Becoming the Better Version of You: Resilience, Discipline, and Reinvention with Rooney Niemi

In this transformative episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Tarsha Richardson—founder of Black Travelers International—about how travel can become a deeply healing, empowering experience. Tarsha shares how solo travel helped her overcome introversion and fear, sparked creativity, and led her to launch a mission-driven travel company that helps mature Black women explore the world confidently and safely. This conversation dives into cultural immersion, emotional breakthroughs, and the freedom found beyond borders. About the Guest: Tarsha Levitt Richardson is the founder and lead travel curator at Black Travelers International, an organization devoted to helping mature professional Black women travel with confidence. A former IT professional turned travel entrepreneur, Tarsha creates intentionally curated trips that prioritize mental wellness, cultural immersion, and sisterhood. Key Takeaways: Travel can be a powerful tool for mental health, especially for introverts. Facing the unknown in foreign countries builds courage, creativity, and self-trust. Representation in travel empowers marginalized voices and fosters deeper cultural connection. Structured group travel with cultural education reduces anxiety and enhances personal growth. Experiences like Ghana’s naming ceremonies create emotional healing and a sense of belonging. Connect with Tarsha Richardson: Website: https://blacktravelersint.com Instagram: @blacktravelers.int Facebook: Search “Black Travelers International” or join the community group Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM me on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community:https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #traveltherapy #blacktravelmovement #mentalhealth

13 Huhti 22min

In this heart-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana (filling in for Avik) sits down with author and retired school counselor Linda Feig Knipe to unpack the deep-rooted cultural and emotional patterns of people-pleasing—especially among women. Drawing from Linda’s memoir Braving Therapy, the conversation explores the hidden costs of being the “good girl,” perfectionism, internalized shame, and the long journey to reclaiming authenticity through therapy. Linda shares her personal trauma story, how she buried pain to maintain appearances, and how real healing began only when she learned to speak her truth. About the Guest   Linda Feig Knipe is the author of Braving Therapy: Rape, Buried Trauma, and the Triumphant Journey Over PTSD. With over 20 years of experience as a professional school counselor, Linda now advocates for mental health awareness, especially around trauma and cultural expectations placed on women. A survivor herself, she shares her journey to empower others to break free from silence and perfectionism. Key Takeaways People-pleasing often stems from childhood praise for "good behavior" and suppressing one's own needs. Burying trauma to stay “perfect” leads to anxiety, self-criticism, and strained relationships. Healing starts with honesty—first with yourself, then with others. Therapy, especially with unconditional positive regard, is a safe space to rediscover your true self. Real strength lies in vulnerability and choosing healing over hiding. Connect with Linda Feig Knipe Website: https://lfknipe.com Facebook: facebook.com/l.f.knipe Book: Braving Therapy available on Amazon and major bookstores. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

13 Huhti 26min

In this eye-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty chats with global leadership expert Joanne Merrick to explore a question every professional faces: Should I become a manager? Joanne, author of Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play?, shares how leadership is not just a promotion—it's a transformation. They dive into how neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset play a key role in modern management, and why making a conscious decision is crucial before stepping into a managerial role. About the Guest:Joanne Merrick is a global leadership coach and founder of The Leadership Recipe. With 25+ years of experience across 22 countries and top firms like Deloitte and Amazon, she combines emotional intelligence and neuroscience to empower leaders. Her book, Game On, helps professionals decide if management is truly their next best move. Key Takeaways: Management is not a default promotion—it’s a distinct career path. Emotional intelligence and curiosity are non-negotiable for great leadership. Neuroscience reveals that autonomy and psychological safety are key to performance. The shift from individual contributor to manager requires mindset and identity change. Feedback, reflection, and practice drive true leadership growth. Not everyone is meant to be a manager—and that’s okay. Clarity brings alignment. Connect with Joanne Merrick: Website: www.theleadershiprecipe.com Email: joanne@theleadershiprecipe.com Book: Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play? – Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardback formats Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

7 Huhti 31min

In this moving episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dennis 'DJ' Quinn, a retired flight attendant, realtor, and three-time Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer. DJ opens up about his profound 13-year mentorship with Mike—a young boy with disabilities who later developed a serious mental illness. Their bond, chronicled in DJ’s memoir Stick Figures: A Big Brother Remembers, goes beyond the surface of volunteerism into the heart of what it means to truly show up for someone in need. This episode explores grief, growth, mental health, and the emotional rewards of presence over perfection. DJ’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to be there. About the Guest:Dennis 'DJ' Quinn is the author of Stick Figures: A Big Brother Remembers, a heartfelt memoir about mentorship, mental illness, and love that endures. A former flight attendant and lifelong volunteer, DJ’s story reflects his dedication to making a difference—one child at a time. He continues to mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and advocates for more men to step up as role models. Key Takeaways: Mentorship isn’t about fixing—it’s about consistent presence and compassion. Children with mental illness need understanding, not just diagnosis or medication. Showing up can change both lives—the mentor and the mentee. Gratitude and growth often come from the most unexpected places. You don’t have to be perfect to be a powerful influence in someone’s life. Connect with Dennis 'DJ' Quinn: https://www.djquinnauthor.com/ Check out his memoir Stick Figures: A Big Brother Remembers for a raw, touching look at love, loss, and resilience. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: DM Me HereSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join the Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - @healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - @podhealth.clubThreads - @podhealth.clubFacebook - Podcast Healthy MindLinkedIn - Avik Chakraborty #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #mentorshipmatters #mentalhealthawareness #bigbrothersbigsisters #griefandgrowth #showupwithheart

7 Huhti 22min

In this thrilling episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik welcomes the fierce and fabulous Danielle M. Orsino—fantasy author, martial artist, cosplayer, and creator of the acclaimed Birth of the Fae series. Discover how Danielle’s martial arts training sharpened her storytelling skills, powered her creativity, and gave her the resilience to stand tall in the publishing industry. From choreographing fight scenes with real-world expertise to becoming the face of her book covers, Danielle shares how embodying her characters brings fantasy to life in a way readers feel and remember. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or someone chasing a bold dream, Danielle’s journey is proof that discipline, creativity, and fire can forge magic. About the Guest:Danielle M. Orsino is a fantasy fiction powerhouse, former nurse, world champion martial artist, and the face of her Birth of the Fae book series. What began as a bedside story for a patient has evolved into a full-blown fantasy universe—with Danielle writing, cosplaying, and fighting her way through every step of the journey. Key Takeaways: Martial arts taught Danielle discipline, flow, and courage—skills that directly shape her writing process. Fight scenes in her books are drawn from real sparring experience, making them cinematic and authentic. Cosplaying as her own characters deepens her storytelling and connects her more intimately with her readers. Standing up to toxic industry norms took courage—and her martial arts mindset helped her walk away empowered. Her advice: start now, write the story only you can tell, and never wait for permission to create. Connect with Danielle M. Orsino: https://www.birthofthefae.com/ Explore the Birth of the Fae fantasy series on Amazon and follow her creative journey on social media for cosplay, writing updates, and more. ]Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: DM Me HereSubscribe To Newsletter:Healthy Mind by AvikJoin the Community:Join Here Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube: Healthy Mind - Healthy LifeInstagram: @podhealth.clubThreads: @podhealth.clubFacebook: Podcast Healthy MindLinkedIn: Avik Chakraborty #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #fantasyauthor #martialarts #birthofthefae #wellness #creativity #podmatch

7 Huhti 20min

In this soulful episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with holistic health coach Cedric Pfeiffer to explore the powerful inner world of childhood healing. Cedric opens up about his journey from corporate burnout to inner transformation and how reconnecting with his inner child reshaped his life. Together, they discuss emotional triggers, limiting beliefs, and the often-overlooked connection between the mind, body, and healing. This episode is a gentle yet powerful guide for anyone ready to rediscover their true self and live with more energy, clarity, and purpose. About the Guest:Cedric Pfeiffer is a holistic health coach based in Vienna. Once living the “dream” corporate life in Munich, Cedric felt disconnected and unfulfilled. His search for deeper meaning led him to inner child work, shadow healing, and ultimately to empowering others through mindset, nutrition, and fitness. Today, Cedric guides clients through mindful transformation and emotional healing using integrative wellness practices. Key Takeaways: Inner child work is more than a trend—it's a deep practice in healing emotional patterns formed in childhood. Cedric shares how unresolved childhood beliefs show up in adult life as limiting patterns and imposter syndrome. Mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and daily body awareness can be powerful healing tools. Vision work and embodiment help integrate new beliefs and align with a more empowered self. Fitness and nutrition aren’t just physical—they’re key in building the capacity to hold emotional energy and grow into your best self. Connect with Cedric: Instagram: @ced_pf Free Inner Child Meditation & Course: holistic-coaching-by-cedric.com Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch – Send me a message: DM Me Here Subscribe To Newsletter Join Our Community Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

7 Huhti 30min

In this empowering episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik welcomes Ash Shukla, holistic business consultant, bestselling author, and founder of Financial Chakras. From arriving in the U.S. with just $20 and no English, to helping over 5,000 entrepreneurs scale to seven figures, Ash’s journey is one of resilience, alignment, and conscious wealth creation. Discover how ancient chakra wisdom meets modern business strategy, how to measure emotions in dollars, and why true abundance comes from inner alignment. Ash breaks down how your energetic center impacts your financial flow, and shares how to build a thriving business in harmony with your soul’s purpose. About the Guest:Ash Shukla is a Congressional honor recipient, holistic financial strategist, and the creator of Financial Chakras, a framework that blends Vedic wisdom with modern business practices. With over two decades of experience, Ash helps entrepreneurs build multi-million-dollar businesses through energy alignment and purpose-driven strategies. Key Takeaways: You have a unique energetic center that influences your wealth and business journey. Financial chakras offer a roadmap to align purpose, prosperity, and energy. Success isn’t about hustle—it’s about alignment and daily practices. Emotions carry financial value; learning to measure them helps guide your growth. Celebrate daily wins to shift from scarcity to abundance. When you find your true calling, alignment removes the "risk" from risk-taking. Connect with Ash Shukla:Website: https://financialchakras.comBook: Financial Chakras (Coming Soon)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashshukla Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: DM Me HereSubscribe to Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #financialchakras #abundance #energyalignment #mindbodywealth #ashshukla #holisticsuccess

7 Huhti 32min

In this transformative episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik welcomes Dr. Adam Bohnenblust—leading chiropractor and co-founder of True Form—to explore how movement is more than fitness; it's powerful medicine. Dr. Adam shares how posture, functional movement, and even the smallest mobility shifts can unlock clarity, reduce stress, and heal the body on a cellular and emotional level. He discusses how pain is often just the beginning, and true healing means integrating body, mind, and movement. If you’ve ever felt foggy, stuck, or disconnected, this episode might just change the way you see your body forever. About the Guest:Dr. Adam Bohnenblust is the co-founder of True Form and a leading practitioner at Texas Functional Health Centers. With a unique rehab methodology that blends chiropractic care, emotional awareness, and functional movement, he’s helped thousands—from athletes to office workers—heal beyond pain and reclaim their freedom. His system doesn't just treat symptoms—it rebuilds from the root. Key Takeaways: Movement is not just physical—it directly impacts emotional and mental clarity. Poor posture can drain your energy and cloud your thinking. True healing requires treating soft tissue, neurological function, and emotional connections. Small shifts—like posture corrections and brisk walks—can dramatically improve well-being. Functional movement isn't a trend; it’s essential for longevity, performance, and daily joy. Connect with Dr. Adam:Learn more about Dr. Adam’s work at Texas Functional Health Centers and explore the True Form method:https://texasfhc.com Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community:https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #podmatch

7 Huhti 16min