Zen Gem

In this deeply personal episode of Zen Gem, host Carolina sits down with Sarah Menniti, LMHC—a licensed mental health counselor, Reiki master, and trauma-informed therapist—to explore what it truly means to heal.

Together, they dive into the intersections of mental health, grief, nutrition, and spiritual practice. Sarah shares her own healing journey and discusses how modalities like EMDR, somatic parts work, nervous system regulation, and Reiki help guide clients back to wholeness. Through compassionate insight, Sarah emphasizes the importance of curiosity, emotional honesty, and honoring the body’s wisdom.

Listeners will gain insight into:

Rooted in Polyvagal Theory and body-based practices, Sarah’s work invites us to reconnect to our own inner wisdom and shift from survival into thriving.

Learn more about Sarah Menniti:
Website: therapywithsm.com
Instagram: @therapywithsm
LinkedIn: Sarah Menniti
Email: [email protected]

Whether you're navigating grief, looking to reconnect with your body, or simply curious about holistic healing, this episode offers powerful reflections on what it means to come home to yourself.

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In this episode of Zen Gem with Carolina, we explore the intersection of physical therapy, movement, and self-discovery with special guest Matthew LaBosco—Peak Performance Coach, author, and founder of MovementOS.

Matthew shares his personal journey from injury and frustration with traditional medicine to developing a holistic framework rooted in vitality, purpose, and resilience. Drawing on two decades of experience in movement science, behavioral psychology, and soft tissue therapy, he challenges the limitations of symptom-based care and invites us to redefine what it means to truly thrive.

Topics include:

Matthew's Health to Vitality™ model offers a powerful invitation to not just survive, but live with energy, intention, and integrity.

Learn more:
Website: matthewlabosco.com
Program: TheMovementOS.com
YouTube: @mattsvitalityprogram
X/Twitter: @matthew_labosco

Listen now and discover what it truly means to live a life rooted in vitality.

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Tired of small talk that goes nowhere? This week, Carolina sits down with Jonathan Schneider, co-founder of The Kandor Company—a qualitative market research firm that helps global brands like Porsche and Microsoft understand the "why" behind human behavior.

Jonathan, also a valued member of the Thrive Power Yoga community, shares his unique insights on fostering truly effective and engaging conversations in our daily lives. Discover why asking "what do you do?" might be the most common, yet least insightful, question. Learn techniques from a master interviewer on how to move beyond superficial exchanges, whether you're at a dinner party or meeting new people. Jonathan shares his personal mantra for listening, the power of asking "small questions that lead to big answers," and why avoiding "why" can open up deeper dialogue.

Jonathan is the co-founder of The Candor Company (www.thecandorcompany.com), a boutique qualitative market research firm that works with the world’s leading companies to help them better understand their customers.
Jonathan’s firm works with such clients as Porsche, Microsoft, Google, and P&G.  Walk down any aisle in your grocery store, peruse the shelves at Best Buy, or use social media, and you’re likely to encounter a product or service that Candor has had a hand in developing.
Jonathan began his career in the advertising industry where he saw his first focus group and thought that the job looked like fun and seemed like something that he could do. He was right but it took him some time to get there with stops at Emory University in Atlanta for his MBA and a job in GE’s marketing research department along the way. In 2001 in Atlanta, he met his business partner, Liz Moore, and founded The Candor Company with her.

Join us to uncover practical tips for breaking free from conversational ruts, navigating sensitive topics, and creating more authentic connections in a world often dominated by screens and surface-level interactions.

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Megan Nelson is a teacher turned Feng Shui practitioner with a gift for tuning into the deeper connections between people and their spaces. She’s master certified in classical Feng Shui through the International Feng Shui School in Ireland and is also a 200-HR certified yoga teacher from Yoga Kula Shala in Jupiter, Fl. Megan has consulted for homes and businesses and led numerous workshops; helping others spark curiosity about how their environment reflects and affects their lives. She believes that when we align our surroundings with intention, we create space for clarity, calm, and meaningful change.
Follow Megan on Social Media and her newsletter:
Instagram: 
@megannelsonfenshui
Newsletter:
Free snake energy quiz

https://soulfulshui.myflodesk.com/snakeenergyquiz

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Join Carolina on this episode of The Zen Gem Podcast as she welcomes back special guest Dr. Ken Grey, a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician. They dive into Dr. Grey's exciting new venture, Maximum Health Rides, a spin-off of his radio show where he explores wellness and human connection from the seat of a motorcycle.

Discover how riding different bikes in new environments offers a unique perspective and deepens connections with the people and places he visits for interviews. Dr. Grey shares his personal journey into motorcycling later in life, emphasizing the importance of safety, awareness, and dispelling common stigmas about riders. This conversation isn't just about motorcycles; it's about finding healing, adventure, and shared humanity on the open road. Watch his Max Health Rides on YouTube

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In this raw and reflective episode, your host delves into the complexities of human nature, inspired by her own Gemini duality. She explores the vital balance between setting boundaries and offering grace, arguing that we can't "play God" and force others to change. Instead, the focus turns inward: acknowledging our own triggers as opportunities for profound growth, rather than setbacks.

Drawing from personal experiences with past struggles, an eye-opening stint in AA, and a life-altering moment of grace, she champions the Serenity Prayer's wisdom—accepting what we can't change, finding courage for what we can, and discerning the difference. This episode encourages honest self-reflection, understanding how past wounds and ingrained habits shape our present, and the transformative power of daily forgiveness. It's a powerful call to live in grace, not fear, and to meet the world with kindness, recognizing that true change begins within. You can follow her on instagram @cocolinayoga and share your thoughts or personal experience via email [email protected] 

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In this episode, your host gets candid about the increasingly common issue of disrespectful behavior in shared spaces, from the yoga studio to everyday life. She shares frustrating personal anecdotes, like being yelled at by a class member for burning incense and dealing with someone complaining a class was "too easy" while exhibiting poor form.
This leads to a larger discussion about the decline of traditional values, such as respect for others and accountability. She argues that a society that shies away from "shame" and over-praises every action may inadvertently foster entitlement and a lack of self-awareness.
She challenges listeners to consider their own behavior in shared environments, urging them to reflect inward rather than solely judging others.

What are your thoughts on "bring shame back" in a productive way?
Follow Carolina on instagram @cocolinayoga or email her at [email protected] 

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In this follow-up conversation, Carolina reconnects with Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, Ryan Usher for an unfiltered dialogue on burnout, balance, and the often-overlooked emotional labor of the wellness industry. Together, they explore the physical and mental toll of hustle culture, the importance of staying present, and how movement practices—rooted in everything from Ayurveda to somatic awareness—can become essential tools for self-preservation. Whether you're a fitness professional, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating high-performance expectations, this episode offers vulnerable insight and practical wisdom for keeping your own cup full.  takeaways
Burnout is common in the wellness industry.
Self-care is essential for maintaining balance.
Understanding Ayurvedic principles can aid in personal health.
Career identity can overshadow personal interests.
Lifestyle changes can significantly impact health outcomes.
Engaging in holistic wellness practices is beneficial.
Finding joy in activities outside of work is crucial.
Micro-movements and meditation can help manage stress.
Participation in life is necessary for fulfillment.
Calming the nervous system is key to avoiding burnout. You can follow Ryan on Instagram @ryan.usher_kfs

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In this episode of the Zen Gem podcast, host Carolina interviews Ryan Usher, founder of Kaizen Fitness. They discuss Ryan's journey from traditional powerlifting to a holistic approach to fitness that emphasizes self-care, recovery, and the importance of breath work. Ryan shares insights on injury prevention, the role of yoga in personal growth, and the significance of community and intention in fitness. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to movement and the power of authenticity in creating a supportive environment for personal development. In this conversation, Ryan discusses the importance of intention setting and empowerment in personal growth. He emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize that they are not defined by their past experiences and encourages them to hold intentions for one another. The discussion also delves into the significance of responsibility, patience, and self-reflection in the journey of self-improvement. The conversation concludes with reflections on spirituality and the importance of living authentically beyond materialistic pursuits, highlighting the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. You can find Ryan on Instagram @ryan.usher_kfs

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Marissa Lavin is a writer, mother, and founder of Soul to Soil—a living, breathing micro-school that reimagines education through the lens of nature, self-trust, and embodied learning. After two decades in movement, holistic nutrition, and homeopathy, Marissa realized that true transformation doesn’t come from fixing—but from remembering how to live in harmony with our bodies, our children, and the natural world.

Through Soul to Soil and her Enough Already movement, she helps families step out of fear-based systems and into a rhythm of learning that’s alive, relational, and rooted in truth—unlearning the disempowering narratives taught in mainstream school and healthcare that disconnect us from our inner wisdom.

You can connect with her daily reflections on Instagram and read her latest essays on Substack.

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