The Miles to Zen Podcast with Shannon Miles Halliday

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Trusting the Nudge: How a Remote Island and a Wild Idea Sparked a Courageous Leap

Host Shannon Miles Halliday welcomes men’s intuition coach Doug Beitz

What do you do when you own a remote island resort and no one wants to buy it?

Doug Beitz and his family found themselves in exactly that position running an 18-room scuba diving resort on a tiny island in Micronesia, with no clear way to sell it. And then an idea showed up.

Not something you’d find in a business book. Not something anyone around him was suggesting. But it stuck.

They decided to raffle the entire resort.

In this conversation, Doug shares how that idea came together, the strange timing around it, and what it actually took to follow through on something that, at the time, felt pretty far outside the norm.

We also talk about the balance between intuition and action because even when something feels “right,” there’s still a lot of work involved in bringing it to life.

It’s a fascinating story, but also a really honest look at what it means to trust yourself when there isn’t a clear path in front of you.

Next week, I’ll be sharing the first part of our conversation, where we go deeper into intuition, how it shows up, and how to start recognizing it in your own life.

00:00 Raffling a Resort

00:00 The Wild Idea: Raffling a Resort 
 01:10 Why Selling Was So Difficult 
 04:45 The Breaking Point 
 07:33 The Synchronicity That Changed Everything 
 09:57 Building the Raffle (14 Months of Work) 
 11:26 When It Went Viral 
 13:07 Lessons Learned (and Why They Kept It Quiet) 
 19:27 Nature, Reset & Perspective 
 23:17 Courage and “Green Lights” 
 26:06 Final Thoughts + What’s Coming Next
 
 

Check out our first podcast together that we did last year. Unlocking Intuition, A Conversation with Doug Beitz. Published May 19, 2025.

https://youtu.be/V6n9CD_hUEw?si=2iWuTy1sRdlna2_6

Contact Doug: 

dougbeitz.com

facebook.com/dougbeitz 

instagram.com/dougbeitz 

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Host Shannon Miles Halliday interviews UK medium Dominic Boag about his 20-year career in evidential mediumship and how service, integrity, and specificity can support healing through grief. Dominic recounts early intuitive experiences, his father’s sudden death when he was 14, and a first encounter with his father’s spirit that led him to a spiritualist church and two years of development circles. He explains what mediums do, how “linking in” works, and why mediumship is about giving spirit a voice rather than “proving” an afterlife. Dominic shares impactful moments from readings and demonstrations, discusses the emotional weight of the work and how he copes, and describes losing his sight at 18 to Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, which shifted him from clairvoyance to clearer clairaudience. The episode closes with advice about kindness, possibility, and details of his 2026 Vancouver and US events.

00:00 Mediumship Reframed

00:57 Meet Dominic Bogue

03:45 Early Intuitive Signs

06:47 Loss Awakens Spirit

10:10 Spooky Club Discovery

14:27 First Development Circle

17:12 What Mediums Do

22:17 Life Of Service

28:57 Tests And Breakthroughs

31:31 Unforgettable Spirit Moments

33:51 Sneakers Message Breakthrough

35:20 Grief Worth The Drive

36:26 One With The Water

38:35 Carrying The Emotional Weight

40:09 Integrity In Hard Passings

42:23 From Seeing To Hearing

48:39 Rock Bottom To Upgrade

51:09 Imagination Versus Spirit

53:21 Beginner Classes And Humor

55:37 Faith As Love

01:00:11 Tour Dates And Farewell

01:01:56 Podcast Outro And Links

Dominic Boag: https://dominicboag.com/us/

Spiritual Alliance for tickets to events in May in North Vancouver: 

https://spiritualistalliance.ca/event/visit-by-internationally-acclaimed-medium-dominic-boag/

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

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Host Shannon Miles Halliday welcomes Gary Ridge, former CEO and chairman emeritus of WD-40 and author of Any Dumb Ass Can Do It, to discuss how he helped build a global, highly admired workplace culture rooted in trust, psychological safety, and learning from mistakes. Ridge explains the “dumb ass” (donkey) metaphor for steady, humble leadership; his move from Australia to the US; and the influences that shaped his people-first approach, including mentorship from Ken Blanchard and friendship with Simon Sinek. He outlines how hierarchical, clearly defined values empower decision-making without “quacking up the hierarchy,” why leaders should be learners, teachers, and coaches rather than managers, and how culture drives engagement, performance, and long-term business results. He shares lessons on addressing harmful behavior quickly, accountability through coaching, and his current purpose helping leaders build cultures of belonging.

00:00 Meet Gary Ridge

01:30 Podcast Welcome

02:44 Any Dumb Ass Can Lead

05:04 From Australia to WD-40

06:16 Quotes That Changed Him

07:06 Back to School as CEO

08:14 Early Influences and Work Ethic

10:32 Becoming Friends With Simon

13:16 Escape Toxic Cultures

15:39 Tribes and Belonging

19:25 Ducks, Decisions, and Values

21:50 Making Values Real

25:09 Why Hierarchical Values Win

27:21 Leadership Is Always Showtime

27:45 Leader Confidence Signals

29:10 Asking for Help Wins

30:03 Managers vs Coaches

32:26 Servant Leadership Is Hard

33:59 Culture Drives Results

36:04 Boards and Engagement Metrics

38:21 Stopping Toxic Behavior Fast

41:51 When People Aren’t a Fit

45:29 Purpose and Mirror Work

48:02 Full Plate Leadership

49:15 Final Wisdom and Farewell

Connect with Garry Ridge at The Learning Moment: https://thelearningmoment.net/

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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A Mount Shasta Synchronicity Story

This clip from last week’s podcast is so special I had to share it again and give it its own space. In this Miles to Zen episode, we discuss Toni van der Marel’s story of a recurring 2022 dream about a specific house so vivid she drew its floor plan and created a mood board, even though she couldn’t see where it was only that it was surrounded by green. Then, quite awhile later the house appeared in an online ad. In Mount Shasta! Synchronicity city! A profound story of trusting what feels right. 

00:00 Welcome and Setup

01:10 Recurring Dream House

02:30 Searching for the Place

02:51 Mount Shasta Idea

03:22 The Listing Appears

04:32 Touring the Dream Home

05:12 Leap of Faith Offer

06:27 Moving In and Synchronicities

07:32 Trusting the Unknown

Check out the full podcast from last week, episode 54. 

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

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Finding Your Way Home: Past Lives, Intuition & Inner Knowing. Spiritual Hypnotherapy - a conversation with Toni van der Marel

What if you could access guidance beyond your conscious mind… and reconnect with who you truly are?

In this episode of Miles to Zen, Shannon sits down with spiritual hypnotherapist Toni Van DeMarel to explore past lives, the Akashic Records, and the powerful in-between state where transformation happens.

From navigating grief and rediscovering spirituality, to learning how to trust your inner knowing, this conversation opens the door to a deeper connection with yourself—and something greater.

In this episode:
• Spiritual hypnotherapy & accessing alternate/past lives 
• What the Akashic Records really are 
• Connecting with guides & intuitive knowing 
• Why trusting yourself changes everything 
• Toni’s incredible real-life manifestation story 
If you’ve ever felt there’s more to life than what we can see… this one’s for you.

00:00 Magic Mindset Intro
00:53 Meet Toni
01:37 What Toni Does
04:33 Inner Authority
09:15 Origins and Loss
13:17 Brian Weiss Awakening
17:58 Lineage and Intuition
21:38 After Death Connection
25:28 Hypnosis and Theta
28:47 Earth School Lifetimes
32:48 Soul Plans Perspective
34:15 Guides Lead The Session
36:46 Unconditional Love And Tools
39:35 Trust Over Proof
42:36 Everyday Intuition Practice
44:12 Effort Versus Pushing
45:30 Relationship Surprises
49:43 Different Processing Speeds
54:54 Neutral Insight And Support
56:29 Dream House In Mt. Shasta
01:04:45 Trust Yourself Wisdom
01:07:06 Workshops And Farewell
01:09:22 Podcast Closing Credits

Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com
Toni van der Marel: https://deeperpeace.ca/
Avalon Spirit Summit: https://avalonspirit.com/products/awakening-the-soul-summit-may-28-30-2026-whistler-canada

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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On the Miles to Zen podcast, host Shannon Miles Halliday talks with psychologist and author Dr. Gay Hendricks about consciousness, creativity, and the “upper limit problem,” drawing from his decades of work, books (including The Big Leap), and corporate consulting. Hendricks shares pivotal stories: slipping on ice in 1969 and briefly experiencing “pure consciousness,” meeting Ram Dass and discovering meditation, and learning firsthand how self-sabotage can follow rapid growth. He describes shifting from external achievement to inner alignment, writing fiction later in life after an astrologer’s prediction, and a childhood encounter with Elvis Presley. Hendricks emphasizes personal responsibility, the FACT process (Face, Accept, Choose, Take action), and offers guidance for daily life: learn to receive, and remember “breathe, move, love.”

00:00 Ice Fall Awakening

01:28 Meet Gay Hendricks

02:45 Corporate Upper Limits

07:20 Jeans and Comfort

08:42 Coffee Chat Flow

10:25 Fiction After 65

15:12 Ram Dass Encounter

20:49 Meditation Breakthrough

25:14 Pure Consciousness Vow

30:02 Sugar Sabotage Lesson

34:17 Genius Zone and FACT

37:35 Keeping Agreements Matters

38:31 Prison Blame Game

39:39 Owning Your Choices

40:51 Sugar Truths and Biology

42:32 Midlife Confidence Shift

43:00 Vocational Arousal at 50

44:28 Finding Your Genius Zone

45:54 Manifesting and Elvis Encounter

51:25 Early Reading and Writing Roots

54:33 Einstein and Leaving the Groves

57:18 Gardens and Backyard Pests

01:01:09 Music, Art, and Emotional Power

01:03:17 New Genre and Dictation

01:05:46 AI Coaches Portal Launch

01:07:49 Learning to Receive More

01:12:34 Breathe Move Love Finale

01:14:25 Closing Thanks and Outro

The Hendricks Institute: https://hendricks.com/

Created and produced by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

Purchase the Big Leap: https://amzn.to/4liRH0B

Purchase Loving Life: https://amzn.to/47A9GK6

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Host Shannon Miles Halliday welcomes Canadian MMA pioneer and former UFC fighter Lance “Fearless” Gibson Sr. He is also a world-class coach, actor and stunt performer whose life was radically altered after a racist attacker tried to kill him by ramming his car with a moving truck, leaving him partially paralyzed and ending his bodybuilding dreams. Lance shares how the aftermath included years of rehabilitation, PTSD, anger, mistrust, and a prolonged battle with the insurance company that involved investigators and attempts to discredit him, before he ultimately won and received a public apology. He explains how he redirected his path into martial arts, acting, and professional fighting in an early era of MMA with few rules, helping establish the sport in Canada and eventually becoming the world’s #1 ranked Shooto fighter, while also working on major productions such as Rumble in the Bronx and X-Men: The Last Stand. Lance discusses the influence of his Jamaican-Scottish parents, growing up as a minority, and how fighting became both defense and destiny. He also reflects on caregiving during his father’s cancer journey, grief, alcohol as self-medication, the pressures of COVID on his business, and a later industry dispute that harmed his family financially and emotionally—leading him to seek deep healing through an ayahuasca retreat in Peru. He describes what a guided ayahuasca “journey” entails, how it shifted him toward presence and daily spiritual practice, and how he now helps others through coaching and his Fearless Way Men’s Retreats. 

00:00 Warrior Meets Spiritual Seeker: Welcome to Miles to Zen

00:51 Meet Lance Gibson: UFC Pioneer, Coach & Survivor

04:51 A Serendipitous Connection in Maui

05:42 Growing Up Mixed-Race: Learning to Fight

09:33 Bodybuilding Dreams & Early Discipline

10:47 The Attempt on His Life & the Aftermath

14:48 Seven-Year Legal Battle: Injury, PTSD, and Being Targeted

17:26 Rebuilding as a Fighter: From Anger to Purpose

22:03 Canada’s MMA Pioneer Era: No Weight Classes, Pure Gladiators

24:03 Fear, Survival Mode, and Finding Reasons to Live

26:17 Phoenix Mindset: Family History, Racism, and Resilience

28:23 Building the Gym While Raising Kids & Working in Film

32:47 Letting Go of Bitterness: Dad’s Cancer and the Power of Forgiveness

34:13 Caregiver Burnout: Stress, Self-Medicating, and Grief

36:24 COVID, Grief, and Losing the Business You Built

37:40 Quitting the Tequila Fix & Rebuilding a Values-First Gym

38:14 A Deal Gone Wrong: Blacklisted Overnight and Family Fallout

40:24 Life-or-Death Turning Point: Answering the Call to Peru

41:51 Travel Chaos, and the Sunset That Shifted Everything

43:42 Ayahuasca in the Sacred Valley

45:29 What an Ayahuasca ‘Journey’ Actually Looks Like (and Why Safety Matters)

52:50 Integration at Home: Daily Practices to Stay Aligned

54:56 Bringing It Back: Men’s Retreats, Nature Healing, and the Airbnb Pivot

01:01:07 A Lifelong Spiritual Friendship with a Medium

01:04:23 Closing Wisdom

This conversation does not constitute medical, legal, psychological, or professional advice. Listeners should seek qualified professionals regarding their own circumstances.

Follow Lance on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/lancegibsonsr/

 Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 

Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Join us on the Miles to Zen podcast as host Shannon Miles Halliday sits down with Paul Lister, custodian of Alladale Wilderness Reserve and founder of The European Nature Trust. Discover Paul’s transformative journey from a business focussed life to a mission driven career in rewilding and philanthropy. This episode explores themes of purpose, resilience, and the importance of reconnecting with nature. Paul shares stories of childhood influences, business ventures, and his passionate efforts in restoring natural landscapes and supporting wildlife. Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with insights on nature conservation and personal transformation. Paul's story will inspire you to connect with nature and think differently about our roles in preserving the planet.00:00 Introduction to Paul Lister's Journey

02:17 Paul Lister's Early Life and Influences

04:21 Transition to Business and Personal Challenges

08:44 Turning Point and Shift to Rewilding

11:47 Establishing the Alladale Wilderness Reserve

14:18 Rewilding Efforts and Ecotourism

20:45 Challenges and Future of Rewilding in Scotland

26:34 Challenges of Reintroducing Wolves to Alladale

27:24 Exciting Conservation Projects Across Europe

27:50 Impact of Demonstrating Rewilding Success

28:53 Journalistic Efforts to Promote Conservation

30:37 Success Stories: Iberian Lynx and Beyond

31:32 Changing Perspectives on Wildlife

34:41 Inspiration from Conservation Leaders

36:08 The Importance of Consciousness and Education

37:49 Rewilding Efforts in Scotland and Beyond

38:50 Rethinking Traditional Practices

40:12 The Role of Apex Predators in Ecosystems

40:44 Future Excitements and Industry Involvement

43:19 The Impact of AI and Population on Conservation

45:16 Encouraging Nature-Based Vacations

48:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

European Nature Trust Upcoming Trips 

Allade Wilderness Reserve: 

Clinging By a Claw Film Premiering in London April 21, 2026

Sarah Tompkin’s podcast on Miles to Zen about rewilding in South Africa:

You Tube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this uplifting episode of the Miles to Zen podcast, host Shannon Miles Halliday converses with Craig Harrington, who embarked on an overland expedition around the world in a custom-built Jeep, fulfilling a promise to his late father. Craig shares his incredible journey that showcases courage, humility, and a deep connection to wild places. From the serendipitous encounter at a gas station in British Columbia, to the planning and building of his epic Jeep, and his life-changing inspiration from his father's last wish Craig’s travels take him through magnificent landscapes like Death Valley and Moab meeting kindred spirits along the way who contribute to his story. Whether he's navigating rugged terrains or experiencing the breathtaking beauty of nature, Craig’s tale is a testament to the power of following one's dreams. By the end of his inspiring story, Craig reminds us all that it's never too late to embark on the adventure your soul craves. Don't miss out on this incredible episode filled with inspiration, adventure, and a call to live life to the fullest. Subscribe now and join us on this unforgettable journey!

00:00 Introduction to Craig Harrington's Heroic Journey

01:04 Meeting Craig Harrington: The Beginning of an Epic Adventure

04:02 The Spark of Adventure: A Promise to His Father

07:23 Building the Ultimate Overland Jeep

10:45 Navigating Challenges and Embracing the Journey

13:04 Overcoming Hemophilia: Craig's Determination

19:38 The Jeep: A Reliable Companion

24:16 Exploring the Pacific Coast Trail and Beyond

31:03 The Universe Conspires: Living the Story of The Alchemist

31:59 Creating a Vision Board for Adventure

32:50 Preparation and Readiness for the Journey

33:46 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Fear

35:46 The Essentials of Off-Grid Living

40:31 Epic Encounters and Serendipitous Moments

42:46 The Magic of Nature and Personal Reflections

48:51 Future Plans and Continuing the Journey

53:42 Words of Wisdom and Final Thoughts

Follow Craig:

https://www.instagram.com/craig.globaljeep/

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

Learn more about Hemophilia:

https://www.hemophilia.ca/

Westcoast Off Roaders

https://westcoastoffroaders.com/

Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 

Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Join Shannon Miles Halliday on the Miles to Zen podcast as she dives into the timeless wisdom of Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist.' In this first episode of season two, Shannon shares why this book has been a constant source of inspiration for her over 25 years. Discover seven profound lessons on intuition, personal legends, judgment, love, decision-making, and more. Learn how these lessons can guide you in trusting your intuition and following your true path. 

00:00 Introduction to Miles to Zen

00:28 Season Two Kickoff: The Alchemist

02:34 Lesson 1: Trusting the Universe

05:26 Lesson 2: The Dangers of Judgment

09:35 Lesson 3: Protecting Your Dream

10:47 Lesson 4: The Power of Decisions

12:12 Lesson 5: True Love and Purpose

13:46 Lesson 6: Overcoming Fear

15:34 Lesson 7: Your Role in the World

18:20 Conclusion and Gratitude

Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 

Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak

Purchase the Alchemist:  

https://amzn.to/4qUHnxj (Amazon)

The link in this description is an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books and resources I genuinely love and believe will be valuable to you. 

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week!