What if your deepest pain held the key to your highest potential? In this powerful episode, JJ Ruescas sits down with transformation coach and author David Gilbert to explore The Alchemical Journey—a unique synthesis of ancient alchemy, modern psychology, and peak performance science.From breathwork and shadow work to archetypes and emotional excavation, this conversation is a deep dive into what it really means to transform. They discuss how life’s darkest moments can ignite lasting metamorphosis, how to decode limiting beliefs, and what it takes to embody your most aligned self—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.⚗️ Prepare to question what performance, presence, and transformation mean for you—and why the real gold is found within.💡 This one isn’t just a conversation—it’s a journey. Are you ready to take the first step?📚 Grab the first chapters of David’s book: goldenlife.com🌐 More about David: davidgilbert.com
In this episode, we sit down with @sunnystrasburglmft , creator of the Theradelic Approach—a powerful and integrative framework that combines psychedelic-assisted therapy, trauma-informed care, archetypal psychology, and creative expression to support deep and lasting healing.
Sunny shares her personal evolution from artist and psychonaut to trauma-specialized therapist trained in EMDR, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and other advanced modalities.
She introduces the PANTHER Method:Preparation, Attunement, Needs of Protectors, Trauma Mapping, Holding Space, Empathy/Engagement, and Resolution/Integration—a structured yet flexible roadmap for safe and transformational psychedelic work.🌱
We explore:
🔸 Why psychedelics aren’t a quick fix and require skillful integration
🔸 How art, myth, and symbolic language enrich therapy
🔸 The importance of therapist self-work and countertransference awareness
🔸 Healing trauma in leaders to catalyze collective change
🔸 Tools for emotional regulation and self-inquiry like: “What part is speaking now?”
Sunny also opens up about her daily performance habits—nature, breathwork, meditation, and supportive relationships—and honors the mentors who shaped her path, including Dick Schwartz, James Hollis, and indigenous plant medicine teachers.
This is a deep dive into how modern therapy and ancient wisdom meet to optimize human potential. Whether you’re a therapist, seeker, or curious explorer—this conversation offers practical tools, insight, and inspiration.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations on healing, consciousness, and integration.
🔗 Connect with Sunny Strasburg: https://www.sunnystrasburg.com/
🔗 Learn more about the Theradelic Approach: https://amzn.to/3UhRM8d
In this powerful episode of the Optimizing Me Podcast, host JJ Ruescas sits down with Cesar Marin—a former CNN journalist turned thought leader in the psychedelic wellness space. Cesar shares his remarkable journey from high-stakes media to helping people over 50 reconnect with their purpose through microdosing, mindfulness, and intentional living.
Together, they explore the origins of Cultivating Wisdom and Microdosing Over 50, and how psychedelics—when used with care and clarity—can support mental clarity, emotional healing, and late-in-life reinvention.
Whether you're new to psychedelics or looking to deepen your personal growth journey, this episode is packed with grounded insights and practical tools.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🔸 How Cesar transitioned from CNN to plant medicine advocacy
🔸 The purpose behind Cultivating Wisdom and Microdosing Over 50
🔸 Microdosing protocols and how to find your personal “sweet spot”
🔸 Why intention, integration, and community are essential
🔸 Real-life stories of transformation and healing
🔸 Practical advice for exploring psychedelics responsibly
🔸 The role of mindfulness in optimizing life after 50
Tune in now and share this episode with someone ready to rediscover their purpose.
Healing Attachment Wounds with Heidi Priebe: From Insecurity to Authentic Connection.
In this powerful episode of Optimizing Me, host JJ Ruescas sits down with author and attachment theory expert Heidi Priebe to explore how our early experiences shape the way we connect—and how we can transform those patterns for deeper, more authentic relationships.
Together, they unpack the four core attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful avoidant—and discuss how early caregiving environments can wire us for emotional connection or disconnection. Heidi shares her own journey moving from insecurity toward secure attachment, and offers practical tools to help listeners do the same.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
🔸 How to identify your attachment style
🔸 The role of childhood experiences in shaping adult relationships
🔸 Tools for healing and moving toward secure attachment
🔸 Why presence, authenticity, and open communication are key to connection
Whether you're in a relationship, healing from one, or exploring your inner world, this episode offers deep insight and real-life strategies to support your personal evolution.
🌐 Learn more about Heidi’s work: https://www.heidipriebe.com/
📺 Follow her on
- YouTube: @heidipriebe1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidipriebe
In this special episode, I decided to share what I found in the recesses of my mind during the 10-Day Silent Vipassana Meditation I attended in January 2025. The topics I cover: 🔸 Some of my unhealthy ways of relating to people 🔸 The struggles created by my mind for years 🔸 Identity Dysmorphia 🔸 My Framework to Tame the Mind (The 4 Quadrants) Pick what resonates with you. Discard the rest! But always....Keep Learning. Keep Optimizing!
In this special podcast episode, my friends Hannah Fish (@hannahfish) and Marina Kay (@sumofallpositive) join me to share and reflect on our experiences from a 10-day Silent Vipassana Meditation Retreat we attended in January 2025. We dive into several key topics, including: 🔸 The format of the retreat 🔸 The day-to-day schedule 🔸 The teachings 🔸 Our individual experiences 🔸 The pros and cons we discovered through the experience We're curious to know what resonates with you. Leave a comment and share this episode with your friends! 🙌🏼 Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are solely our own and reflect our personal experiences and interpretations. They are not representative of the teachings, policies, or official stance of Vipassana or its affiliated organizations. Please approach the content with an open mind, and remember that individual experiences with Vipassana may vary.
In this episode, Dr. Matthew B. James, Owner of Empowerment, Inc. and an expert in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) & personal transformation, shares his insights on purpose-driven actions, self-discovery, and the vital role of human connection for achieving lasting success and fulfillment.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Matt trains thousands of students each year in mastering the four bodies of empowerment, weaving modern technologies with the timeless wisdom of ancient spiritual paths. He emphasizes that true success is about impacting individuals rather than merely certifying them, highlighting the transformative power of mindset and meaningful service.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Connect and learn more about Dr. Matt James here! https://www.drmatt.com/
Keep Learning, Keep Optimizing!
⬇️ Don't forget to subscribe to my Podcast Stay connected with us on social media:
https://www.youtube.com/@jjruescasofficial
https://www.instagram.com/jjruescas/
https://www.jjruescas.com/linkedin
In this episode, JJ interviews Stacia Butterfield, an expert in Holotropic Breathwork with over 20 years of experience in personal healing and exploration. She emphasizes the power of accelerated breathing and music to facilitate deep self-exploration and emotional release. Stacia highlights the significance of community during group sessions, fostering connections and shared healing experiences. In this episode, you'll learn about: 🔸 The origins and practices of Holotropic Breathwork 🔸 How music enhances emotional release and alters consciousness 🔸 The importance of community in the healing process 🔸 How to prepare for sessions to maximize their benefits Connect and learn more about Stacia Butterfield Here! https://staciabutterfield.com/ Keep Learning, Keep Optimizing! ⬇️ Don't forget to subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jjruescasofficial Stay connected with us on social media: Web: https://www.jjruescas.com Spotify: https://www.jjruescas.com/spotify Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjruescas/ LinkedIn: https://www.jjruescas.com/linkedin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisisjjruescas X: https://www.jjruescas.com/x
Lindsay Briner is a leader in executive coaching and leadership development, specializing in cognitive neuroscience and meditation.
She has created the Stabilized Flow method to help individuals achieve peak performance and balance in their lives. She emphasizes the importance of unlearning limiting beliefs and practicing self-awareness to cultivate a healthy confidence and presence.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Connect and learn more about Lindsay Briner here.
Jonny Miller is someone who clearly leads by experience. His mind is driven by curiosity and he lives by the eagerness to learn, covering a wide range of topics that have the power to make human lives more joyous Jonny is not only the mind and voice behind the Curious Humans podcast, he's also a breathwork facilitator and meditation coach, but above all of that, he is the master of nervous system mastery. He is a renowned person in nervous system education and human performance, showcasing the growing importance of understanding and optimizing our own biology for overall well-being. In this conversation you will learn about: - The nervous system - Human Performance - Breathwork - Exploring one's own inner landscape... and more! #jjruescas #optimizandome #optimizing #podcast #jonnymiller #breathwork #nervoussystem #humanperformance
#45 - Wayo Longoria - Plant-Based Nutrition and The Human Behind "Casa de Luz"
A visionary person with a passion for community and wellness are the perfect words to describe Wayo Longoria. He comes from a Mexican family that specializes in the industry of oil production, but that didn’t hold him to change the course of his life and become a pioneer in the macrobiotic lifestyle and plant-based diet. Today Wayo is the person behind Casa de Luz.
Casa de Luz is a non-profit community wellness center. In the words of Wayo, it can be called: educational – experiential – wellness – community center. Educational because when people attend they’re accustomed to feeding highly processed food and by eating at Casa de Luz they’re learning a new way of living. Experiential because people are learning by doing, as it has a volunteer program. Wellness because everything that happens there results in benefitial for everyone. And lastly, community happens on its own.
Wayo Longoria doesn’t like to be in the spotlight of Casa de Luz, he prefers the well-established difference between him and the center which he claims to have a life of its own. His whole motivation is to share that something so simple and humble can be so powerful and life changing.
His ideas are defined by the wholefood nutrition based in plants. Wayo afirms that the word ‘macrobiotic’ to describe their food, sounds too science-y. Macrobiotic actually means ‘great life’ and that includes food, but it’s so much more. It means to live every part of your life consciously, therefore be aware of your diet and become one with the plant you eat.
To wrap things up, adopting a plant-based diet can offer numerous health benefits and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food system. As Wayo Longoria has demonstrated through his inspiring journey, making the switch to a plant-based diet can be both manageable and rewarding. Whether it’s for personal health, animal welfare, or environmental reasons, choosing to eat more plant-based meals is a positive step towards a healthier, happier, and more compassionate lifestyle. So why not give it a try and see how a plant-based diet can transform your life too?
In this conversation, you will learn about:
- Plant-based diet
- Healthy lifestyle
- Macrobiotics
- Lifelong learning
- Nutrition
… and more!
Enjoy the interview!
We all probably know David from the TV Shows Gilmore Girls or Private Practice. He definitely had a successful career as an actor, but one day the shawdow of his own dissatisfaction finally caught him and triggered his shift point.
He thinks that being an actor it’s a very vulnerable profession, because actors are always exposed. But it’s also very liberating once they get to manage the fear of exposure. As a former actor, he’s the one to point out the fact that we’re always on a role in some way, wearing a mask and always performing. Acting taught him more than anything else about presence, because that’s what the camera reads, presence; and that’s where everything changes.
Today, David Suitcliffe is a facilitator whose mission is to share what he learned from his experiences and preparation, to create, inspire, and contribute toward people healing. He studied many fields related to the human mind and body, such as yoga, breathwork, hypnosis, including shamanism. He even became a certified practicioner, in order to really understand the mind and how emotional blockings affects it.
One of the most powerful ideas he has, is that it’s not only our anger or frustration and pain that is held back, it’s also our love and light. In fact, he reinforces the reality that we all have something unique and powerful to give to the world, and being full awared of our fears and pain can help us fulfill our highest potential.
In this conversation, you will learn about:
Enjoy the interview!
Our guest today is a Shaman from the Andean-Amazonian traditions.
Xuan Gwar our guest today, is a Shaman from the Andean-Amazonian traditions.
His skill is the translation of the silent messages that Sacred plants like Ayahuasca, Tabaco, San Pedro, and others utter to human beings.
He is a connector between ancient healing technologies and the modern world; this is especially helpful in situations where modern medicine cannot heal spiritual wounds.
His curiosity led him not only to embrace South American mysticism but also philosophies like Buddhism, Alchemy, Zen, Tantra, Sikshm, and others.
His wise words produce a profound introspection in those who listen to them.
I am very excited about this conversation because he is one of my go-to’s when talking about altered states of consciousness.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the Shaman, Xuan Gwar.
In this conversation, you will learn the following:
- Shamanic practices
- Spiritualism and religion
- Outer state of consciousness
- Traditions and plant medicine
- And more!
Watch the full interview with Xuan Gwar on my YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/DX42aQx1O44
#jjruescas #optimizandome #xuangwar #interview #traditions #shaman #shamanicpractices #spiritualism #religion
Mike Linares is the CEO and Founder of SimpleNursing an online modernized teaching tool for nursing students born from Mike’s needs. Around 2012 (while attending Cerritos Nursing School in Southern California), Mike was called into his Dean’s office to receive perilous news about his upcoming mid-term. Unfortunately, he wasn’t doing so well.
Following that news, he realized that the nursing education system was outdated and impractical, but he still managed to graduate. After graduating from Nursing School and in the middle of his shift as a nurse in a Hospital, he realized that he needed to change his lifestyle and find a way to improve the Nursing School learning methods. From that point, he spent nights and weekends filming content to publish for his peers on Youtube…, and that’s how SimpleNursing was born!
Mike Linares defines himself as an entrepreneur who saw a need in the educational system and decided to take the risk of starting his own business while helping others get through Nursing School. His company quickly succeeded after many YouTube videos and became the favorite and most trusted resource for nursing students worldwide. One of the benefits SimpleNursing offers is its dynamic exam preparation and e-learning technology to provide nursing students with the knowledge and resources critical for success in today’s most competitive nursing programs.
As with every story, Mike’s and SimpleNursing’s story has a rough patch, and at some point, things started to get complicated in the family business, which grew quickly. After this, he had to reinvent his ideas and realized he had to keep learning to grow; today, one of his greater quotes is: “You have to learn before you earn.”
In this episode, you will learn about the following:
Entrepreneurship
The 3 P’s of Success
Questions to focus (What?, Why?)
Techniques to Create 10 Business Ideas
Educational Bootcamps
… and more!
#entrepernuship #jjruescas #optimizandome #success #educationalbootcamps #techniquesforbussiness
Hace mucho tiempo me considero un apasionado de la respiración, todo empieza por una anécdota personal donde visito mi ciudad de nacimiento (La Paz, Bolivia) después de muchos años. Luego de reunirme con mi familia sentí mareos y automáticamente me desplomé, luego de que mi familia me ayudara a levantarme y descansar un par de horas, empecé a pensar: «¿Cómo es posible que esto haya pasado? ¿De qué manera mi metabolismo cambió de manera tan radical, que ahora que vuelvo a mi ciudad natal me afecte como si fuera un extraño?». A partir de esta experiencia, me interesé en tratar de entender la manera en qué respiro y cómo reacciona mi cuerpo ante este proceso.
Tras cuestionarme si estaba respirando de manera óptima, una de las cosas que entendí es que el concepto de respirar profundamente, en la mayoría de los humanos está totalmente erróneo. En este episodio en solitario – SoloCast – Hablo acerca de los aspectos fundamentales de la respiración y de qué manera el Breathwork o Trabajo de Respiración nos ayuda a Optimizar este proceso.
En este episodio aprenderás sobre:
Disfruta de este SoloCast!
Silvia Ramos (@silviaj.ramos) es una mujer dedicada al emprendimiento con impacto social. Es la mayor de 4 hermanos y se considera a sí misma como un ejemplo para ellos, viviendo y compartiendo a partir de la simpleza; enfocándose en proyectos donde pueda dejar algo más que su perspectiva sino algo para los demás. Sus habilidades de storytelling, design thinking, creacion de comunidades, y sobre todo, su carisma, la posicionan como una de las lideres en temas de impacto social.
Su mas reciente proyecto, Dale Hype, se enfoca en la concientizacion y prevencion del Burnout en colaboradores de empresas. De hecho, a diferencia de proyectos similares a este, Dale hype aplica gamificacion para romper el status quo y la excesiva seriedad en el ambiente laboral.
El concepto de Emprendedor Social lo define como una persona que busca crear un negocio pero desde el punto de resolver una problemática. Una de las piezas claves para poder ser un emprendedor social mencionadas por Silvia es el poder dejar el ego de lado para poder actuar desde el corazón, ya que afirma que tenemos que poder menguar nuestras creencias para poder hacer labores sociales. En esta conversación, nos menciona que si desde el principio nos despojamos de esas ideas, nos ayudará mucho con esta tarea de emprendimiento social, porque al estar tratando de solucionar un problema que tiene ya muchísimo tiempo existiendo podremos plantearnos la pregunta: «¿Por qué tu resolverías la problemática de un momento a otro?».
Silvia nos cuenta que lo que caracteriza a un emprendimiento social es que es un emprendimiento con propósito que resuelve un problema, pero que también tiene una utilidad y que también tiene un rendimiento, lo que es clave entender. Según ella, al emprendedor social nunca le va a importar más la utilidad que el impacto. Ambas resultan importantes, pero como emprendedor social tienes siempre primero el impacto y después las utilidades. No quiere decir que no hay utilidades, sino que tu prioridad es el impacto.
En esta conversación aprenderás:
…y mucho más!
Claudia Zaragoza (@clauzaragozam) es especialista en nutrición, fisiología del ejercicio y entre otras cosas, especialista en biohacking.
¿Quieres biohackear tu cuerpo? Checa "The Biohacking Program Part 1", el curso de de Claudia en el cual aprenderás y experimentarás mejoras en tu cuerpo y mente: https://mailchi.mp/61edaa41d319/the-biohacking-program-part1-g2-4941856
Claudia empieza su trayectoria como atleta de triatlón representando a México en competencias internacionales. Ha subido al podio en varias oportunidades y ha sido rankeada entre las mejores a nivel mundial en el deporte. Actualmente es Head Coach y Fundadora del equipo de Alto Rendimiento, Performers, apoyando el rendimiento y continuo crecimiento de atletas y líderes de diferentes industrias.
Su trabajo combina Nutrición Deportiva y Biohacking para ayudar a personas y atletas a optimizar su salud y mejorar su rendimiento. De acuerdo a Claudia, el biohacking es el uso de la ciencia y la tecnología, en conjunto con el autoconocimiento, además de la medición de diferentes variables biológicas para optimizarnos de manera eficaz y controlada. Una de las ideas desde la que parte, es que conocernos es un proceso de toda la vida y entre más y mejor nos conocemos, más sabemos cómo maniobrar la vida, más que controlarla sería cómo agarrar el toro por los cuernos.
Establece diferentes niveles o pasos que se deben recorrer antes de poder optimizarnos de manera correcta e integral. Sugiere que el primer paso es colocar el cuerpo en movimiento, ser constantes con cualquier movimiento o ejercicio; y construir se self accountability, en donde confiamos en nuestra constancia. Como segundo paso, Claudia nos menciona el hábito de la alimentación, donde prestar atención a los alimentos que consumimos es la base fundamental para entender el efecto que causa en nuestro cuerpo y a partir de allí, alimentarnos de acuerdo a las necesidades de nuestro cuerpo y nuestros objetivos.
La premisa de Claudia es partir siempre de las bases, desde la raíz de todo, entendiendo las diferentes necesidades y virtudes del cuerpo humano; manteniendo como premisa que primero debemos optimizar la salud antes que el performance. Como tercer paso señala la bioquímica corporal, siendo el paso cuatro el uso de nootrópicos a través de vía oral o incorporados a través de la dieta cotidiana. El quinto paso corresponde al uso de nootrópicos a través de una vía de administración más directa o rápida, siendo la vena el medio de elección.
Claudia no sólo es una pionera en el mundo del biohacking, además de esto promueve la idea de que solemos tomar decisiones basadas en miedo y gratificación instantánea y eso nos hace subóptimos, por lo que aceptarnos a nosotros mismos y aceptar nuestro camino y nuestra velocidad, resulta un paso importante en el proceso de optimización.
En esta conversación, Claudia también nos habla acerca del hecho de que los beneficios obtenidos por cualquier cambio que realicemos en nuestro estilo de vida son una añadidura, un plus. El hecho de hacer algo por nosotros mismos resulta más satisfactorio que estar enfocado en sólo ver los resultados, por eso debemos enfocarnos más en el proceso, ser curiosos y los resultados vendrán.
En esta conversación aprenderás:
Disfruta de la entrevista!
Lenka Nemer (@lenkanemeroficial), fue Miss Bolivia 2020 y representó a su país en Miss Universo del mismo año. Nació en La Paz y nunca pensó que su carrera se desarrollaría alrededor del mundo de los concursos de belleza, a pesar de que su hermana Vinka fue Miss Bolivia Tierra en 2015. Lenka se define a sí misma como el reflejo de todas las personas que conoce y con las que convive. A pesar de que sus primeros pasos en el modelaje fueron titubeantes, Lenka considera que la moda es un reflejo de la cultura y el arte.
Ingresa al mundo del modelaje al firmar un contrato con Pablo Manzonni, tras ganar un casting al que su madre la llevó engañada con el pretexto de ir a una consulta con el oftalmólogo. Un tiempo después, Lenka decide rescindir su contrato ya que no consideraba estar lista para enfrentarse al mundo del modelaje.
Un tiempo después, sucede el “click” que la lleva a tomar la decisión de participar en el concurso de Miss Bolivia y posteriormente Miss Universo, tras darse cuenta de que dicho concurso es una plataforma para ser escuchada.
La labor de Lenka no acaba solo en un concurso de belleza y su objetivo no fue solamente el reinado, sino poder representar a las mujeres y generar una voz de empoderamiento, además de comunicar las distintas realidades por las cuales atraviesa su país. En una de sus entrevistas, Lenka motivó a las niñas de su país a no soñar con ser misses, sino que sueñen con abrazar de corazón un propósito y hasta donde ese propósito las lleve, trabajarlo con todo lo que tengan para alcanzar ese objetivo y a su vez trabajar con propósito e intención.
A lo largo de su carrera, Lenka ha tenido que desarrollar ciertas habilidades o conocimientos para lidiar con el estar bajo la opinión pública. Entre las distintas cosas que aprendió, está el no tomarse nada personal, ni lo bueno ni lo malo, ya que cree que nada tiene que ver con uno mismo, sino que tiene que ver con lo que las personas tienen dentro suyo. Por otra parte, en este episodio nos comparte su mindset de ganadora, al abrazar la diversidad y no tenerle miedo a lo diferente. Lenka es una fiel promotora de la idea de acercarse a lo diferente, y no solo acercarse, sino de abrazar las diferencias. Su base principal radica en que si no se tiene la capacidad de diferenciarse y de abrazar lo diferente, nunca se podrá crecer, porque todo lo que deseamos y soñamos, todo lo que deseamos está más allá de nuestra zona de confort.
En esta conversación aprenderás:
- Empoderamiento femenino
- Autoevaluación y autoconsciencia
- Superación personal
- Salir de tu zona de confort
Disfruta de la entrevista!
Wes Kao is a Polymath.
Over the years, she mastered and intersected multiple areas like marketing, leadership, brand identity, culture, storytelling, and more.
She worked with Brands like Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Loreal before becoming the co-founder of the altMBA with Seth Godin in 2014.
Nowadays, she's the cofounder of Maven, a platform that supports content creators in disrupting the way that traditional education works, and we'll talk about it in depth today.
She is the undisputed godmother of Cohort Based Courses and has helped people like Nir Eyal, Sahil Bloom, and Pat Flynn create innovative and transformational experiences for their audiences.
Enjoy the interview!