Why Do We Struggle to Let Go and How Can the Body Lead the Way with Somatic Freedom? featuring Melanie Smithson

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by author and publisher Kirsten Marion to explore reinvention, aging with grace, and the mindset needed to unlock your creativity—especially later in life. From writing her first book at eight to navigating a career in finance, Kirsten now thrives as the author of The Chic Crone, a novel that reclaims the “crone” archetype and celebrates transformation at every age. We dive into what it means to adopt an author mindset, the sneaky power of self-doubt, and how women can move beyond guilt to fully embrace their creative identity. Whether you’re starting over at 60 or just picking up your pen for the first time, this conversation is your permission slip to leap. About the Guest:Kirsten Marion is a Canadian author and the publisher behind Common Deer Press. After a successful career in finance, she returned to her first love—storytelling. She's the author of three middle grade novels and the newly released adult novel The Chic Crone, a story that delves into loss, reinvention, and self-discovery. Kirsten now writes full-time and is a passionate advocate for creative courage and personal power at every life stage. Key Takeaways: Reinvention is possible at any age—start small and stay consistent. Self-doubt is normal; name it, question it, and move forward anyway. Women often struggle with guilt when prioritizing themselves—modeling bravery helps future generations. You don’t need to know the whole path—just take the next right step. The journey of becoming never ends—it’s never too late to start again. Connect with Kirsten Marion: Website: www.kirstenmarion.com Newsletter & updates: Recipes, behind-the-scenes, and book news Email: kmarion@kirstenmarion.com Book: The Chic Crone – Available now on major platformsWant 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 - Reema | Avik #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #reinvention #selfdoubt #authormindset #thechiccrone #personalgrowth #wellness

27 Apr 26min

In this powerful episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana sits down with Jason Willis Lee—entrepreneurial translator, coach, and podcast host—to explore the true cost of being “always on” in a hyper-connected world. With 25+ years of experience in the language industry and a personal journey rooted in overcoming adversity, Jason shares how setting clear boundaries has not only preserved his mental health but also enhanced his business success. From guilt-free unplugging to building a personal brand that attracts without burnout, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies for freelancers, solopreneurs, and remote workers navigating today’s hustle culture.   About the Guest:Jason Willis Lee is a seasoned medical translator (Spanish & French to English), coach, and podcast host of Freelancer Training. With over two decades of experience, Jason guides professionals in the language industry to find balance, boost productivity, and scale without sacrificing their well-being. His coaching bridges the gap between emotional boundaries, productivity, and entrepreneurial success.   Key Takeaways: Online boundaries are essential to protect your energy and avoid burnout in freelance careers. Personal branding is your moat—lean into your uniqueness to reduce competition. Guilt around disconnecting often stems from blurred emotional and cultural boundaries. Long-term success requires intention, lifestyle design, and outcome-based work—not just hours. Saying “no” more often is what sets sustainable leaders apart. Connect with Jason Willis Lee: LinkedIn: Jason Willis-Lee Instagram: @entrepreneurial_translator 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 - Healthy Mind, Healthy LifeInstagram - @podhealth.clubThreads - @podhealth.clubFacebook - Podcast Healthy MindLinkedIn - Avik C. | Reema Chatterjee #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #freelancerlife #mentalhealthboundaries #productivitywithoutburnout

27 Apr 30min

In this powerful episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Gretchen Schoser—mental health advocate, suicide attempt survivor, and co-host of the award-winning podcast Shit That Goes On In Our Heads. Gretchen shares her deeply personal journey, from facing a mental health crisis to becoming a voice of hope and change. At 61, when many consider slowing down, Gretchen took a bold leap—launching her own company that merges her tech expertise with mental wellness advocacy. Her mission? To create safer, healthier workplaces and communities by prioritizing mental health in leadership and organizational change. Join us as we discuss the power of vulnerability, breaking the silence around mental health, and turning pain into purpose.   About the Guest – Gretchen Schoser   Gretchen Schoser is a suicide attempt survivor and a passionate mental health advocate. She co-hosts the award-winning podcast Shit That Goes On In Our Heads, which has garnered 1.4 million downloads. Gretchen is also a champion for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, ensuring that people in crisis receive the support they need. At 61, she founded a company combining technology and mental health advocacy to build resilience in individuals and workplaces.   Key Takeaways   ✔️ Vulnerability is Strength – Speaking openly about struggles helps break the stigma and fosters healing.✔️ You Are Not Alone – No matter how dark things feel, there is always support available.✔️ Boundaries Save Lives – Learning to set healthy boundaries is crucial for mental well-being.✔️ Technology Can Be a Tool for Good – From mindfulness apps to online communities, tech can support mental health.✔️ It's Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself – Gretchen’s story proves that personal and professional reinvention is possible at any stage of life.   Connect with Gretchen Schoser   🌐 Website: goesoninourheads.net📲 Instagram: @G.Rex_DirtySkittles💼 LinkedIn: Gretchen Schoser🔗 Discord: Available through her website Resources Mentioned   📞 If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?   📩 DM me on PodMatch: Click Here 📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: Join Here🤝 Join the Community: Join Here 📢 Stay Tuned & Follow Us!▶️ YouTube: Healthy Mind Healthy Life📸 Instagram: @podhealth.club💬 Threads: @podhealth.club📘 Facebook: Podcast Healthy Mind💼 LinkedIn: Avik Chakraborty 🚀 If this episode inspired you, share it with someone who needs to hear this message today! #mentalhealth #resilience #vulnerability #podmatch #healthymind #hope

27 Apr 40min

Join us on "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life" as we dive deep with Ethan Leifer, CEO and Founder of 74 West Real Estate, to uncover the real hustle behind successful entrepreneurship in the luxury real estate market. Ethan shares candid insights on overcoming rejection, mastering the art of follow-up, and the disciplined mindset required to thrive in real estate. From making thousands of cold calls weekly to building a thriving brokerage, Ethan’s story is a testament to resilience, strategy, and consistent hard work.   About the Guest: Ethan Leifer is the visionary behind 74 West Real Estate, a luxury brokerage specializing in multimillion-dollar residential properties. His career is defined by relentless determination, innovative marketing tactics, and exceptional leadership. Ethan earned his success through sheer persistence, initially making over 3,000 cold calls a week and now leading one of the most high-performing real estate teams in New York City.   Key Takeaways: Embrace rejection: Every "no" brings you closer to a lucrative "yes." Success requires consistency, relentless follow-up, and disciplined lead generation. Transitioning from team leader to CEO empowers personal and professional growth. Prioritize and schedule your mental health and personal time—it’s essential for long-term success. Exceptional marketing and accountability differentiate successful listings from unsuccessful ones. Connect with Ethan Leifer: Website LinkedIn 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 #realestate #entrepreneurship

27 Apr 23min

In this powerful episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with author, researcher, and documentary filmmaker Aly Vredenburgh to unpack the deeper roots of the Gen Z mental health crisis. Forget the surface-level blame on screen time—Aly breaks down how systemic issues, policy failures, and cultural shifts are fueling unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in younger generations. From misunderstood social dynamics to lack of access to preventive care, Aly’s fresh and solution-focused insights are a wake-up call for individuals, parents, educators, and policymakers alike. About the Guest:Aly Vredenburgh is an author, sociologist, and advocate for youth mental health. With a master’s in social innovation, she challenges the status quo through her book Out of Focus: Why Gen Z's Mental Health Crisis is More Complex Than You Think and her upcoming documentary Crisis Generation. Her mission is to drive awareness and action by tackling mental health with compassion, community, and bold policy reform. Key Takeaways: The Gen Z mental health crisis isn't just about tech—it's rooted in systemic neglect, cultural disconnection, and lack of policy support. Social media isn’t the villain—it can be a powerful tool for community, education, and healing when used intentionally. Aly advocates for universal mental health care, more school counselors, and addressing loneliness as public health priorities. Awareness alone isn’t enough—real change starts with empathy, purpose, and collective action. Storytelling, especially through film, can transform hearts and policies in ways raw data never could. Connect with Aly: Aly Vredenburgh's WebsiteStay updated on Aly’s work and upcoming documentary by following her on social media and exploring her latest book and initiatives. (User to add links here if available)   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/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #GenZmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #crisisgeneration #aly

27 Apr 26min

In this powerful episode of Healthy Waves, host Avik Chakraborty brings together three remarkable voices shaping the future of health, performance, and emotional well-being. Allison McCune Davis, author of 60 is a Good Start, redefines aging as a vibrant new chapter. Allen Imbarrato, creator of the KeyFlow app, shares how AI and mindfulness can transform stress into strength. Karen Aroney, founder of ExecFuel Nutrition, dives into the missing link between nutrition and leadership performance. Together, they explore how brain work, emotional intelligence, AI, and nutrition converge for sustainable success. About the Guests: Allison McCune Davis: Author, Traditional Naturopath, and advocate for redefining life after 60. Her book 60 is a Good Start empowers women to embrace longevity, vitality, and purpose. Allen Imbarrato: Tech visionary and founder of KiFlow, an AI-powered mindfulness tool that transforms stress into personal growth through emotional awareness and real-time coaching. Karen Aroney: Nutritionist and founder of ExecFuel Nutrition, specializing in personalized strategies for high-performing leaders to optimize energy, cognition, and resilience. Key Takeaways: Redefine Aging: Allison McCune Davis challenges societal norms around aging, showing that 60+ is just the beginning of a powerful life chapter. AI for Emotional Resilience: Allen Imbarrato’s KiFlow app blends AI and mindfulness to help users reframe stress in real-time, identifying triggers and fostering growth. Nutrition & Leadership: Karen Aroney highlights how under-fueling impacts leadership resilience and shares habit-stacking strategies for sustainable nutrition without burnout. Mind-Body Connection: Emotional well-being, nutrition, and technology converge to build long-term vitality and peak performance. Transformation in Schools: Imagine a world where brain work, AI mindfulness tools, and personalized nutrition strategies are taught in schools—nurturing resilient future leaders. Connect with the Guests: Allison McCune Davis: https://allisonmccunedavis.com/ | 60 is a Good Start (Book) Allen Imbarrato:  LinkedIn Karen Aroney: ExecFuel Nutrition | LinkedIn 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-healthylife• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod• Threads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind• LinkedIn – Reema Chatterjee | Avik Chakraborty #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

24 Apr 44min

In this enlightening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, we welcome Susan Shapiro Barash, trailblazer in gender studies and author of Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended. Together, we unpack the often-taboo subject of female friendship breakdowns—why they happen, the emotional toll they take, and why letting go can be an act of self-love. Drawing insights from 150 interviews with women aged 20 to 80, Susan shares stories of betrayal, jealousy, and shifting values that lead to friendship estrangement. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and offers permission to prioritize well-being over outdated notions of loyalty. About the Guest:Susan Shapiro Barash is a celebrated author and gender studies expert with over 14 non-fiction books, including Toxic Friends and Tripping the Prom Queen. Her latest book, Estranged, explores the hidden complexities of female friendships, revealing why some relationships fade and how women can navigate these shifts with grace and empowerment. Key Takeaways: Friendships aren't always forever—and that’s okay. Betrayal, jealousy, and diverging values often fracture bonds. Letting go of toxic friendships is an act of courage, not failure. Women often avoid conflict in friendships due to cultural conditioning as "pleasers." Emotional healing from friendship loss requires self-reflection and self-compassion. Connect with Susan Shapiro Barash:Website: Susan Shapiro BarashBook: Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended - Available at major retailers. 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/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

24 Apr 20min

In this transformative episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, co-host Sana sits down with Nick Pavlidis, former NYC lawyer turned successful ghostwriter and entrepreneur. Nick shares his remarkable journey from clocking 80-hour work weeks and missing family milestones to founding Authority Ghostwriting and helping others turn their stories into impactful books. Learn how he transitioned careers, built a thriving business with minimal marketing, and found a life aligned with his values. If you're stuck in a job that doesn't light you up, this episode offers practical, honest insights on turning passion into profit. About the Guest:Nick Pavlidis is the founder of Authority Ghostwriting, where he helps professionals craft and publish their books, amplifying their message and reach. A former litigation attorney in NYC, Nick pivoted from corporate law to entrepreneurship, building seven companies across publishing, events, and education. His story is a testament to the power of courage, consistency, and doing work that matters. Key Takeaways: Pivot with Purpose: Nick’s epiphany came from witnessing a couple’s loving partnership at a coaching event, inspiring him to seek a more fulfilling life beyond the law. Transition Smartly: Instead of jumping blindly, he took a transition job with less pay but more freedom, allowing space to build his business. Ghostwriting Goldmine: Nick started ghostwriting by networking, not marketing, eventually raising his rates steadily while focusing on high-end clients. Momentum Takes Time: Building a business takes 3 years of consistency. Start inefficiently, refine your niche, and let momentum grow organically. Borrow Confidence: Surround yourself with mentors who believe in you even when your own confidence wavers. Connect with Nick Pavlidis: Email:nick@authorityghostwriting.com Website:Authority Ghostwriting 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/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

24 Apr 30min