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Keywords: Near-death experience, community support, emotional healing, authenticity, personal growth, living in the present, spiritual practices, trauma, vulnerability, gratitude
Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Michael Brett, also known as Miracle Mike, who shares his incredible near-death experience and the profound impact it had on his life. Michael discusses the importance of community support, emotional healing, and living authentically. He reflects on the journey of recovery, the power of breathwork, and the significance of being present in the moment. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and the role of trauma in personal growth, ultimately highlighting the beauty of life and the importance of gratitude.
Takeaways
· Michael's near-death experience profoundly changed his perspective on life.
· Community support played a crucial role in his recovery.
· Emotional healing is a vital part of the healing journey.
· Breathwork helped Michael reconnect with his emotions.
· Authenticity and vulnerability are powerful tools for connection.
· Trauma can lead to significant personal growth and transformation.
· Living in the present moment is essential for a fulfilling life.
· Community is essential for human connection and support.
· Spiritual practices like mantras can aid in emotional healing.
· Gratitude enhances appreciation for life and its experiences.
Sound Bites
· "I was in a coma for three days."
· "We are all one collective."
· "We need community as humans."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thriving Not Surviving
01:50 Miracle Mike's Near-Death Experience
12:07 Community Support and Healing Energy
15:26 Awakening from Coma and Transformation
20:06 Grief and Emotional Release
24:52 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability
30:00 Life Lessons from Trauma
34:40 The Journey of Consciousness and Growth
38:45 The Importance of Living in the Present
45:22 The Power of Spiritual Literature
48:23 Consciousness and Community Connection
50:08 Meditation and Self-Awareness
53:03 Living Simply and Trusting the Universe
55:36 Surrendering to Life's Flow
01:01:08 The Role of Mantras in Healing
01:02:14 The Four Agreements and Personal Growth
01:04:52 Gratitude and Appreciation for Life
01:09:15 The Importance of Community
01:11:19 The Interconnectedness of Existence
Resources:
Don Miguel Ruiz –“The Four Agreements” & “The Toltec Art of Life & Death”
Brotherhood Community - www.thebrotherhoodcommunity.com (see also Ep 22)
Power of Now -Eckhardt Tolle
Paul Cohello – The Alchemist
Connect with Miracle Mike
IG- iam.miracle.mike
Website:
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen Valentino
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords: Alcoholism, recovery, AA, addiction, mental health, personal stories, sobriety, blackouts, spirituality, overcoming challenges, self-discovery, community, support, 12 steps, parenting, self-worth, empowerment
Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino welcomes Melissa, her AA sponsor, to share her powerful story of recovery. Growing up in an alcoholic household, Melissa fell into addiction herself, experiencing blackouts, denial, and deep emotional pain. At one point she even tried to prove she didn’t have a problem by not drinking over Christmas—only to realise how unmanageable her life had become. She speaks openly about the early fears and resistance she carried into AA, recalling how she felt constantly scared, defensive, and ready to fight until she found a safe, non-judgmental space. What began with “one foot in, one foot out” shifted as commitments, service, and community slowly transformed her life. Melissa highlights the lessons of the Big Book, the role of spirituality and self-acceptance, and how sobriety has given her joy, humour, and freedom. Her story is an honest, inspiring reminder that recovery is an ongoing journey filled with challenges and unexpected gifts.
Takeaways
• Growing up in an alcoholic home shaped Melissa’s struggles.
• Blackouts and denial were central to her drinking.
• Trying to “prove” she didn’t have a problem revealed how unmanageable life had become.
• Community and commitments in AA became life-saving anchors.
• The Big Book and “Living Sober” offered guidance and hope.
• She recalls feeling scared, defensive, and ready to fight until AA gave her safety.
• Sobriety revealed her manipulation and unpredictability, but honesty brought change.
• At first she had “one foot in, one foot out,” until service helped her commit fully.
• Spirituality and self-acceptance are essential in recovery.
• Sobriety is not just about stopping drinking—it’s about discovering new joy and freedom.
• Sharing personal stories helps others see recovery is possible.
• “I came in to stop drinking. I keep coming back for the gifts of sobriety.”
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) UK
Website:www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Helpline (UK): 0800 9177 650
Email: [email protected]
Find a Meeting (UK): www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/Find-A-Meeting
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Online (free to read): www.aa.org/the-big-book
“Living Sober” Book also great resource
Available in print or digital via AA UK Shop
If someone is struggling, they can reach out via the helpline 24/7, find local meetings, or connect with AA’s online community for support.
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: @helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen Valentino
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords thriving, surviving, personal growth, childhood trauma, education, spirituality, Reiki, social work, children's books, emotional healing, authorship, children's books, imagination, healing, education, creativity, emotional support, community, workshops, empowerment
Takeaways
Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Jacqui Cameron, author of transformative children’s books and advocate for children’s well-being. Jacqui shares her journey from a challenging childhood to thriving through her work with children and spiritual awakening. They discuss how early experiences shape adult life, the need for compassion in supporting children, and the healing power of practices like Reiki.
Jacqui talks about creating The Magical Garden and The Magical Tree to inspire imagination and emotional expression. She highlights their impact in schools, the role of community, and how creative workshops—including equine therapy—help foster connection and healing. Central to her message is the importance of letting children express their feelings and the transformative role of imagination in their growth.
Resources mentioned
“Out on a Limb” Shirley MacLaine
Many Lives, Many Masters - Dr Brian L Weiss
Diana Cooper – Angel lady
Human Design – Farrah Miri
The Soul of Money – Lynne Twist
Joshua (2002) – the movie with Tony Goldwyn
Connect with Jacqui
www.stay-calm.co.uk
IG: stay_calm_uk
FB: https://www.facebook.com/StayCalmUK
Book store - https://www.stay-calm.co.uk/new-products
Connect with Helen
Website:InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: @helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen Valentino
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords thriving, surviving, trauma, transformation, self-worth, authenticity, healing, music, community, empowerment, transformation, healing, spirituality, self-reflection, social media, emotional health, visualization, personal growth, connection, empowerment
Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Emmah Tubmen, a folk musician and embodiment coach, about her journey from trauma and anxiety to finding joy and authenticity. Emmah shares her experiences with cultural expectations, self-worth, and the importance of embracing feelings. They discuss the healing power of nature, community, and music, as well as the significance of living in the present moment and trusting the universe. Emmah's story is a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance and the journey towards thriving in life. In this engaging conversation, Emmah Tubmen and Helen Valentino explore themes of transformation, healing, and the power of thoughts. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, the challenges of navigating social media, and the healing potential of conversations and connections. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of trusting life, embracing authenticity, and recognising the interconnectedness of spiritual practices. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they inspire listeners to embrace their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Takeaways
· Emmah's journey reflects the struggle with trauma and expectations.
· Cultural backgrounds can create pressure to conform.
· Self-worth is inherent and not earned through achievements.
· Nature and community play vital roles in personal healing.
· Music and affirmations can transform one's mindset.
· Trusting the universe can lead to unexpected opportunities.
· Authenticity is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. We are changing the world with our thoughts.
· Physical ailments can stem from emotional pain.
· Spiritual practices connect us to our true selves.
· Relationships reflect our inner selves and shadows.
Chapters
02:56 The Weight of Expectations and Ancestry
04:18 Mother Wound and Societal Constructs
13:08 Cultural Influences on Self-Worth
18:54 The Role of Music and Frequency in Healing
46:00 Grounding and Embodiment: Finding Inner Peace
49:09 Creating Community and Connection
52:26 The Power of Consciousness and Transformation
01:01:05 Exploring Tantra and Sacred Practices
01:02:59 Navigating Parental Expectations and Personal Growth
01:04:08 Understanding Guilt vs. Shame
01:10:04 The Mirror of Relationships and Self-Reflection
01:13:07 The Journey of Self-Acceptance and Forgiveness
01:20:40 Judgment and Self-Reflection
01:22:09 Celebrating Community and Connection
Connect with Emmah
Website: Embodied Pleasure
FB - Emmah Violetta Vibration
IG: @violettavibration
TikTok: @violetta.vibration
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: @helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen Valentino
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords drumming, women's health, endometriosis, empowerment, healing, community, cycles, retreats, self-discovery, passion
Summary In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', Helen Valentino interviews Melonie Syrett, a passionate advocate for women's health and empowerment through drumming. Melonie shares her personal journey from suffering with endometriosis to discovering the healing power of drumming and women's circles. The conversation explores the importance of body awareness, tracking menstrual cycles, and the transformative experiences found in community and connection with the land. Melonie emphasizes the significance of following one's passion and the profound impact it can have on life satisfaction and well-being.
Takeaways
Key Quotes:
"Follow your passion because somewhere inside you is the key to your life being amazing, happy, and joyful."
"Drumming helps me connect to myself and have an expression and a way of sharing."
Resources Mentioned:
Su Yan Wan's Yoga for Menopause
Kate Codrington's book "Second Spring"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Drumming and Transformation
01:59 Melonie's Journey with Endometriosis
06:05 The Struggles of Being Heard
10:01 Finding Community and Healing
13:56 The Power of Self-Discovery
17:52 Breaking Free from Medical Limitations
21:47 Embracing Change and Self-Love
31:06 The Healing Power of Women's Circles and Drumming
32:47 Transformative Experiences in Healing and Health
35:41 Challenging Medical Norms and Beliefs
37:48 Understanding Endometriosis and Personal Healing
39:56 The Journey to Self-Employment and Holistic Practices
48:41 The Art and Spirituality of Drum Making
55:24 Creating Community Through Drumming and Workshops
01:01:38 The Transformative Power of Drumming
01:06:26 Connecting with Ancient Energies
01:11:35 The Call of the Stones
01:18:53 Understanding Womb Cycles and Women's Health
Connect with Melonie “The Drum Woman” Syrett
– Website: thedrumwoman.com
– Instagram: @thedrumwoman
– Facebook Page: Thedrumwoman.com
– Don’t miss her upcoming events on Eventbrite!
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: @helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen Valentino
For full transcription contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode Overview; In this candid conversation, Robin Harford—forager, ethnobotanical researcher, and founder of Eatweeds—sits down with host Helen Valentino to explore how the wild can help us heal. Robin traces a life arc that begins in a violent, addiction‑scarred childhood, detours through the DIY punk scene and guerrilla self‑publishing, collapses under the weight of substance abuse, and finally finds refuge—then purpose—in mindful foraging. Along the way he unpacks the Buddhist concept of Dhamma, explains why “attention is the greatest form of generosity,” and invites us onto his Green Path audio course, where plant ID becomes plant relationship. The result is a masterclass in turning survival into thriving by slowing down, engaging the senses, and letting nature mirror our own potential for renewal.
Robin Harford is one of the UK’s leading authorities on wild edible and medicinal plants. He established his foraging school in 2008, and his courses were later ranked #1 by BBC Countryfile. Robin created Eatweeds.co.uk, listed in The Times “Top 50 Websites for Food & Drink”, and is the author of several bestselling field guides, including Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain & Ireland. His latest project, The Green Path, is a seven‑day audio journey into sensory plant connection Domei Life.
Keywords thriving, surviving, foraging, nature connection, addiction recovery, self-publishing, personal growth, mindfulness, community support, healing, Dhamma, plant connection, nature relationships, attention practices, Green Path, sensory approach, mindfulness, foraging, well-being, simplicity
Key Takeaways
· Thriving isn’t always easy: it’s about having tools—and a community—to meet hard moments.
· Foraging can move from “free food” to a mindfulness practice that feeds body, heart, and mind.
· A punk, DIY ethos taught Robin to self‑publish and to teach outside conventional systems.
· Recovery starts with radical self‑acceptance and the courage to face past choices.
· Slowing down and offering generous attention deepens our relationship with the more‑than‑humanworld.
· The Green Path reframes plant ID as an invitation to ongoing, reciprocal conversation with the land.
Memorable Quotes
· “Attention is the greatest form of generosity.”
· “Keep it simple. Let nature do the heavy lifting.”
· “Don’t think you know it all—let the plants surprise you.”
Robin’s website & blog: www.eatweeds.co.uk
- www.domei.life
- Book: Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain & Ireland https://shop.eatweeds.co.uk/
- The Green Path audio course
- Book: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté (on addiction)
Connect with Robin on Social Media
IG: @robinharfordofficial
FB: @robinharfordofficial
YT: @robinharfordofficial
TT: @robinharfordofficial
Connect With Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: @helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen Valentino
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords: mental health, addiction recovery, ayahuasca, personal development, men’s work, community support, spiritual healing, brotherhood, thriving not surviving, resilience
Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Naoki Nayati, a suicide survivor and founder of The Brotherhood, a men's organization focused on healing and personal development. Naoki shares his journey from a troubled childhood marked by loss and addiction to finding purpose through spirituality and community support. He discusses the importance of addressing mental health issues, the role of ayahuasca in his healing process, and the evolution of The Brotherhood as a safe space for men to connect and grow. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, personal accountability, and the ongoing journey of thriving despite challenges.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Welcome & show intro
02:06 Naoki’s origin story
08:07 Marine Corps enlistment
11:09 Injury & identity crisis
14:05 Addiction spirals & rock bottom
19:15 Quest for real healing
26:31 Rehab & the long road to sobriety
34:20 Beyond survival: redefining manhood
40:00 Medicine wheel & shamanic studies
48:00 The sound of Icaros
52:18 Founding The Brotherhood
01:05:26 Honouring lineage & legacy
Resources:
www.thebrotherhoodcommunity.com
IG: Naoki_nayati
IG: thebrotherhood_community
FB: www.facebook.com/people/The-Brotherhood-Community/61578227651998/
🔗 Helen on LinkedIn
🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk
📷 IG: @helens_inspired_healing
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551922200224
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords: Internal Family Systems, IFS, trauma healing, psychedelics, mental health, personal growth, meditation, unburdening, self-energy, thriving, Ibogaine, healing, integration, therapy, shamanism, ketamine
Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino is joined by Michelle Glass — IFS practitioner, educator, and author — for a powerful conversation about trauma healing, psychedelic integration, and the journey from surviving to thriving.
Michelle shares her personal healing journey (with an ACE score of 9) and explains how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps us understand the inner “parts” of ourselves, many of which hold burdens from past traumas. They explore how unburdening these parts creates space for healing, and how accessing the compassionate core known as “self-energy” is central to the process.
The conversation also explores the intersection of IFS with psychedelic therapy, particularly the use of Ibogaine and ketamine. Michelle discusses how psychedelics can deepen the healing process when used intentionally and in the right setting, and why integration is a crucial (and often overlooked) step in psychedelic work. She also emphasizes the importance of daily connection practices and finding a skilled, trauma-informed therapist or guide.
This rich dialogue blends science, spirituality, and lived experience — offering insights for anyone on a healing path.
Takeaways
References
Please see Michelle’s website https://thelistenerllc.com for information on her resources and offerings of:
IFS Alternative Education Mentioned:
(Suggestion: Always look to ensure the educators are in the IFS-Institute’s Directory of Professionals, that they are trained through IFS-I, they have small supervised group practices, and at the very least contain 45 or more hours as a foundation.)
IFSCA (Stepping Stones and more) https://ifsca.ca
One Self Institute https://oneselfinstitute.com
www.inspiredhealing.co.uk
Instagram: @helens_inspired_healing
Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords: chronic fatigue, health coaching, fitness, self-discovery, mental health, wellness, personal growth, resilience, healing, lifestyle changes
Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with health and fitness coach July Styles about her journey through chronic fatigue syndrome and how it shaped both her life and career. July opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of living with chronic illness, the insights she gained from deep self-reflection, and how it led her to a new approach to health coaching.
They explore the importance of individualized, client-led coaching, the mental health benefits of regular movement, and the need to release perfectionism and comparison. July also shares how she created a unique low-stimulus gym to support others with similar health needs, and why it’s never too late to start finding joy in movement. Plus, we dive into her DJ persona “Feminem” and how music plays a part in her thriving journey.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Thriving Not Surviving
01:54 – Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
05:46 – Deep Inner Work and Personal Growth
10:33 – Becoming a Health and Fitness Coach
15:07 – Building an Accessible Fitness Environment
18:37 – Individualized Coaching Models
25:54 – The Five Pillars of Health
30:53 – Neurodiversity and Acceptance
34:07 – Coaching Through Lived Experience
38:11 – Lessons from Chronic Fatigue
41:50 – DJ-Feminem and the Healing Power of Music
47:13 – July’s Wellness Tips for Thriving
Resources
Follow @trainwithsculpt on Instagram
📸 Learn to Lift – @trainwithsculpt
🎧 FEMINEM mixes on SoundCloud
🔗 Helen on LinkedIn
🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk
📷 IG: @ helens_inspired_healing
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551922200224
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
📧 Full transcription available: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keywords: thriving, resilience, personal development, COVID-19, meditation, journaling, authenticity, limiting beliefs, community support, forgiveness
Summary
In this heartfelt episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino sits down with Chrissy Redmond — a Critical Care Matron, author, and truth-seeker — to explore her powerful journey through grief, healing, and personal transformation.
Chrissy opens up about the emotional toll of working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic while navigating profound personal loss. Feeling stuck and alone, she turned to meditation, journaling, and deep inner work as tools for self-discovery and healing.
Together, Helen and Chrissy discuss the power of writing things down to process emotion, the necessity of authenticity, and how shifting our internal narrative can lead to radical life changes. Chrissy reflects on the lessons she’s learned around forgiveness, community, and letting go of limiting beliefs — showing us that even in the darkest times, we can uncover light and meaning.
Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is not linear, and that sharing our truth can ripple out to heal others too.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Resources
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Chris Redmond
Instagram: chrissy_redmond
Book Title: Picking Up The Pieces - published in the next couple of weeks - It can be requested on Chrissy's landing page: www.brave-coaching.co.uk/download
Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.miguelruiz.com/
Dr Wayne Dyer - https://www.drwaynedyer.com/
Deepak Chopra - https://www.deepakchopra.com/
Brene Brown - https://brenebrown.com/
🎧 For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
Instagram: helens_inspired_healing
www.inspiredhealing.co.uk
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From the publisher's feed
Thriving, Not Surviving is a podcast for anyone who’s ever faced life’s challenges and wondered, Is there more to life than just getting by? Hosted by Helen Valentino,…
Whether you’re navigating change, seeking purpose, or just need a dose of motivation, this podcast is your companion on the journey to a more fulfilling life. Because you deserve more than survival—you deserve to thrive.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.