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In this episode of The Joy of Being You, host Eva Nagy welcomes Gilda Montenegro-Fix, a Costa Rican woman, mother, and two-time Olympian, whose story serves as a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of following one's heart. Gilda reflects on overcoming profound challenges, including the loss of both parents by the age of 18, breaking cultural barriers as Costa Rica’s first female whitewater rafting guide, and competing internationally in rafting. Together, Gilda and Eva explore the importance of living in co-creation with the universe, simplifying life, and reclaiming peace and joy. Gilda reminds us that our worth is far greater than our achievements and that joy and wellbeing are our birthright.

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In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Shahana Alibhai opens up about her deeply personal journey through OCD, anxiety, and depression, especially as a physician and mother navigating the pressures of perfectionism. She shares the long road to diagnosis, the non-linear nature of healing, and the pivotal role vulnerability and storytelling play in mental health.

Together, we explore the courage it takes to live authentically and the hope that comes from embracing our true selves. Dr. Alibhai’s wisdom and lived experience offer validation, encouragement, and practical insights for anyone facing similar struggles. 

Dr. Shahana Alibhai – Bio

Meet Dr. Shahana Alibhai: TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and powerhouse in the field of emotional health. As a dedicated family physician and Medical Director at Foundry

Abbotsford—British Columbia’s largest youth health centre—Dr. Shahana has made it her mission to empower others with the tools to navigate their emotional well-being.

Her debut book, Feel Better, endorsed by the legendary Mel Robbins, soared to #1 in and Parenting on Amazon. A sought-after speaker, she has worked with top organizations like Yale University, UBC, Scotiabank, and Remax, bringing clarity to the crucial connection between emotional and mental health.

Dr. Shahana’s insights have captivated audiences on major media platforms, including CTV and Global, and her wisdom has even made it to Hollywood—the quote,“We do not suffer from a lack of joy, simply a lack of recognizing it," was handpicked for an award-winning planner gifted to celebrities at the Oscars. She has also been featured in Medium - Authority Magazine, where she shared her expertise on emotional resilience and well-being. In recognition of her impact, she has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.

Passionate about education and outreach, she created the groundbreaking "Think Like a Doc" program, where students step into the shoes of a physician, learning about both their physical and mental health. She has also contributed to global mental health initiatives, volunteering her time to support communities in developing nations like Nepal.

Beyond her work in medicine and advocacy, Dr. Shahana is a proud mom to three energetic young boys who keep her on her toes and continuously teach her the true meaning of patience, resilience, and joy. Balancing a thriving career with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, she brings a refreshingly real and relatable perspective to her audiences.

When she’s not on stage, in the clinic, or chasing after her little ones, Dr. Shahana serves as a National Accreditor for the College of Canadian Family Physicians and has been a mentor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine Residency Training Program. Her TEDx talk,n"Emotional Literacy for Better Mental Health", has resonated with thousands, cementing her as a leading voice in the space of well-being and resilience.

With a unique ability to blend science, storytelling, and real-world strategies, Dr. Shahana leaves every audience inspired, informed, and ready to feel better.

Website , LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook 

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In this episode of the Joy of Being You podcast, Jewel shares her profound journey through grief, loss, and spiritual awakening. She reflects on the challenges she faced, particularly the impact of her sister's illness and death, and how these experiences led her to a deeper understanding of life, joy, and purpose. Jewel emphasizes the importance of being conscious, the role of spirituality in healing, and the necessity of embracing both pain and joy as integral parts of the human experience. Through her story, she inspires listeners to reconnect with their hearts and live their true purpose.

Jewel Veitch Intro:

JEWEL is a clarion call to humanity, to embark on a transformative journey back to the Heart's wisdom, in service of inner freedom & soul level fulfillment, fostering profound collective impact through one's purposeful work in the world. 

As Heart Leadership Coach and Spiritual Mentor to seasoned professionals, leaders and visionaries in industry and business, JEWEL bridges ancient wisdom into modern day life through Divine language codes that awaken and shift human consciousness. Those who work with her realize their unrealized potential within their life and livelihood.

Jewel is an author celebrated across continents, the mind behind the transformative Heart Keys Collection and Inner Somatics, founded on principles of heart power, unity, connection, love and self-guidance. 

Individuals enter into the Heart realm to live into a legacy that transcends the boundaries of traditional leadership through both spiritual and practical tools to close the gap between desires for material success.

She is committed to championing creativity and internal peace as the foundation for external change, through honoring Mother Nature's wisdom to support this mission and nurture the heart of the planet, for a future where generations thrive. 

Join us in this sacred mission to cultivate a direct connection to the heart's wisdom, free from reliance on external authorities, to move beyond obsolete paradigms of the past, and to co-create a thriving future.

LINKS:

Join my Community: https://alignedimpactacademy.com/
Website: www.jewelveitch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veitch123
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewel.veitch/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewel-veitch/

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In this episode of The Joy of Being You, Jhorna Hochstedler. a mother, a wife, and an embodiment healer, shares her profound story of healing and transformation.

As a transracial adoptee who grew up across eight countries, Jhorna faced the deep pain of not belonging, compounded by the challenges of a neurological condition. As an adult, she grappled with  the ongoing complexities of racial injustice and navigating new motherhood without a home community.

Through her journey of self-discovery, she reconnected with her Divine Intuition and uncovered an unshakable sense of inner belonging. Through her healing she found her purpose and now guides others in their healing through spiritual embodiment and soul connection.

This conversation is an invitation into the courageous, challenging, and beautiful path of transmuting darkness into light, pain into purpose, and becoming whole again. 

Jhorna’s Healing Work: 

Through channeling and embodiment practices, Jhorna specializes in healing core wounds around oppression that hold us back from living in clarity, confidence, and connection to our own selves and others.

Through 1 on 1 sessions, she guides women leaders and other change makers to open their own channel of inner belonging in order to transmute their experiences of isolation, fear of rejection, and not enoughness. This powerful connection to our multi-dimensional Self and the Divine is what allows her clients to heal while bringing new vision and contribution to the relationships they are building and the communities they serve. 

Her business, Inner Resonance Coaching, seeks to inspire and support those who are ready to heal, claim their purpose and joy and contribute to building an equitable and inclusive world.  

Please feel free to connect with her.

Social Media / website: 

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jhorna.hochstedler, 
instagram: @jhornahochstedler and 
website: https://www.inner-res.com/.
 

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In this moving episode, I sit down with Rawinia Judson, author of You Are Not Alone and an Authenticity Coach dedicated to helping leaders develop influence, trust, and integrity to expand their impact.

Rawinia opens up about a decade-long battle with depression, suicidal ideation, and the numbing cycles of addiction and self-doubt. She shares the raw truth of what it was like to feel unworthy and the powerful turning point that came after a heart-wrenching breakup. That moment led her on a journey of radical healing, self-discovery, and ultimately, to finding her identity and purpose through Jesus Christ in 2021.

Now living a life grounded in gratitude and truth, Rawinia reflects on how her pain became the foundation for her purpose. We talk about what it means to lead with authenticity and why sharing her story is a mission rooted in love for herself, Māori culture, and anyone who has ever felt lost in the darkness.

If you've ever struggled with your worth, this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible, you are not alone, and your life matters!


Rawinia’s bio: 

Rawinia is an Award-Nominated Authenticity & Leadership Coach supporting women to create a "I can't believe this is my life" feeling while leaving a legacy & impact. She is also the Author of the Amazon best-selling book You Are Not Alone, and Co-Host of the podcast Real Talk with Emma G. Rawinia's Vision is a world without suicide - where people see themselves through the eyes of God.

Link to Rawinia’s social media and her book on Amazon: 
https://www.instagram.com/rawinia__judson/
https://www.youtube.com/@rawinia__judson
https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Alone-Rawinia-Judson/dp/1716485282

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In this episode of the Joy of Being You Podcast, Mary shares her transformative journey from motherhood to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges she faced and the lessons learned along the way. She discusses the emotional toll of becoming a mother and the decision to leave her corporate job. She also reflects on her move to France, the importance of community, and the power of self-awareness in navigating life's changes. Ultimately, she emphasizes the significance of trusting one's journey and embracing personal growth.

Mary Clavieres is a transformation catalyst who guides individuals and organizations through meaningful change with clarity, purpose, and alignment. An American living in France, she draws on 15+ years of experience in Fortune 100 companies and nearly a decade as a business owner to support growth that is both strategic and deeply personal.

Blending her background in engineering and systems thinking with a refined understanding of energy and the mind-body connection, Mary helps professionals and entrepreneurs create lasting transformation from the inside out. She is the host of Find Yourself, Change Your Life, a podcast offering simple, actionable tools for navigating life’s biggest transitions with greater self-trust and embodied awareness.

Website: http://www.maryclavieres.com
Instagram: @mary.clavieres 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-clavieres-19917a7/

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In this episode of The Joy of Being You, Leslie Leigh shares her powerful story of reinvention, courage, and self-trust. After years in the corporate world, Leslie made a bold decision to sell everything and move to Belize in pursuit of a more meaningful life. She opens up about the emotional highs and lows of this transition, the importance of authentic connections, and how living in alignment with your truth can bring deep fulfillment. Whether navigating a life change or seeking inspiration to take the next step, Leslie's journey is a reminder that it's never too late to follow your heart and create the life you were meant to live. 

About Leslie: 
As a creative coach, Leslie works with new and aspiring singer/songwriters, authors, speakers, coaches, and even small business owners—people who are passionate about their message or mission but feel overwhelmed when it comes to launching or refreshing their brand. She helps them clarify their voice, build a consistent presence across platforms, and develop a brand strategy that feels authentic and aligned.

Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube: @simplyleslieleigh 
Website: http://www.simplyleslieleigh.com

Leslie's free guide "From Stuck to Unstoppable!"  

https://www.simplyleslieleigh.com/free-guide

Download your free 7-day guide to go from stuck to unstoppable! With daily journal prompts and mindset shifts, this guide helps you rediscover your passion and take inspired steps toward a brighter future. Start your journey today!

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In this episode, Morgan shares her profound journey of self-discovery and healing, discussing the challenges of self-worth, the impact of control and perfectionism, and the importance of trusting oneself. She reflects on her experiences with relationships, the role of support in recovery, and the significance of setting boundaries. Morgan emphasizes the beauty of embracing one's authentic self and the lessons learned along the way, encouraging listeners to step out of their comfort zones and prioritize their own needs.

Bio:
Morgan Hannaleck is a mental health therapist, speaker, and author who helps women break free from self-doubt and embrace their authentic selves. After overcoming a life-threatening eating disorder and years of struggling with self-worth, she now empowers others to heal through self-compassion, curiosity, and joyful growth. Through her speaking, therapy, and advocacy, she reminds people that they can rewrite their stories and step into who they were always meant to be.

Instagram: @beyondyourmask 

Website: https://www.morganhannaleck.com/

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In this conversation, Michelle Spencer shares her transformative journey from chronic pain and anxiety to empowerment and holistic healing. She discusses her struggles with mercury toxicity, her husband's cancer diagnosis, and the importance of self-love in overcoming life's challenges. 

Michelle's Intro: 

Michelle Spencer knows what it’s like to feel trapped in exhaustion, chronic pain, and anxiety—while running a business, raising a family, and searching for answers traditional medicine couldn’t provide. Faced with gut issues, systemic candida, and toxic mercury overload, she refused to accept “we don’t know” as an answer. 

Just as she reclaimed her health, her husband was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer, and after his healing, two cycling accidents forced her into yet another journey of resilience and recovery.

Through it all, Michelle uncovered three profound shifts that transformed her life. Now, she helps women break free from burnout, pain, and overwhelm—guiding them to reclaim their power, joy, and vitality. But she only works with those truly ready for transformation.

Her philosophy is simple:

1.    Heal the Root, Not Just the Symptoms. True healing isn’t about masking pain—it’s about addressing the deep imbalances keeping you stuck.

2.    Your Mind & Body Are One. Pain, anxiety, and burnout don’t exist in isolation. Aligning your body, mind, and energy systems is the key to lasting transformation.

3.    You Need a Champion. Healing isn’t meant to be done alone. The right support and tools make all the difference.

If you’re ready to break free and step into your radiant power, Michelle will show you the way.

Connect with her at https://michellespencer.com or on Facebook and Instagram Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.mans.spencer
Instagram: @livingabundantlywell

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In this heartfelt conversation, Jackie Cruz and I reconnect and delve into Jackie’s transformative journey through health and wellness, culminating in her battle with cancer. We explore the emotional and practical challenges Jackie faced, including the difficult decisions she had to make regarding her business and health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of listening to one's intuition, the role of support systems, and the impact of personal choices on healing. 

Jackie's intro: 

Jackie Cruz has been a hairdresser for over 25 years and as her family’s first female entrepreneur, running her third salon studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In 2012, she became a health coach, creating a space where beauty meets purpose. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, her journey led her to embrace wellness, not just for herself but for her clients. She is all about sharing knowledge, tools, and inspiration to help you feel beautiful inside and out.

Connect or follow Jackie: 

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/pinkribbonstalk
• IG: @pinkribbonstalk or @jcruzstudio358
• J Cruz Studios: Address: 358 Grand St, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 11211, phone Number: 347 335 0839

If you have a story of resilience and transformation that you'd like to share, I’d love to hear from you!
📝 Fill out the podcast guest intake form: Podcast Guest Intake Form
https://www.evanagycoaching.com/podcast-guest-intake-form/

Do you want to create a new chapter in your life and need support on your journey?  Let’s connect!

📅 Schedule a coaching consultation: Book a 30-Minute Call
https://calendly.com/evanagy/30min

Embrace The Joy of Being You! 💛