Perspective with Viv

Ep. 193. What happens when the person you used to be finally meets the person you’re becoming? In this intimate episode, Viv reads “All My Lives Are Finally Meeting” and “My Dear, You’re Grown Up”, two essays about identity, self-acceptance, and the surprising feeling of watching your dreams arrive.

She reflects on the names and versions of herself she once tried to leave behind, the cost of rejecting parts of her past, and what it means to welcome those parts back into the story.

Viv also explores late blooming, autism, ambition, and the shock of realizing that life may be moving faster than the timeline she once imagined. From creative growth to new opportunities, she considers how becoming more fully yourself can change what you believe is possible.

Ep. 192. In this episode, journalist and novelist John DeDakis reflects on how writing can help us process grief and connect through shared human experience. Drawing on his years at CNN and his White House reporting, John discusses how journalism shaped Enemies Domestic; a thriller confronting political division and disinformation, and why stories can help us better understand one another.

In this episode:

• Viv and John explore how social media and AI affect writing
• Why technology can be a resource but not a replacement for human creativity
• How fiction can invite readers to understand perspectives beyond their own.

Bio

John DeDakis is a journalist, novelist, and writing coach with over 45 years of experience in journalism, including serving as a White House correspondent during the Reagan administration and as a former editor on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

John is also the author of six award-winning mystery-suspense-thriller novels, and he’s passionate about helping aspiring writers become published authors. Through his work as a manuscript editor, coach, and motivational speaker, he also encourages people to use writing as a path toward healing from grief.

To learn more about John’s books, his editorial coaching, or upcoming talks, visit johndedakis.com

Ep. 191. The podcast is back! And in this episode, I talk with Darren Starwynn about shadow work, healing, and how our deepest wounds can reveal our greatest gifts. We explore what it means to awaken as an “avatar,” find purpose through our experiences, and bring more intention into everyday life.

Darren also shares a simple grounding practice and explains why personal healing can ripple outward. If you’re exploring your identity, purpose, or spiritual growth, I hope this conversation helps you see your challenges in a new light.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

• ​Why Darren connects healing with a sense of wholeness
• ​How wounds and difficult experiences may point toward our gifts
• ​What it means to awaken as an avatar
• ​Why shadow work can feel uncomfortable, and why listening to those parts of ourselves matters

Bio

Darren Starwynn is a bestselling author, Quantum Catalyst and consciousness teacher who has spent more than three decades exploring the intersection of healing, spirituality and human potential. He is the author of four groundbreaking books, including Awakening the Avatar Within, and has guided thousands of practitioners, healers and seekers through workshops and trainings around the world.

Buy Darren's book Awakening the Avatar Within

Join his conscious community or book a session

Access the Awaken your Inner Healing Power Toolkit

Read his reflections on Awakening Avatar on Substack

Watch his streaming TV show Quantum Awakenings

Ep. 190. In this episode, I'm joined by Queen Michele, a spiritual educator, author, and founder, to explore ancestry, spirituality, and conscious living. We discuss her journey of reconnecting with her Fula heritage, visiting her ancestral homeland in Guinea-Bissau, building a life in Mexico, and the lessons she's learned about generational healing, New Earth consciousness, and raising Generation Alpha with intention.

If you've ever wondered how reconnecting with your roots can transform the way you see yourself and the future, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we discuss:

Queen's Fula Heritage

Ancestry and Ancestral Practice

New Earth Consciousness

Gen Alpha's Curriculum

Bio

Queen D. Michele is an author, blogger, and creator whose life bridges continents and consciousness. After living four years in Mexico’s Lake Chapala region, she followed her ancestral trail to West Africa, discovering her Fula roots through African Ancestry DNA testing. She is the founder of the Fula History & Genealogy Society in America, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving African heritage and healing generational trauma. Queen’s writings—like Traveling Home Together and The Road to WellBeing—guide readers through spiritual awakening and wholeness. Now based in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, she continues her mission of mindfulness, cultural reconnection, and conscious education through her curriculum 52 Insights for Gen Alpha.

To explore Queen's writings, her blog My Soul’s Journey Home, or to support the mission of the Fula History & Genealogy Society in America, visit fulaamerican.org.

Ep. 189. What if the most powerful manifestation tool you have is the relationship you have with yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Heaton to explore the deep connection between self-love and the life you're calling in, and why believing you're worthy of what you want is where it all begins.

Together, we unpack the practical and the spiritual: from vision boards and affirmations to shadow work and inner child healing. Julie shares how doing the inner work isn't separate from manifestation, it is the work. We also get into the energy of abundance versus scarcity, and why learning to accept the present moment might be the shift that changes everything.

In this episode:

• ​Why self-love is the foundation of every intention you set
• ​How visualization and vision boards help anchor your goals
• ​Shadow work, inner child healing, and why the inner work matters
• ​Manifesting from abundance not desperation
• ​Accepting where you are as a starting point, not a setback

Bio

Julie Heaton is an Author, Mentor, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and Reiki Master. Her 30+ years as a corporate executive have culminated in a mission to help more people become their best selves. Her books, The Manifester's Playbook, The Manifester's Workbook, and her children's book series, The Adventures of the Fabulous Three, are inspiring and a roadmap to personal growth. Julie's mentoring encourages you to lean in, do the work, and live your best life.

⁠Julie's Website

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Ep. 188. In this episode, Perle Noire shares her inspiring journey from burlesque star and trafficking survivor to healing and intimacy coach.

She discusses her unique framework of healing through seduction, redefining intimacy, and honouring ancestral power, offering practical insights for personal empowerment and self-trust.

Key Topics

Perle Noire's journey from burlesque star to healing coach

The concept of self-seduction and its healing power

Redefining intimacy beyond physical connection

The importance of ancestral veneration in healing

The role of chakras and consent in sensuality

The significance of altars and ancestral offerings

Bio

Perle Noire is a healing and intimacy coach, trafficking survivor, and former internationally acclaimed burlesque star. She is the founder of Healing Through Seduction, a transformational practice that helps women reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their power through self-intimacy, ritual, and embodiment. Perle has empowered over 7,000 people worldwide and has been featured by Lincoln Center, MTV, Cosmopolitan, Broadway World, and the Millionaire Summit. She is also a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in burlesque and healing.

⁠Perle's Website⁠

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Ep. 188. In this episode, Pearl Noire shares her inspiring journey from burlesque star and trafficking survivor to healing and intimacy coach.

She discusses her unique framework of healing through seduction, redefining intimacy, and honouring ancestral power, offering practical insights for personal empowerment and self-trust.

Key Topics

Pearl Noire's journey from burlesque star to healing coach

The concept of self-seduction and its healing power

Redefining intimacy beyond physical connection

The importance of ancestral veneration in healing

The role of chakras and consent in sensuality

The significance of altars and ancestral offerings

Bio

Perle Noire is a healing and intimacy coach, trafficking survivor, and former internationally acclaimed burlesque star. She is the founder of Healing Through Seduction, a transformational practice that helps women reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their power through self-intimacy, ritual, and embodiment. Perle has empowered over 7,000 people worldwide and has been featured by Lincoln Center, MTV, Cosmopolitan, Broadway World, and the Millionaire Summit. She is also a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in burlesque and healing.

Perle's Website

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Ep. 187. In this episode I explore the energetic and symbolic significance of the new moon in Gemini, offering insights on communication, self-expression, and personal growth ending the report with the most delicious tarot reading!

This episode provides practical advice on embracing change, balancing inner emotions, and using wit and discernment to navigate life's challenges.

Segments

Introduction to the New Moon in Gemini

Understanding Gemini's Influence

Personal Reflections on Communication

Exploring the Eighth House and Intimacy

Creativity and the Fifth House

Tarot Reading Insights

Emotional Expression and Imbalances

Read this report on Substack

Book a Tarot Reading with Me⁠

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Ep. 186. In this episode I read my article "come on Viv." and I suggest you open it as I read to you.

We go down memory lane and reflect my previous relationship with romance, romantic disappointments and "moments" over the years. It's a personable and humorous episode in which I share anecdotes and stories around the events written in the article. In the process I talk about what healing looks like.

I end with a lovely tarot reading emphasising your personal strengths and the opportunities coming your way.

Segments

Reflections on the Past

Healing and Self-Discovery

The Nature of Love and Expectations

Crafting Your Own Narrative

Confronting Past Illusions

The Journey of Self-Expression

Healing and the Search for Love

Recognizing Patterns in Relationships

Moments of Realization and Self-Reflection

Book a Tarot Reading with Me

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Ep. 185. In this heartfelt interview, Singer & Songwriter Sophia Warren shares her journey of self-discovery through music, exploring vulnerability, shadow work, and the healing power of song writing. Discover how her creative process reveals deep truths and inspires authenticity as she shares about her newly released EP Adesso.

We discuss:

Healing Through Music

The Creative Process: Channeling Emotion

Vulnerability in Art: A Personal Diary

The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Songwriting

Songwriting as a Healing Practice

Navigating the Music Industry

& More...

Stream Sophia’s latest EP Adesso and explore her full discography on Spotify.

Bio

Sophia Warren, is a rising alt-pop artist with raw, unfiltered lyrics and cinematic production, Sophia’s latest EP Adesso dives into identity, anxiety, and self-worth in a way that feels both intimate and universal. Featured in SPIN, KUTX, and The Austin Statesman, Sophia’s sound is part confession, part invocation like she’s translating her inner world into melody.