“Once you realize so many people have that same negative thought and it’s out in the open, it’s not as powerful.” Bringing the dark thoughts out into the light is PARAMOUNT to finding happiness and healing! Our guest Stephanie Michelle Aycock experienced extreme despair, and today she bravely shares her raw story with suicide. She has made it her mission to spread awareness around suicide prevention through her filmmaking, writing, speaking, and transformational coaching. Listen in for Stephanie’s scientifically informed and spiritually enlightened recipe for overcoming negativity and living in abundance! Highlights: [05:28] Stephanie’s experience with suicide. [08:57] How Stephanie talked herself off the ledge using healthy self-talk. [14:21] Who are the “Self Care Bitches” and what medicine are they sharing with the world? [19:01] How a thorough understanding of brain chemistry can help your mental health. [24:42] Stephanie’s insights on recognizing the useless and potentially harmful mental chatter. [28:29] Why speaking about negative thoughts and suicidality are important to healing the planet. [32:19] How a comprehensive healing regimen served Stephanie in the darkest times. [35:10] The importance of not making yourself or your thoughts “wrong”. [39:01] Why listening deeply to your body will impact your mental health. Text hello to 741741 for mental health support OR call/text 988 for suicide crisis help. Connect with Stephanie: IG || @theselfcarebitches for planner & @thejourneyofbloom for movie info! Website || https://www.theselfcarebitches.com/

“We don’t need perfection - we just need to put it out!”

Authentic expression is a major but forgotten aspect of wellness! Speaking our truth is scary, but is necessary for epic growth. Podcast producer, videographer, editor, and entrepreneur Mark Rose intimately knows the importance of storytelling and honest messaging in today’s digitally interconnected world. Mark and I have both experienced significant upgrades through the art of podcasting, and we share those magical lessons in this episode. We also cover how a men’s group transformed Mark’s life, why awareness over ALL our actions matters, and how community & team are must haves for high impact projects!

Highlights:

• [04:08] Why wellness BEGINS with emotional health.
• [08:29] How a men’s work program sparked Mark’s creative career.
• [11:58] How a unique & well crafted application led to a huge professional opportunity.
• [16:20] Why keen awareness of your decisions and choices is key to mastery.
• [22:09] What does it take to start a podcast?
• [26:19] “Social media is the digitization of your reputation.” – Rory Vaden
• [33:20] Why a high impact mission requires the efforts of a team.
• [37:48] Mark’s heartfelt message to all the hurting men out there.

Connect with Mark:

Instagram || @marcuciorose - Reach out for podcast production support!

Website || marcuciorose.com 

Connect with Denise and Dessert With D:

Drop a review and share the love!

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez

“The Earth is alive and if you establish a vibrational relationship with her you will benefit on so many levels”

The ancient science of ayurveda holds immense power for finding harmony in mind, body, and spirit. My guest today, Carmen Sima, has long been studying this tried and true comprehensive health system and beautifully shares how to connect with its healing potential. Central to the conversation is Earth connection - including how to physically unify to mother nature’s pure resonance and release negative charges. Carmen eloquently expresses these primordial truths that will help you relax deeply enough to hear the higher wisdom wanting to come through.

Highlights:

• [04:20] How Carmen became convinced of holistic medicine’s healing powers.
• [09:44] Why KNOWLEDGE is MEDICINE.
• [12:45] What are the benefits of grounding and earthing?
• [18:35] How the electrical charges of stress and disharmony affect the body.
• [26:22] Why some issues need to be approached on an ancestral, karmic, & subconscious level.
• [31:55] How a state of relaxation allows higher wisdom and healing to come through.
• [35:39] The importance of balancing serving others with self-love.
• [36:25] What are the side effects of unreleased and unaddressed traumas on your chakra system?
• [40:04] How the colors relate to our chakras and the greater implications of this knowledge.
• [47:24] Why compassion and love for the Earth is foundational to your spiritual progress.

Connect with Carmen:

Instagram || @motherearthayurveda

Website || Carmensima.com

Connect with Denise and Dessert With D:

Drop a review and share the love!

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez

“Embodiment is the mastery of practice”

Learning the secrets to self-trust and creating inner safety is a journey, one that our guest Kari Azuma knows intimately thanks to 10+ years of experience as a leader, coach, facilitator, mom, and wife. With a passion for service and extensive somatic knowledge, Kari helps women regulate their nervous systems and amplify their personal power. Today we share the essential pieces of confident embodiment, including how to transform our trauma responses and find stillness amidst the chaos. Don’t miss this one - Kari offers a simple yet comprehensive roadmap for expanded embodiment!

Highlights:

• [03:34] How a vision fast sparked Kari’s desire to serve others in the health and wellness space.
• [10:24] Why embodiment practices are instrumental to Kari’s leadership prowess.
• [14:01] The differences between pushing through stress and healthy regulation.
• [18:55] What are the four ways we assess trust with ourselves?
• [24:54] Why living in community and close to nature taught Kari profound truths.
• [29:02] How to forge safety for yourself and integrate trauma.
• [32:12] What is fawning and how does it play out in social interactions?
• [38:01] How coaching equipped Kari with the tools to help her overcome judgment and projection.
• [41:32] Why relying solely on courage and heroic energy is not a sustainable pathway to success.
• [45:38] Kari’s message for women in need of healing and support.

Connect with Kari:

Instagram || @kariazuma - Follow for inspiration & find out how to work with Kari!

Newsletter || Join here to receive insights and updates!

Connect with Denise and Dessert With D:

Drop a review and share the love!

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez

“Find a Way to Serve Many and Abundance Will Flow”

CONFIDENCE takes COURAGE! Guest Oscar Vasquez prioritized serving others and doing something he loves, and he now THRIVES as a stylist and hair salon owner. Being able to make a difference in someone else’s life is the ultimate gift, and allows for work that doesn’t feel heavy and exhausting. In this episode Oscar shares HOW he created an abundant flow of money, relationships, and health! We also cover why discomfort is part of growth, how to face off with stress, and why giving leads to receiving.

Highlights:

• [05:01] Where does Oscar draw COURAGE & CONFIDENCE from?
• [09:58] How being Latino and in special education classes both impacted Oscar’s success journey.
• [13:38] Why you RECEIVE when you GIVE.
• [17:01] How a willingness to leave everything behind led to a breakthrough.
• [21:05] Why leading with love keeps clients returning to Oscar’s salon.
• [25:24] How self-responsibility contributes to harmonious relationships.
• [28:07] How to stay connected to your authentic self in the face of stress.
• [31:09] Why leadership is a key component of a healthy community.
• [34:01] How being uncomfortable leads to powerful expansions.

Connect with Oscar Vasquez and his studio!

Book An Appointment in Long Beach, CA || thestudioo.com or call (562)-438-9694

Connect with Denise and Dessert With D:

Drop a review and share the love!

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez

“Let’s not only let go of the weight physically, let go of the weight EMOTIONALLY. That’s the magic key!”

Would you talk to a child the way you talk to yourself about your body? If not, that’s a MAJOR sign that giving love and appreciation to your physical vessel would be highly transformational. My guest today is Colin Watson, a diet coach, fitness fan, author, and an all around fantastic, motivational human. Through years of exploration, Colin has honed in on both the physical guidelines and the inner work needed for pristine health and optimal wellness. In this episode, we cover how the HCG diet positively reprogrammed our weight loss beliefs, why resolving emotional issues is fundamental to sustaining health, and where to start when you feel LOST in your body image healing journey!

Highlights:

• [05:39] How the book “Pounds & Inches: A New Approach To Obesity” by A.T.W Simeons rocked Colin’s beliefs around weight loss and health.
• [07:15] Why is Colin so passionate about the wonders of the HCG diet?
• [15:21] How Colin experimented with the protocols of the HCG diet and made beneficial changes.
• [18:31] Why movement is important to the body, mind, and soul.
• [21:00] What are the keys to maintaining health after the initial weight loss?
• [23:02] How working on the deeper underlying emotional and self-image issues are the keys to having a healthy body image.
• [27:07] Why expressing self love vocally and regularly is massively helpful.
• [31:29] Why when you feel better about yourself you are kinder to people in general.
• [35:09] How desperation can be leveraged to create epic results.
• [39:11] Why the right mindset and willingness is necessary in Colin’s programs.

Connect with Colin Watson:

Instagram || @colinfwatson

Diet Coaching and Products || ColinFWatson.com

YouTube || Colin Marc F Watson

Book a Discovery Call Here! 

Connect with Denise and Dessert With D:

Drop a review and share the love!

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez

“Just because there’s a bee in my bonnet, I don’t need to get too excited”

Co-founder of the Long Beach Bee Keepers, Jaime Guoz, shares the profound lessons that bees have to offer. These extremely sensitive creatures FEEL and react to even the slightest changes in emotion. Tending to a hive is true practice in patience and breath. Jamie shares how he became so passionate about this art, why bees make honey, and how beekeepers handle aggressive bees.

[03:14] How planting a small vegetable garden turned into a passion for saving bees.

[08:55] Why relocating feral bees is preferable to extermination.

[09:45] What’s the difference between feral and commercial bees?

[15:14] How do beekeepers soothe and handle an aggressive colony?

[20:20] What are scout bees?

[24:40] How colonies care for newly birthed bees.

[27:39] What’s a bee swarm and how are new queens born?

[31:37] Why do bees produce honey?

[35:31] How variation in honey color and taste occurs.

[40:01] What have bees taught Jaime about life, wellness, and spirituality?

Connect with Jaime and the Long Beach Bee Keepers:

Website || Longbeachbeekeepers.org

Connect with Denise and Dessert With D:

Drop a review and share the love!

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez

• “When you don’t have language for a feeling or expression, then you think it’s wrong.” Today’s guest, Seija Rohkea, brilliantly shares why self-expression is at the foundation of living authentically. Thanks to their willingness to explore gender identity, cultural limitations, and learn a new paradigm, Seija has found major healing and happiness. We explore the deepest aspects of what it means to experience life in complete, radical honesty. Listen in and learn why finding words for feelings is vital, how to embrace self-love, and why finding the right channels for support is key! Highlights: [02:11] Seija shares their experience of gender identity from childhood onwards [14:58] How studying art and the impact of colonization intersected with Seija’s personal journey. [20:00] Why the evolution of language and terminology in the LGBTQIA+ community has allowed for more precise expression. [23:58] How suicidal ideations and attempts precipitated massive changes in Seija’s life. [30:26] Why teaching and producing art increased Seija’s level of self-worth and wholeness. [35:12] The importance of expressing, sharing, and getting support when exploring gender identity. [40:39] How renegotiating their gender identity has massively helped Seija live a more authentic life. [46:19] Why Seija’s deep respect for learning and education played a role in helping their marriage thrive. [52:53] The power and importance of finding the right channels for care and support. [58:42] Why self confidence starts with loving the way you look and feel. [1:04:26] What should you do if you accidentally misgender someone or use incorrect pronouns?[1:08:42] Resources for help should you or someone you know need it. Resources for help!

Long Beach LGBTQ Center

Phone: 562-434-4455

Email:CenterLB.org

SuicidePreventionLifeline.org

Phone: 1-800-273-8255

National Sexual Assault Organization

Rainn.org

Phone:1-800-656-4673

 Connect with Denise and Dessert With D: Drop a review and share the love! Instagram || @1denisechavez Facebook || Denise Chavez Website || Elevatevision.com Twitter || @1denisechavez

A fair warning to listeners that sometimes triggering and graphic details are shared during these interviews. We’ll explore sensitive topics including but not limited to depression, traumatic events, suicidality, sexual abuse, body dysmorphia, and gender dysphoria. It’s always in the context of healing, growth and authentic expression - I just wanted everyone to be aware of the sensitive nature of this podcast.

“We’re never lost. The GPS of our true self is ALWAYS there.”

Through childhood programming and traumatic imprinting, we develop all sorts of limiting beliefs rooted in scarcity. As a trauma informed Mind & Body Master Coach and breathwork facilitator, Amie Barsky knows the secrets to BREAKING FREE from the outdated narratives holding us back. We share our personal journeys healing from sexual abuse, including how we took our power back by the grace of forgiveness. Listen in and learn why wellness is a PRACTICE, how to vanquish low self-worth, and why acceptance is an INSIDE GAME!

HIGHLIGHTS:

• [03:52] Why no amount of material possessions can make you happy.
• [08:43] How did adults imprint scarcity minded beliefs onto a young Amie?
• [13:12] Can the body differentiate between the magnitude of traumatic events?
• [18:09] How transformational work led to Denise rediscovering her voice.
• [20:22] Are we ever truly lost? How can we remember our true selves?
• [24:13] How breathwork experiences can lead to massive breakthroughs.
• [29:43] Why your brain will never give you more than you can handle.
• [33:11] How Denise and Amie have learned and healed from sexual trauma.
• [37:40] Why the concept forgiveness is often misunderstood - it’s an INNER RELEASE!
• [43:24] How can Amie support you in your healing and growth journey?

Drop a review and share the love!

RESOURCES: 

Institute for Integrative Nutrition: Evolved and Reimagined Holistic Health, Nutrition, and Coaching Curriculum

CONNECT with Denise and Dessert With D:

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez

CONNECT with Amie Barsky:

Website || Work 1 on 1! Amie offers single breathwork sessions, 3-4 month coaching programs, and more!

Instagram || @amiebarsky

“Enrich lives through interaction”

Living in ABUNDANCE leads to a deep desire to uplift others! Between diet, relationships, and money, life is constantly presenting you with an opportunity to make an empowering choice. By listening to Dessert With D you’ll receive weekly motivation and advice to help you prioritize abundance in health and wealth!

Host Denise Chavez is a former Fortune 500 executive, nutrition expert, serial entrepreneur, and integrative wellness coach. From this wide range of experiences, Denise has learned what it takes to be successful AND at peace. NOTHING is off the table topic-wise, this will be a fully comprehensive dive into what it takes to live in pristine health. Subscribe to the podcast and listen in as Denise shares her proven wellness tactics and interviews top leaders in the space!

Highlights:

[3:01] How Denise’s entrepreneurial background sparked a passion for helping others.

[4:25] What will listeners gain from tuning into Dessert With D?

[6:55] What inspired Denise to create this podcast?

[8:49] Why abundance is at the foundation of health and wellness.

Connect with Denise!

Instagram || @1denisechavez

Facebook || Denise Chavez

Website || Elevatevision.com

Twitter || @1denisechavez

LinkedIn || Denise Chavez