The Connected Community: Exploring Possibility

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Scott Berman, founder of SkyCave Retreats, the first darkness retreat center in the United States. Scott spent nearly a decade living in solitude across the remote wilderness of Mount Shasta, California, and Southern Baja, Mexico, fasting, meditating, and immersing himself in the stillness of nature. These years of self-guided solo retreat work, combined with time spent at Goenka Vipassana centers and with teachers across multiple traditions, eventually inspired the creation of a sanctuary for others on a sincere spiritual path.

Scott reflects on his own evolution through more than 70 days in solo darkness retreats, and how, over the past six years, he has supported more than 600 retreatants through their journeys. He speaks to the profound impact of darkness and how it brings vulnerability, nervous system activation, unexpected discomfort, emotional rawness, and ultimately, deep transformation. Together, Nicky and Scott explore the intersection of darkness retreats, nervous system awareness, and the importance of safety, support, and authenticity when stepping into the unknown.

This conversation is an invitation into the inner wilderness, one where silence, mystery, and darkness become catalysts for potential transformation and awakening.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Scott:

 www.skycaveretreats.com

http://www.instagram.com/skycaveretreats

https://www.facebook.com/DarkRoomRetreats

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLPXxOvnN3OmWWv3CRt5L2Q

Keywords: darkness retreats, retreats, transformation, meditation, solitude, spiritual journey, vulnerability, self-discovery, mental health, emotional healing, personal growth, nervous system

In this episode of The Connected Community: Exploring Possibility, Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Christine Renee, founder of Moon Rising Shamanic Institute, for a deeply grounded conversation on Tantra, shamanic spirituality, energy awareness, and embodied awakening. With over two decades of experience in the spiritual and healing arts, Christine serves as a bridge between worlds, guiding seekers toward remembrance, sovereignty, and ecstatic aliveness.

This episode explores Tantra beyond its common misconceptions, reframing it as a powerful spiritual practice rooted in presence, breath, sound, movement, and conscious energy cultivation rather than sexuality alone. Christine unpacks how Tantra supports emotional release, nervous system regulation, chakra alignment, and authentic self-expression, offering a path toward living fully embodied and energetically alive.

Together, Nicky and Christine discuss the importance of creating safe, intentional spaces for transformation, emphasizing consent, boundaries, and personal sovereignty as foundational elements of any intimate or energetic practice. The conversation weaves through shamanic principles, Reiki, sacred embodiment, and Tantra as a way of awakening dormant life force energy and reconnecting with the soul’s deepest truth.

Listeners are invited into a broader understanding of what it means to live an ecstatic life, not as constant pleasure, but as full-spectrum aliveness. Christine speaks to embracing the totality of the human emotional experience, allowing grief, joy, desire, stillness, and power to coexist as part of spiritual maturation. Through breathwork, sound, movement, and energy awareness, Tantra becomes a tool for self-discovery, emotional integration, and conscious connection, whether practiced solo or in relationship.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Christine:

[email protected]

moonrisinginstitute.com

www.youtube.com/@moonrisinginstitute.com

IG: @moonrising.institute

www.facebook.com/moonrisinginstitute

https://moonrisinginstitute.circle.so/c/she-who-rises/

Keywords: Tantra, energy awareness, personal sovereignty, emotional release, breath work, intimacy, sexuality, spiritual practices, self-love, ecstatic living, orgasm, eroticism

In this episode of the Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck and Shantel Ochoa delve into the profound topic of conscious grieving. Shantel is a conscious grieving guide and the facilitator of a weekly support community dedicated to healing through loss with intention, presence, and spiritual awareness. Her work was born from the profound spiritual downloads she received following the passing of her son 12 years ago—an experience that initiated her own dark night of the soul and ultimately transformed her understanding of grief. During her deepest moments of mourning, Shantel received a life-altering message that reshaped her perspective on death, the soul’s journey, and the sacred process of healing. She discovered that as we move through grief, we also move through the primary chakras, with each one offering insight, grounding, and an opportunity to reclaim our inner power, especially through the solar plexus. Though the chakra process is fluid and unique for every individual, Shantel teaches that its core purpose is to honor the soul journey of our loved ones while also honoring our own.

Early in her healing, Shantel was introduced to the concept of soul contracts. This understanding opened space for deeper acceptance, helping her recognize the cyclical nature of life and death - and the belief that our soul families, including the timing of our transition, are part of a greater spiritual agreement. Through her podcast Whispers of Wisdom and community work with Reiki 7 Point Healing, Shantel offers compassionate wisdom, intuitive guidance, and a roadmap for conscious grieving—inviting others to heal not by forgetting their loved ones, but by walking with them in a new, empowered way.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Shantel:

[email protected] 

http://reiki7poinhealing.com/

https://www.instagram.com/reiki7pointhealing?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/993297424086856

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlVGoIuFhfLLIAFCu839qut8IFFoaxdLA

Keywords: grief, grieving, conscious grieving, loss, healing, energy centers, forgiveness, cultural perspectives, death, chakras, dark night of the soul

In this episode, host Nicky Yazbeck welcomes expert guest Adam Yazbeck, a nurse practitioner with a unique background spanning pediatric emergency medicine, intensive care, trauma work, and holistic mental health. Adam breaks down the science of psychedelics, explaining their etymology, how they affect brain function, and why they can enhance neuroplasticity, support trauma processing, and expand consciousness when used responsibly.

Together, they explore the differences between therapeutic and recreational use, the importance of set and setting, and why integration is essential for long-term healing. Adam emphasizes the role of community support and embodied practices in trauma recovery, while Nicky highlights the growing future of psychedelics in mental health treatment and the need for a grounded, science-based approach.

Drawing from 13+ years in pediatric medicine and his work as a psychiatric mental health NP, Adam shares how he blends spirituality, deep psychological work, and neurophysiology to help individuals, especially healthcare workers and trauma survivors, heal in a more holistic way.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Psychedelics and Their Impact

02:54 Understanding Psychedelics: Definitions and Etymology

05:51 The Neuroscience of Psychedelics: Brain Activity and Connectivity

08:45 Psychedelics vs. Traditional Therapy: A Comparative Analysis

11:59 The Role of Intention in Psychedelic Experiences

14:50 Integration: Making Sense of Psychedelic Experiences

17:48 The Science of Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics

20:36 The Balance: Using Psychedelics Responsibly

23:08 The Importance of Integration After Psychedelic Journeys

26:00 The Mechanisms of Neuroplasticity in Psychedelic Experiences

31:02 Reconnecting with Childhood Memories through Trauma Healing

32:41 Understanding Trauma's Impact on the Brain

35:07 The Role of Psychedelics in Trauma Processing

38:21 The Importance of Somatic Experience in Healing

42:27 Integration: The Key to Lasting Change

47:14 The Necessity of Support Systems in Psychedelic Experiences

50:51 The Interconnectedness of Community and Healing

53:02 Psychedelics vs. Traditional Medications: A New Approach

57:29 The Future of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Keywords: psychedelics, psychedelic therapy, trauma healing, psychedelic integration, neuroplasticity, consciousness, mental health, brain function, Adam Yazbeck, Nicky Yazbeck, healing journey, therapeutic psychedelics, trauma recovery, holistic therapy, community support, trauma, integration, MDMA, psilocybin, Ayahuasca

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck welcomes Shantel Ochoa, a Shamanic Reiki Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Ceremonialist, and intuitive Oracle and Tarot Reader, for a deeply transformative conversation on archetypes, shadow work, and spiritual healing. Shantel bridges ancient shamanic wisdom with modern energy medicine, helping others awaken to their soul’s purpose and embody a greater sense of inner peace, empowerment, and divine alignment.

Together, Nicky and Shantel explore the four core archetypes that shape every human experience, the Victim, Saboteur, Prostitute, and Child, and how understanding these energetic patterns can reveal hidden aspects of the subconscious mind. Through the lens of shamanic healing, Reiki energy work, and Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), they discuss how to transmute limiting beliefs, reclaim personal power, and cultivate emotional and energetic balance.

This episode invites listeners into a journey of self-awareness, shadow integration, and soul evolution. Shantel shares how archetypes act as mirrors for growth and transformation, guiding us to release old stories and reconnect to our higher consciousness. Blending insights from archetypal psychology, soul contracts, and energy centers (chakras), she illuminates the sacred relationship between trauma healing, intuition, and spiritual awakening.

If you’re drawn to energy healing, Reiki, spiritual self-discovery, or understanding the deeper forces that influence your relationships and personal journey, this episode offers wisdom to help you alchemize pain into purpose and walk your path with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Archetypes

03:02 Understanding Archetypes and Their Origins

04:05 The Four Core Archetypes

08:50 The Victim Archetype

19:56 The Saboteur Archetype

31:00 The Prostitute Archetype

33:27 The Wounded Child Archetype

35:07 Nurturing Self-Love and Expansion

36:35 Understanding the Divine Child Archetype

38:40 Exploring the Nature and Magical Child Archetypes

41:06 The Eternal Child and Its Shadows

42:53 Transmuting the Victim to the Warrior

44:16 The Role of the Saboteur and the Magician

46:07 Catching Negative Thoughts and Shifting Energy

48:17 The Prostitute Archetype and Setting Boundaries

52:22 Healing Family Dynamics and Generational Trauma

54:15 Connecting with Your Inner Child

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Shantel:

[email protected] 

https://www.instagram.com/reiki7pointhealing?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

https://www.instagram.com/reiki7pointhealing?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Keywords: archetypes, personal growth, shadow work, victim, saboteur, prostitute, child, spiritual journey, self-awareness, healing, Caroline Myss

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Alexandre Tsuk, founder of the BreathingCold Experience, to explore the life-changing power of breathwork, cold plunges, and emotional healing. Born in France and now rooted between Bali and India, Alexandre has guided over 7,000 people and trained nearly 600 facilitators in Breathwork, Authentic Relating, Conscious Movement, and Cold Exposure.

What began as a personal journey through depression became Alexandre’s mission to help others reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and return to a state of clarity and joy. Using simple, natural tools like breath, cold, and community, he teaches that true transformation comes not from control, but from surrender.

Together, Nicky and Alexandre dive deep into the science and spirituality of cold therapy, discussing topics like box breathing, contrast therapy, emotional release, shivering as healing, and how cold exposure can activate oxytocin and serotonin production. They also explore why women may not need as extreme cold as men, and how to safely build a sustainable cold practice rooted in mindfulness and presence.

Alexandre emphasizes that when we change our relationship with the breath, we change our relationship with ourselves, and that shift ripples outward into how we show up in the world, with others, and with Mother Earth.  This conversation is an invitation to explore your edges, release control, and reconnect with your truth—one conscious breath and one cold plunge at a time.

Takeaways

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Alex:

https://linktr.ee/breathingcold

https://www.breathingcoldbali.com/

https://www.facebook.com/breathingcold

https://www.instagram.com/breathing_cold

https://www.instagram.com/refillmybottle_/

https://www.facebook.com/RefillMyBottleOfficial/

https://chat.whatsapp.com/FzIxvuZhyBgDjhQcscmp2j

Keywords: breathwork, cold plunge, ice bath, cold exposure, mindfulness, emotional release, nervous system regulation, contrast therapy, fasting, nose breathing, health benefits, wellness, healing journey, self-awareness, trauma release, surrender, resilience, meditation, breathing techniques, holistic health

In this episode of the Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck speaks with Jessica Rector, a #1 best-selling author, motivational speaker, and former TV talk show host, about her transformative “Say Yes” philosophy. Jessica shares how embracing discomfort and stepping beyond her comfort zone helped her combat burnout, rediscover joy, and live a more intentional life.

Throughout the conversation, Jessica reflects on the power of saying yes to new opportunities while also learning when to say no to things that don’t align with personal values. She highlights the importance of play, curiosity, and self-awareness in building courage and confidence. Listeners are encouraged to create their own “Say Yes Bucket List” as a way to take small, meaningful steps toward their dreams.

Jessica’s inspiring stories and practical insights reveal how overcoming fear and reframing discomfort can unlock growth, purpose, and fulfillment. Her message invites listeners to lean into life with openness and intention while cultivating joy, resilience, and a life they truly love.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Jessica:

https://jessicarector.com/

https://www.facebook.com/hellojessicarector

https://www.instagram.com/hellojessicarector

https://www.linkedin.com/in/JessicaRector/

Keywords: saying yes, personal growth, discomfort, mental health, self-awareness, playfulness, intentional living, overcoming fear, self-discovery, bucket list, courage, playfulness, confidence, curiosity

In this episode of the Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck interviews Tracy Fance, an intuitive and hypnotherapist with over 16 years of experience, to explore the profound world of past life regression. Tracy shares her lifelong fascination with past lives and reincarnation, which began in childhood and eventually led her to train as a hypnotherapist. Her journey reveals how unresolved experiences from previous lifetimes can deeply influence our current physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Throughout the conversation, Tracy discusses how past life regression can help individuals uncover the roots of persistent fears, patterns, and even physical ailments, offering a path to release trauma and foster healing. She reflects on the role of karma and how reincarnation supports spiritual evolution, as well as why we often do not remember our past lives in order to focus on growth in the present.

The episode also delves into other thought-provoking topics, including the rise in autistic children and the societal dysregulation that affects their experiences. Tracy introduces the concept of soul families, which are groups of souls that reincarnate together to share lessons, and highlights the significance of choosing life environments that catalyze growth. She emphasizes the importance of emotional connection in parenting, the challenges posed by technology in family dynamics, and the need for compassion toward those facing difficult life paths.

Nicky and Tracy’s dialogue illuminates how transforming trauma into growth, understanding reincarnation’s role in our journey, and fostering emotional connection can lead to profound personal and collective healing.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Tracy:

https://www.facebook.com/tracyfancesoulhealer

https://www.instagram.com/tracyfancesoulhealer/

www.tracyfance.com

www.tiktok.com/tracy_fance

https://www.youtube.com/@TracyFanceSoulHealer

Keywords: past life regression, reincarnation, hypnotherapy, spirituality, karma, spiritual evolution, intuitive, paranormal, consciousness, energy, autism, dysregulation, soul families, reincarnation, trauma, healing, Akashic records, parenting, societal change, emotional connection

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Benedict Beaumont, founder of Breathing Space, to explore the life-changing potential of conscious breathing.

Benedict shares his inspiring journey from being a high school teacher, overwhelmed by stress and burnout, to discovering the transformative power of breathwork during a pivotal trip to Bali in 2014. That experience opened his eyes to the innate healing power of the breath. Inspired by this awakening and supported by his wife Jennifer, whom he met at Everest Base Camp, Benedict trained as a breathwork facilitator in 2017 and co-founded Breathing Space in 2018. What began as small workshops quickly grew into retreats and comprehensive facilitator training programs.

Throughout the conversation, Nicky and Benedict discuss the importance of nose breathing and how it supports overall health, as well as the profound role of breathwork in releasing trauma and promoting emotional and spiritual healing. Listeners are guided through live breathwork practices during the episode, experiencing firsthand the calming and grounding effects of conscious breathing.

Benedict also introduces his offerings, including a 400-hour Certified Breathwork Facilitator Training, a 12-week trauma-sensitive Certified Breathwork Coach program, and free online breathwork classes, making his teachings accessible to anyone interested in exploring this transformative practice.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how something as simple and ever-present as our breath can become a tool for deep healing and personal transformation.

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Breath Connection

04:10 The Transformative Power of Breathwork

07:15 The Journey to Discovering Breathwork

10:20 Daily Breath Practices and Techniques

13:30 Understanding Breath and Its Impact on Health

16:16 The Importance of Nasal Breathing

19:22 Misconceptions About Breathing

21:16 Experiencing Breathwork Together

31:08 Exploring Physical Sensations in Breathwork

37:18 Addressing Common Breathwork Challenges

43:18 Releasing Trauma Through Breathwork

51:13 Practical Breathing Techniques for Everyday Life

55:25 Conclusion and Resources for Breathwork

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Benedict:

makesomebreathingspace.com

facebook.com/makesomebreathingspace

instagram.com/makesomebreathingspace 

https://www.bookyogaretreats.com/breathing-space 

Here are the two gifts - normally $30 but FREE for my listeners

Breathwork for Sleep

Embrace your Inner Child - A Breathwork Journey

Keywords: breathwork, mindfulness, emotional healing, trauma release, breathing techniques, wellness, meditation, personal growth, breath awareness, holistic health, conscious circular breath

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck welcomes Amy McNally to explore the practice of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often referred to as “tapping.” Together, they trace the origins of EFT, explain its scientific foundation, and highlight how this simple yet profound practice combines ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychology to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.

The conversation offers listeners a direct, hands-on experience with tapping, guiding them through a live practice designed to ease stress and anxiety in real time. Nicky and Amy also discuss how perspective shifts can unlock deeper healing and lasting change, illustrating EFT’s accessibility and versatility in everyday life.

Amy McNally brings over a decade of expertise in nervous system regulation, backed by a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She specializes in supporting high-performing women, particularly entrepreneurs and leaders, helping them overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout. Having used EFT herself to navigate challenges around business, money mindset, and health, Amy now teaches women how to succeed and scale their impact without sacrificing their wellbeing, health, or peace of mind.

Takeaways::

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Amy:

www.coachamymcnally.com 

www.instagram.com/coachamymcnally

https://amymcnally.thrivecart.com/reset-and-rise-tapping-series/

Keywords: EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT tapping, tapping exercises, stress relief, nervous system regulation, nervous system, anxiety, phobias, self-acceptance, mental health, wellness