Manders Mindset

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What if the life you dream of starts with one aligned choice?

In this deeply inspiring episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo is joined by coach, consultant, and founder of the Ardelian Kuzma Group, Aneta, for a conversation about courage, curiosity, and creating a life in full alignment with one’s values. From growing up as a young immigrant navigating a new culture to spending 22 years in banking before stepping into entrepreneurship, Aneta’s journey demonstrates what’s possible when big dreams are no longer minimized and instead are built, one intentional step at a time.

The discussion explores the mindset shifts that supported her transition from corporate leadership to coaching, how Breathwork and mindfulness became cornerstones of her work, and why taking aligned action is the true superpower for living a fulfilled life. 

Listeners will walk away with practical tools and heartfelt encouragement to approach change with clarity, courage, and purpose.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will discover:

💭 How curiosity and observation shaped Aneta’s leadership style from childhood
 🌱 The vision exercise that helped her map out a new life she loved
 🧘‍♀️ Why morning practices and breathwork became her foundation for success
 📅 How to align daily actions with core values
 ⚖️ Ways to balance masculine drive and feminine flow in business
 💡 Redefining success and letting go of titles, limits, and outside opinions
 🙏 The role of faith in moving through fear and uncertainty

🕒 Timeline Summary:

[1:16] – Aneta shares who she is at her core and why curiosity drives her
 [3:29] – Childhood lessons as a young immigrant and the desire to belong
 [7:14] – How an HR connection led to a 22-year career in banking
 [9:35] – Allowing herself to dream without limits for the first time
 [14:45] – Morning rituals that became the foundation for change
 [16:42] – Discovering breathwork and integrating it into coaching
 [22:47] – Why aligned action is the ultimate superpower for fulfillment
 [33:06] – Redefining success beyond money and titles
 [41:06] – Balancing masculine and feminine energy in life and business
 [46:02] – The best and worst advice she’s ever received and her powerful perspective on surrender.

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Aneta:

Website: akuzmagroup.com 

Instagram @anetakuzmacoaching

LinkedIn @AnetaArdelianKuzma

Lunchtime Breathwork with Aneta: https://akuzmagroup.com/mandersmindset

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What if the adventure you're craving doesn't require more... but less?

In this solo episode of Manders Mindset, I dive into a personal reflection sparked by the book Subtract by Leidy Klotz, a gift from my friend, and guest on last week's episode, Glen Van Peski. This read has already begun shifting how I think, move, and breathe, even though I’m only a few chapters in. Through the lens of my own mindset work and recent personal experiences, I share how subtraction, letting go instead of piling on can be a powerful tool for growth, healing, and clarity.

Join me as I unpack some first takeaways from Subtract, explore what it means to create space by removing instead of adding, and invite you into a gentle moment of pause to experience the power of intentional release.

Listeners Will Discover:

🌿 Why our brains default to adding, and how shifting to subtracting can be transformational

🧘‍♀️ How a moment of subtraction can lead to clarity, space, and alignment

✨ A guided reflection to practice letting go ~ mentally, emotionally, & physically

Timeline Summary: 

[0:30] – What inspired this reflection and how the book Subtract landed in my hands
[2:29] – The Lego experiment that reveals our brain’s bias toward adding over subtracting
[5:23] – My overpacking story and the deep clarity that came from letting go
[6:43] – Cultural lessons on stillness and presence
[8:42] – A guided practice: one breath, one release, one small moment of subtraction
[11:13] – Early takeaways from Subtract and why less really can lead to more

Resources:

Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646673/subtract-by-leidy-klotz/

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear what landed the most for you. Message me on Instagram @thebreathinggoddess. 

And if you haven’t yet, please rate, follow, and leave a review. 

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

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What if doing more starts with taking less?

In this thought-provoking episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo sits down with Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear and a trailblazer in ultralight backpacking for a candid conversation that stretches far beyond the trailhead. Glen shares how a 4,200-mile bike ride at age 17 and a knack for engineering led to a career in minimalist gear design, but what unfolds is a much deeper journey into intentional living.

From lessons on gratitude to the quiet power of subtraction, Glen explores how simplifying our backpacks and our lives can help us find more joy, purpose, and connection. With reflections on generosity, silence, and embracing discomfort, this episode is a gentle yet powerful call to rethink what we carry, literally and emotionally.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will discover:

🥾 How Glen's ultralight backpacking journey began with a 70-pound pack and a problem to solve

🧠 Why engineering skills and self-awareness created a bridge between problem-solving and mindfulness

🧭 The surprising power of subtraction—in backpacks, business, and personal growth

💌 How handwritten notes and receiving with humility build authentic connection

🌿 Glen’s outdoor pyramid: a fresh take on nature, presence, and unplugging

💡 Why discomfort is often the first sign of growth and purpose

🕒 Timeline Summary:

[2:18] – Glen reflects on growing up without screens and learning to never say "I'm bored"

[9:20] – A cross-country bike trip at 17 and a chance job kickstarts an engineering career

[17:45] – The Boy Scouts trip that ignited a passion for designing ultralight gear

[24:10] – The lesson of "take less, do more" and how it's reshaped Glen's entire life

[31:08] – Why giving generously is only half the equation and receiving matters too

[38:35] – Minimalism as a mindset: rethinking purchases and making space for what matters

[52:50] – The Outdoor Pyramid: Glen's prescription for reconnecting with nature

[1:03:15] – The quiet power of reflection, and why silence is a secret superpower

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Glen:

Glen's website: glenvanpeski.com

Gossamer Gear: gossamergear.com

Resources mentioned by Glem in the episode:

• The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
• Subtract by Leidy Klotz
• Infectious Generosity by Chris Anderson

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What if the biggest breakthroughs in your life came not from doing more but from thinking differently?

In this powerful and soul-expanding episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo sits down with Asara Lovejoy, the brilliant mind behind The One Command, a six-step method that blends neuroscience, brainwave states, and quantum principles to rewire limiting beliefs. Asara shares her captivating journey from mystical childhood moments to marrying a millionaire, walking away from toxic comfort, and building a global movement rooted in transformation.

Whether you’ve ever struggled with overthinking, scarcity, or feeling stuck in old patterns, this episode will show you how to shift your inner landscape and start creating life from a place of aligned intention.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will discover:

🧠 What theta brainwaves are and why they’re the key to deep transformation
🗣️ How childhood programming quietly shapes adult beliefs
💫 The difference between positive thinking and commanding new thoughts
🌌 A real-time demonstration of The One Command in action
🔥 Why Asara says “You can have everything you want... IF you give up everything you think you know”
🔄 How to shift difficult relationships by changing the version of someone inside you

🕒 Timeline Summary: [1:10] – Asara's mystical childhood experience that sparked her spiritual quest
[3:41] – Discovering hypnosis at 13 and the curiosity that followed
[8:30] – Manifesting marriage to a millionaire and lessons learned
[12:31] – Why mindset matters in finding love and aligned relationships
[16:18] – How childhood theta brainwave states shape our subconscious beliefs
[24:02] – A live command example: healing guilt around rest and productivity
[36:52] – Asara's breakthrough: how The One Command was divinely downloaded
[42:41] – Transforming relationships using the Interconnection Process
[50:32] – Living the next great adventure through inner change

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

Feedback on the show? Send us a message!

What if the most powerful brand you could build… is the one rooted in truth?

In this raw and real episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo is joined by Hersh Rephun, holistic brand therapist, comedian, writer, and the creator of Yes Brand. From a background in screenwriting, stand-up, and advertising, Hersh brings a deeply honest and refreshingly human perspective to what it means to build a personal brand.

Together, they explore why knowing yourself must come before branding yourself, how humor can be a healing and strategic business tool, and why authenticity always outlasts trends. Hersh also shares a powerful aha moment that transformed his mindset around sales, and why he believes branding is as intimate and layered as any real friendship. This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs ready to ditch the fluff and build a brand that feels real, grounded, and true.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will discover:

🧠 Why “selling the truth” is the most sustainable brand strategy
 💔 How fear of rejection can quietly sabotage your sales process
 😂 How humor can elevate your brand without losing credibility
 🚫 What doesn’t belong in your brand identity (and why)
 🔍 The question to ask when your brand no longer feels aligned
 📖 Why your personal brand is your most powerful intellectual property
 🤝 How branding is as deep and relational as real friendship

⏰ Timeline Summary:

[2:22] - Growing up with integrity and learning to value the truth
 [6:36] - Hersh’s journey from acting and improv to advertising and branding
 [11:08] - The surprising path to becoming a “brand therapist”
 [16:24] - Why “know yourself before you brand yourself” matters more than ever
 [21:52] - How humor disarms, heals, and builds better brands
 [31:23] - The one thing that has no place in a personal brand
[39:17] - What to ask yourself when your brand no longer fits
[45:34] - A surprising breakthrough on fear, sales, and abandonment.

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Hersh:

Learn more at yesbrandbuilders.com

Get the book: sellingthetruthbook.com

Feedback on the show? Send us a message!

What if the adventure you’re craving starts with one honest step?

In this heartfelt and revealing episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo is joined by award-winning author and podcaster Teri M. Brown for a conversation that spans heartbreak, healing, and hope. From escaping an emotionally abusive marriage to cycling 3,100+ miles across the U.S. on a tandem bike in her late 50s, Teri’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim your voice or your adventure.

Teri shares how she rediscovered her strength, embraced vulnerability, and turned the lessons of a cross-country ride into her inspirational book, Ten Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure. This conversation peels back the layers of resilience, self-trust, and what it really means to rewrite your story—no matter where you’re starting from.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will discover:

🚴‍♀️ How a tandem bike ride became a catalyst for personal transformation
 📚 The emotional journey from hidden manuscripts to award-winning author
 🧭 Why mindset shifts are the real milestones on any big adventure
 🛑 How communication, forgiveness, and self-honesty changed her marriage
 💡 The power of doing hard things and why you already have what it takes
 📝 How her book invites readers to define their own “rules” for living fully

🕒 Timeline Summary:

[1:04] – Teri introduces her multi-passionate identity and love for storytelling
 [2:02] – Childhood dreams, family expectations, and a winding career path
 [4:10] – Writing through adversity and learning to believe in her voice
 [6:44] – The moment she finally chose herself and never looked back
 [9:13] – Training for a tandem cross-country ride and finding strength in motion
 [11:11] – The mindset shift that made publishing possible
 [18:05] – Lessons from the road: teamwork, communication, and emotional honesty
 [31:19] – Becoming an author after 50 and the thrill of historical fiction
 [45:04] – Behind the book: how Ten Little Rules came to life
[57:05] – Final reflections on legacy, kindness, and the truth we already carry

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Teri:

https://www.terimbrown.com

Instagram @TeriMBrown_Author

Youtube @TeriMBrown_Author

LinkedIn @TeriMBrown

Facebook @TeriMBrownAuthor

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What if imposter syndrome was pointing you toward your true self?

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo sits down with Kurt Busch, certified Internal Family Systems practitioner, trauma-informed coach, and co-founder of Brimstone Coaching to unpack the deep roots of self-doubt, false narratives, and the incredible freedom that comes with owning one's truth.

Kurt shares his raw and relatable journey from getting fired at 19, to feeling like an outsider around “smarter” voices, to building a coaching practice rooted in presence, reflection, and purpose. The conversation dives into the subtle power of the promises people make to protect themselves, and how these invisible contracts shape how they show up in relationships, work, and everyday life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong, struggled with self-worth, or simply wants to show up more fully in their own skin. For listeners seeking lasting transformation—this conversation is the spark.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will discover:

🔎 How imposter syndrome silently hijacks confidence
🛠️ The power of protective promises—and how to rewrite them
💭 Why reflection (not hustle) is the gateway to real transformation
🌱 What it means to live in alignment with one's true self
💬 The one question Kurt asks that breaks false beliefs instantly
👟 Why red sneakers became a symbol of personal growth
🧠 The role of nervous system responses in everyday decisions

🕒 Timeline Summary:

[2:00] – Who Kurt is at the core and why he feels made to coach
[7:10] – Midwest roots, sibling dynamics, and early ambitions
[13:35] – Getting fired and the inner meanings we attach to failure
[21:40] – Reframing past experiences: from shame to self-discovery
[27:05] – The role of reflection and the question: “What’s actually true?”
[34:30] – Leaving ministry, entering coaching, and building Brimstone
[42:15] – Protective promises and rewriting internal contracts
[50:45] – Imposter syndrome at the boardroom table
[58:20] – Living in alignment: what wholeness really means
[1:08:50] – Final reflections, legacy, and the quiet power of presence

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Kurt: 

Brimstone Coaching: www.brimstonecoachinggroup.com

Brimstone Coaching Podcast – available on all major platforms

Follow Brimstone: @brimstonecoaching

Feedback on the show? Send us a message!

In this magical and mind-opening episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo chats with the incredible Julia Rajagopalan, a writer, instructional designer, certified nutritionist, 400-hour yin yoga instructor, and practicing witch. Julia shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a traditional religious household to embracing her identity as a witch, and how she blends ancient rituals with modern wellness practices in her course, Healthy Witch Wellness.

The conversation explores how mindset and spiritual rituals can profoundly shape one's approach to health, healing, and self-identity. Julia opens up about her battles with anxiety, the healing power of breath and yoga, and why redefining wellness to fit an individual's unique journey is so empowering. Whether someone is a seasoned witch or just witch-curious, this episode offers practical tools and thought-provoking insights sure to inspire and align.

Timeline Summary: 

[2:11] - Julia shares what it means to be a lifelong learner.
[6:44] - Discovering spirituality outside religion and finding freedom in witchcraft.
[13:27] - Julia’s transformative experience with yoga and healing from anxiety.
[22:50] - How India reshaped her wellness mindset and yoga practice.
[29:31] - The myth of all-or-nothing wellness and embracing balance.
[36:14] - The magic of spell jars, intention setting, and environmental cues.
[44:02] - Understanding tarot as a tool for self-reflection and inner wisdom.[53:08] - The connection between yoga, tarot, and mindful living off the mat.

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Julia:

Website: healthywitchwellness.com- Check out Spells & Rituals!

Instagram ~ @healthywitchwellness

Feedback on the show? Send us a message!

What if peace and power could come from within?

In this grounded and inspiring episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo welcomes Arlene Cohen Miller—attorney turned transformational coach, certified meditation facilitator, and founder of Jewel Consultancy. Arlene’s journey from high-stress law to wholehearted coaching is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep inner work.

Arlene shares how her legal career shaped her, why she left family law for commercial practice, and how coaching, holistic counseling, and meditation unlocked a new chapter of purpose. Listeners will discover how breathwork, energy clearing, and embracing the "inner coach" can cultivate work-life balance and harmony from the inside out.

A must-listen for anyone navigating burnout, overgiving, or craving deeper alignment in life and leadership.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will learn:

💼 Why Arlene left law to become a mentor and guide for women seeking balance

🌬️ Practical breathwork and grounding techniques to combat overwhelm

🧘‍♀️ The connection between inner peace and outer productivity

🌀 What the "inner coach" is—and how to silence the inner critic

🌿 The power of visualizing energetic boundaries for emotional self-care

💖 Why kindness, patience, and tolerance are game-changing practices

🕒 Timeline Summary: 

[1:38] – Arlene introduces her journey and reflections on identity

[4:01] – Declaring her future in law at 15 and following that call

[7:30] – Transitioning from family law to commercial law for peace of mind

[13:27] – Discovering coaching through synchronicity and spiritual friendships 

[22:39] – Arlene’s daily Breathwork and energy clearing rituals

[31:30] – Embracing the inner coach and practicing self-compassion

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Arlene:

• Website: www.jewelconsultancy.com
• Instagram @jewelcoach2

Feedback on the show? Send us a message!

What if your darkest moment held the key to your greatest purpose?

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Manders Mindset, host Amanda Russo sits down with Tim Thomas, Special Forces veteran, breathwork facilitator, and founder of Breathwork & Bed to explore how pain, isolation, and trauma became the foundation for his mission to help others reclaim their sovereignty.

Tim shares raw stories from growing up in one of Australia’s most prejudiced towns, struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia, navigating divorce, and surviving PTSD. But it was one breath, taken at rock bottom, that became the circuit breaker and changed the course of his life.

From the battlefield to breathwork, Tim speaks with brutal honesty, fierce compassion, and a heart for service. His journey reminds us that healing isn’t about avoiding the shit it’s about turning it into fertilizer.

This episode is a must-listen for cycle-breakers, seekers, and anyone ready to transform pain into purpose.

🎙️ In this episode, listeners will learn:

🔥 Why trauma and fatigue often mask themselves as isolation
 🌬️ The physical power of breathwork and how it saved Tim’s life
 🧠 How dyslexia helped him develop elite-level pattern recognition
 🛏️ The story behind the Breathwork in Bed app and its global impact
 👨‍👧‍👦 How breathwork has shaped his parenting and personal relationships
 🧭 What it means to reclaim your sovereignty starting from within
 💥 How one breath can be the first step toward transformation

🕒 Timeline Summary:

[1:02] – Meet Tim Thomas: Special Forces veteran, breathwork coach, father
 [3:08] – The "shit to fertilizer" mindset and the million-in-one mission
 [4:30] – Growing up in a racially divided town and learning from Aboriginal elders
 [7:47] – Struggling through school with undiagnosed dyslexia
 [14:28] – Applying for the military at 30 and discovering the power of breath
 [18:07] – Balancing fatherhood with a career in Special Forces
 [21:19] – The story of Tim’s son running a spontaneous marathon
 [27:30] – Parenting through community and breathwork
 [31:40] – Hitting rock bottom post-divorce and finding healing through breath
 [36:40] – Why quality sleep, sovereignty, and self-connection go hand in hand
 [39:39] – Closing reflections and the ripple effect of one breath

To Connect with Amanda:

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Breathwork Session HERE

📸 Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Follow & Support the Podcast:
📱 Instagram: @MandersMindset
👥 Join the Manders Mindset Facebook Community HERE!

To Connect with Tim:

🌐 Website : Breathwork in Bed – Access guided Breathwork audios and sleep support.

📸 Follow Tim Thomas on Instagram: @breathworkinbed

📺 TikTok: @breathworkinbed

📱Facebook: @breathworkinbed