Touched and Empowered – Episode 136

Road Trip Healing: Service Dogs, Mental Health & Planning for the Journey Ahead

In this heartfelt and practical episode of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace dive into preparation, mental health advocacy, and the life-changing impact of a service dog.

Ace shares his plans for an upcoming road trip with his dog, Midnight — and why flying isn’t an option just yet. With extensive service dog training still in progress, Midnight is learning to manage reactivity and fear responses before navigating high-stress environments like airports. The conversation opens an honest window into what responsible service dog training really looks like.

But this episode goes much deeper.

Ace vulnerably discusses living with PTSD, anxiety, and mental health challenges — and how Midnight plays a critical role in helping him regulate. From grounding him during triggers to sensing low blood sugar and nudging him to eat, Midnight is more than a companion — she’s a lifeline. Katie and Ace explore the powerful, often unseen benefits of service dogs and the importance of mental health awareness.

As the conversation shifts to the road trip itself, Ace outlines his intentional travel strategy — prioritizing safety, balance, and wellness. He reflects on past road trip mishaps (including mountain crossings in the wrong vehicle and winter rental disasters) and the lessons learned about preparation, flexibility, and responsibility.

Listeners will hear about:

• The realities of service dog training

• How animals support emotional regulation and trauma recovery

• Detailed road trip safety planning (fuel, water, national parks, off-grid stays)

• Learning from past mistakes and choosing wiser paths forward

• The power of thoughtful preparation in both travel and life

Katie and Ace close the episode reflecting on gratitude, growth, and the importance of taking positive action — whether that means planning a trip, prioritizing your mental health, or simply learning from past experiences.

If you’ve ever navigated anxiety, trauma, or a major life journey, this episode will remind you: preparation empowers freedom — and healing can travel with you.

✨ Stay empowered. Take positive action. And enjoy the journey.

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In this life-update episode of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace reflect on what happens when your environment changes — sometimes twice in one month.

From assembling furniture in unexpected outfits to juggling nonstop laundry, they share the humor and chaos of moving… and the powerful mindset shifts that come with it.

But this episode goes deeper than boxes and beds.

Katie shares the story behind receiving her emotional support weighted hippo from Ace during a stressful season, highlighting the importance of thoughtful gestures and emotional grounding. The conversation also pulls back the curtain on their podcast production flow — including pre-recording episodes, staying ahead of schedule, and integrating AI (aka Shadow Bane) into their creative process.

As they unpack their recent transitions — moves, certifications, decluttering, restoring furniture — a powerful theme emerges:

✨ Your environment reflects your mindset.
✨ Your space holds energy.
✨ Upgrading your surroundings can upgrade your thinking.

Inspired by As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, they explore how changing your thoughts changes your circumstances — and how something as simple as cleaning a car, removing a couch, or restoring antique furniture can shift your vibration.

They also discuss:

• How clutter impacts clarity

• Why older buildings carry a different kind of energy

• The emotional impact of restored and vintage furniture

• The connection between organization and peace

• How small environmental upgrades create internal upgrades

This episode is part life update, part mindset reset, and part reminder that empowerment often begins at home.

If you’ve been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or ready for a refresh — this conversation will inspire you to look around and ask:

What in my space needs to shift so my mindset can rise?

✨ Listen in. Reset your space. Upgrade your energy. Take positive action.

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What’s the real difference between a decision and a choice — and why does it matter for your growth?

In Episode 134 of Touched and Empowered, Katie Miller and Ace break down a powerful distinction:
A choice is possibility.
A decision is commitment backed by action.

This episode dives deep into:

✔️ Why action is required for real decisions
✔️ The power of identifying your “why”
✔️ Balancing speed vs sustainability in teamwork
✔️ How parenting and communication shape character
✔️ Why character matters more than reputation

From the evolution of their podcast’s mission to empowering lives and raising positivity on the planet, Katie and Ace share how clarity of purpose transforms scattered energy into focused momentum.

If you’ve been stuck in indecision, struggling with follow-through, or questioning your purpose — this episode will give you the mindset shift you need.

✨ Listen. Reflect. Decide. Act.

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What happens when busyness becomes a distraction—and stillness feels uncomfortable?

In this deeply honest episode, Katie Miller and Ace open up about overworking, emotional avoidance, and the healing power of creativity. From working nonstop to crashing, to using crochet, film, affirmations, and even AI as grounding tools, this conversation explores how being “scattered” can actually become a doorway to self-awareness and growth.

Together, they reflect on how their personal healing journeys reshaped their lives—and the podcast itself—shifting from performance to presence, from survival to intentional living.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unfocused, or disconnected, this episode is a reminder that you’re not broken—you’re becoming.

• How overworking can be a form of emotional avoidance

• Healing through creative projects and physical focus

• The role of mindfulness in balancing productivity

• The power of “I Am” affirmations to reprogram self-talk

• Neuroscience, thought patterns, and emotional regulation

• Using music, media, and habits to support your mindset

• Rediscovering joy, fun, and authenticity

✨ Being scattered doesn’t mean you’re lost—it means you’re learning where to land.

🌟 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

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What truly guides your choices—your beliefs, your upbringing, or something deeper?

In this powerful Think Tank episode of Touched and Empowered, hosts Katie Miller and Ace explore the timeless concept of virtues and how they shape our moral compass, mindset, and everyday actions. From ancient traditions to modern personal growth tools, this conversation reveals how living with intention can transform not only your life—but the energy you bring into every space.

Together, they discuss:

• The shared meaning of virtues across cultures and faiths

• The connection between Buddhist teachings, the 10 Commandments, and modern ethics

• The impact of affirmations and subconscious mindset work

• How personal growth changes your energy and influences others

• Cultural nuances in communication and understanding

• Universal laws—like compassion and compensation—and how they guide a fulfilled life

• The role of Theta Healing in creating deep emotional and spiritual shifts

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters—so you can live well, lead with compassion, and take positive action.

✨ Let your values guide you. Let your growth empower you.

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When an ice storm shuts down cities and life slows to a crawl, what do you do? In this cozy and laugh-filled episode of Touched and Empowered, hosts Katie Miller and Nichol Perricci turn a snowy crisis into a heartfelt conversation about resilience, creativity, and the power of community.

From chipping ice off cars and navigating grocery shortages to discovering hilarious social media hacks and sharing childhood winter memories, this episode reminds us that even in life’s coldest moments, warmth can still be found.

You’ll hear:

• Real-life stories from a brutal winter storm

• Creative (and funny) snow survival hacks

• Reflections on generational differences and winter memories

• Gratitude for emergency responders and community helpers

• Lighthearted moments about pets, neighbors, and kindness

This episode is a reminder that even when life freezes, your spirit doesn’t have to. Grab a warm drink, get cozy, and let this conversation lift your heart.

❄️ Stay safe. Stay warm. Stay empowered.

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In this playful and surprisingly powerful episode of Touched and Empowered, hosts Katie Miller and Ace take self-care to a whole new level—literally doing it while they talk about it.

From Bunny hair masks and under-eye patches to deep emotional healing and mindset work, this episode blends laughter, vulnerability, and practical tools for caring for your mind, body, and spirit.

Inspired by viral “self-care while storytelling” videos, Katie and Ace invite Shadow Bane to help set the vibe—and what unfolds is a beautifully unfiltered conversation about healing, worry management, emotional reset rituals, and finding joy in small moments.

You’ll hear:

How emotional self-care goes far beyond bubble baths

Katie’s powerful “15-minute worry release” technique

Ace’s favorite mindset-cleansing readings

Why comfort movies, music, and books are actually healing tools

How TED Talks and motivational content can reset your emotional state

And yes… how to apply a Bunny hair mask with confidence 😄

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be heavy—it can be joyful, silly, soothing, and still deeply transformative.

✨ Whether you’re burned out, overwhelmed, or just in need of a glow-up for your soul, this episode will leave you feeling lighter, calmer, and more empowered.

Press play, grab your favorite cozy drink, and join Katie and Ace for a self-care session that nourishes every part of you.

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A new year brings new perspective—and this episode is all about pausing, reflecting, and moving forward with intention. In this New Year check-in, Touched and Empowered hosts Katie Miller and Ace take a thoughtful look back at the last decade, sharing how major life changes, career shifts, personal challenges, and cultural evolution have shaped who they are today.

From moving cities and buying homes to navigating career leaps, parenting in the age of social media, and surviving life-altering moments, this honest conversation highlights the growth that comes from change. Katie and Ace reflect on how technology, media, and society have transformed over the years—and how those shifts have impacted relationships, mindset, and personal values.

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes, looking back is the key to growing forward. Whether you’re setting New Year intentions, reflecting on your own journey, or simply needing encouragement to embrace change, this episode offers insight, laughter, and real-life wisdom to start the year grounded and empowered.

✨ Perfect for listeners who love reflective conversations, personal growth, and New Year motivation.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—and share how the last decade has shaped your growth.

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What is a moral compass, and how do you stay true to it in a rapidly changing, social-media-driven world?

In Touched and Empowered Episode 128, host Nichol Perricci welcomes Katie Miller and Ace for a powerful Think Tank conversation on values, ethics, boundaries, and personal integrity. Together, they unpack how our moral compass is shaped by upbringing, culture, faith, intuition, life experiences, and professional environments—and how it continues to evolve over time.

From navigating gray areas in relationships to standing firm in high-pressure careers like media, entertainment, and modeling, this episode dives deep into real-life examples of choosing alignment over approval. The trio also explores how social media influences societal values, the importance of discretion, and why setting boundaries can be an act of self-respect and leadership.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a moral compass really is—and why it’s not just “right vs. wrong”

• How social media impacts personal and societal ethics

• The role of boundaries, privacy, and non-disclosures

• Standing firm in your values in professional settings

• How intuition, philosophy, and faith influence decision-making

• Why realigning your moral compass can lead to growth and freedom

If you’re seeking clarity, alignment, and empowerment in your personal or professional life, this episode will challenge and inspire you to trust your inner knowing.

👉 Join the conversation, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more empowering discussions.

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In this deeply real and timely episode of Touched and Empowered, hosts Katie Miller and Ace hold space for an honest conversation about trauma, safety, resilience, and choosing calm in the face of fear.

Ace shares a recent and unsettling incident that occurred while walking in Southern California—an unexpected confrontation that escalated into physical intimidation. With clarity and courage, Ace walks listeners through the moment, the decision-making process that prioritized safety, and the emotional aftermath of the experience.

Together, Katie and Ace discuss:

• How to stay grounded during traumatic events

• The importance of filing police reports for community protection

• Navigating shock, fear, and vulnerability after an incident

• Healthy coping tools like chanting, humor, therapy, and self-care

• The role of support systems—both human and animal—in recovery

Ace reflects on past experiences that shaped his awareness and preparedness, sharing practical wisdom on having a plan, building confidence, and maintaining self-awareness in everyday life. Katie offers compassionate insight on holding space for ourselves and others after trauma, reminding listeners that healing doesn’t require rushing—it requires presence.

This episode is not about fear—it’s about empowerment, awareness, and choosing strength without losing softness. It’s a reminder that even in moments of chaos, we can reclaim agency, seek support, and move forward with intention.

✨ If you or someone you love has experienced a frightening or traumatic moment, this conversation offers validation, grounding, and hope.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and remember: you don’t have to carry it alone.

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