Thrilled to share another conversation with my spiritual teacher, Steve Tonsager. Steve is one of the wisest people I know and when I notice things like spiritual bypassing on a mass scale, he is always the person to talk to.

In this episode, we discussed some major topics, all important and timely:

-The pitfalls of relying on external sources for spiritual and mental health

-The difficulties of maintaining balance in a busy world

-The misconceptions surrounding prayer and meditation

-The importance of understanding the context of life

-The role of love and spiritual gifts

-Impacts of the pandemic on mental health

-The concept of Karma and its impact on personal growth and relationships.

Learn more about Steve and his work at www.whisperology.com

00:45: Jasna introduces Steve and his impact on her life

06:00: Healing vs. treatment discussion

18:30: Steve’s insights on gratitude and inner resources

24:00: Recognizing inherent purpose to overcome worthlessness

30:00: Pandemic’s impact on mental health and hope for awakening

32:36 Impact of individual consciousness on collective well-being

39:12 Power of intention statements in personal development

42:08 Importance of identity over actions in growth

47:16 Mind as the starting point for healing and transformation

This week, I bring you a thought-provoking conversation with Leslie Lee, a dedicated nurse injector making waves in the beauty industry.  I have known Leslie for a while now and just love her to pieces. Leslie opens up about her personal journey into aesthetics, motivated by a deep interest in helping others look and feel their best as they age gracefully.

We discussed ethical practices in aesthetics, the evolution of beauty standards, and the importance of integrity over profit. Discover the differences between neurotoxins and dermal fillers, the risks of excessive injections, and the impact of seeking cosmetic procedures abroad. Learn about the unique challenges in the aesthetics industry, the need for proper training, and the emphasis on patient safety and self-love. 

We also talked about societal pressures, body dysmorphia, and the significant impact of ethical practice in aesthetics. Leslie shares candid wisdom on the importance of integrity, proper training, and the ethical responsibility.

If you have ever wondered why people look weird, over done or been curious about these practices yourself, check this out. Please note that this was an informative session for me, I am not pro or against any of these practices but they are being overused without caution and I wanted to discuss the dangers and talk about Leslie’s motto: it’s all about loving ourselves. 

Key lessons:

1. Seeking professional advice and moderation in cosmetic procedures are emphasized in the podcast, promoting a cautious approach to beauty enhancements.

You can connect with Leslie here: https://aestheticcreator.com

Another amazing episode folks!!! This week, I introduce you to a dear friend and a woman going places: Kate Nelson. An Alaska Native Tlingit tribal member, Kate Nelson is an award-winning journalist based in Minneapolis who focuses on amplifying important Native American change makers and issues. Her writing has appeared in top publications including ELLE, Esquire, Vanity Fair, Teen Vogue, the BBC, The Guardian, W Magazine, Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, the Cut, The Daily Beast, Bustle, Saveur, Andscape, Thrillist, Romper, Atmos, Civil Eats, C&I, and more. 

In this engaging episode, Kate shares her remarkable journey from a rural Minnesota to becoming a celebrated journalist, shedding light on the detours that led her to embrace a fulfilling career in freelance writing and editorial work.

We talk about the evolution of Artful Living magazine under her leadership, the collaborative process that drives its success, and the impactful stories that have defined her career, including interviews with culture-shapers like Padma Lakshmi and explorations into decolonized cuisine with Chef Sean Sherman.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kate discusses the profound impact of reconnecting with her Alaska Native heritage, the challenges and joys of rediscovering her identity, and her contributions to the Native American renaissance in media.

Learn more about Kate: https://www.kateanelson.com/

This week on the Uplevel Together podcast, we talk to Michael Madaus, a retired thoracic surgeon with an exceptional story to tell. From a turbulent childhood to the height of medical success, and finally finding true fulfillment beyond the operating room, Michael's story is both riveting and thought-provoking.

Michael opens up about achieving professional success as a cardiothoracic surgeon and professor but feeling unfulfilled. He details his battle with burnout, addiction, and the discovery of self-compassion and gratitude practices that led him on a path to helping others find balance and resilience in their lives. It's a tale of overcoming adversity, redefining priorities, and the search for happiness beyond material success.

Discover how balancing work, personal life, and self-awareness can prevent negative impacts on relationships, and why stepping away from societal pressures can lead to a more fulfilling life path. Michael also offers invaluable advice on maintaining resilience, prioritizing mental well-being, and the significance of supportive parenting in navigating societal pressures for success.

Key lessons:

1. Successful careers like cardiothoracic surgery can lead to burnout and addiction, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and resilience to maintain balance and fulfillment.

Learn more about Michael here: https://michaelmaddaus.com/

In this episode of "Uplevel Together," I sat down with Katy Burke, entrepreneur and visionary behind TeamWomen.  Tune in to explore how TeamWomen is reshaping leadership, fostering women's growth in business, and creating a supportive community through mentorship, partnerships, and engaging events. Discover the importance of embracing diversity, living with purpose, and the power of supportive networks post-2020.

Post-2020, there’s been a noticeable shift in how we view success and leadership, leaning more towards authenticity and fulfillment beyond just career achievements. Katy highlighted the importance of overcoming insecurities, stressing that preparation and practice can significantly boost confidence. We discussed the critical role of a strong network in achieving personal and professional growth, something she does so exceptionally well. Katy shared the origins of TeamWomen, born out of a desire to create a space where women can support each other across different industries and age groups. The takeaway? Embrace self-reflection, prepare diligently for challenges, and never underestimate the power of a supportive community.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate leadership, personal growth, and the balance of work and life in these changing times.

Connect with Katy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-burke/

Connect with TeamWomen

·      Join and become a member

·      Attend an event as a guest

Website: www.teamwomenmn.org

LinkedIn /teamwomenmn

About Katy:

Katy Burke is a serial entrepreneur with a 20 year proven track record of driving consistent revenue growth in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. A strategic visionary, she uses her outstanding ability and extensive network to grow relationships and broaden opportunities with new and existing partners, sponsors and funders.

About TeamWomen:

TeamWomen, is a professional women’s organization committed to developing future generations of women in leadership. Their membership includes 600 women from the C-suite to young professionals who work in a variety of key industries including business, corporate, sports, and civic organizations. They make meaningful connections and rise together through 40 leadership development events, mentoring, and youth empowerment.

In this powerful episode, I talk to Sam Eaton, founder of Recklessly Alive - https://www.recklesslyalive.com/.

Sam Eaton takes us through his own battle with depression and suicide attempt to the creation of a suicide prevention initiative. His experience sheds light on the stark realities of mental health and the toxic influence of social media on our psyche. Sam's transformation is a call to action—highlighting the necessity for authentic connections and a life balanced between the digital and real worlds. His journey from despair to purpose underscores the critical step of seeking help and the strength found in serving others. Sam's message is clear: openness about mental health can be life-saving. He urges us to confront societal stigma, embrace the complexity of our struggles, and remember that recovery and joy are within reach, urging a shift towards meaningful conversations and real support for those in need.

Highlights:

• The addictive nature of social media platforms can have a negative impact on mental health.

Learn more about Sam at https://www.recklesslyalive.com/

In this compelling episode of the "Uplevel Together" podcast, hosts Jasna Burza and Eva Selhub are joined by Dr. Anna Yusim, an eminent psychiatrist whose work bridges the realms of science and spirituality.

Dr. Anna Yusim is an internationally-recognized, award-winning, Board-Certified, Stanford and Yale-educated Concierge Psychiatrist & Executive Coach with a Private Practice in New York, California, Connecticut and Florida. She is the best-selling author of Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life. As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Yale Medical School, Dr. Yusim is presently creating a Mental Health & Spirituality Center at Yale. With clients including Forbes 500 CEOs, Olympic athletes, A-list actors and actresses, and the Chairs of academic departments at top universities, Dr. Anna Yusim has helped over 3000 people achieve greater impact, purpose, and joy in their life and work.

Learn more about Dr. Yusim https://annayusim.com/about/

Learn more about Dr Eva Selhub: https://www.drselhub.com/

Learn more about Jasna Burza: www.jasnaburza.com

1. 00:00:01 - The Power of Coming Out in the World ft. Anna

In this episode, I dive into the importance of creating an oasis in your home. Learn how to mold and influence the energy in your space through positive intentions and removing clutter. 

Remember, the process is unique to you, so focus on what works best for yourself. Here's what I cover:

1. The energy and information in our spaces can be molded and influenced by our thoughts and I share reproach from my book "Healer In Heels" to support this.

Buy Healer In Heels book here: https://a.co/d/6dmNOkD or Available on Audible: https://a.co/d/0bVs146.

Don't forget to share and leave reviews - that means a lot.  Bless you all. 

Join us in this episode as we explore the secrets to creating happy and healthy relationships with founders of Ordinary to Extraordinary, O2E,  Will and Jodi Short. Is there such a thing as a happy marriage? How important is to be intimate? Is marriage always going to be fun and perfect? Do relationships need work or should it be effortless? What happens if the spark is gone? Can that be fixed? We talk about that and SO much more. 

With divorce rates nearing 60% in our country, this is such a key conversation to have. The advice shared in this podcast is invaluable! 

Learn how to prioritize your relationship, communicate effectively, and overcome challenges together.

Gain insights on modeling healthy relationships for your children and understanding love languages. Find out how to break out of routine and invest in your relationship. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable advice for taking your relationship from ordinary to extraordinary. Here’s some other things discussed:

1. Commitment and effort are vital in building and maintaining relationships.

Learn more about Jodi and Will and their extraordinary work at https://www.jodiandwillshort.com/

1. 00:00:00 - Creating Extraordinary Relationships: Insights from Experts Jodi and Will

In this episode you will learn:

• Why are so many young people not motivated

In this episode I talk to Shawn Severson, who is by all accounts a leader, someone to look up to and learn from. He is a Senior Director at Lifetime Edina, one of the top gyms in the country…and that would entitle him to walk around like a “boss”, except - this man leads in a way that he inspires every staff member or gym member by: doing absolutely any task other staff members do from busing dishes to vacuuming and cleaning machines, interaction with members, checking on maintenance but he is ALWAYS with a smile, kind word and helpful hand. Frankly, I was astounded to watch this before I got to know him. This handsome and charismatic man, impeccably dressed in the most beautifully designed suits is also the man who vacuums the halls. He is fond of saying:  I love to teach practical ways to impact those around me and to inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and become better humans.

Links:  https://my.lifetime.life/clubs/mn/southdale.html

Shawn Severson Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-severson-2945a7249/