In this powerful episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow, Leah M. Hill sits down with author, speaker, and recovery advocate Derek Palosaari to explore a raw and inspiring journey from addiction to lasting transformation. Derek opens up about his early struggles with drugs and alcohol, hitting rock bottom at 31, and the humbling path of rebuilding his life through sobriety, faith, and radical honesty. Together, they dive into the realities of mental health, the pressure men face to suppress emotion, and why vulnerability is actually a gateway to strength and healing. With hard-earned wisdom and real-life perspective, Derek shares how desperation became a turning point, why we can’t heal alone, and how everyday choices—rooted in integrity and service—can lead to lasting peace and purpose. This conversation is a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, change is possible, and you are never alone.

In this episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow, Leah M. Hill sits down with Susan Baracco, founder of Story Architect for Women, to explore the transformative power of storytelling. With over a decade of experience collaborating on more than 30 books, Susan shares how writing can become a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and personal empowerment—especially for women who have long held their stories inside. Together, they discuss the fears that keep people from starting, the emotional release that comes from putting truth on the page, and the unexpected lessons no one tells you about writing a book. Through heartfelt insights and practical guidance, this conversation invites listeners to embrace their voice, trust the process, and discover that even one sentence a day can open the door to profound growth and lasting impact.

On this episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with Liz DiFiore, Community Engagement Manager at BevCam, for a powerful conversation about courage, connection, and the impact of community storytelling. Liz shares her unconventional career journey—from children’s book illustration to community media—and unpacks why meaningful relationships are at the heart of every successful business and thriving community. Together, Leah and Liz explore why courage must come before confidence, how networking is a learned skill anyone can develop, and why access to unbiased, local media matters now more than ever. This episode is an inspiring reminder that when people are given the tools, education, and access to tell their own stories, entire communities rise, heal, and grow together.

Today’s guest is Leslie Saba, a Certified Positive Intelligence® coach who believes that staying quiet to keep the peace is one of the fastest ways to lose connection in a relationship. For decades, Leslie lived what so many women experience—holding things in, avoiding conflict, and carrying the quiet emotional weight of unspoken needs. On the outside, everything looked fine, but inside there was tension, disconnection, and a heaviness she couldn’t ignore. After learning the communication and mental fitness skills that transformed her own relationships, Leslie now helps high-functioning women express themselves with clarity and confidence—without guilt or fear—so they can feel calm, respected, and deeply connected again.

Leslie, what have you found is the real cost for women who keep things in to avoid conflict? And can you help us understand—what is emotional weight?

In this heart-centered episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow, Leah M. Hill sits down with Deb Madera of Ellie Mental Health North Shore to explore the powerful healing connection between humans and animals. With over 20 years in the mental health field and as a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist, Deb shares how her journey from co-founding a farm-based therapy program to integrating canine-assisted psychotherapy in clinical settings has transformed the way clients experience healing. From breakthrough moments with her therapy dog Molly to the science behind why animals help us regulate, reflect, and reconnect, this conversation highlights the profound impact of a holistic approach to mental health. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of animal-assisted therapy — and practical ways to support their own emotional well-being.

In this powerful episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with Joel Salomon, a former hedge fund manager turned mindful money expert and prosperity coach, to explore the deeper truth behind wealth and fulfillment. Joel shares his transformative journey from managing a $700 million portfolio to walking away from external success in pursuit of true alignment, revealing why financial achievement alone isn’t enough to create a meaningful life. Together, they dive into healing your relationship with money, breaking free from scarcity-driven beliefs, and integrating disciplined strategy with spiritual growth. This conversation invites listeners to rethink what prosperity really means and empowers them to step into abundance with clarity, purpose, and the courage to #DoubtTheDoubt

n this heart-opening episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow, Leah sits down with Thu Pham, founder of Kintsugi Wellness, to explore what it truly means to heal — not by rushing to fix what feels broken, but by honoring it. After 25 years in the corporate world, Thu followed a quiet inner pull toward a slower, more intentional path rooted in somatic movement, nervous system support, and holistic healing. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi, she shares how our fractures can become our greatest sources of beauty and strength. Together, Leah and Thu dive into the power of presence, the wisdom held in the body, women’s pelvic health, and the integration of ancient practices with modern therapies — reminding listeners that healing is less about doing more, and more about returning home to yourself.

In this powerful episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with relationship expert, therapist, and author Carolyn Sharp to explore how genuine connection can transform our lives and relationships. With more than 30 years of experience helping couples, families, and teams navigate conflict and repair, Carolyn shares the wisdom behind her work and the guiding principles of curiosity, compassion, and connection. Together, they discuss why disconnection is inevitable in every relationship, how learning the skill of repair can deepen trust, and why becoming the “CEO of yourself” is essential for healthy boundaries and growth. In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, Carolyn offers hopeful insights on how small, intentional moments of curiosity and understanding can reignite intimacy, rebuild trust, and help us reconnect with our shared humanity

In this heartfelt episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow with Leah M. Hill, Leah sits down with poet, teacher, and Poet Laureate Emerita of Amesbury, Massachusetts, Ellie O’Leary to explore the healing and transformative power of writing. Ellie shares how poetry and memoir became a way to organize her thoughts, process life’s challenges, and tell meaningful stories rooted in resilience. She opens up about writing her memoir Up Home Again, which reflects on a difficult period marked by illness and financial struggle, and how taking life one step at a time led her toward renewal. Together, Leah and Ellie discuss creativity, the courage to share our stories, and how writing—whether poetry, journaling, or memoir—can become a powerful path for reflection, healing, and growth.

In this heart-centered episode of Rise, Heal, and Grow, Leah M. Hill sits down with Leigh Berry, owner of Emerald Heart Sanctuary, to explore the power of nervous system regula-tion, frequency healing, and emotional wellness. As a Harmonic Egg Guardian, Certified Herbalist, and Reiki/IET practitioner, Leigh shares how her work with the Harmonic Egg helps clients reset into a parasympathetic state of rest and digest—often for the first time in years. Together, they discuss why we are not broken, how stress keeps so many of us stuck in survival mode, and why safety and softness are essential before true healing can occur. This conversation is an invitation to step off the hamster wheel of busyness, reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom, and remember that small, consistent practices can create profound shifts in peace, clarity, and fulfillment.