Lean into Love

What does it mean to feel truly at home—in our spaces, our bodies, our relationships, and our lives?

In this episode of Lean Into Love, Gina sits down with Yvonne Hsiume, a licensed real estate agent and business development professional, to explore career transitions, family, faith, community, and the surprising ways our physical spaces can shape our internal worlds.

Yvonne shares her journey from 14 years in her family’s manufacturing business to building a new career in real estate, and how the threads of hospitality, service, feng shui, and her relationship with home have foll...

This episode features Scott Barnhardt, an actor-writer and independent education consultant (college coach) who guides creative students through goal-setting, applications, and college decisions.

Scott shares his path from a theater-loving childhood and professional acting career to earning an MFA in playwriting at UCLA, discovering a passion for teaching, leading as director of the Musical Theater Conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts, and launching his own consulting business. Scott reflects on performing in the original Broadway cast of The Book of Mormon, using that period to transition careers, and explains he is finishing a book...

Today’s guest is Francisco Ortega, who reflects on migration, identity, vulnerability, and the lost art of deep conversation. He shares how self-doubt and imposter syndrome can fuel humility and growth, and opens up about the shame that once led him to fabricate parts of his story in order to belong.

Francisco recounts immigrating from Jalisco, Mexico, living in Tijuana apart from his parents, and arriving in the U.S. in 1978 — experiences that shaped his sense of dual identity. He also discusses his men’s group, his work around dialogue, and how writing an autobiographical-fictional book led to dee...

In this grounding and inspiring conversation, Gina sits down with Jade Gutierrez, founder of The Skin Lab, to talk about intuition, entrepreneurship, healing through touch, and building a life rooted in authenticity.

Jade shares her journey from juggling multiple jobs while raising two children to creating a thriving buccal massage business in Huntington Beach, CA — one built through intuition, consistency, and a powerful mindset shift: “Everything always works out for me.”

Together, Gina and Jade explore:

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, Alicia Wagner Kaplan shares how her sister’s stroke at age 26 changed the trajectory of her life - and ultimately led her to become a physical therapist. Watching her sister relearn how to walk, talk, and reclaim her independence opened Alicia’s eyes to the transformative power of rehabilitation.

Now five years into her career, Alicia works in outpatient physical therapy, where she helps patients return not just to sport - but to life.

But this episode goes far beyond biomechanics.

Together, we expl...

In this expansive and deeply vulnerable conversation, Gina sits down with Angie Su, founder of Lightworks Wellness — a metaphysical studio in Fullerton dedicated to training and gathering intuitives (https://www.lightworkswellness.net/)

Angie shares the raw and transformative story of her spiritual awakening — one that began after leaving conservative Christianity, deepened through yoga philosophy, and accelerated through a spontaneous experience of energy healing with her daughter.

What followed was a complete unraveling and rebuilding of her life:

In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, Gina sits down with longtime yoga teacher and retreat leader Alex Roberts of Purple Yoga to explore what it truly means to choose love over fear: in relationships, in career pivots, in physical endurance, and in the face of profound uncertainty.

Alex shares his unconventional path from collegiate soccer player at UC Santa Barbara to yoga teacher, and how a humbling first class reshaped his ego, his body, and ultimately his life. He reflects on the transformative power of community, mentorship, and why teacher training can be life-changing, even for those...

Episode Description

In this deeply moving episode of Lean into Love, Gina sits down with Kristin Hennenfent—a soon-to-be mama, radiant human, and powerful example of what it means to choose love in a world that often invites fear.

Kristin has lived through profound and life-altering experiences, including surviving the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting. Rather than allowing trauma to harden her heart, she has committed to living with intentional positivity, grounded perspective, and open-hearted courage.

This conversation isn’t about bypassing pain. It’s about acknowledging darkness while refusing to let it define you. I...

Natalie is one compassionate, quick-witted, funny gal who gives so much thought and care to her community, and I am so grateful she agreed to be on the pod! Listen as Natalie discusses her work at CAPC, Community Advocates for People’s Choice, a non-profit capitalizing on capabilities. They seek to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live and work on their own, gain employment, and find living arrangements if they need. This incredible organization provides a community of inclusion and advocacy, often providing transportation to improve these individuals’ relationships and lives.

If you would like...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Bella Casperson, a dynamic young actor who is making a difference through her art, one performance at a time. Bella’s talent and passion shine both on and off the stage as she uses her creativity to spark change and tell meaningful stories.

In addition to her acting career, Bella is a dedicated yoga instructor who integrates mindfulness, self-compassion, and faith into her practice. In this episode, she shares insights on balancing her artistic pursuits with her commitment to helping others grow through yoga. Don’t miss this uplifting episode with...

Teaching both the Play and the Pause, Jen Trevor’s Thoughtful Theater is a youth performing arts program in Newport Beach, CA, that skillfully integrates theater arts curriculum with sensory mindfulness activities. This innovative approach blends self-expression with self-awareness, creating a unique and enriching experience for young performers. Jen's company intentionally channels children's talents and energy into local and global community projects, promoting awareness and compassion on a broader scale.

Join us as we talk about the power of mindfulness in the arts, spirituality, and so much more.

Learn more about Thoughtful Theatre and the am...

In this episode, Tim Cherry shares his near-death experience and how this occurance impacted him. We talk about the events leading up to his NDE, what happened during it, and everything he learned afterward as a result.

NDEs have always been a reminder for me that life exists beyond the one we're experiencing and how to stay connected to a higher power. I hope this helps you on your spiritual, self-compassion journey, as well.

Interested in a great pickleball podcast? Check out Tim's sister's podcast all about the sport that's taking the world...

This is an eyes-open, present-moment awareness meditation centered around the concept of "Let Them."

As always, make sure you are in a safe environment and making good decisions when participating in a meditation. Feel free to let me know how this might have helped you.

Follow me on IG: www.instagram.com/theyogina

Visit my website: www.theyogina.com

Email me: hello@theyogina.com

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Chris Hoff, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the Executive Director of the California Family Institute (CFI).

In our conversation, Dr. Hoff shares profound philosophical insights and therapeutic wisdom, making this episode a must-listen. Whether you’re a mental health professional, a therapy seeker, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode offers valuable wisdom.

Key Topics:

- Dr. Chris Hoff's diverse career path and achievements

- The mission and services of the California Family Institute

- An...

We're baaaack! It's summertime, and this podcast is back in action, lovers! Now, I'm dropping an episode every two weeks because I'm in grad school and have limited time, but I still want to share stories of hope, courage, and choosing to lean into love, even in the face of fear!

Cheers!

Gina

In this episode, we welcome Pat Moran, a Philadelphia-based Vedic Meditation teacher. Pat is pursuing a master's in social work, aiming to integrate meditation and spirituality into his therapeutic practice.

In our conversation, we explore:

Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for your spiritual journey.

Check out his Insight Timer page: https://insighttimer.com/patrickrmoran

Veda Center: https://www.thevedacenter...

Elise Arndt is a multidisciplinary artist whose talents run the gambit from acting, singing, and dancing, to teaching and coaching. We discuss her navigating the winding road of life as a performer in NYC and now LA, being a teacher and mentor, and her journey with sobriety (or, rather, sober curiosity). Elise continues to make a positive difference in the lives of her students and colleagues as she consistently practices what she preaches.

Book recommendations:

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Mile High by...

Join me as I chat with the remarkable Elisha Cleaver.

Elisha is an extraordinary individual, she is truly the embodiment of strength. I met Elisha this past summer during a Reiki training course, and the more I learned about Elisha’s story, the more I admired her. She views everything optimistically, has the most positive energy, and makes everyone feel considered in her presence. To know she has overcome significant challenges in her life and continues to transform her fear into faith is even more incredible. She is a true trailblazer.

I hope you find th...

On this episode, I have the honor of interviewing the fabulous Jessica Hayes. A musical theatre performer, voice teacher extraordinaire, yogi, and massage therapist, Jessica truly embodies what it means to live a life leading from love. Jessica shares her journey of healing by listening to her body's innate wisdom and being inspired to help others do the same.

Interested in working with Jessica? Book a massage or hone your singing skills! DM her at https://www.instagram.com/jessica_makes_music/

Check out her acapella group, Velocity Acapella: https://www.instagram.com/velocityacapella/

Why should we meditate? What does it do for us? How can it help improve our lives? Join me as we explore the benefits of meditation a little more thoroughly.

Interested in learning how to meditate? I can teach you! Visit www.theyogina.com to begin your journey towards greater self-compassion through meditation today!

Brandi Healy is a Human Design guide and wellness entrepreneur who shares her knowledge on how this system of self-knowledge can help you live your life with greater ease and trust.In today's episode, we discuss Human Design types, authorities, and strategies, as well as signatures and centers. Want more clarity on all of those terms? Head over to the Well Designed Podcast: A Human Design Podcast, where Brandi and her co-host Kyle Wood break down the nuances of it all.Well Designed Podcast: A Human Design Podcast https://welldesignedhd.transistor.fm/If you're interested in working with Brandi or...

Join me in exploring the connection between "nowhere" and "now here." "Nowhere" is a non-existent void, whereas "Now Here" is being fully present in this moment. Mindfulness helps us transform "nowhere" into "now here," and it is a beautiful, soul-nourishing journey within. Interested in learning how to be here now through mindfulness tools? 1:1 Coaching slots are available just for you. Visit my website www.theyogina.com to schedule your first 30-minute call for FREE! If you haven't already, follow me on IG @theyogina.comBe well!

Learn more about Reiki and the transformative power of energy healing.

Learn about parallels between self-holding and hands on Reiki.

Understand why Reiki is a form of co-regulation practice as well as ways in which you can heal your energy by working with a practitioner.

Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a short, guided, self-Reiki meditation. Enjoy!

Interested in learning more self-compassionate practices? Work with me inside The Self Love Club - a coaching program designed to help you learn how to love all parts of you. Visit...

In this episode, I share my experience of cutting processed and refined sugar out of my diet only to experience dun dun dun: SUGAR WITHDRAWALS! It was not an easy time and leaning into love was hard but I learned so much in the process and want to share the insights that I gained with you. Interested in joining the Self Love Club, a virtual 1:1 Coaching program? Visit www.theyogina.com to book a FREE 30-minute Discovery call where we'll create a game plan to help you achieve your goals today! Follow me on social media: https://www.instagram.com...

Maya Rain is one of the most authentic and integrated souls you will ever meet! It was an honor to have her share her embodied wisdom on all things spirituality, coaching, life, and so much more on this episode.

Maya is a trained psychotherapist, Life Coach and Spiritual Guide who helps people "know their soul, love themselves, and enjoy life." Through offerings such as Private Life Coaching, to virtual Moon Magick groups, retreats, and other events, Maya has cultivated a beautiful community of loving, like-minded individuals. On this episode, she shares an exciting upcoming project that will...

In this episode, I share an exciting life update on my journey of leaning into love! This new chapter in my life perfectly supports my mission as a Self-Love Coach: to be of service by helping others improve their relationship to themselves and consequently others.

I also give a brief explanation on the Internal Family Systems Therapeutic model that has transformed my life for the better (think Disney's "Inside Out"). I refer to IFS a lot in the work that I do and on this podcast so it will be a helpful reference for you moving forward...

In this episode, I'll be sharing my personal journey, from growing up in LA to finding my purpose as a Self-Love Coach. From the challenges of living with Tourette Syndrome to discovering the healing potential of movement and inner work, I'll take you through the highs and lows that have shaped my path.

Join me as I explore the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and how they contribute to our holistic well-being.As a performer and educator, I've witnessed the incredible impact of self-expression and human connection. I'm thrilled to share my insights into the power...

Welcome to the debut episode of the "Lean into Love" podcast where I, your host Gina Velez, take you on a profound journey into the heart. Join me as we explore the intricate balance between love and fear and delve into the transformative potential of self-compassion. In this episode, I lay the foundation for the incredible odyssey we're about to undertake, giving you a glimpse into the revelations that await. Together, let's embrace love, conquer fear, and nurture the boundless well of self-compassion within us.

Welcome to the "Lean into Love” podcast trailer episode.