What happens when you take an unconventional path to rebuild your life—and discover your true purpose along the way?

In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Maria Merloni shares her bold and unexpected journey from psychotherapist to educator—revealing how stepping into unfamiliar territory became a powerful turning point in her healing, identity, and life direction.

What began as a practical decision to support her personal growth evolved into a deeper exploration of shame, self-acceptance, empowerment, and transformation. Maria opens up about breaking cultural expectations, reclaiming her voice, and using her experiences to help others heal and grow.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How unconventional choices can lead to deep personal transformation
• The role of vulnerability in healing and self-discovery
• Breaking societal expectations and redefining identity
• How lived experience can become a source of purpose and impact
• Why owning your story is essential for empowerment

Maria’s story is a reminder that growth does not always follow a traditional path—and that meaning can be found in the most unexpected places.

👍 Subscribe for more conversations on healing, resilience, and personal transformation.

🌐 Learn more about Maria Merloni: https://mariamerloni.com/ritual
📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marialouisemerloni/

#MariaMerloni #PersonalTransformation #SelfDiscovery #Empowerment #HealingJourney #MindsetShift #GrowthMindset #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #Resilience #OwnYourStory #UnconventionalPath #SelfAcceptance #LifeTransformation

Discover how Elena Mizernaya went from arriving in the U.S. with no English, no connections, and no support network—just unstoppable determination.

In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Elena shares her journey from survival mode to walking red carpets, hosting hit shows, and breaking into the fashion and media industry.

She opens up about the mindset shifts, habits, and networking strategies that helped her build a thriving career in entertainment and fashion—proving that you can start from nothing and still achieve your dreams.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How to build success from zero support or connections
• The mindset required to thrive in a new country and culture
• How networking can open unexpected career doors
• Turning survival mode into long-term success
• Lessons from breaking into fashion and media industries

If you are rebuilding, starting over, or chasing a big dream, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your beginning does not define your outcome.

📸 Follow Elena Mizernaya:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinchillalux?igsh=MWhzNGVmemVjZzB0YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

#ImmigrantStory #Success #Fashion #Media #ElenaMizernaya #RedCarpetJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #Inspiration #CareerGrowth #Networking #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #DreamBig #WomenInMedia #OvercomingAdversity

How does a 17-year-old on the verge of giving up become a successful leader and earn a doctorate?

In this inspiring episode, Michael Wright shares the life-changing moment when a high school teacher challenged him to make a plan—and, more importantly, to believe in himself. That single conversation became a turning point that reshaped his entire future.

Joined by Aro Benaiah, this discussion explores the power of mentorship, resilience, and the small but pivotal choices that can completely change the direction of a life.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How one teacher’s words helped redirect a young life
• The power of mentorship in shaping identity and purpose
• Why resilience often begins with belief from others
• How early decisions can influence long-term success
• Why no one should underestimate their ability to impact others

If you are a student, educator, or someone seeking motivation to keep going, this story is a powerful reminder that the right words at the right time can change everything.

🌐 Learn more and listen to more episodes: https://www.kingdompurposemedia.com/

#Mentorship #Leadership #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp #MichaelWright #Education #Resilience #LifeChange #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #StudentSuccess #TeachingImpact #MindsetShift

What does it take to build influence, credibility, and long-term success in commercial real estate today?

In this episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Ken Ashley—Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield and founder of the CREi Summit—shares insights from decades in commercial real estate and explains how social media, personal branding, and consistent engagement are reshaping the industry.

Ken discusses how brokers and professionals can use platforms like LinkedIn and X to build relationships, grow visibility, and ultimately create more opportunities in their careers. This conversation also explores the mindset shift required to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How CREi Summit is reshaping networking in commercial real estate
• Why personal branding matters more than ever in CRE
• How social media can directly impact deal flow and opportunities
• The importance of consistency in building professional influence
• How to stand out in a competitive, relationship-driven industry

If you are in commercial real estate or building a professional career, this episode offers practical insights on how to grow your presence and impact.

🌐 Learn more about CREi Summit: https://creisummit.com/
🔗 Connect with Ken Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenashleyatlanta/

#CommercialRealEstate #CREiSummit #KenAshley #Networking #PersonalBranding #RealEstate #SocialMediaStrategy #BusinessGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #CareerGrowth #CRE #InfluenceMarketing

Why do even highly intelligent and logical people report believing in paranormal or spiritual experiences?

In this fascinating episode of The Making of Me Podcast, therapist and host of The Rain Commune, Jose Montoya, explores how personal experience, cultural influence, and unexplained phenomena shape what we believe about the world.

Rather than dismissing belief as irrational, this conversation examines the psychology behind it—showing how curiosity, meaning-making, and lived experience often sit alongside science and skepticism.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why intelligence does not always determine belief in the paranormal
• How personal experiences shape spiritual or unexplained interpretations
• The role of culture and storytelling in belief systems
• Historical and psychological perspectives on paranormal claims
• How curiosity and skepticism can coexist in a healthy way

If you’ve ever questioned what you believe—or wondered why others see the world so differently—this episode offers a thoughtful, balanced exploration of human perception and belief.

💬 Join the conversation: share your experiences or questions in the comments.

🎧 Listen to more episodes:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7fDKJpJNFins1uQOwjVZXZ

📸 Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/realmscommune?igsh=MW4wY3c2bXkzaXZpdA==

#Paranormal #Psychology #Belief #JoseMontoya #RainCommune #HumanBehavior #Spirituality #CriticalThinking #Curiosity #Mindset #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #Perception #ScienceAndBelief #OpenMindedness

Why is lasting change so difficult—even when we know something in our life is not working?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Making of Me Podcast, internationally recognized NLP trainer and clinical psychologist Dr. Heidi Heron explores the deeper reasons behind self-sabotage, comfort zones, and the fear of uncertainty.

This conversation uncovers why many people remain trapped in familiar patterns—not because they enjoy them, but because certainty often feels safer than change, even when it leads to unhappiness.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why people stay stuck in unhealthy or limiting patterns
• The psychology behind comfort zones and self-sabotage
• Why knowing what you don’t want is not enough
• The mindset shift required for real transformation
• How to become more intentional and conscious in your decisions

If you feel stuck in your career, relationships, habits, or personal growth journey, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with greater awareness and clarity.

🔔 Ready to stop living on autopilot and become the conscious creator of your life?

✨ Connect with Dr. Heidi Heron, explore books like The Wizard of Cause, and discover more resources:
https://heidiheron.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drheidiheron/

#NLP #Transformation #PersonalGrowth #DrHeidiHeron #MindsetShift #SelfAwareness #ChangeYourLife #EmotionalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #ComfortZone #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #LifeTransformation #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset

Are you delaying your dream vacation, home project, or personal goals until “someday”?

In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, financial consultant Lisa Sakai explains how bucket list planning can help you enjoy life now while still building long-term financial freedom.

Instead of waiting for retirement to start living, Lisa shares practical ways to align your finances with the life you truly want—creating room for meaningful experiences, intentional spending, and future security at the same time.

In this episode, you will discover:

• What bucket list planning is and why it matters
• How clarity about your goals improves financial decision-making
• Why small joys and meaningful experiences keep you motivated
• Practical strategies for balancing fun and financial responsibility
• How to organize your finances around the life you want to create

Whether you are just starting your financial journey or looking for a more fulfilling approach to money and life planning, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

👉 For more financial insights and resources:
https://onevisionretire.com
🔗 Connect with Lisa Sakai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasakai/

#FinancialFreedom #BucketListPlanning #LisaSakai #PersonalFinance #FinancialWellness #MoneyMindset #LiveNow #RetirementPlanning #WomenInFinance #FinancialGoals #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #WealthBuilding #IntentionalLiving #MoneyManagement

Feeling busy but not making real progress in your business?

In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Dominic Carubba, a seasoned expert in sales and consulting, breaks down what truly keeps entrepreneurs stuck and why motivation alone is not the answer.

Instead of chasing short bursts of inspiration, this conversation focuses on clarity as the real driver of consistent growth and momentum. Learn how to identify what is actually moving your business forward and how to avoid the common traps that keep many entrepreneurs spinning their wheels.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why motivation is not enough to sustain business growth
• The real reason many sales systems fail
• How to measure true progress in your business
• The difference between being busy and being productive
• How clarity creates direction, focus, and momentum

You will also hear Dominic’s personal story of overcoming major setbacks—and the key lesson that reshaped both his mindset and business approach.

If you are ready to move from confusion to clarity and start seeing real results, this episode is for you.

🌐 Learn more and book a call: https://salesandtechnology.com
🔗 Connect with Dominic Carubba on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dominiccarubba

👍 Subscribe for more real conversations on business growth, mindset, and entrepreneurship.

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #DominicCarubba #Clarity #SalesSuccess #StartupLife #BusinessStrategy #Mindset #Productivity #EntrepreneurMindset #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #SmallBusiness #GrowthStrategy #SuccessTips #Momentum

Why are boys taught to hide their emotions and what does it cost them later in life?

In this eye-opening episode of The Making of Me Podcast, psychologist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst breaks down the cultural conditioning that teaches boys to suppress their feelings and how this early messaging can lead to serious long-term consequences.

From relationship struggles to physical health challenges and emotional disconnection, this conversation explores how unprocessed emotions impact men throughout their lives and what can be done to change that.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why boys are often discouraged from expressing emotions
• How early childhood experiences shape emotional development
• The hidden link between emotional suppression and men’s health outcomes
• Why emotional awareness is essential for strong relationships
• Practical steps men can take to reconnect with their emotions

If you are looking to better understand emotional health—for yourself or the men in your life—this episode offers powerful insights and practical guidance.

🔗 Download the free feeling sheet, explore resources, or connect:
https://www.drvanderhorst.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-vanderhorst-ph-d-730826b/

👍 Subscribe for more deep conversations on emotional growth, relationships, and mental health.

#MensMentalHealth #EmotionalHealth #DrGloriaVanderhorst #EmotionalAwareness #Masculinity #MentalWellness #PersonalGrowth #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalIntelligence #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #SelfDevelopment #MindsetShift #BreakingStigmas #InnerWork

Can humor really change the way you experience life?

In this uplifting episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Merit Kahn—playwright, comedian, and emotional intelligence expert—shares how learning to laugh at her own challenges helped her transform setbacks into powerful, life-shaping stories.

From an unforgettable onstage mishap in high school to reinventing herself at 50, Merit reveals how humor, optimism, and self-awareness can help you reframe your past and intentionally design your future.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How humor can shift your perspective on failure and embarrassment
• Why self-awareness is key to rewriting your personal story
• Practical ways to turn setbacks into empowering experiences
• How to overcome self-doubt through optimism and reframing
• The power of embracing every part of your journey

If you have ever felt held back by past mistakes or self-doubt, this conversation will inspire you to see your story in a new light—and even laugh along the way.

🌐 Learn more about Merit Kahn’s show: https://opdshow.com
🔗 Connect with Merit Kahn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meritkahn/

#MeritKahn #HumorHeals #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #MindsetShift #OvercomingSelfDoubt #LifeTransformation #Storytelling #TheMakingOfMe #AroBenaiah #PositiveMindset #Resilience #LaughAndGrow #OwnYourStory