In this deeply personal solo episode, host Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith shares the story behind her recent time away from the podcast — a journey marked by burnout, reflection, and ultimately, renewal.

Marisa opens up about the emotional and physical toll that burnout can take, even on the most passionate and purpose-driven individuals. She takes you behind the curtain, sharing candid moments of vulnerability, loss of identity, and the quiet power of rediscovery.

With honesty and heart, Marisa reflects on the pivotal role singing played in helping her find her voice — not just as a performer, but as a woman, a mentor, and a guide for others. She explores how the voice we use on stage and in life can be a mirror to who we truly are, and how reconnecting to that voice can lead to profound transformation.

Whether you're on your own path of rediscovery, navigating burnout, or simply need a dose of inspiration — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why Marisa needed to step back from the podcast
• The 5 major signs of burnout and how they showed up in her life
• How childhood singing became a guiding force for healing
• The importance of identity, rest, and alignment
• A renewed vision and purpose for A Voice and Beyond

This episode marks a powerful relaunch of A Voice and Beyond, with a fresh mission to inspire, educate, and empower. 

Your voice matters. Let this episode remind you it’s never too late to pause, reset, and rise again—stronger, clearer, and more you than ever before.

Find Marisa: 

• Marisa's website
• Marisa's Instagram
• Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website 

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/177

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jennifer Nash, a leadership expert and consultant who has guided Fortune 50 organizations such as Google, Ford, Exxon Mobil, JP Morgan, IBM, Boeing, and Verizon to exceptional success. As the founder and CEO of Jennifer Nash Coaching & Consulting, Dr. Nash has dedicated her career to helping leaders connect people and performance, driving remarkable results.

With a distinguished 25-year career, Dr. Nash has held executive and leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting and Ford Motor Company. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan. Her insights have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, and she has presented her research at Columbia University. As a Harvard/McLean Institute of Coaching Fellow, she continues to influence the field of leadership coaching. In 2023, Dr. Nash published her acclaimed book, "Be Human, Lead Human.”

In today's episode, Dr. Nash shares her inspiring journey from the creative arts to the corporate world, navigating the challenges of a male-dominated business environment. Through her observations and research, she has identified the key characteristics of outstanding leaders, and Dr. Nash's mission is to reintroduce the human element into business leadership, focusing on essential topics such as parenting, role modeling, conflict resolution, self-care, and the intrinsic work necessary for effective leadership.

Dr. Nash also addresses the current leadership pandemic, discussing how COVID-19 and social media have exacerbated this issue. Join us for a compelling conversation filled with valuable insights and practical advice for leaders at all levels. Don't miss this captivating episode of A Voice and Beyond.

Ready to transform your life with the power of gratitude? The Ultimate Gratitude Journal is your guide to cultivating joy, positivity, and mindfulness with daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and space for reflection. Enjoy a special 30% discount for one week only by visiting www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal Start your journey to a more grateful and fulfilling life today!

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude
6:57 - Imposter syndrome and career transitions
12:06 - Leadership and management practices during Covid-19
20:24 - Relationship building and the impact of technology on mental health
29:28 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience
33:31 - Personal growth and conflict resolution in the workplace
51:03 - Leadership skill, empathy and self-care

Find Jennifer Online

• Jennifer's Website
• Jennifer's Book
• Jennifers's Instagram

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/176.

In this episode of A Voice and Beyond, we welcome the remarkable Andrea Arlington as our guest. Andrea is a trauma-informed Certified ICF Professional Life Coach, interventionist, minister, former television personality, model, and the author of "Revelations of a Bad Mom."

Andrea bravely shares her powerful journey through generational trauma, family recovery, mental health, homelessness, and addiction. She opens up about her unintended rise to infamy following her daughter’s heroin addiction, which led to thefts from numerous Hollywood celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton, a saga documented in the movie "Bling Ring." This episode delves into the generational trauma Andrea unknowingly passed down to her daughter and the profound impact it had on their lives.

Andrea’s upcoming book, "Revelations of a Bad Mom," goes beyond her personal story, addressing the deep-seated insecurities many women, especially mothers, struggle with. It’s a raw and heartfelt exploration of how these insecurities shape our lives and the journey of healing through addiction, loss, and family turmoil. Andrea’s story is one of resilience, showing how she and her daughter have emerged, not just surviving, but thriving.

As a professional life coach, Andrea now dedicates her life to mending the intricate webs of family systems, healing generational trauma, and nurturing relationships, with a keen focus on reconnecting with the often-neglected inner wounded child.

Join us as Andrea Arlington shares her inspiring story and recovery message, aiming to motivate others towards healing and empowerment.

Ready to transform your life with the power of gratitude? The Ultimate Gratitude Journal is your guide to cultivating joy, positivity, and mindfulness with daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and space for reflection. Enjoy a special 30% discount for one week only by visiting www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal Start your journey to a more grateful and fulfilling life today!

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude
7:07 - Mental health, addiction, and relationships
18:29 - Addiction, trauma and healing with a mother and daughter
27:15 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience
40:27 - Healing generational trauma and repairing family dynamics
53:14 - Improving relationships through self-awareness and communication  

Find Andrea Online

• Andrea's Website
• Andrea & Alexis's recent Netflix interview
• Andrea's Instagram
• Andrea's YouTube

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/175.

This week on A Voice and Beyond, we delve into the important topic of neurodiversity with the esteemed Dr. Shannon Coates, returning for the second part of a captivating two-part discussion on neurodiversity-affirming voice pedagogy. Dr. Shannon is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, dedicated to developing support strategies and deepening our understanding of individual student needs within the singing voice community. Her mission is to normalize and eradicate the stigma surrounding neurodivergence.

Dr. Shannon Coates, an acclaimed educator and international voice pedagogy presenter, has been a leading voice in championing neurodiversity in vocal pedagogy. In this interview, Dr. Shannon will guide us through understanding how neurodivergence can manifest in teaching studios and share effective strategies to support neurodivergent learners, addressing challenges related to motivation, distraction, and prioritization. She provides invaluable insights into recognizing our own biases and their impact on teaching. Dr. Shannon particularly emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students feel seen and valued, regardless of their support needs, life experiences, or identities. She also discusses her views on student-led learning versus compliance-based pedagogy, highlighting its benefits for all singers, not just those who are neurodivergent.

This thought-provoking interview with Dr. Shannon Coates is essential listening for every singing voice teacher and beyond. Join us for this enlightening and inspiring conversation. Don't forget, this is part 2 of the interview; part 1 was featured in last week’s episode, no. 173.

Ready to transform your life with the power of gratitude? The Ultimate Gratitude Journal is your guide to cultivating joy, positivity, and mindfulness with daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and space for reflection. Enjoy a special 30% discount for one week only by visiting www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal Start your journey to a more grateful and fulfilling life today!

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude 
7:46 - Accommodating students with neurodiverse needs in voice lessons
24:47 - Neurodiversity-affirming voice teaching techniques
26:30 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience  
30:59 - Pedagogy, inclusivity, and empathy in the voice studio
40:49 - Neurodiversity, accommodations and inclusive teaching practices 

Find Shannon Online

• Evolving Voice
• The VoicePed UnDegree
• Live Lecture Replays
• Instagram
• Facebook

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/174.

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are diving into the very important topic of neurodiversity. We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Shannon Coates for a compelling two-part interview on neurodiversity-affirming voice pedagogy. Dr. Shannon has been a strong advocate for fostering inclusivity, developing support strategies, and enhancing our understanding of individual student needs within the singing voice community. Her efforts aim to normalize and eliminate the stigma surrounding neurodivergence.

Dr. Shannon Coates, an esteemed educator and international presenter on voice pedagogy, is also the creator of The Vocal Instrument 101 Online Course and VoicePed UnDegree. She has been a prominent voice in advocating for neurodiversity within vocal pedagogy. In this interview, Shannon will begin by discussing the various types of neurodivergence, the associated behaviour patterns, and the current diagnostic processes.

Dr. Shannon will help us understand how neurodivergence can manifest in our teaching studios and how we can adopt more effective teaching strategies for neurodivergent learners. She provides valuable insights into recognizing our own biases and addressing their impact on our teaching. Particularly, Dr. Shannon emphasizes creating a welcoming space where all students feel seen and valued, regardless of their support needs, life experiences, or identities.

This is a powerful and thought-provoking interview with Dr. Shannon Coates that every singing voice teacher and beyond should listen to. Join us for this essential conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire. Remember, this is part 1 of our 2-part interview with Dr. Shannon, and part 2 will be released in the episode to follow.

Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
7:02 - Neurodiversity in singing voice pedagogy
20:22 - ADHD, autism, and mental health diagnosis and awareness
27:13 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
35:50 - Neurodiversity and communication challenges
43:25 - Accommodating neurodiverse singers in voice lessons

Find Shannon Online

• Evolving Voice
• The VoicePed UnDegree
• Live Lecture Replays
• Instagram
• Facebook

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/173.

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Welcome to another episode of A Voice and Beyond! This week, we have an incredible guest for you—John R. Miles. John is a keynote speaker, a combat veteran, and the host of the #1 ranked alternative health podcast, Passion Struck with John R. Miles, which has garnered over 17 million downloads from listeners in 169 countries. He is also the author of the acclaimed book "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

Today, John will share some of the inspirational work from his book which combines behavioural science research, peak performance strategies, and real-life narratives from industry titans such as Oprah, Elon Musk, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Astronaut Wendy Lawrence, many of whom John has had the privilege to interview and work with.

Drawing from his insights, experiences, and the very essence of the human spirit, John’s navigates through self-sabotage and doubt to empower you to confront and transcend your limiting beliefs. This ultimately paves the way for a life without boundaries. Recognized as one of the top thinkers in personal mastery and a Premier 100 Leader, John shares how we can break free from the inner confines of personal limits, overcome the barriers that hold us back, and harness the transformative power of intentionality.

John's story is both timely and compelling. In an era where burnout, mental health challenges, and the search for purpose are more prevalent than ever, John’s journey from corporate success to profound personal realization brings hope, inspiration, and actionable insights. If you’re ready to craft a life that truly matters, this interview with John R. Miles is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today.

Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
06:49 - John’s personal journey
13:28 - Finding authenticity and fulfilment 
27:13 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
33:41 - Reducing self-doubt and building fulfilment 
42:15 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
48:46 - Personal growth, self-love and constant learning

Find John Online

• John's Website

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/172.

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Welcome to another episode of "A Voice and Beyond." This week, we are thrilled to introduce Brian Johnson, an accomplished entrepreneur and philosopher with over 25 years of experience. As the founder and CEO of Heroic, Brian has successfully raised over $20 million, building and selling two leading social platforms. His Heroic membership and coaching program have transformed the lives of tens of thousands globally, backed by research for their transformative impact.

Brian is not just a business leader, but also a digital influencer. His YouTube channel boasts over 225,000 subscribers and 20 million views, while his podcast has garnered 16 million downloads. He has been featured in the documentary "Finding Joe" alongside luminaries like Deepak Chopra and Tony Hawk. His latest venture, Heroic, launched its MVP Training Platform in April 2022, showcasing his expertise, which has been sought by institutions such as the US Military Academy at West Point. Brian has also been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal, and Brian regularly engages with global thought leaders on top podcasts.

In this episode, Brian and I dive deep into philosophical discussions around topics that are explored in his book, "ARETÉ: Activate Your Heroic Potential." Brian explains how he combines ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools into a life-changing protocol, proven by leading well-being labs to create lasting impact. His approach offers a timely solution to universal struggles, providing actionable steps for not just surviving but thriving in today's fast-paced world. Brian’s method is holistic and scientifically grounded, offering listeners a comprehensive roadmap to a more heroic life.

Tune in for this enlightening episode with Brian Johnson. It’s time to navigate life's complexities, embrace challenges, and activate your heroic potential.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today.

Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
07:21 - Self-discovery and finding meaning in life
15:54 - Heroism, leadership and personal growth
24:28 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
35:54 - Living a virtuous life and developing self-awareness
46:27 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
57:31 - Relationships, self-love and personal growth

Find Brian Online

• Brian's Book
• Brian's YouTube
• Brian's Instagram 

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/171.

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Welcome to this episode on courage, a fundamental quality that drives us to lead a life of purpose and fulfillment. Life demands the best of us, challenging us to rise out of our fears and comforts into the zones of peak performance. This conversation is deeply personal to me because I believe that within every human lies an incredible capacity to be strong, push past limits, and experience a broader range of joy, health, vitality, success, and achievement.

However, many of us make excuses about why we aren't courageous or can't have what we deserve. We often fall into a victim mindset, believing that our challenges and struggles are beyond our control. This mindset holds us back from achieving our true potential.

Courage isn't just about overcoming fear. It's about tapping into those things that push us to new levels and heights, not being defined by fear. Today, I'll share five areas to evaluate your level of courage and five strategies to improve it. Think of courage as a muscle that needs consistent exercise. By repeatedly stepping out of your comfort zone, you can strengthen your courage muscle.

The life you want to live is worth the effort. While it won't be easy initially, it is possible, so challenge yourself to explore your courage. Dedicate yourself to being a courageous person and dare to live the life you've imagined. It's time to step out of the wings and take center stage in your life because you are worth the effort. Always have been and always will be. Until next time, go out there every single day and realize you are stronger than you ever imagined.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. With her unique approach. Dr. Joyce bridges the gap between the intuitive and the logical, creating a paradigm shift that amplifies your impact on the world. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? My dear friend Dr Glenn Livingston has a transformational new book that you can read for free as a listener of A Voice and Beyond. Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
12:56 - Fear and comfort with change
17:20 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston 
26:51 - Developing the courage to say no and prioritize goals
40:29 - Setting bigger goals, ignoring negative opinions and finding courage
46:55 Building courage, self-awareness and supportive relationships

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/170.

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

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In this episode of A Voice and Beyond, we revisit episode #60 with Lori Sonnenberg, who dives into the complexities of vocal health with our brilliant guest. Lori is a Chicago-based Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Voice Specialist, and Singing Voice Specialist, renowned for her expertise in treating voice disorders. She is also the founder of Sonnenberg Voice, a clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive voice care for speech, breathing, and singing.

Voice issues often stem from vocal fold injuries, overuse, or improper use of the voice mechanism. These issues can severely impact one's ability to perform daily tasks, particularly for professional voice users such as singers, actors, and public speakers. Lori's clinic specializes in treating muscle tension dysphonia, recovery from voice injuries, professional voice care, post-operative voice recovery, and addressing technical voice issues for singers.

In our conversation, Lori offers a detailed overview of what an initial consultation at her clinic entails, including the diagnostic process and treatment strategies. She emphasizes the importance of prevention and shares insights on how voice teachers can identify potential problems in their own voices and those of their students. Lori also underscores the necessity of seeking specialist help promptly to avoid long-term damage. Lori highlights the importance of supporting singers through their vocal challenges rather than shaming them, debunking misconceptions about vocal pathologies across different genres.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in voice health, whether you are a professional voice user or simply someone looking to improve and maintain their vocal quality. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge from Lori Sonnenberg and learn how to better care for your voice.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. With her unique approach. Dr. Joyce bridges the gap between the intuitive and the logical, creating a paradigm shift that amplifies your impact on the world. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? My dear friend Dr Glenn Livingston has a transformational new book that you can read for free as a listener of A Voice and Beyond. Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
12:10 - Voice therapy and functional voice disorders
18:32 - Muscle tension dysphonia diagnosis and treatment
27:57 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston 
34:44 - Vocal folds swelling and its impact on voice quality
55:04 - Injuries in various singing genres
1:08:19 - Vocal issues after Covid-19

Find Lori Online

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/169.

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of A Voice and Beyond. This week, we are honoured to have Nicole Byars, the owner and founder of Honest Yoga, join us. Nicole is not only passionate about yoga, personal growth, and her signature backwards hats, but she also has a profound personal journey with trauma. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Nicole has navigated the complex emotions of shame, sadness, and embarrassment, ultimately finding a sense of relief and healing through yoga.

In this episode, Nicole shares her journey of transforming pain into purpose by establishing Honest Yoga, a sanctuary designed to help others heal from trauma in a supportive community. Her studio is a testament to the power of yoga in fostering recovery and growth, creating a safe space where people can feel a sense of belonging.

Nicole addresses common misconceptions about trauma, explaining that it is often associated solely with extreme events like war, natural disasters, and abuse—what she refers to as big ‘T’ trauma. However, she emphasizes that little ‘t’ traumas, which are more everyday experiences, are just as significant and impactful. Nicole believes that everyone has encountered some form of trauma, and recognizing this is crucial for healing. A key part of her philosophy is the importance of feeling a sense of belonging and that a foundation of community is essential for mental health.

Join us as Nicole Byars delves into these insights and shares her expertise on how we can all better understand and heal from trauma. Tune in to this heartfelt and enlightening conversation.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. With her unique approach. Dr. Joyce bridges the gap between the intuitive and the logical, creating a paradigm shift that amplifies your impact on the world. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? My dear friend Dr Glenn Livingston has a transformational new book that you can read for free as a listener of A Voice and Beyond. Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
6:41 - Nicole’s journey to yoga
15:18 - Trauma, easting disorders and using yoga to heal
26:14 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston 
36:29 - Trauma and it’s effects on mental health
49:03 - Trauma, yoga, and community connection
57:39 - The power of setting intentions and living a yoga lifestyle 

Find Nicole Online

• Website
• Instagram
• Nicole's Book

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/168.

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

Follow me on Instagram.