A Quest for Well-Being

— Master the Art of Emotional Intelligence in Just Weeks, Even if You've Struggled with It Your Entire Life! Do you find emotional misunderstandings at home or work derail your day? Are you overwhelmed by juggling personal growth with your professional demands and personal relationships? Do the nuances of empathy and emotional communication seem like a puzzle with too many missing pieces?

If you answered "yes," you're not alone. Parents, business professionals, caregivers, and numerous others in your position have felt that same sense of overwhelm, yet the path to enhanced relationships and satisfying work-life balance is simpler than you might think.

Valeria interviews Meg Colby — She is the author of THE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MASTERY SERIES; "From Emotional Intelligence to Sacred Wisdom", "Mindful Women - Resilient Lives" and "Emotional Intelligence Mastery in Working With Death & Dying."

For more than twenty-five years, Meg walked through the fire of her own emotional awakening. She didn't grow up knowing how to name her feelings, tend to them, or navigate the rich inner landscape that shapes how we love and who we become. Her emotional intelligence wasn't inherited or handed down — it was forged.

What began as her own path toward healing slowly deepened into an understanding of how women lose touch with themselves, how old wounds quietly take hold, and how profound the shift can be when they finally turn inward and listen.

As Meg learned to recognize, honor, and move with her emotions, a quiet truth emerged: countless women were carrying the same silent weight. That knowing changed everything.

For years now, Meg has worked alongside women ready to soften the grip of old patterns — those longing for lives shaped by clarity, honesty, and a truer sense of self. Her approach is grounded, warm, and born of lived experience rather than theory alone.

Through her writing, Meg invites readers into a gentler, wiser relationship with themselves. She believes emotional intelligence isn't about getting it right — it's about showing up, finding the courage to feel, and reclaiming the tender parts of us that have waited so long to be heard.

When she's not writing or walking beside others on their journeys, Meg can be found in the quiet, meaningful corners of life — the ones that bring her joy, purpose, and a deeper kinship with what it means to be human.

Learn more about Meg Colby and her work!

— Welcome to today's episode, where we explore the transformative power of practical psychological skills with David Hernandez, a seasoned psychotherapist, coach, and co-founder of Stoa Life.

David is dedicated to helping high-functioning adults achieve personal growth and resilience. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and over 20 years in law enforcement, he seamlessly integrates modern psychology with Stoic-inspired principles.

This unique approach equips individuals with the tools they need to manage thoughts, emotions, and relationships effectively. Join us as we dive into practical strategies for overcoming anxiety , building confidence, and enhancing emotional resilience to empower your everyday life.

Learn more about David Hernandez and his work!

— Welcome to today's episode, where we dive deep into the concept of the Authentic Self with Heejin Ryoo, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of HJ Holistic Therapy in Florida. Heejin is renowned for her trauma-informed psychotherapy, focusing on integrative, somatically informed mental health care. With licenses in multiple states, her approach empowers individuals to reconnect with their inner strength by balancing Eastern-informed healing wisdom with practical, evidence-based interventions.

In this episode, Heejin shares her insights on uncovering and embracing the Authentic Self amidst life's challenges. We'll explore how cultural influences shape this journey, the significance of nervous system regulation, and practical strategies for living authentically. Join us as we discover how recognizing and aligning with our Authentic Self can lead to greater emotional resilience and a more empowered life.

Valeria interviews Heejin Ryoo - LMHC (FL), LPC (AZ & SC), and LPCC (OH), — She is the founder of HJ Holistic Therapy in Florida, offering trauma‑informed, somatically grounded psychotherapy for adults facing anxiety, trauma, identity work, relational challenges, and major life transitions.

Blending Eastern‑informed wisdom with evidence‑based interventions, she helps clients regulate their nervous systems, build emotional resilience, and translate insight into sustainable change—always with direct attunement, practical tools, and room for humor. Bilingual in Korean, Heejin also provides psychological evaluations and immigration‑related clinical documentation, guided by rigorous ethical standards. Her core belief: you are not broken—therapy helps you remember the strength you already have.

Learn more about Heejin Ryoo and her work!

— In this meaningful podcast episode, we explore resilience, survival, and the indomitable human spirit through the lens of personal stories. Chaz Holesworth shares his journey, his heart, his inspiring artistic work and profound view of life. With a focus on authenticity, humor, and heartfelt advocacy for social justice , this podcast is about standing up for the underdog and championing causes that matter.

Chaz's "Life and How to Live" memoir series is a testament to the power of hope and renewal. Tune in as he shares his vulnerabilities, embraces his unpredictable journeys, and discover that no matter the obstacles, there's always a way forward.

Valeria interviews Chaz Holesworth — He is the author of the memoir series "Life and How to Live It."

Chaz Holesworth grew up in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, where addiction, poverty, and faith defined his daily life. Those experiences shaped his perspective and fueled his drive to write honestly about survival, memory, and meaning. Now living in the suburbs with his wife and their dog, he still carries Philly with him in his humor and his belief in standing up for the underdog. When he isn't writing, Chaz can be found at a live show, exploring new corners of the world, or enjoying a craft beer.

A passionate advocate for social justice, he is deeply committed to championing the rights of workers and animals, striving to make a difference in the causes closest to his heart. Life and How to Live It is his memoir series told with unflinching honesty. With his gift for storytelling, he writes to connect, to remember, and to show others that even in the darkest corners of the past, there is a way forward.

To learn more about Chaz Holesworth and his work!

— Welcome to a Quest for Well-Being podcast, where we explore the depths of personal growth, emotional well-being, spiritual and holistic living. Today we're diving into a conversation that challenges conventional ideas of healing with our special guest, Tricia Parido. Tricia is an innovative Emotional Performance Strategist and the creator of Total Emotional Performance™, an empowering framework designed to enhance emotional agility, expand nervous system capacity, and facilitate sustainable personal change.

Tricia's work uniquely bridges performance psychology, emotional intelligence, and psycho-nutrition to help individuals understand the profound impact of physiology and nervous system burdens on behavior. Her approach shifts the focus from constant healing to building emotional capacity, enabling people to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This empowers people to lead themselves with clarity, break free from coping loops, and achieve sustainable self-leadership.

In this episode, Valeria interviews Tricia and together they explore the intricacies of emotional capacity, the collaboration of the nervous system and body intelligence, and how Tricia's practical framework steers individuals towards lasting well-being. Get ready to discover why most people don't need more healing—they need the power of emotional capacity.

Learn more about You Don't Need Healing. You Need Emotional Capacity with Tricia Parido.

— In this episode, we delve into how mindfulness and meditation serve as vital tools in connecting with the present, and how therapy cultivates openness to new possibilities. We explore key topics such as defining mental health and human suffering, the role of mindfulness in therapy, and the art of rewriting personal narratives to alleviate anxiety and depression. Samantha shares her insights on nurturing our inner child, transforming language and perception, and utilizing art as a healing medium.

Our conversation touches on the complexity of suffering, how simple changes in our environment help combat overstimulation, and the profound impact of finding fullness in stillness. We also discuss the concept of "glimmers" in nature, experiences to cherish before death, and how they aid in overcoming triggers. Throughout the discussion, Samantha shares how mindfulness, creativity, and a simplified life help us embrace authenticity and clarity.

Valeria interviews Samantha Maederer — She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, with over a decade of experience.

With a background in Art Therapy from Florida State University, her unique path intersects art and mental health. Samantha began her career by co-creating a public art installation highlighting patient voices from the Florida State Psychiatric Hospital, and now encourages creativity in her clients to navigate challenges.

She spent 12 years in community mental health, offering therapy to survivors of sexual trauma and postpartum clients. Samantha's approach is informed by her own mental health journey and a belief in art as a tool to process experiences. She integrates Zen Buddhism and Daoism principles, helping clients embrace non-judgment and reality awareness.

Samantha specializes in working with women with complex trauma histories. She employs somatic work, mindfulness, and focuses on anxiety, panic, and OCD. Her therapeutic approach includes helping clients reconnect with their younger selves. Outside of therapy, Samantha enjoys gardening, kayaking, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing focus and the mind-body connection.

Learn more about Samantha Maederer and her work.

— "No two human beings are exactly the same. We might have similar paths, but everybody is different and needs to be honored in their uniqueness. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that just do a one size fits all just don't work"

Valeria interviews Dr. Claudia Herbert — She is a Clinical Psychologist, PTSD and trauma psychotherapist, and senior executive development facilitator.

Dr Claudia Herbert's life has been dedicated to discovering, learning, and facilitating the most effective and powerful inner transformation journeys to help her clients achieve meaningful purpose, healthy growth, inner strength, and alignment in their lives. With over 30 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist, PTSD and trauma psychotherapist, and senior executive development facilitator, along with more than 25 years as director of The Oxford Development Centre, Claudia has developed a profound palette of therapeutic life-changing processes. These processes enable clients to uncover and transform deeply entrenched, initially adaptive but now restrictive, survival-based coping strategies, including dissociative processes. Her work helps individuals reconnect with nature, life's energy, and their true essence, ultimately guiding them back to their authentic selves.

Learn more about Lifting The Veil Of Dissociation with Dr. Claudia Herbert

— Today we embark on a journey with Misha Blaise, author and illustrator of the captivating book, "Your Life Is a Hero's Journey!. This insightful guide invites you to embrace life's adversities as transformative quests rather than problems to be solved. Misha, known for her vibrant style, combines art and humor to map out the hero's journey—a timeless narrative of personal growth found in ancient mythology and modern life. As you listen, discover how challenges serve as opportunities for growth and resilience, reminding us that being human means navigating the tests life presents with courage and innovation. Tune in as Misha shares her wisdom on finding strength and clarity in our ever-evolving adventure.

Valeria interviews Misha Blaise — She is the author of "Your Life Is a Hero's Journey!: An Illustrated Guide to Facing Life's Challenges" and several other books.

Misha Blaise is an author-illustrator known for the fresh and original style of her illustrated gift books, blending art, humor, and soulful reflection. Through her work, she explores themes of interconnectedness, the mysteries of the universe, self-discovery, and the oneness of humanity. Her books invite readers to reflect on life's deeper questions while staying grounded in creativity, joy, and hope. She lives with her husband and two sons in Arkansas.

Learn more about The Hero's Journey: Initiation, Challenge, and Transformation with Misha Blaise!

— Today, it is a JOY to have Dr. Elaine Aron, a distinguished author and psychologist known worldwide for her groundbreaking work on highly sensitive individuals. Dr. Aron is here to discuss her latest book, "Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens: An Objective Look at Meditation Methods and Enlightenment. "In this insightful guide, Dr. Aron provides readers with practical pathways to find peace and equanimity amidst life's chaos. Reflecting on the seeker culture of the 1960s, which sparked a quiet spiritual revolution, she explores how people have achieved profound inner calm in challenging times. Her book is the first to offer an objective overview of meditation methods and enlightenment, incorporating her personal experiences from 55 years of practice and recent brain research insights. With her signature empathy and a keen scientific perspective, Dr. Aron helps both highly sensitive individuals and the broader audience to discover the spirituality that best suits them. This episode promises to open doors to new spiritual paths, encouraging everyone to embark on their unique journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Valeria interviews Dr. Elaine Aron — She is the author of "Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens: An Objective Look at Meditation Methods and Enlightenment."

She is a clinical and research psychologist, the internationally bestselling author of The Highly Sensitive Person, in print for nearly thirty years and translated into 35 languages. In her latest book, Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens, Dr. Aron aims to helps readers better understand the various types of meditation—mindfulness, TM, Zen, and all the rest--so that they can choose for themselves. She also delves into the solid research that exists regarding enlightenment. She does not know of any other book that does either of these! This one does both,

She is also the author of The Highly Sensitive Parent, The Highly Sensitive Person Workbook, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love, The Highly Sensitive Child, and Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person. Credited with first recognizing high sensitivity as an innate trait and pioneering the study of HSPs since 1990, she maintains a website and newsletter at HSPerson.com. Dr. Aron obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacific Graduate Institute and trained at the Jung Institute in San Francisco. She is widely published in academic journals on research regarding both sensory processing sensitivity and, along with her husband, Arthur Aron, the scientific study of close relationships.

Learn more about Dr. Elaine Aron and her Spirituality Thru HS Lens!

— Today, we are honored to have Darren Starwynn, a Quantum Catalyst and master healer, inspiring holistic health professionals and meditators to elevate their consciousness. In this episode, we explore key concepts such as Quantum Healing and Consciousness, the role of a Quantum Catalyst, and unlocking individual superpowers. We discuss the journey to self-discovery, embracing life's mysteries, and defining the Avatar Within. Darren shares his thoughts on confronting inner challenges, finding empowerment through vulnerability, and the soul's essential role of love. We'll also consider solutions for a troubled world and reflect on the potential for collective awakening. Darren guides us through these transformative topics, helping us understand the divine mystery of life.

Valeria interviews Darren Starwynn — He is the author of "Awakening the Avatar Within: A Roadmap to Uncover Your Superpowers, Upgrade Your Body and Uplift Humanity."

Darren Starwynn is a Quantum Catalyst and master healer who activates holistic health professionals, healers and meditators to awaken their consciousness, make their most valuable contribution and thrive.

He has written five groundbreaking books including bestseller Awakening the Avatar Within and has led hundreds of workshops and trainings internationally. His newest book Avatar Master Healer will be published Spring, 2026.

Darren has over 30 years clinical experience in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, energy medicine and Quantum healing. Darren has mentored or inspired thousands of healthcare practitioners, business owners, healers and meditators to embody Quantum principles of healing, leadership and spirituality.

He is director of Bridge to Mastery Consciousness Institute and Lightworker Ministry. Inventor of vibrational medical devices sold world-wide, he also led a medical device manufacturing and training company starting in 1990.

Learn more about Darren Starwynn and his Awaneking Avatar Substack.