What happens when life changes your path in ways you never expected, and somehow brings you closer to your truth?

In this heartfelt conversation, I welcome back my dear friend Cristi Christensen — teacher, author, sound healer, and a woman whose journey has been marked by deep courage, transformation, and grace. Together, we explore how life's greatest challenges can also become profound teachers, opening the door to healing, clarity, and a deeper connection to who we really are.

Cristi shares her story of moving from a lifelong identity rooted in athletics and performance into a more expansive calling through yoga, chakra work, sound healing, and the powerful lessons that emerged through her cancer journey. We talk about what it means to rebuild from the inside out, how sound can support the nervous system and soften fear, and why manifestation begins with regulation, presence, and embodied intention.

This conversation is about much more than healing. It's about remembering that even in the hardest seasons of life, there is still beauty, creativity, connection, and possibility waiting to be claimed.

In this episode, we explore:

How Cristi and I first met through a magical series of connections Her early dream of becoming an Olympian and the identity shift that followed injury How yoga and the chakra system became part of her life's work What her cancer journey revealed about surrender, resilience, and rebirth How sound healing became part of her personal recovery The ways sound supports the nervous system, brain waves, and emotional regulation Why its difficult to manifest from a dysregulated state The connection between intention, energy, coherence, and receiving Why embodied practices can help move wishes out of the mind and into lived experience How creativity, movement, and sound can become part of a deeper healing path

Explore Cristi's work and learn more about her offerings here: CristiChristensen.com

Learn more about Cristi's beautiful book here: ChakraRitualsBook.com

Listen to my first podcast conversation with Cristi here: Wishbeads.com/blogs/wishbeads/cristi-christensen

What happens when you stop fighting the parts of yourself you were taught to hide — and discover they may be your greatest allies?

Kristan Sargeant has lived a life of reinvention, curiosity, and deep inner work. From co-founding a company with her father that grew from a backyard startup into a half-billion-dollar business, to producing TEDxWomen conferences, to earning a master's degree in psychology, Kristan's path has been anything but straight — and that winding road holds the wisdom she now shares.

In this rich, honest conversation, Kristan opens up about why traditional success and discipline weren't enough, how she became disenchanted with past-focused therapy, and what changed when she discovered shadow work. We talk about the hidden parts of ourselves that quietly shape our choices, leak our confidence, and sometimes run the show — and how meeting those parts with compassion can restore clarity, courage, and momentum.

This episode is an invitation to soften the inner battle, reclaim wholeness, and rethink what it means to grow. If you've ever felt like something inside you is asking to be seen — or like your wish is waiting for you to say a fuller yes — this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Learn more about Kristan's work: https://kristansargeant.com Instagram: @kristansargeant

What does it look like to reinvent yourself at nearly 80? Billie Fischer — artist, style maven, and living proof that it's never too late to follow a creative calling. When the world shut down, Billie opened a new chapter, logging into Zoom art classes and discovering a deep love of mixed media and collage.

Fast-forward to today, and she's stepping boldly into the spotlight: launching her own website, producing an art show with her fellow artists, and even dreaming of becoming a "grandfluencer," sharing her passion for fashion, art, and fearless creativity at any age.

In this inspiring conversation, we look back on Billie's first appearance on the Wishbeads podcast and trace the extraordinary arc of her journey since then — from hesitant beginner to unstoppable creator. Whether you're 18 or 80, Billie's story is a joyful reminder that your wishes don't come with an expiration date.

Join us in celebrating Billie's new work at her upcoming art show at Wish Club and follow her creative adventures on Instagram at @blingbybillie.

This episode is extra special because my guest is none other than my husband, Robert LaPorta. If you've ever wondered what it's like to wish alongside me in real time, this conversation is your chance to hear it unfold.

Robert has been my behind-the-scenes creative collaborator for years—editing podcasts, producing courses, and listening (endlessly!) to my ideas. But today, he's stepping into the spotlight to share his own wish story: how he went from dreaming about broadcasting to actually doing it, and how a single Wish Circle visualization led him on a completely unexpected path.

We talk about:

✨ The magic of saying yes to creativity—right where you are.

✨ How Robert's wish to broadcast turned into live-streaming baseball games (and building a whole community around it!)

✨ The intersection of art, confidence, and putting yourself out there—including his journey from private creativity to launching his first solo art show

✨ The real work of overcoming self-doubt (and how I totally called him out on it 😆)

✨ And… a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about a retreat we're co-leading in Costa Rica!

This is a conversation about trusting your path, leaning into creative flow, and realizing that wishes unfold in ways you never expect. So if you've ever held back on putting your work into the world, or if you're looking for a little inspiration to finally take the next step, you're going to love this episode.

🎧 Listen now: https://wishbeads.libsyn.com/episode-95-robert-laporta-the-voice-of-an-artist And if you want to stay connected to your own wishes, join me for my next Wishcircle—one hour of magic, visualization, and community. Sign up here: Sign up

Online: rlaporta.com Follow Robert on IG: @littleman.daily and @theinnerfort Catch our next baseball broadcast: @newroadsbaseball

In this episode, I'm joined by the amazing Vanessa Till Hooper as we dive into our journey with Wish As One: Joy House. From the challenges of organizing a global virtual concert to the joy of supporting displaced communities through art and music, we share how collective wishing and creativity can truly transform lives.

Susan Grau is a Healer, Renowned Intuitive Medium, Inspirational Speaker, and Hay House Author. She also happens to be one of the most delightful and inspiring thought leaders in helping people connect with the spirit world.

As she approaches her eighth decade, Billie Fischer is thrilled to be dancing her way into her next exciting chapter as an artist! We celebrate her courage to make her wish come true and embrace her new found passion with her signature style inspiring us all along the way!

Dr. Jessie Mahoney is not only a pediatrician and physician coach but also a passionate advocate for wellness who has beautifully incorporated Wishbeads into her retreats for physicians. It's truly moving to see how the integration of Wishbeads can amplify these effects, providing a tangible reminder of their journey.

This month I'm thrilled to feature my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Frank Ricciardi on the Wishbeads Podcast. His journey has been remarkable–from traveling all over the world building businesses to taking the leap of faith to launching his own company.

Sheila Darcey is a visionary artist and the founder of SketchPoetic, a creative expression practice that empowers individuals to express, reflect, and heal. In 2021, she authored the book "Sketch by Sketch - A Creative Path to Emotional Healing & Transformation".