In this episode, we sit down again with Dr. Matthew Mosquera, a Harvard-trained addiction psychiatrist, for a deep dive into ketamine treatment — from its surprising history to its emerging role in mental health care. We kick things off by clearing up common misconceptions. While ketamine’s party-drug reputation persists, we explore its origins as a surgical anesthetic developed in the 1960s and how it rose to prominence during the Vietnam War. Its safety profile and effectiveness at sub-anesthetic doses have since made it a powerful tool in psychiatric care.

We focus on how ketamine works neurologically. It enhances neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire and reconnect neural pathways damaged by depression and chronic stress. This restoration of “functional connectivity” enables emotional regulation to return more efficiently. Dr. Mosquera explains that ketamine doesn’t just mute symptoms like many SSRIs—it opens a short window where behavior and mindset shifts can take root more easily.

From there, we get into the logistics. Most patients begin with an “induction phase” — twice-weekly treatments for four weeks. Sessions typically last two hours and include an active dissociative phase followed by a recovery period. We learn that visuals, out-of-body sensations, and introspective insights are common but not guaranteed. Dr. Mosquera emphasizes the importance of environment and mindset in shaping each session’s impact. Clinics aim to create a calming, supportive space, and providers monitor patients throughout.

We also explore the differences between esketamine (the FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression) and generic ketamine, used off-label for conditions like PTSD, OCD, and anxiety. While esketamine is tightly regulated and covered by insurance, off-label use often involves out-of-pocket costs and different methods of administration like IV or IM injections.

Toward the end, we tackle common concerns: who shouldn’t use ketamine, potential side effects, and why at-home ketamine therapy can be risky. Dr. Mosquera offers cautious optimism about ketamine’s future, citing the growing data on long-term benefits. He encourages pairing treatment with therapy, movement, and other healthy habits for best results. We wrap with quick-hit facts and personal reflections, including Dr. Mosquera’s thoughts on why he was drawn to this field in the first place — and his belief in helping people reset when traditional treatments haven’t worked.

Reach out to Dr. Mosquera: [email protected]

00:00 - Intro
01:58 - What Is Ketamine? (History & Origins)
04:02 - Ketamine in Medical Use Today
05:02 - Ketamine for Depression Explained
06:28 - What is Esketamine vs. Ketamine?
08:29 - FDA Approvals and Other Mental Health Uses
09:38 - Off-Label Ketamine Use & Clinic Access
10:31 - Cost of Ketamine Treatment
13:00 - How Ketamine Helps the Brain (Neuroplasticity)
17:01 - What a Ketamine Treatment Session Feels Like
21:28 - Side Effects and How Patients Typically Feel After
22:34 - Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
25:15 - Psilocybin vs Ayahuasca vs Ketamine
28:16 - Who Shouldn’t Use Ketamine
30:13 - How Long Do the Effects Last?
32:49 - Matthew Perry’s Death & Ketamine Safety
34:51 - Ketamine Use Postpartum and While Breastfeeding
38:09 - What to Expect from Treatment
39:03 - Ketamine as a Party Drug & What Is a K-Hole?
42:56 - Long-Term Side Effects of Overuse
43:42 - The Future of Ketamine Clinics
44:55 - Fear of Psychedelics: Advice for First-Timers
47:05 - Fact or Fiction: Ketamine Myths Busted
48:44 - Frequency and Dosage Guidelines
50:59 - Where to Find Dr. Mosquera
51:22 - Outro and Closing Credits

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Steeped In Wellness, we sit down with Dr. Aly Cohen, a triple board-certified physician in rheumatology, internal medicine, and integrative medicine, and one of the nation’s leading voices on environmental health. We explore how toxic chemical exposures in our daily lives affect our immune systems, hormones, and long-term health — and what we can actually do about it without panicking.

Dr. Cohen shares her origin story, which began not with a patient, but with her own dog’s mysterious illness. That incident sparked a deep dive into chemical exposures in water, food, and household products. She quickly discovered the shocking lack of regulation over the 350,000+ synthetic chemicals in our environment, many of which have never been tested for safety. From there, her mission evolved: educating both physicians and everyday people about how these exposures can disrupt hormones, immune systems, and contribute to chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions and even breast cancer.

We talk about the word “toxins” and how the more accurate term is “toxic chemicals” — synthetic compounds not naturally found in the body. Dr. Cohen explains how these compounds, introduced post-WWII to improve convenience, were never required to undergo rigorous testing before ending up in our cosmetics, food packaging, cleaning supplies, and water. She breaks down how endocrine disruptors like BPA mimic hormones even at extremely low doses, and why that’s a problem for both kids and adults.

The conversation then shifts to empowerment through action. Dr. Cohen walks us through her “Four A’s of Environmental Health”: Assess, Avoid or Swap, Add, and Allow. She emphasizes the need to assess exposure without guilt, swap out harmful products with vetted alternatives, add in healthy habits like hydration, sleep, and nutrient-rich food, and allow some flexibility to avoid overwhelm.

From deodorant dilemmas to plastic bath toys, we reflect on the practical side of reducing exposure while balancing the realities of daily life and parenting. Dr. Cohen encourages us to focus on the controllable: reduce plastic, avoid synthetic fragrances, choose safer personal care products, and invest in a home water filtration system — preferably reverse osmosis. She recommends using apps like EWG’s Healthy Living, Yuka, and Clearya to make better product choices easily and quickly.

Despite the seriousness of the topic, Dr. Cohen remains optimistic. She believes in the power of education, especially among younger generations, and shares how kids — when empowered with knowledge — often outpace adults in making better health decisions. As we wrap up, we talk about perspective, self-compassion, and using our energy wisely — taking inspiration from the Serenity Prayer and the classic poem Desiderata.

More:

The Smart Human – https://thesmarthuman.com

EWG (Environmental Working Group) – https://www.ewg.org

EWG’s Healthy Living App – https://www.ewg.org/apps/

Yuka App – https://yuka.io

Clearya App – https://www.clearya.com

Dr. Aly Cohen’s Practice – https://alycohenmd.com

00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
01:17 – Why Toxins Matter as a Health Concern
02:15 – Dr. Cohen’s Personal Journey into Environmental Health
06:52 – What “Toxins” Really Means
09:32 – How Chemical Exposure Impacts the Body
12:26 – Hormone Disruption Explained
15:07 – It’s Not About Perfection
17:08 – The Four A’s of Environmental Health
21:30 – Top Toxins to Avoid at Home
27:16 – Using Apps to Vet Your Products
40:43 – The Drinking Water Deep Dive
46:19 – Medical System Gaps & the Rise of Misinformation
49:53 – What Gives Dr. Cohen Hope
51:17 – Life Lessons & Final Thoughts

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we sit down with Kait Stephens, CEO and co-founder of Brij, to explore what it really means to build a business and a family at the same time — and do it with intention. Kait walks us through her shift from a career in finance and investing to launching Brij, a platform that helps brands capture first-party data and build lasting customer relationships through QR technology. What began as a pain point around brands losing the consumer connection at retail grew into a full-fledged SaaS solution used by over 150 brands.

We unpack how the pandemic accelerated QR adoption, e-commerce growth, and customer data awareness — all of which validated Brij’s direction. But this conversation isn’t just about startup strategy. Kait shares the deeply personal and emotional journey she went through while building the company: a long and painful road through infertility, five rounds of IVF, miscarriages, and the isolation that came with it. All of this was happening in parallel with launching her business. Her message? You can do both — but it’s messy, nonlinear, and hard.

We discuss the role of proactive decision-making in fertility, the emotional toll of early motherhood, and how she structured her life — and calendar — to make space for both work and family. Kait shares how she blocks time for bathtime and bedtime with her daughters, why she doesn’t apologize for it, and how she encourages her team (mostly women) to do the same.

She also opens up about sharing her journey publicly — from vulnerability hangovers to going viral on LinkedIn. We explore how blending personal stories into professional spaces builds trust, strengthens leadership, and creates a more connected team. Kait talks candidly about online criticism, gendered expectations, and the double standards that still persist for working moms.

We close with a discussion about managing burnout, raising strong daughters, hiring Gen Z talent, and redefining what success looks like as a parent and a leader. Kait leaves us with one powerful reminder: parenting doesn’t diminish your ability to lead — it expands it. The negotiation, multitasking, and empathy required in motherhood? Those are executive skills too.

00:00 - Intro & Meet Kait Stephens
01:50 - Breastfeeding on Zoom: Hands-Free Parenting Hacks
03:08 - Kait’s Career Pivot: From Finance to Founder
10:45 - Kait’s IVF Journey & Emotional Toll
13:58 - Balancing IVF and Startup Life
18:00 - Crying at Work & Reframing Vulnerability
23:32 - Social Media Criticism & Gender Bias
28:42 - Marriage, Kids & “You” Time
41:31 - Sharing Family Online: Boundaries & Hangovers
45:19 - Hiring Gen Z: The Culture Clash
57:43 - Kait’s Superpower & Final Thoughts
 

More:

Brij Website: https://brij.it/

Kait Stephens on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kait-margraf-stephens/

Newton Baby - https://www.newtonbaby.com

My Brest Friend Pillow – https://www.mybrestfriend.com

Modern Fertility – https://modernfertility.com

The Anxious Generation (Book) – https://www.anxiousgeneration.com

Tin Can (Kid’s landline alternative) – https://tincan.kids/

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this two-part episode of Steeped in Wellness, we sit down with Elara just a few weeks before her due date, and again four weeks postpartum, to track her journey into life with two under two. Starting with a check-in during her 37th week of pregnancy, we cover everything from how she’s feeling physically and emotionally to how different this pregnancy has been from her first. Right away, Elara shares that her baby is tracking big—over seven pounds at 37 weeks—and while the measurements aren’t always accurate, she’s mentally preparing for another big baby, maybe even over nine pounds. We revisit her desire to attempt a VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section), and how she’s weighing the pros and cons as her due date approaches. The goal is simple: a healthy baby, a healthy mom, and as short a hospital stay as possible.

We talk through what she’s hoping for in her second labor—ideally, an unmedicated vaginal delivery with minimal tearing and a quick discharge—but she’s also staying flexible. We go into her thoughts on epidurals, eating during labor (spoiler: she’s not doing the ice chips-only route again), and why she’s planning to bring snacks and electrolytes, including matcha.com’s MATCHA-AID, to help stay energized. The conversation drifts into fertility tracking, how baby #2 came to be (some great honesty there about apps, timing, and yes, the pullout method), and the emotional whirlwind of finding out she was pregnant again with a baby who was not necessarily “planned,” but very much wanted.

We also laugh through some pregnancy side stories—like how Elara, in a burst of nesting energy, ended up buying two guinea pigs named Baloney and Bonsai. But beneath the humor, there’s real emotion. She opens up about the sadness of saying goodbye to her solo time with her firstborn Koa, and the anxiety of wondering how her heart will stretch to love a second child as much as the first.

Fast forward, and we’re back 4-weeks post-birth. Elara shares the full story: she ended up having a scheduled C-section after her 40-week ultrasound estimated the baby would be over 9.5 pounds. With growing concerns about blood pressure and her history of postpartum preeclampsia, she chose the safest option for herself and baby—and it turned out to be the right call. Archer Kai was born at 9 lbs, 9 oz, and despite her disappointment about not going for a VBAC, she had a smoother recovery this time. No mag drip, fewer hospital days, and more confidence in herself.

We dive deep into the postpartum experience: the balance between a newborn and toddler, nursing the second time around, the mental health side of recovery, and the small but crucial routines that make the days work—like hot showers, face care, and more. Elara talks candidly about her more relaxed attitude with Archer: feeding on demand, saying "no" to rigid wake windows, and not stressing over being the baby’s only food source. She’s open to formula, combo feeding, and just doing what works for the whole family.

Elara shares how Archer's temperament is already so different from Koa’s. He’s chill, calm, and easier to nurse. And somehow, through the chaos of managing two kids, two dogs, a cat, and guinea pigs, she’s found more love and patience than ever. The episode ends with a powerful “Just You Wait” that celebrates the beauty of the postpartum period—not just the hard parts. She reminds us that yes, it's exhausting, but it’s also full of wonder, growth, and unexpected love.

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we sit down with Caitlin Wilder, a mom, full-spectrum doula, lactation consultant, and the founder of Wilder Beginnings. With Diana out sick, Elara and Jon step in to guide a raw and real conversation about motherhood, postpartum truths, and breaking free from rigid norms around birth and parenting. Caitlin shares how her own births inspired her to become a doula and create an online space where moms feel less alone in the messy, unfiltered parts of parenthood.

We explore the pressures moms face online, where parenting content often feels extreme and leaves little room for nuance. Caitlin talks about how her own content aims to live in the middle ground — validating the many shades of motherhood that exist between joy and struggle. She opens up about how important it is to mute accounts that spark self-doubt and how vital it is to trust ourselves over influencers who claim to know what’s best for our babies.

We dig deep into the common misconceptions about doulas, especially in places like LA where some doulas push narrow birth agendas. Caitlin shares her belief that doulas should meet women where they are — whether that’s an unmedicated home birth or an epidural at the hospital. She recounts her own births, including a whirlwind second birth that nearly happened in the car, showing just how unpredictable and personal birth experiences can be.

We also hear Elara’s concerns about having a VBAC (vaginal birth after C-Section), fighting unnecessary pressure from doctors to schedule another C-section, and the importance of self-advocacy in pregnancy and postpartum care. The conversation touches on postpartum preeclampsia, the stress of recovering in the hospital on magnesium drips, and how fear and lack of information can pile onto an already vulnerable time.

Caitlin explains how her second breastfeeding journey was shaped by lessons learned from her first — this time letting go of expectations, focusing on what worked for her, and not forcing herself to make it perfect. She reminds us that mental health is reason enough to formula feed if that’s what keeps things balanced.

We end with relatable talk about the everyday realities of raising kids: screen time trade-offs, sleep arrangements with multiple kids, and giving ourselves permission to drop the guilt and do what actually works — even if that means dad sleeping in the toddler’s room while mom handles night feeds solo. Caitlin leaves us with two strong reminders: trust ourselves over the noise, and let babies be babies. They don’t need constant stimulation — sometimes they just need a safe spot to lie down and look at the world.

This episode is an honest look at how messy, funny, exhausting, and beautiful motherhood really is when we stop pretending it’s perfect.

Caitlin's website Wilder Beginnings: https://www.wilderbeginnings.com/ 

Caitlin's podcast- You're So Right: https://www.wilderbeginnings.com/podcast 

Wilder Beginnings Instagram: https://instagram.com/wilderbeginnings 

Rachael’s Instagram (Hey Sleepy Baby): https://instagram.com/heysleepybaby

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we sit down with Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy and former competitive athlete, to talk about pain, healing, and redefining recovery. Vinny recounts the surfing accident that broke his back and launched him into a years-long battle with chronic pain. He shares how his injury left him disoriented and desperate, cycling through countless experts and treatments without lasting relief. Eventually, this frustration turned into a mission to understand the body, the brain, and how we process pain.

We explore how chronic pain often lingers not because of structural damage, but due to neuroplastic changes in the brain. Vinny explains how trauma, adversity, and learned associations can cause pain to persist long after the body has healed. He introduces the concept of neuroplastic pain and emphasizes the importance of recognizing how our brain interprets signals, sometimes locking us into cycles of suffering that no scan or surgery can resolve.

Through Pain Academy, Vinny teaches that healing requires a shift from passive to active therapy—where individuals learn to care for themselves using gentle, sustainable movement. He challenges the “go big or go home” mindset common among athletes and instead advocates for “go medium and sometimes stay inside,” training the nervous system to feel safe in movement rather than always pushing through pain. We also discuss the emotional component of pain, the influence of identity on recovery, and how society often validates pain in unhelpful ways.

We touch on topics like ketamine therapy, post-pregnancy recovery, and the risks of over-diagnosis through preventative MRIs. He underscores the need for simple, accessible tools and mindset shifts that empower people to reconnect with their bodies. He also offers daily practices and insights that helped him—like somatic tracking, microdosing movement, and learning to view pain as a communication tool rather than an enemy.

We wrap the episode reflecting on how embracing discomfort and responding thoughtfully to pain can transform our relationship with ourselves. Vinny leaves us with a powerful reminder: pain is real, but that doesn’t always mean it’s structural—and often, healing begins by listening rather than fixing.

Studies cited by Vinny in this podcast:

Predicting Transition to Chronic Pain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23823463/

Epidemiology of Whiplash: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1752751/

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we dive into the healing journey of Bailey Nielson, founder of Solstice Holistic. Together, we explore what it means to be neurodivergent and how Bailey’s personal experience with childhood trauma, misdiagnoses, and conventional mental health treatments led her to create a trauma-informed, spiritually rooted practice. Bailey shares how traditional approaches left her feeling broken and unsupported, pushing her to explore new ways of regulating the nervous system and reconnecting with the body.

We define neurodivergence as a unique way of processing the world—something not wrong, just different—and discuss how masking behavior often forces individuals to suppress their true selves. Bailey emphasizes creating safety in relationships by being patient, nonjudgmental, and curious. We also touch on daily tools for nervous system regulation, from intentional breathwork and cold exposure to co-regulating with animals and embracing somatic practices inspired by how pets and children naturally reset themselves through movement and presence.

From there, we explore how small acts of joy and ritual—like listening to audiobooks during chores or creating moon water—can help transform stress into grounding experiences. Bailey teaches us that spirituality can be simple and adaptable, especially for those who are exhausted or overwhelmed. We reflect on how syncing with the moon’s phases can bring us back to nature and deepen our intuition and self-awareness.

The conversation then moves into relationships. Bailey stresses that the quality of our romantic connections mirrors our own self-worth and the inner work we’ve done. She encourages listeners not to settle out of fear or societal pressure, but to believe that better love comes when we step into our full authenticity. We talk about being the example for others, loving people through their growth, and celebrating those who are still seeking their person.

To close, we talk about boundaries—how they’re not walls but bridges—and how saying “no” with confidence is an act of self-respect that invites deeper, more authentic connections. Bailey leaves us with two core lessons: that slowing down is essential to sustainable success, and that healing begins when we accept our challenges like we chose them.

Bailey's Website: https://solsticeholistic.com/

Bailey's Instagram: http://instagram.com/solstice.holistic

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we sit down with Cori Sartori, a certified integrative life and mindset coach, author, breast cancer survivor, and founder of SLC Life Coaching. We begin by exploring her deeply personal journey—from escaping a toxic relationship and struggling with addiction-enabling patterns to discovering healing through yoga, personal development, and ultimately stepping into her purpose as a coach. 

Cori walks us through how her transformation began with The Four Agreements, yoga, and vision and goal-setting. We hear how her growth intensified through experiences like Landmark Worldwide and a pivotal trip to Japan, where a reiki session unlocked suppressed trauma and triggered profound self-awareness. That experience, and a life-affirming gesture from her mother, led her to life coaching, which she has now been practicing for nearly a decade. 

We clarify the difference between therapy and coaching. Therapy focuses on the past and healing emotional wounds, while Cori’s coaching emphasizes actionable forward movement. She builds holistic plans with her clients, focusing on emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. Accountability is key—her programs include weekly check-ins, goal-setting calls, and deep vision work to support long-term change. 

We then dive into manifestation—how it differs from generic positive thinking. Cori explains that true manifestation is about matching energy and intention to vision and belief. She shares a powerful story of healing from breast cancer, where she combined mindset, gratitude, and visualization with medical treatment. We also hear about manifesting her second child after being told she had less than a 5% chance of conceiving naturally. Her process involved nightly visualizations and emotional immersion in the desired outcome. 

Cori also opens up about rebuilding a relationship with her now-husband, Jake. Once a codependent and toxic dynamic, their love was transformed through personal growth, forgiveness, and mutual commitment to healing. Gratitude and clear communication are the pillars that sustain their relationship today. 

We wrap with advice for skeptics—try it. Just sit with yourself for five minutes and intentionally visualize a better reality. Cori believes we’re always creating our reality, whether consciously or not. Finally, she reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a practice—it’s a lifestyle that has the power to transform everything. 

Cori's Website: SLC Life Coaching: https://slclifecoaching.com/

Cori's Book: Thrive and Flourish: Self-Development Strategies for High-Achieving Women in Business and Life https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Flourish-Self-Development-Strategies-High-Achieving/dp/B0C7J3JSP2

Cori's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcorisartori/

(00:00) - Introduction to Cori Sartori 

(01:16) - Cori’s Path from Trauma to Coaching 

(06:03) - What Is Life Coaching? 

(09:28) - Accountability in Coaching 

(12:12) - Connecting Habits to Vision 

(14:22) - Manifestation vs Positive Thinking 

(17:04) - Healing Through Manifestation 

(20:25) - Can You Manifest Bad Things? 

(24:34) - Manifesting Her Second Baby 

(30:41) - Trusting the Process and Timing 

(34:38) - A Marriage Reimagined 

(42:39) - Relationship Advice for New Parents 

(45:42) - Gratitude as a Relationship Tool 

(47:28) - Advice for Manifestation Skeptics 

(49:24) - Best Time to Manifest 

(52:21) - How to Connect with Cori 

(52:56) - Closing and Resources

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we sit down with Carlos Boettcher, a seasoned war journalist whose life story reads like a history of modern conflict. Born during apartheid in South Africa and raised in a household of journalists, Carlos experienced instability and global upheaval from a young age. He recounts his early exposure to chaos, from the Rammstein air show disaster to watching his father report from war zones on television. Inspired by his father and driven by a search for purpose after 9/11, Carlos left college to cover the war in Iraq, launching a career that would take him to multiple frontlines, including the fall of ISIS, Ebola outbreaks, and the COVID crisis.

Carlos opens up about the emotional toll of frontline reporting, describing how the adrenaline of war masked deeper mental health struggles. As he reflects on his post-war years, Carlos discusses how the culture of journalism, particularly in high-stress newsrooms, normalized drinking and gallows humor as coping mechanisms.

He shares how these behaviors escalated into addiction, leading him down a path of self-destruction. While his external persona was that of a successful and jovial journalist, Carlos admits that internally, he was struggling deeply. He eventually recognized his PTSD and alcoholism, and after multiple rehab stints, began a difficult but transformative recovery journey. Carlos credits his support system, especially his mother and close friends (including Elara!), with helping him survive and begin healing.

Through meditation, sleep, and self-awareness, Carlos developed a philosophy he calls “the elegant path”—a more intentional, holistic approach to life. He talks about breaking cycles of consumption, confronting emotional pain, and using his physical fitness as a meditative practice. Today, Carlos is in a much healthier place, committed to maintaining balance and supporting others who may be navigating their own struggles.

We close with powerful reflections on personal responsibility, healing, and the enduring impact of support systems. Carlos reminds us that while rock bottom looks different for everyone, the turning point always comes when we choose to stop digging and start changing.

Roald Dahl's The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonderful_Story_of_Henry_Sugar_and_Six_More 

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/

Lust for Life, by Lana Del Rey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP4eqhWc7sI

Connect with Elara and Diana!

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast

Or head over to https://www.matcha.com

And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts!

The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we dive into financial wellness with certified financial planner Cole McClarren. We explore the often misunderstood role of a financial advisor and distinguish between true comprehensive planning and the sales-driven tactics sometimes mistaken for it. Cole walks us through what it means to be a fiduciary and why fee-only, conflict-free advice is so crucial. We learn how his journey began—interning with his father and living on a futon during an internship with a pioneer in the field—eventually finding a career that blends psychology and finance.

We explore the emotional side of money: how people feel shame around finances, how couples manage joint versus separate accounts, and the importance of open communication. Cole emphasizes that the foundation of successful financial planning isn’t math but understanding people. Tools and software handle calculations, but building trust and seeing the full financial picture is what sets a good planner apart.

We also discuss how and when to start talking about money in relationships—from who pays for the first date to merging finances with a partner. Cole stresses there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but transparency and shared goals are key. We talk about the increasing trend of using financial tools like Klarna and how our generation views debt differently—highlighting the influence of social media and the normalization of luxury spending.

Cole unpacks the core principles of comprehensive financial planning: saving consistently, having an emergency fund, and investing in oneself. He reframes financial freedom not as the ability to retire early but as the power to live with integrity—doing work you value and making decisions not dictated by money.

We wrap up with advice on college savings, the realities of student loans, and how to talk to kids about money. Cole reminds us to prioritize retirement before saving for our kids' education (funding retirement is harder!), and he reflects on the importance of identifying personal money narratives so we don’t unintentionally pass down harmful habits. We close on a personal note, with Cole sharing his evolving mantra: understanding and expressing what he truly needs, both in relationships and life.

More:

Cambridge Financial Group: https://cambridgefinancialgroup.com/

ACP: Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org/home

I Will Teach You To Be Rich: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/

Money Quotient: https://www.moneyquotient.com/

Connect with Elara and Diana!

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