Power and Purpose Within

Welcome back to Coaching with Kori! I’m here to share from the heart, bringing that honest, sometimes raw look at what perimenopause can be like. This isn’t just for women; men, partners, you should give this a listen too! If you've felt those shifts in patience or moods and wondered, 'Is it just me?'—know that you’re not alone, and this is all part of the process. Menopause can be really difficult to deal with but with support and love from everyone who truly cares, it can be really easy.I’ll be sharing my own experiences with perimenopause too—the signs, the symptoms, and the support that can make all the difference. Let's get real about the physical and emotional shifts, and reclaim the power within! Drop a comment—have you gone through this? Or are you experiencing it now? Let's support each other through every stage! Episode Highlights:

• Welcome to Steven and Kori Podcast [00:00] 
• Understanding the First Stage of Menopause [1:12]
• Common Symptoms of Perimenopause: What to Expect [2:27]
• Why Awareness and Research Matter in Menopause Preparation [2:27]
• Join the Conversation: Share Your Menopause Journey [5:35]

Connect with Kori Burgess: 

• Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stevenandkori/ 
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stevenandkori

What happens when life's most painful experiences become the foundation for a deeper purpose?In this meaningful episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Alma Thomas, a minister of the Gospel and author, to explore faith, overcoming grief and loss, finding purpose through adversity, and learning to dream again.Together, Kori and Alma discuss navigating life's unexpected challenges, overcoming fear and self-doubt, and holding on to faith through difficult seasons. Alma shares how losing her only son, experiencing homelessness, going through divorce, and surviving a massive stroke shaped her journey and inspired her to encourage others through her ministry and writing.At the heart of their conversation is a powerful reminder:“Your current situation is not your final destiny.”If you are facing personal challenges, struggling to move forward, or feeling discouraged about dreams you've put aside, this conversation offers an encouraging reminder that your circumstances do not define your future. You can embrace what is still possible, trust God through uncertainty, and find the courage to dream again.🎙️ Tune in to the full episode of Power & Purpose Within for an inspiring conversation about faith, resilience, healing, and discovering purpose through life's challenges.Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within02:39 – Answering God's Call and Discovering Her Ministry04:14 – Losing Her Only Son and Finding Hope Through Grief05:13 – Recognizing the Dream Killers Holding You Back07:22 – Overcoming Fear of Failure and Other People's Opinions10:14 – Turning Life Experiences Into a Platform of Encouragement11:05 – Surviving a Massive Stroke and Rediscovering Purpose13:19 – Leaning on Faith Through Grief and Adversity14:17 – Accepting What You Cannot Change and Embracing What You Can Do15:16 – Continuing to Write Despite Physical Limitations16:35 – Why You Should Never Stop Dreaming19:30 – Finding Joy in Inspiring and Encouraging Others21:54 – Alma's Message: Keep Your Faith and Dream Again
About the GuestAlma Thomas is a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, author, and inspirational speaker who uses her personal experiences and faith to encourage others through life's challenges. Through her books, From the Waiting Room to the Recovery Room and Dream Killers, she shares messages of hope, resilience, overcoming fear, and pursuing the dreams that remain within us.Connect with Alma ThomasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/alma.thomas.619946Author Page: Alma Collins Thomas MinistriesConnect with Kori Burgess:Website: ⁠https://stevenandkori.com/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/⁠ Tiktok: Chttps://⁠www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess⁠

What if the challenges you've faced are leading you toward a life that truly aligns with who you are?In this meaningful episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Dr. Bertina Hooks, an internal medicine physician, author, and business and career coach, to explore personal growth, career reinvention, overcoming burnout, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose through life's challenges.Together, Kori and Dr. Hooks discuss self-discovery, mindset, professional identity, entrepreneurship, networking, and the courage to embrace change. They also explore how physicians can recognize their transferable skills, discover opportunities beyond clinical medicine, and develop businesses that align with their goals and values.At the heart of their conversation is a powerful reminder:Give yourself permission to evolve. Don't let fear or uncertainty or doubt or other people's perception of us limit who we can become.If you are navigating career burnout, personal transformation, professional uncertainty, entrepreneurship, or a desire to find greater fulfillment, this conversation offers an encouraging reminder that you don't have to have everything figured out before taking the next step.Sometimes, the life you want begins when you give yourself permission to let go of what no longer serves you and make room for something new.🎙️ Tune in to the full episode of Power & Purpose Within for an inspiring conversation about overcoming challenges, embracing personal growth, reinventing your career, and creating a life that reflects who you are becoming.Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within03:41 – Dr. Bertina Hooks' Journey as a Physician, Author, and Coach04:31 – From Fire to Freedom: The Story Behind Her Memoir05:22 – Choosing to Live Life on Your Own Terms06:08 – Turning Personal Experiences Into a Coaching Career08:06 – How Burnout Inspired a New Business Direction09:03 – Helping Professionals Navigate Career Transitions10:47 – Why Physicians Need to Understand the Business Side of Medicine12:10 – Career Identity, Burnout, and Discovering New Possibilities15:20 – Exploring Career Opportunities Beyond Clinical Medicine17:39 – Writing a Memoir to Inspire Others Through Challenges18:51 – Finding Fulfillment in Making a Difference in Someone's Life19:21 – Giving Yourself Permission to Evolve22:42 – Helping People Discover What They Truly Want25:41 – Building a Business Without Waiting for the Perfect Plan27:09 – Why There Is No Perfect Plan for Everyone28:03 – Embracing Setbacks and Evolving as an Entrepreneur29:42 – Developing a Growth Mindset and Expanding Your Possibilities31:36 – The Power of Networking and Bringing People Together32:48 – Finding Joy in the Work You Do32:54 – Dr. Bertina Hooks' Final Message of InspirationAbout the GuestDr. Bertina Hooks is an internal medicine physician, author, and business and career coach. Through her work with Pinnacle Business Academy, she helps professionals navigate career burnout, explore new career directions, develop entrepreneurial skills, and build sustainable professional lives.Her memoir, From Fire to Freedom, shares the challenges and experiences that shaped her journey and her decision to embrace transformation and help others do the same.Connect with Dr. Bertina Hooks

• Website: http://bertinamhooksmd.org,                https://pinnaclebusinessacademy.org 
• Facebook: pinnaclebusinessacademy 
• Instagram: @drb_hooks 

LinkedIn: Dr. Bertina Hooks / Pinnacle Business Academy
Connect with Kori Burgess:

• Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/ 
• Tiktok: Chttps://www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach 
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess

What if the gifts you naturally carry are pointing you toward your purpose?In this meaningful episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Krystal Ward to explore discovering your gifts, trusting your intuition, personal growth, purpose, and entrepreneurship.Krystal shares how her natural desire to help others led her from working as a restaurant server to becoming a certified health and life coach. Through personal growth and developing her intuitive gifts, she discovered a deeper sense of purpose and a desire to help others create meaningful change.Together, Kori and Krystal discuss intuition, mindset, self-discovery, spirituality, coaching, entrepreneurship, and turning your gifts into meaningful work. They also explore the importance of recognizing your value and creating a business that allows you to serve others while being compensated for what you bring.At the heart of their conversation is a simple reminder:Your gifts can become powerful when you connect them with your purpose.If you are navigating personal growth, career changes, entrepreneurship, self-discovery, or finding your purpose, this conversation offers an encouraging reminder to pay attention to what comes naturally to you.Sometimes, discovering your purpose isn't about finding something new. It’s about recognizing what has been within you all along.🎙️ Tune in to the full episode of Power & Purpose Within for a conversation about discovering your gifts, finding your purpose, trusting your intuition, and creating meaningful work.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within03:09 – Krystal’s Journey Into Discovering Her Gifts04:24 – From Therapy to Life Coaching04:51 – Developing Intuition and Energy Healing05:17 – Recognizing Your Gifts Earlier in Life12:00 – Understanding Intuition and the Subconscious Mind18:00 – Personal Growth and Helping Others25:19 – Turning Your Gifts Into a Business27:56 – Why Your Gifts Have Value29:35 – Shifting From Helping People to Building a Business32:00 – Mindset, Beliefs, and Personal Development38:00 – Trusting Your Intuition and Continuing to Grow42:00 – Creating a Ripple Effect Through Your Work45:00 – Connecting Purpose With BusinessAbout the GuestKrystal Ward is a personal growth and life coach who helps people connect with their goals, personal development, and deeper sense of purpose.Her journey into coaching began with a natural desire to help and encourage others. Through continued personal growth, intuitive development, and entrepreneurship, Krystal has built her work around helping others create meaningful change.Connect with Krystal:Website: www.krystalward.com Instagram: @krystal_ballerLinkedIn: Krystal WardConnect with Kori Burgess:Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/ Tiktok: Chttps://www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess

What if your body has been trying to guide you toward healing all along?In this meaningful episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Sarah, founder of Selah Massage & Wellness, to explore the connection between faith, healing, purpose, motherhood, and listening to the wisdom of the body.Together, Kori and Sarah explore faith, purpose, spiritual growth, motherhood, nervous system healing, body awareness, self-care, emotional release, and discovering the gifts within you.Sarah shares how the name Selah, meaning to pause, reflect, and praise, became a reflection of her own journey. What began as a simple business assignment became a deeper calling to create a space where people could slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience healing.Their conversation also explores how the body can hold experiences, emotions, and stress that we may not always recognize. Sarah explains how her own healing journey helped her understand the importance of listening to the body, processing emotions, and creating space for reflection.At the heart of Sarah’s message is a powerful reminder:Your gifts are not just for you. They are meant to serve others.Kori and Sarah discuss how purpose is often revealed through life experiences, childhood passions, challenges, and moments when we choose to listen instead of control everything ourselves.If you are navigating personal growth, faith-based healing, emotional wellness, motherhood, stress, body awareness, self-discovery, or finding your purpose, this conversation offers an inspiring reminder to slow down and listen to what your body and spirit are telling you.Sometimes the path to purpose is not about finding something new. It is about rediscovering what was already within you.🎙️ Tune in to the full episode of Power & Purpose Within for a conversation about faith, healing, purpose, wellness, self-discovery, and reconnecting with yourself.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within00:10 – The Meaning Behind the Name Selah02:12 – Sarah’s Journey From Los Angeles to Finding Purpose04:22 – Taking a Leap of Faith and Following God’s Direction06:21 – A Full Circle Story of Love, Faith, and New Beginnings08:48 – Sarah’s Baptism and Surrendering Control09:33 – Discovering Her Calling Through Birth and Healing10:39 – How Sarah Knew Massage Therapy Was Part of Her Purpose13:24 – Using Her Gifts to Help Others Find Relief17:43 – Listening to the Signs Along the Path20:34 – The Connection Between Body, Mind, and Spirit25:22 – Creating Healing Through Intuitive Massage Therapy27:50 – Sarah’s Personal Healing Journey Through Grief and Anxiety31:24 – Understanding How the Body Holds Emotional Experiences35:20 – Supporting the Nervous System Through Reflection and Grounding39:06 – The Imperfect Journey Behind Building a Business42:29 – Using Your Gifts to Serve Others45:16 – Learning Self-Care While Helping Others Heal48:54 – Listening When Your Body Is Trying to Communicate50:07 – Where to Connect With Sarah and Selah Massage & WellnessAbout the GuestSarah is the founder of Selah Massage & Wellness, where she combines massage therapy, wellness practices, and her passion for helping others reconnect with their bodies.Through her journey of faith, motherhood, and personal healing, Sarah discovered her calling to support others through relaxation, body awareness, emotional release, and holistic wellness.Connect with Sarah:

• Website: Selahmassagewellness.com 
• Instagram: @selahmassage_wellness

Connect with Kori Burgess:

• Website: ⁠https://stevenandkori.com/⁠ 
• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12⁠ 
• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/⁠ 
• Tiktok: Chttps://⁠www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach⁠ 
• Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/⁠
• YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess⁠

What if you’re not broken, but you’ve simply lost touch with who you truly are?In this meaningful episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Adrienne Lombardi, soul coach and advocate for personal growth, healing, and reconnecting with the authentic self.Adrienne shares how her journey through education, mentoring, mental health counseling, and her own personal growth ultimately led her to soul coaching and a deeper understanding of why people can feel disconnected from themselves.Together, Kori and Adrienne explore authenticity, personal growth, emotional healing, trauma, self-discovery, coping patterns, spirituality, purpose, and becoming more aligned with who you truly are.Adrienne explains how the conditioning we experience through family, relationships, school, society, and our environment can shape who we believe we should be, sometimes creating a disconnect between our authentic self and the person we learned to become.Their conversation also explores why some coping skills that once helped us survive can eventually make life more difficult when we continue using them after they are no longer needed.At the heart of Adrienne’s message is a powerful reminder:“You are not broken.”You were born whole, beautiful, and complete. And even through difficult experiences, the authentic part of you is still there.Kori and Adrienne also discuss the importance of taking responsibility for your own growth, finding the right support, and understanding that different coaches and professionals can serve different seasons of your journey.If you are navigating personal growth, emotional healing, self-discovery, trauma recovery, life transitions, or feeling disconnected from your authentic self, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on finding your way back to yourself.Sometimes becoming who you truly are means giving yourself permission to grow beyond who you were taught to be.🎙️ Tune in to the full episode of Power & Purpose Within for a conversation about authenticity, healing, personal growth, spirituality, purpose, and reconnecting with yourself.
Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within01:43 – Meet Adrienne Lombardi02:41 – Adrienne’s Journey Into Soul Coaching04:49 – The Authentic Self vs. Conditioning06:16 – Becoming More of Who You Are07:38 – Breaking Through Early Conditioning09:55 – Learning, Growing, and Evolving10:55 – Understanding Coping Skills and Survival Patterns12:35 – How Coping Patterns Can Affect Relationships15:49 – Finding Joy in a Client’s Transformation17:33 – Adrienne’s Website and Resources19:21 – Who Adrienne Works With20:47 – Taking Responsibility for Your Own Growth22:59 – Building a New Coaching Business24:14 – Leaving Therapy to Create a More Aligned Path26:36 – Adrienne’s Message for Anyone Living in Pain or Confusion27:40 – You Are Not BrokenAbout the GuestAdrienne Lombardi is a soul coach dedicated to helping people reconnect with their authentic selves through personal growth, healing, self-discovery, and deeper self-awareness.With experience in education, mentoring, consulting, and mental health counseling, Adrienne brings together different parts of her professional and personal journey to support people who are ready to grow, heal, and take actionable steps toward a more aligned life.Connect with Adrienne Lombardi:

• Website: https://adriennelombardi1.wixsite.com/coaching  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrienne.lombardi 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.trohalombardiConnect with Kori Burgess:

• Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/ 
• Tiktok: Chttps://www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach 
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess
  

What if your happily ever after doesn’t turn out the way you imagined, but there is still a hopeful ever after waiting for you?In this meaningful episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Rachel Kerr Schneider, author, speaker, storyteller, and mentor, for an honest conversation about faith, loss, healing, purpose, and finding hope after profound change.Rachel shares her deeply personal journey of losing her husband,John, to ALS, navigating life as a widow and mother, and finding her way into a new season as an author and speaker.Together, Kori and Rachel explore grief, faith, marriage, motherhood, resilience, purpose, healing, personal growth, and the unexpected ways life can unfold.Rachel also shares how her faith changed when she reached a point where there was nowhere else to turn, how John’s faith grew throughout his illness, and what it meant for her to step into responsibilities she had never expected to carry.Their conversation also touches on rebuilding life after loss and being open to the possibility that love, purpose, and joy can still exist after heartbreak.At the heart of Rachel’s message is a powerful reminder:“Our faith doesn't make it necessarily easy, but it does make it possible.”And when life doesn't give us the happily ever after we expected, Rachel offers another perspective:You can have a hopefully ever after that's even more abundant than you thought possible.If you are navigating grief, loss, a major life transition, faith questions, or simply trying to find purpose in a new season, this episode offers encouragement without pretending the journey is easy.Sometimes the chapter we never wanted to write becomes part of the story that helps someone else keep going.Tune in to the full episode for a conversation about faith, healing, grief, resilience, purpose, hope, and finding your way forward.Episode Highlights:0:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within01:00 – Meet Rachel Kerr Schneider04:00 – Rachel’s Journey Into Writing and Speaking08:00 – Meeting John and Building a Life Together15:00 – John’s ALS Diagnosis22:00 – Faith Through an Unimaginable Season30:00 – Watching John’s Faith Grow38:00 – Becoming a Widow and Taking on New Responsibilities46:00 – Finding Purpose Through Mentoring and Speaking55:00 – Life After Loss and Rediscovering Yourself01:04:00 – When Love Finds You Again01:13:00 – Choosing Hope After Heartbreak01:20:00 – Your Happily Ever After Can Change01:27:00 – A Message of Faith and OvercomingAbout the GuestRachel Kerr Schneider is an author, speaker, storyteller, mentor, and advocate for women navigating life's unexpected seasons.She is the author of The Widow Chose Red: My Journey with Jesus, John, and ALS, the first book in a memoir trilogy sharing her journey through love, caregiving, loss, motherhood, faith, and the chapters that followed.Through her story, Rachel encourages others to trust God, embrace their journey, and remain open to the goodness that can still unfold.Connect with Rachel Kerr Schneider:Website: https://www.SpiritedProsperity.com Book: The Widow Chose Red: My Journey with Jesus, John, and ALSSpeaking & Storytelling: Rachel Kerr SchneiderInstagram: https://instagram.com/rachelkerrschneiderFacebook: https://facebook.com/rachel.k.schneider.1
Connect with Kori Burgess:Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/Tiktok: Chttps://www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess

What if independence isn't about doing everything alone, but having the right support to learn how?In this meaningful episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Dr. Radhika Achari, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, organizational leadership expert, and founder of Analyze and Act and Bridge to College Independence.Dr. Radhika shares her unconventional journey from considering medical school to behavioral science, applied behavior analysis, and helping neurodivergent teens and young adults build greater independence.Together, Kori and Dr. Radhika explore neurodiversity, emotional regulation, executive functioning, communication, self advocacy, social skills, parenting, identity, and growth mindset.They also discuss why meeting people where they are matters, how big goals can be broken into smaller teachable steps, and why relationships and psychological safety are essential to learning.Dr. Radhika also opens up about her own experiences with infertility, IVF, uncertainty, and major life transitions, sharing how she applied the same behavioral tools she teaches others to her own journey.At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder:There is no blame or shame in where you start. There are skills that can be taught, gaps that can be closed, and potential that can be developed.If you are a parent, caregiver, educator, young adult, or simply someone interested in personal growth and understanding neurodiversity, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement.Meet people where they are. Build from there. And never underestimate what is possible. 🌱Tune in to the full episode for a conversation about neurodiversity, independence, emotional regulation, identity, growth, and purpose.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within01:00 – Meet Dr. Radhika Achari03:00 – From Medical School to Behavioral Science12:00 – Infertility, IVF, and Life Transitions21:00 – Understanding Neurodiversity Beyond a Diagnosis28:00 – Breaking Big Goals Into Smaller Steps36:00 – Building Trust Through Relationships44:00 – Psychological Safety and Parent Coaching52:00 – Teaching Independence to Young Adults01:00:00 – Perspective Taking and Social Skills01:08:00 – Emotional Regulation and Growth Mindset01:16:00 – Gen Z, Masking, and Burnout01:24:00 – Active Listening and Genuine Connection01:28:00 – Bridge to College Independence01:35:00 – Untapped Potential, Without Blame or ShameAbout the GuestDr. Radhika Achari is the founder of Analyze and Act and Bridge to College Independence, where she helps families and young people develop practical skills for greater independence.Her work focuses on executive functioning, emotional regulation, communication, social readiness, self advocacy, daily living, and college independence.Her message is simple: everyone has untapped potential, and everyone has something valuable to contribute.Connect with Dr. Radhika Achari:Website: https://analyzeandact.com/Bridge to College Independence: https://analyzeandact.com/servicesInstagram: Analyze_n_actFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/radz.acharihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572233982888
Connect with Kori Burgess:Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/ Tiktok: Chttps://www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess

What if the season that broke you is actually preparing you for something greater?In this heartfelt episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Irene Vaksberg, a business owner, speaker, and woman on a mission to inspire others through her story of pain, faith, surrender, and transformation.Irene opens up about her journey as an immigrant, single mother, and longtime hairdresser whose life changed after a serious car accident. As chronic pain, fear, and uncertainty began to reshape her life, she found herself asking a difficult question: Who am I now?Together, Kori and Irene explore what it means to start over, commit to yourself when others doubt you, surrender when you feel like you have nothing left, and discover purpose in the middle of pain.This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don't always have to understand the journey to trust where it is taking you.If you are facing a difficult season, questioning your purpose, or trying to find the strength to begin again, this episode is for you.You are not buried. You are planted. Keep watering. 🌱Tune in to the full episode for encouragement, faith, purpose, and a reminder that your difficult moment does not have to define you.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome to Power & Purpose Within 01:12 – Meet Irene Vaksberg: A Journey of Purpose 03:43 – Knowing Your Gift From a Young Age 05:24 – Choosing Yourself Despite the Naysayers 08:42 – Committing to the Dream When Others Don't Believe 10:03 – Starting Over Is Not a Curse, It's a Blessing 13:46 – When Pain Changes Everything 17:28 – The Prayer That Changed Irene's Journey 19:45 – Learning to Trust the Unexpected Answer 25:01 – Surrendering When You Feel Like Giving Up 29:36 – Turning Pain Into Purpose 32:22 – Moving Beyond Toxic Happiness 34:13 – Purpose Over Profit 35:37 – “Your Difficult Moment Doesn't Define You” 37:07 – There Is Always a Morning After the NightAbout the Guest:Meet Irene Vaksberg, a business owner and speaker who uses her personal journey to inspire others to overcome pain, embrace change, and discover a renewed sense of purpose. After years of working as a hairdresser and facing major life changes following a car accident, Irene began sharing her story and helping others navigate their own journeys of transformation.Her message is simple but powerful: your struggle can become your superpower, and your story can help someone else keep going.
Connect with the Guest: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irene.vaksberg?mibextid=LQQJ4d 
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gothealth_vaksberg?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• lLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/irenevaksberg 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenevaksberg?_t=8ZY1BCwlE8Q&_r=1 
  

Connect with Kori Burgess:

• Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/ 
• Tiktok: Chttps://www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach 
• LinkedIn: 
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess 
  

The healing you’ve been searching for may not begin with another prescription. It may begin with understanding the story your body has been trying to tell.
In this heartfelt episode of Power & Purpose Within, Kori Burgess sits down with Melissa Armstrong, a former ICU nurse turned faith-based holistic health coach, to explore the connection between trauma, identity, nervous system healing, and emotional wellness.
Melissa shares how her journey through traditional medicine led her to discover a deeper path to healing, one that combines science, faith, somatic healing, and biblical truth. Together, Kori and Melissa unpack how unresolved trauma impacts the body, shapes self-worth, and keeps many women stuck in cycles of anxiety, burnout, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion.
This conversation is gentle, empowering, and filled with hope for anyone seeking healing from the inside out.If you’ve been feeling emotionally drained, disconnected, or tired of carrying silent burdens, this episode is for you.Tune in to the full episode for deeper healing, encouragement, and transformation.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome to Life Coaching with Kori01:50 – ICU Nurse Finds Holistic Healing Purpose06:32 – Turning Trauma Into Purposeful Healing Work13:01 – Faith Based Healing Through Identity Alignment17:25 – Nervous System Healing and Trauma Recovery22:43 – Why the Modern Healthcare System Feels Broken28:08 – How Trauma Shapes Your Reality35:27 – Overcoming Rejection Through Faith and Purpose38:37 – Healing Trauma Is Always Possible
About the Guests
Meet Melissa Armstrong, a trauma-informed functional health coach and founder of Holistic Health LLC who turned personal pain, trauma, and loss into a powerful mission of healing. Through faith-based coaching, nervous system regulation, somatic healing, nutrition, and mindset transformation, Melissa helps women and families overcome chronic stress and trauma while rediscovering hope, purpose, and lasting wellness.
Connect with the Guest: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18A68k47wG/?mibextid=wwXIfr 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthbymelissa 
• Website: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshophttps://holistichealthbymelissa.com 
  

Connect with Kori Burgess:

• Website: https://stevenandkori.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kori.burgess.12 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriburgesslifecoach/ 
• Tiktok: Chttps://www.tiktok.com/@koriburgesslifecoach 
• LinkedIn: 
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StevenandKori/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeCoachingwithKoriBurgess