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What if the thing you think is just stress… isn’t?

In this episode of Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Joseph Luftman, a board-certified physician with over 25 years of experience, who experienced a near-fatal “widowmaker” heart attack that completely changed how he understands stress, burnout, and healing.

As a physician, he thought he understood the body. But when he became the patient, everything shifted.

We talk about:

•  The difference between panic attacks and heart attacks—and why it’s not always clear 
•  How chronic stress and burnout can show up physically 
•  The role of inflammation and long-term stress on the body 
•  Why high achievers often ignore warning signs 
•  Micro practices for stress relief that actually fit into real life 
•  Mindfulness, sound, and practical ways to reset your nervous system 

Dr. Luftman is the author of The Widowmaker’s Gift: Balancing Science and Well-Being in Healthcare, a powerful blend of personal story and practical tools for healing burnout and reconnecting with yourself. 

If you’ve ever brushed something off as “just stress,” this episode might make you think twice.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Joseph Luftman

Website: https://saturationofsound.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saturation_sound
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephluftmanmd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saturation_of_sound
X: https://x.com/saturationsound

📘 About the Book

The Widowmaker’s Gift shares Dr. Luftman’s journey from burnout and a life-threatening heart attack to a more balanced, intentional approach to health. It blends Western medicine with mindfulness, sound healing, and simple, time-efficient practices designed for real life—no retreats or rigid routines required.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
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In this episode of Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast, Samantha sits down with Jamilah Robinson, founder of a marketing consultancy and co-founder of Missing Pieces Support Group, a nonprofit created to support women and families experiencing pregnancy loss.

Jamilah shares how her personal experiences with recurrent miscarriage led her to seek support, find community, and ultimately build an organization dedicated to helping others navigate grief, healing, and connection.

Together, they explore the emotional, mental, and systemic challenges surrounding pregnancy loss, including the lack of compassionate care in healthcare settings, the isolation many women feel, and the importance of normalizing these conversations.

Jamilah also walks through the evolution of Missing Pieces Support Group, from care packages created in living rooms to partnerships with hospitals, structured grief support programs, and growing community initiatives that serve women at every stage of healing.

🔗 Resources & Links

Learn more about Missing Pieces Support Group, access resources, and explore upcoming events:
https://missingpiecessupportgroup.org/

Maternal Mental Health Symposium
May 21, 2026

Silent Auction (Stress Awareness Month)
Launching April 12 and running through April 25, 2026

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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What happens when a relationship ends and you’re left trying to figure out who you are again?

In this episode, Samantha sits down with Amanda Warlick, a certified divorce coach, to talk about the reality of life after a relationship ends. While divorce is often talked about in terms of legal steps and logistics, this conversation focuses on the emotional, mental, and physical impact—and what it takes to rebuild from there.

Amanda shares her perspective on why divorce is considered one of the most stressful life events, and how it affects your identity, your nervous system, and your sense of normalcy. Together, they explore what it means to feel “untethered,” how to create stability again, and why taking time to heal matters more than rushing into what’s next.

This episode covers:
 • The emotional and physical impact of divorce
 • Identity loss and rediscovery
 • The importance of creating a safe environment
 • Setting boundaries during difficult transitions
 • How to handle outside opinions and protect your peace
 • Why healing yourself first changes everything

Whether you’re going through a divorce, navigating a breakup, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective on what it takes to move forward.

Connect with Amanda Warlick:
Website: https://resilientlm.com

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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In this episode of Stress Mess, Samantha sits down with AJ for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about growth, mindset, and the stories we tell ourselves.

This episode is especially meaningful because it marks AJ’s very first time as a podcast guest, and Samantha is honored to be part of that milestone.

Together, they explore the pressure of the “should” voice, the internal dialogue that tells us we’re behind, not doing enough, or not where we’re supposed to be. They unpack how that voice, while trying to protect us, often creates stress, shame, and self-doubt.

AJ introduces the concept of AFGO, short for “Another Growth Opportunity,” a reframing that turns life’s challenges into moments of expansion instead of frustration. From career pivots to redefining success, this conversation dives into what it really means to evolve without abandoning who you’ve been.

They also talk about:

•  Letting go of timelines and expectations 
•  The connection between gratitude and growth 
•  Emotional dependency vs. emotional stability 
•  Why your past experience is your greatest asset 
•  How to stay grounded, even when life feels chaotic 

This episode is a reminder that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it is always available. And sometimes, the thing that feels like a setback is actually setting you up for something bigger.

Contact A.J. Riedel: https://www.ajriedel.com/

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
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In this episode of Stress Mess, Samantha sits down with Eric for a conversation about how our relationship with money, experiences, and productivity has changed across generations.

What starts as a discussion about spending habits quickly turns into a deeper conversation about the “experience economy” and why so many people feel pressure to always be productive instead of simply enjoying life.

Eric shares reflections on growing up with a frugal mindset, raising teenagers in a completely different economic environment, and realizing that some of life’s best moments come from experiences rather than possessions. From concerts and travel to museums, community events, and even Renaissance fairs, the conversation explores how stepping outside of routine can open the door to new perspectives.

Along the way, Samantha and Eric wander through several classic Stress Mess rabbit holes, including retail jobs, messy stores, technology habits, voting processes, and how different life experiences shape the way we see the world.

At the heart of the episode is a simple idea: life is short, and the experiences we choose to have shape the stories we tell about it.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
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In this episode of Stress Mess, Samantha sits down with Ariana Lum, a graphic designer and children’s book author who created her first illustrated book as a way to help children navigate anxiety, grief, and emotional overwhelm.

After leaving her corporate job and moving to Europe, Ariana experienced a deep identity shift that led her back to childhood creativity, drawing, storytelling, and imagination. What began as sketches during the pandemic turned into a meaningful children’s book focused on helping kids find peace within themselves and understand that emotional connection does not disappear, even through loss.

Together, Samantha and Ariana explore why mental health tools should be introduced early in life, how imagination supports emotional regulation, and why adults can benefit from reconnecting with their inner child. They also talk about movement as a stress outlet, emotional expression, and creating space for feelings instead of suppressing them.

This episode is a thoughtful reminder that managing stress, grief, and anxiety is a skill we can learn, practice, and strengthen at any age.

Learn more about Ariana and her work here:
https://www.aristravelsphere.com/

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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What happens when you stop shrinking your goals and start trusting what’s actually possible?

In this episode of Stress Mess, Samantha sits down with Lawrence, a youth empowerment speaker who began his speaking journey at fifteen and now works with teens and young adults on confidence, identity, and mental health.

Lawrence shares the difference between talking and speaking, why journaling is one of the most powerful tools for self-awareness, and how many of our limitations come from beliefs we absorbed long before we ever questioned them.

They explore emotional conviction, vision-setting, and why your mind doesn’t hear “don’t”—only what you focus on most. From learning how to “control the fire” to understanding why clarity matters more than wishful thinking, this conversation invites listeners to think bigger about who they are and what they want.

If you’ve ever felt different, stuck, or unsure how to move forward without losing yourself, this episode offers powerful insight and reflection.

Connect with Lawrence:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers/
• Book a free coaching call: https://calendly.com/lawrencecharris/free-coaching-call

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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Every January, we’re told to set goals, make resolutions, and completely reinvent ourselves.

But what if there’s a quieter, more sustainable way to move through the year?

In the first Stress Mess: A Stress Less Podcast episode of 2026, Samantha Elizabeth explores the idea of choosing a Word of the Year—a simple but powerful intention that helps guide decisions, energy, and mindset without pressure or perfection.

This solo episode reflects on what happens when generosity turns into depletion, how easy it is to give without refilling yourself, and why clarity often comes from slowing down instead of pushing harder.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why traditional New Year’s resolutions tend to fall apart
• How a Word of the Year can create focus without burnout
• The emotional cost of always showing up for others first
• What it means to feel untethered—and how intention can bring steadiness back
• How to choose a guiding word that supports you all year long

The word itself is revealed in the episode—and the meaning behind it might surprise you.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by “New Year, New You” energy, this conversation offers a calmer, more human way forward.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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Narcissism in leadership isn’t always what you think.
In this episode, Erika Weed, certified executive coach and organizational consultant, joins me to unpack narcissism as a spectrum—not a stereotype. We explore the difference between clinical and subclinical narcissism, how it shows up at work, and what you can do when you’re working with (or for) someone with those traits.

We also talk about:

• How narcissism develops and what prevents it in childhood
• The role of empathy and psychological safety in leadership
• Strategies like “gray rocking” and documentation for protecting yourself
• Why awareness—not labeling—is the key to change

Erika’s expertise comes from years of coaching executives across industries, from healthcare to professional sports, and her research in human and organizational development gives this conversation real depth and compassion.

Connect with Erika:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erikaweed
Website: ascendry.com

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com

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In this episode, I chat with my friend and fellow business owner, Rebecca Burley, founder of Purple Page Marketing, about the art of doing less, and doing it better.

They unpack how focusing on your core strengths, setting clear client boundaries, and embracing realistic goals can actually reduce stress and increase success.

Key themes include:

• How to manage client expectations without overpromising
• Why outsourcing and collaboration protect both sanity and quality
• The power of Canva and Adobe Express for small-business efficiency
• Managing brain fog, burnout, and the myth of perfection
• Learning to give yourself grace — and take a real day off

It’s equal parts strategy, honesty, and friendship...the reminder every solopreneur needs that protecting your peace is good business.

Samantha Elizabeth Coaching & Consulting LLC
samanthaelizabeth.com