What does it really mean to be your own hero?

In this powerful episode of The Making of Me, trauma recovery coach, energy healing advocate, and host of the Trauma Rockstars podcast, Tracy Smaldino, shares her deeply personal journey of healing and resilience.

Tracy opens up about navigating trauma, discovering the importance of self-advocacy, and the intentional steps she took to reclaim her life. Her story is a reminder that healing isn’t linear—and that you have more strength than you realize.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✨ Why self-advocacy is a critical part of trauma recovery
📝 How journaling can unlock emotional breakthroughs
🧘 The role of meditation and energy awareness in healing
🤝 The importance of mentors and supportive communities
💎 How to turn pain into purpose

Whether you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or ready for transformation, Tracy’s message is clear: it’s never too late to begin again. You don’t have to wait for someone else to save you—you can become the rockstar of your own life.

🔗 Learn more about Tracy and her work:
https://traumarockstars.com

#HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #SelfWorth #BeYourOwnHero #PodcastInterview

📺 Video Description

Have you ever wondered why diets don’t work long-term or why cravings can feel overwhelming, especially at night?

In this episode of the Making of Me podcast, renowned weight loss coach Nadege Saysana shares her powerful journey of overcoming 30 years of binge eating. Through honest reflection and practical wisdom, she reveals the mindset shifts that changed her life and why food isn’t the problem, but often a coping solution.

This conversation dives deep into:

✨ The real reason traditional diets fail

🧠 Understanding emotional eating without shame

🔁 How to break the binge restrict cycle

⚖️ Finding the “middle ground” for sustainable change

💛 Learning to be kinder to yourself during the process

If you’re tired of starting over every Monday and ready for a more compassionate, lasting approach to weight loss, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about discipline and willpower.

Stay until the end to hear Nadege’s empowering advice on how to stop at just one bite without restriction or guilt.

💡 Want more support?

Sign up for Nadege’s free masterclass and explore her approach here:

https://milobingefix.com/masterclass

#EmotionalEating #WeightLossJourney #BingeEatingRecovery #MindsetShift #SelfCompassion

How can storytelling help people heal from deep emotional wounds?

In this powerful conversation, Alan Katz, acclaimed writer and producer behind Tales from the Crypt, shares how storytelling became a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and purpose. Alan opens up about his personal journey of facing trauma through creative expression and how turning pain into narrative helped him reconnect with himself and others.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✨ Why storytelling is a powerful tool for emotional healing

🧠 How vulnerability creates deeper human connection

🎭 How creativity can help transform trauma into meaning

🌱 Why Alan founded Costard & Touchstone to help others share their stories

If you have ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsure how to share your truth, this conversation will remind you that your story has value and purpose.

👉 Explore Alan Katz’s podcasts and more:

https://costardandtouchstone.com

#Storytelling #Healing #MentalHealth #Podcast #AlanKatz #TalesFromTheCrypt #CreativeExpression

Feeling burned out or overwhelmed isn’t a personal failing—it’s often a physiological and emotional response to constant pressure, especially for women balancing multiple roles such as motherhood, career identity, and neurodiversity.

In this powerful episode of the Remaking of Me Podcast, Emily Beecher shares honest, practical guidance on how to release shame around burnout, reconnect with your body, and move forward with compassion and clarity.

Discover why many of us feel pressured to say “I’m fine” when we are not, and how vulnerability, emotional honesty, and real connection can help us feel less isolated. This conversation is about embracing life transitions, finding meaning in difficult seasons, and rebuilding strength from within.

In this episode you’ll learn:

✨ How burnout shows up physically and emotionally

🧠 Why shame often deepens exhaustion

💬 How to create healthier emotional boundaries

🌿 Ways to reconnect with your personal needs and purpose

If you’re ready to navigate life’s crossroads with more self-compassion and clarity, this conversation is for you.

👉 Learn more about Emily Beecher at:

https://emilybeecher.com/

Watch, listen, and reconnect with your own story.

#BurnoutRecovery #WomenLeadership #MentalHealth #SelfCare #RemakingOfMe #PersonalGrowth

What happens when theater goes beyond the stage—and becomes a force for real-world change?In this powerful episode of The Making of Me, host Aro Benaiah sits down with visionary theater producer Jessie Fahay to explore how storytelling can move audiences from inspiration to action. As the founder of Ripple Effect Artists, Jessie shares how purposeful productions can ignite advocacy, amplify human rights issues, and create tangible community impact.In this conversation, you’ll discover:• The mission and origin story behind Ripple Effect Artists• How audience engagement can evolve into meaningful activism• Real-life examples of theater sparking social action• Why art remains one of the most powerful tools for changeIf you’re passionate about the arts, human rights, storytelling, or creating meaningful impact in your community, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 Learn more about Jessie Fahay and Ripple Effect Artists here:https://rippleeffectartists.comDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on leadership, creativity, and impact.#TheaterForChange #Storytelling #SocialImpact #Leadership #Advocacy #RippleEffect

What does it take to turn career setbacks into opportunities for lasting growth and leadership?In this episode of the Making of Me podcast, host Aro Benaiah sits down with acclaimed author and leadership coach Kenneth Harms to explore the defining moments that shaped his 40+ year career in sales and leadership. From losing his job and relocating his family to rebuilding from the ground up, Kenneth shares powerful lessons on resilience, trust, and long-term success.In this conversation, you’ll learn:• The core principles of the doer-seller model and why it is effective in winning work• The key patterns that separate great leaders and high-performing teams from others• Why building relationships should take priority over simply chasing opportunities• Practical advice for young professionals and leaders navigating uncertainty👉 For more on Kenneth Harms’ strategies and coaching, visit:www.kenharms.comWatch now to discover how resilience and trust can transform your approach to career growth and leadership.#Leadership #CareerGrowth #Trust #Resilience #Podcast #BusinessTips

Why do so many high-achievers and outwardly successful people still feel stuck, anxious, or unworthy—even after doing “everything right”?In this powerful episode, trauma psychotherapist Maggie Mccane sits down with Samantha Harris to unpack why the traditional 50-minute therapy model often isn’t enough for deep, lasting healing.Maggie shares eye-opening insights into how unresolved trauma lives in the brain and body, how childhood experiences shape adult behavior, and why body-based approaches are essential for real transformation. She explains why going beyond talk therapy can create breakthrough results—and how some people experience months’ worth of progress in just one intensive session.You’ll also learn practical tools you can begin using today to regulate your emotions and support your own healing journey, plus resources to connect with Maggie and explore her work from anywhere in the world.👉 Learn more about Maggie and the therapeutic journey here:https://rehobothtucson.com/the-therapeutic-journey/If you’re ready for deeper conversations about personal growth, emotional resilience, and finding what truly works for YOU—like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring interviews.#TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Therapy #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellness

What happens when you bring gardening and mindful breathwork inside the walls of a maximum security youth facility? In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Making of Me podcast, Hans Hageman shares his firsthand experiences working with teens and young adults who have committed serious offenses.

Through reconnecting with nature and practicing intentional breathwork, participants began shifting their sense of identity—from trauma and destruction toward healing, responsibility, and hope. Hans shares stories of trust-building, personal growth, and how hands-on, restorative practices can spark transformation even in the most challenging environments.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about youth empowerment, trauma recovery, restorative practices, and purpose-driven leadership.

For more wisdom and resources from Hans Hageman:

👉 https://coachhans.kit.com/

Discover more meaningful conversations about identity, growth, and legacy on The Making of Me podcast.

#YouthEmpowerment #RestorativeJustice #Leadership #TraumaRecovery #TheMakingOfMe

When life throws unexpected challenges your way—whether in your health, career, or personal life—how do you bounce back? In this episode of The Making of Me podcast, high-performance entrepreneur and mentor Tiffanie Janowitz shares her journey through personal adversity, including her breast cancer diagnosis, and reveals actionable strategies for rebuilding confidence and identity after setbacks.

From accepting failure as a superpower to reframing setbacks and building self-trust, Tiffanie’s insights can help you turn adversity into growth. Learn why persistence, discipline, and self-awareness matter, and discover practical frameworks for recovering from tough times and stepping into your best self.

If you’re looking for encouragement and real-life tools to rebuild from rock bottom, this episode is for you.

🌟 Connect with Tiffanie: https://www.tiffaniejanowitz.com/

Subscribe for more inspiring stories and actionable strategies for personal growth!

#Confidence #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #MakingOfMePodcast #OvercomingAdversity

Join us as Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen shares her powerful story of resilience and reinvention after unexpectedly losing her husband. In this heartfelt interview, Liz discusses how she went from being a nurse practitioner to building a thriving flower farm and agritourism business—while navigating grief, solo parenting, and life’s unexpected turns.

Discover how working with the land, embracing entrepreneurship, and authentic storytelling helped Liz not just survive, but truly bloom again. An inspiring conversation for anyone facing life transitions or searching for hope in difficult times.

🌟 Connect with Liz and learn more about her journey:

Website: https://www.lizfiedlermergen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizfiedlermergen?igsh=MXdxbjBkZnhkcWVrdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

#Resilience #Entrepreneurship #Grief #Inspiration #FlowerFarming #MakingOfMePodcast