Awaken Your Soul's Journey

Angela interviews science teacher and memoirist Katie Rizzo, who lost her firstborn son Nicholas to addiction on September 17, 2024 after years of opioid dependence, and describes how Al‑Anon and grief support groups helped her survive. Katie explains her framework from her forthcoming memoir, The Trimesters of Grief (Kohler Books), comparing mourning to pregnancy: early nausea and disorientation, a numb second stage where others “return to normal,” and a third stage where grief becomes visible as she shares openly and begins writing poetry to reach her son. She discusses Nick Cave’s idea of letting grief sit beside you, tending it throu...

Angela welcomes author and ICU nurse Teresa Evans to discuss her book, "Choosing to Die: A Daughter's Story of Supporting Her Mother's End of Life Through Assisted Death." Teresa shares how witnessing death as a nurse shaped her views, and how her perspective deepened when her mother, after years with end-stage heart failure and COPD, chose medical assistance in dying (MAID) on her 80th birthday. They explore the importance of having end-of-life conversations early, the complexities and empowerment involved in MAID, and the emotional toll of anticipatory grief when a date and time are known. Teresa describes tending her...

Angela interviews Sylvia Worsham, a three-times bestselling author, spiritual transformation coach, and host of the Release Doubt, Reveal Purpose podcast, about anticipatory grief, daily surrender to God, and finding joy during profound loss. Sylvia shares her complicated relationship with her father, how writing her memoir helped her forgive and heal before his terminal brain tumor diagnosis in 2023, and how surrender brought peace as he died. She also recounts surviving life-threatening pulmonary embolisms and a vena cava clot in 2012, which deepened her faith and later led her to leave a corporate career. Sylvia explains practical steps to let go of...

Angela interviews Jody Hudson, author of My Promise to Alex, motivational speaker,

and founder of the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation about her daughter Alex’s years-long

medical mystery that began with joint pain in fifth grade, escalated in high school, and

was finally diagnosed as Lyme disease after 40 doctors in 2017. Jody describes the

emotional toll of dismissal by the medical community, the complexity of Lyme treatment

and co-infections, and balancing cross-country care while working full time as a single

mother. She shares how faith sustained them, the mo...

Angela interviews Kristen Swan, a former business coach now devoted to life and spiritual guidance, about the power of story, curiosity, and self-discovery. Kristan describes three “buckets” of story—stories we tell ourselves, inherited stories, and stories we share—and compares storytelling to visual art as a way to reveal universal human truths and reduce isolation. They discuss vulnerability, using journaling prompts to begin, and how consistent pen-to-paper reflection helps identify patterns, joy, and the nuances of connection, especially for introverts. Kristen explains how reflecting on past outcomes can restore hope amid a heavy world, and she explores anger, grief, a...

Angela welcomes energy healing practitioner and author Dana Wylder, who shares how trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation preceded her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and sparked a deep exploration of mind-body healing. Dana explains the yogic model of the five koshas, arguing that chronic illness often arises “upstream” and can’t be addressed through physical treatment alone. They discuss reducing external noise and toxic inputs, listening to symptoms as messages, creating space through “being” before “doing,” and becoming your own health advocate amid overwhelming and conflicting advice. Dana describes sound healing with tuning forks, patterns she’s observed in autoimmune perso...

Angela interviews Dr. Lise Janelle, founder of the Heart Freedom Method and co-authoring a new book with Jack Canfield, about turning grief and hardship into healing and purpose. Dr. Lise shares how a series of losses in 1988—her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis, her 21-year-old brother’s death, and the end of a long relationship—sparked a lifelong mission to help others release emotional blocks. Drawing on Neuro Emotional Technique and the power of gratitude, she developed a method that identifies stuck emotional responses without needing physical contact. They discuss how challenges can build “wings,” how gratitude and opening the heart ca...

Podcast host Angela interviews Jessica Taylor, who describes a severe brain injury that erased much of her memory and education, brought profound grief to her and her family, and left her without adequate medical support in Toronto. Jessica says she rebuilt her life through determination, extensive reading, and 20 years of research that led to her book A Spiritual Awakening and her memoir From Tragedy to Triumph: Reawakening My Broken Brain, aiming to help families understand brain injury and offer a new perspective on life. She recounts experiences of altered consciousness, spontaneous poem writing, and a lasting disappearance...

Angela interviews professional artist Devorah Brinkerhoff, who created “Soul Portraits,” a mixed-media healing practice using personal materials like letters, photographs, journal pages, and legal documents to transform trauma and release old stories. Devorah describes how creativity is often dismissed in Western achievement culture, yet drawing and painting helped her self-connect, self-witness, and survive when words and even therapy couldn’t fully hold her experience. She shares how family conflict, lawsuits, and efforts to protect her children from sexual abuse led her to intuitively rip, reassemble, and paint over painful documents, creating relief and a sense of reclaiming herself. Devorah explai...

Angela welcomes grief and widow coach Kari Driskell, who was widowed at 38 with two young daughters, and discusses a direct, “no BS” approach to grief. Kari shares how platitudes and toxic positivity felt invalidating, why she believes there’s a difference between lifelong grief and “actively grieving,” and how healing can restore a fuller sense of aliveness rather than capping life at a reduced “new 100%.” She recounts her husband Eric’s sudden death from a massive brain aneurysm in 2017, the difficult aftermath of parenting through loss, and how she sought tools, experts, and community to rebuild her life without “letting go” of her...

Podcast host Angela interviews attorney, CPA, life coach, and author Stanley F. Bronstein, who describes losing his mother at age eight, receiving little explanation or support, and experiencing decades of delayed grief that contributed to obesity and disconnection. He recounts weight fluctuations through college, law school, and adulthood, a pivotal moment near age 50 when he weighed 320 pounds and committed to permanent lifestyle change, quitting alcohol and soda, progressively changing his diet to vegan, and building a daily walking practice that eventually reached 13–15 miles a day; he reports losing 220+ pounds naturally and walking 72,000 miles. A later family funeral triggered long-suppressed te...

Angela interviews Lee Atherton, a fire chaplain and end-of-life grief and resilience coach with over 15 years of experience, about helping people navigate dying, grief, and the unique challenges faced by first responders who regularly witness death. Lee shares how she moved from aspiring parish ministry into hospice chaplaincy and then fire chaplaincy, focusing on tools and resources that help people process emotions rather than suppress them, reducing fear and accumulated stress that can end careers. They discuss how grief differs across losses, how support should resonate with the individual, and how telling one’s story can aid healing without “gett...

Angela interviews Brheanna Myers, founder of Light and Breezy Coaching and creator of the Awaken Your Potential Method, about her spiritual awakening and near-death experience in 2020 after collapsing from fungal pneumonia and dying for six minutes. Brheanna describes leaving her body, experiencing unconditional love, being shown an “exit clause” in her soul contract, and seeing the quantum field’s interconnectedness, which led her into modalities like DNA activations, energy healing, and QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique). She explains QHHT’s interview process, past-life regression, and connecting to the higher self for insight and healing, and emphasizes reprogramming the subconscious, living i...

Angela interviews grief educator Sylvia Wolfer, who lost her father to a heart attack at age seven, her younger brother in a road accident when she was 17, and her older brother in a car crash just before lockdown. Sylvia shares how years of unprocessed grief made her avoid everyday life and feel ambushed by triggers, leading to nervous system exhaustion, irritability, sleep and appetite disruption, and social withdrawal. She explains how neuroscience helped validate her experience and describes the brain’s time-space-connection map, noting that time and place disappear after loss while connection can remain. Sylvia offers grounded practices: te...

Angela interviews Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny, an ordained animal chaplain, pastor, and credentialed grief counselor who founded the Boston-based nonprofit Animal Talks after the devastating loss of a beloved cat. Sakakeeny explains that pet loss is not merely “like” losing a family member—it is—and that unprocessed grief can be misunderstood by medical models that try to “fix” heartbreak as mental illness. He describes grief as a universal pain shared across many losses, distinguishes grief (the inner state) from mourning (the actions taken), and offers rituals such as journaling, creating memorial spaces, planting trees, and support groups to externalize sorrow. They...

Angela welcomes Dr. Sue McCreadie, a holistic pediatrician and midlife transformation expert, to discuss coping with grief and heavy uncertainty. Dr. Sue shares Tony Robbins’ idea that quality of life depends on how much uncertainty you can handle, relates her experience with multiple miscarriages, and describes a vivid dream that led her to try baby aspirin and later discover methylation issues that informed her work helping thousands of children. They discuss rituals for reconnecting to joy, including journaling, noticing “God winks,” and allowing waves of grief to be felt in order to heal. Dr. Sue explains growth through friction, bounda...

Angela welcomes Amy Thurman, bestselling author, international speaker, and creator of the Authentic Intelligence and authenticity score frameworks. Amy shares her lived experience of rebuilding her life after spending 10 years with a broken neck and a sheared brainstem that went undiagnosed for six months, leaving her incapacitated for nearly a year, costing her, her job and sense of self-worth, and bringing her close to suicide before choosing to fight to live and use her story to help others. The conversation focuses on authenticity as measurable and strategic, beginning with self-discovery removing layers of expectations, roles, and masks to reconnect...

In this episode, Angela interviews Tony Stoltzfus, a seasoned coach, trainer, and author of 21 books. Tony shares his journey of moving from a corporate job in custom furniture to discovering his true calling in coaching. He offers insights into overcoming life's toughest challenges, including financial struggles, family issues, and a devastating house fire, emphasizing the importance of faith, creative expression, and meaningful relationships. Tony also discusses how experiences and people, rather than traditional learning methods, transform lives and highlights the significance of Heaven in coping with loss and forging ahead. He shares practical advice for those grappling with grief...

In this heartwarming episode, host Angela welcomes Jay Deutsch, a self-love and mindset coach who has experienced profound grief and transformation. Jay shares his journey of losing his soulmate Larissa to suicide in 2015, navigating life as a single parent, and enduring a 'dark night of the soul.' He dives into the depths of his spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and the tools he harnessed to rebuild his life through neuroscience, NLP, and emotional healing. Jay's insights into grief, the power of self-love, and the importance of mindset offer valuable lessons for anyone on a similar path to healing and self-reinvention.<...

In this episode, host Angela welcomes Mark Motsenbocker to discuss the transformative power of giving and receiving. Mark shares his life journey of overcoming the early loss of his parents and the wisdom he gained from unexpected mentors. Highlighting the importance of purposeful and habitual acts of giving, Mark delves into meaningful quotes and biblical teachings that have shaped his life. The conversation touches on personal stories illustrating how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and emphasizes the significance of fostering a giving mindset in everyday life.

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In this episode, Angela welcomes Sean Blackwell, author of 'Bipolar Awakenings: The Quest to Heal Bipolar Disorder,' to discuss his unique perspective on bipolar disorder, mental health, and spiritual transformation. Sean shares his journey from experiencing a misdiagnosed psychosis to becoming a healer focused on the intersection of psychology and spiritual awakening. The conversation dives deep into the misunderstood aspects of bipolar disorder, the impact of trauma, and the powerful healing potential of holotropic breathwork. Sean also shares personal anecdotes and stories from his work, providing insightful advice for those struggling with grief and trauma. This engaging discussion...

In this podcast episode, Angela welcomes Dr. Scott Guerin, an award-winning, bestselling author and educator with a profound interest in the mysteries of God, the universe, and humanity's role within it. Dr. Guerin shares insights from his latest book, 'Awkward Awakenings: Finding Our Way Home,' which invites readers to awaken to their divine nature and explore connections with intelligent life beyond Earth. In their engaging conversation, they discuss Dr. Guerin's spiritual journey, his shift from organized religion to spirituality, and the significance of channeling and meditative techniques. Dr. Guerin also recounts a transformative Akashic record reading that guided...

In this episode, Angela welcomes Lisa Rites, a certified grief educator and author. After transitioning from a 40-year career as a respiratory therapist, Lisa now helps individuals navigate their grief through education and support. This discussion delves into the societal discomfort around grief, the misconceptions about the grieving process, and the importance of having a supportive network. Lisa also shares insights from her personal journey through divorce and provides details on her book, which addresses the various stages of grief. Listeners are encouraged to seek support when needed.

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In this inspiring podcast episode, Angela welcomes Dr. Crystal Harrell, a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and mindfulness-based stress reduction instructor. Dr. Harrell shares her incredible journey from growing up in public housing in Alabama to earning a PhD in Public Health from Yale University. She delves into her spiritual awakening in 2018 that led her to reconnect with her wholeness and combine academic achievement with deep personal and spiritual growth. Through her book 'Crystal Clear', her TEDx talk, and initiatives like the Student Wellbeing Project, Dr. Harrell offers insights into the integration of science and spirituality. Join us as she...

In this podcast episode, Angela welcomes Melanie Smithson, a licensed somatic psychotherapist, business owner, certified spiritual integration hypnotherapist, and award-winning author. The conversation delves deeply into the nature of grief, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the body's role in healing. Melanie shares her unique perspectives on moving through grief, emphasizing non-resistance, the significance of letting go, and how suppressed emotions can manifest physically. The discussion also touches upon societal attitudes towards emotions, practical approaches to embracing and releasing grief, and the spiritual aspects of connecting with loved ones who have passed. Melanie also introduces some of her practices...

In this episode, Angela welcomes the multifaceted Lara Silverman, a bestselling Christian author, lawyer, jazz singer, and comedic actress. Lara shares her profound journey through chronic illness and the unexpected trials of life. Despite facing severe health challenges and personal loss, Lara delves deep into how her Christian faith and passion for music and comedy have sustained her. The conversation touches on coping with suffering, finding joy in hardship, and the spiritual and emotional resilience required to navigate life's valleys. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on faith, resilience, and the power of perspective.

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In this enlightening episode, host Angela welcomes Cheryl Stilt, a spiritual coach, master healer, and bestselling author. Cheryl shares her profound journey from a Roman Catholic upbringing to becoming a leading figure in energy healing and spiritual empowerment. With over 30 years of experience, Cheryl discusses how she helps mature women overcome subconscious blocks, gain clarity, and live their true, powerful selves. She recounts a life-changing spiritual experience involving her deceased brother, which led her to meditation and holistic healing. Cheryl elaborates on her unique healing methods, focusing on the subconscious mind, and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and new...

In this episode, Angela interviews Lyubim Kogan, a five-time first-generation immigrant winter Olympian, 9/11 survivor, and founder of Wings for Heroes. This organization helps amputee veterans reclaim dignity, purpose, and joy through paragliding and adventure. They discuss Lyubim's personal journey through various life challenges, including his experiences on Wall Street, the impact of 9/11, and humanitarian missions. Lyubim emphasizes the importance of keeping promises to veterans, provides insights into dealing with grief and loss, and shares his inspiration for founding Wings for Heroes. Tune in to discover how Lyubim’s work brings hope and transformation to the lives of veterans and le...

In this inspiring episode of our podcast, host Angela talks with John dedakis, a novelist, writing coach, and former CNN editor. With a rich career in journalism, including a period as a White House correspondent during Ronald Reagan's presidency, John shares his journey from witnessing a traumatic event in his childhood to becoming an award-winning author. They discuss how John has used writing as a therapeutic tool to cope with personal grief. The conversation delves into the power of journaling, the creative writing process, and the impact of AI on writing. John also offers insightful advice for those looking...

In this enlightening podcast episode, host Angela interviews the inspiring Gail Showalter, an advocate for single mothers and founder of a nonprofit organization supporting single moms earning a degree in Southeast Texas. Gail shares her personal journey of raising three children as a single mother, the challenges she faced, and the wisdom she gained along the way. She emphasizes the importance of planning, asking for help, and creative outlets in overcoming life's hurdles. Gail also discusses her book 'Living Learning Loving' and the significance of family bonding and personal growth. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and encouragement...

In this episode, Angela welcomes Zander Sprague, an author, speaker, and grief counselor who transformed personal tragedy into a mission to help others navigate grief. Zander shares his journey of coping with the loss of his sister and how it inspired him to support those who have experienced similar losses. This heartfelt conversation explores the importance of acknowledging grief, sharing stories, and finding ways to celebrate the lives of lost loved ones. Zander also discusses the impact of his books and his involvement with The Compassionate Friends organization. Tune in for insights, encouragement, and practical advice on handling grief...

In this profound and enlightening podcast episode, Angela interviews Chad Scott, a therapist, author, educator, and liver transplant survivor. Chad shares his powerful journey of transforming personal adversity into a mission of exploring the world's most emotionally significant and historically impactful places. His book, 'Beyond the Darkness,' delves into dark tourism, visiting sites like Auschwitz, Ground Zero, and the Roman Colosseum to uncover lessons about healing and resilience. Chad shares how these experiences have changed him, providing clinical insights and lived experiences to guide others through pain, discover purpose, and cultivate strength. Tune in to hear Chad's inspiring...

In this episode, I welcome Craig Meriweather, a certified clinical hypnotherapist and founder of Sacred Mystery Hypnotherapy. Craig shares his expertise in hypnotherapy and past life regression, discussing their powerful impact on overcoming trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. He emphasizes the role of the subconscious mind in holding onto pain as a form of protection and how therapeutic hypnosis can help release this burden. Craig also explores the concept of past life regression, its potential to heal emotional wounds, and his approach to combining science with spirituality. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how hypnotherapy can be a...

In this episode, Malisa recounts her tumultuous childhood marked by parental addiction and extreme neglect, including a traumatic incident at two months old. she shares the emotional impact of her father's death due to a morphine overdose when she was 15, and the subsequent struggle to cope with this loss. Malisa describes her determination to be better than her parents and to bring a better life into the world for her own children. Experiences of emotional abuse and comparison by her mother are revealed, along with the internal battles with feelings of inadequacy and worthiness. Despite occasional struggles, such as...

In this episode, Angela welcomes special guest Barbara Hemphill, a pioneer in the organizing industry and author of 'Taming the Paper Tiger' and 'Less Clutter, More Life.' Barbara shares her unique insights into how physical and digital clutter are often symptoms of deeper emotional and spiritual blockages. With over four decades of experience and a global team of certified productive environment specialists, Barbara teaches listeners how to align workspaces with life purpose, use organization as a tool for spiritual clarity, and turn decades of stuff into a platform for peace, productivity, and impact. She also offers practical strategies...

In this podcast episode, host Angela introduces Dr. Albert Brimont, a seasoned talent agent and psychologist with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. Dr. Brimont shares his journey from traditional psychology to focusing on the creative arts, highlighting his work with grief, loss, and self-sabotage, especially among artists. He emphasizes the importance of reframing rejection and managing grief as a process that can lead to spiritual growth and resilience. Dr. Brimont also discusses practical techniques for boosting self-esteem, such as documenting small achievements in a 'Happy File' and staying connected with supportive communities. He encourages listeners...

In this episode of the podcast, Angela welcomes Sylvie Sterling, an internationally acclaimed cat whisperer, author, and interspecies communicator. Sylvie shares her unique journey from working in the movie industry to becoming a full-time cat whisperer and spiritual guide. She discusses the spiritual missions of cats, including their roles as healers, teachers, and energy workers. The conversation delves into topics such as cat archetypes, the importance of recognizing the grief of losing a pet, and the afterlife communication with cats. This episode offers comforting insights for pet lovers and those grieving the loss of their furry friends.

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This podcast episode hosted by Angela features an insightful conversation with Kamel, who shares his journey from West Africa to becoming a shaman and spiritual guide. Kamel discusses his unique approach to shamanism, which balances the human experience with spiritual practices. His methods blend various studies, including breathwork, energy healing, and shamanism, to help individuals reconnect with their true selves. Kamel emphasizes the importance of living in the present, dealing with anxiety through breathwork, and viewing grief as an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. The conversation highlights Kamel's retreats, online sessions, and educational efforts to expand his outreach...

In this enlightening episode, Angela welcomes Christian De La Huerta, a transformation coach, award-winning author, and TEDx speaker, who brings over 30 years of experience in guiding individuals and couples towards fulfilling relationships. Christian discusses his unique approach that transcends conventional therapy, helping clients break free from internal barriers to love and fostering authentic connections. They delve into topics such as the complexities of intimate relationships, the importance of looking within for answers, the power of breathwork for emotional healing, and the journey of navigating grief and new relationships. Christian also shares insights from his books 'Awakening the Soul of...

In this heartfelt episode, host Angela welcomes Bethany Shelton, founder of Be Limitless Now and creator of the Lower Aspects Masterclass. Bethany's story encompasses overcoming ADHD, addiction, incarceration, and the devastating loss of her only child, in 2020. She shares her path to reclaiming her power through spiritual connection, healing, and understanding quantum physics, vibration, and energy. Bethany talks about how signs from her son and newfound awareness transformed her grief into growth, leading her to help others through their own spiritual and emotional rebirth. Join Angela and Bethany for an inspiring conversation on moving beyond surface healing and discovering...