On today's episode, I speak with fellow educator Alyssa Fenix whose passion and expertise is in helping organizations look at the intersection of disability and LGBTQIA+ identity. In the episode, we discuss the importance of reengineering and reshaping the educational system to better accommodate neurodivergent individuals and foster inclusive environments for all. The conversation covers misconceptions about neurodiversity, the concept of "spoon theory" to manage energy levels, setting better boundaries, the significance of tuning into sensory needs for self-regulation and well-being, and more!

To learn more about Alyssa's work, please visit her website at https://www.fenixoutspoken.com/

For more on my work and links to The Compassion Formula: Where Head Meets Heart For Greater Well-Being head over to https://www.soulstori.com/

On today's episode, yoga instructor, momma of two, and heart-forward human Taylor Droney shares her story of how yoga helped transform her love of self inside and out. Listen in to hear Taylor discuss how yoga helps peel back layers of conditioning and negative thought patterns, teaches self-acceptance and eliminates the need for comparison and judgment, and has informed her approach to teaching her children self-care and emotional well-being.

In the New England area? Join Taylor and Rachael for a Self-Compassion Yoga Workshop on 7/15/23. Click to save your spot! Check out more of Taylor's work on Instagram @taylor.droney.

Seeking more self-compassion in your everyday life? Download Rachael's free guide to jumpstart your self-compassion development today, follow her on Instagram @rachael.barillari, or order your copy of The Compassion Formula: Where Head Meets Heart for Greater Well-Being for an in-depth, mind-body-spirit exploration of creating a more compassionate world.

Occupational therapist Melissa Reda is all about helping people live their everyday lives to their fullest potential. Through her work with our eight - not just five - senses, she teaches her clients how to attune to their own mind-body connection to help them thrive and self-advocate wherever their daily experiences take them. In today's episode, she shares much of this practical wisdom with us as well as her take on applying this knowledge to her personal development.

In this episode, we also discuss:

For more on heart-centered, practical wisdom that supports thriving in your everyday life, connect with me on Instagram @rachael.barillari and check out my book, ⁠The Compassion Formula: Where Head Meets Heart for Greater Well-Being ⁠ avaible now on Amazon and soulstori.com

This week I’m on the pod with my dear sister, DOCTOR Lauren Barillari, to talk about all things cardiovascular health and its connection with our overall wellness. During this conversation (on one of my all-time favorite topics), we explore:

Connect with me on Instagram @rachael.barillari - I'd love to hear your feedback and what you'd like to hear more about on the pod.

Get ready for endless nuggets of wisdom as I speak with my dear friend Lauryn Mackey about the art of compassion and practicing self-love while navigating motherhood, her heart-forward work as a victim witness specialist in the Department of Justice, and so much more. In this episode, we dive into:

Listener Discretion Advised: On today’s episode, I speak with a guest who works as a victim advocate for families impacted by crimes of sexual exploitation of children within the federal prosecution office. Though details of specific crimes are not shared, we do discuss the process of exercising compassion while helping families through highly distressing circumstances. 

Discussing such matters may be highly triggering for some listeners, and I encourage you to prioritize your well-being and consider your readiness to engage with this content. It is perfectly alright to pause or skip this episode if you feel it may be too overwhelming for you at this time.

If you or someone you know is looking to gain more awareness and education about proactive ways to combat child exploitation, please visit Project Safe Childhood’s website at justice.gov/psc

You can also follow me on Instagram @rachael.barillari and @thecompassionformula.

In yet another expansive conversation with award-winning musicians Dan and Claudia Zanes, we discuss self-compassion and how music can help us both deepen our connection with our inner worlds and express our authentic selves beyond. This seat of harmony - literally and figuratively - holds so much potential for self-acceptance and personal empowerment. Highlights in this episode include:

Listen to Dan and Claudia's library of inspiring songs and albums wherever you stream your music, hear their music series offerings on YouTube, check them out online at https://danandclaudia.com/, and follow them on Instagram @danandclaudiazanes

Ready to end the battle between head versus heart? My book, The Compassion Formula: Where Head Meets Heart for Greater Well-Being, is available now for preorder!

This book explores the possibility of joining the forces of our rational minds and emotional hearts to achieve a state of harmony between these two aspects of ourselves, allowing us to live more fulfilling and authentic lives. And, by doing so, we can increase our self-love, create healthier relationships, and experience greater well-being at work, school, and home.

The Compassion Formula is a practical, insightful guide dedicated to providing a clear understanding of why cultivating compassion - an expansive, multidimensional emotional intelligence - is the path to lasting personal development in our modern world.

Whether you are an educator, parent, wellness practitioner, medical professional, or work in corporate, social services, and beyond, this comprehensive book offers accessible, integrative ways to cultivate compassion – and experience its benefits – in our daily lives. Order your advanced copy today at https://www.soulstori.com/the-compassion-formula-pre-order

For more heart-forward content, follow me online at @rachael.barillari and @thecompassionformula

This week I speak with the incredibly talented husband and wife duo Dan and Claudia Zanes on the profound power of everyday music-making. Music, we discuss, has a special way of bringing us back to our innate, heart-centered humanness in the classroom and in our communities. In this episode, we dive into:

Listen to Dan and Claudia's complete albums and vibrant songs you can't help but sing along to wherever you stream your music. Check them out online at https://danandclaudia.com/ and on Instagram @danandclaudiazanes.

For more on the Soul Stori approach to building a new, accessible paradigm of affirming, holistic education, follow me on Instagram @rachael.barillari and @thecompassionformula.

Thank you for being a Soul Stori 20 listener. Please rate, like, and share your feedback!

Whether leading children or adults, embodying compassion (and self-compassion!) is a core tenet for genuine success for yourself and those around you.

In this episode, school-based teacher leader and instructional coach Jaime Volk discusses her firsthand experience of the power of compassion as both an educator and administrator. Jaime also shares her take on:

For more heart-forward content, neuroeducation resources, and practical tools for bringing the benefits of compassion into your life:

Welcome to Soul Stori 20, a place where we explore real-life applications and benefits of the heart-brain connection. Through stories, I’m here to provide practical takeaways to help you bring more authenticity and well-being into your life, all within 20 minutes. Let the story begin.