Meet Heather Rivera, a woman whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. I met Heather on my recent yoga retreat in Thailand and thought her story of finding her way to her authentic self, despite the pressure to be someone she wasn’t, just had to be shared as proof that true happiness can only be found when we follow our own path - no matter how winding the road may be.

Raised in a cult, Heather's early years were marked by turmoil, uncertainty, and a feeling that what she was being told simply didn’t add up. Something deep inside of her had a knowing that kept her questioning the “rules” she was being told to follow. 

Unfortunately, the turmoil that stirred within her, led her down the path of drug and alcohol addiction as she attempted to navigate her way out of the cult, but through this difficult journey, Heather ultimately found her way to sobriety, tapping into her inner strength and unearthing her passions that led her to a fulfilling career...

In this special episode, I share the gifts I got as a result of my recent inspirational trip to Thailand, offering reflections on what I learned, what I was reminded of, and how I want to move forward in life for at least the near term, and most important, how crucial unplugging is for the soul.  

I talk about my surprises with the long-haul flight, the revelations about Thailand, and the passion that was reignited by this trip and what inspired action it led me to take. I also include a review of some of the travel purchases I shared in Episode 396 before I left highlighting what worked and what didn't.

All in all, this episode is a narrative that captures the essence of travel as a catalyst for change and self-discovery. Let it inspire you to plan an adventure that will allow you to unplug, listen for those inner whispers that could alter your path forward, and gain the knowledge you need to be fulfilled in the time you have left.

If you enjoyed this episode,...

In today’s episode, I’ve invited a past guest, Rita Black, who is a clinical hypnotherapist and leading expert in the fields of smoking cessation and weight loss, to join me again because our last conversation was so powerful, and it’s worth hearing again. Plus she has something special coming up that, if you’re curious about trying hypnosis for weight loss, I want you to know about.

Not only is Rita the author of the best-selling book "From Fat to Thin Thinking: Unlock Your Mind for Permanent Weight Loss," she also hosts her own podcast called "Thin Thinking."

I’ve split this episode into two parts with the first part the highlights of our last conversation in June of 2023 and the second part being an new conversation where we delve deeper into Rita's methodologies for facilitating lasting change through hypnosis, emphasizing the significance of shifting subconscious beliefs and identities that can shift seemyly unbreadkable habits in just one...

Today’s guest is Mary Jo Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer turned artist and photographer, who shares her transformative journey from engineering to becoming a full-time “still” photographer who engages deeply with the natural world through a daily creative practice.

Mary Jo is celebrated for a 100 day project, where she commited to take one photograph of nature every day. That daily commitment not only surpassed its first 100 days but has continued over several years resulting in stunning photographs. 

In this episode we talked about:

• Her transition from aerospace engineer to artist in her mid-40s and now a published author at age 59.
• The inspiration behind her ongoing project, "STILL," and her daily ritual of capturing still photos of nature.
• Reflections on the importance of embracing creativity and noticing the beauty in the everyday.
• The importance of being present and how creative practices are a channel for that.

Our discussion also covered the...

Today’s guest is Jeanne Blasberg, a seasoned author on the brink of releasing her third book, who shares her captivating story of starting anew at the age of 58 by bravely venturing into the realm of regenerative farming alongside her husband in a state she had never visited, leaving behind their former life in bustling Boston.

Our conversation unravels the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a catalyst for Jeanne to reevaluate her existence and how she was contributing to the world after launching her 3 children. What that process led to was a profound shift towards minimizing her material possessions and moving towards a sustainable lifestyle focused on cultivating the land and developing a new model for food sourcing.

In this episode we talked about:

• Her transition to regenerative farming in Wisconsin and how launching a brand new business at this stage in life has stretched her in positive ways.
• The term reinvention and what it means to each of us...

I’ve been shopping on Amazon in preparation for my upcoming trip to Thailand so I thought it would be helpful to share with several of the gadgets and goodies I've recently snagged. These items are sure to make your travel experience, not just more convenient, but downright enjoyable.

I've curated a list of 12 game-changing products that run the gamut, from helpful gadgets and useful gear to comfy clothing. Ever heard of an Apple AirTag that will reduce your travel worries? Or a hanging dresser that you put your clothes into and then pack in your suitcase so you don’t have to spend unnecessary time unpacking and organizing when you arrive at your destination?

Throughout the episode, I'll be emphasizing just how versatile and utterly essential these items are in tackling common travel challenges, AND I’m giving you the product links and prices which you can find below for easy reference.

While podcast episodes don’t typically require you to consume them...

In today’s episode, I explore the profound impact of confronting mortality and emphasize focusing on filling the life you have left with meaning and joy by creating a 'Before I Die' list. Or perhaps it’s better termed “What I Want to Do More of” list?

Triggered by a friend's unexpected death and another friend's close encounter with it, I reflect on the fragility of life and the necessity of prioritizing experiences and connections that align with personal values over mundane To Dos.

I talk about:

• The unpredictability of life and the importance of living a life aligned with what you love most.
• The significance of identifying your personal values and how those narrow down what you should be doing, in case you are unclear.
• A few personal examples of actions I’ve taken to bring more of what is important to me into my life.

What happened to my friends is proof that life is truly is unpredictable so I encourage you to actively pursue what brings you joy...

Today's guest is Delia Lloyd, a multifaceted professional with a rich and diverse background spanning higher education, media, policy, and the nonprofit sector. My desire to have a conversation with Delia sprouted from an article she wrote about a conversation she had with a group of college friends at her 30th reunion that started with an impromptu question posed by a classmate about long term goals.

What she found unusual wasn’t the goal itself that each person shared - you’d expect different goals from a group of people who had pursued different paths in life - but the epiphany she had later, upon further reflection, about the way in which each person responded to the question. 

As I was reading her words, I realized I had a kindred spirit in Delia. Her goal setting style, common with go-getters and Type A personalities, wasn’t setting her up for success. And her reunion provided her with a shake-up. It created an opportunity for deep reflection that led...

In today’s episode, I dive deep into the realm of creativity by sharing a recent creative project I completed that brought me unexpected joy.

Understanding the tendency many of us have to disregard our creative spirit in the busy, time-crunched world we live in, I emphasize the importance of recognizing our innate creativity, which often lies dormant due to the constant bombardment of information and responsibilities we face in our day-to-day lives. 

I talk about:

• The idea that instigated a creative project I embarked on over the holidays, and why I was inspired to do something I had never done.
• The multiple benefits it brought and why my project is something everyone should do.
• How I was inspired to run a 4 week Creativity Challenge with a small group of women, for accountability, where we select and complete our own individual creative project.

As I unveil the details of my chosen project, let my actions inspire YOU to begin your own creative project. Maybe...

Today’s guest is Jackie Parsons, co-owner of Hedonistic Hiking. With an extensive background as a tour guide since 1992, Jackie and her husband Mick founded Hedonistic Hiking in 2007. Their passion for combining gastronomic delights with invigorating hikes has resulted in unforgettable, all-inclusive tours in Italy and beyond.

Jackie's journey from studying languages and leading tours in Europe to specializing in walking tours in Italy since 2000 is truly inspiring. Her involvement in a Raleigh International expedition to Chile fueled her enthusiasm for exploration and understanding diverse cultures.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How she started her business Hedonistic Hiking that was rooted in her passion and extensive experience as a tour guide.
• The challenges she faced while establishing and running her business with her husband
• Incorporating her values and philosophy to their tours
• The importance of cultural immersion in the overall experience that traveling on your own...