The Wisdom movers

What if the secret to better self-care isn't doing more alone, but learning how to thrive together?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Dr. Maria Van Der Maaten explores the powerful connection between individual wellness and community. As a sociologist, community development practitioner, and author of the upcoming Even Monks Meditate Together, Maria challenges the idea that self-care has to be a solo journey and shows how collective support can make healthy habits, wellness, and personal growth more sustainable.

We explore how to move from self-care to “we-care,” build meaningful circles of support, create belonging and trust, and bring wellness into the realities of everyday life. Maria shares practical ideas for creating communities where people don't just improve themselves—they help one another thrive.

What if the traits you've spent years trying to fix are actually clues to how you're meant to thrive?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Len May, CEO and Co-Founder of EndoDNA, explores the fascinating world of genetics, personalized medicine, ADHD, and human optimization. Drawing from his own experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and later discovering that his brain wasn't broken—it was simply wired differently—Len explains how understanding our unique biology can change the way we approach health, focus, curiosity, and personal growth.

We also explore DNA-based personalization, dopamine, flow states, the potential of precision health, and why being curious, multifaceted, and “different” can become an advantage rather than a limitation.

Connect with Len May:

Website: https://www.lenmaycoaching.com/

What would make someone leave a successful Hollywood career and step into one of the darkest chapters in American history to serve others?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Emmy Award–winning sound editor and author Solange Schwalbe takes us from the world of Hollywood filmmaking to the heart of the Ground Zero recovery effort after September 11. She shares how she became a safety monitor inside the Pit, what daily life was like among more than 1,500 responders, and what it meant to be one of only four women working there.

Through her memoir, I’m Not Supposed to Know This, Solange preserves the people, moments, service, and resilience she witnessed firsthand—offering a deeply personal perspective on a chapter of history that should never be forgotten.

Learn more about Solange Schwalbe and her memoir:

https://imnotsupposedtoknowthis.com

Why do some people keep repeating the same relationship patterns, even when they deeply want lasting love?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Valerie Greene shares what more than two decades of helping women and couples has taught her about love, conflict, emotional triggers, communication, and intimacy. We explore why successful women can attract unavailable partners, how anxious attachment affects relationships, and how to express your feelings and needs in ways that create connection rather than distance.

Valerie also shares how couples can transform conflict into deeper intimacy, rebuild emotional and physical connection, and create the kind of secure, loving relationship they truly want.

Connect with Valerie Greene:

Website: https://coachvaleriegreene.com/

Free Breakthrough to Lasting Love Session: https://coachvaleriegreene.com/free-strategy-session/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachvaleriegreene

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5fnakewbzMZ2yGU-eChqQ

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-greene

What does it take to find your way back to yourself after life has taken you through trauma, loss, chronic pain, and experiences you never imagined?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Angel Willard shares the deeply personal story behind her memoir, Fighting to Come Home. We explore motherhood, separation, incarceration, accountability, trauma, chronic pain, breaking painful cycles, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life after devastating experiences.

Angel's story is not simply about surviving what happened to her. It is about taking responsibility, finding her voice, reclaiming her identity, and discovering that coming home is sometimes not about returning to a place—it is about finding yourself again.

Connect with Angel Willard:

Website: https://angel-willard.angelwillerd9.chatgpt.site/

Explore Angel's podcast appearances:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fighting-to-come-home-trauma-healing-motherhood-and/id1894174707?i=1000786304887

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-making-of-me/id1864621274

https://youtu.be/ozAKXY9AKss?si=ZtxQKtUjeFSvy7W-

What happens when the person who knows the healthcare system from the inside suddenly has to navigate it as a caregiver?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Tiffany Auvil shares the deeply personal journey that took her from more than 20 years in healthcare to becoming her husband's caregiver during his battle with cancer. We explore the clerical error that nearly disrupted his treatment, medical misdiagnosis, caregiver burnout, patient advocacy, grief, and the practical realities families face when navigating a complicated healthcare system.

Tiffany also shares the story behind her book, The No BS Guide for Caregivers: How to Survive the Healthcare Maze, and the practical lessons she wishes every caregiver knew.

Connect with Tiffany Auvil:

https://tiffanyauvil.com/

What happens when the scales of justice are not as balanced as we believe?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, James M. Porfido, Esq. draws on 35 years as a criminal defense attorney, former prosecutor, law professor, and television legal analyst to take us inside the criminal justice system. We explore fairness in the courts, the rights of the accused, unequal justice, and what happens when the system fails to treat everyone equally.

James also shares the story behind his book, Unequal Justice: A Search for Truth to Balance the Scales, and offers a unique perspective shaped by decades of seeing the justice system from both sides of the courtroom.

Connect with James M. Porfido:

Website: https://porfidolaw.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesporfido2263

Watch James discuss the criminal justice system and the balance of the scales:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLUU3d951_k

What if some of the limits holding you back were taught to you before you were even old enough to question them?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Lauretta Zucchetti shares her extraordinary journey from a difficult childhood and homelessness to becoming a top sales representative with Xerox and Apple. We explore early conditioning, self-worth, identity, reinvention, and what it means to stop living according to inherited beliefs and start consciously choosing your own life.

Lauretta's story is a powerful reminder that where you begin does not have to determine where you end.

Connect with Lauretta Zucchetti:

https://laurettazucchetti.com/

What happens when one day brings career failure, devastating family news, and a crisis that changes everything?

In this episode of The Wisdom Movers Podcast, Troy Haslinger shares the raw and deeply personal journey behind his memoir, Beautifully Dysfunctional. We explore addiction, mental health, his sister Holly's battle with cancer, a near-death experience, failure, recovery, faith, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward.

Troy's story is painful, honest, and ultimately a reminder that even in our darkest seasons, we are not alone.

Learn more about Troy and his story:

https://authortroyhaslinger.com

What happens when someone spends decades carrying the weight of abuse, only to eventually find the courage to speak?

In this episode, we hear from Sandy Phillips Kirkham, an author, speaker, and survivor who has dedicated her work to raising awareness about clergy abuse and helping others understand the long-term effects of trauma.

Sandy shares her personal journey of abuse, silence, finding her voice, and healing. We explore the dynamics of grooming, manipulation, gaslighting, guilt, and why survivors may struggle to speak out—even years after the abuse occurs. Most importantly, this is a conversation about hope, recovery, and moving forward.

Connect with Sandy:

Website: http://www.sandyphillipskirkham.com

Book Preview: https://sandyphillipskirkham.com/book-preview-let-me-prey-upon-you/

Facebook: Sandy Kirkham

Twitter/X: Sandy Kirkham

LinkedIn: Sandy Kirkham