My Crunchy Zen Era

Comedian John Dollar joins the show to share his humor and takes on conspiracy theories. It is a wild ride from crop circles to the complex reality of information.

We break down the messy nature of trust in the modern era. John opens up about why he is skeptical of mainstream narratives.  Did you know that intelligence agencies have historically influenced public opinion through disinformation campaigns?? It is a humorous and candid look at why it feels harder than ever to know what is actually real.

We also get into the lighter side of things, including John's unique perspective on clean comedy and life as a touring comic. Whether you are curious about specific conspiracy theories or just want to hear a great conversation about the current state of media, this episode covers it all.

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for more honest conversations about life's beautiful mess. What is the one conspiracy theory you actually believe in? Let us know in the comments.

Follow John Dollar on Instagram: @johndollarcomedy
Follow Nicole on Instagram: @thenicoleswisher
Follow Zeta on Instagram: @usernameihardlyknowher

Recommendations:
1. Succession on HBO
2. Float the Harpeth River in Tennessee

Connect with Zeta:

• Instagram

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Brian Bates is here to help Nicole and new co-host Zeta Graves kick off season 2! Brian is a stand up comic, podcast host of The Public Figures Pod and dad to a 4 year old!

Nicole and Zeta were excited to welcome Brian to talk about his new standup comedy special, Worried (out on YouTube now), and Brian's resting worried face affliction. They also dive into the perils of online dating, who qualifies as a short king, and how to become a full-time comedian at 43.

Contact Brian Bates:
Instagram: @brainbatescomic

Recommendations:
1. Mid Day Squares
2. Bluey the Cartoon

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Connect with Zeta:

• Instagram

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

My Crunchy Zen Era is back for Season 2! Join Nicole Swisher and her new co-host, Zeta Graves, as they kick off a fresh chapter.

After a brief hiatus (burnout? maybe...), the podcast returns with a renewed focus on the unhinged mess of life. This teaser episode will kick-off our next season (in life?) with a rundown of where we've been and where we're going. 

Whether you are a longtime listener or new to the community, this episode sets the stage for our upcoming content. We are embracing the chaos and finding humor in the journey, and we want you to be part of this new era.

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era to dive into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Connect with Zeta:

• Instagram

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Nicole sits down with mental health counselor, trauma therapist, public speaker & CEO Melissa Rabell this episode! Melissa specializes in trauma recovery, nervous system regulation and helping people reclaim their sense of self.

This former musician who loves a good farmer's market did not see the point of therapy at first... but after doing the work on herself, she thinks everyone can benefit from it.

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Recommendations:

• Overcoming the Imposter by Kris Kelso
• Mindset by Carol Dweck

Connect with Melissa:

• Her Website

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Nicole sits down the Red-Haired Archaeologist Amanda Hope Haley! Amanda went to Harvard, but that's the least interesting thing she shares on this episode.

Was Goliath actually a giant?  Do you know the truth about Mary Magdalene?  Amanda is a wealth of knowledge ready to bridge the gap between academia and us. Amanda helps us understand what archaeology is and what it is not.

Have you secretly wanted to be Indiana Jones?  Turns out, you can go on an archological dig for your next vacation.  You're gonna have to listen to find out how (don't google it).

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Recommendations:

• 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric Cline
• The Gilded Age TV Show

Connect with Amanda:

• Her Website

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Nicole is joined this episode by Elizabeth McGlathery, a marketing wiz, photographer and adoption advocate. Elizabeth knew from a young age that she wanted to adopt children, she was so sure about this calling that she even started a savings account to help with her future endeavors.

Along with her husband, she has now adopted three boys.  Elizabeth shares their journey navigating the ups and downs of the adoption process and the great joy that came with building their a family.

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Recommendations:

• Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton
• Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker
• The Life That You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg
• Breath by James Nestor

Connect with Elizabeth:

• Instagram

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

What does it mean to be Jewish? Kai Balin explored this question and his spiritual journey in his documentary film, Son of a Seeker.  Kai has always been a seeker, point in fact, he's attempted to start a dance crew in Jerusalem... you'll have to listen to find out more about that tidbit.

Don't miss this thought provoking conversation about fitting in and seeking acceptance while never forgetting where you come from.

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Recommendations:

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• WAGOS Podcast
• Burnout by Emily Nagoski

Connect with Kai:

• Instagram
• Documentary Screening

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Are you in a cult? Not sure? Nicole and her guest, Teresa Morrison, are here to help you figure it out and escape.  On top of being a comedian, improviser and actress, Teresa has become quite the cult enthusiast... and may have converted Nicole too.

The duo watched the documentary Escaping Twin Flames and they dissect the documentary as they delve into the psychological manipulation behind cults.  With the rise of influencers, company cultures, and our own vulnerabilities, we are all susceptible to wanting to find our people and our purpose in community. Unfortunately some people take advantage of that, but Nicole and Teresa will provide you with the red flags you need to be aware of to steer clear of cults and maybe join theirs.

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Recommendations:

• Escaping Twin Flames Documentary

Connect with Teresa:

• Instagram

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Nikki Denton has always been fascinated with 'The Business'. This improviser and Executive Assistant to the Executive Producer for live network TV productions turned her obsession into a life long calling to preserve the integrity of a fading art. 

She admittedly stumbled into a few positions that elevated her career and now hopes to parlay that mix of luck and experience into a new adventurous life in New York! But.. before she heads out on her next journey she drops in to talk pop culture and entertainment with Nicole! They discuss the state of the entertainment industry and what or who defines pop culture... do books count?

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Recommendations:

• Zachary the Swiftologist
• Brent Hull the Antiflipper

Connect with Nikki:

• Instagram
• Blog

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Cycle syncing: when women's cycles sync up because they're spending too much time gossiping together. Uh... not quite. Nicole is joined this episode by Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Abbie Stasior to answer her questions about eating to support your hormones, diet culture, and women's health.

Nicole and Abbie talk about aligning your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and self-care practices, with the natural hormonal fluctuations throughout a menstrual cycle.  Delving into how living in harmony with a woman's natural rhythms rather than working against them, promotes better hormone balance and overall womens health.  So many women struggle with feeling like my body hates me! But this podcast dives into why that's just not true.

▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.

Recommendations:

• Modern Wisdom Podcast Episode #1047
• In the Flo by Alisa Vitti

Connect with Abbie:

• Instagram

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook