Whole Again: Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom

Whole Again: Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom

By Michael OBrien | Mindfulness & Resilience CoachSociety & CultureHealth & FitnessEducationSelf-Improvement
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Whole Again: Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom episodes

  • #172 | Why Embracing Imperfections & Gratitude Are Keys to Healing, Transformation, Resilience

    This week on the Kintsugi Podcast, I discussed the new chapter of the podcast and a deeper conversation about resilience, healing, and embracing our imperfections. Reflecting on the journey so far, I shared the joys, challenges, and lessons that have shaped this space, including the moments when I almost walked away. Life, like Kintsugi, teaches us that the cracks in our stories are what make them beautiful. As I look ahead to Chapter 3 of the Kintsugi Podcast, I’m shifting gears to shorter, impactful episodes designed to inspire transformation, not just transaction. Let’s rediscover hope, breathe deeply, and create ripples of change together. 

    Thank You for being here and giving your attention to the podcast over the last two chapters. 

    Key moments of this interview:

    1:00 Discovering Shared Humanity

    3:20 The Decision to Restart the Podcast

    6:00 The Challenges of Podcasting

    10:00 Introducing Chapter 3

    12:00 Shifting the Conversation Within

    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 stickers by 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. 


    The Kintsugi Podcast is your space for healing, self-improvement, and personal growth. Through mindfulness, meditation, and mindset shifts, we explore self-healing, overcoming adversity, and managing stress. Prioritize your mental, physical, and digital wellness while reclaiming happiness and resilience on your journey.


    Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 


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


    15 min
  • #171 | How Kelly Cervantes Found Purpose in Grief & the Mindset Shifts That Helped Her Heal

    This week on the Kintsugi Podcast, I sat down with Kelly Cervantes, a mother, advocate, and author of Normal Broken. Kelly opened up about her journey through the unimaginable loss of her daughter, Adelaide, who was diagnosed with a rare and devastating epilepsy syndrome. Her story is one of heartbreak, love, and unyielding resilience. Kelly shares how grief isn’t something you “get over” but a testament to the depth of love you’ve known. This conversation is raw, profoundly human and a reminder that through the cracks of life’s greatest challenges, we can find light, connection, and purpose.

    Key moments of this interview:

    5:00 About Kelly Cervantes

    15:00 Adelaide’s Diagnosis and Journey

    24:20 Navigating Loss and Finding Purpose

    30:55 Balancing Joy and Suffering

    36:00 Grieving Differently as a Couple

    39:39 The Strength Found in Community

    50:00 Healing Through Vulnerability

    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 stickers by 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. 


    The Kintsugi Podcast is your space for healing, self-improvement, and personal growth. Through mindfulness, meditation, and mindset shifts, we explore self-healing, overcoming adversity, and managing stress. Prioritize your mental, physical, and digital wellness while reclaiming happiness and resilience on your journey.


    Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 


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


    58 min
  • #170 | How Kintsugi Teaches Us to Heal, Embrace Our Scars & Find Resilience

    In this heartfelt (and oddly on-brand) episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Miya Smith, an incredible Kintsugi artist whose story is as golden as the art itself. Miya takes us on a journey from her roots in Japan to her life in California, sharing how she mastered the intricate art of mending broken pottery with gold. Together, we dive into the beautiful philosophy of Kintsugi; embracing imperfections, celebrating scars, and turning life’s cracks into art. Honestly, it’s like my podcast title finally earned its keep! Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and maybe even a little golden repair for your soul.

    Key moments of this interview:

    3:30 A Charming Tale of How Miya Met Her Husband

    7:30 Miya’s Journey to Becoming a Kintsugi Artist

    13:30 The History and Origins of Kintsugi

    25:30 The Process of Traditional Kintsugi

    35:30 Emotional Reactions to Kintsugi

    46:12 Modern vs. Traditional Kintsugi

    49:00 The Message of Kintsugi for Today’s Society

    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 stickers by 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. 


    The Kintsugi Podcast is your space for healing, self-improvement, and personal growth. Through mindfulness, meditation, and mindset shifts, we explore self-healing, overcoming adversity, and managing stress. Prioritize your mental, physical, and digital wellness while reclaiming happiness and resilience on your journey.


    Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 


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


    54 min
  • #169 | The Power of Collective Resilience: Healing & Post-Traumatic Growth with Adam Pearce

    In this episode, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Adam Pearce, last year’s CNN Hero of the Year, to talk about the profound journey he and his family took after his brother Kevin, a rising professional snowboarder, sustained a traumatic brain injury that changed their lives forever.

    Adam opened up about their powerful experience navigating brain injury, resilience, and building the Love Your Brain foundation, which now supports countless others facing similar challenges.

    Our conversation dives into the essence of resilience, the strength of community, and the lifelong journey toward healing and acceptance. You’ll be moved by Adam’s story, his insight, and the beautiful mission of Love Your Brain.

    Key moments of this interview:

    1:30 Introduction of Adam Pearce

    8:00 The accident that changed everything

    15:00 How Kevin learned about acceptance

    31:00 Launching Love Your Brain Foundation

    37:00 The transformative power of yoga and mindfulness

    41:00 How important connection is during recovery

    47:00 CNN Hero of the Year

    Connect with Adam and Love Your Brain via Instagram and Web

    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. 

    The Kintsugi Podcast is your space for healing, self-improvement, and personal growth. Through mindfulness, meditation, and mindset shifts, we explore self-healing, overcoming adversity, and managing stress. Prioritize your mental, physical, and digital wellness while reclaiming happiness and resilience on your journey.

    Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 

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

    1 hr 4 min
  • #168 | How to Move Forward After Disappointment: A Mindset Shift for Resilience and Transformation

    In this episode, I sit down the morning after the election, exhausted but compelled to share my raw thoughts with you. As the dust settles, I'm caught between disbelief and a strange, aching hope, a hope that I nearly lost this week as I rushed my dog, aptly named Hope, to a life-saving surgery. Her fight to survive feels like a mirror to this moment in America: painful, uncertain, yet oddly resilient. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about who we are, what we believe in, and how we pick ourselves up. Join me as I grapple with the tension and try to find a way forward.

    Key moments of this interview:

    0:30 My emergency vet visit

    3:10 My election disappointment and emotions

    8:00 My urgent message for hope

    11:20 How we move forward together

    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 stickers by 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. 


    The Kintsugi Podcast is your space for healing, self-improvement, and personal growth. Through mindfulness, meditation, and mindset shifts, we explore self-healing, overcoming adversity, and managing stress. Prioritize your mental, physical, and digital wellness while reclaiming happiness and resilience on your journey.


    Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 


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


    14 min
  • #167 | Finding Healing & Resilience in Prison with Portia Louder (Post-Traumatic Growth & Mindset Shifts)

    In this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Portia Louder, whose story of resilience and redemption is both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring. Portia opens up about the choices that led her to a federal prison, far from her family and community and the profound lessons she discovered behind bars.

    She shares how, through unimaginable loss and struggle, she found healing by connecting with others who had their own stories of pain and transformation. Her journey reminds us all that even in our lowest moments, we can find strength, compassion, and the courage to rebuild.


    Portia’s story speaks to anyone who’s ever felt broken but believes in the possibility of a second chance.

    Key moments of this interview:

    2:00 Introduction of Portia Louder

    7:30 Early childhood struggles

    20:00 The real estate scheme that changed my life

    27:00 The day I found out I was going to prison

    37:00 Finding genuine connection in prison

    43:00 Compassion and kindness in prison

    54:00 Rediscovering freedom and identity in prison

    Connect with Portia:

    Website, Instagram, LinkedIn

    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 stickers by 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. 


    The Kintsugi Podcast is your space for healing, self-improvement, and personal growth. Through mindfulness, meditation, and mindset shifts, we explore self-healing, overcoming adversity, and managing stress. Prioritize your mental, physical, and digital wellness while reclaiming happiness and resilience on your journey.


    Thanks for being here! I appreciate you! 


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

    1 hr 2 min
  • #166 | From Addiction to Healing: Chef Babette Davis on Self-Care, Transformation, and Resilience

    On this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, we dive deep into the human journey of transformation, resilience, and self-love. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the inspirational Chef Babette Davis. At 73, Babette is a force of nature—strong, vibrant, and unapologetically authentic. We talked about everything from her past struggles with addiction to her commitment to plant-based living and how it’s reshaped her life. What stood out most was her passion for understanding our connection to the planet and how our choices impact not only our health but the world around us. This is a story of growth, healing, and finding purpose. Tune in and be inspired by Babette's journey.

    Key moments of this interview:

    2:00 Introduction of Chef Babette Davis

    5:20 The Importance of Self-Love and Connection

    9:00 Living with purpose

    14:00 From Crack Addiction to Healing

    32:00 Maintaining Health As We Age

    35:50 Insights on Food Marketing and Misconceptions

    40:00 Connection between diet and inflammation

    46:00 Transitioning to Plant-Based Living

    52:00 Aging With Grace

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

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

    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 stickers 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. 

    In this transformative podcast, 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.

    1 hr 13 min
  • #165 | Biking Across America: A Journey of Resilience, Healing & Transformation - Chapter 11

    This episode wraps up the final segment of my journey biking across America, a ride that took me from the rugged coasts of Oregon to the heart of Washington, D.C. Along the way, I experienced the vast beauty of this country and the profound stories of the people I met. From laughter to tears, from hope to heartbreak, each mile brought a deeper understanding of what it means to be connected. America isn’t perfect, but it’s resilient. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our ability to heal and grow together is the greatest story we can write. Tune in as we face “the home stretch” and a plea to all my fellow Americans to help make our future better.

    Key moments of this interview:

    2:00 Acknowledging America's Beauty and Blemishes

    4:00 The Power of Healing and Coming Together

    9:00 My Encounter with President Trump

    13:45 Encouragement to Vote for Change

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

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

    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 stickers by 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. 

    In this transformative podcast, 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.

    17 min
  • #164 | Battling Cancer with Grit & Grace: Karrah Teruya’s Story of Resilience, Self-Care & Healing

    This episode is a deeply personal one, featuring my friend Karrah Teruya, who has faced the unimaginable battle against cancer not just once but three times. Karrah’s story is one of raw courage and resilience, told with a transparency that will move you to your core. We dive into the moments of fear, pain, and uncertainty but also the beauty and clarity that comes when life’s fragility is laid bare. Karrah is a warrior in every sense, and her willingness to share her story will leave you reflecting on your own life. Take a moment to listen - her strength is palpable.

    Key moments of this interview:

    9:10 How Karrah met her husband

    23:30 The moment Karrah found out she had cancer

    29:15 Finding clarity in near-death experiences

    34:00 Physical aftermath of surviving cancer 3 times

    40:30 Grieving the loss of a normal life

    47:30 Embracing the complexity of healing

    53:45 Navigating expectations of healing and recovering

    57:30 Accepting the uncertainty of life post-cancer

    1:08:30 Reclaiming femininity through baldness

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

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

    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 stickers by 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. 

    In this transformative podcast, 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.

    1 hr 18 min
  • #163 | Why More Time Isn’t the Answer: Dr. Cassie Holmes on Finding True Happiness & Transformation

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cassie Holmes, someone who truly gets what it means to chase happiness and fulfillment.

    We all want more time, right? But what if more time doesn’t make us happier? Dr. Holmes breaks it down in a real and relatable way, showing us that it’s not about cramming more into our days but about being intentional with the time we already have.

    We talk about finding joy in the small moments and creating a life that feels meaningful, not just busy. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your days feel richer, this conversation is for you.

    Key moments of this interview:

    2:15 Who is Dr. Cassie Holmes?

    10:00 How life events influence happiness

    15:30 How much time is ideal for happiness

    25:00 Why social connection is required for happiness

    33:50 How to be happier at work

    46:00 The five whys exercise for personal purpose

    1:00:00 Why you need to write your own eulogy

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

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

    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 stickers by 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. 

    In this transformative podcast, 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.

    1 hr 7 min

About Whole Again: Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom

From the publisher's feed

Discover how to create a meaningful life on your way to who you are becoming.

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