In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' we welcome Jen who shares her profound insights on how emotional states filter our perception of reality. From her personal battle with seasonal depression and professional struggles as a dentist, to understanding vulnerability, shame, and the fear of failure, Jen provides a rich narrative of self-discovery and growth. We also delve into her framework for managing burnout called 'Ground, Heal, Thrive,' the significance of boundary management, and the power of saying no. This episode offers valuable perspectives on how to navigate life's challenges, regulate the nervous system, and find joy and fulfillment. Join us for an enlightening conversation that touches upon parenting, mindfulness, and the journey to self-worth.

Jen is a coach, speaker, and formerly burnt out dentist who helps high-achieving but burned-out individuals find their way back to clarity, wholeness, and a life that actually feels good. Through her signature framework—Ground, Heal, Thrive—she supports clients in regulating their nervous systems, setting healthier boundaries, and reconnecting with a deep sense of inner sturdiness. Her work is rooted in lived experience: after years of functional burnout and misalignment, she rebuilt her life and business around time, financial, and emotional freedom. In this episode, Jen shares practical starting points for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, unclear next steps, or just craving more peace in your daily life, her insights offer both grounded tools and a lot of hope. Find her work at :

Join us in this episode of Stories and Stanza as we talk to Aaron Marcus, a writer, actor, and acting coach. Aaron shares invaluable insights on pursuing a career in acting and modeling, addressing common misconceptions, handling rejection, and the importance of self-awareness. He also discusses his books, workshops, and the significance of giving back to the community. Don't miss this enriching conversation filled with practical advice and encouraging words for aspiring artists.

Link to Aaron's Website

In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra is joined by Oliver to explore the transformative power of shadow work and journaling in addressing mental health concerns, particularly among men. The conversation delves into the significance of being vulnerable, understanding one's emotions, and using deep journaling techniques for personal growth. Oliver shares his journey from casual journaling to teaching shadow journaling, providing insights into how embracing and integrating all emotions can lead to healing. The episode also discusses the importance of community in journaling and how shared experiences can validate and support individuals on their mental health journey.

About Oliver

Through his work, Oliver is now inviting others to take gentle steps into the shadow. With the bright lights we shine, we can soon become friends with what once scared us.

Oliver is also the co-founder of the Barcelona Journaling Festival, an annual writing event attracting a global audience.

He is a council member of the International Association of Journal Writers, and is a certified JTTS instructor.

Get 50% off on Oliver's Course

In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Sreya Sarkar, a public policy analyst turned fiction writer. Sreya shares her journey from writing non-fiction articles and white papers to publishing her debut novel, 'Beneath the Veneer.' They discuss the importance of short stories, the intricacies of writing a novel, and the profound impact of women's camaraderie. Sreya also reads an excerpt from her book and delves into the layers of her narrative, focusing on contemporary social and gender issues in India. Tune in to explore the world of storytelling and the craft of writing with Sreya.

Book Link:

Join us for an insightful conversation with author Diane Clarke as we discuss her book, The Bracelet. Get to know the inspiration behind the story and the creative process of this talented author.

In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra from Melbourne interviews author Diane about her second book, 'The Bracelet.' They discuss the book's plot, centered around Monica's quest to build a relationship with her estranged father. Diane shares insights into the themes of family sagas, the impact of dementia, and the challenges of writing and editing her novels. The episode highlights the significance of emotional connections, mystery elements, and the personal inspiration behind Diane's writing. Tune in for an engaging discussion on family, identity, and the art of storytelling.

In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra interviews Bruce, a writer based in Melbourne, about his creative process and journey with his book 'Devil's Delight.' Bruce shares the inspirations behind his work, the challenges he faced, and his transition from writing books to screenplays. He discusses the themes of human blame, the reclamation of glory by Lucifer, and the emotional complexities involved in writing compelling characters. Bruce also reads an excerpt from his book, providing a glimpse into the intriguing narrative. Tune in to discover insights on writing, creativity, and the importance of sharing your work.

00:00 The Devil Made Me Do It: Exploring Lucifer's Perspective

01:25 The Power of Stories: An Introduction to Stories and Stanza

03:11 Bruce's Writing Journey: From Inspiration to Creation

04:35 Devil's Delight: A Unique Take on Lucifer's Story

08:03 Reading from Devil's Delight: A Glimpse into the Book

18:56 Challenges and Emotions in Writing

31:05 From Book to Screenplay: The Transition Process

34:07 Future Projects and Screenplay Festivals

38:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

Welcome to a new episode of Stories and Stanza with your host Abhra. In this episode, Abhra speaks with special guest Rosemary, a poet, novelist, and doctor. Together, they delve into the importance of embracing failure as a path to success and how our relationship with failure can impact our growth. Rosemary shares her personal journey of healing from trauma, the significance of acknowledging past experiences, and the practical strategies she employed to overcome them, such as play and social support. They also discuss burnout, its effects, and coping mechanisms. Rosemary reads a poignant poem from her upcoming memoir, 'Out of the Cocoon, the Journey to Becoming,' offering a glimpse into her intimate reflections. Join us for an insightful conversation on resilience, self-love, and the power of storytelling.

Rosemary Esehagu is a Nigerian-American writer and poet. Her works have been featured in different media, both print and electronic. Her writing focuses on intersections of gender, identity formation, society’s roles, trauma, and healing. Her latest book, a memoir, is called Out of the Cocoon: The Journey to Becoming, and it is about how she healed from trauma and used it as a stepping stone to a stronger and more mature self.

Ways to connect:

In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra sits down with Carolina Bakker, the Rat Race recovery coach, to discuss the impacts of workplace trauma, burnout, and how to reclaim control over your professional life. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Fail With Me', strategies for setting boundaries, and methods of mindfulness and community for overcoming repetitive negative cycles. Carolina shares her personal experiences in toxic work environments and valuable insights on healing and moving forward. Tune in for an empowering discussion on transforming workplace struggles into personal growth and resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Workplace Wellness

02:43 Meet Carolina Bucker: The Rat Race Recovery Coach

03:33 The Birth of 'Fail With Me'

06:01 Carolina's Personal Journey Through Corporate Struggles

08:55 Understanding Workplace Trauma and Taking Back Power

23:22 Strategies for Handling Workplace Fear and Pressure

37:27 Healing from Past Workplace Trauma

49:09 Breaking the Cycle of Burnout and Addiction

57:10 Conclusion and How to Connect with Carolina

Carolina helps people break free from the stress and burnout of toxic work environments. She knows that leaving a job isn’t enough - many people still feel trapped in fear, self-doubt, and exhaustion long after they quit. They left physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually they are still connected.

Through her coaching, she helps her clients stop this cycle, heal deeply and find clarity for the road ahead. Her approach is holistic, empowering, and solution-oriented. She combines her spiritual abilities with down-to-earth practical tools to help her clients to make real, lasting change towards balance, joy, and real success - on their own terms.

Connect with Carolina:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rat_Race_Recovery?sub_confirmation=1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinabakker/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rat_race_recovery 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachingByCarolinaBakker

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Dr. Saroj Dubey shares his wisdom to building resilience and overcoming failure. Learn how to transform yourself and develop emotional intelligence with mindfulness.

In this insightful episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra sits down with Dr. Saroj Dube, an esteemed gastroenterologist and author, to discuss the profound lessons we can learn from failure. Dr. Dube shares her personal journey of overcoming a professional setback, which led to an exploration of mindfulness and emotional well-being. The episode delves into practical tips for processing negative emotions, the importance of mindfulness in daily life, and the transformative power of meditation. Through heartfelt dialogue, we explore how acknowledging and accepting our emotions can lead to personal growth and resilience. Tune in to discover the power of being present and turning life's challenges into opportunities for profound self-awareness and healing.

00:00 Embracing Failure: A Path to Growth

01:50 Introduction to Stories and Stanza

02:34 Guest Introduction: Dr. Saroj Dube

03:35 The Concept of 'Fail With Me'

07:02 A Personal Story of Failure and Transformation

16:44 Processing Negative Emotions

23:25 The Neuroscience of Emotional Healing

30:02 The Hidden Sugar in Our Diets

30:56 Emotional Intelligence and Awareness

31:34 The RAIN Method for Emotional Healing

32:45 Mindfulness and Physical Health

34:12 Personal Journey with Meditation

36:53 Practical Tips for Meditation

45:53 Building Self-Awareness in a Busy World

51:28 The Importance of Taking Time for Yourself

57:44 Embracing Life's Challenges

Please find the details of Dr Saroj's book here:

If you're struggling to find purpose after experiencing profound grief, this video offers guidance on healing and finding meaning again.

In this heartfelt episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Ruth Hephzibah, founder of Grift of Grace International and Echoes of Life. Ruth shares her journey as a grief coach and fresh start advocate, offering profound insights on understanding and navigating grief. She discusses the various forms of grief beyond the loss of a loved one, societal misconceptions, and her unique three-step model to move from being stuck to starting afresh. Ruth also highlights the importance of self-care, community, and small achievable goals in the healing process. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and offers a message of hope and resilience for anyone dealing with grief.