A Quest for Well-Being

— It is believed that humans have been using psychedelic drugs since the dawn of civilization. In Western culture, however, only recently has science begun to understand how psychedelics may aid trauma healing. Whenever something terrible happens to you or you're in a harmful place for a long time, you are traumatized. Trauma can occur when you experience something terrible. In some cases, trauma develops when you are subjected to an extended period of harmful circumstances. It affects both the mind and body. Traditionally, mental health treatment has focused on talk therapy and medication, interventions that are often quite effective at relieving psychological distress. However, many mental health practitioners are now working with psychedelics and transforming their perspective on healing trauma. As a result, psychedelic treatment may provide a less painful means of accessing the interface between the unconscious and the body. Valeria interviews Megan Salar — She is the author of "EMDR For Dummies and The EMDR Workbook for Trauma and PTSD: Skills to Manage Triggers, Move Beyond Traumatic Memories, and Take Back Your Life. Megan Salar, MSW, ACADC, is an EMDR Clinician, Trainer and Author who earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University in 2011. She has extensively been trained on the use of EMDR and other trauma based interventions and specializes in the areas of trauma, abuse, attachment and substance abuse. Megan has trained thousands of clinicians across the U.S. as well as internationally to get the most out of EMDR, trauma and addiction-based skills and practices. Megan previously owned/operated an intensive outpatient treatment center that was voted best in practice in 2019. She currently owns and operates her own Coaching, Consulting, and Training Business and is passionate about genuinely changing the landscape of mental health and trauma treatment through an authentic hands-on perspective that is uniquely her own. Megan is the author of the EMDR Workbook for Trauma and PTSD: Skills to Manage Triggers, Move Beyond Traumatic Memories; and Take Back Your Life released by New Harbinger Publications in May of 2023 and EMDR for Dummies with Wiley Publishing set to release in June 2024. To learn more about Megan Salar and her work, please visit: https://thementalsurvivalist.com

— Have you ever noticed your conversations with your brain? We call it thinking. Thinking is like a private conversation we all have with our brains about what is happening in the world, what we hope will happen, what the challenges may be, and how we will try to make our lives as amazing as we can. Sometimes thinking makes things better. Sometimes thinking makes things hard. The more we know about the brain, the more we can work together with it to fill our lives with great adventures that are more interesting and fun—in school and life. Focusing on stories, how the brain makes up stories for us to live in, and how knowing this can help us build even better life stories for ourselves is important. What makes a great story? Are you ready to write your own? Valeria interviews Madelaine Claire Weiss — She is the bestselling author of "Getting to G.R.E.A.T.: A 5-Step Strategy For Work and Life; Based on Science and Stories and What's Your Story?: Building Your Best Adventures in School and Life. Madelaine Claire Weiss, LICSW, MBA, BCC, is a Harvard-trained Licensed Psychotherapist, Mindset Expert, and Board-Certified Executive, Career, and Life Coach. She is the founder and former chair of the School-Business Partnership in Acton, Massachusetts, and served as a Parenting Education Facilitator for the Massachusetts court system. Madelaine is currently an outreach volunteer with the DC Tutoring and Mentoring Initiative (DCTMI). Her co-authorship includes a chapter in the Handbook of Stressful Transitions Across the Lifespan. Madelaine has been a mental health practice director, a corporate chief organizational development officer, and associate director of an educational resource program at Harvard Medical School. Madelaine's work has been featured on NBC, W4WRadio, Fox 5 DC, and Talk4TV. She has written for Thrive Global and Authority Magazine's Editor's List; is an opinion columnist for CEOWorld Magazine, and presented for The American Bar Association, Harvard Law School, The International Association of Business Communicators, National Association of Realtors, DC Academy of General Dentistry, AARP, Wharton Innovation Summit, Bureau of National Affairs, and Women in Federal Law Enforcement. Madelaine lives in Washington, DC, and is the proud mother of two grown children and grandmother to five beloved grandchildren. To learn more about Madelaine Claire Weiss and her work, please visit: https://madelaineweiss.com

— There are lots of reasons to use CBD oil. From pain and inflammation relief to help with conditions like insomnia or ADHD, it's one of the closest things we've found to a miracle drug. But it's important to know how CBD oil works in order to buy the best quality. Basically, cannabidiol (CBD) binds with various receptors in your body to work its magic. For example, CBD has a strong affinity to fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) that are responsible for chaperoning lipids to the cell interior. This delays adenosine uptake in the cell which is responsible for inflammation. You don't need to understand the science to get the takeaway: you're putting something in your body that will affect your cells. Wouldn't you only want the purest, highest-quality product if it's basically becoming a part of you? Valeria interviews Dawn Norby — She is the Founder of Budding Botanicals. Dawn Norby's son was diagnosed with idiopathic aplastic anemia in 2006. In 2011, he needed a bone marrow transplant. Make A Wish came to us and asked if they could grant him a wish before his transplant. He chose to go to Scotland and golf at St. Andrew's Golf Course. Little did we know that this trip would be what got him through his pain of treatments before his transplant. It was then that Dawn decided to pay it forward and become a volunteer for Make A Wish. Before she could start her volunteering, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Going through the same types of treatments her son went through, she knew her mission was to find a way to help volunteer for others. Well, she was finally able to make that wish come true. Her first Wish kiddo was dealing with Leukemia and was in much pain from the side effects of chemotherapy. Being able to relate to his pain, his mother asked if I could make something to help his son alleviate his pain. After speaking with his doctors, they recommended what ever I did make, be all-natural. Off to study for Dawn. She finally decided Hemp isolate would be best as it is all-natural and THC free! She made a salve and took it to him. After using it just once, he was able to play with his brother for the first time is months! It was then that she knew she wanted to help people in pain find an all-natural pain relief that would help them also find relief. A business was started! Eleven years later and they still make everything in small batches with all-natural ingredients. To learn more about Dawn Norby and her work, please visit: https://www.buddingbotanicalsca.com/

— Deep breathing has been proven to be an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Breathwork (or the practice of conscious controlled breathing) can reduce oxidative stress by increasing oxygen intake and decreasing levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body. This promotes balance and helps to protect our bodies from inflammation and cell damage associated with free radical production. It can also help with insomnia and sleep disruption by calming the central nervous system (CNS). When our CNS is in a relaxed state, melatonin production increases, which helps us get better quality sleep. Studies have also shown that deep breathing can help reduce blood pressure and increase circulation, both of which are important for overall health. And finally, regular breathwork can help develop greater awareness of self and allow us to better manage our daily stressors and lifestyle choices. Breathwork can also help us heal past trauma, and release challenging emotions, that may be causing unhealthy lifestyle choices that contribute to oxidative stress. Valeria interviews Samantha Skelly — She is the author of "Hungry for Happiness: Stop Emotional Eating & Start Loving Yourself." Samantha Skelly is the founder and CEO of the multi-million dollar Breathwork and Wellness company, Pause Breathwork. She's a highly sought-after international speaker, best-selling author, and coaching expert with a heart-centered approach to life and business. A leading authority on trauma healing and stress release, Samantha has made it her life's mission to rid the world of anxiety so people can thrive using the power of their breath. Through Pause's signature trauma-informed somatic coaching program, breathwork facilitator training, and live events, she provides uniquely accessible somatic and emotional healing resources while also equipping clients with the tools and strategies to create and scale their own 6-figure wellness businesses. She has trained and certified thousands of facilitators in over 27 countries in the power of breathwork, and thousands more are using the Pause Breathwork Mobile App worldwide. With the mission of helping 1 Million people by 2030, Samantha started examining the underlying causes of anxiety, trauma, and stress in 2014 with her first Hay House best-selling book. Eventually growing the movement into the comprehensive wellness brand that Pause is today, supporting over 10,000 clients in 30+ countries worldwide. Her sustainable healing solutions have revolutionized the self-help industry, challenging the old "Band-Aids on bullet wounds" approach that kept people trapped in the yo-yo effect. Samantha is also the Host of the Can't Be Contained, a top-rated podcast which has had millions of downloads over the last 5 years. To learn more about Samantha Skelly and her work, please visit: https://www.pausebreathwork.com/ and https://www.samanthaskelly.com/

— "If you have always envisioned your ideal, successful life - but now find yourself exhausted by the daily struggle to maintain it, this episode is for you. You've accomplished so much by other people's standards. Yet, that success has come at a cost, leaving you craving more time, freedom, and enjoyment. You don't want to sacrifice your income, security, or lifestyle. But deep down, you're kind of over it all. What would your dream life really look like? And what's stopping you from creating it?" Valeria interviews Marni Battista — She is the author of "Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions for Leading a Meaningful Life." Marni Battista is an entrepreneur, author, transformational coach, podcast host and radical truth seeker. Her straight-to -the- point podcast and page turning books drop beautiful pearls of wisdom that not only will make you laugh, but also provide life-changing stories of triumph and courage to stop letting life live you, and to start LIVING a life that's beyond your wildest dreams. Battista's essays have appeared in the LA Times, The Jerusalem Post, Happiful Magazine, Huffington Post and more. She has also appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, Home and Family TV and Loveline with Dr. Drew. Battista is currently living with her husband and two cats, Simon and Fergus Katz, in different destinations around the world as they continue their Radical Living Challenge which is the topic of her book which will be published by Hay House in January, 2025. To learn more about Marni Battista and her work, please visit: https://instituteforlivingcourageously.com/, https://marnibattista.com/ and Decode Your Destiny Test

— To all men who resonate with the Father Wound, remember that you are enough, and you are not responsible for your father's behavior or choices. Acknowledging the impact of the Father Wound is the first step toward healing. It's important to confront your experiences and actively pursue growth and change. Seek out coaching, engage in self-reflection, and build supportive relationships with others who understand your journey. Embrace the healing process as a vital journey toward emotional freedom and well- being. Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to a healthier future. You have the strength within you to overcome these challenges and cultivate the life and relationships you deserve. Valeria interviews Adam Majrouh — He is a dedicated Father Wound Coach who is passionate about helping men heal their Father Wound and achieve personal transformation. As a father, grandfather, and father-in-law, he brings a wealth of experience to his coaching practice. With over 30 years of coaching and mentoring experience, including 16 years specifically focused on Father Wound Coaching, he offers a unique perspective, having personally experienced and healed from his own Father Wound. His firsthand experience allows him to provide personalized guidance and support, helping clients find peace, unlock their purpose, transform their finances, and attract meaningful relationships. Through one-to-one coaching sessions, Adam creates a safe and non-judgmental space for growth, exploration, and change. Adam equips his clients with practical tools and strategies to navigate their healing journey, empowering them to take control of their lives. His coaching has a profound impact on clients' relationships, careers, and overall well-being, enabling them to discover a sense of peace and fulfillment. Driven by his personal journey of overcoming obstacles and achieving success, Adam has dedicated himself to studying a diverse array of modalities and techniques related to personal growth, including Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, NLP, and Applied Psychology. He also has a deep interest in spirituality, which plays a significant role in shaping his coaching approach. In 2014, Adam earned three coaching certifications—Practitioner of Excellence, Strategic Intervention Coach, and Marriage Education Coach—through the esteemed Tony Robbins and Cloe Madanes Centre for Strategic Intervention's Coach Training Programmes. His life has transformed remarkably through his roles as a father, grandfather, and father-in-law, igniting a commitment to assist other men who may be experiencing similar pain. This purpose led him to specialize in Father Wound Coaching, providing support to men seeking healing and inner peace. For those ready to tap into his expertise, Adam invites you to book a FREE Discovery Session now! He looks forward to connecting with you! To learn more about Adam Majrouh and his work, please visit: https://adammajrouh.com/

— Experience the power of the Presensing peace method. Among other tools, Kathleen offers neuroplasticity meditation to rewire your mind and transform your emotional state. She guides you through various step-by-step process to cultivate feelings like peace, calm, or gratitude. Learn how to use intention and awareness to change habits and behaviors, creating lasting positive change. It's time to connect with your inner self and embrace the emotional state you wish to embody! Valeria interviews Kathleen Reily — She is the founder of the Presensing peace method and is a Neuroplasticity and Meditation expert for men dealing with the chronic stress cycle. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the body and brain's capacity to change and adapt, Kathleen has dedicated her career to developing a method that rewires the habit of stress into peace. Through her unique approach, she combines the principles of Positive Neuroplasticity, Energy Psychology, heart-mind coherence, and other techniques to repair the body and create lasting emotional well-being, vitality, and peace. Kathleen's expertise lies in harnessing the body-brain's inherent ability to rewire itself at any age, known as Neuroplasticity. Through science-backed interventions and compassionate guidance, she empowers men to elevate their peace and contentment, improve longevity, vitality, and build the mind, body, and spirit necessary to lead fulfilling lives. To learn more about Kathleen Reily and her work, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@Presensing and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-reily/

— There are times in everyone's life that stress, worry, and wanting answers but not knowing where or how to find them can become overwhelming. People are trying to find themselves, make better choices and expand their future possibilities. The struggle of living in this time of intensity and transition is why people seek the truth that SoulUnion offers. As a Medical Intuitive, Darlene Van de Grift guides people to discover blockages, clear them, and develop steps with tools towards a more rewarding life. SoulUnion cares for the mind, body, and spirit in a co-creative discovery in finding the root cause, the factors involved and the direction forward in any given question or concern that may be causing stress. Weaving new insights or understanding about health, relationships, career, or spirituality can shift one's consciousness, expand thought processes, change behaviors, motivate new choices, and can impact your DNA. You are not stuck, wrong, or incapable, you may only be a little lost. Find out the truth of who you are and take the steps toward clarity, order and direction to become more than you know. Valeria interviews Darlene Van de Grift — She is the author of "EarthBound: the Genesis of the Great Experiment." Darlene Van de Grift is a highly respected Medical Intuitive and Multidimensional Mediator, Timeline Architect, Medium, Artist, and Author, with over 35 years of experience. She dedicated her career to helping people tap into their innate wisdom and spiritual guidance to explore and heal their multidimensional selves. Darlene's thirst for knowledge has shaped her educational background across different subjects, including Applied Kinesiology, One Brain, Swedish and therapeutic massage, anatomy and physiology, Matrix Energetics, Touch For Health, Intention Muscle Balancing, Nutritional Counseling, Reconnection work, herbal and homeopathic medicine, and the Energy Arts. Darlene also channels the Evolves, through a distinctive, interactive monthly Zoom called the Cosmic Travelers. Within the Sacred White space of neutrality, healing takes place on both a personal and worldwide scale. Her podcast, Expansion from Within; Exploring Multidimensionality, and her website, Soulunion.com, are notable platforms. Her debut book, EarthBound; the Genesis of the Great Experiment, delves into her long-life adventures with multidimensional beings, ancient timelines, and the evolution of Earth and humanity, and offers spiritual teachings and tools for her readers. This book is a five-part series titled Multidimensional Chronicles, the first book set to be released by Pegasus Publishing in 2025. Darlene assures us that, "You know more than you know." To learn more about Darlene Van de Grift and her work, please visit: https://www.soulunion.com

— "I'm curious about the psychological footprints we leave behind us wherever we go. How we are with ourselves and others is exactly how the world will be. And that matters." Valeria interviews Lynda Hoffman — She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She coaches ambitious business professionals - with or without ADHD - who want to create meaningful personal and organizational change. Lynda partners with clients to increase their personal agency and strategic decision making. Her extensive experience in the fields of executive functioning and mindfulness training supports clients in understanding how their brain functioning informs their behavior - and how to create sustainable change. Lynda is trained in Harvard's Immunity to Change model and body mind modalities. She encourages her clients to do the deeper work towards transformation and a more liberated way of being. To learn more about Lynda Hoffman and her work, please visit: https://lyndahoffman.com/

— You are whole and ready to go. You do not need fixing because you are not broken. Celebrate that! You are right on track to show up for the life you want. Sure, we live in a culture that talks, writes, and sings about brokenness. It has become the social-media way to relate with others. Do you have messiness to deal with? Everyone does. Is your life complex? Probably. Have you been broken-hearted at times? Certainly. Are you broken? No! You're incredibly blessed—and your wholeness is a gift to celebrate! That wholeness is propelling you to lean forward and live your life all in. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday." That's life-changing truth delivered in just thirteen words! You've made the choice to show up for the life you want, to believe in your future and the beauty of your dreams. And that choice—that brave, beautiful, effervescent choice—will make a world of difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Valeria interviews Chris Janssen MA, BCC — She is the author of Living All In: How to Show Up for the Life You Want and Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want Chris is also a leading results coach in performance and mindset, bestselling, award-winning author, and inspiring speaker. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after professional athletes, singers, dancers, Hollywood writers, artists, authors, military soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. In addition to her academic degrees, Chris was trained by and worked with Tony Robbins on his team of results coaches, the #1 personal development and peak performance strategy company in the world. With a master's in counseling psychology and 25+ years' experience, Chris is widely regarded by entrepreneurs and creatives. Her insights have been featured in international magazines and podcasts like Brainz Magazine and Simply Fit Podcast. As a board-certified coach, Chris specializes in equipping clients with tools to substitute limiting beliefs and unhelpful narratives with certainty through utilizing her successful and sustainable Living All In methods. Her honest, strategic style will help you lead with purpose, love your plan, and perform from a peak state. Chris' books, Living All In: How to Show Up for the Life You Want (available now on Amazon) — asks the question, "What do you want?" Knowing the answer to that question and acting on it will change your life. Chris' seconds book and Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want (available in March of 2025 where books are sold) is a self-help book focused on addiction and grace. A California native, Chris lives with her husband since 1995, Scott. They are currently Caliradoans, splitting time between Los Angeles and Castle Pines, Colorado, where they love to ski, golf, be with their horses, and adventure outside. Together they raised three children, now thriving young adults. To learn more about Chris Janssen and her work, please visit: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/