Thursday Tea with Sami

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In today’s powerful episode of Thursday Tea with Sami, I’m joined by the remarkable Vera Ventura — life coach, yoga instructor, founder of Breast Cancer Goddess, and four-time cancer survivor whose story defies all odds.

Diagnosed with stage IV cancer and given only months to live, Vera chose a radically integrative path: combining Western medicine with fasting, mindset work, metabolic approaches, and deep spiritual practice. What unfolds is not just a story of survival, but of awakening.

Together, we explore:

• How fasting became a life-saving tool in Vera’s healing
• The role of mindset, gratitude, and spiritual presence in navigating illness
• Why so many people feel disconnected from themselves and others
• How to support a loved one with cancer without overwhelming them
• Practical, compassionate steps for anyone seeking prevention or deeper wellness
• The emotional themes — fear, resentment, guilt — that often surface in healing
• The truth about community, mindfulness, and rebuilding your inner resilience

Vera’s journey is raw, courageous, deeply human, and overflowing with wisdom. Whether you're experiencing illness, supporting someone you love, or simply wanting to live more intentionally — this conversation is one you’ll feel long after the episode ends.

🌿 Learn more about Vera’s nonprofit and fasting programs:
breastcancergoddess.org
Instagram: @breastcancergoddess | @verathecancergoddess

Thank you for tuning in to Thursday Tea with Sami: Your Sip of Wellness and Mental Health.
Until next time — stay well and keep being your best.

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

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This week on Thursday Tea with Sami, we’re exploring the hormonal changes of midlife—for both women and men—and the powerful ways these shifts affect our health, emotions, identity, and relationships.

My guest, Adrienne Irizarry, HWH, is an East Asian medicine practitioner specializing in hormonal balance and trauma-informed wellness. Together, we unpack how perimenopause, menopause, and andropause unfold in the body, why these years can feel so overwhelming, and how couples and families can navigate this transition with understanding and connection—not conflict.

Whether you’re moving through this stage yourself, loving someone who is, or simply curious about what lies ahead, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical support.

In this episode, we discuss:
 ✨ What hormonal changes look like in midlife for both men and women
✨ Overlooked early signs of perimenopause and andropause
✨ Why stress, sleep, and energy shifts feel so intense during this stage
✨ Natural, non-invasive approaches to restoring balance
✨ How midlife impacts mood, identity, partnership, and intimacy
✨ Why “meno-divorce” is rising—and how to prevent it
✨ How couples can grow stronger together during midlife transitions

This conversation is eye-opening, validating, hopeful—and truly for everyone.

Pour yourself a cup, settle in, and let’s dive deep together.

If you’d like to connect with Adrienne, explore her offerings, or learn more about her approach to midlife wellness, visit www.moonessence.life
 and follow her on Instagram and social platforms at @moonessenceme.

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

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Feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or like life has been moving just a little too fast?
You’re not alone — and that’s exactly why The Lock-In became one of the biggest wellness trends this year. But here’s the part most people don’t realize: you don’t need to start in September. You can begin your lock-in today.

In this cozy, grounding episode of Thursday Tea with Sami, Dr. Samia Estrada dives deep into the psychology and practicality behind the lock-in — a gentle, intention-based reset built on tiny habits that nourish your nervous system, not drain it.

You’ll learn:

✨ What the lock-in really is (and why it exploded across social media)
✨ Why starting in November, December — or any random day — can actually be more powerful
✨ How micro-habits help stabilize your mind and body
✨ The role of analog wellness in calming the nervous system
✨ Small, realistic ways to begin your own digital detox
✨ Simple habit-anchoring strategies that make change feel effortless
✨ Real-life examples from people who created meaningful shifts with the tiniest steps

Whether you're drinking tea, taking a walk, or listening on your commute, this episode invites you to slow down, breathe, and build a rhythm that supports you through the rest of the year.

Your wellness isn’t behind. Your healing isn’t late. Your lock-in can start today.

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

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We all avoid them… and we all need them. Today we’re unpacking difficult conversations—at work, at home, and in our closest relationships. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Kailyn Bobb (Inner Peace Psych, Schaumburg, IL) joins Dr. Sami to share compassionate, practical strategies for talking about the tough stuff with more clarity, kindness, and courage.

In this episode:

• Why our brains and bodies treat conflict like a threat (hello, fight/flight/freeze)
• The role of culture, upbringing, and power dynamics in how we communicate
• How to prep: intention-setting, choosing your words, and scheduling the talk
• Skills to use in the moment: pausing, deep breathing, active listening, and assertive (not aggressive) language
• Boundaries 101: when to step back, try again later, or walk away
• Modeling healthy communication for kids, teams, and communities
• How small wins build authenticity, confidence, and resilience over time

Connect with Dr. Kailyn Bobb: innerpeacepsych.com • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • YouTube (search Inner Peace Psych)

If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who’s been putting off a tough talk.
 Until next time, stay well and keep being your best! 💛

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

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In this episode of Thursday Tea with Sami, psychologist Samia Estrada sits down with mind–body practitioner Mel Abbott to explore the reality of living with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and the path to recovery. Mel shares her powerful story of battling chronic illness for over a decade, the importance of acknowledgment in the healing process, and how the mind–body connection plays a vital role in recovery.

We discuss the role of mental health in chronic illness, how stress impacts the nervous system, and why acknowledgment and support are essential first steps toward healing. Mel also highlights the importance of lifestyle medicine—stress management, healthy relationships, and self-care—in creating lasting change.

If you or a loved one are searching for hope, inspiration, and practical strategies for managing chronic illness, this conversation offers a compassionate and evidence-based look at what’s possible on the journey to healing.

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Thursday Tea with Sami, clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert Dr. Michael Yapko joins me to demystify hypnosis and share practical, evidence-based ways people can reduce depression and anxiety. We explore what hypnosis really is (hint: focused attention you already know how to do), why skill-building beats “quick fixes,” and how everyday choices—sleep, movement, relationships, media diet—powerfully shape mood. We also discuss the “contagion” of emotion in families and communities, what helps protect your mental health, and one small step you can take today to feel better.

What you’ll learn

• How clinical hypnosis works and why focus + relaxation can accelerate learning and change
• Why depression is best addressed through learnable skills (thinking, problem-solving, coping, and social skills)
• How mood spreads in relationships—and ways to protect your wellbeing
• Everyday levers that matter more than we think: sleep, movement, connection, and what we consume
• Why alcohol is a poor coping tool for low mood and sleep
• Telehealth, access, and how digital programs are expanding care

Key moments

• 00:00 Welcome & setup
• 02:34 Michael’s origin story with hypnosis
• 09:26 What hypnosis is (and isn’t)
• 16:10 Self-guided vs. guided hypnosis; access and apps
• 19:45 Telehealth and outcomes
• 21:31 Storytelling & therapeutic metaphor
• 28:47 “Depression is contagious” — social mechanisms and risk
• 35:24 Four core skill sets for recovery
• 44:46 Everyday habits that shift mood; alcohol & sleep
• 49:44 Hypnosis going mainstream in healthcare
• 56:23 One simple step to start today
• 58:45 Where to learn more

Resources mentioned

• Dr. Yapko’s website and books (including Breaking the Patterns of Depression)
• Public lecture on depression (YouTube)
• Claria program for mood and anxiety (via Mindset Health)
• APA’s brief modules on critical thinking

If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who could use practical hope. And as always: Your journey to wellness starts here.

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

Send us Fan Mail

The Power of Small Shifts: Embracing Wellness Through Life’s Chaos with Sami-Jo Emsley

In this inspiring episode of Thursday Tea with Sami, host Dr. Samia Estrada sits down with wellness advocate and author Sami-Jo Emsley—a fellow Sami with a powerful story of transformation. After navigating stress, weight gain, and the challenges of parenting a child with autism, Sami-Jo began making small but impactful lifestyle changes that improved her mental, physical, and emotional health.

Together, we explore:

• How spirituality helped her shift her mindset
• The role of nutrition, hydration, and movement in managing anxiety and depression
• The power of routine, rest, and compassion in staying consistent
• How she found time to write her book The Vintage Housewives Oracle Club amid her busy life

Sami-Jo’s story is a testament to the power of starting small, creating non-negotiable wellness moments, and giving ourselves grace along the way. Whether you’re a busy parent or just feeling overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that wellness is possible—one small step at a time.

🫖 Free Sample Chapter: https://thevintageoracle.com/samplechapter

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Thursday Tea with Sami, Dr. Xiaolong Li discusses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its application in various aspects of life, including anxiety management, parenting, and the importance of focusing on values over achievements. The conversation highlights the differences between ACT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the challenges faced by young adults in achieving fulfillment, and the significance of allowing emotional space for both parents and children.

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Thursday Tea with Sami, I sit down with Dr. Heather Martarella, a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep and gratitude. We explore what really happens in your brain and body during sleep, how modern life interferes with rest, and the powerful connection between gratitude practices and better sleep. Dr. Martarella shares insights from her clinical work, practical tools you can use tonight, and the science behind why a few minutes of reflection can make a big difference in your well-being.

To learn more or get in touch with Dr. Martarella, visit: https://oasispainrelief.com

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Description:
In this episode of Thursday Tea with Sami: Your Sip of Wellness and Mental Health, we dive into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome—and why the growing buzz around eating 30 different plant foods a week might actually be worth your attention. I’m not here to push a trend but to explore the science with you, helping you understand how your gut influences your brain, your mood, and your overall sense of balance.

We’ll unpack what the microbiome really is (in plain language), how it connects to mental health, and why plant diversity is key. I’ll share what counts toward the 30, how you can make it doable, and why even small changes can have a big impact on how you feel. Plus, I’ll give you simple strategies to feed your gut without overwhelming your life.

Whether you're new to gut health or looking to deepen your wellness routine, this episode offers grounded, practical inspiration rooted in lifestyle medicine and mental health care.

So grab your tea, and let’s nourish both your mind and your microbes—together.

Support the show

Find Samia Estrada of Dignus Wellness on social media @DignusWellness

Enjoying the show? Your support means the world to me. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/thursdayteawithsami

 🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode! 

 Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com 

Sign up for my newsletter at https://subscribe.dignuswellness.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis ...