Unlock the secrets to healthier, more fulfilling relationships with insights from renowned psychologist Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps. We explore how childhood attachment styles shape our adult relationships.  Discover her innovative STEAM model, designed to enhance self-awareness and cultivate secure attachments, and get a sneak peek into her transformative new book, "The Insecure in Love Workbook."
Key Topics Discussed:
1. Attachment Theory and Adult Relationships. 
      -How early interactions shape our "model of others" and "model of self"
      -The impact on expectations and self-worth in relationships.
2. The STEAM Model for Self-Awareness
      - Sensations, Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, and Mentalizing. 
      - Structured approach to improving self-awareness and emotional regulation
3. Overcoming Anxious Tendencies in Relationships
       - Understanding pursuit-withdrawal cycles
       - Tips for moving towards secure attachment 
4. Developing Compassionate Self-Awareness
        - Strategies for cultivating self-compassion
         - Resources for transformative healing
5. Addressing Attachment Issues in Relationships
        - Importance of understanding partner's attachment style
        - Using the STEAM model for relationship growth

Compassionate self-awareness is a key focus of Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps' approach to mental health and relationships.  It involves developing a deeper understanding of oneself while maintaining a kind and nurturing attitude. Compassionate self-awareness is linked to building emotional resilience.  By understanding and accepting oneself, individuals can better navigate life's challenges. 

Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps is a renowned psychologist, therapist, speaker, and author. Her work is dedicated to helping people understand their inner selves and what they need to do to become emotionally and psychologically healthy.

Connect with Dr. Leslie
Website
Purchase:  Insecure in Love Workbook
Facebook
Youtube

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

"When we go one step further and take the time to acknowledge our joy, it tends to replenish itself, become more available and more abundance.  I believe our joy is a limitless wellspring: the more you use it, the more there is to use" - Vicki Dello Joio.  

 With over 50 years of experience in Qigong, Martial Arts, and performing arts, Vicki's wisdom and playful spirit shine through as she discusses the founding of "The Way of Joy- A Spiritual Fitness Program and the inspiration behind her book, "The Way of Joy." You'll learn how Vicki's methods can help you reclaim your innate joy and achieve profound, lifelong shifts toward greater harmony and energy.

 We explore:

• the significance of energetic boundaries, 
• the importance of self-love,  
• the practical applications of Qigong in daily life,
• the transformative power of gratitude,
• the importance of awareness, and
• the role of community support in healing.

 Vicki shares personal challenges she faced during the creation of her program, offering valuable insights into how these experiences tested and validated the principles of joy and resilience she teaches. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the concept, you'll find something inspiring in Vicki's approach to integrating body, mind, and spirit practices.

 Vicki emphasizes the empowerment that comes from overcoming victimhood and making conscious choices, offering practical advice for anyone looking to shift their mindset and maintain passion in life. Tune in to "Chat Off the Mat" to be inspired, reclaim your innate joy, and unlock your full potential.

Connect with Vicki!
https://www.vickidellojoio.com
https://yourpowerpresence.com
National Qigong Association

Sign up at www.rosewippich.com and receive a free chapter of my book Empress Rising.  You will also be the first to hear when my workshops and offerings will be available.  Join the Empress Community and be a part of the movement.  

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

 Gwen Ferreira is a longtime yoga teacher who has made the transition from studio teaching to running a profitable digital yoga platform. In this episode, she shares her expertise on building a successful online yoga business.

Gwen opens up about the challenges of moving your yoga instruction online while staying true to your values and teaching authentic yoga. She provides practical tips on:
- Creating high-quality online yoga courses that stand out
- Reaching an international audience through your online offerings
- Generating consistent income from your digital yoga business
- Using authentic marketing strategies to connect with your target students
- Overcoming mental blocks around online teaching and entrepreneurship

Gwen also demystifies the process of developing online courses tailored to today's yoga practitioners. She discusses how to create content that resonates with modern students seeking a balanced yoga practice.

The episode concludes with an overview of Gwen's suite of online training programs designed to help yoga teachers succeed in the digital space, including:
- Building an engaged community through Facebook groups
- Utilizing lead magnets and email marketing
- Monetizing your online presence while upholding yogic principles

Whether you're a studio yoga teacher exploring online options or already establishing a digital teaching platform, this conversation offers a roadmap for entrepreneurial yoga instructors to expand their reach and impact through the online world.

Connect with Gwen!
https://yogacareerwithgwen.com/
https://www.instagram.com/yogacareerwithgwen/

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

As yoga teachers, we understand the profound impact trauma can have on the nervous system and how yoga can serve as a pathway to recovery. In this episode, I explore the powerful practice of trauma-sensitive yoga with the yoga instructor and author, Lara Land.
 
Lara guides us through the differences between trauma-sensitive yoga and traditional yoga classes. We explore how this specialized approach creates a sanctuary for students who have experienced trauma by emphasizing safety, choice, and non-judgmental exploration.

 Our discussion covers the spectrum of trauma responses, acknowledging that each student's healing journey is unique. Lara illuminates how trauma-sensitive practices, such as gentle asana, breath work, and Tristana's non-physical limbs, can facilitate reconnection with the body and a sense of empowerment.

 Lara's insights remind us that healing is not merely about restoring balance but also about rediscovering one's inner strength. We celebrate transformative stories, like that of a veteran whose life was reshaped through this approach, exemplifying yoga's vast potential for growth. 

 Lara's vision of making trauma-sensitive yoga accessible to communities affected by trauma is a powerful reminder of our role in creating inclusive and safe spaces for all students to begin their journey toward renewal and wholeness.

Connect with Lara:
www.laraland.us
www.landyoga.com
Facebook . Twitter . Instagram, YouTube
-Executive Director, Three and a Half Acres Yoga
Yoga Journal Karma Awards Recipient
Purchase her book:  Essential Guide to Trauma Sensitive Yoga

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

In this episode, I explore the fascinating world of synesthetic art and healing with award-winning artist Heather Eck. Heather’s gift of synesthesia allows her to perceive sounds and music as colors and textures to create stunning visual art that promotes healing and personal growth.   

 Heather shares her personal journey of realizing her synesthetic abilities from a young age when she would draw the melodies she heard in music. She discusses how later discovering the term "synesthesia" allowed her to fully embrace and harness this unique way of experiencing the world.

 I chat with Heather about the process she employs to create therapeutic art that has touched many lives, including my own.   The heart of the episode explores Heather's one-of-a-kind artistic process for creating "Spirit Portraits." She walks us through:

- How she intuitively connects with subjects through meditation on their photographs
- Discerning the specific colors and symbols associated with their chakras 
- Allowing rhythms of music to guide the visual narrative on canvas
- The profound resonance her soul portraits have for clients

 Stories are shared about the healing experiences and personal growth that have emerged through her work, including a powerful piece inspired by a friend's battle with cancer.

 Heather's own journey is highlighted - her transition from corporate HR to leaning into her passion as an artist and spiritual coach. This shift represented fully embodying her authentic self and the rewards of aligning with one's true calling.

HEATHER ECK is a multimedia abstract artist and writer. An intuitive artist and painter, she interprets people, places, and experiences through color, a condition known as synesthesia. Like an enormous box of crayons, her gift operates by categorizing through intricate but specific shades of color.  While this condition enables her to experience color, she responds to these encounters with people, things, emotions, and spaces by understanding the particular shade of experience that a person dwells in. She uses her gift to detect the most healing color for them and transforms these vibrant energies into captivating paintings that uplift, inspire and heal. 

Connect with Heather
Instagram
Facebook
Prints & Products: www.heathereckstudios.com
www.heathereck.com

Show Offer!! To receive 25% off your first Spirit Portrait include the code: PODCAST when checking out.  
Heather’s offers a complimentary 15-minute color consultation.

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

When Alexandra Charles-Kersey transitioned from professional dance to yoga and meditation, she discovered a wellspring of healing that would forever alter her life's direction.  Join us as Alexandra, founder of Soul Tribes in Houston, shares her transformative journey and how the integration of Bikram, Kundalini, and yin yoga into her daily rhythm helped her achieve a sense of well-bring and balance.  Together, we unpack the resilience of the human spirit and the role of these ancient practices in navigating the ebbs and flows of life.

The conversation will cover the benefits of yin yoga and using sound bowls for therapeutic effects on the body and mind. Alexandra will share  stories of how yoga has helped her and members of her 'Soul Tribe' members, including one who avoided surgery through specialized yoga sessions. She'll explain the studio's unique offerings for all levels of practitioners.

Alexandra provides insights on finding balance through a fulfilling yoga practice and teaching career. including the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, patience and persistence when embarking on a path like yoga teacher training for personal growth or to instruct others. The overall theme is how yoga can facilitate holistic health and harmony.

Alexandra was born and raised in Sydney, Australia,  She has been a professional dancer her whole life.  She found yoga early on to help heal some injuries and meditation to assist in centering and finding balance. Her approach to both is with wholistic real-world tools and practices, and most of all to make things enjoyable and accessible for anybody.  

She opened her studio, Soul Tribes Yoga and Meditation, in Houston Texas in 2019, where she strives to help people cultivate self-awareness and compassion, strength and stability, mind and body balance, and tools for optimal breathing.

Connect with Alexandra!
Soul Tribes Yoga & Meditation
Instagram
Facebook

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

Ever wondered how the colors you're drawn to might reflect your deepest self? Join me, Rose Wippich, with special guest Mara Marchesi, the Intuition Queen, as we traverse her remarkable journey—spanning from her Italian roots to her transformative life in London.

 Mara shares her personal journey of self-discovery, including overcoming challenges like the loss of her father and financial struggles. These life events ultimately led Mara to live a more authentic and fulfilling life aligned with her intuition and purpose.

Mara discusses her innate gift of sensing and channeling energies, which blossomed alongside her childhood love of colors. A chance encounter with aura reading opened up her world to understanding how color preferences and personal energies are connected. Mara explains the relationship between colors and self-awareness. 

She recounts how her creative instincts and affinity for colors guided her to become a visionary who helps provide clarity and direction to clients seeking transformation in their lives. Mara guides clients through profound shifts, including managing resistance, emotional triggers, childhood wounds and trauma, and the importance of commitment and community support.

Whether you're interested in the healing power of color or searching for your life's greater purpose, this conversation offers insights into finding joy and fulfillment through self-discovery.

Mara Marchesi, - The Intuition Queen. Energy Alchemist for Entrepreneurs and Artistic Souls.  A transformative force dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and creative souls on a journey of empowerment, abundance, and self-discovery. Intuitive and creative life coach, energy healer, and gifted psychic, but most of a catalyst for profound change.

www.theintuitionqueen.com
Instagram:  the_intuition_queen
Listen to Intuitive Queens Podcast 
Join her Facebook  community.

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

Astrology buffs and novices alike, prepare to have your minds expanded as we chart a course through the constellations.  Our latest guest, Taylor Norris, unlocks  cosmic messages, combining Galactic Astrology with Quantum Soul Guidance and Reiki Energy.  Learn about Taylor's own stellar journey, from a celestial-touched childhood to the transformative power of Reiki and Yoga culminating in her calling to guide others. 

Taylor's unique perspective goes beyond the usual zodiac and  explores how distant stars  in our charts can reveal our past lives and hidden talents. The recent astrological meetup between Jupiter and Uranus gets a moment in the spotlight.  Wrapping up our cosmic journey, we discuss the  arrival of Jupiter in Gemini and what this shift means for our collective airwaves. 

Let this episode guide you in embracing the cosmic energies at play.  We're offering you  a ticket to the stars—no spaceship required, just an open heart and an enquiring mind, ready to align with the universe's wisdom.

About Taylor:
Taylor Ann Norris, M.S. is a Usui/Holy Fire® III/World Peace Karuna Reiki® Master and Professional Member of the Reiki Membership Association. She empowers others with Usui/Holy Fire® III World Peace Reiki Classes and sessions online.  

Taylor is also a passionate Certified Galactic Astrology Soul Reading / Quantum Soul Guidance Practitioner. She integrates advanced Reiki techniques and intuition into her Galactic Astrology Soul Readings for clients' healing, guidance, and empowerment.

Taylor teaches classes that combine the infinite healing of Reiki journeys with the divine timing and wisdom of Galactic Astrology to assist spiritual seekers in their quest for truth, understanding, and embodying more of their multidimensional self.

Connect with Taylor:

• https://www.taylornorrisreiki.com
•  Free Distant Reiki Shares:  Signup Here
• Email:  [email protected]
•  Instagram 
•  Youtube  

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

Clara Cohen of Acupro Academy is here to unravel the mysteries of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its holistic approach to nutrition. We promise that by the end of our time together, you'll view your diet and health through an entirely new lens. From the staples of acupuncture and herbal therapies to the importance of season-aligned eating, this episode offers personal reflections and lively discussions, that has the power to reshape your wellness journey.

Clara and I talk about seasonal foods that support and cleanse our organs, highlighting the  connection between the earth's cycles and our bodily needs.  We explore the emotional and spiritual landscapes within us, influenced by the ancient wisdom of the five elements and spirits. Our conversation guides you through the realms of prenatal and postnatal chi, and even into the surprising virtues of dark chocolate for holistic indulgence!

My hope is that you'll carry the wisdom shared by Clara into your own life, nurturing a relationship with food and self that is as conscious as it is enriching.  And, that you will be inspired to learn more about TCM.  So, join us for this feast of the mind and spirit, and may your journey toward balance and health be delicious.

Clara: TCM Rockstar!
Clara Cohen has completed a 5 year program at the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine  level and has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2003 in Vancouver, Canada, focusing her practice in women's health and mental health.  Founder and content creator of AcuPro Academy, online platform which she uses to educate and share her passion about TCM.   She is a key influencer in TCM, inspiring students and practitioners alike.   

She is the founder of Healing Cedar Wellness,  the author of 3 books, and a recognized speaker who continuously makes a global impact through her teachings sharing her knowledge and educating medical doctors and acupuncture students. 

Clara is very dedicated to inspire everyone to learn the amazing benefits of Chinese Medicine. She does this through her many online platforms where her goal is to make TCM easy to grasp and fun to learn.   #TCMROCKS

Connect with Clara and Acupro Academy

- Website
- Podcast
- YouTube
- Facebook
- Instagram

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich

Evolving as a yoga student and teacher involves curiosity, somatic exploration and the desire for continuous learning, self-discovery and growth both on and off the mat.

  When I first stepped onto the mat under Terry Cockburn's guidance, I couldn't have predicted the transformation that awaited me and how profoundly her knowledge and teaching would influence my own personal practice and teaching style. 

  Together we unravel the journey of yoga beyond just postures, sharing insights into its impact on personal growth.
Terry and I  discuss: 

• the difference between functional alignment (adapting poses to suit each individual body) vs. aesthetic alignment (visually perfect pose),
• the essence of a nurturing yoga practice,  
• creating an embodied practice - developing a deep awareness and a connection to the body,  the hurdles we’ve had to overcome as teachers, especially during the pandemic, and importance of keeping an open line of communication with students and guiding them toward health and progression in their yoga practice.  
• a shared love of Qigong and how incorporating it into your practice supports a healthy cultivation of energy.

 Through our shared experiences, we aim to inspire and support you in creating a daily practice, enriched by education and community.

Terry's journey from learning yoga to becoming a teacher, trainer, studio owner and a creative energy behind the River Bird Sangha and school, reminds us of the power yoga has that shapes, not only our bodies, but our life’s direction. For thirty years, she has worked in the fitness and yoga industry as a trainer to individuals, teams and yoga schools and owned a vibrant community-based yoga studio, before pivoting to teaching online full-time with her  and partner Josh Summers. 

Links:
Riverbird Sangha Website                 
Instagram
Everyday Sublime Podcast

Mentions:
John Munro www.longwhitecloudqigong.com
Laurel Beversdorf  https://laurelbeversdorf.com
Ken Cohen's Book https://www.qigonghealing.com
Paul & Suzee Grilley https://paulgrilley.com
Stephanie Keach https://youryoga.com/about/
Mimi Kwo-Deemer  https://www.mkdeemer.com

Chat Off The Mat is hosted by Rose Wippich, Energy Alchemist & Empowerment Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, Qigong and yoga instructor, and author of Empress Rising: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom, and Rewrite the Rules of Aging.

Rose creates conversations for women ready to explore what’s possible in the next chapter — conversations about wellness, energy, personal transformation, embodiment, and the wisdom that comes with lived experience.

For Women Ready to Rise.

📖 Book: EMPRESS RISING: Own Your Energy, Trust Your Wisdom & Rewrite the Rules of Aging. 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to Chat Off The Mat.

⭐️ Enjoying the show? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Rose Wippich | Chat Off The Mat
© 2026 Rose Wippich