In this episode, I speak with Anna Maria DiDio, a devoted adoptive mother, accomplished children’s author, and passionate advocate for fostering open family dialogues about adoption and trauma. Anna Maria opens up about her personal experiences raising two daughters—one biological and one adopted—while dispelling the myths surrounding adoption and shedding light on its emotional complexities.

We delve into Anna Maria’s insights on the primal wound, a concept that explores the trauma of separation experienced by adoptees, and the transformative power of addressing this within families. Her books, including both a memoir and children’s stories, serve as vital tools for creating authentic conversations that support healing and connection. Together, we explore how open communication and understanding can bridge gaps, nurture resilience, and strengthen family bonds.

You’ll also hear about:

(03:15) Anna Maria’s adoption journey and lessons learned

(07:42) Understanding the primal wound and its impact

(12:08) Challenging the myths of adoption

(18:30) The role of open conversations in family healing

(26:45) Supporting children through transitions and trauma

(35:50) Building resilience and connection in blended families

Don’t miss Anna Maria’s inspiring perspective on rewriting adoption narratives and building compassionate, thriving family environments!

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In this episode, I speak with Gabriel Piemonte, a deeply influential figure in my own journey of writing and personal growth, about the complexities of redefining personal and cultural narratives about family and self-discovery. As a dedicated community leader and advocate, Gabriel opens up about the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped his philosophy on authentic living.

Gabriel shares insights into how he redefined his relationship with traditional family roles, navigating the delicate balance between honoring legacy and pursuing personal evolution. Our conversation explores the process of questioning societal expectations and how embracing vulnerability leads to deeper connections.

We delve into actionable practices for living authentically, from intentional communication to creating space for self-discovery. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of modeling open-heartedness as a parent and community leader, inspiring others to break free from limiting beliefs.

You’ll also hear about:

(02:15) The journey to authenticity and self-awareness

(08:47) The influence of community on personal growth

(16:22) Challenging cultural norms and rewriting the family narrative

(22:50) Daily rituals that cultivate resilience

(34:18) Gabriel’s reflections on parenting and legacy

(45:12) Bridging individual growth and collective well-being

Don't miss Gabriel's inspiring perspective on finding alignment between personal truth and communal harmony!

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In this solo episode, I’m diving into a year of immense transformation, gratitude, and new beginnings. With the winter solstice as a backdrop, I reflect on the cycles of endings and beginnings that have shaped my journey over the past year. This reflective period has offered me a chance to not only celebrate milestones but also reckon with challenges that have pushed me out of my comfort zone. From writing my first book, an experience filled with discovery and perseverance, to crafting a TEDx talk that demanded vulnerability and courage, every step has been an invitation to grow. Navigating the uncharted territory of preparing for a public launch has tested my resilience, but it has also deepened my purpose and connection to my work. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of growth, gratitude, and the power of embracing life’s transitions with openness and intention.

You’ll also hear about:

(00:19) Embracing the natural cycle of endings and beginnings 

(02:30) Highlights of my year: writing a book and a TEDx talk 

(04:50) Transitioning from creation to launch: new challenges ahead 

(10:20) The importance of planning downtime amidst the holiday rush 

(12:30) Building a supportive team and embracing change 

(14:45) The deepening of my mission and purpose 

(16:50) Mothering ourselves as a foundation for growth

(19:30) Inviting introspection and dreaming as we prepare for 2024

I am so grateful for you! Tune in, and let me tell you.

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In this episode, I speak with Mariya Shiyko, a best-selling author and coach, about overcoming cultural expectations, her journey of self-discovery, and her experiences in motherhood.

Mariya didn’t set out to write a memoir but accepted the calling once she discovered the power of women sharing their stories. She shares her writing journey and the ups and downs of her first literary birth. The act of sharing her voice and expressing herself led Mariya to confront the fear and conditioning she received growing up in Russia about using her voice. In rebelling against cultural expectations, such as being a child bearer and nothing more, she found wholeness within. Her unique journey of self-discovery allowed her to create a different kind of family than the one she was born into. She outlines the tools and mindset shifts that facilitated her growth. We then have a beautiful exchange about the softening motherhood can bring alongside its many challenges and joys.

You’ll also hear about: 

• (02:38) Learning to co-create
• (05:08) Memoir writing process
• (11:32) The risk of speaking up in Russia
• (17:43) Rebelling against cultural expectations 
• (28:34) Personal growth tools 
• (37:15) Mariya’s mothering journey
• (42:11) The joy of motherhood
• (48:03) Taking care of yourself first
• (50:04) Dr. Gertrude’s integration

Mariya’s journey of finding her voice is deeply moving. Not one to miss!

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Learn more about Mariya Shiyko

Learn more on Mariya’s website

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Buy From Russia To Joy: A Journey of Spiritual Awakening here

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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh, an Ayurvedic integrated medicine practitioner and yoga therapist, about integrating Western medicine with Ayurveda, longevity switches, and owning your power.

Healing comes from within. Dr. Avanti’s philosophy integrates the best of Western medicine with 5,000 years of Ayurvedic wisdom. Dr. Avanti’s upcoming book, the Longevity Formula, was inspired by the vibrant lives of her grandparents and sharing the longevity practices that have kept them healthy and in control of their well-being. She explains how important it is to live in harmony with nature and empower yourself with the knowledge to be a part of your healing. She offers the story of how Ayurveda deeply supported her body during breast cancer treatments. Dr. Avanti then introduces her longevity formula and shares three longevity practices for you to begin today!

You’ll also hear about: 

• (01:40) Dr. Avanti’s life journey
• (06:30) The Ayurvedic healing system
• (08:35) Ayurvedic support during breast cancer
• (12:47) Owning your power
• (16:13) The longevity switches
• (24:46) The mother of all healing
• (25:31) Dr. Gertrude’s integration

Don’t miss this healing episode with Dr. Avanti!

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Learn more about Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD

Learn more on Dr. Avanti’s website

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Listen to Dr. Avanti’s podcast

Pre-order The Longevity Formula here

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In this episode, I speak with Marnie Marmet, the Founder of Zenful Life Coaching, about how she discovered her authentic voice, her go-to self-care rituals, and the journey of writing her memoir. 

Self-care and internal work is an ongoing process. By sharing how Marnie lost her voice as a child to actively reclaiming it as an adult and a mother, Marnie reminds us that no one is perfect and we all have much to learn. One part of her unfolding process was taking a memoir writing class by chance, which led to her writing and publishing a book! We discuss how the publishing process forced her to confront some of her negative internal voices, some of which she had not even realized were there. She shares that undergoing this work in front of her children was one of the best choices she could have made as a parent. Modeling the importance of taking care of yourself internally is one of the healthiest things we can do as parents. Marnie walks us through some of her favorite daily self-care routines, such as getting up early, being in nature, and having boundaries with electronics. She reminds us how important it is to put our stories out in the world because we never know the impact they will have on others. 

You’ll also hear about: 

• (01:41) Importance of sharing your stories 
• (14:37) The power of music and voice
• (17:28) Confront a negative internal voice
• (23:39) Responding to feedback
• (30:31) Marnie’s evolution of self-care
• (40:50) Considering another book
• (46:43) The power of rewriting your story

Don’t miss Marnie’s tips for cultivating lasting authenticity!

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Learn more about Marnie Marmet

Learn more on the Zenful Life website

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Connect with Zenful Life on Facebook

Learn more on the Chilly Bean website

Listen to the Art of Living Well podcast

Order Marnie’s memoir, My Song, Unleashed

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In this episode, I speak with author and inter-spiritual teacher Mirabai Starr about writing as a spiritual practice, the mysticism around us, and her evolving relationship with religion. 

Mirabai’s latest book, Ordinary Mysticism, describes how to feel more holy and present in everyday life. Her work speaks to people’s spiritual yearnings without religious hierarchies by translating mysticism for all. Mirabai and I share some of our most transcendental, mystical experiences, particularly with the Divine Mother. We explore the fascinating lives of the mystics St. Teresa of Ávila and Julian of Norwich and discuss how we can integrate the lessons of their lives into the modern world. Mirabai shares a beautiful lesson she learned from her mother about not modeling self-sacrifice and the role of self-care in nourishing others. 

You’ll also hear about: 

• (03:33) Welcome Mirabai Starr!
• (05:52) Ordinary Mysticism book
• (11:52) Demystifying mysticism
• (17:16) Rejecting the tyranny of tasks
• (20:29) Exchanging mystical experiences 
• (26:33) Mindfulness practice realizations
• (29:15) St. Teresa of Ávila and Julian of Norwich
• (43:08) Mothering ourselves
• (47:21) The myth of self-sacrifice 
• (53:53) Reclaiming independence and forgiveness
• (56:40) Dr. Gertrude’s integration

Don’t miss this heart-opening episode with Mirabai Starr!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! 

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Win a copy of Mirabai’s book! To enter, listen to this episode, follow Dr. Gertrude, or follow Mirabai Starr. The first person to let either of us know they listened or followed will win one of five free copies!
• The Way of the Rose by Clark Strand and Perdita Finn

Learn more about Mirabai Starr

Learn more on Mirabai’s website

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Buy Ordinary Mysticism here

Buy Wild Mercy here

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In this solo episode, I’m broadcasting from Mexico to speak about the nourishment of gratitude, birthday reflections, and contemplating duality. 

Birthdays are a wonderful time for reflection. With my birthday just past, I’ve been meditating on expecting delight. In this episode, I discuss the truly transcendent, transformative effects of being in gratitude for as long as you can. This birthday has also got me thinking about the blessing of being born on 11/11 and all I have birthed in the last year. As I prepare for my book to be released, I share how I’ve tried to imbue my writing with the place and space from which I was writing into it. The year ahead holds a lot of excitement, too, and I share what I’m looking forward to. Above all, I am currently in a state of feeling overcome by gratitude in the best of ways. I go into the deep energetics of gratitude, the different ways to create your gratitude practice, and the infinite beauty possible when a collective taps into this miraculous energy.

You’ll also hear about: 

• (00:49) Expecting delight
• (03:30) The wisdom of 11/11 
• (06:10) Yearly rebirth
• (08:50) Receiving feedback  
• (13:10) Honoring our duality
• (16:00) The energy of gratitude
• (18:54) Adversity into growth
• (23:30) The possibility of gratitude

I am so grateful for you! Tune in, and let me tell you. 

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Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Journey into The Dark
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• If you’re not already, subscribe to Dr. Gertrude’s podcast!

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In this episode, I speak with Jessica Zweig, an author and feminine business and branding coach, about building a business after burnout, her latest book, The Light Work, and the importance of healing.

Through the dark, we find the light. Jessica shares the bumpy path that led her from depression and burnout to selling her business and writing her latest book, The Light Work. She introduces the Pleidians, the 12 chakras, and her process of spiritual awakening that began on a trip to Egypt. Today she coaches female entrepreneurs and leads her team in a deeply feminine way. Jessica is truly an expert at blending business and branding with feminine codes. We touch upon the divine importance of female friendships and the sublime impact that healing yourself can have on the world. Jessica imparts the beautiful reminder that in all areas of life, the only way through the hard stuff is through it. 

You’ll also hear about: 

• (01:02) Part serial entrepreneur, part spiritual teacher
• (03:42) Birthing ‘The Light Language’
• (10:21) Dreaming the mother code into being
• (14:00) Expanding beyond seven chakras
• (18:46) Career transitions
• (25:46) “ Woo woo” consciousness
• (28:21) Healing yourself heals the world
• (33:36) Female friendships
• (43:02) Rewriting ancestral lineage 
• (46:10) Dr. Gertrude’s wrap up

To win a free copy of Jessica’s book, find more details on Jessica’s and Gertrude’s Instagram!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! 

Learn more about Jessica Zweig

Learn more on Jessica’s website

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Buy The Light Work here

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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Dominica McBride, a community psychologist and founder of the Become Center. She shares how her family’s trauma has impacted her, the mission of the Become Center, and the importance of self-care for effective mothering. 

Dr. McBride shares how her mother's resilience and the impact of her grandmother's traumatic experiences in Haiti have inextricably shaped her present. We discuss how to know which mother codes to keep and which to work on. Today, she runs the Become Center, an organization dedicated to creating thriving communities. Dr. McBride discusses Become's initiatives, including the Courage to Love program, which supports black mothers and babies by combating racism's adverse effects through community-led interventions and mother mentoring. Dr. McBride emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive evaluation and the need for individual and community healing to foster resilient and loving communities. Evaluation isn’t something to fear but to welcome as a tool for learning and growth.

You’ll also hear about: 

• (03:57) Dr. McBride’s motherhood journey 
• (05:37) Background and early influences 
• (10:25) Watching mom balance motherhood and work
• (15:49) Impact of family dynamics 
• (23:47) Called to address racism
• (27:35) The Become Center
• (29:22) Culturally responsive evaluation
• (42:48) Courage To Love
• (45:36) Rewriting the motherhood archetype
• (48:19) Looking at our matriarchal stories

Don't miss Dr. Dominica McBride's powerful insights on healing communities and uplifting Black mothers.

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Email Dr. Dominica at [email protected]

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