I welcome my childhood friend Dr. Mike Meaney back on the show where we discuss how pain changes how a life moves. It sharpens every edge, tests every bond, and forces you to decide what you believe when there are no easy choices left. That’s where our conversation begins: a candid account of failed orthopedic surgeries, a system that too often rewards the cut over the cure, and the daily reality of living inside a body that won’t stop hurting. We examine how fee-for-service medicine, device royalties, and surgical center ownership can bend decisions, why second and third opinions matter, and what patients can do to avoid becoming a statistic in a volume-driven industry.

From there, we turn toward the inner struggle—resentment, justice, and the long road to healing. We talk openly about opioids as a seductive solution to the human problem of physical pain, and the devastation they leave behind. We sit with the hardest question: when harm is done under anesthesia, what does forgiveness mean? Faith enters not as a slogan but as a practice. We return to the simple Catholic teachings we learned as kids—tell the truth, avoid violence, treat others as you wish to be treated, care for the marginal—and measure them against adult complexity. We explore the mystical claims of Christianity with clear eyes, and why daily sobriety can feel like proof enough for belief.

Then we build forward. Our guest shares One Small Step, a platform delivering certified peer support on nights and weekends for people on Medicaid—exactly when the rest of the system is closed or the ER is the only option. We walk through how human-in-the-loop AI can safely triage, detect pre-crisis signals, and route people to real peers with lived experience, reducing avoidable ER visits and giving support that actually meets people where they are. It’s a practical blueprint for reform: dignified care, data-informed decisions, and a focus on outcomes that matter.

If this conversation resonates—about pain, faith, accountability, or access to real help—share it with someone who needs it. And if you appreciate these deep, unfiltered talks, tap follow, leave a quick review, and tell us: where do you draw the line between justice and mercy?

To learn more about One Small Step head over to https://onesmallstep.io/

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Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

Use code FEEDTHESOUL at https://seoulandsoil.com/ for a discount on the best handcrafted, no BS skincare products in the USA. 

Psychotherapist Romina Richardson shares profound insights on the emotional labor of therapy, authentic connection in relationships, and staying human in a tech-dominated world. We explore what makes a great therapist beyond credentials and how self-awareness creates the foundation for meaningful connections.

• The unseen emotional work of being a therapist – balancing personal resilience while holding space for others
• Dating in the digital age and how unrealistic standards affect our ability to form genuine connections
• Why loneliness persists despite constant digital connection
• Self-awareness as the critical difference between intuition and trauma responses
• The importance of finding personal meaning and purpose
• How AI and technology are changing human connection and mental health
• The balance between setting boundaries and authentic vulnerability
• Why authentic human connection requires courage and presence

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today.

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

Visit Tangem.com and use code FEEDTHESOUL for a special discount on your cold wallet.

Cryptocurrency is transforming the future of finance, offering new ways to build wealth and diversify investments despite its volatility.

• David shares his crypto journey beginning in 2015 with Bitcoin mining
• Only 5% of the world's population currently owns cryptocurrency, showing massive growth potential
• Bitcoin is limited to 21 million coins ever, unlike fiat currency which can be printed endlessly
• Traditional investment strategies aren't working for millennials in today's economic climate
• Self-custody through hardware wallets like Tangem provides ultimate security and control
• Cold wallets protect your assets offline with physical verification requirements
• Diversification across crypto, stocks, real estate and liquid assets creates financial resilience
• Starting small with Bitcoin and Ethereum is recommended for beginners
• Research thoroughly before investing in altcoins or microcaps
• Patience is critical – give your crypto investments years, not months to mature
• Be vigilant about scammers requesting seed phrases or asking you to connect wallets

Visit Tangem.com and use code FEEDTHESOUL for a special discount on your cold wallet.

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

The divide between men and women has never been more pronounced in our culture, especially when it comes to who bears responsibility for healing relationship wounds. Drawing from years of experience as a counselor and my own personal journey, I tackle the dangerous tendency to place blame solely on one gender while absolving the other.

Most relationship discourse online falls into one of two extremes – either men need to do all the emotional work while women are already evolved, or women are manipulative while men are just logical beings responding to provocation. Both narratives miss the fundamental truth that healing requires mutual accountability. As someone who's witnessed countless therapy sessions where men and women voice remarkably similar complaints about their partners, I can attest that shadow work isn't gender-specific.

What makes someone truly attractive goes beyond physical appearance or social status – it's their commitment to self-awareness, their ability to own their past without blaming others, and their courage to remain open despite previous hurts. This balance of strength and vulnerability creates a magnetic presence that transcends conventional attractiveness. The "Holy Trinity," as I playfully call it, is emotional maturity, a good heart, and yes – physical attraction matters too.

My personal battle with chronic pain following botched surgeries has taught me that making excuses never empowers us – only taking action does. The same principle applies to our relationships. We can't control how others show up, but we can control our own healing journey. When both partners commit to doing 100% of their own work rather than a transactional 50/50 split, relationships transform from battlegrounds into sacred spaces of growth.

Are you ready to move beyond blame and into the challenging but rewarding space of mutual healing? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message, and let's start building relationships where we rise together rather than tear each other down.

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today.

Use code feedthesoul at https://seoulandsoil.com/ for a discount on the best handcrafted, no BS skincare products in the USA. 

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today.

Randall "Random" Brooks shares his expertise on upset prevention and recovery training, revealing how proper pilot preparation for emergencies translates to valuable life skills and better decision-making under pressure.

• Loss of control in flight is aviation's #1 killer, with aerodynamic stalls causing about 50% of these incidents
• Pilots typically have only 6-10 seconds to respond correctly in an upset situation before it becomes unrecoverable
• Traditional simulator training has critical gaps because it can't replicate the true physics or psychological stress of real emergencies
• Building muscle memory and neural pathways through actual aircraft training helps pilots access their skills even under extreme stress
• Aviation teaches valuable life skills including responsibility, judgment, teamwork, and emotional regulation
• The most important factor in pilot performance is attitude – how badly you want it and what you're willing to put into it
• APS training creates associations between verbal trigger words and physical actions to ensure pilots can respond correctly when startled

Visit APStraining.com to learn more about aviation performance solutions and improving flight safety.

More on Random here https://www.apstraining.com/team/brooks

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today.

We explore the nature of spirituality and religion with Pastor Charlie McCallie in a wide-ranging conversation that challenges conventional thinking about God, faith, and human connection.

• The episode opens with poetry from 11-year-old Beckam Atwood, highlighting the wisdom and depth young people often possess
• Religion as a "force multiplier" that can exponentially increase both good and evil depending on how it's used
• Four philosophical conceptions of God: as a being, as a super-being, as the ground of being, and as experience
• How religious texts contain beautiful contradictions that prevent literal interpretations and encourage deeper engagement
• Why questions and doubts serve as the foundation for authentic spirituality rather than obstacles to overcome
• The problem of suffering as an entry point for spiritual growth rather than a reason to abandon belief
• Jesus as a radical figure focused on love and inclusion rather than establishing an exclusive religion
• How to build bridges with those we disagree with politically through radical love and empathy
• Finding God in moments of human connection rather than abstract theological concepts

Visit flagstaffcommons.com to hear Pastor Charlie's sermons or find the American Heretic podcast for more conversations on progressive Christianity.

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

Technology and social media significantly impact how we build and maintain our relationships. This episode explores the concepts of fubbing, the implications of social media on intimacy and trust, the dynamics of online dating, and practical steps toward healthier digital interactions. 

• Discussion of how technology influences modern relationships 
• Introduction of fubbing as a relationship challenge 
• Exploration of social media's effect on emotional connection 
• Addressing the roots of phone addiction and reliance on validation 
• The impact of soft cheating and micro-infidelities in digital spaces 
• Navigating online dating: casual vs. serious intentions 
• Importance of setting digital boundaries in relationships 
• Encouragement of mindfulness with technology use 
• Call to action for individual sessions at www.nicoboraza.com

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

Want to work with me one on one? Head over to www.nicobarraza.com and book a free 15-min Zoom consultation to see if it is a good fit for you. I work with individuals and couples.

Effective communication is essential for building healthy relationships, yet so many lack the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue. We explore the challenges of emotional dumping, assumptions, and the importance of reciprocal communication to promote understanding and growth. 

• Discussing the notion of safe spaces in conversations 
• Exploring the consequences of emotional dumping 
• The importance of addressing assumptions in relationships 
• Recognizing the role of self-awareness in communication 
• Navigating effective communication with friends and family 
• Mindfulness as a tool for conflict resolution 
• Learning to improve communication skills during singlehood 
• The significance of emotional intelligence in everyday interactions 
• Reflecting on self-responsibility for relationship dynamics 
• Understanding the need for vulnerability in honest dialogue 

Please leave a five-star written review on Apple and Spotify podcasts. It helps me out a ton!

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

What if the sky truly is the limit? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Claudia, the president of the Latino Pilots Association (LPA), and Manny, the director of finance, as we explore what it means to break into the aviation industry, particularly for people of color and women. With heartfelt stories of personal and family journeys, they unravel the unique challenges faced by Latinos and Latinas in aviation and share how the LPA is paving the way for a more inclusive future. Whether you're dreaming of a career in aviation or simply curious about what it takes to soar, this episode promises insights and encouragement to chase those dreams.

In a tapestry of personal narratives, we hear about the life-altering decisions that led individuals to the aviation field, from parents escaping war and hardship to children finding their wings. The stories of resilience and cultural identity paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of immigrant families, highlighting the power of perseverance and the unexpected paths life can chart. These tales serve as a testament to the belief that it’s never too late to follow one’s passion, even when faced with career transitions later in life.

As our conversation continues, we spotlight the vibrant community fostered by the LPA and other organizations championing diversity in aviation. We celebrate the spirit of empowerment through mentorship, scholarships, and shared experiences, underscoring the importance of representation. From the exciting prospects for older career changers to the dream aircraft choices of our guests, this episode showcases the personal aspirations and collective mission to inspire the next generation of aviators. So tune in, and let your curiosity take flight as we explore the skies and the stories of those who navigate them.

Want to work with me one on one? Head over to www.nicobarraza.com

Interested in hiring Sonora Studios for your marketing, social media management, graphic design and or event work? Learn more and contact them at www.sonorastudios.co

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com

Head over to https://tangem.com/en/ and use code "feedthesoul" for a large discount on your first Crypto Cold Wallet and start investing in your financial future today.

Renowned author and dog behavior expert Dr. Alexandra Horowitz joins us to unravel the mysteries behind how dogs perceive their world and the misconceptions we often hold about their emotions. Dive into the fascinating insights from her research at the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab and discover why dogs might not be smiling when we think they are. Through personal anecdotes and scientific observations, we explore the rich emotional lives of dogs and how our relationships with them reflect our own personalities and behaviors.

We promise a fresh perspective on human-animal relationships, particularly the unique bond we share with our furry friends. From the joy and playfulness that dogs bring to our lives to the complex emotions involved in the loss of a pet, this episode covers it all. We chat about the intriguing notion that people often choose dogs that mirror their own traits, and the ongoing debate on whether dogs are a subspecies of wolves or a distinct species entirely. Our discussion also touches on Dr. Horowitz's exploration of the olfactory world of dogs, as detailed in her book "Being a Dog."

Listeners will be captivated by the philosophical considerations of cloning pets and the unmatched uniqueness each new animal brings into our lives. We share touching stories that highlight dogs' resilience and the deep gratitude they exhibit, especially those mixed-breed "res dogs" from the Navajo reservation. This episode will leave you with a profound appreciation for dogs and the valuable insights they provide into our own lives, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to understanding these remarkable companions.

To work with me one on one or inquire more head over to www.nicobarraza.com

To learn more about Dr. Horotwiz's work head to her website and purchase her books here https://alexandrahorowitz.net/

Support the show

Warmly,
Nico Barraza
@FeedTheSoulNB
www.nicobarraza.com