Curious Life of a Childfree Woman

Conventional wisdom often reduces metabolism to a simple equation: eat less, move more. But is that approach doing more harm than good? In this episode, functional health coach and certified personal trainer Jillian Harbarcuk joins Emily Paulsen to challenge common misconceptions about metabolism, hormones, and long-term wellness.

Jillian, the founder of Fueled Coaching, specializes in helping women optimize their health through functional nutrition, strength training, and bio-individual strategies that go beyond weight loss. She shares the science behind metabolism, why chronic dieting and overtraining often backfire, and how to make choices that support the body rather than fight against it.

This conversation explores the role of hormones, the impact of stress and cortisol, and why strength training is essential for long-term health. Jillian and Emily talk about  practical, science-backed strategies for improving metabolic health without falling into the cycle of restriction and burnout.

Key Takeaways:

• Metabolism is more than weight loss. It is the process of converting food into energy and is influenced by factors like muscle mass, hormone balance, and lifestyle habits.

• Diet culture promotes harmful myths. Many women have been conditioned to believe that eating less and exercising more is the key to health, when in reality, chronic restriction can damage metabolism.

• Strength training is essential for longevity. Building muscle supports metabolic function, bone health, and overall resilience, especially as the body ages.

• Chronic stress and cortisol play a major role. Undereating, overtraining, and high stress levels can contribute to hormonal imbalances, poor recovery, and stubborn weight gain.

• Sustainability is key. Instead of focusing on restriction, prioritizing movement, adequate nutrition, rest, and recovery leads to better long-term results.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode, Jillian Harbarcuk is a Functional Health Coach, NBCHWC (nationally board certified health and wellness coach), and Certified Personal Trainer specializing in metabolism, hormones, and longevity. As the founder of Fueled Coaching, she’s helped hundreds of women optimize their health through functional nutrition, strength training, and bio-individual strategies that go beyond weight loss. Her science-backed approach focuses on balancing hormones, repairing metabolism, and creating lasting behavior change, so women can feel stronger, more energized, and fully in control of their health.

Connect with Jillian Online: 

www.fueledcoaching.co/coaching 

www.instagram.com/jillianrfit 

www.tiktok.com/@jillianrfit

And catch the latest episodes of the Reality Check Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reality-check-podcast/id1754197444 

What does it really mean to embrace individuality in a world that often encourages us to conform? In this episode, fashion and beauty influencer Dominique Baker joins Emily Paulsen for a conversation about authenticity, influence, and navigating social pressures—both online and in real life.

Dominique has built a thriving career as a content creator, working with some of the biggest names in fashion and beauty. But beyond the brand partnerships and beautiful imagery, she’s a vocal advocate for staying true to yourself, standing up against online bullying, and cultivating meaningful connections.

From navigating influence to embracing individuality and building strong female friendships, to challenging societal expectations—including the choice to be childfree—this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration for anyone who wants to live life on their own terms.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Influence – How Dominique uses her platform to share authenticity and why being intentional with influence matters.

• Embracing Individuality – Why societal pressures push us toward conformity and how we can resist the urge to blend in.

• The State of Female Friendships – The challenges and beauty of adult friendships, navigating competition, and knowing when to walk away.

• Overcoming Online Bullying – Dominique’s personal experience with cyberbullying and why she’s passionate about taking a stand against it.

• Living Life on Your Own Terms – How confidence, self-trust, and rejecting external expectations can lead to a more fulfilling life.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode, Dominique Baker, is a fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in the North American Black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. Dominique has been featured in WhoWhatWear, Style Canada, The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She has over 450K followers across all social platforms. 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/dominique.baker

https://www.titkok.com/@dominiquebakerofficial

https://www.youtube.com/c/styledomination

What does it mean to be an influential speaker? Whether commanding a stage, speaking in a meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, the way people use their voice shapes their impact. In this episode, Emily Paulsen spoke to Tricia Brouk, a strategic advisor, speaker mentor, and award-winning director who has helped thousands of thought leaders share their message powerfully.

Tricia shared insights on the art of speaking, the connection between storytelling and influence, and why using one’s voice is one of the most powerful ways to leave a lasting legacy. She also explored how presence, authenticity, and intentional communication can transform not just how speakers are heard—but how they inspire others.

For those who have ever doubted the power of their voice or wondered how to refine their speaking skills, this conversation provides actionable strategies and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• The Art of Speaking: Why public speaking isn’t just for stages—it’s about how individuals show up and communicate in everyday life.

• Presence and Influence: How commanding a room starts with confidence, mindset, and being in full alignment with oneself.

• The Power of Storytelling: Why the best speakers aren’t just delivering information—they’re creating a journey for their audience.

• Overcoming Speaking Fears: How to workwith nerves instead of trying to eliminate them.

• Legacy Beyond Parenthood: How choosing to be childfree has shaped Tricia’s perspective on influence, impact, and contribution.

• Becoming an Influential Voice: Why every interaction—big or small—has the potential to shape the world.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio,Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website:www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode, Tricia Brouk, is a strategic advisor who helps high-performing professionals transform into industry thought leaders through the power of authentic storytelling. With her experience as a seasoned and award-winning director, producer, and mentor to countless speakers, Tricia has put thousands of speakers onto big stages around the globe. Tricia founded The Big Talk Academy where she certifies speakers in the art of public speaking. She was the executive producer of Speakers Who Dare and TEDxLincolnSquare and is the producer and host of The Big Talk, an award- winning podcast and YouTube Channel. Tricia’s book, The Influential Voice: Saying What You Mean for Lasting Legacy, was a #1 New Release on Amazon in December 2020. Big Stages, the documentary film featuring her work with speakers premiered at The Chelsea Film Festival in October of 2023. And her newest love is The Big Talk Press, the publishing house she founded in support of her speakers. 

Learn more about Tricia and her programs on her website: 

www.TriciaBrouk.com

Take her Free High-Impact Speaking Masterclass: 

triciabrouk.com/command 

And connect with her on IG: 
https://www.instagram.com/tricia_brouk/

How is it possible to have a closet overflowing with clothes yet still feel like we have nothing to wear? In this episode, Emily sits down with Chellie Carlson, a transformational wardrobe stylist with over 20 years in the fashion industry, to unravel the deeper issues behind our personal style struggles. Chellie works with high-performing executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives to help them move beyond the cycle of overconsumption and into a wardrobe that aligns with their authentic selves.

From fast fashion to body image, self-worth, and the psychology behind our shopping habits, this conversation dives into the reasons why so many of us feel disconnected from our clothing—and how we can reclaim our confidence through intentional style choices.

Whether you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe, struggle with body image, or want to refine your style without constantly shopping, this episode is packed with insights that will shift your perspective.

Key Takeaways:

*The article Emily referenced in the podcast can be found here: https://www.empower.com/the-currency/life/dressing-up-monthly-spend-apparel 

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode is Chellie Carlson, a transformational wardrobe stylist and the founder of The Method and The Style Society, where she helps high-performing entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives redefine their personal style with confidence and intention. With over 20 years in the fashion industry, Chellie’s expertise goes beyond trends—she believes that clothing is a powerful tool for self-expression and personal transformation.

Her signature styling approach focuses on curating fewer, higher-quality pieces, creating a wardrobe that feels both authentic and magnetic. Through her deeply personalized process, she helps clients break free from the cycle of overconsumption, align their wardrobe with their future selves, and show up in the world with undeniable presence.

From in-depth closet edits to luxury styling sessions, Chellie’s work is rooted in helping people feel seen, stylish, and empowered—every single day.

Learn more about Chellie on her website: https://www.chelliecarlson.com/

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelliecarlson/ 

What does it mean to truly prepare for menopause and navigate the "zone of chaos"? In this episode, licensed psychotherapist and yoga expert Ashley Turner joins Emily to explore menopause as a holistic transformation. From redefining the narrative around aging and hormones to embracing the psycho-spiritual metamorphosis that comes with this phase, Ashley shares her insights on how mindfulness, self-awareness, and preparation can empower women.

Ashley’s candid reflections on her personal journey through menopause—despite being deeply immersed in health and wellness for decades—offer a powerful reminder that this transition is both challenging and an incredible opportunity for growth. Whether you're in your 30s or already experiencing symptoms, this conversation provides actionable advice and inspiration to approach menopause with curiosity and empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding menopause is essential: It’s not just about symptoms; it’s about the holistic transformation of body, mind, and spirit.

• Preparation matters: Tracking hormones early and building physical and mental resilience can ease the transition.

• Reframing menopause as an awakening: This phase offers the opportunity to step into wisdom, authenticity, and greater self-confidence.

• Mindfulness as medicine: Practices like yoga and meditation help navigate the emotional and physical aspects of menopause.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode is Ashley Turner (she/her) is a yoga–meditation expert, Licensed Psychotherapist, writer, facilitator and 7-figure entrepreneur.

She is the visionary and founder of The Center for Yoga Psychology – an innovative, scientifically grounded training center for teachers, clinicians and dedicated students fusing yoga, mindfulness, trauma resolution, shadow work and neuroscience. It is a go-to hub for evidence-based yoga, meditation and breathwork for mental health. She has been featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, Shape, Self, Women’s Health, Yoga Journal, Health, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Sounds True and many more!Ashley is a sought after speaker, facilitator and presenter at conferences and events worldwide. Her mission is to integrate yoga and meditation into the mainstream medical and educational systems by training highly-skilled professionals and helping them build fulfilling, highly profitable businesses.

Learn more about Ashley and her programs on her websites: 

www.AshleyTurner.co  

www.Yoga-Psychology.co

And connect with her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ashleyturner1/ 

In this episode, Emily speaks with Nicole Pearl, a renowned beauty expert, journalist, and PR coach, about the profound ways beauty intersects with mental health, confidence, and our daily lives. As someone who has spent over 20 years navigating the beauty industry and helping small businesses amplify their voices, Nicole offers a refreshing perspective on how beauty can empower, inspire, and connect us.

From debunking beauty myths to exploring the industry's evolving trends, Nicole shares actionable insights for embracing beauty in a way that uplifts and empowers. Whether you're a beauty minimalist or a self-proclaimed enthusiast, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the role beauty plays in how we show up in the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Beauty and Mental Health: The unexpected ways beauty routines and products impact our confidence and emotional well-being.
• Simplicity Over Excess: Why the era of multi-step skincare is fading, and how minimalism is making a comeback.
• Finding Your Signature Look: How to discover and embrace the beauty choices that feel most authentic to you.
• Navigating Trends with Confidence: How to approach beauty trends critically and adapt them to your personal style.
• The Power of Pro-Aging: Shifting the narrative from “anti-aging” to celebrating the journey of aging gracefully and authentically.

The stats that Emily Shared in the episode can be found here: 

https://www.statista.com/topics/3138/cosmetics-consumer-behavior-in-the-us/#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20is%20the,to%20only%20134%20U.S.%20dollars.

And here:

https://helplama.com/beauty-industry-revenue-usage-statistics/#:~:text=Annual%20expenditure%20on%20beauty%20products,topped%20%24483%20billion%20in%202020.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode is Nicole Pearl. Nicole is the go-to expert in the beauty industry. She has been featured everywhere including The Today Show, New York Times, Oprah Daily, InStyle, Seventeen, Cosmo, Marie Claire, Health - anywhere there’s a discussion about beauty, Nicole is the expert of choice. 

She is also a PR Coach. As someone who is on both sides of the pitch inbox, she taps into her 20+ years as beauty journalist and on-air beauty and lifestyle expert to even the playing field and empower small businesses in the beauty, lifestyle, fashion and wellness space.

Connect with Nicole on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nicolepearlbeautygirl/ 

And on her websites: 

thebeautygirl.comnicolepearl.com

In Episode 10 of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen dives into the world of color psychology with Michelle Lewis, a Color Psychology Expert, author of Color Secrets, and founder of the Color Institute™️. Michelle shares her expertise on how color influences our emotions, behaviors, and decisions—whether it’s in our homes, wardrobes, or businesses.

Together, they explore how to use color intentionally to feel empowered, aligned, and creative. From understanding the science behind color psychology to practical tips for color analysis, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone curious about the impact of color in their daily life.

Whether you’re rethinking your brand’s identity, exploring personal style, or seeking balance in your living space, this conversation will inspire you to see the world in a new spectrum of possibilities.

Key Takeaways

• Color Psychology 101: How color affects our emotions, decision-making, and overall well-being.

• The Power of Personalization: Why understanding your unique color palette can transform your wardrobe, brand, and home.

• Intentional Living with Color: How to use color to enhance your mood, confidence, and creativity.

• Cultural and Personal Contexts: The importance of tailoring color choices to align with individual and cultural influences.

• Practical Tips for Everyday Color Use: Simple steps to begin exploring color analysis and psychology in your life.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode is Michelle Lewis is a Color Psychology Expert who helps people connect color into their life and brand. Author of Color Secrets and founder of the Color Institute™️, she is passionate about teaching the universal language of color to the world. She has been featured on TEDx, Insider, Inc, Huffington Post + many more. 

Get Michelle’s Book: https://www.colorcured.com/colorsecrets

Explore color analysis and resources:https://coloranalysis.com

Get certified or learn about integrating color psychology into your business:https://colorinstitute.com  (coming soon).

Try Michelle’s TikTok Filter: https://www.tiktok.com/@colorpsychologist/video/7412730013734227242

Connect with Michelle on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/colorpsychologist/ 

What does it mean to age with confidence in a society that often sidelines older women? In this episode, leadership coach Kamrin Huban joins Emily to explore how we can rewrite the narrative around aging, visibility, and the opportunities that come with life’s later chapters. As the founder of 50 Not Dead, Kamrin supports women over 50 in making bold transitions, stepping into leadership roles, and redefining what it means to thrive.

From combating ageism to embracing intergenerational mentorship, Kamrin’s insights shed light on the power of resilience and the importance of owning your experience at every age. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, seeking more visibility, or simply rethinking what aging can look like, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Aging: Why aging is a privilege and how societal expectations can limit our perception of what’s possible at every stage of life.

• The Fear of Invisibility: How women can combat cultural narratives and remain seen and valued as they age.

• Embracing Change: The benefits of taking risks, pursuing curiosity, and making bold moves later in life.

• Mentorship Matters: How intergenerational connections can foster growth, confidence, and understanding across age groups.

• Networking with Intention: Why building meaningful relationships at any stage of life is essential—and how to approach networking in a way that feels authentic, purposeful, and empowering.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode is Kamrin Huban.  Kamrin is Leadership Coach for Women over 50 and the founder of the 50, Not Dead Community and Podcast. She helps women make extraordinary change in their 50’s, navigating new leadership roles, making the leap out of corporate and figuring out what will be next for them in their next chapter.

Learn More about Kamrin on her website: 

https://www.kamrinhuban.com/ 

And connect with Kamrin on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamrin-huban/ 
 

In this special solo episode, Emily Paulsen reflects on the journey of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the podcast and her personal story. She shares why she created this space, her childfree perspective, and her vision for what’s to come in 2025. Emily also opens up about navigating societal expectations, embracing individuality, and the transformative power of curiosity.

Whether you’re childfree or simply seeking fresh inspiration, this episode invites you to explore a life full of possibility and celebrate the freedom of living on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily and the podcast on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

What is energy, and how does it shape our lives? In this episode, energy healer and elite performance coach Candace Tranter joins Emily Paulsen to discuss the profound role of energy in our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With over 23 years of experience, Candace explains how energy blockages manifest as discomfort or illness and why aligning our energy is essential for creating the life we desire.

Candace shares her insights on identifying and clearing energy blockages, the transformative power of breathwork, and daily practices to maintain energetic balance. Together, Emily and Candace explore how understanding and working with energy can support a more intentional, vibrant, and unique life. Whether you’re new to energy healing or curious about living with greater alignment, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and actionable steps.

Key Takeaways

• The Nature of Energy: Understanding energy as a vibrational frequency that influences every aspect of life.

• Identifying Blockages: How unprocessed emotions can manifest as physical discomfort and how to release them.

• Transformative Breathwork: The benefits of breathwork for emotional release, healing, and expansion.

• Daily Energy Practices: Simple actions like grounding, creative expression, and mindful movement to maintain alignment.

• Expanding Possibilities: Why clearing energy creates space for joy, abundance, and a more unique and fulfilling life.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode is Candace Tranter, a highly skilled Integrative Energy Healer and Elite Performance Coach, dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve profound personal transformation. Specializing in trauma healing, energetic alignment, and unlocking full potential, Candace uses a holistic approach combining the Cellular Alignment Technique, advanced breathwork, and customized transformation blueprints to create lasting change. 

Connect with Candace Online: https://zoleexperience.com/integrative-energy-healing

https://candacetranter.com/