Maria Costanzo Palmer is a bestselling author, speaker, and passionate storyteller who grew up in one of America's top 10 Italian restaurants, Prima Dona, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. After her family's restaurant empire became the subject of a federal investigation, Maria moved to Los Angeles where she transformed her personal struggles into a mission of service. She worked with the organization "Get on the Bus," bringing children to visit their incarcerated parents, and later became a host on LA Talk Radio. Now based on the East Coast, Maria works as a grant writer while pursuing her passion for writing and cooking. Her book about the restaurant and her family's journey became the #1 culinary memoir on Amazon, beating out titles by Anthony Bourdain and Stanley Tucci.

Connect with Maria:

Website: mariacpalmer.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rocks-Primadonna-Story-Maria-Palmer/dp/B0C67L5P2Y

Hosted by Austra Putnina, resilience coach and podcast strategist. This episode is part of the Wisdom in Action podcast, where we explore what it takes to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

Apply to be a guest on the podcast:

https://forms.gle/k4bcndvL3j7cH2Bg9

Connect with Austra:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austra-putnina/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austra.putnina/

Vinaya is a karmic awareness catalyst, crystal reader, and spiritual coach with over 30 years of experience in helping people reconnect with their authentic power. After leaving Germany at 22 to follow his heart on a transformative journey across Europe and Asia, he spent decades studying under spiritual masters, including time with Osho. His approach focuses on helping people distinguish between their programmed conditioning and their authentic self, transforming fear into guidance, and finding freedom from societal expectations. Vinaya currently offers crystal readings, individual coaching sessions, and retreats, helping people discover their next steps through energetic connection with their higher self.

Connect with Vinaya:

Website:

https://www.psychiccrystalreadings.com/

Social links:

https://www.youtube.com/@vinayakarmicawarenesscatal7170

https://www.instagram.com/psychic.crystal.readings/

https://www.facebook.com/satyam.vinaya/

01:04 The Journey of Following the Heart

04:44 Distinguishing Between Heart and Mind

09:38 Embracing Uncertainty and Change

15:37 Navigating Fear and Taking Action

21:27 Freedom from the Programmed Self

34:35 The Journey of Self-Discovery

37:16 Acceptance and Freedom in Relationships

39:54 Living in the Present

41:53 The Power of Breath and Presence

46:31 Gratitude and the Miracle of Being Alive

51:11 Embracing Perfection

Hosted by Austra Putnina, resilience coach and podcast strategist. This episode is part of the Wisdom in Action podcast, where we explore what it takes to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

Apply to be a guest on the podcast:

https://forms.gle/k4bcndvL3j7cH2Bg9

Connect with Austra:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austra-putnina/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austra.putnina/

Jamie Hughes is a social psychologist, coach, and author with over 20 years of experience in trauma, resilience, and mental health education. Having personally navigated psychological abuse and mental health challenges, Jamie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work. He specializes in therapeutic writing, resilience building, and helping people learn to observe their past without being trapped by it. Jamie is the author of the "Managing Mental Health" book series, covering anxiety, adult ADHD, PTSD, and clinical depression.

Connect with Jamie:

Website: beacons.ai/managing_mental_health

Book Series: "Managing Mental Health" (Available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble)

01:02 Understanding Trauma and Self-Observation

04:38 The Power of Journaling for Healing

08:51 Navigating Self-Judgment and Compassion

12:44 The Importance of Awareness in Self-Discovery

18:31 Embracing the Process of Healing

22:30 Defining Resilience and Its Importance

23:57 Building Resilience in a Fast-Paced World

29:41 The Role of Challenges in Growth

37:00 Learning from Failure and Persistence

44:51 Connecting with James Hughes and His Work

47:19 Wisdom Jamie's learning to live

This episode discusses trauma, psychological abuse, mental health challenges, and suicide. If you're struggling, please reach out to qualified mental health professionals for support.

Hosted by Austra Putnina, resilience coach and podcast strategist. This episode is part of the Wisdom in Action podcast, where we explore what it takes to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

Apply to be a guest on the podcast:

https://forms.gle/k4bcndvL3j7cH2Bg9

Connect with Austra:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austra-putnina/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austra.putnina/

Dallas Collis is an author, speaker, coach, and "resonator" joining us from Vancouver Island, Canada. After a devastating year that included cancer, divorce, business loss, and near-suicide, Dallas underwent a profound transformation that led him to insights about consciousness, the "story mind," and present-moment living. He describes himself as someone "back from the dead and out of his story mind," helping others recognize the difference between their stories and their true being.

Connect with Dallas:

https://www.facebook.com/dallas.collis.33 https://www.instagram.com/dallasfit5life https://www.tiktok.com/@dallascollis.com

Hosted by Austra Putnina, resilience coach and podcast strategist. This episode is part of the Wisdom in Action podcast, where we explore what it takes to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

Apply to be a guest on the podcast:

https://forms.gle/k4bcndvL3j7cH2Bg9

Connect with Austra:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austra-putnina/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austra.putnina/

Brian Parana is a seasoned health coach with over 20 years of experience helping people take control of their health, fitness, and confidence. Married to his high school sweetheart and father of four children, Brian has built a thriving coaching business while maintaining his own health through life's busiest seasons. His approach focuses on practical, sustainable steps that work for real people with real lives, from weight loss and chronic illness support to athletic performance coaching.

Connect with Brian:

Website: brianparana.com

Social Media: @coachbrianparana

Free Resource - "30 Tips in 30 Days" offers simple, actionable strategies to improve nutrition, fitness, and overall self-care

Each day introduces one practical tip, empowering you to build sustainable habits, boost confidence, and feel your best without overwhelm.

Visit https://go.brianparana.com/30days

Hosted by Austra Putnina, resilience coach and podcast strategist. This episode is part of the Wisdom in Action podcast, where we explore what it takes to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

Apply to be a guest on the podcast:

https://forms.gle/k4bcndvL3j7cH2Bg9

Connect with Austra:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austra-putnina/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austra.putnina/

Meet Gala Glow, an 8-time entrepreneur who revolutionized her approach to business by putting love at the center of everything.

In this conversation, she shares her journey from following everyone else's expectations to creating her own path in what she calls the "new world" of business.

What You'll Learn

- Love-Based Business Philosophy - Why making love the foundation of your business strategy changes everything

- Choosing Yourself Over Expectations - How to break free from societal and family pressures to find your authentic path

- Energy as Your Business Foundation - The methodology behind using energy work to create abundance and see new opportunities

- Abundance vs Lack Mindset - Practical steps to shift from scarcity thinking to abundance creation, even in difficult circumstances

- Present Moment Success - Why enjoying the journey matters more than rushing to the destination

- The Spiritual-Business Bridge - How combining spiritual practices with practical business tools creates sustainable success

About Gala:

Gala Glow is an 8-time entrepreneur, international speaker, and mentor for women building soul-aligned, identity-driven businesses. As the founder of Zagreb of Women, she blends business strategy with mindset, energy work, and feminine leadership, helping women grow sustainably and thrive with freedom, joy, and purpose. Based internationally, Gala has built businesses through wars, COVID, and various crises while maintaining her commitment to love-based, non-struggle approaches to success.

Connect with Gala:

Website: galaglowglobal.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SPG6QsZHZXCh_8_VHeWlQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galaglow.global

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gala-glow-a8a72062/

Hosted by Austra Putnina, resilience coach and podcast strategist. This episode is part of the Wisdom in Action podcast, where we explore what it takes to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

Apply to be a guest on the podcast:

https://forms.gle/k4bcndvL3j7cH2Bg9

Connect with Austra:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austra-putnina/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austra.putnina/

If Gala's love-based approach to business resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who's ready to stop struggling and start thriving in their entrepreneurial journey.

Sarah Shaffer doesn't hold back as she shares her journey from drinking 24/7 while managing a successful career and family, to becoming a no-BS life coach who helps women break free from emotional chaos.

In this episode:

- Radical Accountability vs Victimhood - Why taking ownership of your actions is the only path to true freedom

- The Real Truth About Sobriety - Why it was never about the alcohol and what it actually takes to heal

- Stopping the Blame Game - How to recognize when you're pointing fingers and take your power back

- Understanding Triggers - Why other people aren't responsible for your emotional reactions

- Brain Rewiring Strategies - How ketamine therapy and other methods can literally change your neural pathways

- Survival vs Thriving - Recognizing when old coping mechanisms no longer serve you

About Sarah:

Sarah Shaffer, MSW, is a no-BS speaker and life strategy coach who helps overwhelmed women break free from emotional chaos and get unstuck with clarity, humor, and heart. As a social worker in the hospital setting and author of "The Dumpster Fire Diaries," Sarah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Four years sober, she's passionate about helping women take radical accountability for their lives and break free from victimhood mentality.

Connect with Sarah:

Website: TheDumpsterFireDiaries.com

Book: "The Dumpster Fire Diaries" (Available on Amazon)

Hosted by Austra Putnina, resilience coach and podcast strategist. This episode is part of the Wisdom in Action podcast, where we explore what it takes to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

In this episode of Wisdom in Action, self-care consultant Brett Sams shares the truth behind the self-care industry.

Why do so many people still feel overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected—even when they’re “doing all the things”?

Brett shares personal insights and practical strategies for redefining self-care, understanding nervous system needs, and creating sustainable habits rooted in real nourishment—not just routines or rituals.

In this episode:

- Why self-care isn’t always calming (and that’s okay)

- The myth of “doing more” to feel better

- What burnout is actually telling you

- Why regulating your nervous system changes everything

- How Brett rebuilt his own relationship with rest, purpose & peace

💬 Which self-care “rule” are you ready to unlearn?

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRETT SAMS

https://theselfcarezone. com/

New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Hosted by Austra Putniņa

#wisdominaction #selfcaremyths #burnoutrecovery #mentalwellness

In this first episode of Wisdom in Action, I sit down with holistic healthcare practitioner Wayne Parkin to explore what it really means to find your purpose. We talk about surrender, trusting your inner GPS, facing uncertainty, and taking aligned action—even when it doesn’t make sense on paper.

From pole dancing to Olympic lifting to navigating career transitions, Wayne shares deeply personal stories and tools for reconnecting with your inner wisdom and embracing growth.

Topics we cover:

- The power of curiosity over control

- Surrendering when the path feels unclear

- How micro-habits build identity and confidence

- What transformation actually looks like day to day

Trusting yourself when no one else gets it

What's one moment where you trusted your gut—and it changed everything?

🔗 CONNECT WITH WAYNE PARKIN

💻 Facebook - www.facebook.com/evolutionnt

📩 WANT TO BE A GUEST?

If you're an expert with 20+ years of experience and want to share your story on the podcast, fill out the application form here:

https://forms.gle/BgFj3C9sSmm6s7zB8

🎧 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

Hosted by Austra Putniņa | @austraputnina

#wisdominaction #findingpurpose #holistichealing