Today on The Rosie Rose Podcast, I sit down with Ko Chandetka, also known as The Big Lao — IFBB Pro bodybuilder, podcast host, and mental health advocate.

Ko’s story goes far beyond the stage lights. From his childhood as a Lao refugee in the Midwest, to building a championship physique, to battling addiction after an injury — Ko’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and renewal. His documentary Fallen Star, Rising Sun shines a light on this transformation.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Growing up Lao and feeling like an outsider.

• The drive that led him to bodybuilding greatness.

• Addiction, recovery, and the fight to rise again.

• Why healing, self-love, and letting go are the real measures of strength.

This episode isn’t just about fitness — it’s about finding your way back to yourself.

👉 Connect with Ko on Instagram: @kochandetka
👉 Follow me on IG: @the_rosie_rose_

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have the amazing Alcina Tran, founder of Soulful of Life, join us. Alcina’s journey from personal loss to holistic healing is incredibly moving. After losing her father in 2012, she began a profound spiritual journey that led her to help others as a first-generation Vietnamese-Cambodian American.

In our chat, Alcina shares her healing journey and why trusting your intuition is so crucial. She talks about her diverse practices—like plant medicine, Reiki, and coaching—that have helped her reconnect with her true self. We dive into her belief that we’re all inherently whole and can experience "heaven on earth" through self-awareness and growth.

Alcina also gives us the scoop on two exciting projects she’s working on. She’s raising funds for a music video for her song Amitaba, which combines a Vietnamese Buddhist mantra with an EDM beat. This song, inspired by reflections on genocide and war, aims to promote healing and honor her ancestors. The video is set to be released by the end of the year.

Plus, Alcina is working on a sound healing documentary that will take her to Vietnam and Cambodia to explore and preserve ancient healing sounds. She hopes to complete this project by May next year, bridging generational and cultural gaps through traditional sounds and modern healing music. She’s fundraising to support both these amazing projects.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about healing, soul alignment, and self-discovery. Check out the links below to support Alcina’s music video and documentary initiatives.

Connect with Alcina:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamalcina/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IAmAlcina

https://soulfuloflife.co/

https://app.soulfuloflife.co/the-sound-of-healing

Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=B6LE7UJZFQUX4

In today's episode, we're excited to welcome our special guest, Sorany. Born in Long Beach, California to Cambodian parents who survived the Killing Fields, Sorany made the brave decision to move back to Cambodia in August 2021, right in the midst of the pandemic.

As a talented writer and content creator, Sorany captures the beauty and essence of Cambodia through her Instagram Reels, sharing her personal journey and the rich history of Cambodia with her followers. Besides her creative work, Sorany has started a small business reselling Buddha pendants and manages various writing gigs and media projects. Her journey of living and thriving beyond intergenerational trauma is truly inspiring.

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, we explore her experiences living in Cambodia, her creative work, and her entrepreneurial adventures. Sorany shares valuable advice for those at a crossroads in their lives, emphasizing the importance of making decisions that align with your goals, overcoming fear, and building confidence through small steps.

She also highlights the significance of financial independence, especially for women, and its impact on making empowered choices. Sharing personal anecdotes about her mother's resilience and her own path to success, Sorany underscores the value of starting with what you have and embracing the journey of trial and error.

Join us as we explore themes of self-forgiveness, intergenerational trauma, and the power of community support. This episode is a testament to the strength and courage it takes to pursue one's dreams and live a fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the fear and take the first step towards your dreams.
• Build confidence through small, actionable steps.
• Financial independence is crucial for making empowered choices.
• Learn from your experiences and the resilience of those who came before you.
• Forgive yourself and others to heal and move forward.

Follow Sorany on social media:

• Instagram: @sorany_v

• Sorany’s Buddha Pendant Website: sovedaa.com

Midlife Wake-Up: Healing at the Root with Rory (Mindfulness Coach + Energy Medicine)

What if your “midlife crisis” is a midlife awakening? In this heartfelt conversation, Rory—mindfulness coach, Energy Medicine practitioner, and award-winning product design director—shares how chronic fatigue, mystery symptoms, and a life shake-up led him to holistic healing across mind, body, emotions, and spirit.

We talk about practical mindfulness (even when your mind won’t be quiet), somatic release (why anger often hides sadness), sound healing, breathwork, and the gentle discipline of rewriting old patterns. If you’ve felt off, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode, this one’s a soft reset.

In this episode:

• Midlife crisis as a healthy wake-up call

• “You are not your body” — reframing identity & healing

• Mystery symptoms, chronic stress, and root-cause thinking

• Mindfulness you’ll actually use: micro-pauses, coffee breaths, walking meditations

• Somatic release: anger → sadness → relief (and why it matters in relationships)

• Reprogramming thoughts & emotions without bypassing your feelings

• Inner child work, grief, and finding your way back to yourself

Timestamps (add after upload):
00:00 Intro • 03:30 Mystery symptoms • 06:40 Midlife awakening • 10:20 Sound bath shift • 18:40 Everyday mindfulness • 32:10 Reprogramming patterns • 41:50 Inner child & grief • 44:45 Final advice

Resources & Links:

Follow Rory Reich:

• Website
• Instagram
• Rory's Book
• Radio Show

Welcome to today's episode! We're excited to have Warren Lieff, the founder of Unlock the Day, join us. Warren shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges to live a healthy lifestyle and how he turned his experiences into a mission to inspire others. He'll share his thoughts on wellness, lifestyle, and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Warren talks about his life-changing transformation at 58, the creation of Unlock the Day, and his dedication to helping others unlock their potential. He also discusses the power of gratitude, the benefits of journaling, and the impact of a strong morning routine. Plus, he'll explain how physical fitness contributes to mental clarity and overall well-being.

Tune in to hear Warren's philosophy that life is meant to be enjoyed and learn how his platform encourages people to live life to the fullest. Get ready to feel inspired and motivated to unlock your own potential!

Topics Covered:

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content!

Follow Unlock the Day (Warren Lieff):

In this empowering episode, we sit down with James Norris, the founder of Handy Capable Fitness, a fitness enthusiast, and a motivational speaker who has defied the odds to become a beacon of hope for many. James shares his incredible journey of overcoming cerebral palsy, a condition that could have confined him to a life of limitations but instead ignited a fire within him to pursue fitness and inspire others.

🌟 Key Topics Discussed:

Join us for this heartfelt conversation that will leave you motivated and uplifted. James Norris is proof that with determination, support, and a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

🔔 Subscribe now to never miss an episode filled with inspiring stories and powerful insights!

This description highlights the key aspects of James Norris' story and sets the stage for an engaging and motivational listening experience.

Join us for an insightful podcast episode where we dive deep into personal stories and self-discovery. In this candid conversation, Adetokunbo Osinaike a Chicago native who shares his journey of growing up in a Nigerian household, navigating societal expectations, and ultimately finding his true passion.

Born and raised in Chicago to a Nigerian father and a mother from the west side of the city, our guest reflects on the pressures of choosing a career path in a traditional Nigerian household. With only three career options - doctor, lawyer, or engineer - he initially pursued engineering but soon realized it wasn't his true calling. Despite feeling burnt out, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led him to explore his interests in health, wellness, breathwork, and men's coaching.

Beyond his professional life, our guest shares his love for sports, including basketball and cycling, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to keep up with his two young boys. He also opens up about co-parenting after consciously uncoupling from his previous partner.

Throughout the conversation, we take a close look at his transformative experiences, including a profound trip to the Amazon rainforest for men's work and ritual baths. He reflects on the importance of men's groups in fostering emotional intelligence, accountability, and personal growth, highlighting the significance of creating safe spaces where men can express themselves authentically.

From societal expectations to inner child healing, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing vulnerability, breaking free from cultural norms, and finding alignment with one's true self. Join us as we explore the power of self-discovery, emotional expression, and community support in navigating life's challenges and embracing personal growth.

Ade Osinaike:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/oba.tokunbo?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://calendly.com/obatokunbo

Forrest Kan, 74-year-old Chinese-American from Oakland, California, who made a life-changing move from the city to the woods of Southern Humboldt County at 29. He's all about the "chop wood, carry water" lifestyle, a philosophy focused on simplicity, heartful communication, and fulfilling basic needs.

Growing up in a neighborhood with few friends, his childhood was shaped by solitude. But it was this upbringing that led him on a journey of self-discovery, eventually embracing the motto "so little to do and so much time."

Through deep reflections and experiences, he's learned invaluable life lessons, including the importance of giving and forgiving. This philosophy, deeply rooted in love and reconciliation, guides his everyday life.

His path to sobriety after battling alcoholism for years wasn't easy. But with perseverance, support from loved ones, and a commitment to facing his demons, he's been sober for over 12 years.

Living in the woods, he finds solace and fulfillment in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. He cherishes his friendships, seeing them as true treasures in life.

For his children and grandchildren, he offers timeless advice: embrace kindness, cherish relationships, and remember that while we're all unique, we're also all connected.

And when it comes to death, he sees it as a transition, an end to one form of energy and a possible beginning of another, a mystery he's at peace with.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey and profound wisdom of this extraordinary individual, who reminds us to live each moment with gratitude, love, authenticity, and the spirit of "chop wood, carry water."

Join Barbie Guerra as she talks about her journey with @itsbarbiesbooks, her Instagram page all about sharing book reviews and connecting with others. What began as a fun project in 2020 has turned into a place where Barbie not only talks about her favorite reads but also shares personal stories and insights.

In this podcast, Barbie discusses how books have influenced her life and helped her grow. From gaining new perspectives to learning how to handle relationships better, she talks about how reading has been a source of transformation for her.

Barbie also talks about the importance of communication in her relationships, including with her family and husband. Through therapy, she has learned valuable lessons in navigating life's challenges and staying mindful.

Overall, Barbie's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling. Whether you're a book lover or someone looking for personal growth, this conversation offers valuable insights and reflections.

Follow Barbie on Instagram @itsbarbiesbooks for more book recommendations and insights.

Books Mentioned:

In this episode of "Bold Voices," join Sabahat Naureen and Rose as they explore the transformative power of speaking up, finding your voice, and embracing vulnerability. Based in Calgary, Canada, Sab (short for Sabahat), a business consultant and leadership coach, share their journey of personal growth and self-discovery while navigating the worlds of poetry, spoken word, and public speaking.

In each candid conversation, Sab and Rose draw from their own experiences and challenges, inviting listeners to embrace their authentic selves and step into their power. From their initial meeting at a poetry workshop to exploring the nuances of creative expression, they offer inspiration, encouragement, and practical tips for overcoming fears and embracing authenticity.

Tune in to join Sab and Rose on their journey of empowerment, growth, and transformation, one bold conversation at a time.

Sabahat Naureen

Follow me on:

IG: @sabstorm_ and @boldheartedpodcast

LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/sabahatnaureen