Conscious Leadership, Psychedelic Breakthroughs & Emotional Mastery for Founders with Laura Watson

In this raw and revelatory episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik is joined by Bianca Thomas—licensed mental health counselor, co-founder of Evolve Ventures, and a leading voice in trauma recovery and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Bianca unpacks the silent epidemic of "performative confidence" and walks us through how trauma shapes beliefs like “I’m not good enough.” She shares how CBT can help untangle those deep-rooted narratives and provides actionable tools for self-awareness, emotional safety, and self-empowerment. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, perfectionism, or silently questioned your worth.   About the Guest:Bianca Thomas, LMHC is the co-founder of Evolve Ventures and the Director of Therapy for Evolve Venture Technologies. With deep expertise in CBT and trauma-informed care, she has helped hundreds of clients and thousands of listeners dismantle limiting beliefs and step into real, grounded confidence. Her podcast, Evolve Ventures, is a hub for healing, emotional intelligence, and growth-centered conversations.   Key Takeaways: Many high-functioning people silently battle the belief, “I’m not good enough.” Confidence isn’t performance—it’s embodiment, cultivated through daily inner work. CBT isn’t about “thinking positive” but reframing core beliefs rooted in trauma. Exposure therapy and intentional reflection are key tools in healing. Healing is not about fixing yourself but finding yourself—with compassion.   Connect with Bianca Thomas:Website: www.evolveventurestech.comInstagram: @evolvewithbiancaFacebook, TikTok, and more via her site and social links   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 Tune to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik 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/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 #MentalHealthAwareness #CBTTherapy #TraumaHealing #ConfidenceBuilding #MindfulnessMatters #EvolveWithBianca #SelfDiscovery #GrowthMindset

30 Jun 24min

In this heart-centered episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Jody Durand—author of Country Boy Soul—to explore how life's unexpected storms can lead us back to purpose. From losing his father at 20 and running a call center during 9/11, to discovering healing through vulnerability, mentorship, and authentic leadership in sales, Jody shares a raw, real-life blueprint of resilience. His story is a reminder that we don't have to be perfect to live a purposeful life.   About the Guest:Jody Durand is a farmer-turned-sales mentor, author, and advocate for emotional honesty—especially among men. His memoir Country Boy Soul chronicles his transformation through loss, burnout, and rebuilding, offering powerful insights into self-worth, mental health, and fulfillment. Now living on a farm with his wife Laura, Jody mentors' others in leadership and sales while staying grounded in gratitude and truth.   Key Takeaways: "It all looks good from the road" masks the real struggles behind success and survival. Jody’s story reveals how unchecked burnout, grief, and societal expectations can silently erode mental well-being. Sales became his unexpected path to healing—because it was never about selling but helping. The crash that nearly took his life became the moment he chose to reclaim it. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s what connects us and lifts others up.   Connect with Jody Durand:Find him on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach him through his book Country Boy Soul, available online. All contact details are included in the book.   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?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-healthylifeInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalDevelopment #MindfulnessMatters #Resilience #BurnoutRecovery #CountryBoySoul #PodcastLife #GrowthMindset

30 Jun 30min

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, rapper, producer, and author Robert “B-CIDE” Cardillo II shares his powerful story of transformation. Once headlining underground rap shows, B-CIDE now lives with 24-hour care after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Yet he never stopped creating. From his memoir Myelin My Shoes to his evolving music and clothing brand, Robert opens up about the loss of identity, rebuilding with purpose, and how creativity became his therapy. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone facing life-altering change and looking for a way forward. About the Guest:Robert “B-CIDE” Cardillo II is a rapper, producer, author, and clothing designer who built a career in the underground music scene before being diagnosed with MS. His memoir Myelin My Shoes is a brutally honest look at life with chronic illness, art, and resilience. Despite physical limitations, B-CIDE continues to create and inspire through music, writing, and entrepreneurship, proving that purpose doesn’t end with diagnosis—it evolves. Key Takeaways: Chronic illness may change your life, but it doesn't end your impact. Rebuilding identity means letting go of the stage and embracing new forms of expression. Vulnerability is powerful—especially in a culture that often hides pain. Creativity can be a tool for pain management, emotional release, and empowerment. Resilience is not about being unbreakable, but about continuing to rise.   Connect with B-CIDE: http://www.myelinmyshoes.com/ Official page for *Myelin My Shoes* — includes the book in Kindle, paperback, and Audible formats, plus the official soundtrack.Website: http://www.b-cide.com/Music, merch, videos, and all social links.🎵 Bandcamp: https://bcide.bandcamp.com Buy or stream B-Cide’s albums directly.📲 Socials: Instagram: @bcide Facebook: facebook.com/bcide TikTok: @bcide YouTube: youtube.com/@btvstudio   Book: Myelin My Shoes available on Amazon   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: Send me a messageTune into all our 15 podcasts: Podcast NetworkSubscribe to Newsletter: Subscribe hereJoin Community: Join us   Stay Tuned And Follow Us:YouTube – @healthymind-healthylifeInstagram – @healthyminds.podThreads – @healthyminds.podFacebook – Podcast PageLinkedIn – Avik Chakraborty | Reema Chatterjee #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicIllness #CreativityAsHealing #MyelinMyShoes #StorytellingAsMedicine #Resilience #PodcastLife #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #PurposeDriven

30 Jun 18min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with Julian Treasure—acclaimed sound expert, five-time TED speaker, and author of How to Be Heard and Sound Business—to explore the critical skill we’ve forgotten: listening. Julian unpacks how our noisy, fast-paced world has led to a global erosion of our ability to truly hear each other and how that impacts our leadership, relationships, and mental wellness. He introduces actionable tools like the RASA method and shares the deeper significance of “conscious listening” as a foundation for more mindful, connected lives. About the Guest:Julian Treasure is a renowned authority on communication, sound, and the impact of listening. With over 150 million TED Talk views, Julian has helped millions understand how sound affects us and why intentional listening is essential. He is the author of How to Be Heard and Sound Business, and founder of The Listening Society, a global initiative committed to restoring listening in our culture.   Key Takeaways: Listening is a skill, not a passive act. Hearing is natural; listening is intentional and practiced. Impatience is eroding our communication. The digital age favors reaction over reflection. Conscious listening changes relationships. Awareness of your “listening position” can transform how others feel seen and valued. Noise is costing us. Miscommunication and disengagement from poor listening cost businesses $10 trillion globally. Practical tools like RASA (Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask) help foster deeper conversations. Silence is healing. Practicing moments of daily silence recalibrates your mental clarity and emotional state.   Connect with Julian Treasure: Explore Sound Business and How to Be Heard wherever books are sold. Join The Listening Society and claim your free month at: betterlistening.today/month http://juliantreasure.substack.com/  This is a link to get a free subscription to Julian's Substack newsletter, featuring nuggets about sound, listening and speaking every week. My website is http://www.juliantreasure.com/ and my email is jt@juliantreasure.com if anyone is interested in keynotes or workshops.    Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM Me on PodMatch: 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 Our Community: https://nas.io/healthymind   Stay Tuned And Follow Us:YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness #MindfulnessMatters #JulianTreasure #ListeningSkills #SoundHealing #ConsciousCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #RASA #HealthyRelationships #SoundTherapy #SilenceMatters #PodcastLife #VoicesOfUnity #GrowthMindset

30 Jun 33min

In this electrifying episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Cauveé—known globally as the Inspiration Engineer—joins us to share his transformation from sleeping in a car to gracing TEDx stages and being featured in Forbes and HuffPost. Cauveé breaks down his proprietary RISE and SIP methodology and explores what it really takes to rise from rock bottom. He talks about hustle burnout, navigating cultural expectations, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right voices. If you're ready to quit making excuses and start showing up for your legacy, this episode is for you.    About the Guest:Cauveé is a strategist, musician, speaker, and creator of the RISE and SIP method—a practical system to ignite visibility, authority, and personal growth. Dubbed the world’s #1 edutainer, he blends education and entertainment to awaken dreamers and empower changemakers. His story is a masterclass in turning rejection into fuel and building success from grit.   Key Takeaways: True transformation starts when you stop waiting for permission and engineer your own mindset. RISE and SIP stands for Rockstar Branding, Increased Visibility, Sales Explosion, Elevated Authority, Strategy, Instruction, and Programming. Burnout and hustle culture must be consciously managed with joy, rest, and recalibration. Your environment matters—surround yourself with eagles, not pigeons. Your start doesn’t define your finish—clarity, mentorship, and resilience are key to rewriting your story.   Connect with Cauveé:Claim your free access to Cauveé’s “Mastery of Your Mindset” playlist: https://www.inspirationengineer.com/i-just-wanna-inspire-u-warmup-editionExplore more: http://www.inspirationengineer.com/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cauvee   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch – Send me a message:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikTune in 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-healthylifeInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #MindsetMatters #RiseAndSip #BurnoutRecovery #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalGrowth #InspirationDaily

30 Jun 30min

In this deeply human and research-informed conversation, clinical research specialist Grace Ogren joins Avik Chakraborty to unpack the complexity of depression and how it's commonly misunderstood. From her personal experience with chronic suicidality and psychiatric treatment to her work with emerging therapies like ketamine, Grace speaks candidly about the real barriers to healing, the misconceptions around antidepressants, and why access—especially in rural areas—remains a critical issue. This is not a conversation about quick fixes but about how healing actually unfolds—messy, nonlinear, and courageous. About the Guest:Grace Ogren is a mental health researcher, writer, and clinical research specialist at Recovery.com. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, Grace brings clarity to complicated mental health topics, including depression, suicidality, psychiatric stigma, and the therapeutic potential of ketamine. She’s committed to making mental healthcare more honest, informed, and accessible. Key Takeaways: Depression isn’t just sadness—it’s a complete shift in how the brain functions, and it affects every aspect of daily life. Ketamine therapy, while not a cure, can provide relief when traditional medications fail, helping patients access deeper therapeutic healing. There’s still significant stigma surrounding psychiatric medication—Grace urges we treat it no differently than taking meds for any other chronic condition. Rural communities face serious mental health care shortages, making telehealth a vital bridge. Medications aren't Band-Aids; they’re tools that can help stabilize someone enough to benefit from deeper therapy and recovery work. Connect with Grace Ogren:Reach out to Grace via LinkedIn or https://www.graceogren.com/   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM me here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Tune into all our 15 podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Our Community:https://nas.io/healthymind   Stay Tuned and Follow Us:YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #DepressionRecovery #KetamineTherapy #HealingJourney #MindfulnessMatters #ConsciousLiving #VoicesOfUnity #PodcastLife #StorytellingAsMedicine

23 Jun 21min

In this powerhouse episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, we sit down with Zach Friedensohn, founder of G&R Construction, one of the fastest-growing general contracting firms in the Southeast. Zach shares his journey from property management to launching a multi-million-dollar design-build firm, emphasizing the critical decisions, leadership pivots, and mindset practices that have fueled his success. From navigating tough hiring choices to balancing the chaos of construction with family life and hot yoga, Zach delivers a masterclass on resilience and smart business building. Tune in for actionable insights on leadership, decision-making, and thriving under pressure. About the Guest:Zach Friedensohn is the founder of G&R Construction, a rapidly scaling general contracting company managing over $3 million in projects annually. Known for blending hands-on expertise with sharp business acumen, Zach is reshaping industry standards for communication and reliability in construction. His leadership journey reflects a commitment to quality, team empowerment, and continuous growth. Key Takeaways: The pivotal moment that led Zach to launch G&R Construction. Why making smart hiring decisions—and knowing when to pivot—is key to sustainable growth. Zach’s non-negotiable daily practices: from stopping work at 8 PM to hot yoga for grounding and focus. How thoughtful decision-making and mentorship shape leadership success. The importance of choosing the right clients for long-term success. Connect with Zach Friedensohn:Follow Zach’s journey and learn more about G&R Construction:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-friedensohn-99766837/  Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch – Send me a message here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Tune into all our 15 podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Our Community:https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

23 Jun 28min

In this eye-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, we explore how your home silently impacts your mind, memory, and emotional well-being. Our guest, Nicole Baxter—neuroaesthetic designer and creator of The Emotional Home—breaks down the science behind how sensory input from our environments shapes our brain’s chemistry and mental health. From the hidden anxiety caused by cluttered or mismatched furniture to the healing power of intentional design, Nicole helps us understand how our homes can either support or sabotage our healing journey. Whether you're in recovery, transformation, or simply seeking peace, this episode shows why designing your home is more than a style choice—it’s a mental health intervention. About the Guest:Nicole Baxter is a seasoned designer, speaker, and the founder of The Emotional Home—the first neuroaesthetic-based design theory for residential spaces. With 30+ years of experience, Nicole creates sanctuaries that not only look beautiful but support emotional and psychological healing. Her work bridges neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and design to help people build homes that nurture who they’re becoming. Key Takeaways: Your environment constantly feeds your brain data that impacts your emotions and nervous system. The amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus respond to sensory cues, triggering either calming or stress hormones. Mismatched, chaotic home environments can create low-level anxiety and mental fatigue. Most people underestimate the emotional toll of disorganized or outdated living spaces. Designing for joy, safety, and who you're becoming is an act of self-care and healing. Connect with Nicole Baxter:Instagram: @nbaxterdesign   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 Tune to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik 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/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 #neuroaesthetics #mentalhealthdesign #wellness #mindbodyconnection #TheEmotionalHome #healingathome #MindfulnessMatters #InteriorWellbeing #ConsciousLiving #PodcastLife

23 Jun 18min