurface.That realization led me back to Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—two practices that helped me slow down, reconnect with my body, meet my protective parts with compassion, and begin rebuilding self-trust from the inside out and tend to an old abandonment wound that I've carried since childhood.Because the truth is: the only way to find joy again… is to go through the pain.In this episode, I share how nervous system regulation became the foundation for real trauma healing and helped me shift lifelong relationship patterns—how physical symptoms pointed the way forward, and how learning to stay with sensations (instead of avoiding it) expanded my capacity to feel, grieve, and eventually experience joy again.In this episode, you'll learn:What  somatic healing looks like in everyday lifeWhy nervous system regulation is the gateway to deeper emotional healingHow Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work helped me relate differently to the parts that once helped me surviveHow healing childhood trauma can restore your capacity for joy.Why building tolerance for physical sensations is essential to trauma recoveryHow healing after divorce laid the foundation for healing after this breakup.What it means to fully grieve, feel, and slowly reconnect with yourselfIf you're navigating heartbreak, grief, or the confusion of feeling “set back” on your healing journey, this episode is a gentle reminder: nothing is wrong with you. Healing is not linear. Your body remembers. And your pace matters.Much love,LaurieClick here to fill out my Podcast survey for 2026.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

What if the patterns you keep repeating aren't flaws or bad habits, but survival strategies your body learned long ago?In this episode, I sit down with Riana Malia, a certified Neuro-Somatic practitioner whose work focuses on healing generational trauma through the unconscious mind, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed care.Riana shares her powerful personal story of betrayal, loss, and the promise she made to her daughter, that the cycle of trauma would end with her. Together, we explore how the body holds experiences the mind can't always explain, and how unhealed childhood wounds can quietly shape our relationships, choices, and sense of self well into adulthood.We talk about why emotional regulation is the foundation of real change, how trauma responses often disguise themselves as personality traits or self-sabotage, and how Riana used quantum healing to shift lifelong pain, without having to relive every traumatic moment.You'll learn:Why certain relationship patterns keep repeating, even when you “know better”How trauma responses can disguise themselves as personality traits or self-sabotage What somatic tools actually look like in everyday life, especially when things feel overwhelmingThe difference between emotional awareness and true embodied healingWhy forgiveness is about reclaiming yourself, not excusing harm.What a practical, sustainable healing journey can look like after decades of stored trauma.How trauma-informed personal growth gives your nervous system a new story to followHow understanding your body creates emotional safety and resilienceIf you're carrying pain you can't quite name, or if healing has felt confusing or out of reach, this episode offers a gentler, more embodied way forward.Your body already knows the way. It just needs your attention, patience, and care.Much love,LaurieClick here to fill out my Podcast survey for 2026.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect with Riana Maliahttps://rianamalia.com/Click here to take Riana's E.L.I. AssessmentInstagramLinkedinYoutubePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Do you notice the same patterns repeating in your life?What if those patterns weren't random but part of your astrological blueprint, offering guidance for your healing journey? In this light, New Year episode, I sit down with Remy Ramirez—astrologer, mental health coach, and host of the Patrauma Party podcast—for a grounded and expansive conversation on using astrology as a tool for self-awareness, emotional healing, and inner work.We explore what's ahead in 2026 astrology, including the rare Saturn–Neptune conjunction, and how this potent alignment may signal both a collective energetic shift and a deeply personal invitation to change and do the inner work. Rather than predicting fate, we discuss how astrology can help you understand your nervous system patterns, emotional responses, and subconscious themes—so you can move forward with greater clarity and compassion.Remy also shares how receiving her own birth chart reading illuminated the roots of long-held wounds, softened her relationship with herself, and opened the door to lasting emotional healing. If you've been navigating self-love, energetic boundaries, or a season of transition, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and gentle encouragement.In this episode, you'll learn:What the 2026 Saturn–Neptune conjunction may bring collectively and personallyHow astrology mirrors nervous system responses and emotional patternsWhy somatic healing and subconscious work pair powerfully with astrologyHow astrology supports spiritual healing and growthThe connection between your moon sign and mental healthHow your birth chart reveals emotional patternsThe healing power of naming and understanding recurring patternsHow to work intentionally with full moon and new moon energyWhy astrology predictions are about awareness—not destinyThe role of self-respect in healing and relationshipsHow astrology can guide both your subconscious work and next steps with clarityWhether you're in a season of reflection, transition, or spiritual awakening, this conversation offers a reminder: healing doesn't happen all at once. As you learn to trust yourself—and the divine timing of your path, clarity unfolds naturally.Much love,LaurieLaurie's episode on Patrauma Party with Remy RamirezClick here to fill out my Podcast survey for 2026.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoFree ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseWebsiteConnect Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Do you ever feel like your body is reacting for you—especially in moments of stress or around certain people?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jessica Bishop, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, to dive into her personal journey of healing anxiety, nervous system regulation, and living with essential tremors. Jess shares her experience of relying on medication for years, and how somatic healing and learning to regulate her nervous system not only transformed her physical symptoms, it changed the way she relates and shows up with others.We explore how Jess's essential tremors, panic attacks, and chronic anxiety once controlled her life—and how somatic practices, emotional regulation, and embodiment  brought real, lasting anxiety relief. She talks about how she reduced her need for medication, left an unhealthy marriage, and learned about secure attachment, leading to a healthier relationship and a deeper sense of emotional safety in her body.This conversation gently unveils how body-based therapy and somatic practices can heal trauma, transform anxiety, and reshape the relationships you attract—starting with the relationship you have with your own body.In this episode, you'll learn:Simple somatic tools for healing anxiety and stressThe power of emotional safety in trauma recoveryHow somatic practices help regulate your nervous system and stress response.What it feels like to experience secure attachment in your bodyHow nervous system regulation can support healthier relationshipsThe difference between intellectual awareness and embodied awareness. Why yoga is often the gateway practice into somatic experiencing. How to tell the difference between a "threat response" and the feeling of "butterflies"If you're on a journey to trust your body again or notice how your relationships impact your nervous system, you're not alone. Your body has wisdom, and as you create more safety, it has the potential to change.Much love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Jessica BishopPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Le sujet :La plupart des Français laissent leur argent dormir sur des comptes peu rémunérés ou font des choix d'investissement désordonnés. Apprenez à construire votre pyramide patrimoniale étape par étape, que vous partiez de zéro ou que vous ayez déjà commencé à investir.L'invité du jour :Mounir Laggoune est le CEO de Finary, une application de gestion de patrimoine. Au micro de Matthieu Stefani, il nous dit tout sur la pyramide patrimoniale.Découvrez :Les 3 niveaux de la pyramide patrimonialeCombien mettre de côté avant d'investir ?PEA, assurance vie, compte-titres : quel support choisir ?Faut-il investir dans l'immobilier ou acheter sa résidence principale ?Quelle est la place des cryptomonnaies dans cette stratégie ?Avantages :Bonne nouvelle ! Nous avons négocié pour vous un avantage exclusif. Avec le code LAMARTINGALE, obtenez 20 % de réduction sur votre abonnement Finary. Rendez-vous ici pour en profiter.Ils citent d'anciens épisodes de La Martingale :Le premier passage de Mounir dans La Martingale (épisode 70)L'épisode 237 sur l'assurance vie luxembourgeoiseL'épisode 160 sur la société holdingOn vous souhaite une très bonne écoute ! C'est par ici si vous préférez Apple Podcasts, ou ici si vous préférez Spotify.Et pour recevoir toutes les actus et des recommandations exclusives, abonnez-vous à la newsletter, c'est par ici.La Martingale est un podcast du label Orso Media.Merci à notre partenaire Enky de soutenir le podcast.Bénéficiez de 100€ à 300€ crédités selon le montant investi en cliquant sur ce lienHébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Unit 6-2 Holding On or Letting Go? The Senior Driver Dilemma 對許多年長者而言，開車不只是方便，更是一種自由與尊嚴。可隨著身體變化與視力減弱，原本稀鬆平常的事也可能變成風險。當安全與自由發生衝突時，我們應該如何協調？

Unit 6-1 Holding On or Letting Go? The Senior Driver Dilemma 對許多年長者而言，開車不只是方便，更是一種自由與尊嚴。可隨著身體變化與視力減弱，原本稀鬆平常的事也可能變成風險。當安全與自由發生衝突時，我們應該如何協調？

Have you ever felt lost after putting all your effort into pleasing others? Maybe you've spent years being the responsible one, the strong one, the helper, the one who “just handles it”… until one day you wake up and feel hollow. Exhausted.  Disconnected from the person you used to be.Maybe you've spent years trying to “doing it all”,  only to wake up one day and wonder where you lost yourself along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Kati Morton, licensed therapist, author, and one of the most trusted mental health voices online. Her new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, dives into the emotional and nervous system patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of people-pleasing, low self-esteem, overgiving, perfectionism, and self-abandonment.Together, we explore how unresolved trauma responses shape our beliefs about love, worth, confidence, and why so many of us feel like we need to be “good” or “please others” to feel safe. Together Kati and I discuss what a fawn response is,  the deeper reasons why we fawn or people-please and the emotional cost it takes on us.You'll learn:Why people pleasing begins as a survival strategyWhy rebuilding self worth is about changing patternsWhat your inner critic is trying to protect you fromHow to spot patterns that lead to burnout and resentmentWhy confidence grows through small acts of self trustThe difference between guilt and false guilt in boundary settingHow somatic practices support healing and resiliencePractical tools to regulate stress and shift old patternsIf you're in a season of personal growth, or if you're tired of feeling exhausted, overlooked, or in cycles of self-doubt, this episode will offer compassion, clarity, and a path home to yourself.Tune in. This conversation is a breath of fresh air for anyone ready to reclaim the parts of themselves they had to hide to survive.Much love,LaurieClick here to sign up for my "FREE Online Somatic Workshop - Find Your Calm During the Holidays" on Thursday, Dec 4th at 4 PST Click here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsitePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Genesis 32 (When God Breaks Us: Letting Go of Self-Reliance and Holding On to Jesus) - Phil Adams by Park Community Church

Does your heart feel heavier this time of year? Maybe you're missing someone who's no longer here…or carrying a quiet ache that's lingering and hard to name. When the world is celebrating, it can feel lonely to carry sadness that doesn't have a clear place to land.In this episode, I'm joined by Barri Grant, certified grief coach and founder of The Memory Circle—a woman who has turned her own profound losses into a compassionate, grounded space for others to heal. After losing her mother at 27 and later her father to Alzheimer's, Barri has walked the kind of path that reshapes you from the inside out. Her work offers tender, tangible support for anyone navigating holiday grief and why nervous system regulation is such a powerful companion to grief work, especially during the holiday season when emotions tend to intensify.You'll hear reflections on being a grieving parent, remothering your inner child, and creating grief rituals that help you feel more connected.You'll learn:How to honor your grief without minimizing or explaining it to family membersWhat makes somatic healing helpful when you are experiencing emotional painWhy the 5 stages of grief often miss the mark when it comes to healingHow to create small grief rituals that help you feel more connected to loved ones who have passedHow expressive writing can be a safe place for releaseWhat grief coaching offers that therapy sometimes doesn'tNew holiday traditions that can support your emotional healingHowever your grief during the holidays shows up—loud, quiet, messy, or soft—there is room for it here. You're not alone.Much love,Laurie Click here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Barri GrantInstagramPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Send Jay comments via textWhen the house gets quiet, your nervous system often gets loud. For many, the departure of children triggers deep questions about marriage, identity, and personal desire—questions long shelved but now impossible to ignore. In this heartfelt episode, author and somatic relationship coach Laurie James shares her journey through caregiving, betrayal, and loneliness, and how she found her way back to breath, presence, and choice.We explore how your body and nervous system work—covering the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states—and why understanding these is critical for making clear, courageous decisions. Whether facing betrayal, burnout, the empty nest or all three—this episode offers a compassionate, trauma-informed guide with simple, immediate practices to regulate your nervous system, build vulnerability, and choose your next chapter with intention.Highlights & Key Takeaways:The collision of caregiving stress and marital betrayal often amplifies overwhelm.Choosing to leave isn't giving up—it's reclaiming your right to breathe again.Panic, overload, and emotional buildup are stored in the body; releasing them requires somatic safety practices.Building vulnerability and repairing relationships are skills you can relearn, deepening your courage.Laurie James BioA mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver, author, and somatic relationship coach Laurie's journey has been marked by personal growth, healing, and self-discovery, as she transformed her life through therapy, yoga, and somatic practices. Her memoir, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, chronicles her path to embracing change and finding happiness beyond societal expectations. Now, she dedicates herself to guiding others in creating authentic, purpose-driven lives by integrating mind-body techniques and coaching. When not working with clients or writing, she loves skiing, sailing, hiking, and walking her husky, Lu, in Los Angeles.Find Laurie Online: Instagram, Website, Nervous System Regulation Starter KitSupport the showBECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers Only Episode Shoutouts Thank You Emails Private Meet & Greets via Zoom + More ENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we'd appreciate your support greatly. LOVE THE SHOW?Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swagCONNECT WITH JAYEmail, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

Our bodies hold onto trauma, toxins, and pain for biological reasons—not willpower. Dr. Aimie Apigian shares her bathtub breaking point and the 3-phase Biology of Trauma® framework that changed everything: how to prepare, open channels, and safely release what our nervous systems have been protecting us from. After her third collarbone break in a 2017 car accident, Dr. Aimie found herself back in depression, chronic fatigue, and developing chronic pain—despite years of therapy and functional medicine work. Crying in a bathtub, she realized her body wasn't broken; it was scared to let go. This episode reveals her discovery of the hidden connection between emotional toxins, psychological toxins, and biochemical toxins—and why our nervous systems hold on to all three. You'll learn the exact six-step process that moves through preparation, opening drainage pathways, and active release, plus why forcing detoxification before our bodies feel safe makes symptoms worse, not better. This framework bridges somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and functional medicine for both individuals struggling with stored trauma and practitioners helping clients who feel stuck. Whether we're dealing with chronic pain, autoimmunity, insomnia, or anxiety that won't shift, or we're therapists or health professionals seeking trauma-informed approaches, this episode explains how to create a biology of letting go. Dr. Aimie shows us how to work with our bodies' protective wisdom instead of fighting against it—so we can finally experience the freedom, authenticity, and healing our nervous systems have been waiting to feel safe enough to allow. In this episode you'll learn: [03:32] Why Your Body Holds On: The relationship with the past that serves survival and the parts that aren't ready to let go [07:00] The Body Trauma Loop: Nervous system pattern of looping between stress and overwhelm that keeps you stuck holding on [12:37] Holding On to Regrets: How regret creates bracing and collapse in the body and why it's one of the hardest things to release [14:58] When Life Didn't Go as Supposed: The deep sadness of holding on to how things were meant to be instead of what is [19:21] The Biggest Myth About Letting Go: Why letting go isn't a decision you make but a biology your body needs to feel safe enough to create [20:33] Three Types of Toxins We Hold: Emotional toxins, psychological toxins, and biochemical toxins all accumulate the same way in your body [23:32] Why Bodies Hold Biochemical Toxins: When you have a biology of holding on emotionally, you also hold mold, metals, parasites, and environmental toxins [28:00] Three Phases of Letting Go: Preparation, opening channels, and deep cleaning—why skipping preparation makes everything worse [31:52] What Happens When You Detox Wrong: Fatigue, mood issues, sleep problems, and brain fog all worsen when deep cleaning happens without open channels [34:11] The Six-Week Process: Creating safety, building support, working with breath, pacing the release, feeling emotions, and active detoxification [38:45] Opening Drainage Pathways: Why poop, pee, and sweat matter for letting go and how constipation keeps trauma stuck [41:00] Always Do Phases One and Two: Why you should always be resourced with open channels even when not actively detoxifying Main Takeaways: Letting Go is Biology, Not Decision: Your body holds on because it doesn't believe letting go is safe yet, not because you lack willpower or haven't decided to move forward with your mind Emotional and Biochemical Toxins Connect: When you hold emotional toxins from regrets and psychological toxins from limiting beliefs, your biology also holds biochemical toxins like mold, heavy metals, and parasites The Body Trauma Loop Keeps You Stuck: Nervous systems that loop between stress and overwhelm without reaching calm aliveness create a biology of holding on rather than releasing Deep Cleaning Without Preparation Retraumatizes: Doing intensive trauma work or detoxification before opening your channels and creating safety brings pain to the surface without allowing it to leave, making symptoms worse Regrets Create Bracing and Collapse: Holding on to regrets shows up as simultaneous bracing in shoulders and collapse in chest and heart, demonstrating how past pain lives in present body Dysregulation Multiplied by Time Becomes Chronic Conditions: Twenty years of nervous system dysregulation creates autoimmunity, chronic pain, and long-haul syndromes through accumulated toxin burden that body won't release Three Phases Must Follow Sequence: Preparation creates safety, opening channels allows ventilation, and deep cleaning releases what's ready—skipping steps or reversing order causes more harm than healing Always Resource and Keep Channels Open: Even when not actively detoxifying, you should always be doing phases one and two to prevent accumulation and stay ready for life's hard experiences Notable Quotes: "If it makes you sick 20 years later, that wasn't stress—that was trauma. You see childhood through adult eyes now, but that's not how you lived it." "Trauma becomes our biology. Then our biology blocks our healing, joy, and authenticity."  "The more emotional toxins we hold, the more biochemical toxins our body holds—mold, plastics, heavy metals, parasites." "Deep cleaning without release retraumatizes us. We surface the trauma but don't let it leave. It makes things worse."  "Once we recognize we're holding on, the choice becomes clear: stay small and safe, or let go safely and live freely."  Episode Takeaway: Letting go isn't about willpower—it's biology our nervous system needs to feel safe to create. When we hold emotional toxins, our body creates a biology of holding on. That same biology holds biochemical toxins: mold, heavy metals, parasites. Our bodies don't distinguish between toxic emotions and toxic chemicals. Both require the same three-phase process to release safely. Preparation creates safety so our nervous system considers letting go. Opening channels provides ventilation so what surfaces can actually leave. Deep cleaning happens last because without preparation, pain surfaces with nowhere to go. This is why intensive trauma work or aggressive detox makes fatigue, mood, and pain worse. The key insight: always do phases one and two, even when not actively detoxifying. Keep our drainage pathways open to prevent accumulation. When we're emotionally or physically constipated, toxins build up instead of moving through. Letting go becomes a way of being—creating a biology that releases rather than holds on. Resources/Guides: Visit biologyoftrauma.com for more resources on the Biology of Trauma® framework The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Episode 1: What Professionals Need to Know About the Chronic Freeze Response with Dr. Peter Levine Episode 57: ACEs: How the Body Holds and Hides Pain with Dr. Vincent Felitti   our host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

Have you ever stopped to think about the relationship you have with money, not just your budget or bank balance, but the emotions that shape your financial choices?Even though money looks logical on paper, the truth is most of our financial decisions come from our emotional state—shaped by the families we grew up in, what we witnessed, and what we learned about having “enough.”In this powerful episode, I sit down with Shannon Ryan, Certified Financial Planner, TEDx speaker, and author of Your Money Has Feelings. With over 30 years of experience guiding people through financial change, Shannon brings warmth and compassion to a topic that often feels shame-filled or overwhelming. Her approach blends personal finance and emotional well-being in a way that might shift how you relate to money for good.We explore:How early family patterns create emotional “scar tissue” around money—and how that shows up nowWhy women often carry unhealed money fears during midlife transitionsHow your nervous system responds to money stress—and what helps calm itWhy financial security after divorce can feel like an emotional minefieldThe sneaky money beliefs that keep you stuck in scarcityWhat real financial empowerment looks like (hint: it's not just numbers)If you're rebuilding after a breakup, reentering the workforce, or just trying to feel safer and more confident with money, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and hopeful.You're not broken, you're just taking the next right step.Here's to trusting yourself, and trusting the next right step.LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Shannon RyanYour Money Has Feelings BookPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Have you spent years doing everything “right”? Building your career, caring for others, keeping things together and still feel like something is off? Maybe it's a quiet ache you can't shake. That pull between might not be burnout at all. It might be a kind of betrayal you didn't know you were carrying.In this episode, I sit down with Lora Cheadle, author, speaker, and betrayal recovery coach. Lora's story began with infidelity but led her deeper into the world of nervous system regulation, and the rebuilding of her self-worth. Lora brings a lived understanding of how our bodies often speak the truth before we can put them into words.In this episode, you'll learn:How societal expectations and perfectionism can cause emotional exhaustion and disconnection, especially in high-achieving women.What happens to your nervous system when you live in survival mode for too long and how self-betrayal becomes a coping mechanism.How to tell when your burnout symptoms are signs of deeper misalignmentWhat your body is communicating through tension, fatigue, and restlessness.How expectation management can shift long-standing relationship dynamicsSimple somatic tools to support nervous system balance and recovery.Ways to rebuild trust with yourself through internal validation instead of outside approvalThis conversation is a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and remember that you're not broken. You're human and you're learning, healing, and coming home to yourself, one sensation at a time.Here's to honoring what your body already knows,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Lora ChaedleWebsitePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Welcome back to When Words Fail – Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm and lyrics become lifelines for anyone battling the ups and downs of life. I'm your host, James Andrew Cox, and today we're diving deep with the powerhouse rock trio behind Lands Down—guitarist and co‑founder Shaun Lichtenstein and front‑man John Ritchie.From their early days grinding out shows in Boston to headlining for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, LandsDowne has turned raw, heartfelt songwriting into a conduit for connection—whether it's a Roomba‑building robotics firm, an NFL broadcast, or a gritty battlefield stage. In this conversation they break down the evolution of the music business, the creative spark behind their albums Blue Collar Revolver and Medicine, the thrill of writing for other artists like Pop Evil, and the gritty reality of life on tour. Most importantly, Sean and John share personal strategies for using music as a mental‑health tool—tips that can help anyone push through depression, anxiety, or that “stuck” feeling.Stay tuned as we uncover the stories behind their most beloved tracks—“Holding On,” “Four‑Wheeled Freedom,” and the new single set to drop next spring—while getting candid advice on balancing art, business, and everyday life. Grab your headphones, press play, and let the music speak.

You might've grown up believing you weren't the “creative type.”Maybe someone told you your art wasn't good enough, or life pulled you toward what felt practical. After years of raising kids, caregiving, working, or just keeping things afloat, your creative side may have faded into the background.But creativity never left — it's simply waiting for you to notice it again.In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Murphy, master illustrator, portrait artist, and founder of Evolve Artist, whose work has appeared in National Geographic and Rolling Stone. From freezing construction jobs to stay-at-home dad life and a thriving art career, Kevin's self-discovery journey is both real and inspiring.What makes his story powerful isn't just his success — it's his belief that creativity isn't about talent. It's about process, attention, and learning to see differently.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the creative mindset is something you can build at any stageHow creativity myths keep us disconnected from our full selvesWhy painting for beginners is about trust, not talentA grounded way to move through creative blocksHow artistic confidence grows from structure, not pressureThe link between somatic healing and creative practiceHow to use art as hands-on learning and inner quietFirst steps to begin learning to draw, even if you never have beforeIf you've been craving stillness, a new outlet, or a way to reconnect with the part of you that used to love creating — this is your gentle reminder: you were always creative. You just forgot to call it that.Here's to creating what calls to you,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free Resources:Schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Kevin MurphyClick here to watch This or That: How to See Like an ArPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Dating in midlife isn't for the faint of heart. Maybe your marriage or a long-term relationship ended, you've healed, and now you're ready to date again—only to ride a rollercoaster of hope, disappointment, or those “fetal position on your bed” moments we don't always admit. But what if dating wasn't about forcing it or giving up—what if it was about trusting yourself, slowing down, and staying rooted in your worth? In this episode, I'm joined by Heidi Friedman—an accomplished attorney, writer, and debut author of Love Lessons. After surviving 104 dates (yes, you read that right), Heidi found her “do-over”—a healthy relationship built on mutual respect, care, and real connection. Her journey from single mom to thriving in love is both relatable and inspiring.We dive into the emotional reality of dating in midlife—what it takes to stay intentional, hold clear relationship expectations, why “don't settle” isn't just a slogan, and how to hold onto hope when you're a single mom dating. You'll learn:If the 104 dates were worth itWhy “don't settle” isn't just a catchphrase and how to embody itHow to approach dating as a path to growth, not just a goalThe mindset shift that kept Heidi open to loveWhat intentional dating looks like in practiceThe emotional toll dating can have and how to return to yourselfWhat emotional self-care looks like when dating feels discouragingHow self-work strengthens you for your future partnerIf you've ever wondered whether love is still possible for you, this conversation proves that it is—and that it can feel better, deeper, and more aligned than ever. Whether you're hopeful, healing, or exhausted by dating, this episode will remind you: you deserve love that feels like home. Cheers to finding love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to receive my FREE “Girlfriends Guide to Online Dating”Click here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Heidi FriedmanPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Nervous System Regulation After Betrayal: Somatic Tools to Calm Panic, Stop Shutdown, and Reclaim Your Power “Sensations are the language of the nervous system. When you notice—and stay with—the feeling, the cycle completes and your system comes back to safety.”  -- Laurie James When betrayal scrambles your nervous system, healing isn't just “mindset”—it's body-based. In this episode, we unpack somatic, practical ways to calm panic, prevent shutdown, and rebuild your capacity so you can make clear decisions and feel safe again. Betrayal shocks the body as much as the mind. Lora talks with somatic practitioner and coach Laurie James about nervous system regulation after infidelity—what “somatic” really means, how polyvagal states show up (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal), and simple practices that help you come out of anxiety, numbness, or overwhelm. You'll learn how to complete the stress cycle, set body boundaries, and create five-minute rituals that expand your capacity without adding more to your plate. Whether you're staying, leaving, or still deciding, these tools help you feel safer now—so you can choose your next step from clarity, not crisis. Top 3 Takeaways Know your state to change your state. Learn the cues of ventral (present/connected), sympathetic (fight/flight), and dorsal (shutdown). Naming your state reduces shame and gives you a map back to safety. Small pockets > big pushes. Micro-practices (5 minutes to ground, orient, breathe, feel sensations) complete the stress cycle and build capacity—so you can handle life with more ease and fewer blowups. Somatic ≠ “just think positive.” 80% of information travels from body to brain; regulation starts in the body. Gentle, titrated work prevents re-traumatization and supports wiser decisions during hard conversations, mediation, or reconciliation. About Laurie James — Somatic Practitioner & Life Coach Laurie James is a mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver turned author, somatic relationship coach, and podcaster. Laurie's podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, was inspired by her youngest of four children leaving the nest and is the sequel to her book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go. Laurie's book is about her journey from loneliness to finding belonging during a time when she was raising four teenage daughters, her mother had a heart attack and needed care, all while her marriage began to crumble. Now Laurie helps women divorce, heal, and date differently in midlife. She blends her coaching and somatic training to help her clients develop a better relationship with their bodies and nervous system. Doing so allows them to find the inner freedom to experience more happiness, joy and create the life they desire. When she is not coaching clients or podcasting, she can be found nurturing her free spirit by walking her dog, skiing, sailing, hiking, spending time with close friends or planning her next adventure. Website: https://www.laurieejames.com/ Podcast (site page): https://www.laurieejames.com/podcast2 Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-freebird-midlife-divorce-heal/id1694026063 Free download – Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: https://notable-apricot-657.myflodesk.com Subscribe, rate, and review FLAUNT! to help others uncover the power of radical self-worth and post-betrayal joy. Join Sanctuary of the Soul — Just $47/month Your safe haven for healing after betrayal. Each month, you'll receive: ·         2-hour live group coaching call on the 13th ·         Channeled message from The Librarians ·         Somatic processing and spiritual rituals ·         Legal insight to protect your peace ·         Sisterhood support from women who truly get it You don't have to walk this road alone. Step into a community that integrates mind, body, spirit, and safety — so you rise whole, sovereign, and free. Join now www.SparkleAllSeason.com LOVE THE SHOW? TAKE THE NEXT STEP Don't just listen—start healing. Get your free downloadable guide on the “The Top Three Ways You Betray Yourself Every Day, and How to Stop” at www.burnoutorbetrayal.com. https://workplace-burnout.com/the-top-3-ways-you-betray-yourself-every-day-and-how-to-stop/ If you're ready to Rise Up & Reign as the creator and queen of your life, let's talk. I will walk by your side and give you the perspective, permission, and wisdom needed to turn your betrayal experience into something constructive, empowering, and transformative in all the right ways.  Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Download your Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again. About Lora: Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt is a betrayal recovery coach, attorney, TEDx speaker, and author of FLAUNT! and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal. After uncovering her husband's 15-year affair, she turned her own pain into purpose—helping high-achieving women reclaim their identity, power, and joy. A trauma-aware coach, somatic therapist, and former attorney, Lora blends legal insight with emotional and spiritual healing for full-spectrum recovery. She is the author of FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self (an International Book Awards Finalist and Tattered Cover Bestseller) and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal: 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive. She also hosts the podcast FLAUNT! Create a Life You Love After Infidelity and Betrayal. Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Get the support you need to find your footing, begin making sense of it all, and feel better fast. As an attorney, betrayal recovery expert, and survivor of infidelity I can help you find the clarity and confidence to create a life that you love on the other side of betrayal. Book Your Session Here: https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/coaching-session Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT READY TO START A BETTER CHAPTER? Step into the future you've always dreamed of with the power of transformative rituals with the Mindful Subscription Box. Get a monthly box full of crystals, aromatherapy, and other spiritual tools worth $120. You deserve high-quality gems, crystals, oils, and mindfulness tools for self-care that truly work. It's a monthly dose of self-love delivered right to your door! Go to www.Mindfulsouls.com  and use Discount Code LORA25 for 25% off your order!

“Sensations are the language of the nervous system. When you notice—and stay with—the feeling, the cycle completes and your system comes back to safety.”  -- Laurie James When betrayal scrambles your nervous system, healing isn't just “mindset”—it's body-based. In this episode, we unpack somatic, practical ways to calm panic, prevent shutdown, and rebuild your capacity so you can make clear decisions and feel safe again. Betrayal shocks the body as much as the mind. Lora talks with somatic practitioner and coach Laurie James about nervous system regulation after infidelity—what “somatic” really means, how polyvagal states show up (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal), and simple practices that help you come out of anxiety, numbness, or overwhelm. You'll learn how to complete the stress cycle, set body boundaries, and create five-minute rituals that expand your capacity without adding more to your plate. Whether you're staying, leaving, or still deciding, these tools help you feel safer now—so you can choose your next step from clarity, not crisis. Top 3 Takeaways Know your state to change your state. Learn the cues of ventral (present/connected), sympathetic (fight/flight), and dorsal (shutdown). Naming your state reduces shame and gives you a map back to safety. Small pockets > big pushes. Micro-practices (5 minutes to ground, orient, breathe, feel sensations) complete the stress cycle and build capacity—so you can handle life with more ease and fewer blowups. Somatic ≠ “just think positive.” 80% of information travels from body to brain; regulation starts in the body. Gentle, titrated work prevents re-traumatization and supports wiser decisions during hard conversations, mediation, or reconciliation. About Laurie James — Somatic Practitioner & Life Coach Laurie James is a mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver turned author, somatic relationship coach, and podcaster. Laurie's podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, was inspired by her youngest of four children leaving the nest and is the sequel to her book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go. Laurie's book is about her journey from loneliness to finding belonging during a time when she was raising four teenage daughters, her mother had a heart attack and needed care, all while her marriage began to crumble. Now Laurie helps women divorce, heal, and date differently in midlife. She blends her coaching and somatic training to help her clients develop a better relationship with their bodies and nervous system. Doing so allows them to find the inner freedom to experience more happiness, joy and create the life they desire. When she is not coaching clients or podcasting, she can be found nurturing her free spirit by walking her dog, skiing, sailing, hiking, spending time with close friends or planning her next adventure. Website: https://www.laurieejames.com/ Podcast (site page): https://www.laurieejames.com/podcast2 Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-freebird-midlife-divorce-heal/id1694026063 Free download – Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing: https://notable-apricot-657.myflodesk.com   About Lora Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt, helps high-achieving women turn betrayal into embodied wisdom using her clinically-backed FLAUNT!® Framework—addressing legal clarity, emotional and somatic release, spiritual/ancestral healing, and identity reclamation. Website: www.loracheadle.com Work with Lora: www.affairrecoveryforwomen.com Download your FREE Betrayal Recovery Guide: www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com Hashtags #BetrayalRecovery #InfidelityHealing #SomaticHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #PolyvagalTheory #TraumaRecovery #VentralVagal #DorsalShutdown #SomaticExperiencing #WomenHealing  

Have you ever sent a text to your teen or college-aged kid and immediately wondered if they rolled their eyes when they read it? Maybe you're trying to stay connected as they move across the country—or even just across the house. If you've ever longed for a deeper bond with your child, this episode is for you.I'm joined by Tammy Cohen—speaker, author, founder of Women Beyond the Table, and mom of three sons. Tammy is also the author of Text Messages to My Sons, a heartfelt book born from her own journey of healing, reconnection, and reimagining what parenting looks like in the digital age.Tammy shares how she transformed her phone habits—from quick reminders and reprimands into intentional messages of love, gratitude, and presence. What began as a one-way practice during the pandemic grew into something much bigger: a pathway to emotional growth, mutual respect, and meaningful family communication.What you'll learn in this episode:Three simple parenting strategies to build daily digital connection with your kids—at any ageHow intentional texting fosters emotional intelligence parenting and deeper family communicationWhy parenting with empathy and vulnerability can support generational healing and transform the mother and son relationshipHow your own personal growth can shift your family dynamic, even if you weren't a perfect parentThis episode is a reminder that every message is more than just words on a screen when it comes to connecting with teens or older children in today's digital world. Cheers to a deeper connection with your loved ones,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Tammy Cohen WebsiteInstagramClick here for a FREE Preview of Text Messages to My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with Your KidsPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email*************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Pastor Jared Ayres continues our series, Taking Back Control of Your Life, with an astounding message titled "Unforgiveness: The Cost of Holding On". If you accepted Christ we'd love to meet you! Click the link below to introduce yourself so we can help you along your faith journey! Click Here!

Ever feel like you're drawn to the wrong people—repeatedly? That pull isn't random. It's often old patterns and unhealed wounds running the show, not true safety or connection.If dating has left you feeling confused, overwhelmed, or ready to give up, you're not imagining it—and you're not alone.In this episode, I sit down with Bernardo Mendez, relationship coach and creator of one of YouTube's top dating advice channels, for a grounded look at what's really happening beneath the surface—especially in dating in midlife. Using a neuroscience-based approach, Bern has helped hundreds of women move past subconscious patterns into healthier, more conscious connections.We talk about how unhealed wounds and nervous system triggers shape your choices in love. Bern shares what he's learned from guiding women through heartbreak, healing, and aligned relationships. If you've ever felt like you're “too much,” “not enough,” or just tired of the same dating challenges, this one's for you.You'll learn:Why nervous system regulation is key to attraction and lasting emotional connectionThe difference between chemistry, fireworks, and trauma bondsWhy giving someone three dates can shift everythingWhat grounded dating expectations really look likeHow to spot aligned relationship dynamics earlyWhy curiosity builds more safety than checklist energyHow to shift from surface traits to values that support personal growthDating doesn't have to feel like a loop of disappointment. If you're ready to show up differently—and choose differently—this episode offers insight, tools, and hope for what's ahead.Cheers to finding love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Bernardo Mendez: Website | Please leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email*************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

When a relationship ends, how do you really move through the grief—body, mind, and heart?In this solo episode, I share my own recent breakup story and how I used somatic practices to walk through the grief process. Because here's the thing: heartbreak isn't just emotional—it's physical too. Our bodies feel the loss, and somatic healing tools can help us soften, ground, and gently move through it.As a somatic practitioner, I walk you through seven intentional steps that helped me stay present with my feelings and sensations using somatic healing practices and nervous system regulation, so I could process the loss with more awareness, compassion, and even a little ease.In this conversation, you'll learn:Why feeling your emotions in small, digestible doses makes heartbreak healing manageable.Simple ways to create a safe environment that soothes both body and mind during relationship healing.The choices that helped me build emotional resilience through somatic awarenessHow a steady routine helps regulate the nervous system.The value of working with a trusted somatic practitioner to ease rumination.How to protect your energy and set boundaries as you begin dating after a breakup.Finding the sweet spot between solitude and connection so you don't spiral into isolation.The secure attachment signs to notice when forming new relationships.What it looks like to truly process grief so you can welcome healthier connections.If you're moving through the end of a relationship—or still carrying the echoes of one—this episode is your reminder: healing is not only possible, it can feel lighter and more embodied with the right tools and support.Much love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsitePlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email**********************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

SOCA THERAPY - JULY 27, 2025Soca Therapy PlaylistSunday July 27th 2025Making You Wine from 6-9pm on Flow 98.7fm TorontoHigher (Dr. Jay Plate) - VoiceDr. Cassandra - The Mighty GabbyTek Charge - LeadpipeTraffic Jam - Kes x Tano x Full BlownWaistline Killa - LyrikalBamcie - Yung Bredda x Added RankinYuh Lie - Added RankinRum Sweet - Problem ChildTaking Someone Woman (Refix) - TouchBlessing - Blaka DanFraid Horn - Problem ChildLove Yuh Bad - L PankYou Alone - Imani Ray x PreedyYou Alone (Remix) - Imani Ray x Lava Man x PreedyJab Decisions - V'ghn x Terra D GovernorPayroll - MuddyStagga Dance - Natty x Thunda x MuddyCapital Anthem - Capital JabLast Man - BoyzieKarma - Wetty BeatzHigher Power - Mical TejaRoad Meeting - Fay-Ann Lyons x Syri Lyons x Travis WorldMeet Superblue (Saldenah Plate) - Fay Ann LyonsMinistry Of Road (M.O.R.) - Machel MontanoPardy - Machel MontanoCurry - Angie MayaStart Again - Kelly JHappy Music - Ricardo DrueJamtown - Coutain x TanoMedicine - Kes x TanoHero - GBM Nutron x TanoFete Woman and Alcohol (F.W.A) - TerronAh Love It Here - Ricardo DrueTOP 7 COUNTDOWN - Powered By The Soca SourceTop Solo Songs By Ricardo Drue Based on Spotify Streams7. Holding On6. Tornado5. Homesick4. I.D. (Stamp Yuh Name)3. Weak2. Professional1. Vagabond (Crown Prince Anu Intro)Last One Standing - Ricardo Drue x D.w.OFlat Bottom (Radio Edit) - DJ Taffy x FreddyInstruction Time - The Fatha x Klassik Frescobar x WildfireRound & Rosie - Nailah BlackmanSkin OUt - Problem Child x Hypa 4000Pong Pong - Problem ChildSkeg Out - Lady Lava x Travis WorldTouch D Road - Bunji Garlin x Travis WorldNot From Here - Lavaman x Travis WorldExplore (Remix) - Vghn x Nailah BlackmanErupt - Skinny Fabulous x Fireman HooperCarry It (Mr Vik Band Edit) - Bunji GarlinDuracell Charge Up (Dr. Jay Plate) - Skinny FabulousGet Wild (Dr. Jay Plate) - Ricardo DrueThe Teacher (Antiguan Style) - Ricardo DrueTeacher (Refix) - Ricardo Drue x Natty x ThundaFallen Fetters - Skinny Fabulous x Machel MontanoHammock - Nadia BatsonAye Gyal - Hey Choppi x Chalmer JohnTake Me Home - Freetown CollectivePAN MOMENTSSpotlight On Olujimi Lapierre (Remedy, Ah Feeling, Fallin’)TANTY TUNE(1987) Can’t Find Me Brother - Red Plastic BagNORTHERN PRESCRIPTIONJab RNB (Haitian Ironman Remix) - Jab King x Selena Loves SocaWuk It Up Bad - Shanta PrinceShake It Alot - Tionne HernandezSaddle - Anika BerryKettle Pot - Yung BreddaRetro - VoiceBet Meh - Machel MontanoDotish - LyrikalCocoa Tea (Mr Vik Band Edit) - Kes x TanoThe Greatest Bend Over (Mr Vik Band Edit) - Yung BreddaBrain Freeze - Leadpipe x Jus JayShots - DJ Cheem x Jagwa De ChampDansa - Klassik FrescobarMore Gyal For Me - JubyBusy Body - Nailah BlackmanBless Me - GBM NutronRiddim - Mical Teja x CoutainRiddim (Dr. Jay Plate) - Mical Teja x CoutainBacchanal Lady - V'ghn x TanoWe Up Now - Freetown Collective x BLAKGOLD x College Boy Jesse x PreedyKasandra - Freetown Collective x StadicPray - VoiceFollow Dr. Jay @socaprince​ and @socatherapy“Like” Dr. Jay on http://facebook.com/DrJayOnline

Are you holding onto a promise from God that hasn't shown up yet and people are starting to think you're crazy for still believing? In this episode, we're talking about why being “delusional” might be exactly what faith looks like. Resources:Join The Waitlist For Dreaming To Achieving - https://expert-builder-3666.ck.page/dtawaitlistStart Your Own Podcast Course - https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/How-To-Start-A-Podcast-For-Beginners/1142543427?teacherRef=958930354&via=teacher-referral&utm_campaign=teacher-referral-1142543427&utm_source=Skillshare&utm_medium=class-teacher-referral-emailThe Royal Faith Journal - https://prosperingwithchrist.systeme.io/theroyalfaithjournalFollow us on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, & YouTube: @ProsperingWithChrist

I'm joined once again by Laurie James for a conversation that bridges nervous system healing, somatic experiencing, and attachment work. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or disconnected in relationships, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it. Laurie isn't just a coach and author, she's someone who's done the deep work to regulate her nervous system after divorce and heartbreak. In this episode, she shares how her body responded completely differently to a recent breakup, not with panic, but with presence. That's what nervous system healing looks like in real time. We also dig into attachment styles: how to identify your own, how they show up in anxious or avoidant behaviors, and how somatic work can support real change. Most importantly, we talk about how to stop trying to fix or override your system and start building safety within it. This is about meeting yourself where you are and knowing that real healing is possible. Here's what else we discuss in this episode: What somatic experiencing actually is and how it supports healing (7:31) How your autonomic nervous system operates and what shifts when you engage it intentionally (9:42) The connection between nervous system regulation, somatic work, and attachment styles (16:52) How Laurie's recent breakup differed from her divorce (and why it matters) (40:44) Practical strategies for working with an avoidant or anxious attachment style (46:45) Learn more about Laurie James: Laurie James is a mother, divorcée, recovering caregiver turned author, somatic relationship coach, and podcaster. Laurie's podcast, Confessions of a Freebird, was inspired by her youngest of four children leaving the nest and is the sequel to her book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go. Laurie's book is about her journey from loneliness to finding belonging during a time when she was raising four teenage daughters, her mother had a heart attack and needed care, all while her marriage began to crumble. Now Laurie helps women divorce, heal, and date differently in midlife. She blends her coaching and somatic training to help her clients develop a better relationship with their bodies and nervous system. Doing so allows them to find the inner freedom to experience more happiness, joy and create the life they desire. Resources & Links: The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate Laurie's websiteLaurie on Instagram Laurie's podcast Laurie's Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing =================== DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-330-attachment-styles-amp-somatic-healing-with-laurie-james/

Have you ever felt as though the ground has suddenly dropped out from under you after someone you trusted deeply betrayed you?Betrayal can manifest physically and emotionally, preventing you from achieving what you truly desire.In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Debi Silber, PhD, the founder of The Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and an international bestselling author. She shares three key insights from her personal experiences with betrayal trauma, as well as her research findings.Debi explains why betrayal trauma is uniquely different and requires a different healing approach. She also describes what relationship recovery entails and walks you through the five stages of healing from betrayal. In this episode, you'll learn:How trauma responses can create discomfort and physical issues in the body, manifesting as exhaustion, gut problems, chest tightness, disrupted sleep, and difficulty loving again.The three discoveries Debi made while researching betrayal trauma, and why it differs from other types of emotional trauma.The importance of nervous system regulation and somatic healing in overcoming betrayal trauma. The five stages you need to navigate in order to heal from betrayal.Why stage three is often referred to as the "muddy middle" and is the most challenging phase to get through.The crucial role of emotional resilience in progressing through all five stages. How trauma responses like people-pleasing, emotional eating, or emotional shutdown may indicate a need for further healing from your betrayal trauma.Why forgiveness is more about your personal journey than the actions of the other person.How setting emotional boundaries can help you move forward with clarity and self-trust. The #1 indicator that will determine your ability to recover from your betrayal. If you're still holding on to a past betrayal and are ready to rebuild your self-trust, this conversation is for you! Remember, you don't have to go through this process alone.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Dr. Debi SilberWebsite: https://thepbtinstitPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***************************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Is your body changing in ways that feel unfamiliar or unexpected? Perhaps your midlife body has gained a few pounds without any changes to your eating habits. Or maybe you've always struggled with body image and are searching for ways to accept yourself with more ease.This week, I'm joined by Elizabeth Dall, a certified women's wellness coach who focuses on nutrition for women, behavior change, and body acceptance. Elizabeth brings a grounded and thoughtful approach to midlife wellness, shaped by both her expertise and personal experiences.We explore how food freedom, self-compassion, and nervous system regulation work together to support lasting change. And what does it really mean to develop health habits that are sustainable through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond? This conversation isn't about rigid plans or strict routines that often lead to disappointment. Instead, it's about listening to your body, acknowledging your needs, and redefining what lifestyle changes can look like as you age. Aging gracefully doesn't mean shrinking yourself; it means coming home to who you truly are.You'll learn:Why comparing yourself to others is the worst thing you can do. What sustainable nutrition habits can look like during perimenopause and menopause.The importance of hormonal balance for midlife wellness, emotional health, and body image issues.How to stop chasing perfection so you can build supportive health habits.The role of strength training for women in preventing muscle loss as you age and how it can enhance body confidence.How functional movement supports energy, ease and can help you maintain a connection to your body in midlife and beyond.Your body is changing, and it deserves support that meets you where you are and encourages you to move forward with compassion.Much love,LaurieFree GuidesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Elizabeth DallInstagram: @awomanofwellnessWebsite: www.awomanofwellness.comPodcast: The Woman of Wellness PodcastPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***************************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Today's episode is for the woman who's doing everything right—and still feels like she's falling apart.   Colleen sits down with Laurie James, somatic coach and author of Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go to talk about what happens when your nervous system hits a breaking point. Laurie ended up in the hospital—twice—after leaving a toxic marriage, raising four daughters, dating again, writing a book, and trying to heal.   This is a raw, honest conversation about how success can hide trauma, why “pushing through” is often dissociation in disguise, and how to regulate your nervous system before your body takes matters into its own hands.  

Start Your Transformation Now  In this episode, Jim Fortin reveals the one thing you must release if you truly want more from life: your emotional baggage. From guilt and fear to shame and self-judgment, Jim breaks down why clinging to these old emotions keeps you stuck at “first base” in life—safe but stagnant. Through powerful metaphors, real coaching stories, and deep subconscious insights, Jim explains how to finally let go so you can receive what your soul is really asking for.  Jim dives into the neuroscience and energetics behind why we resist letting go—even when it costs us everything we want. You'll learn how we become emotionally enslaved by past events, why our brains trick us into choosing safety over growth, and how unresolved fears block the flow of abundance, joy, and personal power. If you've ever felt like you're doing the inner work but still stuck, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do next.  If you're ready to stop circling the same fears and finally step into more, this episode will show you how to drop the weight and open the door to transformation.  What You'll Discover in This Episode:  Why You Can't Keep One Foot on First Base (01:12) Jim introduces a powerful metaphor that illustrates why holding on to the past blocks new opportunities.  Nathan's Story: The Cost of Holding On (05:15) A coaching example that shows how unresolved shame and guilt can sabotage progress—no matter how much we say we want change.  The Furniture Metaphor: No Room for the New (11:40) Jim explains how holding on to emotional baggage leaves no space for new experiences or abundance.  How Your Fears Keep Circling Like Coyotes (24:45) A vivid story to help you see how fear continues to show up until you confront and conquer it.  Are You a Slave to Emotion? (22:30) Jim challenges listeners to consider whether their lives are being run by fear, shame, or the need for external validation.  Your Soul Is Waiting—Let It Out (20:30) A reminder that soulful living requires courage, not comfort—and that everything you want lies beyond fear.  Listen, apply, and enjoy!  Transformational Takeaway  You can't have more in life until you let go of what's weighing you down. Transformation isn't about gaining—it's about releasing. Fear, shame, guilt, and self-judgment don't define you—they delay you. Let go to let in. You were never meant to carry the past forever. The life you want is already waiting… if you have the courage to put down what's holding you back and reach for it.  Let's Connect:  Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn LIKED THE EPISODE?  If you're the kind of person who likes to help others, then share this with your friends and family. If you have found value, they will too. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts so we can reach more people.  Listening on Spotify? Please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!  With gratitude, Jim