Alive. Again. Podcast

In this powerful episode of Alive.Again. Podcast, Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru sit down with Marc Vahanian, founder and executive director of Pathway to Kinship, a nonprofit transforming prison rehabilitation and reentry across the United States.From a career on Broadway to trauma-resolution work and ultimately prison reform, Marc shares the deeply personal journey that led him to create Pathway to Kinship — now operating in 10 California prisons with tablet-based programming available nationwide.This conversation explores:The psychology of shame and denial in incarcerated individualsHow institutionalization impacts identity and reentry successWhy inner rehabilitation must precede outer freedomThe real challenges of housing, employment, and rebuilding family trustThe “Seven Keys” framework: purpose, passion, preparation, partnering, practice, poise, and presentationRestorative justice, victim impact, and rebuilding dignityHow families and communities are affected by incarcerationReentry coaching certification and how to support the missionIf you care about criminal justice reform, second chances, rehabilitation, prison reentry, trauma recovery, or restorative justice, this episode offers both insight and hope.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:12 Mark’s Early Life and Acting 04:14 Reinvention Through Fitness 05:18 Trauma Work and Finding Purpose 07:00 Founding Pathway to Kinship 08:49 Prison Culture and Hope Stories 12:55 Unlearning Judgment and Shame 17:22 What Freedom Means Inside 21:28 Reentry Challenges and Support 24:10 Inner Rehabilitation Approach 30:55 Seven Keys Curriculum Explained 33:41 Victimhood and Restorative Voices 37:56 Families and Ripple Effects 45:17 Reentry Coach Certification 46:38 Second Chances and Success Stories 50:22 How to Support and Donate 51:39 What Makes Mark Feel Alive 52:49 Final Thanks and Sign-OffLearn more or support the mission at: pathwaytokinship.org

Most families don’t avoid estate planning because they don’t care.

They avoid it because it feels uncomfortable.

Until there’s a crisis.

In this episode of Alive. Again., estate planning and elder law attorney Sarah Briguglio, Esq. (licensed in NY, NJ, FL, and TX) joins Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru to reveal what really happens when there is no plan in place:

• Family conflict

• Court involvement

• Frozen assets

• Guardianship proceedings

• Lost or unclaimed money

• Emotional decisions made under pressure

We break down:

– Wills vs. Trusts

– Probate vs. Privacy

– Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship

– Why “cheap” or DIY documents can create expensive consequences

This conversation goes beyond legal documents.

It’s about preventing crisis, protecting relationships, and understanding that estate planning is not about death — it’s about love, clarity, and control.

Because when there’s no plan, the state decides.

And that rarely ends well.

We answer questions like:

• What really happens if someone becomes incapacitated without a power of attorney?

• What if there’s no trust?

• What if heirs don’t know where the assets are?

• How do you avoid court, delay, and unnecessary cost?

If you’ve been postponing estate planning, this episode will change how you see it.

⏱ Time Stamps

00:00 Meet Sarah Briguglio: Multi-State Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney

01:30 Why Estate Planning Matters: Protecting Family, Legacy & Peace of Mind

02:06 Facing the Hard Stuff: Fear, Grief & Talking About Death

05:00 Prevention Over Panic: Avoiding Family Fights & Costly Mistakes

07:31 Will vs. Trust: Probate, Privacy & Asset Protection Explained

09:06 Lawyer Life & Burnout: Boundaries & Mental Resets

12:07 The Funny Side of Inheritance: Sibling Dynamics & Sentimentality

14:55 Why “Stuff” Matters: Psychology Behind Estate Decisions

18:32 Asset Lists & Avoiding Lost Money

20:15 Crisis Elder Law: Staying Grounded Under Pressure

22:09 POA vs. Guardianship: Court Oversight & Cost

23:58 Psychology in Legal Practice

25:21 Estate Planning as Love & Protection

29:05 Not Just for the Wealthy: Kids, Homes & Businesses

30:17 What Makes Sarah Feel More Alive?

🔗 Connect

Sarah Briguglio: https://brigugliolawfirm.com/

Andreea Parc: https://www.andreeaparc.com/

Alexa Dumitru: https://wasstudio.com/

#PreventionOverPanic #RiskManagement #CrisisPlanning #ProtectYourLegacy #DecisionMaking #FinancialClarity #AliveAgainPodcast #AndreeaParc

In this powerful episode of Alive.Again. Podcast, hosts Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru sit down with Velda Dobson Davis, retired Chief Deputy Warden, trauma-informed program creator, and author of Freedom Within.Velda shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, domestic violence, loss, and healing—and how those experiences shaped her groundbreaking work inside and outside prison walls. Drawing from decades in corrections, she explains how trauma-informed rehabilitation programs can break cycles of addiction, shame, self-sabotage, and incarceration.This conversation explores:- How unresolved trauma drives destructive patterns- The difference between victimhood and responsibility- Healing trauma inside correctional systems- Reentry, rehabilitation, and rebuilding identity- Why true freedom starts from withinWhether you’re interested in trauma healing, personal transformation, prison reform, or breaking generational cycles, this episode will challenge how you think about pain, accountability, and freedom.Time stamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:58 Velda's Early Career and Personal Struggles 03:03 Journey to California and Continued Challenges 04:02 Career Progression and Realization of Trauma 05:13 Impact of Personal Trauma on Professional Life 06:02 Developing and Teaching Trauma-Informed Programs 08:06 Creating and Expanding Rehabilitation Programs 09:05 Personal Tragedy and New Initiatives 12:45 Addressing DUI and Emotional Distraction 14:16 Victimhood and Responsibility 20:07 Transformative Healing and Teaching Methods 23:01 Taking Control of What You Can 24:36 Journey into Ministry 26:36 Community Outreach and Support 29:11 Programs for Incarcerated Mothers and Children 34:55 Bridging the Divide for Reentry 40:11 Words of Inspiration and Final ThoughtsContact Velda: [email protected] Velda's book "Freedom Within": https://a.co/d/h8EJcV6Watch "Velda: A Mother's Story of Suicide": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28468676/YouTube: veldadobson-davis4038Contact Andreea: andreeaparc.comContact Alexa: wasstudio.com

Trust accounts are one of the fastest ways attorneys get audited, disciplined, or disbarred—often without realizing they’re doing anything wrong.In this episode of the Alive. Again. Podcast, Andreea Parc sits down with Amy Woods, an accountant with over 20 years of experience specializing in IOLTA and attorney trust accounting, to break down what every lawyer must know to stay compliant and protect their license.Amy reveals the most common trust account mistakes attorneys make, what really happens during an audit, why three-way reconciliations matter, and when outsourcing trust accounting can save you from serious consequences. They also discuss voluntary disclosure programs, escheating abandoned trust funds, and the mindset shifts attorneys need to move from fear-based compliance to peace of mind.If you are an attorney, law firm owner, or legal professional handling client funds, this episode could save your career.What you’ll learn:• Common IOLTA trust account mistakes• How audits are triggered and conducted• Real-life audit examples• Three-way reconciliation explained• Escheating and abandoned trust funds• When to outsource trust accounting• How to reduce stress and risk around compliance⏱ Timestamps00:00 Welcome & Introduction00:32 Guest Introduction: Amy Woods01:21 Common Trust Account Mistakes03:52 Understanding Audits04:20 Real-Life Audit Examples06:34 Random Audits Explained10:40 Three-Way Reconciliation14:29 The Importance of Escheating17:20 Outsourcing Trust Management22:51 Mindset Shifts for Attorneys32:56 Final Thoughts🔔 Subscribe for conversations that help attorneys stay ethical, resilient, and Alive. Again.Contact AMY WOODS: [email protected] ANDREEA PARC: www.andreeaparc.com#TrustAccounting #IOLTA #AttorneyEthics #LawFirmCompliance #LegalAccounting #AttorneyAudit #AliveAgainPodcast #AndreeaParc#Lawyer

Can you reinvent your life—and your career—after 65? Judy Katz proves you can.In this episode of the Alive.Again. Podcast, host Andreea Parc sits down with Judy Katz, founder of Katz Creative Books and Media, to explore the power of storytelling, reinvention, and purpose at any age.At 85 years old, Judy is still building businesses, publishing books, and helping leaders turn their life experiences into powerful marketing and legacy tools. She shares how she rediscovered her passion for writing later in life, why books are still one of the most effective authority builders, and how Level Five Listening transforms both writing and relationships.You’ll also learn:Why it’s never too late to start something meaningfulHow ghostwriting really works (and when it’s worth it)The difference between traditional and self-publishingWhat makes a book successful as a marketing toolJudy’s innovative “Bookini” concept for shorter, focused booksHow to turn personal stories into impact and influenceThis conversation challenges outdated beliefs about aging, productivity, and creativity—and offers practical insight for authors, entrepreneurs, speakers, and professionals ready to share their story with the world.✨ If you’ve ever thought “Is it too late?”—this episode is for you.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome01:17 Judy Katz’s Writing Journey03:27 The Power of Ghostwriting05:16 Changing the Conversation About Aging08:24 The Bookini Concept10:43 Traits of Successful Authors16:55 Publishing Paths Explained19:56 TEDx Talks & Book Marketing26:02 Understanding Your Audience28:35 Level Five Listening30:06 Creating a Book Roadmap34:29 Personal Stories as Marketing37:05 Advice for Aspiring Authors46:10 Final Thoughts & Contact InfoContact Judy: jkatzcreative @gmail.com  katzcreativebooksandmedia.comContact Andreea: andreeaparc.com

Trauma or intuition — how do you know the difference?In this powerful year-end episode of the Alive.Again. Podcast, hosts Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru sit down with Vasudha Ralla, soul purpose coach, intuitive healer, and divine channeler, to explore one of the most misunderstood questions in personal and spiritual growth.Together, they unpack:How to distinguish trauma responses from intuitive guidanceWhy awareness alone doesn’t create change — choice doesThe role of intention, surrender, and emotional regulation in healingHow personal responsibility raises your energetic vibrationVasudha’s journey from software engineering to spiritual awakeningThis conversation is for anyone navigating healing, awakening, or transition — and looking to end the year with clarity, alignment, and higher consciousness.✨ This episode invites you to stop reacting… and start choosing.👇 Subscribe to Alive.Again. for honest conversations about trauma, intuition, growth, and inner freedom.💬 Comment below: Are you acting from trauma — or intuition?⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome & Introduction01:32 Trauma vs. Intuition09:09 Awareness, Intention & Choice10:07 Vasudha’s Spiritual Awakening17:25 Higher Vibrations & Alignment25:57 Practical Tools for Inner Power29:58 Emotional Awareness & Healing37:27 Navigating Life’s Challenges48:43 Final Reflections01:07:13 Closing Remarks & Holiday WishesContact Vasudha: [email protected] Andreea: andreeaparc.comContact Alexa: wasstudio.com#TraumaHealing #Intuition #SpiritualAwakening #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #ConsciousLiving #InnerWork #AliveAgainPodcast #andreeaparc

In this powerful episode of the Alive.Again. Podcast, host Andreea Parc sits down with Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai, a psychiatrist, internist, medical-legal expert, and a rare voice of truth in a system where most professionals plead guilty out of fear.Dr. Rifai shares the extraordinary story of being federally indicted, refusing to plead, and ultimately being found not guilty at trial—an outcome few professionals ever experience. Together, we explore what it truly takes to survive an unjust prosecution without losing your identity, integrity, or mental health.This conversation goes beyond law and medicine. It dives into:The mindset required to withstand a federal investigation and trialThe emotional and psychological toll of being accusedWhy fear drives so many professionals to plead guiltyHow mental health, preparation, and resilience shape legal outcomesThe hidden biases defendants face inside the legal systemRebuilding purpose and mission after legal traumaDr. Rifai also discusses his advocacy work and his commitment to supporting professionals navigating legal and regulatory crises—offering hope, clarity, and grounded wisdom to those who feel isolated and terrified under pressure.If you are an attorney, physician, or high-achieving professional, this episode may change how you think about fear, justice, and resilience.🎧 Watch, listen, subscribe and share with someone who needs to hear this.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome02:49 Dr. Rifai’s Background05:06 Facing Federal Indictment08:31 The Trial Experience11:36 Preparation & Mindset14:25 Support Systems20:01 Seeing the Legal System from the Inside23:32 Cross-Examination Victory25:47 Mental Health & Legal Consequences38:10 Advice for Those Under Investigation42:19 Spiritual Resilience44:06 Closing RemarksContact guest Dr. Rifai: SHIELD.expert or bluepsychiatry.orgContact host Andreea Parc: andreeaparc.com#AgainstTheOdds #NotGuiltyAtTrial #FederalIndictment #JusticeSystem #LegalBattle #ResilienceStory #MentalHealthMatters #PhysiciansUnderPressure #ProfessionalsAtRisk #LegalTrauma #WrongfulProsecution #IntegrityUnderFire #SurvivingTheSystem #AliveAgainPodcast #AndreeaParc #HighAchievers #EmotionalResilience #MentalHealthInMedicine #LawAndMedicine #TruthAndJustice #SecondChances

A story that perfectly embodies the meaning of the Alive.Again. Podcast.

The choices we make—and the courage it takes to change them. In this powerful conversation, hosts Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru sit down with Brad Rouse—writer, sober coach, and mitigation specialist at whitecolleradvice.com—to explore the truth about taking responsibility, healing shame, and rebuilding life after addiction and incarceration.

Brad opens up about:

✨ The moment he finally accepted full responsibility for his past

✨ Carrying (and releasing) deep guilt and shame

✨ His path to long-term sobriety

✨ Why storytelling is essential for emotional healing

✨ How humor helped him survive the hardest moments

✨ The daily discipline of practicing self-respect

✨ What life looks like when you start over with intention and humility

This episode is for anyone navigating addiction, recovery, reinvention, or the quiet struggle of self-forgiveness.

It’s honest. It’s raw. It’s hopeful.

And it’s a reminder that redemption is always possible—one choice at a time.

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:17 Brad’s Background & Work

01:32 Personal Responsibility & Acceptance

02:59 Healing, Shame & Sobriety

09:45 Humor as a Survival Tool

14:49 Forgiveness & Letting Go

23:15 Practicing Self-Respect During & After Prison

27:38 Life After Incarceration

34:12 Final Thoughts

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on healing, redemption, and personal transformation.

If Brad’s story moved you, like, comment, and share to help others find this message of hope.

Contact Brad: bradrouse.com

Contact Andreea: andreeaparc.com

Contact Alexa: wasstudio.com

#AliveAgainPodcast #andreeaparc #RedemptionJourney #PrisonReform #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #SelfRespect #HealingJourney#LifeAfterPrison #PersonalResponsibility #RecoveryCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness

Join hosts Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru on the Alive.Again. Podcast as they sit down with Luke Palder, founder of MemoirGhostwriting.com, ProofreadingServices.com, and TranslationServices.com.In this powerful conversation, Luke reveals how memoir ghostwriting preserves family histories, captures unspoken memories, and gives future generations a bridge to their past.Together they explore:✨ The emotional depth of storytelling✨ The ethics and responsibility of ghostwriting✨ How AI is reshaping translation and transcription✨ The challenges of working with rare and niche languages✨ Why capturing your story now matters more than you thinkPerfect for anyone passionate about legacy, storytelling, and preserving the truth of a life.⏱️ Time Stamps00:00 — Welcome and Introduction00:18 — Meet Luke Palder: Founder and Visionary01:29 — The Evolution of Memoir Ghostwriting02:23 — AI's Role in Translation and Transcription05:35 — Challenges and Solutions in Niche Languages14:06 — The Ethics and Process of Ghostwriting18:47 — Everyone Has a Story: Uncovering Hidden Gems21:28 — Exploring Genealogy and Family Stories22:15 — The Role of Genealogical Firms24:27 — Personal Journey: From Aspiring Astronaut to Yale26:24 — Insights from Working with Famous Clients31:24 — The Importance of Capturing Stories35:28 — Addressing Shame and Guilt in Memoirs39:56 — Cherishing Moments with Family41:13 — Final Thoughts and FarewellContact Luke Palder:Founder | MemoirGhostwriting.com1-888-MEMGHOST (1-888-636-4467)Contact Andreea Parc:Quantum Risk Management Consultant for Law Firms | Prevention Partner for Attorneys | Psychogenealogy Practitioner | Former Attorney & CFO | Author & PodcasterCreator of The A.P.P.L.E. Technique & The M.O.N.E.Y. MethodRisk management from the inside out — where your awareness shapes every decision.929 528-1562 * [email protected]. Podcast: https://www.andreeaparc.com/podcast/Read My Books: https://www.andreeaparc.com/books-alive-again/Connect for Consulting or Podcast Guest Spots: https://calendly.com/andreeaparc/chat-with-andreea 🔗 Follow Me:LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookContact Alexa Dumitru:Instagram: @AlexaDumitru_#aliveagainpodcast #Ghostwriting #AndreeaParc #StorytellingMatters #YourLegacy #LifeStories #Ghostwriter #TranslationServices #AIStorytelling #PersonalNarratives #FamilyHistory #EmotionalHealing

Post-Incarceration Syndrome & Reentry Trauma: A Deep Dive with Sheila Bruno | Alive.Again. PodcastIn this powerful episode of Alive.Again. Podcast, hosts Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru sit down with Shelia Bruno — author, coach, and one of the leading national voices on Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS).Shelia opens up about her personal journey, including reconnecting with her husband Kevin after his 28 years of incarceration, and how that experience propelled her to educate families, communities, and professionals about the hidden psychological effects of prison.This conversation uncovers:- The emotional and behavioral shifts caused by long-term incarceration- Why so many returning citizens struggle, even years after release- How families can better understand and support their loved ones- The role of society, shame, and silence in reentry challenges- Sheila’s groundbreaking 3D+V Framework for navigating post-incarceration trauma- The hope, healing, and transformation possible when we address the real root issuesWhether you’re directly impacted by incarceration, supporting a loved one through reentry, or working in the justice system, this episode will open your eyes, deepen your empathy, and offer tools for healing.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome and Introduction00:19 – Meet Sheila Bruno01:50 – The Journey of Reconnection03:07 – Understanding Post-Incarceration Syndrome03:30 – Creating a Movement04:48 – The Psychological Impact of Incarceration09:11 – The 3D+V Framework16:48 – Recognizing Post-Incarceration Syndrome27:23 – Purpose and Pain28:07 – Forgiveness & Personal Growth29:54 – Why PICS Matters33:27 – Trauma Awareness & Reentry36:35 – Navigating Life After Prison40:30 – Vulnerability & Self-Care45:15 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next🔗 Connect with Sheila Brunoemail: [email protected]: https://a.co/d/d6RUgxxShelia Bruno is the Founder of Wife After Prison™ and a leading advocate for understanding the emotional and psychological impact of incarceration. Known as “The Awakener,” Shelia gives language to the pain that families and returning citizens often can’t explain. Drawing from lived experience and years of research, she has become a national voice on Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS) — a trauma response that affects individuals long after their release. Through her books, workshops, and speaking engagements, Shelia empowers families, professionals, and citizens returning to recognize the signs, heal from the effects, and rebuild lives with compassion, structure, and purpose.🔗 Connect with Andreea ParcWebsite: andreeaparc.com🔗 Connect with Alexa DumitruInstagram: AlexaDumitru_📌 If this episode resonates, please:👍 Like🗣️ Comment🔔 Subscribe📤 Share this conversation with someone impacted by incarceration