Why do traditional goals so often fail to create lasting change, and how can shifting your focus to identity help you achieve true transformation and fulfillment?

In today's episode, I interview Alison Weihe, an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, and Identity Coach from Johannesburg, South Africa. Alison shares her remarkable journey from political activism to becoming a successful entrepreneur, navigating personal and professional challenges along the way.

Throughout this episode, Alison speaks candidly about her transformation at 52, when she realized the toll that stress, workaholism, and emotional eating had taken on her. This marked the beginning of a profound wellness journey. She explains how focusing on identity rather than rigid goal-setting allowed her to reclaim her health and embrace a new perspective on life. Through physical activity, self-compassion, and a shift in mindset, she redefined herself, moving from a place of shame and self-doubt to one of strength, vitality, and joy.

A key turning point in her life was Alison’s decision to share her story through writing and public speaking. Her book, Belonging - Finding Tribes of Meaning, captures her journey of finding purpose and community through the different "tribes" that shaped her life. She describes how global storytelling unlocked her courage and helped her connect to her true self, ultimately discovering a sense of belonging she had never fully realized before.

Tune in to Episode 185 of Joy Found Here as Alison Weihe shares her identity-focused approach to transformation, the healing power of storytelling, and the importance of love and grace in overcoming challenges and finding belonging.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• From activist to entrepreneur (2:50)
• The fraud that changed everything (12:51)
• Transformation through identity, not goals (14:45)
• Building a new relationship with food and movement (20:42)
• The healing power of storytelling (28:00)
• Becoming a Soul Speaker (33:51)
• A Legacy of hope and grace (42:24)

Connect with Alison Weihe:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Get Alison’s book: Belonging – Finding Tribes of Meaning!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered why workplace culture feels so toxic? Tosca Fasso shares insights on transforming office culture and putting people before profits.

In today's episode, we explore themes of self-care, toxic workplace culture, and the corporate journey, with the incredible Tosca Fasso. Tosca, a former Fortune 100 Executive turned Author, Leadership Consultant, and Podcast Host, shares her experience of climbing the corporate ladder to secure her "dream job," only to face disillusionment due to toxic workplace practices.

Throughout this episode, Tosca discusses her shift towards people-first leadership, emphasizing the need for supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being over rigid shareholder capitalism. She reflects on the challenges of traditional corporate structures and the importance of embracing change, especially as younger generations enter the workforce. The episode highlights Tosca’s journey of self-discovery and courage in stepping away from the corporate world to pursue a career focused on leadership transformation.

Plus, Tosca introduces her forthcoming book, "NSFW: A Good Manager’s Guide to Better Feeling Work in a Toxic Culture," which she describes as a manifesto advocating for healthier workplace cultures. Through her book, she aims to equip leaders with the tools to adopt people-first policies, emphasizing that modern employees work best when valued and not merely monitored.

Join us for Episode 184 of Joy Found Here and find out how to break free from toxic work culture and lead with compassion and purpose.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The reality of the "Dream Job" (3:49)
• Confronting toxic workplace culture (13:04)
• Writing as a catalyst for change (15:40)
• The problem with shareholder capitalism (21:17)
• The return to office debate (24:20)
• People-first management: A new leadership approach (35:49)
• Looking ahead: Tosca's vision for workplace change (49:52)

Connect with Tosca Fasso:

• Website
• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Manager on a Mission Podcast

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struggling with sleepless nights and a spirited little one? This episode offers game-changing sleep strategies for 'livewire' kids!

In today's episode, I am joined by two wonderful women, Kim West and Macall Gordon who are both Authors and Sleep Coaching Experts. They discuss their new book, Why Won't You Sleep?!, which explores a gentle, alternative approach to sleep training for children, especially those with "livewire" temperaments who are highly alert and emotionally intense. Kim and Macall emphasize the importance of recognizing a child's temperament in sleep training and advocating for a method that rejects the traditional "cry it out" approach, instead supporting parental involvement to help children learn self-soothing skills over time.

Throughout this episode, Kim West, known as "The Sleep Lady," shares her journey into sleep coaching, driven by her desire to help parents navigate sleep challenges with a gentler approach. Kim explains her "Sleep Lady Shuffle," a coaching method focused on staying with children as they learn to self-soothe, which avoids leaving them alone to cry. She highlights her passion for creating a tailored, gentle approach that is supportive of both parents and children, aiming to help parents feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Plus, Macall Gordon brings her expertise as a researcher and parent to the conversation, highlighting how temperament research can change the way parents understand their children's sleep issues. She discusses her struggle with her own child's sleep and the lack of options that didn't involve crying it out, which led her to co-develop the gentle approach with Kim. Her focus on research helps parents see that they’re not to blame for their child's sleep difficulties, offering them the reassurance and alternatives they need to handle sleepless nights effectively.

Tune in and discover gentle, effective strategies to support your child’s sleep, helping you and your family find the rest you deserve.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Kim and Macall's personal journeys into sleep coaching (1:22)

Challenges with traditional sleep training methods (8:07)

Understanding temperament and its impact on sleep (14:12)

Practical gentle sleep coaching techniques (17:58)

The Role of consistency and parental support (20:29)

Resources for parents and closing thoughts (37:07)

Connect with Kim West:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Get Kim’s books!

Connect with Macall Gordon:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Get the Why Won't You Sleep?! book!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can forgiveness and healing coexist after childhood trauma? Cindy Benezra’s inspiring story shows us how.

In today's episode, the brave Cindy Benezra and I break the silence around sexual abuse, offer survivors tools to reclaim their voices, and encourage open dialogue on trauma and recovery. Cindy is an Author, Speaker, and Survivor Advocate whose memoir, Under the Orange Blossoms, sheds light on her personal journey through childhood sexual abuse and the path she forged to healing and forgiveness. Through her writing, public speaking, and advocacy, Cindy’s work provides hope, education, and resources for survivors, empowering them to embrace their healing journey.

Throughout this episode, Cindy Benezra shares her story as a survivor and advocate, revealing the profound psychological and physical impact of childhood abuse. She describes how dissociation helped her cope and explains the challenges of navigating family relationships with an abusive parent. Cindy also shares her emotional journey toward forgiving her father, not to excuse his actions but to find personal peace. She offers grounding techniques that help her stay present during her healing and stresses the importance of therapy and self-help.

Tune in to Episode 182 of the Joy Found Here and be moved by Cindy’s courageous story of survival, her insights on breaking the cycle of abuse, finding personal healing, and advocating for open conversations on trauma and resilience.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The impact of childhood trauma and surviving abuse (2:25)
• Family dynamics and complexities of healing (7:49)
• Dissociation and grounding techniques (11:19)
• The struggle and process of forgiveness (17:38)
• Navigating anger and finding acceptance (22:03)
• Finding her voice and becoming an advocate (37:13)
• Encouragement for survivors and moving forward (42:24)

Connect with Cindy Benezra:

• Website
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Get Cindy’s book!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to take charge of your happiness at work? Beth Stallwood shares her proven strategies for finding joy and balance in your career.

In today's episode, the amazing Beth Stallwood and I explore how individuals can bring more joy into their work and debunk the myth that work must be a source of gloom. Beth is a Coach, Facilitator, Speaker, Consultant, and Author of Work Joy: A Toolkit for a Better Working Life. She shares her career journey, moving from corporate roles in various sectors to becoming an entrepreneur and helping others find fulfillment in their work.

Throughout this episode, you will learn the concept of Work Joy, which stems from Beth’s belief that individuals have the power to shape their own experiences at work. She emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s work satisfaction rather than blaming external factors like managers or companies. Beth highlights the importance of learning, self-awareness, and maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Her message underscores that joy is a choice, and with intentional reflection and small changes, anyone can create more joy in their working life.

Tune in to Episode 181 of the Joy Found Here and get inspired by Beth’s practical strategies for finding joy in work, experimentation, taking ownership of your work experience, and challenge the myths of perfectionism and work-life balance.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• From a corporate career to Work Joy advocate (1:22)
• Disrupting the gloom of the workplace (7:25)
• Embracing curiosity and experimentation in your career (14:58)
• Look upwards and outwards and not get stuck in a box (19:28)
• Taking ownership of your Work Joy: Practical steps to find fulfillment(24:24)
• The importance of self-reflection and taking risks (31:49)
• Building success: Experimentations and growth (41:16)
• Leaping into entrepreneurship (46:06)
• What’s next for Beth Stallwood (50:12)

Connect with Beth Stallwood:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• X
• YouTube
• The WorkJoy Jam Podcast
• Get Beth’s book!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to follow your joy and trust your inner voice? Lenka Schultze shows how intuition leads the way.

In today's episode, you will learn from Lenka Schulze, a Spiritual Guide, Author, and Educator. Lenka Schultze shares her unique journey of growing up in a communist regime, which she believes allowed her to be an “empty vessel” free from religious constraints, leading her to explore spirituality through her own experiences.

Throughout this episode, Lenka emphasizes that intuition is not a mystical gift reserved for a few, but an innate sense that everyone has, much like sight or hearing. She explains intuition as our "first sense," present from birth, and not something we need to acquire, but rather something we must relearn to trust and cultivate. She describes the different levels of intuition, from survival-based instincts to a universal consciousness that connects individuals to their higher purpose. Her intuitive journey, she notes, has been about following her inner knowing rather than external teachings, which she refers to as “back engineering” her understanding through lived experience rather than study alone.

Plus, she emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and one’s inner voice in navigating life, as well as staying grounded by tuning into the present moment.

Tune in to Episode 180 of the Joy Found Here reconnect with your intuition and find joy by following your inner voice.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Growing up as an empty vessel: Lenka’s journey from a communist regime (03:16)
• The nature of intuition: Your first sense, not your sixth (11:17)
• Levels of intuition: From survival instincts to universal consciousness (17:31)
• Following joy: The path to purpose and intuitive living (24:18)
• Trusting yourself: How intuition guides us through deception (27:04)
• Grounding in a noisy world: Simple practices to stay present (33:47)

Connect with Lenka Schulze Ph.D.:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• Get Lenka’s book!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel like your happiness is reliant on external circumstances?

If you do, don’t miss today’s episode because Katie Farinas’s story is what you need to hear in order to change that. Katie is a Mom, Seasoned Nurse, Yoga Teacher, Dharma Coach, Spiritual Teacher, and Host of the podcast, Mom On The Verge. After giving birth to her second child, Katie developed a serious case of chronic migraine and depression which made her question if it is even worth it to stay on this planet any longer. To fight off her demons, she started practicing yoga which then led her to discover her purpose.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear Katie discuss the concept of Dharma, focusing on self-purpose and its impact on personal and collective well-being. She also emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and training for joy instead of aiming for happiness. Katie emphasizes the importance of empowering children to listen to their inner guidance and not take school too seriously but focus on their passion and interests instead.

Tune in to Episode 179 of the Joy Found Here and get Katie's wonderful insight on finding one’s soul purpose, living a joyful life, and empowering the next generation to listen to their inner voice.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Katie talks about her upcoming yoga philosophy class (3:10)
• The meaning of Dharma and its transformational power (4:53)
• Katie explains how her journey started on the path of finding her soul’s purpose (9:40)
• The difference between happiness and joy, and the importance of living in the present moment (19:22)
• The birth of the Mom On The Verge Podcast (24:18)
• Empower children to listen to their inner guidance (33:53)

Connect with Katie Farinas:

• Website
• Mom On The Verge Podcast
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt trapped by old habits or clutter, both physically and mentally? Have you ever wondered what would happen if one day, you decide to simply let go of things?

This week, we revisit my conversation with the incredible Alex Sabbag, Best-selling Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Soulful Alchemist, and the mind behind Soul Dive Yoga, a yoga studio that speaks directly to students' minds, bodies, and spirits. By turning her studio into a reality, Alex not only accelerated her healing process after a massive blow that hit her life but also inspired her debut Memoir, "Soul Dive: My Journey into the Deep."

Throughout our conversation, Alex talks about her journey, from seeking solace in yoga to finding healing and purpose: sharing the transformative power of yoga with the world. You'll learn why you should embrace chaos as part of your growing process, create space for new opportunities, and rely on humor to go through difficult times.

Plus, you'll get practical tips on how to get away from complacency, decluttering physically, mentally, and energetically, pursuing meaningful change in life, and much more.

Tune in to Episode 178 of the Joy Found Here and get the tools you need to break free from complacency's hamster wheel.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Alex talks about what led her into the express lane of writing a book (5:00)
• Alex explains why there should be grief camps (8:30)
• "Happy horseshit." What happens when we stop seeking more (15:00)
• "Chaos is always going to follow creation" (23:20)
• We have a lot more time than what we think (36:10)

Connect with Alex Sabbag:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Book: Alex Sabbag - Soul Dive: My Journey into the Deep

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.