Her Story Unscripted

“People who are successful, whether on a health journey or in life, are not more motivated than the rest of us. They just have better habits.” —Ali Zuur-Arnerich  

Perimenopause and menopause are not just hormonal shifts— they are a profound transition that can redefine a woman's sense of self, power, and purpose. Therefore, when we embrace this transformative time as an opportunity to reclaim our vitality, the physical, emotional, and mental changes of midlife don't have to be a struggle anymore.

Ali Zuur-Arnerich is a holistic health coach and expert in women's midlife wellness, guiding clients through the complexities of hormonal fluctuations with a personalized, integrative approach.

Tune in as Heather and Ali dive deep into strategies for managing perimenopause symptoms, optimizing metabolic and nervous system health, and cultivating the mindset and habits to thrive through this pivotal life stage.

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

01:35 Healing Arts 

08:25 The Importance of Bio-Individuality

11:21 Strategies for Perimenopause

27:48 Tips for Improving Health

31:31 The Power of Retreats and Community Support

Connect with Ali: 

Ali Zuur-Arnerich is a dedicated health enthusiast with a passion for well-being and holistic health. With a robust educational background and extensive practical experience, she has cultivated a diverse skill set in wellness disciplines.

Ali's certifications include Functional and Therapeutic Breathwork Facilitation from Breath Body Therapy, Women's Functional Nutrition, Hormones, Perimenopause & Menopause Coaching from the Integrative Women's Health Institute, and Insulin Resistance Coaching and Nutritional Endocrinology from the Institute for Nutritional Endocrinology. She is also a Certified Birth Doula and Massage Therapist, with specialized training in Prenatal Massage.

Ali continues to expand her knowledge as she works towards completing her certification from the Quantum Coaching Academy. Her dedication to education and her diverse expertise make her a well-rounded wellness professional committed to helping others achieve optimal health.

Website

Instagram

Support the show

“There's going to be peak times where it's really busy, and then we're going to have down times where it's slow. And understanding what those cycles are and being comfortable with them makes it possible for anyone to stay in the industry, knowing that chaos is not always chaos.” —Melanie Zelnick

It's a whole new ballgame out there!

The events world is going through some wild changes these days, and event planners are having to get super creative and innovative to keep up with what clients and guests want. 

Melanie Zelnick is the owner of Glow Events, a boutique agency known for their custom, design-focused events. Melanie has been in the industry for over a decade, and she's seen it all. From weddings to corporate bashes, she knows how to throw the party of your dreams.

This week, Heather sits with Melanie to get the scoop on her journey from event planner to business owner, how she builds an amazing team culture, her secrets to killer vendor partnerships, and the genius creative process behind Glow's jaw-dropping event designs.  

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

01:44 Journey to Business Ownership 

04:04 Challenges and Growth During the Pandemic

13:57 Building a Strong Team Culture

19:37 Vendor Partnerships and Collaboration 

30:45 What’s Next for Glow? 

Connect with Melanie: 

Melanie Zelnick is the owner and CEO of Glow Events, a women-owned & women-run boutique event agency with a focus on strategic design. Over the past 15+ years, Glow has produced hundreds of events in the U.S. and internationally for a wide range of clients from Fortune 500 companies to intimate social soirees, each with its own unique design. Prior to Glow, Melanie was with Access, a premier DMC, and also worked in events for a variety of start-ups and non-profits. Melanie’s work has been featured in international magazines, podcasts, and blogs, making Glow Events a sought-after planning agency. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University.

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Support the show

“You need to ask for help… At the end of the day, you get resentful because you feel like people aren't there for you, but they don't know how to be there for you, because you're not clear on what you need.” —Marcy Bravo Tang

A lot of people tend to write off the idea of retreats because they think it's all just a bunch of "woo-woo" nonsense. But the truth is, retreats have a remarkable power to unlock profound personal transformation. They offer a sacred space for us to finally confront those deep-seated wounds we've been suppressing for far too long. In a world that constantly demands we keep our emotions in check, the vulnerability found in these experiences can be the key to unleashing our true potential. 

Marcy Bravo Tang is a visionary healer, artist, and coach who has dedicated her life to empowering others through creative expression and somatic practices. This week, Marcy is back for another inspiring conversation to share her unique blend of wisdom and compassion that has made her a sought-after guide for those seeking to navigate life's most challenging transitions.

Whether you're seeking to heal from grief, reclaim your intuition, or simply prioritize self-care, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in as Heather Nelson and Marcy dive deep into the transformative power of retreats, the importance of emotional expression, the power of having a community support, and practical steps to nurture our well-being. 

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

02:07 A Chance Encounter Blossomed into a Powerful Friendship

07:16 From Retreat to Rebirth

15:00 A Transformative Path to Wholeness

25:00 Strategies for Maintaining Inner Alignment 

30:10 The Importance of Being Ready 

33:16 The Next Chapter 

38:25 Many Ways to Heal, Many Willing to Help

Resources: 

🎙️Podcast

Life Conversations with a Twist: The Power Behind a Women's Retreat with Marcy Bravo Tang

Connect with Marcy: 

Marcy Bravo Tang is a dedicated transformational coach who helps individuals change their mindset and elevate their lives. With a blend of intuitive understanding and practical advice from her successful business and personal life, Marcy provides personalized coaching sessions tailored to each client's growth and confidence-building needs. She empowers her clients to face challenges, take control of their futures, and create lasting change for themselves and their families. Marcy's commitment to accountability and support enables clients to unlock their true potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Support the show

“Even though it was a terrible, traumatic thing to go through, life is wonderful.” —Ellen Govan 

Richard Ramirez, infamously dubbed the Night Stalker, was a notorious serial killer whose reign of terror gripped California between 1984 and 1985. Convicted of 13 murders along with numerous other violent crimes, he was sentenced to death in 1989. Ramirez's gruesome acts left an indelible mark on history, earning him a place among America's most feared criminals until his death in 2013, making him one of the most notorious criminals in American history. 

A victim of the Night Stalker, Ellen Govan has overcome immense trauma to live a life of purpose and service. She is a passionate advocate for survivors of violent crimes, sharing her own story to provide hope and support to others. Through her community involvement and personal writing, Ellen continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Tune in as Ellen recounts her harrowing experience of moving to San Francisco in 1984, the night of the attack, how she was able to escape the attack with the help of a heroic bystander, Bob Davis, the lasting trauma she faced, and the steps she has taken to overcome these challenges. Heather and Ellen also explore the power of human connection, the importance of community support, and Ellen's inspiring efforts to give back and help others who have experienced similar traumas.

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

01:28 Chasing Big Dreams in the Big City 

05:31 The Night of the Attack 

11:38 Escape From the Night Stalker

17:46 Identifying the Night Stalker

26:03 Trying to Capture the Night Stalker

31:24 Moving Forward 

43:31 Closure At Last

50:00 Trauma-Response 

55:56 Finding Ways to Give Back 

Connect with Ellen: 

Ellen Govan is a survivor and advocate who has overcome significant challenges in her life. In 1984, she was the victim of an attack by the notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the "Night Stalker." Despite this traumatic experience, Ellen has gone on to live a fulfilling life, finding love, starting a family, and dedicating herself to helping others who have experienced trauma. 

Today, Ellen is actively involved in her community, participating in coastal cleanup efforts with the Mendocino Mermaids and sharing her personal stories through writing workshops. She is a passionate supporter of organizations that assist victims of violent crimes, using her own experiences to inspire and empower others. Ellen's resilience and commitment to making a positive impact serve as an inspiration to all who hear her story.

Facebook

Instagram

Resources: 

Surviving Victims of Violent Crimes (James Alt)

Website

Facebook

Mendocino Mermaids 

Facebook

Instagram

Writing Your Life— The Lifelong Learning Program at Santa Rosa Junior College

email: [email protected]

Support the show

“Shaming them [kids] about their food choices is more detrimental than one piece of candy.” —Katie Barr

The food we consume is more than just a sustenance— it's a reflection of our values, our culture, and our connection to the world around us. By mindfully choosing what we put on our plates, we have the power to nourish not only our bodies but also our communities and the planet. Hence, embracing a holistic approach to eating can unlock a world of vibrant health, sustainable living, and profound personal transformation.

Katie Barr, a former high school principal, has embarked on a remarkable journey from the world of education to the realm of integrative nutrition. Drawing from her deep understanding of the human body and her unwavering passion for holistic wellness, Katie now dedicates her life to empowering others to harness the transformative power of food as medicine.

Tune in as Heather and Katie delve into the profound impact of food on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, offering practical insights and actionable strategies to nourish both body and soul.

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

01:36 Meet Katie

11:09 Challenges and Benefits of Being an Educator

23:16 Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips

34:13 Foods Recommendations

44:49 Helpful Resources for Better Health

51:45 Empowerment and Connection Among Women

Connect with Katie: 

Katie Barr is a holistic nutrition coach and chef with a passion for helping women achieve balance and wellness through food. After a 30-year career in education, including roles as a high school principal, Katie transitioned to focus on her love of nutrition and cooking. She is currently training as an Ayurvedic nutrition coach to deepen her understanding of how food can be used as medicine. 

Katie's business, More Than Meals, aims to support women in nourishing their bodies and minds through seasonal, plant-based cooking and lifestyle guidance. With a background in athletics as a student and a lifelong interest in the connection between food and health, Katie is dedicated to empowering others to make simple, sustainable changes for improved wellbeing.

Website 

Instagram

Facebook

Support the show

“As an entrepreneur, you feel like you need to know the exact plan. And honestly, you have to be okay with the unknown.” —Heather Nelson

To walk the path of entrepreneurship is to redefine success on your own terms, to carve out a legacy that is uniquely yours, and to inspire others with the power of your resilience.

For Heather Nelson, this entrepreneurial spirit has been the driving force behind her remarkable journey. After honing her skills in the hospitality and events industry, Heather made the bold decision to take the leap and start not one, but two thriving businesses of her own. To her, being a boss isn't just a career choice - it's a mindset of innovation, grit, and the courage to rewrite the rules, no matter the obstacles that stand in her way.

Grab a cup of coffee and get ready, because Heather is spilling all the juicy details on what it really takes to be your own boss. Tune in as she dishes on her incredible career journey, the must-have strategies that keep her business thriving, and the real-talk advice she has for anyone looking to start their own gig. Heather is also sharing the fun (and sometimes scary!) lessons she's learned along the way.  

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

03:37 Career Journey and Network Building

08:00 Starting Set and Strike 

12:36 Overcoming Business Challenges

25:00 Navigating the Unknown

38:37 Embracing Change

39:08 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Support the show

“We recognize that there's a problem. We are losing teachers every day, our funding, our budgets. We cannot rely solely on teachers to advocate for themselves. We need to be the community members who stand up and advocate for our teachers, advocate for our schools, and advocate for our kids. Our community relies on all of us to come together for the greater good.” —Larkin O’Leary

Education has the power to shape the future, yet our current system often falls short of its transformative promise. Outdated practices and a lack of support for teachers and students are holding them back from reaching their full potential. It's time to completely rethink education and put inclusive, flexible, and student-focused approaches at the forefront.

Larkin O’Leary is the founder of Common Ground Society and an advocate for inclusive education. Her personal journey of raising a child with Down syndrome has fueled her mission to create a more empowering and supportive world for individuals with diverse needs.

Tune in as Heather and Larkin dive deep into the major issues plaguing our education system, the game-changing power of Universal Design for Learning, and the crucial role of community support for teachers and students. You won't want to miss this one!

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

01:35 What is Common Ground Society? 

06:29 The Universal Design for Learning

14:32 Challenges in the School System 

17:34 Future of Education and Specialty Schools 

26:46 The Impact of Trauma  

27:30 Inclusion and Mindset Shift  

42:25 Advocacy and Community Support

Resources: 

Podcast

Life Conversations With a Twist: My Why Behind Starting A Nonprofit with Larkin O'leary 

Support the show

“We're afraid of what we might uncover, which stops people from journaling. Strategic journaling is tough. It's a brave thing to go beneath the surface level.” —Samantha Hawley

Is your mind a cluttered attic of unfinished thoughts and unexpressed emotions? What if you could transform that mental chaos into a wellspring of clarity and purpose? Imagine having a secret weapon that turns your inner turmoil into a roadmap for personal growth and emotional freedom.

Samantha Hawley is a journaling expert and podcast host who helps women navigate life's challenges through strategic writing techniques. As the creator of the Calm Mind Blueprint, she empowers others to process their emotions and find clarity through her unique five-step journaling method.

Tune in as Heather and Samantha explore the power of journaling, overcoming self-sabotage, building emotional resilience, and transforming personal struggles into stepping stones for growth and self-discovery.

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

01:33 Meet Samantha

07:23 Navigating Divorce 

14:01 Entering Entrepreneurship and Podcasting

17:54 Journaling Methods and Resources 

24:41 Tips for Effective Journaling 

Connect with Samantha

Samantha Hawley is a distinguished Journal and Wellness Coach based in Batavia, New York, with over nine years of experience in the wellness industry. She specializes in guiding career-driven women through stress, anxiety, and overwhelming situations, empowering them to find their voice and achieve happiness through journal entries. Samantha is also a dedicated Health & Fitness Coach, helping individuals reach their fitness goals with tailored workout programs, meal plans, mindset shifts, and daily motivation.

Samantha's extensive professional journey includes pivotal roles at General Electric, where she excelled in customer relationship management, market research, and business plan development. She holds an MBA from Union Graduate College and a BA in Business Administration from Elmira College.

As the host of the popular podcast "Journal Entries," Samantha shares her insights on integrating different aspects of life without feeling overwhelmed, offering practical strategies for self-discovery, boundary setting, and strategic decision-making.

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Support the show

“[Retreats] allowed me to have some self-discovery and the courage to face the fears and have those hard conversations. It is truly changing my life.” —Heather Nelson

Are retreats a luxury for the elite or a necessity for the soul? Many dismiss them as "woo-woo" indulgences, but what if they're the key to unlocking our true potential? In a world that never stops, could stepping away be the boldest move we make?

Heather initially approached retreats with skepticism. However, after experiencing the transformative power firsthand, she now co-hosts the Empower Your Path Retreat, blending her expertise in creating memorable experiences with a newfound passion for personal growth.

Listen as Heather unpacks the surprising impact of retreats, covering everything from the power of vulnerability and intimate connections to the eye-opening experience of crying for the first time in years and finding wisdom in tree-hugging.

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

01:47 Retreats! 

06:05 The Challenge: Getting Participants to Attend

12:08 Why Retreats are Life-Changing  

18:25 The Power of Connecting 

22:56 Join Our Day Retreats

Support the show

“If you stop pouring into yourself, the transformation might taper off.” —Audrey Rose

Self-love is not just a simple buzzword, it's a transformative practice that can change the course of our lives. When we learn to see ourselves with compassion and acceptance, we unlock the door to true happiness and fulfillment. It's a journey that requires courage, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Audrey Rose is a retreat host and podcaster who has dedicated her life to helping women reconnect with their authentic selves. After a personal journey of spiritual exploration, she discovered the power of self-love and now shares her insights with others, empowering them to embrace their unique gifts and step into their highest potential.

Tune in as Audrey shares her inspiring story, the importance of community and support, her insights on navigating personal and professional growth, and the practical tools she uses to help women cultivate self-love.

Connect with Heather: 

Website

Facebook 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Resources: 

🎙️Podcast

Life Conversations with a Twist S1 Ep39: It’s All About Finding Your Happy with Audrey Rose

📖Freebies

Get a Free Six-Day Course: Send a DM to Audrey using the code: “challenge”

Episode Highlights:

02:42 The Importance of Support and Community Building 

05:40 Audrey’s Journey

12:22 The Impact of Women’s Retreats

27:54 Join Audrey’s Retreats

38:05 The Role of Therapy and Support Systems

Connect with Audrey: 

Audrey Rose is a personal development coach, podcast host, and retreat leader who is passionate about empowering women to discover their authentic selves. Through her podcast, membership program, and immersive retreats, Audrey guides women on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.

With a background in nursing, Audrey brings a holistic approach to her work, incorporating a variety of modalities like meditation, breathwork, and energy healing. She has a gift for creating safe, nurturing spaces where women can connect, share vulnerably, and unlock their fullest potential.

Audrey's mission is to help women shed the masks and limiting beliefs that hold them back, so they can step into their power and live lives aligned with their deepest values and desires. Whether through one-on-one coaching or her vibrant community, Audrey's work is transformative, inspiring women to embrace their wholeness and rise into their highest selves.

Website 

Instagram

YouTube 

Pinterest 

Podcast

Support the show