A Quest for Well-Being

— In 2014, alone and wretching on the floor with food poisoning in a hut in the jungles of Bali, Derek Loudermilk thought it might be the end. In a single year, he lost his house to a freak flood, suffered a traumatic brain injury, got divorced and dropped out of his PhD program. All the scripts running his life had dissolved. Derek had become a man with no identity. But at that moment, he realized his future was full of infinite possibility. He set about building a new lifestyle and business around adventure, connection, meaning, and possibility.

Valeria interviews Derek Loudermilk — the author of "Activate Your Life Book Series — Transformational Exercises From Coaches Around The World (Volume I,II and III ) and also Superconductors: Revolutionize Your Career and Make Big Things Happen."

Derek has coached global influencers, leading scientists, cutting edge entrepreneurs, billionaires, world record athletes, thought leaders, NYT bestselling authors, and high achievers around the world for more than 15 years

Derek Loudermilk is a former pro cyclist and extreme microbiologist turned professional adventurer, author, and lifestyle entrepreneur.

His podcast the Derek Loudermilk show brings people to a high-level understanding of cutting edge topics in science, spirituality, adventure, and human potential. Derek hosted the top rated 'Art of Adventure' podcast for seven years

Derek Loudermilk is the creator of the L.E.A.P. system for quantum entrepreneurs. His business coaching process incorporates The Thought Leader's MBA, The Adventure Mindset, The Energy Experience, And Peak Performance Mastery.

As an international speaker and trainer, Derek regularly presents on topics such as human potential, skill mastery, adventure, metaphysics, charisma, and confidence.

Derek has visited over 40 countries and all 50 US states. He has been location independent for six years and travels the world with his wife and two young children. They have lived in six different countries as a family.

As the founder of AdventureQuest, Derek leads entrepreneurs and thought leaders in transformative adventure experiences around the world.

To learn more about Derek Loudermilk and his work, please visit: derekloudermilk.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Neurodiversity is an essential form of human diversity. The idea that there is one "normal" or "healthy" type of brain or mind or one "right" style of neurocognitive functioning, is no more valid than the idea that there is one "normal" or "right" gender, race or culture. The classification of neurodivergence (e.g. autism, ADHD, dyslexia, bipolarity) as medical/psychiatric pathology has no valid scientific basis , and instead reflects cultural prejudice and oppresses those labeled as such. The social dynamics around neurodiversity are similar to the dynamics that manifest around other forms of human diversity. These dynamics include unequal distribution of social power; conversely, when embraced, diversity can act as a source of creative potential. Psychotherapists who integrate the neurodiversity paradigm into their work do so by refusing to label neurodivergence as intrinsically pathological.

Instead of attempting to "cure" autistic or bipolar clients, for instance, these therapists seek to help autistic or bipolar people thrive as autistic or bipolar people, finding ways of living that are more in harmony with their natural neurological dispositions, and helping them to heal from internalized oppression. — says Nick Walker

Valeria interviews Angelica Weeks, aka Angela — She is a 33-year-old mental health clinician who has been working in the field for almost three years now. She is a private practicing psychotherapist, and she also works part-time for a local community college — Edmonds College — as an Associate Faculty in their Family Life Education Department (FLED).

Angela is also a mother to three children. She is also very open about having Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder w/Combined Presentation; and, that herself and her family are also Neurodiverse. Angela's three children are all autistic. It is highly suspected that her husband is autistic, as well. Angela openly shares this information with her clients, as this tends to help them feel more at ease to experience representation and to feel understood. She works primarily with those who identify as Neurodiverse; and, trauma survivors. Angela has also worked with a variety of age groups, from 4 up to 65 year olds. Presently, she has children, adolescents, and adults on her caseload. She enjoys drawing and coloring, reading, playing with her children, going on adventures and exploring the area she live in, shopping, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

To learn more about Angela Weeks and her work, please visit: angelica-weeks.clientsecure.me

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— You are not in your body, but rather everything you experience, including your body, arises within the vast and borderless field of the awareness that you are. This field of awareness is not itself a thing, but rather it is the space within which all things appear – thoughts, feelings, sensations, people, situations- everything.

And so, as we meditate in this way, becoming aware of all things arising within the field of awareness, so we become aware of the awareness itself– we awaken to the NO-thing that we are. There is One Experience, happening right now, within the awareness that you are. The awareness that you are isn't really yours. Rather, it is Reality becoming aware through you, as you. Just as your awareness includes everything you are aware of in this moment, so too the Divine – meaning all of Reality – includes you and perceives Itself through you. There is One Experience of One Reality right now, and you're not separate from the One at all. If everything you perceive is part of your own awareness, and you are your awareness, and your awareness is really God's awareness, stop! Relax resistance! After all, why would you resist yourself? Why would you be in conflict with yourself? – writes Reb Brian

Valeria interviews Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks — the author of "Kabbalah for Beginners: Understanding and Applying Kabbalistic History, Concepts, and Practices and Integral Jewish Meditation: Three Portals of Presence for Spiritual Awakening."

Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism since 2006, and founded the online Jewish Meditation community, Torah of Awakening, in 2016. He is the author of Kabbalah for Beginners, published by Rockridge Press, and Integral Jewish Meditation – Three Portals of Presence for Spiritual Awakening.

Reb Brian Yosef received s'miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba'al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z"l (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls (Morei Rukhani uM'oreir N'shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L'hitbodedut) from Dr. Rabbi Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991).

To learn more about Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks and his work, please visit: torahofawakening.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also filled with the overcoming of it"

These words shared by Helen Keller, Alana's ancestor, have been a source of encouragement and inspiration throughout her life. When in dark places, they have been a reminder for Alana about the truth of who and what she is — the truth of who and what we all are as human beings.

From the moment of birth, we are dominantly conditioned to turn away from uncomfortable emotions and sensations. We are living in a culture of distraction and numbing, seeking self-worth and acceptance outside of ourselves. We are not often encouraged to turn inwards, to acknowledge and embrace the discomforts of the human experience.

More and more, research is revealing the connection between our physical and emotional experiences and the consequences of burying our emotions under ice cream, social media and the latest technology fad . When we deny our emotions, this energy becomes stored in the body and can create physical symptoms, dis-ease. It has also been learned that we are unable to selectively numb our experiences. When we resist turning towards our sadness, anger and physical pain, we also limit our access to joy, connection and peace.

Turning towards suffering offers the possibility of transforming it. By acknowledging and observing emotions and sensations, without judgment and with compassion, our nervous system becomes increasingly familiar with them thus deactivating the fear response. We move from a state of protection to state of connection, internally and externally. In this state of connection we are more able to experience compassion, gratitude, joy and love within ourselves and in relationship with others.

Valeria interviews Alana Newton — Psychotherapist, Founder of Compati Counselling, Mindfulness Practitioner, Lightworker, Speaker.

Alana has been a healer for as long as she can remember, having attempted to revive many dead birds with the kiss of life. She formally entered the healing profession over 20 years ago as a registered nurse, then shifted her career becoming a psychotherapist to deepen her exploration of the human experience.

Living with a rare disease associated with physical pain, Alana has been gifted the moment-by-moment opportunity to practice being with emotional and physical suffering. The diagnosis, coupled with her father's death, abruptly pulled back the veil of certainty and control in life. She was catapulted into her spiritual awakening and woke up to her authentic self, the truth of her existence and her purpose in this lifetime.

Weaving her knowledge, experience and awareness of body, mind, heart and soul, Alana bridges science and spirituality to integrate all parts of the human experience. She gently guides her clients to become curious and compassionate about their emotional and physical experiences and supports their transition from protection to connection, from fear to love. Alana believes when we (re)connect with our true nature as human beings, our unconditional love, we have the ability to transform and transcend suffering. Starting with herself, Alana's life purpose is to cultivate compassion, joy and peace on Earth, one person at a time.

Alana has recently launched her private practice, Compati Counselling, where she compassionately guides clients towards their (re)connection with their authentic selves. She is also a consultant and public speaker about the lived experience of chronic illness and embodying an aligned and meaningful life.

To learn more about Alana Newton and her work, please visit: compaticounselling.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— As a happily married, fifty-five-year-old professional woman, Susan Keller had it all—or thought she did—until the day of her shocking diagnosis with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive disease. Within minutes of being admitted to the hospital, her beautifully ordinary life disappeared. How would cancer affect her marriage?

Facing a possible death sentence, Susan experienced visions so lucid and beautiful that she imagined she was looking into the foyer of death or a magnificent afterlife. Her mind and body melded into all that surrounded her. Bliss replaced fear. Cancer and spirituality were one. But during the darkest moments, Susan questioned the nature of mortality. Does death have the same shape, sound, and feeling for everyone? Did the father she yearned for think of her the moment he died? What would she think of? Would there be regret, celebration, or nothingness?

After months of grueling inpatient chemo, she faced another seemingly impossible hurdle. To survive, she needed a bone marrow transplant. But Johnny—her brilliant, off-the-grid brother—was the only possible donor. But he'd vanished decades earlier.

Blood Brother is a family saga of curing an incurable cancer and of the enigmatic events that led to finding a man who never wanted to be found. It also explores why he disappeared and delves into what it means to forgive the parents who abused and abandoned them. Susan survived twice: once a violent childhood and secondly a devastating cancer.

Blood Brother is a story of life after a bone marrow transplant. It's a moving tale of rebuilding a family, recognizing the unexpectedly stunning gifts of cancer, and of how to embrace a profoundly generous second chance at life.

Valeria Teles interviews Susan Keller — The author of "Blood Brother: A Memoir."

Susan Keller enjoyed a 30-year career as an award-winning medical writer. Her poetry won prizes in regional and national contests. She has a degree in Public Health and Immunology from U. C. Berkeley.

This background in science as well as poetry makes the voice in her first book, Blood Brother: A Memoir, both lyric as well as credible. A frequently fatal lymphoma inspired Susan to write Blood Brother: A Memoir. Articles about her story of hope and survival have been published in: Psychology Today; Conquer: The Patient Voice; two Guideposts Magazines; Patient Power; and several newspapers. She is a monthly blog contributor to Psychology Today and CURE Magazine. Susan is a presenter at Dominican University and at Stanford Cancer Center. All links available upon request. She is currently working on a novel entitled Flask. Susan lives in the Bay Area with her husband, Daniel.

To learn more about Susan Keller and her work, please visit: susankeller.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "We earn our disease, although we may not recognize how it happens. Stress, negative thought patterns, improper breathing, lack of nourishing foods, and poor rest all play a role in your well-being. By having The Four Pillars as part of your daily life, you can start to take back control of your life.The key to The Four Pillars is rhythm. That's the beauty of it! If you lack in one area, the other three will hold you up. They all rely on and support each other. Just focusing on positive thoughts won't do much if your breathing is off, you have a poor diet, or you don't get adequate rest. Just as important, you can't sit around resting all the time either! Each pillar plays a unique and vital role. All four pillars are important. One may need more of your attention than the others right now. Pay attention to what you need, and take steps toward change."Valeria Teles interviews Stephanie Bolster McCannon — the author of "BolsterUp!: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Happy Healthy Human." Stephanie Bolster McCannon is also an Organizational Psychologist, and CEO of BolsterUp, a well-being coaching company that supports emotional, mental, and physical mastery. Stephanie works with employees from large worldwide corporations to local private educational institutions, government agencies, and private clients.

To learn more about Stephanie Bolster McCannon and her work, please visit: bolsterup.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— No matter what is to come in your life, work to continue expanding on all the ways of being and living these ideas, not perfectly of course, but joyfully and compassionately. Work to honor your own divinity and know that it is always there guiding you. Discern between your ego and love. Meet your own expectations of yourself with unconditional love. Over time with this love, your expectations will fall away and compassion will reign. Make a vow to yourself that you will always be there for yourself unconditionally and compassionately. You are no different than any human being who also wants love, comfort, and acceptance. We all matter, whatever size, color, beliefs, level of fear, gender, sexual orientation, and/or mistakes. Either we are all equal or we are not. Stop creating an "other" category and always vow on the side of love and keep trying to let go of your judgment, fear, and pain to show yourself compassion. Live in the continual process of letting it be and you will always flow with acceptance.

Valeria Teles interviews Lisa Templeton — the author of "Letting It Be: Mindful Lessons Toward Acceptance."

Lisa Templeton, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, author, musician, speaker, and founder of The Interpersonal Healing Center in Boulder, Colorado. In 2018, she published her book, Letting It Be: Mindful Lessons Toward Acceptance, a guide to promote self-knowledge and acceptance of life's difficulties with an emphasis on compassion, self-care, and love. Dr. Lisa enjoys teaching on acceptance, the intricacies of relationships, and mindful awareness. Her mission is to help us all be more in tune and compassionate with ourselves and each other. As a musician and singer/songwriter/poet, she speaks her truth with uplifting words and encourages others to do the same. Her next book, Relationships in Rhythm, soon to be published, encourages us to stay mindful of what is beneath our general awareness and notice the nuances of energy that occur between us.

To learn more about her books, music, radio show, meditations, and writings, please visit her at drlisatempleton.com and interpersonalhealing.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Larry Ackerman's journey began as a very young child on a cold and unforgiving operating table in a hospital in New York City. He thought he would die, he thought something was wrong with him, but what Larry would discover is more powerful than anything he could have ever imagined, the power of identity. Larry is the author of the ground-breaking book, The Identity Code, and today he shares with us how to figure out the most important question in your life., WHO AM I?

Your identity: Your uniqueness and the potential it holds. You've probably thought about how identity affects the success of your organization, or even your own. And you've probably wondered about what makes you — or your company — distinctive and why that matters. Clarifying one's core identity is the foundation for creating value and being rewarded for it in return. Looking at the world through the lens of identity reveals purpose, bringing new sight and powerful new possibilities.

Valeria Teles interviews Larry Ackerman — the author of "The Identity Code: The 8 Essential Questions for Finding Your Purpose and Place in the World."

Larry Ackerman is a leading authority on personal and organizational and the pioneer of Identity-Based Management. He is the president of The Identity Circle, a consulting and coaching firm in Westport, CT. His corporate clients have included AARP, Dow Chemical, Fidelity Investments, Lockheed Martin, Maytag, National Geographic and State Farm Insurance. Larry is the author of two groundbreaking books on identity, Identity Is Destiny: Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation, and The Identity Code: The 8 Essential Questions for Finding Your Purpose and Place in the World.

He has been a guest lecturer at the Yale School of Management, Chicago's Booth School of Business, Wharton, Pepperdine, and UCLA Anderson School. He is also the author of numerous articles on identity and its impact on leadership, brand, and culture. Larry is a member of the International Coaching Federation and a credentialed coach who works with individuals and executives.

To learn more about Larry Ackerman and his work, please visit: larryackerman.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "When you assess your own life, consider it with the eye of a gardener. Underneath the surface lies rich, fertile soil waiting to nurture the seeds you sow. Even more than you can imagine will grow there if given a chance." By Steve Goodier

Are you feeling stuck, stagnant, or unsettled in your current reality? Are discomfort, dissatisfaction, and dis-ease ongoing themes in your life? Are you longing for healthy change, first with yourself and then with others?

Seeds of change lie dormant within. Even more than you can imagine will grow there if given a chance.

Valeria Teles interviews Holli Kenley — the author of "SHIFTING Bravely: A Path to Growth, Healing, and Transformation."

Holli Kenley, M.A., MFT, currently works in the field of psychology as an author, therapist, and workshop presenter. Through her gentle but powerful informative and restorative approach, Holli engages clinical and lay audiences, empowering them with strategies to embrace well and whole ways of being. She has been a six time peer presenter at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists' Annual State Conferences and a featured or keynote speaker at college level clinical programs, state and national advocacy organizations, and educational institutions speaking on cyber bullying, the power of self-worth, betrayal, relapse, screen dependence, and sexual abuse recovery. Holli has been a guest on over 100 podcasts as well as on Arizona's TV Sandy & Friends speaking on issues of wellness.

Holli maintains a private practice in Rancho Mirage, CA.

To learn more about Holli Kenley and her work, please visit: hollikenley.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Maybe you are already a high performer, and this episode will also serve as a quick mental check-in for you. Or maybe you are reaching for high performance and stress is limiting your progress.

Regardless, Dr. Cindy Sholes explores the secrets that can help you in your journey toward higher mental wellness and performance! In this episode, you will learn seven effective ways high performers relieve and manage stress. While some stress is manageable alone, all of us have hidden stress triggers that can cause our brains to work against us.

Valeria Teles interviews Dr. Cindy Sholes — PhD in Neuroscience, University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Cindy is a neuroscientist who has dedicated her life to supporting people who want to make a difference in the world and honor the life they're called to live.

She trained alongside Nobel Prize winners and is a certified medical hypnotherapist, Reiki master, business owner, and Les Brown trained inspirational speaker and educator. She is the innovator and co-founder of rREST Inc. and was featured in Wall Street Journal for her 20 years of helping thousands with neuro-emotional behavior modification to live better lives. She believes when you optimize brain function your authentic self will be freed and empowered to lead a purposeful life.

To learn more about Dr. Cindy Sholes and her work, please visit: RRESTAcademy.com, mindwaveinstitute.com, and DrCindySholes.com

Cindy is also offering a free downloadable meditation for increasing your self worth. Find it at rrest.com/selfworth

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.