The Hidden Why Podcast

In this conversation, I speak with Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle about the modern mental health crisis —why depression, anxiety, and burnout are exploding—and what we can practically do about it. Drawing on more than 35,000 hours of face-to-face clinical work, Mike explains:

Why today's levels of stress, anxiety, depression, suicidality and addiction are unlike anything he saw 20 years ago.

How the breakdown of the family unit and loss of close community are impacting psychological safety.

The powerful (and often invisible) role technology and social media play in keeping our brains in constant fight-or-flight.

Why we need to return to values, vision and intentional living** if we want to feel grounded again.

We also dive into LiveWell Coaching, Mike's digital platform that packages proven therapy tools into courses, challenges & daily content to help people build coping skills, reduce stress & improve mental health—wherever they are in the world.

Key Topic Discussed

The mental health crisis is real and escalating; awareness alone doesn't explain it—severity is rising.

Family, connection and community are foundational to psychological safety, and many of us have drifted away from them.

Technology isn't the enemy, but the way we use it often keeps our brains locked in stress and fear.

Real change begins with clarity of values and a long-term vision for your life—then acting in line with that vision day by day.

You don't need to change everything overnight. Small, intentional practices, repeated consistently, can transform your mental and emotional health over time.

If nothing changes, nothing changes. Doing even one thing differently—starting today—can shift your trajectory.

Mike's background and the story behind LiveWell Behavioral Health and LiveWell Coaching.

The reality of the mental health epidemic.

Rising rates of depression, anxiety, addiction and suicidality

The increasing severity of symptoms, especially in teens

The impact of:

Family breakdown and fragmented communities

Busyness and overwork** on relationships and parenting

Technology, smartphones and social media on dopamine, attention, and anxiety

How our culture has lost an anchor.

About Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle

Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle is the President, CEO, and Owner of LiveWell Behavioral Health and the founder of LiveWell Coaching. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and a leading voice in emotional and spiritual health, regularly presenting at conferences and seminars across the United States.

His latest book, Stress Relief for Life, published by Siloam Charisma House, translates decades of clinical experience into practical strategies for reducing stress and improving well-being.

Mike earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College and completed his Pre‑Doctoral Internship in Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Chicago. Before that, he completed seminary studies at Samford University's Beeson Divinity School, receiving a Master of Theological Studies.

Married since 1998, Mike and his wife have three children.

Connect with Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle

LiveWell Coaching (digital platform) https://www.livewell-coaching.com

Book:

Stress Relief for Life

Anxiety isn't a personal failure—it's a brain-based survival response. In this episode of The Hidden Why Podcast, Leigh Martinuzzi sits down with clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Catherine Pittman, co-author of Rewire Your Anxious Brain, to explore what's really happening in the brain when we experience anxiety, panic, and fear.

Dr. Pittman explains the powerful role of the amygdala, how it learns through experience, why it reacts before we can think, and how modern life keeps it on high alert. Together, they unpack why anxiety feels so real—even when the danger isn't—and what we can do to calm the brain using practical, science-backed strategies like movement, sleep, breathing, and meditation.

This episode offers clarity, compassion, and tools for anyone who struggles with anxiety—or wants to understand it better.

• What anxiety really is (and why it makes sense)

• The role of the amygdala vs. the cortex

• Why anxiety feels uncontrollable and "irrational"

• Fear vs. anxiety: what's the difference?

• How thoughts alone can trigger anxiety

• Why news, media, and imagination increase anxiety

• How the brain learns fear through experience

• Fight, flight, and freeze responses explained

• Why exercise calms the anxious brain

• The critical role of sleep and REM cycles

• How breathing directly affects anxiety

• Meditation and learning to "change the channel"

• Practical ways to calm the amygdala without medication

• The amygdala reacts faster than conscious thought

• Your body can feel fear even when the danger isn't real

• Thoughts alone can activate anxiety

• Movement, sleep, and breathing calm the brain

• Understanding anxiety reduces fear of anxiety itself

Dr. Catherine M. Pittman is a clinical psychologist, professor, and internationally recognized expert on anxiety and the neuroscience of fear. She is the co-author of Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry (2nd Edition), a practical guide that bridges cutting-edge brain science with real-life tools for managing anxiety.

Dr. Catherine Pittman

BOOKS

Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry

INSTAGRAM

In this profound conversation with artist and author Carrie Schmitt, we explore how creativity isn't just a skill or hobby—it's a living, healing force that can transform lives. Carrie shares her personal journey of how painting saved her during a debilitating health crisis and how creativity became her most meaningful relationship. She challenges conventional views of creativity and offers insights into how anyone can reconnect with their innate creative spirit.

• Carrie developed a rare, life-threatening allergy to heat and her own body heat in 2009, which left her bedridden and severely depressed.

• A voice told her: "Now that your life is over, you might as well do what you want and paint." She began painting in bed as a means of survival.

• Creativity became a source of peace, love, and comfort that no human could provide—it literally saved her life.

• Carrie views creativity as a living, breathing force with a personality—messy, chaotic, unpredictable, and loving.

• She emphasizes that creativity is not something you "get good at," but something you get closer to—like a relationship.

• "It never judged me. It never criticized me. It only loved me."

• Creativity is not limited to art—it's the same force that guides nature, evolution, and all tangible existence.

• It's about process over outcome, connection over judgment, and play over perfection.

• "We make creativity really small, but it's literally the force that has led everything into existence."

About Carrie Schmitt:

Carrie Schmitt is an artist, author, and creative guide devoted to helping people reclaim their creative spirit as a path of healing and wholeness. She began painting as a therapeutic practice after the onset of rare condition - a life-threatening allergy to all forms of heat, including her own body heat.

While bedridden and unable to move without reacting to her own body heat, she heard a voice tell her to paint, and thankfully she listened. Creativity saved her from deep despair and comforted her in a way no human could. It carried her across the painful threshold of the death of her old life into a new way of living a life in devotion to Spirit. She vowed to love her creativity, just as it had loved her, and share the truth of its love to others.

Today she is full-time artist, teacher, and author of Awakening Creativity : A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist, The Story of Every Flower, A Flower in Her Heart, and Painted Blossoms, and host of the Awakening Creativity podcast.

For over a decade, Carrie has led retreats, workshops, and creative communities that weave art, spirituality, ritual, and storytelling.Her work has been featured in BCC News, Spirituality & Health.Where Women Create, Evening Magazine news, and other publications, and her books Creativity as something as loving relationship, not something they must earn or judge.

• Website: carrieschmitt.com

• Books: wakening Creativity : A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist

• Online classes and community for those looking to reconnect with creativity

In this deeply insightful episode of The Hidden Why, host Leigh Martinuzzi sits down with Erin Kerry, functional nutritionist, integrative health coach, and author of Live Beyond Your Label. Erin shares her powerful personal journey—from being diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder as a teenager to living symptom-free for nearly two decades through a holistic, root-cause approach to healing.

This conversation explores how diagnostic labels can be both helpful and limiting, the deep connection between the gut, brain, and nervous system, and why true healing happens when we address stress, trauma, nutrition, and self-talk together—not in isolation.

• Erin's personal story of mental health diagnoses and recovery

• Why labels can unintentionally keep us stuck in unhealthy identity patterns

• The difference between managing symptoms vs. healing root causes

• How stress—both emotional and physiological—drives chronic illness

• The gut-brain connection and its role in mood, anxiety, and depression

• Why nervous system regulation is foundational to healing

• How negative self-talk impacts inflammation, immunity, and overall health

• The importance of routine, movement, sleep, and consistency

• Why small, sustainable changes matter more than "quick fixes"

• Simple mindfulness and breathing practices to regulate stress

• How curiosity and compassion—not judgment—create lasting change

Erin Kerry is a functional nutritionist and integrative health coach specializing in mental health, gut-brain connection, trauma recovery, and nervous system regulation. Her work blends functional medicine, mindfulness, nutrition, and somatic tools to help individuals heal beyond diagnostic labels.

• Book Live Beyond Your Label

• Location: Texas, USA

• Find Erin on Instagram for resources, tools, and free guides

In this transformative episode, Leigh Martinuzzi is joined by Dr. Aimie Apigian, a double-board-certified physician and leading expert in trauma recovery, to explore the biology of trauma. From her beginnings as a general surgery resident to becoming a foster/adoptive parent and later facing her own personal health challenges, Dr. Aimie shares her powerful journey—and how it led her to redefine the trauma-healing process through a biological lens.

Through this deep and practical conversation, you'll discover how trauma lives not just in the mind, but in the body. Dr. Aimie offers powerful tools and perspectives that challenge the traditional psychology model, bringing listeners a new framework to support healing, recovery, and personal transformation.

• Trauma is physiological, not just psychological—understanding the body's role is essential for healing.

• The stress response (fight/flight) differs from the trauma response (freeze/shutdown) driven by the vagus nerve.

• Biological safety must be established before cognitive work or trauma storytelling can be effective.

• Traditional talk therapy alone may be insufficient—somatic tools, like breathwork and vocal exercises, help rewire trauma.

• Try the "Vu" exercise: a gentle vocal vibration that can help regulate the nervous system.

Dr. Aimie is a physician, speaker, and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated. With master's degrees in Biochemistry and Public Health, and double board certifications in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, she's developed a unique, practical approach to trauma healing that integrates neuroscience, somatics, and medical insight.

Learn more and access free resources: 🌐 traumahealingaccelerated.com 📺 YouTube: @DrAimie

Dr. Aimie Apigian's book

In this episode, Leigh sits down with internationally acclaimed healer and author Inna Segal to explore the deeper connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Inna shares her remarkable healing journey—how years of physical pain and illness led her to discover the body's hidden language and its ability to communicate emotional and energetic imbalances.

Together, they dive into how our emotions, thoughts, and past traumas manifest as physical symptoms, and how tuning in to our body's wisdom can open the door to true healing.

• Inna's personal journey from illness and chronic pain to self-healing

• Understanding The Secret Language of Your Body

• How emotional trauma and stress can manifest as physical pain.

• The connection between specific body parts and emotional experiences

• Simple ways to begin tuning in to your body's messages

• Healing practices to reconnect with your inner wisdom

• Why real transformation begins when we take responsibility for our own healing

"Your body is always speaking—it can be your friend or your enemy, depending on whether you're willing to listen." – Inna Segal

"We often look outside ourselves for the magic pill, but the truth is—the pill is inside of you." – Inna Segal

Inna Segal is a best-selling author, speaker, and intuitive healer whose book The Secret Language of Your Body has sold over a million copies and been translated into 27 languages. Her work empowers individuals to connect with the innate wisdom of their body and heal from within.

🔗 Learn more: www.innasegal.com Explore her masterclasses and resources at innasegal.

Inna Segal book

Tune in to The Hidden Why Podcast for more insightful conversations about purpose, awareness, and personal transformation. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

In this deeply moving episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Ken Miller, author of Becoming Ken: One Black Man's Journey from Ivy League to Prison and Back Again. Ken's life story is unlike any I've heard—a raw and honest account of trauma, addiction, incarceration, and ultimately, transformation.

Born into foster care and adopted at six, Ken's early years were marked by instability and abuse. Despite this, he went on to become a National Merit Scholar and graduate from Dartmouth College, one of America's top Ivy League institutions. But behind the academic success, Ken struggled with alcoholism, unresolved trauma, and emotional pain that led to addiction, homelessness, and multiple stints in prison.

In this open and vulnerable conversation, Ken shares how he turned his life around—reclaiming his agency, finding purpose through service, and dedicating himself to mentoring others on their own journeys of recovery and growth. His story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, no matter how far we fall.

• Ken's early life in foster care and the emotional scars that shaped him

• Climbing the academic ladder to the Ivy League, and his spiral into addiction

• His candid experience with homelessness, drug abuse, and incarceration

• What finally led to change: a broken jaw, a moment of surrender, and a powerful conversation with God

• His path to recovery through physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual healing

• The power of giving, forgiveness, and breaking the cycle of secrets and shame

• Why Ken now defines success as being "good with good"—not chasing greatness, but embracing contentment

This conversation is real, raw, and filled with wisdom. Whether you're struggling with your own journey or just seeking perspective, Ken's message is one of hope, accountability, and resilience.

Ken Miller is a speaker, mentor, and the author of Becoming Ken. After overcoming 20 years of addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, he now devotes his life to helping others heal, grow, and live meaningful lives. He runs a national book club, speaks across the country, and offers support to individuals looking to recover from addiction and reclaim their self-worth.

Connect with Ken:

• Website: kenmillerspeaks.com

• LinkedIn: Ken Miller 84

Get the book: Becoming Ken

In this empowering episode of The Hidden Why, host Leigh Martinuzzi sits down with Dr. Mark Sherwood, a former professional athlete, retired police officer, and now a leading naturopathic doctor on a mission to transform global health. Together with his wife, Dr. Michele Sherwood, he runs the Functional Medical Institute, helping thousands reclaim their vitality and longevity through a blend of science, faith, and holistic wellness.

Dr. Sherwood shares his inspiring journey from the baseball field to the police force and into functional medicine — a path driven by his desire to reduce suffering and empower people to live vibrant, purpose-filled lives.

• Why most people don't live as long or as well as they could

• The role of unforgiveness, shame, and stress in chronic illness

• Simple daily habits that improve health and longevity

• How movement, mindset, and nutrition work together for optimal wellness

• Why common sense isn't always common practice in modern medicine

• The power of gratitude, mindfulness, and self-leadership in creating lasting change

Dr. Sherwood also explains why quick fixes and "a pill for every ill" don't work — and how a return to natural foods, movement, sleep, and emotional balance can completely transform your health. He offers actionable insights into nutrition, supplements, exercise, and even mindfulness, all grounded in science and decades of real-world experience.

• Health is not just the absence of disease but the presence of vitality

• Movement is life — sitting is the new smoking

• Natural, whole foods fuel longevity better than any diet trend

• Silence and stillness are as important as exercise and nutrition

• True wellness begins when we learn to lead ourselves first

Dr. Mark Sherwood is a naturopathic doctor, author, speaker, and former professional athlete. With his wife Michele, he co-founded the Functional Medical Institute, where they help people achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Together they've authored multiple books including Fork Your Diet, The Quest for Wellness, Surviving the Garden of Eatin', and the forthcoming Authentic Longevity.

• Website: sherwood.tv

• Books & Programs: Functional Medical Institute

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (Formerly Twitter)

In this insightful episode of The Hidden Why, Leigh Martinuzzi sits down with Dr. Bradley Nelson, renowned holistic physician, lecturer, and author of the bestselling books The Emotion Code and The Body Code. Dr. Nelson shares his latest work, The Heart Code, and dives deep into the concept of the Heart Wall—emotional baggage that can block us from experiencing love, abundance, and true healing.

Together, they explore:

• What trapped emotions are and how they affect us physically and emotionally

• The origins and impact of the "Heart Wall" and how to clear it

• Practical tools like muscle testing and the sway test for emotional self-healing

• Why subconscious resistance and inherited trauma play a big role in keeping us stuck

• Dr. Nelson's mission to empower people with simple, powerful techniques to reclaim emotional health

Whether you're interested in energy healing, trauma recovery, or personal transformation, this episode offers accessible wisdom and practical takeaways for your own self-healing journey.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• The heart stores emotional energy and communicates with the brain

• Trapped emotions can be inherited and passed down generations

• Healing begins by accessing the subconscious mind and letting go of old emotional patterns

📘 About the Guest: Dr. Bradley Nelson is a leading expert in the field of bioenergetic medicine and energy psychology. He's the developer of The Emotion Code and The Body Code—two revolutionary healing methods that have helped tens of thousands of people worldwide release emotional baggage and physical imbalances. His new book, The Heart Code, explores the transformative power of healing the heart wall.

🌐 Learn more:

• Website: Discover Healing

• Book: The Heart Code (Available now on Amazon and major retailers)

Episode Description: What if your biggest challenges weren't obstacles, but the very fuel you need to create a life of profound strength and purpose? In this powerful, special compilation episode of The Hidden Why, we've woven together the most profound insights from five incredible guests to create the ultimate guide to resilience.

This isn't just about getting through hard times. It's about learning the art of Alchemy—transforming your pain, fear, and past struggles into unshakable resilience and clear purpose. You'll discover the science-backed tools and heart-led wisdom to stop being defined by your history and start being refined by it.

Key Takeaways You'll Learn:

• How to rewire your subconscious mind (96% of your actions are automated!).

• The #1 mistake people make with their emotions (and how to use them as data instead).

• The "Terror Barrier": Why moving toward your goals feels so uncomfortable and how to push through.

• The power of a "Dubious Life Goal" to create unstoppable momentum.

• Why recovery is more important than the hustle for sustainable success.

• How to "act greater than you feel" to build resilience in real-time.

• The pivotal moment that turns pain into purpose.

Featured Guests & Their Full Episodes:

1. Dr. Perpetua Neo (Episode 1132): Clinical Psychologist & Executive Coach on using emotions as data and conserving mental energy.

   • Link Here

2. Leslie Gordon-Christie (Episode 1130): Founder of Buff Nation on silencing your inner critic and reprogramming your subconscious.

   • Link Here

3. Stacey Currie (Episode 1129): Resilience Speaker & Entrepreneur on "acting greater than you feel" and transforming shame into strength.

   • Link Here

4. JD Tremblay (Episode 1131): Endurance Athlete & Men's Health Advocate on the critical role of recovery and overcoming mental struggles.

   • Link Here

5. Chantal Gerardy (Episode 1133): Entrepreneur on finding what "satisfies your soul" and building a life aligned with your values.

   • Link Here

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