How Do You Rebuild Your Life After It Falls Apart and Return to Joy. with Chanoa Inez

In this deeply moving episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty welcomes Chaplain Felice—Christian marriage coach and powerful communicator—to uncover why so many of us feel unheard, even when we're speaking. Drawing from his own story of devastating early loss, Felice explains how trauma fueled his lifelong obsession with communication. He breaks down the 20 hidden barriers that silently sabotage our relationships, especially pride, selfishness, and silence. From marriage to leadership, Felice shows us that poor communication is often a reflection of poor character—and that healing starts with humility, curiosity, and accountability.   About the Guest:Chaplain Felice is a Christian marriage coach with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. After losing his entire immediate family by age 13, Felice turned his pain into purpose, dedicating his life to understanding how we connect—and why we often fail. Through his course on “20 Communication Barriers,” he helps couples, teams, and individuals build deeper, more honest relationships.   Key Takeaways: Communication is a character mirror: Pride and selfishness aren't just traits—they're communication killers. Silence is not peace: Avoidance can slowly erode even the strongest bonds. Trauma can fuel purpose: Felice’s childhood loss led him to master the art of human connection. Listening is love in action: Curiosity and presence can re-open shut doors in relationships. Start small: Healing begins with awareness—and the courage to ask better questions.   Connect with Chaplain Felice:Explore his transformational course and work on the 20 Communication Barriers via links shared in the show notes. Reach out, learn more, and start rebuilding your communication bridges.   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM me 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/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #communication #relationships #mentalhealth #marriagecoach #storytelling

2 Touko 25min

In this empowering episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik welcomes Bernice McDonald, coach, speaker, and author of Brave Enough to Be Myself. Together, they explore the often-unspoken fears that hold us back from becoming who we truly are. Bernice shares insights from her transformative book, highlighting the concept of taking “tiny brave steps” and the power of befriending fear. She introduces listeners to the "hot air balloon" perspective—a way to rise above life's struggles and see the bigger picture—and the idea of embracing our "strange jewels," the unique gifts we often hide. This soulful conversation is a gentle yet powerful reminder that courage is about showing up every day, one small step at a time.   About the Guest:Bernice McDonald is a transformational coach, speaker, and author passionate about helping women in the second half of life rediscover their courage and self-worth. With over two decades of coaching experience, she guides women through life’s hardest challenges, one tiny brave step at a time. Her book Brave Enough to Be Myself is the first in her Little Books of Courage series, offering a four-week journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance.   Key Takeaways: Courage is built on small, consistent actions, not grand gestures. Fear can be befriended, not battled—Bernice calls hers “Fred.” The “hot air balloon” perspective helps you rise above immediate struggles and view your life journey with clarity. “Strange jewels” are the unique traits we hide but can become our greatest strengths. Self-compassion is essential in balancing bravery without adding pressure to “fix” yourself.   Connect with Bernice McDonald:Website: bernicemcdonald.comEmail: bernice@bernicemcdonald.comLinkedIn: Bernice McDonaldFacebook: Bernice McDonald   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PodMatch!DM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikTune to all our 15 podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikSubscribe 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/healthyminds.pod• Threads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Touko 21min

In this deeply inspiring episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik sits down with Benjamin Nevares—former Team USA powerlifter, published exercise scientist, and founder of multiple companies—to unpack what it really means to rebuild your life from the inside out. From growing up in a Texas town where less than 1% make it to college, to battling addiction even while competing at elite levels, Ben shares his raw, powerful story of grit, purpose, and transformation. Together, they explore how fitness anchored his sobriety, why redefining success matters, and how choosing discipline over comfort—day after day—can change your life.   About the Guest:Benjamin Nevares is a former Team USA powerlifting competitor, researcher in exercise science, founder of iE Health, and host of The Ben Thinking Podcast. From near-collapse to coaching others, Ben now helps individuals break through their mental and physical barriers using science-backed methods and lived experience.   Key Takeaways: Sobriety isn’t just quitting—it’s rewriting your identity. The gym became Ben’s mirror—reflecting his choices, habits, and healing. Success is more than money; it’s impact, integrity, and peace. You don’t need a roadmap to greatness—just the courage to begin. Grind culture can be toxic. Sustainable success requires presence and balance.   Connect with Benjamin Nevares:Follow Ben’s work, podcast, and coaching programs: Instagram: ⁠@bennevares⁠ Podcast: ⁠Ben Thinking⁠ IE Health: ⁠iehealth.co Podcast: The Ben Thinking Podcast   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch – Let’s share your story! 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/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #sobrietyjourney #teamUSA #strength #mindset #healing #successmindset

2 Touko 28min

In this transformative episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Benjamin McQueen—recovered addict, family man, and CEO of Karuna Kava Bar & Beverage Company. Together, they explore the journey from addiction to healing, and how creating zero-proof social spaces like Karuna is revolutionizing how we connect, celebrate, and cope—without alcohol. Ben shares his powerful story of early exposure to drinking, hitting rock bottom, and the life-changing discovery of kava—a traditional South Pacific beverage that supports relaxation, community, and clarity without the buzz. They unpack why so many social settings revolve around alcohol, how kava helps reduce cravings, and what it really takes to build a meaningful sober life filled with purpose and connection.   About the Guest:Benjamin McQueen is the founder and CEO of Karuna Kava Bar, a wellness-driven space rooted in community, comfort, and clarity. Once homeless and addicted, he now champions a culture of conscious consumption and sober healing. Through kava, tea, and other botanical beverages, Ben is building a movement of mindful connection for those seeking alternatives to alcohol.   Key Takeaways: Kava is a traditional, non-alcoholic drink that supports calm, clarity, and social connection without impairment. Recovery isn't the end of fun—it's the beginning of deeper joy, purpose, and relationships. Zero-proof social spaces like Karuna Kava Bar create safe havens for those reimagining their lives. True friends stick around beyond the bottle. Healing happens in community, not isolation—and starts with one brave decision to change. Connect with Benjamin McQueen: Website: https://karunakava.com Visit: Karuna Kava Bar, Boise, Idaho Social: Find Karuna Kava on Instagram and Facebook 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/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #sobercurious #kavaculture #karunakava #soberliving #alcoholfree #mindfulliving #healingjourney #mentalhealthmatters

2 Touko 19min

In this thought-provoking episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik sits down with Alexandra Mell-Taylor, a trans, nonbinary writer and fierce cultural commentator, to explore the intersection of identity, pop culture, and mental wellness. Alexandra shares how community—online and offline—can be both healing and harmful, depending on how we show up. From their work in DC activist circles to creating speculative fiction spaces, Alexandra unpacks how storytelling, media, and digital spaces affect marginalized identities and mental health. Tune in for a raw conversation on resilience, representation, and reclaiming community power.   About the Guest:Alexandra Mell-Taylor is a trans, nonbinary writer known for their cultural commentary and speculative fiction. They are the founder of After the Storm, a futurist magazine curating global voices. With a personal blog that has garnered hundreds of thousands of readers, Alexandra dives deep into pop culture and politics, always with an intersectional lens. Their work examines how systems shape identity and well-being—especially for queer communities.   Key Takeaways: Identity can be both healing and heavy—especially when it’s shaped by others. Community isn't just a backdrop; it’s a vital part of mental health. Digital spaces can offer care, but in-person support often runs deeper. Pop culture has power—it can perpetuate harm or create representation. Fiction, especially fan fiction, can be a tool of mental resilience and identity empowerment. Communities must be actively nurtured—they don’t survive on autopilot.   Connect with Alexandra:Website: https://alexhasopinions.medium.comMagazine: After the Storm (Details on Alexandra’s Medium blog) 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/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #mentalhealth #communitycare #identityhealing #intersectionality #queervoices #podcastshow #popcultureanalysis

2 Touko 24min

In this transformational episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty is joined by Dr. Albert Bramante—Ph.D. in Psychology, certified Hypnotist and NLP Practitioner, and a seasoned talent agent. Together, they explore how to rewire the mindset, embrace the power of positive psychology, and bounce back from setbacks. Dr. Bramante opens up about his rare journey combining psychology and the entertainment world and shares practical tools to overcome self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and fear of success. If you’ve ever held yourself back, this episode is your cue to step into a new script.   About the Guest:Dr. Albert Bramante is a talent agent with over 20 years in the entertainment industry. With a Ph.D. in Psychology and certifications in hypnosis and NLP, he helps creatives and professionals break free from mental roadblocks. His work focuses on helping people rise above fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs to reach their full potential.   Key Takeaways: Self-sabotage is often rooted in disguised fear—fear of success, failure, or change. Even high achievers fall into negative patterns without realizing it. Awareness is the first step—track behavioral patterns and question your logic. Rejection isn’t personal; it’s redirection. Build a "happy file" to reinforce your wins and rewire self-belief. Success is safe when you stay connected to your “why.” Positivity should be grounded in humility and a willingness to keep learning. Connect with Dr. Albert Bramante:Explore his coaching, books, and tools at http://www.albertbramante.com/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertbramante/ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/dralbramante Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/albertbramante   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: DM Me Here Subscribe To Newsletter:Join Here Join Our Community:Connect Now   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: Avik Chakraborty | Reema Chatterjee #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #positivemindset #resilience #mentalhealth #rewireyourbrain #nlp #psychologytools #selfsabotage

2 Touko 24min

Introduction: Avik, the host, shares his personal story, diverging from his usual role of hosting guests. He reflects on life's unexpected turns and the journey that led him to create a movement focused on healing and unity.   Key Discussions: Life's Unexpected Challenges: Avik recounts the roller coaster of experiences including toxic friendships, job losses, and the impact of the global pandemic. These challenges led to emotional breakdowns but also accidental healing. The Birth of a Movement: Amidst chaos, Avik founded "Healthy Mind by Avik," a movement aimed at helping people heal through raw stories and real conversations. This initiative grew organically, one listener at a time. Support and Growth: An encouraging email from Alex Sanfilippo, founder of Podmatch, motivated Avik to continue his work. This support helped him expand his reach, leading to over 50,000+ downloads and the creation of a podcast network and community. Personal Reflections: Avik shares personal anecdotes about his childhood, his academic journey, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career and personal life. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and the power of storytelling in healing. Community and Connection: Through LinkedIn and other platforms, Javik connected with individuals globally, offering support and creating a space for mental health discussions. This community engagement became a therapeutic outlet for both him and his audience. Takeaways: Life's challenges can lead to unexpected growth and healing. Building a supportive community can be a powerful tool for personal and collective healing. Sharing personal stories can inspire and connect people across different walks of life. Conclusion: Avik invites listeners to join the "Ride of Healthy Mind" and the "Voices of Unity" movement, emphasizing that everyone's story and healing journey matter.

29 Huhti 13min

In this episode of "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life," host Sana welcomes Lucinda Sage Midgarden, a passionate storyteller and lifelong learner. Lucinda shares her journey from a childhood filled with family movie nights to becoming a podcaster, blogger, and YouTuber. Her work emphasizes the transformative power of stories in personal growth and empathy. Key Discussions: Early Influences and Storytelling: Lucinda reflects on how family movie nights nurtured her love for stories. Her parents, despite their busy schedules, used films and TV shows as tools to teach life lessons and human behavior The Role of Stories in Personal Growth: Lucinda discusses how stories allow individuals to experience different lives and challenges, fostering empathy and understanding without having to endure the hardships personally Podcasting and Global Connections: Lucinda shares how podcasting has provided her with a platform to connect with people worldwide, offering a space to share and learn from diverse experiences Challenges in Storytelling: The conversation touches on the modern challenges of engaging audiences with stories, especially in an era of short attention spans and media shifts The Arts and Education: Lucinda expresses her concern about the diminishing focus on arts in education, highlighting the importance of arts and humanities in touching human emotions Diverse Storytelling Mediums: The episode explores how stories can be conveyed through various mediums, including graphs and equations, which tell stories in their unique ways Takeaways: Stories are powerful tools for growth, empathy, and transformation. Engaging with stories allows for a deeper understanding of human experiences. Despite challenges, storytelling remains a vital part of education and personal development. Connect with Lucinda: Podcast: Story Power Podcast YouTube Channel: Classic Cinema with the Sage Sisters Blog: Sage Woman Chronicles on WordPress Social Media: LucindaSage MidGordon on LinkedIn and Facebook Closing Remarks: Sana wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Lucinda's work and keep their minds open to the enriching world of stories. Until next time, keep your mind healthy, your heart open, and your stories alive.   #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

27 Huhti 28min