In this episode of the Free Yourself Podcast, Jeff Miller sits down with Dr. Rachel Herz, one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology and neuroscience of smell. A celebrated TED speaker and author of The Scent of Desire, Dr. Herz unpacks the extraordinary ways scent shapes our memories, emotions, and well-being.

Jeff opens the conversation by sharing how Dr. Herz’s research was central to his graduate capstone on “fragrance for good.” Together, they explore why scent is the most emotionally potent of all our senses, tied directly to the amygdala and hippocampus, and how it influences everything from personal narratives to cognitive health.

They also examine the broader implications of smell loss, the power of scent training to restore emotional regulation, and the role of scent in storytelling, culture, and multi-generational connection. With insights ranging from COVID-related anosmia to the future of scent in virtual reality, this episode is a masterclass in the unseen but deeply felt power of fragrance.

Topics covered:

• The neurobiology of scent, memory, and emotion
• How smell loss impacts identity, mood, and cognition
• Scent training and its potential to improve mental health
• Why storytelling and fragrance are deeply intertwined
• The future of scent in virtual reality and wellness

Subscribe and follow Jeff Miller’s journey as he explores the people, practices, and stories behind human flourishing through scent, creativity, and connection.

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In this intimate and thought-provoking episode of the Free Yourself Podcast, Jeff Miller is joined by renowned teacher and creative guide Kim Gillingham for a deep dive into the intersection of creativity, psychology, and the human experience. Together, they explore how embracing our whole selves, including our shadows, imperfections, and vulnerabilities, is essential for authentic artistic expression and personal growth.

From the limitations of AI to the transformative power of dream work and unconscious exploration, Jeff and Kim invite listeners into a conversation that bridges art, soul, and science. They discuss the importance of intention, the wisdom of Rumi’s Guest House, and how creative work becomes most powerful when rooted in emotional truth and embodied presence.

As they reflect on their shared lineage of mentors like Sandra Seacat and Marion Woodman, Jeff and Kim offer tools for artists, parents, professionals, and seekers alike who want to deepen their connection to purpose, expression, and human flourishing.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Embracing your whole self: light, shadow, and vulnerability
• Why AI can’t replace human creativity and intuition
• The power of dream work and unconscious integration
• Moving from hedonic to eudaimonic well-being
• Using scent, memory, and storytelling as tools for connection

Whether you’re an artist, a teacher, a healer, or simply someone trying to live more intentionally, this conversation will inspire you to free yourself from perfectionism and reconnect with your inner truth.

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In the finale of the Free Yourself Podcast cross-country tour, Jeff Miller speaks with acclaimed perfumers Mathilde Bijaoui and Ralf Schwieger at the MANE headquarters in New York. Renowned for creating evocative fragrances like Jo Malone's Myrrh & Tonka (Mathilde) and Frédéric Malle's Lipstick Rose (Ralf), they discuss their groundbreaking work on the latest Free Yourself Elements Collection fragrances: Ether and Numinous.

You'll get insights into their creative process as Mathilde and Ralf share how they use rare and unexpected ingredients, like orris, incense, and ozone, to craft deeply emotional, transcendent experiences. They explore the unique intersection of human intuition and storytelling in perfumery, emphasizing the limitations and potential of AI to enhance, but not replace, true artistic authenticity. Mathilde envisions fragrances symbolizing universal peace, while Ralf advocates for more bold, adventurous exploration within the perfume industry.

Ideal for fragrance lovers, creatives, and those intrigued by sensory storytelling, this episode celebrates fragrance as an art form capable of fostering emotional depth, personal narratives, and human connection.

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Nir Guy is co-owner of Perfumology, one of the world’s premier luxury fragrance boutiques, located in Philadelphia. But his story didn't start in scent. Nir sits down with Free Yourself podcast host Jeff Miller to share how a career in finance and law led him to finding passion and purpose in perfume, alongside his mother Avital, redefining fragrance as both an art form and a pathway to personal expression.

Nir shares memories of roses from his grandmother’s garden and experiences of scent in his youth, explaining how fragrance connects deeply to memory and identity, and the exciting ways a new generation engages with scent. Nir offers insights into the evolving future of fragrance, including innovative synthetic ingredients and the transformative power of global collaboration.

Perfect for fragrance enthusiasts, creatives, and anyone fascinated by the emotional and cultural power of scent, this episode invites you to experience how fragrance can foster deep connections, evoke meaningful memories, and even “change the world.”

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From scent to story, creativity guides our connection to each other. This episode of the Free Yourself Podcast, Jeff Miller sits down with Dr. Angus Fletcher, professor at Ohio State University, for a discussion on creativity, narrative thinking, artificial intelligence, and their love of honest storytelling. Dr. Fletcher challenges conventional ideas about creativity, emphasizing that narrative thinking is essential for true innovation and resilience.

Together they explore how modern education systems inadvertently stifle creativity and talk through practical ways to foster autonomy and resilience in students. Learn how classic literature, like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, serves therapeutic purposes by helping individuals process grief and trauma. You'll learn the primal importance of scent in evoking powerful emotional memories and its role in personal narratives.

Whether you’re an educator, student, storyteller, or anyone seeking deeper connections and creativity in your life, this episode offers actionable insights into harnessing the power of stories to build resilience, foster community, and enhance personal well-being.

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How does scent connect to psychology? That's what host Jeff Miller is exploring with Dr. Debra Riley Parr, an art historian and educator specializing in olfactory art and sensory studies. Dr. Parr, Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago, break down the fascinating ways in which our sense of smell intersects with identity, culture, and historical memory, particularly highlighting connections with race, Juneteenth, and the politics of scent.

Dr. Parr curates innovative art exhibitions such as VOLATILE! at The Poetry Foundation, showcasing the interplay between scent, poetry, and visual arts. In this episode, she explains how olfactory experiences challenge traditional sensory hierarchies, bridge cultural divides, and encourage profound connections among communities. Plus, Jeff and Dr. Parr talk about the emotional and societal implications of scent, the challenges of curating olfactory art, and the importance of expanding sensory education.

Perfect for art enthusiasts, fragrance lovers, and anyone intrigued by sensory experiences, this conversation invites you to reconsider the power of scent in shaping who we are and how we connect.

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In this episode of the Free Yourself Podcast, Jeff Miller is joined by Coach Fred Hoiberg, head coach of Nebraska men's basketball and affectionately known as "The Mayor." From his years as an NBA player and executive to becoming a celebrated college basketball coach, Fred's career was built on resilience, teamwork, and authentic community engagement.

Fred fosters well-rounded athletes by integrating community service, mindfulness, and mental health awareness into his coaching. He shares his own personal and professional challenges, how he has overcome a heart condition, and the significance of clear communication, role acceptance, and personal rituals in cultivating leadership and team success.

Subscribe to join Jeff Miller’s journey and explore transformative conversations designed to inspire flourishing in all aspects of life.

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Jamie and Noah Drucker, better known on TikTok as @mrandmrssniff, have built a fragrance community around more than just scent. Jamie is a holistic healer and founder of the Inner Wisdom School, and Noah is an integrative therapist and perfumer. Today, they join host Jeff Miller for a conversation about the enchanting element of ether: an invisible force bridging the tangible and spiritual worlds.

They share the importance of rituals, how fragrance can evoke deep emotional connections, and why community is essential to personal and professional flourishing. Plus, Jeff introduces exciting new additions to the Free Yourself fragrance line, including Ether and Numinous, and offers an exclusive preview of the Mindful Collection featuring the evocative scents Savor, Awe, and Vibe. 

Whether you’re passionate about fragrance, drawn to holistic wellness, or seeking inspiration to infuse your daily life with more intention and creativity, this episode invites you to cross the threshold into a deeper, more meaningful connection with yourself and others.

Subscribe to follow Jeff’s inspiring journey across the U.S., exploring powerful stories of fragrance, creativity, and flourishing.

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In this episode of the Free Yourself Podcast, Jeff Miller sits down with Dr. Kimberly Dickman, ethics educator at the Air Force Academy and specialist in positive psychology, for conversation about developing ethical, purpose-driven leaders through flourishing. Kimberly shares the transformative power of emotions, resilience, reflective practices, and micro-connections that foster genuine human connection.

Together, Jeff and Kimberly discuss practical methods for incorporating mindfulness, gratitude, and emotional intelligence into everyday life. They explore how personal narratives shape our resilience and optimism, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness and self-reflection in ethical leadership.

Plus, you'll get updates from Jeff's cross-country motorcycle journey, from unexpected flat tires to meaningful encounters, that reinforce the essential role human connection plays in personal flourishing.

Tune in and hit the road with Jeff all week to hear powerful stories that inspire flourishing.

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In the spiritual heartland of Sedona, Jeff Miller meets renowned healer and mystic Rahelio Rodriguez for an illuminating conversation on transformative energy, consciousness, and the profound shifts humanity faces in the coming decade. Drawing from Toltec teachings, Cherokee traditions, quantum physics, and mystical insights, Rahelio explores how blending ancient wisdom and modern science can empower us to thrive through rapid global change.

You'll learn practical guidance on maintaining inner peace amidst chaos, the power of intent versus intention, and the critical role of dreams, symbolism, and synchronicities in personal growth. Rahelio emphasizes the urgency of reconnecting with nature, elevating collective well-being, and consciously co-creating our shared reality.

If you are navigating personal transformation, intrigued by spiritual evolution, or seeking clarity in turbulent times, this episode offers profound insights to uplift your journey toward flourishing.

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