EP 9: Finding a Way Forward
Featuring Maya Frost & Eric Cooper

In this episode, host Courtney Finstad is joined by Maya Frost, founder of Collapse Forward, for a meaningful conversation about grief, mindfulness, anxiety, and finding a way forward through life’s challenges. Together, they explore how curiosity, imagination, and simple daily practices can help us navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and reconnect with a greater sense of agency and possibility.

Drawing from her own experiences with profound loss and transformation, Maya shares practical insights on mindfulness, the power of noticing what is present, and the importance of creating space for reflection in a world filled with constant noise and distraction. This conversation is a reminder that healing does not require perfection or certainty—only a willingness to pay attention, remain curious, and take the next step forward.

In our Voices of Impact Nonprofit Spotlight, we are honored to feature Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. This conversation highlights the realities of food insecurity and the critical role community organizations play in supporting families in need. Together, we explore how innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to both feeding people today and creating pathways for long-term stability are helping build stronger, healthier communities across South Texas.

This podcast is sponsored by Kalypso Publishing and proudly produced by Techne Innovations.

Watch here on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform:

Spotify:
 https://open.spotify.com/show/3Lz2MzP...

Apple Podcasts:
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Amazon/Audible:
 https://www.audible.com/podcast/Thriv...

Learn more about Maya Frost:
 https://mayafrost.com

Connect with Maya on LinkedIn:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayafrost

Learn more about the San Antonio Food Bank:
 https://safoodbank.org

Support the San Antonio Food Bank:
 https://safoodbank.org/give

In this episode, host Courtney Finstad is joined by Anamaria Aristizabal, founder and Purpose Guardian of Re-Vision Academy, for a thoughtful conversation on purpose, reinvention, and learning to trust the inner voice that guides us toward a more authentic life. Together, they explore the moments of transition that shape us — often marked by uncertainty, grief, disruption, or an inner knowing — and how creating intentional space for reflection can open the door to healing, clarity, and transformation.

At the heart of Anamaria’s work is helping individuals reconnect with their deeper sense of self, reclaim their creativity and life force, and consciously author the next chapter of their lives. Through coaching, community, and regenerative living practices, she invites people to listen more closely to what truly matters and to honor the quiet wisdom within. This conversation is a reminder that even in life’s most difficult seasons, there is an opportunity to begin again with greater purpose, authenticity, and alignment.

In our Voices of Impact Nonprofit Spotlight, we are honored to feature Autumn Dolge from Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary. This conversation highlights the importance of ethical sanctuary care, wildlife education, and advocacy for rescued exotic animals. Together, we explore the realities many of these animals face before rescue and the compassionate work being done to provide them with safety, dignity, and lifelong care.

This podcast is sponsored by Kalypso Publishing and proudly produced by Techne Innovations.

Watch here on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3Lz2MzPQHJhvrAVkdoPZO1?si=eae788589640422f

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrivemind-studio-podcast/id1870610694

Amazon/Audible:

https://www.audible.com/podcast/ThriveMind-Studio-Podcast/B0GHSQD27F?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H…

Learn more about Re-Vision Academy:

Home

Learn more about Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary:
Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary

Donate to Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary:

Donate to Tiger Rescue | Support Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Texas | Tiger Creek

Welcome to the ThriveMind Studio Podcast — a space for reflection, care, and meaningful connection.

Episode 7: From Uncertainty to Alignment: Trusting the Next Step

In this episode, host Courtney Finstad is joined by Dr. Sarah Trocchio, founder and principal of The Square Peg Club, for a thoughtful conversation on navigating change, self-trust, and what it means to live and work in alignment. Together, they explore the moments that call us to pivot — often shaped by uncertainty, disruption, or an inner knowing — and how small, intentional steps can open the door to something entirely new.

At the heart of Sarah’s work is helping individuals reconnect with who they are beyond titles and expectations. Through her guidance, mission-driven professionals are supported in moving toward lives and careers rooted in purpose, service, and authenticity. This conversation is a reminder that even in the unknown, there is space for clarity, growth, and possibility.

In our Voices of Impact Nonprofit Spotlight, we are honored to feature Ellen Klem, Executive Director of Guardian Partners. This conversation highlights the critical need for advocacy and oversight within the guardianship system, and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals through education, accountability, and community involvement.

This podcast is sponsored by Kalypso Publishing and proudly produced by Techne Innovations.

🎧 Watch here on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Learn more about The Square Peg Club:

Find the Shape that Suits You.

Connect with Dr. Sarah Trocchio:

[email protected]

Learn more about Guardian Partners:

Guardian Partners - Guardian Partners

Connect with Ellen Klem:

Ellen Klem | LinkedIn

Welcome to the ThriveMind Studio Podcast — a space for reflection, care, and meaningful connection.

In Episode 6, host Courtney Finstad is joined by Kyle Dietrich, founder of Grounded Idealist, and Madison Brazil, Senior Learning Specialist, for a thoughtful conversation on navigating uncertainty, purpose, and collective care. Together, they explore how Grounded Idealist emerged in response to disruption — creating spaces for coaching, connection, and support for those experiencing career transitions and identity shifts.

At the heart of their work is a focus on slowing down, reconnecting with self, and leading from a grounded, embodied place. Through pro bono coaching, cohort-based programs, and community-driven learning, they are helping individuals move from crisis to clarity while reimagining what meaningful service and leadership can look like.

In our Voices of Impact Nonprofit Spotlight, we are honored to feature Samantha Moritz, Founder and Volunteer of Lifekind Foundation. This conversation highlights the deeper, often overlooked root causes of chronic pain and community health challenges — and the importance of addressing healing through trauma-informed, community-centered approaches.

Sponsored by Kalypso Publishing. Proudly produced by Techne Innovations.

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Learn more about Grounded Idealist:
https://www.groundedidealist.co/

Follow Grounded Idealist on LinkedIn

Connect with the Grounded Idealist team:
 Kyle Dietrich: kyle dietrich | LinkedIn
Madison Brazil: Madison Brazil | LinkedIn
Miranda Cairns: Miranda Cairns | LinkedIn
Danyah Wafa: Danyah Wafa, MSc, PMP, CMP | LinkedIn

For Coaches:
 • Join Coaching Collaborative and volunteer with Grounded Idealist
 • Join Conscious Catalyst — a membership for coaches to deepen their practice, connect with others, and activate purpose through service

For Displaced Workers:
 • Sign up for Coaching Collaborative to receive pro bono coaching
 • Root to Rise: A Career Navigator for Mission-Driven Professionals and Public Servants (Cohort 3 begins April 15)
 • Scholarships and payment plans available
 • Join the waitlist for the Public Service Incubator relaunch

Episode 5 – ThriveMind Studio Podcast

In this episode of the ThriveMind Studio Podcast, host Courtney Finstad sits down with Astrid Schanz-Garbassi, coach, facilitator, and founder of Expanded Capacity. Astrid shares reflections from her personal journey and professional work helping individuals reconnect with their intuition, slow down, and create more aligned ways of living and leading. Through practices such as self-inquiry, somatic awareness, and thoughtful reflection, she supports people in cultivating clarity, authenticity, and deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

This episode’s Voices of Impact Nonprofit Spotlight features Executive Director Robin Young with Child Family Health International (CFHI), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing ethical global health education through immersive learning programs around the world. By connecting students with local healthcare professionals and public health leaders, CFHI helps future health professionals gain firsthand insight into global health systems while developing cultural humility, empathy, and a deeper understanding of community-led health initiatives. Their work is grounded in a Fair Trade Learning approach that prioritizes equitable partnerships and sustainable impact.

To learn more about CFHI, visit:
https://www.cfhi.org/

 In Episode 4 of the ThriveMind Studio Podcast, host Courtney Finstad sits down with somatic executive coach and organizational psychologist Oren Shai for a grounded conversation on embodied leadership, emotional resilience, and sustainable performance. Together, they explore the shift from rigidity to rhythm, the importance of reconnecting head, heart, and gut, and why capability does not equal capacity. Drawing from Oren’s work with founders and high-performing leaders, the discussion centers on working with our biology rather than overriding it - softening around discomfort instead of forcing our way through it.

This episode also features a meaningful nonprofit spotlight on NI2C — Nested Integral Coaching Constellation — and its REPAIR Program, a 13-week trauma-informed peer support experience designed for individuals impacted by interpersonal or collective trauma. In conversation with Erika Knudsen, NI2C REPAIR Facilitator & Coach, we explore how trauma imprints on the nervous system and how healing can begin through embodied awareness, compassionate self-relationship, and relational safety. 

On the third episode of the ThriveMind Studio Podcast, "Investing in Those Who Invest in Us," host Courtney Finstad sits down with educator and coach Colleen Broderick for a conversation rooted in presence, connection, and courageous leadership. Together, they explore what it means to amplify the uniqueness and potential of young people, cultivate vulnerability and trust, and remain deeply human-centered in an evolving technological landscape. Drawing from Colleen’s work in education, coaching, and ethical AI development, the dialogue centers on agency, systems awareness, and the daily practices that sustain resilience in both classrooms and communities.

In our Voices of Impact Nonprofit Spotlight, we turn to the mission of TEACH, a national organization working to end the teacher shortage and diversify the teaching profession. In conversation with Co-executive director, Veronica Wilson, we examine education as both service and social justice — and the systemic barriers that prevent passionate individuals from stepping into the classroom. The discussion highlights the importance of representation, the human impact of policy decisions, and why investing in educators and the cultures that support them is essential to long-term community well-being.

This episode invites us to reflect on a powerful truth: when we care for those who shape the next generation, we strengthen the future for us all.

If you’re interested in learning more about TEACH or supporting their mission to end the teacher shortage and diversify the teaching profession, please visit www.teach.org.

In Episode 2 of the ThriveMind Studio Podcast, host Courtney Finstad is joined by Farrell Calabrese for a thoughtful conversation on leading with intention during seasons of change. Together, they explore values-driven leadership, well being, and what it means to design a life aligned with purpose rather than performance alone. Drawing from Farrell’s experience across corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and regenerative leadership development, the discussion centers on energy, sustainability, and the courage required to move through the “messy middle” with clarity and care.

The episode also features a powerful nonprofit spotlight on the Oregon Food Bank with Network Communications Strategist Rachael Lucille Jackson-Davis. This conversation reframes food insecurity as a systemic issue rooted in policy, access, and dignity - not individual failure. By highlighting community-based food support and advocacy efforts, the spotlight underscores the importance of collective care in building resilient communities and reflects ThriveMind’s commitment to equity, compassion, and addressing the root causes that shape both individual and community well being.

To learn more about Oregon Food Bank or support their work, visit:

Oregon Food Bank
📞 (503) 282-0555
🌐 oregonfoodbank.org

Your support helps strengthen access, dignity, and care across our communities.

Episode 1: This Wasn’t the Plan

In the inaugural episode of the ThriveMind Studio Podcast, host Courtney Finstad opens the series with a conversation rooted in honesty, reflection, and lived experience.

In the first half of the episode, Courtney sits down with author Mark Shelley Kenzer to explore the themes of his book, My Miserable Search for Enlightenment. Together, they reflect on a lifelong search for meaning, identity, and spiritual truth—touching on meditation, silence, suffering, and the unraveling of ego and expectation. Rather than offering easy answers, the conversation invites curiosity, humility, and deeper awareness of what it means to live fully when life doesn’t follow the plan we imagined.
👉 You can find Mark’s book on Amazon.

My Miserable Search for Enlightenment: A Quest for God and the Eternal Self: Kenzer, Mark Shelley

The episode also features ThriveMind Studio’s Voices of Impact nonprofit spotlight, highlighting Bishop’s Mission and its founder, Kate Klasen. Kate shares how Bishop’s Mission supports first responders navigating the aftermath of critical incidents through peer connection, lived experience, and trained PTS canines. The conversation sheds light on gaps in traditional wellness systems—particularly the often-overlooked care of therapy and service dogs that departments rely on—setting the tone for ThriveMind’s commitment to practical, human-centered support.

Support Bishop’s Mission

If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to learn more or contribute to their work:

BISHOP’S MISSION
Kate Klasen, Founder
📞 (602) 790-3651
🌐 www.bishopsmission.org

Your support helps make real, meaningful care possible for those who serve.