Anyone who’s faced surgery or complex health issues knows the stress, pain, and long recovery. But what happens when you endure 18 surgeries and multiple health challenges over 10 years? When you find yourself crying on the bathroom floor, asking, “Why me?”

Dr. Laura Ricci has faced these trials, diving deep into the emotional and spiritual lessons hidden in her struggles. Trained in healthcare, she once saw the body only as physical—but through chronic pain, body issues, and cancer, she uncovered profound soul-level lessons.

She's gone from "why me" to "why not me?" ... and is a beautiful of example of how she helps others do the same.

Now, she mentors others on their healing journeys, reaching the top of an essential oils company and empowering women through strength training. She also shares the power of self-compassion and forgiveness in her relationships.

So grab your swimsuit, snorkel, and goggles—let’s dive deep with Dr. Laura Ricci.

07:03 The Unexpected Gift of Transforming Pain into Purpose

13:05 Neuroplastic Pain: Sinking Deep to Reveal a Way Out through Deconstruction & Reconstruction

38:32 Reclaiming Space and Power as a Woman in Strength Training

43:28 The Hidden Meaning in a Tube of Lipstick

46:40 From Reluctant to Empowered: Laura's Unexpected Career Journey with Essential Oils

57:06 The Power of Forgiveness, Self-Compassion and Growth in Friendships and Relationships

01:03:43 Embracing Joy and Play in Work and in Life

Keep up with Laura on Instagram @drlauraricci

(and don't miss her glorious dance reels with her husband, Mark!)

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This is the first ever interview guest for the Sink and Swim podcast and I am over the moon to interview the woman, the myth, the legend, and Luminaire muse behind this podcast: Parmees Yazdanyar,

Parmees is not only a branding and messaging mastermind and genius in her company, NeuroBranding Academy, but she also fully walks her talk

In this episode, she brings so much deep Sink AND Swim perspective to topics such as:

07:22 The Paradox of Authenticity, Giftedness, and Success

12:11 Coming home to yourself as an intellectual, multidimensional, talented and neurospicy woman by finding "your people"

19:41 The dark side and brilliance that comes from fully owning your genius

23:30 Myths and unexpected lessons in becoming a 7 figure business owner before age 30

36:00 The rebellion of choosing integrity and the long game over what's fast and easy

40:34 Redefining Wealth and Success: beyond income & external achievement

46:32 The lost art of craftsmanship in entrepreneurship

51:02 Letting go & trusting amidst long distance relationships & navigating complex immigration processes & trauma

01:12:16 Emerging from Hibernation: New Beginnings

If something tugged at you when you listened in, don't forget to hit that follow button so you can hear more episodes just like this one, sharing this podcast with someone who needs to hear it, and leave us a review!

Follow Parmees on Instagram @parmees__

If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend

Looking for more of where this came from?

Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube

Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week

Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club

Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website

Welcome to Sink and Swim, the podcast for high-achieving, deeply intuitive, neurospicy, and multi-passionate individuals ready to break free from the narratives that have kept them playing small.

I'm Dr. Julie Granger, and this space is for those who are done paddling furiously to stay afloat in a world that tells them to either sink or swim—when the real power comes from doing both.

Each week, we’ll dive into powerful conversations—featuring stories of women who’ve embraced their soul’s story, navigated the dark and messy middle, and risen into the life they were meant to live.

If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend

Looking for more of where this came from?

Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube

Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week

Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club

Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website