From the Ashes

During my adventures in Amsterdam at Mindvalley U this summer, I had the opportunity to meet the wonderful Paul Gotel, former music industry mogul turned inspirational speaker and author with an incredible life story to tell. What struck me about Paul is his dynamic energy and loving spirit, and his unapologetic mission to help people start their own inner revolutions towards authenticity.

During our conversation, I was deeply moved by his radical honesty about success, burnout, and the illusions we trade for authenticity. We unpack what it really means to live in alignment. Not chasing approval, not...

In this inspiring conversation from Amsterdam, I sit down with my new friend Kiki Fukai, an ikigai coach and digital nomad from Japan, whose life changed dramatically after a devastating snowboarding accident. With her entire face shattered and her life hanging by a thread, Kiki chose not to remain a victim but to rise stronger—embracing her pain as fuel for transformation.

From surviving multiple surgeries to rebuilding her identity, she now empowers others to discover their ikigai, or life purpose, while living with freedom and authenticity. Together, we explore resilience, positivity, Japanese cultural challenges around self-expression, an...

I had the privilege of interviewing some remarkable souls during my adventures at Mindvalley U this year in Amsterdam. From world-class DJs to wandering nomads, hundreds of soul-seeking travelers from all around the globe gathered for two weeks of connection and personal growth. I knew that there would be people with incredible stories to share, and I was not wrong!

In this episode of From the Ashes, I sit down with Karms Fung, who shares her remarkable journey from a high-achieving corporate career to rediscovering purpose and alignment through Vipassana meditation and deep inner healing. Together, we...

In this week's episode of From the Ashes, I sit down with writer and former Silicon Valley leader Sabra Meretab, who shares her deeply personal story of navigating burnout, imposter syndrome, and what she calls “hero syndrome.” From excelling in corporate at Stripe to writing her first memoir, Sabra opens up about the inner reckoning that changed her life, and how she chose to heal from within rather than run away.

We talk about the hidden roots of burnout that start in childhood, the cultural glorification of overachievement, and how self-doubt can actually be a signpost toward your...

In this solo episode, I share my raw, reflective experience completing a 72-hour water fast—something I once thought I’d never do. From initial skepticism to Ayurvedic insights, I walk you through the why, how, and who should or shouldn't try this powerful practice. We explore fasting as a spiritual and biological reset, and how our motivations—survival vs. thriving—deeply affect the outcome. I also get real about how trauma, dosha imbalances, and hustle culture can dangerously distort our relationship with fasting.

Whether you’re curious about how fasting can improve immunity, reduce inflammation, and sharpen yo...

In this episode of From the Ashes, I dig deep into one of the most universal blocks on the journey to personal transformation: getting out of our own way. I share personal stories, cultural reflections, and the mindset shifts I’ve experienced—and continue to practice—to move beyond self-sabotage.

We unpack why so many of us know what we want but stop short of going after it, and how invisible “rules,” survival programming, and old belief systems keep us stuck. I also walk you through powerful journal prompts and four essential tools that can truly shift your traje...

In this episode, I reflect deeply on a truth many of us avoid: that waiting until the brink of collapse before taking care of ourselves can be devastating. I explore how burnout creeps in, often disguised in small, overlooked symptoms, and how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom can help us recognize and reverse imbalances before they manifest as serious disease. I share personal stories, client experiences, and candid insights into why we push ourselves to the edge—and how we can choose differently. This is a call to reclaim our energy, trust ourselves, and courageously prioritize well-being in a culture that gl...

This week’s episode is a real-time reflection from the floor of my office, sparked by something I’ve been unpacking in my own life and in Club Phoenix lately: joy.

More specifically—why I’ve been choking my own joy, even while teaching others how to live in alignment.

In this solo episode, I explore my Flowstate Framework and how each pillar (purpose, abundance, freedom, and fulfillment) feeds into the others. Joy is an aspect of fulfillment, where we derive pleasure from doing something meaningful in our lives. I unpack how easy it is to choke...

What does it mean to heal at the root—not just to feel better, but to become whole again?

In this deeply resonant episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Stauder—somatic transformation coach, quantum healing guide, and fellow rebel soul—to explore what it means to return to the wisdom of the body, to grieve and awaken simultaneously, and to walk the long road of self-healing with curiosity and courage.

Elizabeth’s story is not linear—and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. From navigating a life-altering autoimmune flare triggered by a vaccine injury, to unravelin...

From running nightclubs with the mob in Chicago…

to curating a culinary bookstore in Long Beach built on dialogue, not hype—Matt Miller has lived some stories.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt—writer, food obsessive, and founder of Kitchen Lingo—to talk about the messy, meandering, totally unscripted path to building something that actually fits.

What struck me most? He didn’t rush it. He sat across the street from the space for months before deciding what it should become. No grand launch. No five-year plan. Just coffee, curiosity, and the courag...

In this episode of From the Ashes, I sat down with Human Design and nervous system guide Akary Busto  for an open, honest, and eye-opening conversation about how Human Design can help you reconnect with your true nature and unlock your full potential.

To make the most out of listening to this episode, I highly recommend downloading your free personal Human Design chart at https://uhkare.com/ 

Akary didn’t start her journey in the wellness world—she was an international banker. But it wasn’t until she began facing the physical and emotional effects of her o...

What if the path to your purpose isn't about following a formula—but listening deeply, leaning into fear, and saying yes to what lights you up?

In this solo season premiere of From the Ashes, I share the story of how a spontaneous decision to attend a retreat in Japan reignited a long-lost part of me—and reminded me that reclaiming your unique potential often starts with one bold, intuitive leap.

From journaling breakthroughs and digital detoxes to multilingual dinner parties with strangers and a renewed global mission, this episode is an invitation to reflect, real...

In this powerful season finale of From the Ashes, I’m joined by Sambo Sak—a Cambodian American community leader, poet, and educator based in Long Beach, CA. Sambo uses storytelling and creative expression as a path to healing, identity, and collective liberation.

Together, we explore how creativity becomes a lifeline in times of darkness, how generational trauma can quietly shape our beliefs about ourselves, and how reclaiming your story is one of the most radical acts of healing you can take.

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes candid conversation around suicidal ideation. Please listen with care.

What if your healing journey isn’t about becoming someone new—but remembering who you’ve always been?

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes, I sit down once again with meditation teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner, and dear friend Michael Green for a conversation that goes straight to the soul. We dive into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and how it reveals not only the roots of imbalance, but also the power we have to return to ourselves—through awareness, radical presence, and compassionate choice.

We explore what it really means to live from your Prakr...

What does it really mean to live unapologetically as yourself? To embrace change, trust your intuition, and follow your creative instincts—even when it means burning everything down and starting over?

In this episode, I sit down with Walden Cox, aka Walthrax, aka Black Metal Axe—a 12-time world record-holding trick shot champion in axe and knife throwing, a touring metal musician, and a multifaceted artist who has spent his entire life challenging the idea of what success "should" look like.

From growing up off the grid on an island to traveling the world as a me...

What happens when the thing you love most starts to drain you? When passion turns into exhaustion? After 2.5 years of grinding in LA’s dance scene—teaching, performing, producing community shows, and chasing a career that no longer felt aligned—I made a radical decision. I sold everything I owned, packed my bags, and moved to New Zealand with no plans of coming back.

In this episode, I share why I walked away from dance, what I learned about passion, identity, and survival, and how taking a literal leap of faith into the unknown led me to unexpe...

This week on From the Ashes, I sit down with the incredibly thoughtful and creative Katherine Roesler, a sober artist and creative from Toronto who believes that art, play, and creation are essential to healing and transformation.

Katherine’s own journey through substance abuse and identity exploration has shaped her values and convictions around her art and personal mission today. Together, we explore what it means to claim the title of "artist" in a world that often undermines creativity, the struggles of overcoming internalized self-doubt, and how community plays a vital role in healing.

What I...

This week, I’m diving into a powerful realization—one that shifted how I see myself, my work, and the way we show up in the world. We all have an immense power to lead from authenticity and creativity, but so many of us get stuck chasing validation—whether it’s praise, money, or recognition.

Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in philosophy, and one book that deeply resonated with me is The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. In this episode, I read a short excerpt from the chapter “Deny the Desire for Recognit...

Rise. Renew. Reconnect. Welcome back to From the Ashes!

This week, I’m absolutely stoked to introduce you to my friend Kyle Hebner—drummer of the metal band Mourn the Light and an all-around delightfully honest human being. Just like Dylan Gowan from a few episodes back, Kyle and I met during our heavy metal travels through Japan last December, and I knew immediately that he’d be an incredible guest for this show.

We dive deep into the ethos of metal—why it resonates with outcasts, the unspoken rules of mosh pits, and how the genr...

In this episode, I’m talking with Erin Resch, a conservation manager and sustainability advocate whose initiatives started with powerful personal journey. Erin’s story begins with her struggle with infertility—a challenge that led her to completely rethink her diet, environment, and lifestyle. By cutting out toxins, processed foods, and microplastics, she didn’t just improve her physical health but found a deeper connection to sustainable, intentional living. In our conversation, we dig into the environmental impact of the food industry, her experiences working in conservation, and how small changes, like swapping out plastic water bottles or joining communit...

This week on From the Ashes, I sit down with Rich Santana, founder of Debt Behind Me, Wealth Before Me, to discuss his personal transformation and how it led him to a life of leadership, service, and faith. Rich opens up about his early life growing up in a broken home, where sports became his identity and party culture led him down a path of self-destruction. After hitting rock bottom and finding himself in prison, Rich experienced a major shift when three fellow inmates invited him to pray with them in the prison yard. Although he was raised Catholic...

When I met Joseph San Nicolas a few weeks ago, I was immediately struck by the depth of his presence. Joseph has a remarkable story of self-discovery—one that invites us to reflect deeply on the narratives we create about ourselves and the courage it takes to rewrite them.

From his humble beginnings in Guam, Joseph overcame great odds, navigating a difficult childhood and a pervasive sense of purposelessness. Through perseverance, he managed to retire in his 30s and now lives in Southern California with his beautiful family.

But what truly stands out about Joseph is...

Last month, I had a unique opportunity to do something different: serve as an assistant tour guide for two heavy metal bands and their fan club! For two weeks, I helped guide the Lords of the Trident and Seven Spires on an adventure through Japan. As someone who knew very little about metal going into this experience, I was surprised and delighted by what I discovered—not just by the music but by the community and the moments of connection I witnessed along the way.

Joining me to share his perspective is Dylan Gowan, drummer for Seven Sp...

Welcome back to From the Ashes! In today’s short and sweet solocast, I reflect on the impact of shame and self-esteem on how we show up in the world. I share my personal journey of navigating these challenges and the life-changing lessons I’ve learned about reclaiming your worth. This episode concludes with a recording of my recent speech, “Choose Yourself Before You Lose Yourself,” where I discuss the importance of stepping into your power and embracing your true potential.

About Valerie:

Valerie Hwang Beck is a holistic wellness coach and personal growth mentor with a p...

Happy New Year, and welcome back to From the Ashes! We’re kicking off 2025 with a conversation with my friend, Lynn Beck. Lynn and I met in Cate Stillman’s growth group where she has been a mentor, coach, and my personal senpai—someone I look to for inspiration and strategy. Lynn’s journey from climbing the corporate ladder to rediscovering herself through wellness, introspection, and connection is one I think many of us can relate to.

We talk about personal growth, the power of strategy, and what it means to live with more ease. Along the way, we...

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes, I am joined by Dr. LouAnne Boyd—Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Chapman University and a pioneer in designing technologies that support and celebrate neurodiverse populations.

LouAnne’s work is driven from the heart. From her beginnings as a therapist working with neurodivergent individuals to stepping boldly into the world of computer science, she shares how a pivotal moment—her “flaming out” and starting over—led her to merge technology and compassion for transformative solutions.

We discuss the ways neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently, why societal ex...

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes, I am joined by Ellie Yang Camp—artist, educator, and author of Louder Than the Lies: Asian American Identity, Solidarity, and Self-Love.

As a daughter of Asian immigrants myself, Ellie’s story struck a deep chord with me. Together, we dive into the challenges of navigating racial identity, unpacking white supremacy, and learning what it really means to embrace self-love as Asian Americans. Ellie shares her journey of discovering her voice and claiming her space in a system that often tries to box us in.

I also r...

Welcome back to From the Ashes! This week, I’m joined by writer, meditation teacher, and yoga practitioner, Linda Saslow. Linda’s journey of resilience, self-discovery, and sobriety is a remarkable testament to the human spirit’s capacity to rise stronger from life’s challenges.

In this episode, Linda shares the personal experiences and transformative events that shaped her book See You Zen, a fictionalized account inspired by her sober journey and spiritual awakening. We dive deep into her decision to embrace sobriety, the profound impact of meditation and community, and how these practices helped her navigate loss and...

Welcome back to From the Ashes! This week, I’m joined by personal trainer, meditation practitioner, and personal development guide, Benjamin Moore—better known as BMOOR. BMOOR’s transformative journey from addiction and self-destruction to self-awareness and empowerment is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In this episode, Benjamin shares his profound "Harajuku moment," the turning point that led him to embrace sobriety, move to California, and embark on a path of holistic healing and personal growth. We discuss how fasting, meditation, and intentional living have shaped his life and how they can help us rec...

I met this week's guest Rafa, or Hon Yi, on a rainy day in the mountains of Mao Kong, Taipei, during my recent trip to Taiwan, and was immediately impressed by his warmth and wisdom. Rafa is a seventh-generation tea master from Maokong, Taipei. In this episode, we explore the rich history and unique qualities of Taiwanese tea, the philosophy that makes tea a path to mindfulness, and the traditions Rafa and his family have preserved for generations. We also dive into Rafa’s fascinating journey—from working at an amusement park in Pennsylvania to studying in Madrid, and how...

In this thought-provoking episode of From the Ashes, I dive straight into the trenches with Cate Stillman, a pioneer in blending ancient health practices with modern wellness, and my awesome business coach. Cate shares her transformative journey, as detailed in her latest book, Witch's Cancer Journal, which recounts her battle with cancer and the unconventional healing practices she embraced along the way. Together, we explore the contrasts between Primal Habits (pre-agricultural habits that support our body’s natural rhythms) and Conventional Habits (modern, often consumer-driven behaviors) and how these contrasting approaches affect health and wellness.

Cate and I...

Welcome back to From the Ashes! Season 2 is here, and I’m excited to start things off with a solo episode focused on living with empathy and resilience in an increasingly polarized world. Today, I’m sharing four guiding principles that have helped me connect with others across cultural divides and find peace in differing perspectives. These are lessons from my travels, cultural exchanges, and a lot of introspection.

I’ll touch on everything from the power of truly listening (and not rushing to respond), to understanding the cultural frameworks that shape us, and even how to handle...

I'm excited to announce that we are about to start Season two of this amazing show! I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone who tuned into and participated in Season one. Your support stories and engagement made it an unforgettable journey of healing, transformation and connection, and I had a blast putting it together. Season two is all about expanding perspectives. We'll be diving deeper by engaging in conversations with people from vastly different walks of life, each sharing their unique experiences and philosophies. Because everyone's journey to their fullest potential is different and there's...

This week’s guest is my long-time friend and college dance crew mate, Joey Kim. Joey’s story of resilience and healing is both profound and inspiring. In this conversation, we reflect on our college days at Northwestern University, our time in ReFresH Dance Crew, and how we have evolved over the past decade and a half navigating the challenges of life. Joey and I discuss how we've overcome our explosive tendencies, and how dance, healing practices, and forgiveness have played pivotal roles in our growth.

This is the last episode of Season 1, and I want to than...

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Jeremy Lyons, and we dive deep into his experiences of personal growth, curiosity, and learning through failure. Jeremy shares his journey of navigating a difficult 2022, which included two major job losses, and how these challenges led him to reinvent himself, start his own company, and foster a greater understanding of his own ADD diagnosis.

We also discuss the art of blending diverse interests, from Jeremy’s time as both a cheerleader and football player to his career shifts across various industries. Jeremy’s thoughtful reflections on ADD, ment...

In this week's episode of From the Ashes, I sit down with Shiemier Munroe, a passionate youth educator from LA and host of Lounge with Munroe. Shiemier shares her deeply personal story of overcoming childhood bullying, navigating ADHD and anxiety, and embracing her biracial identity as a "Jamexican" (Jamaican-Mexican). Our conversation dives into mental health, a personal exploration of inner child healing, and how to find your voice amidst adversity. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, healing, and the power of self-advocacy.

Key Moments

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes, I sit down with Basanth Muralikrishnan, a world-class saxophonist based in Chennai, India. Basanth’s journey is one of blending worlds—combining the rich traditions of Carnatic (Indian classical) music with the fluidity of Western Classical and Jazz. Despite performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, what stands out most is his humility and warmth. Together, we explore the challenges and joys of being an artist, navigating neurodivergence, and finding balance between structure and spontaneity. Our conversation was as much about discovering our shared humanity as it was abou...

We are lucky this week to be joined by my good friend Nasr "Versátil" Ismail, or “Ish” as I know him. A master martial artist with over 40 years of experience and creator of The Warrior Class, Nasr shares his journey through Capoeira, movement therapy, and counseling psychology. Throughout the episode, Nasr shares his personal experience of the impact of childhood sexual assault, how he has harnessed the healing power of movement, and the importance of addressing difficult conversations within communities. Nasr is an excellent example of a community leader who is unafraid to facilitate the uncomfortable discussions required to he...

In this week's episode of "From the Ashes," I sit down with my friend Johnny Sage, a seasoned healer and spiritual guide, to explore some tough truths about the healing community. Johnny shares his personal journey from rock bottom to discovering a variety of healing modalities that transformed his life. Together, we dive into the disillusionment that often comes with the spiritual path, the importance of discernment, and the challenges of navigating a community that doesn’t always align with its ideals.

About Our Guest

Johnny Sage is a Reiki Master (certified in Oncology, Kundalini, An...

In this special milestone episode of "From the Ashes," I celebrate over ten episodes by reflecting on the journey so far with my friend Rikio Inouye. Rikio and I have fun taking turns as the interviewer, diving into my experiences, challenges, and the profound lessons I've learned from the inspiring conversations featured on the podcast. We discuss the transformative power that the JET Program (Japanese Exchange & Teaching Program) had on both our lives, the importance of authenticity, and the continuous journey of personal evolution. We share heartwarming stories and formative experiences, such as my struggles with reverse culture shock...