In this deep and insightful conversation, Michael and Nikolas revisit the intertwined themes of anxiety and people pleasing — exploring how childhood patterns, guilt, and hyper-empathy shape adult behavior.
They discuss why so many of us unconsciously take responsibility for others’ emotions, how this limits authenticity, and what it truly means to differentiate between our own feelings and those we absorb from others. Along the way, they weave in concepts from Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Nonviolent Communication, offering both psychological depth and practical pathways toward inner freedom.
Whether you identify as an empath, a recovering people pleaser, or someone navigating social anxiety, this episode provides a compassionate look at how to build emotional boundaries, practice forgiveness, and find peace in simply being yourself.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:41 – Welcome & revisiting the topics of anxiety and people pleasing
01:16 – Nikolas on authenticity vs. programming: realizing people-pleasing tendencies
02:48 – Michael’s experience as a “recovering people pleaser” and fear of rejection
04:36 – How childhood conditioning creates people-pleasing behavior
06:20 – The role of empathy and taking on others’ emotions
08:08 – Michael on emotional transference and childhood roots of empathy
11:54 – Guilt as the driving force and forgiveness as the antidote
13:12 – Michael on self-forgiveness and gratitude for old coping mechanisms
17:02 – Sensitivity, nervous system linkage, and emotional boundaries
19:40 – Setting intentions and emotional boundaries in social settings
22:14 – Connecting people pleasing and anxiety
24:06 – Nikolas’ theory: anxiety as “micro fear” and its biological purpose
25:52 – Michael on anxiety as a survival mechanism and faulty neuroception
31:38 – Group dynamics and why anxiety increases in larger settings
33:55 – Working on the root framework behind the behavior
34:59 – Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a tool for inner dialogue
36:22 – Michael on disowning vs. working with inner parts
38:43 – Rejecting vs. befriending anxiety and guilt
39:39 – Applying Nonviolent Communication to inner parts
43:26 – Nikolas on IFS as an accessible framework for everyone
44:22 – Exploring modalities and Michael’s 30-year journey with anxiety
46:42 – Nikolas on anxiety returning in cycles and self-understanding
49:00 – Acceptance, oscillation, and the role of suffering in growth
50:15 – Closing reflections and tools for inner healing
50:42 – Wrap-up
In this deep and vulnerable episode, Nik opens up about a recent plant medicine ceremony with his family that stirred up unresolved childhood memories, repressed anger, and a long-standing difficulty with trust. Together with Michael, they unpack the emotional weight of the experience, explore the sacred role of anger, and reflect on how early family dynamics and trauma can shape our adult boundaries and inner world.
They also discuss the challenges of integration, how plant medicine can illuminate deeply buried emotions, and the potential of healing through honest reflection, presence, and connection. Whether you’ve had similar experiences or are curious about the emotional depths of plant medicine journeys, this conversation offers raw insight and thoughtful perspectives.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Setting the context of the trip
01:36 - Tripping with family: Ceremony on Lionsgate
03:36 - The tarot cards: Shadow and death foreshadow intensity
05:15 - The trip begins: Visuals, nausea, and emotional overwhelm
06:56 - Childhood flashbacks and emotional looping
10:05 - Interpreting laughter as ridicule: Childhood wounds revisited
13:12 - Bottled-up emotions and misread social cues
16:00 - Post-trip confusion and anger
17:35 - The inherited fear of anger and destructive potential
20:00 - Can anger exist without an object? Exploring the nature of hate
22:45 - Anger as protection: Reframing its purpose
24:20 - Boundary issues and difficulty saying “no”
26:10 - Fatherhood, anger, and learning to defend oneself
28:15 - Acting on anger vs. feeling it
30:25 - Emotional projection and integration strategies
31:56 - Using physical expression (like push-ups) to embody boundaries
33:18 - How anger can prepare us for difficult conversations
35:00 - The protective role of anger for self and others
36:24 - Panic, fear, and the instinct to protect one's child
38:44 - Exploring “Urvertrauen” – primal trust in life
40:35 - Lack of trust and the burden of control
43:00 - Spirituality and psychedelics as tools to restore trust
46:00 - Manifestation and the fear of negative outcomes
47:56 - Can we trust ourselves to handle what’s coming?
48:45 - Anger as a sacred signal: What needs to be addressed
50:01 - Final reflections and emotional resolution
What does preparation really mean when you’re about to embark on a deep inner journey? In this episode, we explore how to set the stage — mentally, physically, and emotionally — for a transformative experience. From nutrition and fasting to intention setting, creating a safe space, and understanding possible challenges, we unpack everything you need to consider before diving in. Whether you’re planning a guided ceremony, exploring in nature, or simply curious about best practices, this conversation offers grounded insights, real-life anecdotes, and practical advice.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Why preparation matters
01:40 - The role of mindset and physical prep
02:40 - Diet and lifestyle changes before the experience
05:40 - Fasting and how it impacts sensitivity
06:40 - Mental preparation and media detox
08:40 - The importance of setting intentions
10:40 - What happens when the session goes off-script
13:40 - Respect, surrender, and managing expectations
15:40 - Choosing the right environment and people
17:40 - What can go wrong? Real risks and how to reduce them
21:40 - Trip sitters and emergency readiness
23:40 - Emotional overwhelm and getting "stuck"
25:40 - Meditative tools and calming techniques
27:40 - Psychological safety and risk of re-traumatization
28:40 - Natural ways to ground yourself
30:40 - The role of trip "exit tools" and one cautionary tale
33:40 - Clearing up myths about vitamin C and other helpers
34:40 - The power of ritual and creating sacred space
37:40 - Group dynamics and opening ceremonies
39:40 - Letting go after all the prep is done
40:40 - Time loops, internal clocks, and staying grounded
41:40 - Meditation, surrender, and final thoughts
42:40 - A word of encouragement and what’s coming next
Kara's Website:
https://www.karagoodwin.com/
Kara's Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@soulelevationpodcast
In this episode, we dive deep into a powerful and intimate conversation with Kara Goodwin — meditation teacher, podcaster, and author of Your Authentic Awakening. Kara shares the life-altering challenges that led her from a comfortable life in Italy into a profound spiritual awakening. We explore her mystical experiences during meditation, her work with sacred geometry, and the importance of spiritual maturity in navigating today’s world.
We also discuss synchronicity, consciousness, quantum connection, and how the unseen layers of reality impact our day-to-day lives. Whether you’re deep on your path or just awakening to these ideas, this conversation offers inspiration, tools, and a grounded perspective on expanding consciousness.
In this thought-provoking episode of the Expanding Consciousness Podcast, Michael and Nik explore the often-overlooked connection between physical symptoms and psychological causes. Is illness ever just physical? Can emotional trauma manifest in the body as pain or disease? They discuss everything from chronic pain and depression to cancer and scoliosis, shedding light on the psychosomatic landscape from both personal and clinical perspectives.
You’ll hear real-life examples, reflections on the shortcomings of traditional medicine, and why awareness and holistic approaches may hold the key to true healing. Whether you’re dealing with chronic illness or simply curious about the deeper meaning behind the body’s messages, this episode invites you to look at health in a whole new way.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
00:41 - The blurred line between physical and psychological illness
01:41 - Organic vs. mental origins of psychological symptoms
03:41 - The complexity of diagnosis and the “ping-pong” between doctors
05:41 - The myth of neurotransmitter-based depression
07:41 - Miraculous healing stories and the role of belief
09:41 - Illness as the body's way of seeking balance
11:41 - Posture, emotions, and compensatory mechanisms
13:41 - Chronic conditions and personality traits
15:41 - The missing psychological layer in medical diagnosis
17:41 - The rigidity of the medical system and specialist silos
19:41 - Chronic pain, medical limitations, and the holistic gap
21:41 - Physical symptoms as psychological pointers
23:41 - Surrendering to symptoms as a path to healing
25:41 - The power of presence and awareness in resolving pain
27:41 - Vulnerability and humility on the healing journey
29:41 - Making mind-body connections more accessible to the public
31:41 - Stigma around psychosomatic illness
33:41 - The role of psychosomatic clinics and burnout
35:41 - Cancer, repressed emotions, and difficult truths
37:41 - Taking responsibility for your healing journey
38:41 - Final thoughts and key takeaways
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the essence of human connection—what it really means, how it feels, and why it so often eludes us. The hosts explore the intricate link between authenticity and connection, sharing personal experiences, psychological insights, and practical reflections. Why do we wear masks in relationships? What role does vulnerability play? Can you be in connection with someone who’s not open to it? We also explore the influence of childhood patterns, trauma, and the nervous system on our ability to relate deeply. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, show up more honestly, or simply understand connection on a deeper level, this episode offers a powerful starting point.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to Connection and Authenticity
01:41 - The Challenge of Defining Connection
03:41 - Connection as the Dissolving of Boundaries
04:41 - Performing vs. Authentic Relating
06:41 - The Persona vs. True Self in Relationships
07:41 - Vulnerability and the VIEW Framework
09:41 - Origins of the Persona in Childhood
12:41 - Moving Toward Authentic Connection
13:41 - Self-Awareness as a Path to Relational Depth
14:41 - Overcorrection: Sharing Everything to Reconnect
16:41 - Vulnerability Without Blame
17:41 - Why Conflict Often Unearths Unresolved Issues
20:41 - Grudges, Emotional Triggers & Letting Go
22:41 - The Power of Feeling Seen and Heard
23:41 - Holding Space for Difficult Conversations
24:41 - Authentic Relationships as a Shared Goal
26:41 - Relationship Evolution & Growing Together
28:41 - Compatibility Before and After Self-Awareness
30:41 - Biology, Attraction, and Long-Term Fit
34:41 - Are Personality Tests Even Relevant?
36:41 - Compatibility Through Shared Values
37:41 - Challenging Beliefs in the Name of Love
39:41 - Can You Connect with Someone Unwilling?
41:41 - Receptivity and Connection with Nature
43:41 - Stress, the Nervous System, and Disconnection
45:41 - Being Seen Helps Us See Ourselves
47:41 - Co-Regulation Through Connection
49:41 - Final Reflections and Listener Invitation
Melissa's Website:
https://www.mindlove.com/
In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Melissa Monte, host of the “Mind Love” podcast, shares her incredible journey from trauma and rock bottom to healing, entrepreneurship, and personal empowerment. She opens up about surviving sexual assault, addiction, toxic relationships, and a felony charge — and how these moments became stepping stones on her spiritual and professional path.
Melissa reveals how storytelling is not only a tool for healing but also a technology for personal transformation. Together, we explore the relationship between trauma, nervous system states, and belief patterns, the paradox of control versus surrender, and how small choices shape our lives.
Whether you’re on a path of healing, entrepreneurship, or self-discovery, this conversation will inspire you to reclaim your power and rewrite your story.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro: Welcoming Melissa Monte from Mind Love
00:41 - Melissa shares her powerful backstory: trauma, bulimia, and jail
02:41 - How childhood trauma shaped her identity and survival strategies
03:41 - A toxic relationship, stolen jewelry, and a life-altering arrest
05:41 - Moving to LA and the unexpected path to entrepreneurship
07:41 - The power of intentional creation vs. default programming
08:41 - Healing the body through yoga and breaking old patterns
10:41 - Self-awareness, new relationships, and nervous system rewiring
12:41 - Shifting the lens: how stories shape our identity and choices
14:41 - Religious deconstruction and the hero’s journey framework
17:41 - Melissa's 7-step process to rewriting your personal narrative
20:41 - Trauma, somatics, and the importance of feeling to heal
23:41 - Healing as a spiral, not a straight line
26:41 - How to identify your core beliefs and hidden stories
29:41 - Creating yourself vs. finding yourself
31:41 - Free will, discipline, and the power of small decisions
34:41 - Why input choices (friends, food, content) matter so much
36:41 - Life design through intentional living
38:41 - Marketing, manipulation, and staying sovereign in a capitalist world
41:41 - Becoming the hero of your story through self-reflection
44:41 - Purifying the heart and tuning into your inner voice
46:41 - How to discover your true desires and purpose
48:41 - Fast action over perfection in personal growth
51:41 - Reframing mistakes as part of the path
53:41 - Balancing control and surrender: trusting the bigger picture
58:41 - Personal story: miscarriage, trust, and spiritual surrender
01:05:41 - Real-life parables: when losses become protection
01:06:41 - Where to find Melissa and her free reframing tool
01:07:00 - Outro: reflections and gratitude
In this conversation, the speakers explore the challenges of authenticity, particularly in social situations and personal relationships. They discuss the impact of childhood experiences on self-perception and the struggle between maintaining consistency and embracing vulnerability. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the need to create a safe space for one's authentic self to emerge. Through reflection and coaching, they uncover insights about trust, emotional expression, and the journey towards being true to oneself.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Coaching
01:05 Struggles with Authenticity in Social Situations
03:40 The Impact of Authenticity on Personal Expression
06:11 Exploring Authenticity in Various Life Aspects
08:06 Feelings of Discomfort and Self-Betrayal
10:36 Fear of Rejection and Trust Issues
12:16 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact
16:50 The Need for Acceptance and Reassurance
20:30 Trusting Others and Authenticity
26:20 Consistency vs. Authenticity
26:46 The Importance of Consistency
30:03 Navigating Authenticity and Inconsistency
36:19 Emotional Reactions and Adult Expectations
39:42 Connecting with the Inner Self
43:54 Embracing the Authentic Self
46:02 Key Takeaways and Reflections
In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the world of AI therapy—examining its promises, potential pitfalls, and philosophical questions. From AI’s ability to offer non-judgmental support and self-reflection prompts, to concerns about data privacy, lack of regulation, and the illusion of connection—this is a nuanced conversation that doesn’t shy away from complexity. We explore how AI could serve as a powerful tool for self-exploration and emotional insight, but also why human connection, embodiment, and shared presence remain irreplaceable. Tune in as we discuss how to use AI consciously without bypassing what makes us deeply human.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro: Can AI be a therapist?
01:22 The appeal of AI: Safe, always available, and non-judgmental
03:33 Risks of using AI for therapy: Bypassing embodiment and deeper work
05:10 Real-life example: Using AI to explore relational conflict
07:45 What AI does well: Pattern reflection and prompting inner work
09:35 Where AI falls short: Lack of body attunement and presence
10:50 The danger of false intimacy and emotional confusion
12:40 Using AI to bypass discomfort and loneliness
14:20 The importance of regulation, safety, and critical thinking
16:15 Who’s programming the AI? Biases, values, and capitalism
18:10 Data privacy concerns and the illusion of confidentiality
19:45 Navigating AI mindfully: Is it a tool or a trap?
21:00 Embodiment, connection, and being witnessed by a real human
23:15 Final thoughts: Balancing innovation with integrity
Our guests Website:
https://www.innertruthseekers.com/
In this episode, we welcome back intuitive trauma coach and non-dual teacher Michael Thornhill, co-founder of Inner Truth Seekers. Michael shares powerful insights on the path of spiritual awakening, integrating trauma, and living in alignment with one’s soul blueprint. We explore the challenges that arise when stepping into our inner truth—including imposter syndrome, societal disconnect, and the dark night of the soul—and how we can navigate these with clarity, support, and purpose. Learn about Michael’s new offering, the Inner Truth Seekers Academy, and how it helps conscious individuals turn transformation into service to others. This is a deep, vulnerable, and encouraging conversation for anyone walking the spiritual path.
00:00 Introduction to Michael Thornhill
01:41 What is Inner Truth Seekers?
03:41 The soul blueprint and the spiritual awakening process
06:41 The rise of spiritual experiences and the fear of "going crazy"
08:41 Michael’s personal awakening through the death of his mother
10:41 Trauma-informed non-dual approach to awakening
12:41 How trauma arises on the spiritual path
13:41 Guiding people through trauma transformation
15:41 Recognizing trauma as symptoms of separation
17:41 Somatic healing and non-dual integration
20:41 Using infinite awareness to transform trauma
21:41 The power of community in transformation
22:41 Introducing the Inner Truth Seekers Academy
25:41 A framework for discovering your own framework
26:41 The paradox of "being ready" and imposter syndrome
28:41 Coaches and therapists stepping into deeper authenticity
30:41 From self-doubt to embodied confidence
32:41 Accessing your soul’s blueprint
34:41 Finding your unique path of service
36:41 Debunking spiritual dogma and one-size-fits-all teachings
37:41 Does being in service require leaving society?
40:41 Healing personal trauma as planetary service
42:41 Tuning into the vibration of service to others
44:41 Can regular jobs be a form of spiritual service?
47:41 Asking yourself: Am I living my soul’s calling?
50:41 How to know you're on your true path
53:41 Embodying your truth even when it’s hard
56:41 Inner Truth Seekers: tools, support, and community
57:41 Final thoughts and where to find Michael online
In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, we explore the transformative power of death—whether it’s the passing of a beloved pet, a family member, or the experience of ego loss. Through personal stories and spiritual perspectives, the hosts unpack how mourning can be a catalyst for growth, presence, and emotional depth. They touch on cultural norms around grief, the concept of the subtle body, challenges men face with crying, and even dive into complex topics like euthanasia and suicide. This is a profound conversation on how death can teach us how to live more openly and authentically.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction: Death as a spiritual opportunity
01:57 - Facing death in daily life and its transformative power
03:09 - Mourning the death of a pet with presence
05:26 - Cultural differences in grieving rituals
07:47 - Suppression vs. acceptance in grief
09:57 - Death and personal growth
11:06 - The spiritual "in-between" (Bardo) and ego dissolution
13:10 - The subtle body and mourning structural loss
15:59 - Ego death and fluidity of experience
17:28 - Fear of death vs. fear of ego loss
20:23 - Holding space for others in grief
22:27 - How spiritual beliefs affect mourning
24:57 - The impact of resisting death
26:53 - Preparing for death and the gift it can be to others
29:52 - Suicide and euthanasia: difficult layers of death
33:20 - Spiritual perspectives on suffering and suicide
35:29 - Suicide as a spiritual challenge and potential gift
37:05 - Lessons in mourning that apply to life
39:10 - The cultural stigma around crying
41:00 - Crying and emotional suppression in childhood
43:40 - Relearning how to cry and express emotion
46:28 - Differentiating between cathartic and coping-based crying
49:27 - Anger, repression, and the complexity of emotions
52:40 - Expression vs. allowance in emotional release
56:08 - Catalyzing sadness intentionally
01:00:37 - When joy arises during mourning
01:03:11 - Why it's easier to feel in the car
01:04:53 - The fear of emotional overwhelm
01:05:45 - Emotional surrender as a form of ego death
What if your back pain wasn’t just physical—but a reflection of your life story? In this insightful episode, we explore the world of somatics and how our body posture, chronic tension, and even pain can be deeply linked to our past experiences and unresolved emotions.
The conversation covers the theory behind somatic therapy, practical movement techniques (like yoga, martial arts, and nonlinear movement), and personal experiences with pain, awareness, and healing. Discover how becoming aware of your body can help you shift deeply ingrained patterns, and how even subtle changes in posture or breath can ripple through your nervous system and emotions.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic tension, exploring trauma healing, or just curious about how to feel more at home in your body—this episode offers both practical tools and empowering perspectives.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to somatics and body-based trauma theory
01:58 – Posture, chronic tension, and how it reinforces trauma
04:14 – Chronic pain as unprocessed experience in the body
06:56 – How pain patterns form and the body’s logic behind tension
08:29 – Personal story: Resolving back pain through awareness
10:41 – Breath, the diaphragm, and nervous system regulation
13:00 – Exploring range of motion & rebalancing through movement
15:30 – How animals regulate after trauma & orienting practices
18:09 – Martial arts, balance, and how personality shows in movement
21:30 – Awareness and overcompensation in movement patterns
23:08 – Vipassana, pain as a guide, and becoming aware of tension
26:12 – Layers of awareness: body, mind, and emotions
29:48 – Equanimity and changing your relationship with pain
31:17 – Pain as signal: using it to dissolve chronic holding
34:48 – Why perfect form matters in somatic practices
37:42 – Undoing unconscious tension stored even in sleep
39:05 – Tools from Human Garage & vagus nerve release
40:30 – Intuitive movement: dancing, wiggling, nonlinear motion
42:41 – Movement as a language: the body speaks if we listen
44:45 – The “constellation of pain” and whole-body awareness
46:25 – Movement improves presence, energy & life quality
47:15 – Zen Body Being and demystifying martial arts
48:42 – Final reflections and call for listener recommendations
In this deeply personal and experimental episode, we invite you into a live coaching session where one host opens up about feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the present moment. Through a vulnerable and honest dialogue, the conversation explores themes of self-sabotage, the endless pursuit of healing, limiting beliefs formed in childhood, and the pressure to always be productive.
What unfolds is not just insight into the client’s inner world, but also reflections from the coach about the delicate balance between helping and holding space. Whether you’re into personal development, coaching, or simply need a reminder that growth is non-linear and full of grace, this episode offers rich reflections and gentle wisdom.
00:00 - Introduction: Trying a live coaching experiment
01:34 - Feeling stuck despite personal growth
03:36 - Daily overwhelm and lack of presence
05:15 - Noticing self-criticism and unmet expectations
07:55 - Struggling with constant distraction
10:24 - Core beliefs and the trap of self-development
13:10 - Self-sabotage and the fear of change
14:58 - Carl Rogers, paradox of change & honoring old beliefs
17:05 - Distraction as a survival mechanism
20:19 - Using NVC to explore unmet needs
22:57 - Making space for comfort without guilt
25:34 - The illusion of an endpoint in healing
28:50 - Facing the core wound and embracing uncertainty
30:52 - Changing your relationship with limiting beliefs
33:33 - Shadow work, integration, and reclaiming anger
36:51 - Growth as preparation for helping others
39:46 - Coaching without fixing: The power of presence
42:30 - Reflections from the coach’s side
44:41 - Letting the client lead the process
46:44 - Self-care time and the body’s wisdom
47:36 - Final reflections: Shifting perspective, not fixing
48:41 - Wrap-up: Lightness, openness, and future possibilities
In this episode, we share a more relaxed and personal conversation centered around the books that shaped our inner journeys. From psychedelic pioneers like Aldous Huxley and Stanislav Grof to spiritual wisdom from Ram Dass, Michael Singer, and Alan Watts, we reflect on the texts that helped expand our minds, deepen our understanding of surrender, and inspire us to live more authentically.
We touch on the impact of The Doors of Perception, The Untethered Soul, The Surrender Experiment, Be Here Now, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, and many more. This is part book list, part storytelling, and part philosophical wander—perfect for anyone looking to deepen their path of personal growth, healing, or curiosity around consciousness.
📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode
The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide by James Fadiman
Be Here Now by Ram Dass
The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer
LSD: My Problem Child by Albert Hofmann
The Holotropic Mind by Stanislav Grof
The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts
Breaking Open the Head by Daniel Pinchbeck
Waking Up by Sam Harris
The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist
How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley
The Path Is Everywhere by Matt Licata
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
In an Unspoken Voice by Peter A. Levine
This episode dives deep into the universal fear of being seen, exploring how childhood experiences shape our relationship with visibility and attention.
Through personal stories of photo-phobia and social anxiety, the hosts unpack the complex relationship between self-perception and the desire to remain invisible. They explore the concept of the "shadow" – those parts of ourselves we'd rather keep hidden – and how confronting these aspects leads to profound personal growth.
The discussion weaves through powerful themes of:
Ready to step out of the shadows and into self-acceptance? Listen to this transformative episode that bridges the gap between hiding and healing.
#SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Exploring Fear of Being Seen
04:14 - Fear of Being Seen and Judgment
08:47 - Understanding Anger and Its Impact
12:35 - Understanding Guilt vs. Shame
16:13 - Identifying and Releasing Limiting Beliefs
19:02 - Understanding Affirmations and Self-Acceptance
23:06 - Understanding Affirmations and Beliefs
27:19 - Understanding Beliefs and Mindfulness
29:54 - Mindfulness and Core Beliefs
36:44 - Understanding Vulnerability and Emotions
Lisa's Website:
https://www.forestfloormindfulness.com/
Lisa's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ellepedscalny/
In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa Pedscalny of Forest Floor Mindfulness, a long-time meditation practitioner and teacher who shares her journey from anxious corporate life to finding healing through mindfulness, meditation, and deep connection with nature.
We talk about how Lisa accidentally stumbled into meditation, how nature became a central part of her healing, and why our relationship to anxiety matters more than trying to fix it. Lisa shares her insights into forest bathing, embodied awe, equanimity through trees, and why nature might be the best mindfulness teacher we have.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
00:41 – Meet Lisa Pedscalny of Forest Floor Mindfulness
02:04 – How Lisa Discovered Meditation by Accident
05:01 – Shifting the Relationship to Anxiety Through Practice
07:26 – Nature as a Bridge When Sitting Feels Too Hard
10:16 – Why Mindfulness in Nature Feels Fun and Accessible
12:46 – Explaining Anxiety: Energy, Resistance, and the Role of Curiosity
15:61 → 16:01 – Forest Bathing and the Feeling of Coming Home
18:41 – Nature as a Non-Judging Mirror for Presence
21:31 – Physiological Reconnection Through Nature & “Nature Deficit Disorder”
24:11 – Nature and the Nervous System: Lessons from Children
26:56 – Urban Nature: You Don’t Need a Forest to Reconnect
29:31 – The Sky, the Earth, and Your Body as Portals to Presence
32:01 – The Trap of “Doing It Right” in Mindfulness Practice
34:41 – Customizing Mindfulness to Fit Real Life
37:11 – On Zen Rigidity and Discovering What Actually Works
39:51 – A Dogma-Free, Compassionate Approach to Retreats and Practice
42:61 → 43:01 – Learning Equanimity from Trees: Nature as a Living Model
46:56 – Curiosity and Inquiry: Deepening Practice Through Observation
50:21 – Beauty, Awe, and the Instant Embodiment of Presence
53:06 – Mushrooms, Salamanders, and the Magic of Wild Encounters
55:51 – Psychedelics and Consciousness: Lisa’s Perspective on Psilocybin
59:21 – Awe, Interconnection, and Letting Go of Control
01:01:41 – Nature’s Perfection and Our Place Within It
01:03:51 – Courses, Retreats, Sanghas, and Lisa’s Offerings
01:06:41 – Practicing on the Forest Floor (Yes, Literally!)
01:08:41 – Closing Reflections: We Are Mindful by Nature
In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). We explore how this simple yet profound framework—developed by Marshall Rosenberg—helps navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, and encourage authenticity and empathy in communication.
We break down the four steps of NVC (observation, feeling, need, request), share personal experiences of using (and struggling with) the method, and reflect on why vulnerability is key to true connection. From difficult feedback conversations to facing our inner judgments, this episode is packed with insights for anyone who wants to communicate more clearly, compassionately, and authentically.
If you’ve ever wanted to handle tough conversations with more grace—or if you’re curious about how communication can become a tool for personal and relational healing—this episode is for you.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: What is Nonviolent Communication?
01:23 – High-Level Overview and Personal Impressions
02:23 – The Four Steps of NVC: Observation, Feeling, Need, Request
04:23 – Why Observations Should Be Judgment-Free
06:23 – Expressing Feelings Without Blame
08:23 – Sharing Needs vs. Demanding Strategies
10:23 – The Challenge of Observing Without Evaluation
13:23 – Seeing Behavior as a Tragic Expression of Unmet Needs
16:23 – Internal Application: Using NVC with Ourselves
18:23 – Vulnerability Resolves Conflict: The Role of Authenticity
20:23 – The Courage to Be Vulnerable in Conflict
22:23 – How Childhood Conditioning Shapes Our Fear of Rejection
26:23 – Obstacles to Authentic Communication
28:23 – People-Pleasing and Abandoning Our Own Needs
30:23 – The Process of Reconnecting with Authenticity
32:23 – Challenges Applying NVC in Real Life Situations
34:23 – Practice Example: How to Address a Sensitive Topic Using NVC
39:23 – Reflections on Offering Honest but Compassionate Feedback
42:23 – The Gift of Honest Feedback: Growth and Self-Awareness
44:23 – Final Reflections: From Framework to Life Philosophy
45:23 – Closing Thoughts and Listener Invitation
Our guest's links:
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Carmen Theobald, a coach, farrier, and equine therapy facilitator, who shares her extraordinary journey from a trauma surviver to healing and thriving through her deep connection with horses.
Carmen explains how equine therapy supports trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, and emotional authenticity. We explore the science behind coherence, heart frequency, and real-time biofeedback from horses, and learn how horses can mirror our emotional states—teaching us how to be grounded, present, and connected.
From deeply moving personal stories to practical insights on trauma, embodiment, and interspecies healing, this conversation opens up a whole new world of what it means to heal through relationship—with ourselves, others, and the natural world.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Intro: Meet Carmen Theobald and the Power of Equine Therapy
• 01:23 – Carmen’s Story: Trauma, Survival, and a Turning Point
• 04:23 – Leaving Everything Behind: Volunteering on a Horse Farm
• 06:23 – Learning Relationship Through Horses: Strength and Vulnerability
• 08:23 – The Science: Heart Frequencies, Nervous System Regulation, and Biofeedback
• 10:23 – Coherence, HeartMath, and the Role of Energetic Fields
• 13:23 – Horses as Partners in Healing, Not Tools
• 15:23 – Ancient Relationships with Horses and a Call for Reconnection
• 17:23 – Do All Horses Do This Work? Trauma, Safety, and Healing for Horses Too
• 20:23 – Consent and Choice: Why Some Horses Volunteer for Therapy
• 22:23 – Grace’s Story: A Former Police Horse’s Healing Journey
• 29:23 – Working with First Responders: Trauma, Sanctuary, and Trust
• 33:23 – Parallels Between Human and Horse Healing Techniques
• 36:23 – Boundaries and Compassion: Holding Power and Softness Together
• 40:23 – The Language of the Nervous System: Our Shared Mother Tongue
• 43:23 – Bottom-Up Healing: Embodied Change and Presence Over Storytelling
• 45:23 – Horses as Mirrors: Real-Time Feedback and Authenticity
• 48:23 – A Client Story: Incongruence, Breath, and Nervous System Repair
• 51:23 – Dealing with Fear of Horses: Is There a Message in the Resistance?
• 54:23 – How to Choose the Right Equine Therapy Environment
• 57:23 – Carmen’s Offerings and Where to Find Her
In this deeply reflective episode, we explore the timeless wisdom of Carl Rogers, the father of client-centered therapy. What makes his approach so revolutionary is its simplicity: authentic presence, unconditional positive regard, and deep empathy. But behind this simplicity lies a profound healing power.
We talk about our personal experiences as both therapist and client with this style, how it enables emotional processing, self-acceptance, and transformation, and why Rogers’ view on authenticity might be one of the most important contributions to modern psychology. We also discuss the impact of childhood conditioning, how repressed emotions shape our lives, and how genuine human connection can be more healing than any advice.
Whether you’re studying psychology, exploring your own healing path, or just curious about how to show up more authentically in your relationships—this one is for you.
Timestamps:
• 00:00:00 – Intro: Why Carl Rogers and Client-Centered Therapy Still Matter
• 00:01:23 – What Is Client-Centered Therapy?
• 00:02:23 – The Philosophy Behind It: Unconditional Positive Regard & Congruence
• 00:04:23 – The Therapist’s Role: Authenticity, Empathy, and Acceptance
• 00:06:23 – Why Authentic Presence Can Be So Healing
• 00:08:23 – The Relationship Between Childhood Conditioning and Inauthenticity
• 00:10:23 – How Rogers’ Minimalistic Approach Enables Deep Transformation
• 00:13:23 – Inner Wisdom: Letting Clients Lead Their Own Healing
• 00:15:23 – Practicing Client-Centered Listening in Daily Life
• 00:17:23 – Seeing People as Their Highest Selves: An Experiment in Perception
• 00:19:23 – Challenges in Practicing Non-Directive Therapy
• 00:22:23 – Authenticity Requires Vulnerability: Can You Face Your Emotions?
• 00:24:23 – The Power of Feeling Repressed Emotions Fully
• 00:27:23 – Where Emotional Blocks Come From and How They Form
• 00:29:23 – Reclaiming Joy and Reconnecting with Your Inner Child
• 00:31:23 – Carl Rogers’ Radical Views on Education and Group Learning
• 00:34:23 – Trusting the Intelligence of the Group: A Humanistic Alternative
• 00:36:23 – How Rogers Challenged the Psychiatric Mainstream
• 00:38:23 – Pairing Science with Empathy: Rogers’ Unique Legacy
• 00:41:23 – Shining a Light on the Problem of Inauthenticity
• 00:43:23 – Bonus Preview: Nonviolent Communication and Next Episode Teaser
• 00:47:23 – Listener Prompt: Have You Experienced Human-Centered Therapy?
In this follow-up episode on Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP), we explore how trauma gets stored in the nervous system—and what it takes to release it. From car accidents to childhood wounds, many people unknowingly carry unresolved trauma that keeps them stuck in patterns of fear, dissociation, or numbness.
We take a closer look at the defense cascade, the therapeutic role of cannabis, and how PSIP creates space for deeply vulnerable states to emerge and be processed. We also discuss the challenges of breaking through protective blocks, the potential of democratizing trauma healing tools, and the vital importance of embodiment, awareness, and relationship in therapy.
If you’re curious about how deep trauma work actually functions—or if you’ve ever wondered why some therapeutic methods fall short—this episode is packed with insights.
Timestamps:
• 00:00:00 – Introduction: Revisiting PSIP and Trauma Work
• 00:02:23 – Mapping the Nervous System: The Defense Cascade Explained
• 00:04:23 – Case Study: A Car Accident and Unresolved Activation
• 00:06:23 – Why Calming Techniques Aren’t Always the Answer
• 00:08:23 – Allowing Activation to Complete: The Key to Healing
• 00:10:23 – How PSIP Compares to CBT and Exposure Therapy
• 00:12:23 – The Role of Cannabis in Trauma Processing
• 00:15:23 – Creating a Safe Container for Vulnerability
• 00:18:23 – Why Cannabis Alone Doesn’t Trigger Trauma Release
• 00:20:23 – Therapist Presence and Intention as Catalysts
• 00:23:23 – Trust, Safety, and the Therapist–Client Relationship
• 00:26:23 – Why Facilitators Need Lived Experience
• 00:29:23 – Training Requirements in Psychedelic Therapy Models
• 00:33:23 – Can We Democratize Trauma Healing?
• 00:36:23 – Solo Models and the Challenge of Accessibility
• 00:39:23 – Navigating Expanded States Without a Therapist
• 00:42:23 – Mapping Trauma Healing Across Individuals
• 00:44:23 – States of Consciousness and the Default Mode Network
• 00:47:23 – How Trauma Narrows Awareness and Experience
• 00:50:23 – The Energy Cost of Suppressing Trauma
• 00:53:23 – Conclusion: From Emergency Mode to Awareness