In this deeply moving episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Alison Tetrick, a champion cyclist whose journey has been both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Alison opens up about the devastating crash in 2010 that left her with a traumatic brain injury and the arduous road to recovery that followed.

This conversation is raw and filled with emotion, and it showcases Alison's tenacity and spirit. She shares the importance of grace in recovery, how she now advocates for greater equity in the sport, and her work for the upcoming Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. 

Tune in to feel the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. This is one you won't want to miss.

Key moments of this interview:

5:50 How Alison met the love of her life

10:00 How Alison got into cycling

22:45 Alison’s life-altering cycling accident

30:00 Challenges Alison faced post-brain injury

37:21 Alison discusses her involvement in promoting cycling for young girls

41:56 Discussion on saddle issues in women's cycling

48:16 Anticipation of the upcoming Tour de France Femmes,

Ways to Connect with Alison:

Instagram, Website and The Move Podcast

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in this podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. We’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: Small Steps to Healing, Growth, and Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

In this powerful episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Fox, a woman whose life journey is a profound testament to resilience, courage, and the power of transformation. Jennifer's story is filled with heart-wrenching experiences and triumphant moments of self-discovery and healing.

Jennifer shares the intense and painful events of her life, including her mother's battle with addiction and her own struggles with personal loss and health issues. From finding her mother overdosing on heroin to the passing of her brother from an overdose, Jennifer's narrative is one of survival against the odds.

Discover how Jennifer's decision to take control of her life led her to sobriety and a journey of self-improvement. Her commitment to an alcohol-free year in 2020 amidst the global pandemic marks a significant turning point, demonstrating her strength and determination.

Jennifer discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with a positive and supportive community. She highlights how finding new circles of friends and engaging in virtual communities during the pandemic played a crucial role in her healing process.

Learn about Jennifer's initiative, Dragonolia, a community and coffee business dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery and their families. Through storytelling and community building, Jennifer aims to remove the stigma of addiction and inspire others to live openly and courageously.

Key moments if this interview

02:35 Jennifer shares the series of traumatic events that shaped her life.

10:18 Discussing the turning point in 2019 and her decision to quit drinking.

26:03 The importance of community and support in Jennifer's journey.

36:45 Insights into Jennifer's initiative, Dragonolia, and its impact.

50:54 Jennifer reflects on her growth and the importance of living with intention.

1:10:47 The profound effect of Jennifer's gratitude practice and morning routine.

Resources mentioned:

• Dragonolia: Learn more about Jennifer’s community initiative and coffee business.
• Heron Project: Supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.
• Pause Breathe Reflect App: Mindfulness app to help you bring calm and clarity to your day.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in this podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. We’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: Small Steps to Healing, Growth, and Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, we dive into a conversation filled with inspiration and adventure with Alisha Fernandez Miranda. Alisha's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the courage to pursue one's passions, no matter where you are in life. From being a high-achieving professional to exploring new paths through a series of transformative internships, Alisha's story is about embracing change, facing fears, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Alisha, a huge Gilmore Girls fan, decided to make a significant life and career shift just before the pandemic. She embarked on a series of internships in fields she was passionate about, including theater, fitness, art, and hospitality. Her experiences highlight that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and that we all have the strength to do hard things.

Key Topics: 

• The physical and emotional challenges of working in theater 
• The journey of rediscovery and personal growth during a career shift
• The impact of the pandemic on Alisha's plans and how she adapted
• Insights into the fitness, art, and hospitality industries through Alisha’s internships
• The importance of community and support in navigating life changes
• Embracing a beginner's mindset and the joy of learning new things

Timestamped Highlights:

10:18 Discussing the courage to pursue dreams later in life and Alisha's love for Gilmore Girls.

14:05 Alisha's personal story of transitioning from a successful corporate career to internships in various fields.

26:03 The importance of living authentically and finding joy in your work.

36:45 Insights from Alisha's internships and how they influenced her understanding of different industries.

50:54 The role of community and support in Alisha's journey.

58:47 Alisha's reflections on change and sustaining the lessons learned from her experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

• Alisha Fernandez Miranda’s website: Alicia F. Miranda
• Alisha’s book: My What If Year
• Learn more about Alicia's next book, Unrestricted Giving, coming soon
• Connect with Alicia on Instagram
• Pause Breathe Reflect App

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in this podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. We’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: Small Steps to Healing, Growth, and Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

This week, we are excited to share a deeply moving and enlightening conversation with Jaclyn Lindsey, co-founder of kindness.org. Jaclyn's journey from personal struggles to becoming a beacon of kindness and compassion is nothing short of inspiring. Her work with kindness.org brings scientific rigor to the concept of kindness, demonstrating its transformative power in various aspects of life, from personal well-being to corporate culture.

She is a passionate advocate for kindness and a resilient soul who overcame significant challenges in her life. Her story is a testament to the power of kindness, both received and given. Through her work, Jaclyn aims to rebrand kindness as a powerful tool for social change, backed by scientific evidence.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The impact of small acts of kindness in personal and professional settings
• The role of kindness in improving workplace culture and productivity
• Jaclyn's personal journey from addiction to recovery
• The importance of curiosity and humility in practicing kindness
• How kindness.org is transforming educational environments with kindness-focused curricula

Timestamped Highlights:

00:03 Jaclyn shares a study on the impact of small acts of kindness in a college setting.

05:30 Jaclyn describes her journey from personal struggles to co-founding kindness.org.

10:18 Defining kindness: Jaclyn's personal and organizational perspectives.

14:05 Her personal story of overcoming addiction and the role of kindness in her recovery.

26:03 The development of kindness.org and its mission to rebrand kindness.

36:45 Research on the importance of kindness in workplace culture.

50:54 The launch and impact of LearnKind, a curriculum designed to teach kindness in schools.

58:47 Michael and Jaclyn discuss the role of kindness in reducing political polarization.

Resources Mentioned:

• kindness.org
• Learn Kind
• Loving Kindness Meditation Research
• Beekman 1802
• Pause Breathe Reflect App

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in this podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. We’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: Small Steps to Healing, Growth, and Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Kintsugi Podcast. This week, we're thrilled to bring you a heartwarming and enlightening conversation with Leia Marasovich, a storyteller, photographer, and advocate for farmers. Leia's work brings the often-overlooked stories of farmers to life, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and the beautiful essence they bring to our lives. Get ready to be moved and motivated as we delve into the world of regenerative farming, community, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Leia Marasovich is a creative soul who wears many hats—traveler, surfer, yogi, former collegiate swimmer, and above all, a storyteller with a camera. With a rich cultural background from Croatia and Slovenia, Leia's passion for food, farming, and sustainability has led her to document the stories of farmers around the world. Through her work with Farmers Footprint, Leia sheds light on the lives and struggles of those who nourish us, fostering a deeper connection between us and the earth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The emotional impact of photographing farmers
• The importance of mental health and well-being for farmers
• The concept and practices of regenerative agriculture
• Leia's journey from a sustainability student to a professional photographer
• The power of storytelling in creating social change

Timestamped Highlights:

00:03 Leia shares a touching story about photographing a farmer and its profound impact.

05:26 Leia describes her journey from a sustainability student to a storyteller.

11:56 Leia's transformative experience in the Amazon with indigenous communities.

17:45 Leia's work with Farmers Footprint and the impact of her storytelling on farmers.

26:03 The emotional reactions of farmers seeing their photographs.

33:18 Leia explains the principles of regenerative agriculture.

40:56 Success stories of farmers transitioning to regenerative practices.

47:43 The importance of having the right community and support.

Resources:

• Farmers Footprint
• Leia Marasovich's Photography
• Pause Breathe Reflect App

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clickingphone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in this podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. We’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: Small Steps to Healing, Growth, and Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

This week (on July 11th), I celebrate the anniversary of My Last Bad Day. In this Open Awareness, I wanted to share ten valuable tips I've learned to help us all become better humans to other humans and all the world's creatures - except those pesky mosquitoes. Sorry, even I have limits.

As we celebrate, I'm giving away FREE copies of my 2nd book, My Last Bad Day Shift. It was a best-seller in several categories, and I want to share it with you. It's short and filled with goodness. 

Click My Last Bad Day to get your copy.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in this podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. We’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: Small Steps to Healing, Growth, and Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Strohmaier a psychology and mindfulness researcher, to discuss the intricacies of mindfulness practices and the concept of "dose." Sarah delves into her research findings on how varying lengths and frequencies of mindfulness practices impact mental health, shedding light on why shorter practices might sometimes be more beneficial than longer ones.

We discuss the importance of personalized mindfulness practices, the role of organizational structures in employee well-being, and the potential adverse effects of mindfulness.

Key themes:

Mindfulness and Organizational Well-being

• Sarah emphasizes that mindfulness should not be a quick fix for organizational structural issues.
• Companies often use mindfulness as a band-aid solution without addressing deeper systemic problems like overwork and inadequate compensation.

Dose Response in Mindfulness

• Sarah's research indicates no significant dose-response relationship, suggesting that longer, more intense mindfulness practices are not necessarily more beneficial than shorter, less intense ones.
• Shorter mindfulness practices may be more effective for beginners and can help reduce feelings of guilt and overwhelm.

Quality Over Quantity

• Michael and Sarah discuss the importance of the quality of mindfulness practice over the quantity.
• They explore how shorter, consistent practices can be more sustainable and beneficial in the long run than sporadic, longer sessions.

Personalization of Mindfulness Practices

• Different individuals may require different mindfulness practices to suit their unique needs and circumstances.
• Finding a mindfulness practice that aligns with one's personal lifestyle and mental health goals is crucial.

Potential Adverse Effects of Mindfulness

• Michael and Sarah touch upon the possible adverse effects of mindfulness when practiced without proper guidance.
• They stress the importance of qualified instructors and tailored mindfulness programs to ensure safe and effective practice.

Memorable Quotes by Sarah

• "Mindfulness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another."
• "Putting the responsibility solely on individuals to manage their stress through mindfulness without addressing structural issues in organizations is unfair and ineffective."
• "The quality of the mindfulness practice matters more than the duration. Shorter, consistent practices can be incredibly powerful."

Resources mentioned:

Books

• "Atomic Habits " by James Clear: Discusses the importance of small, consistent steps in habit formation.
• Thanks a Thousand " by A.J. Jacobs: A book about gratitude and the many people involved in creating a simple cup of coffee.

Pause, Breathe, Reflect: Michael's mindfulness app is designed for busy individuals with shorter, more manageable mindfulness practices.

Twitter | LinkedIn | Website

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in this podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. We’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: Small Steps to Healing, Growth, and Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Cory Allen, a multifaceted artist, musician, and author of "A Brave New You." Cory shares his journey through the realms of music, writing, and mindfulness, revealing how these practices have shaped his life and work. From battling the pressures of artistic perfection to embracing the subtleties of mindfulness, Cory's insights offer a refreshing perspective on creativity and personal growth.

Key Themes:

The Creative Journey:

• Cory’s early experiences with music and the pressure of artistic perfection.
• The vulnerability of sharing creative work and the psychological impact of external feedback.
• Transitioning from a musician to a writer and the internal narrative shifts required.

Mindfulness and Meditation:

• Cory’s 25-year journey with meditation and its influence on his central nervous system.
• Practical approaches to mindfulness and integrating it into everyday life.
• The current state of mindfulness and meditation in mainstream culture and corporate environments.

Writing and Personal Growth:

• The process of finding and refining one's voice through consistent practice.
• The role of social media in shaping Cory's writing career and the impact of viral content.
• Cory's strategic approach to analyzing audience engagement and adapting his writing style.

Personal Stories and Connections:

• Cory’s humorous and insightful encounter with Waylon Jennings.
• Meeting his wife and the influence of anti-authoritarian perspectives on his life.

Key Quotes:

• "The second you share your work with anyone, it becomes vulnerable, and you see new areas for editing and refining."
• "Mindfulness is not just about mental health; it's about creating space and being thoughtful in how we live."
• "Do less, but do it deeply. Focus on what truly nourishes you and cultivate awareness around it."
• "The real bravery is listening to that inner voice and following it through, despite external pressures."

Resources Mentioned:

• Cory Allen’s book A Brave New You is available at Powell's, Book People in Austin, and other Indie bookstores. You can also find it at that huge one you already know about. 
• Cory Allen’s Instagram: @heyCoryAllen
• Michael O’Brien’s app: Pause, Breathe, Reflect
• Podcast: Do Less, But Do It Deeply by Cory Allen

In this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael O'Brien sits down with Stefanie Broes, co-founder of Moonbird, a company that develops products to help people use their breath as a tool for better mental health and well-being. Stefanie shares her personal journey with breathwork, the inspiration behind creating Moonbird, and her vision for making a lasting impact on the world.

Key Quotes:

• "Meditation is not an exercise, but for me, it's some sort of philosophy. It's a way that you behave and through which you approach the world." 
• "I believe that these physical tools where you literally don't have to think or follow or do anything anymore, you just hold on and you breathe with it, can be very useful as well." 
• "If we all have that awareness and would portray that philosophy, the world would be a better place and we would all behave much nicer towards each other." 

Key Takeaways:

1. Breathwork is a powerful tool for regulating the nervous system and promoting mental well-being, especially for those who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or hyperventilation.
2. Physical tools like Moonbird can complement apps and courses, providing a tangible way to focus on breath and reconnect with the body.
3. Incorporating mindfulness and breathwork into daily life can lead to positive changes in behavior, interactions, and overall well-being.
4. Creating something that has a lasting impact beyond one's lifespan is a meaningful goal and a measure of success.

In this engaging conversation, Michael and Stefanie explore the importance of human connection, the role of coaching and guidance in mindfulness practices, and the potential for collaboration among like-minded individuals and organizations. They also share personal stories of growth, resilience, and finding purpose in the face of challenges.

Whether you're new to breathwork or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for using the power of breath to create positive change in your life and the world around you.

To learn more about Stefanie Broes and Moonbird, visit https://www.moonbird.life or Instagram

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in my podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. You’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

In this episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael OBrien shares his journey of resilience while cycling across America, focusing on his experience in Missouri. Michael reflects on the unexpected detours, the scorching heat, and the lessons learned on the Katy Trail. He emphasizes the importance of embracing nature, developing small but consistent habits, and persevering through life's muddy moments.

Key Themes and Messages:

Embracing Nature:

• Michael underscores the importance of reconnecting with nature, not just as a backdrop for our activities but as an integral part of our lives.
• Quote: "We are nature. Often we talk about getting out into nature, but we are nature."

Developing Healthy Habits:

• Small, consistent steps are essential for building lasting habits that improve well-being.
• Quote: "Small steps consistently over time—that's how we create a healthy habit."

Persevering Through Tough Times:

• Life’s challenges, represented by the muddy conditions on the Katy Trail, teach us the value of resilience.
• Quote: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Community and Connection:

• Michael highlights the power of community support, drawing strength from like-hearted individuals who share the journey.
• Quote: "We can find a way to reconnect, to come back together and reconnect with ourselves and then reconnect with each other."

Mindfulness and Reflection:

• Mindfulness practices, even brief ones, can significantly impact our mental and emotional health.
• Quote: "Just a few minutes each day tapping into our senses can wake us up to life."

Major Quotes:

• "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." – John Muir
• "No mud, no lotus." – Thich Nhat Hanh
• "I've had some sad days, I've had some challenging days, and all the different emotions in between. But I haven't had a bad one."

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend. 

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Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

Let's celebrate our scars as golden symbols of resilience and strength. 

My name is Michael I help people prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day and heal, growth and develop more resilience. 

I'm not a doctor or therapist. But I have been through the “ringer” as they say. I was involved in a cycling accident that my trauma team doesn’t know how I survived. Along the way, I’ve tried it all to heal and in my podcast, I share what I’ve learn in hopes that something might help you. Plus, I want to create a connection with you so you’re not alone in your journey. You’ve got this!

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. 

If you have a question or comment, please reach out to [email protected]. 

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury, while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.