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

In this deeply moving episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana speaks with Austin Davis, a licensed professional counselor and the heart behind Clearfork Academy, a faith-centered teen addiction recovery center. Together, they explore the critical intersections of mental health, substance abuse, spirituality, and family dynamics. Austin shares his personal journey from church ministry to clinical work, the role of shame in teen addiction, and why true recovery requires both structure and empathy—not “tough love.” This episode offers powerful insights for parents, caregivers, and professionals seeking real solutions and deeper understanding. About the Guest:Austin Davis is a seasoned mental health professional and founder of Clearfork Academy, a residential treatment program that combines clinical excellence with faith-based healing. With a background in church youth ministry and counseling, Austin has spent nearly 15 years walking alongside teens and families through addiction and recovery. He’s also the author of That’s My Kid, That’s My Crisis, a book highlighting real stories from his clinical practice. Key Takeaways: Teen addiction isn’t always chaotic—it can hide behind high achievement. Early signs include changes in friend groups, school disengagement, and isolation. Shame is a powerful, often overlooked root of addiction—addressing it is critical. Effective recovery is built on relationships, clear expectations, and listening. Integrating faith and clinical tools can guide teens toward self-worth and purpose. Family systems must be involved—healing happens in community. Connect with Austin Davis: Website: https://clearforkacademy.com Book: That’s My Kid, That’s My Crisis on Amazon Social: Clearfork Academy on all major platforms 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: Reema Chatterjee | Avik Chakraborty #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #teenaddiction #clearforkacademy #mentalhealth #austindavis

14 Apr 23min

What if midlife wasn't about decline, but about reclaiming vitality? In this inspiring episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana speaks with Ana Pang, a menopause skin and vitality specialist who reversed her biological age by 20 years. Ana shares her deeply personal journey into hormonal health, the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and how cortisol might be the hidden culprit behind your fatigue, fog, and skin issues. We explore her signature Yin Yang Method—a blend of science, TCM, face yoga, natural skincare, and stress management—that's helped women worldwide thrive through perimenopause and beyond. This episode is a masterclass on aging well, balancing hormones naturally, and embracing midlife with grace and energy. About the Guest: Ana Pang is a renowned Menopause Skin & Vitality Specialist with over 20 years of experience. Her proprietary Yin Yang Method combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with natural skincare, hormone-supportive nutrition, and stress management techniques to restore radiance and resilience in women. Ana's mission? To redefine aging and help women feel empowered during their midlife transition. Key Takeaways: Midlife hormonal changes can trigger subtle yet powerful symptoms—listen to your body’s whispers before they become screams. Cortisol imbalance is often overlooked but significantly impacts energy, skin, and brain function. The Yin Yang Method supports hormonal health with natural remedies like green tea, herbal infusions, gua sha, and face yoga. Small daily practices—like switching to antioxidant-rich hydration—can create lasting transformation. Preventive health, not reactive treatment, is key to aging vibrantly and feeling alive in your 40s and beyond. Connect with Ana Pang: Website: https://menopauseskincare.life  Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ana.pang.218/   Book a lifestyle assessment session via her website and discover how to align your hormones, skin, and vitality. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM: DM Me Here Subscribe To Newsletter Join Community Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn | LinkedIn (Avik) #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #menopause #hormonebalance #aginggracefully #tcm #midlifevitality

14 Apr 29min

In this transformative episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana sits down with Ben O’Loghlin—entrepreneur, wellness educator, and Alexander Technique teacher—to uncover how chronic pain isn’t always physical, but often neurological. Ben shares his riveting journey of overcoming debilitating back pain not through medication or surgery, but by rewiring his brain’s pain response. With over 30 years of experience and remarkable success stories from his students, Ben breaks down the cognitive science behind pain, the role of “bad tension,” and how a simple practice of inhibition can offer lasting relief. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of treatments that don’t work, this episode is your invitation to think differently—because real healing might just begin in your mind. About the Guest:Ben O’Loghlin is the founder of BackRepublic.com, a wellness platform offering cognitive-based solutions to chronic back pain. After suffering years of daily pain himself, Ben discovered the Alexander Technique—a neuromuscular re-education method—and now teaches others how to release harmful tension and retrain their nervous systems. Based in Australia, Ben combines science, personal experience, and mindful movement to help people live pain-free without pills, appointments, or invasive therapies. Key Takeaways: 90% of back pain is non-specific and often stems from neural tension patterns, not physical injury. The Alexander Technique retrains the brain to stop sending harmful tension signals to the body. Healing starts by “inhibiting” the instinct to fix pain—simply pausing and observing can begin to release chronic tightness. Studies show an 80%+ reduction in pain days per month through these non-invasive practices. True relief lies not in doing more, but in re-learning how to be in your body without fear or force. Connect with Ben O’Loghlin:Website: www.backrepublic.comTake the free back pain scorecard and join the course waitlist directly from his site. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: DM Me Here 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 #backpain #alexandertechnique #mindbodyhealing #chronicpainrelief

14 Apr 36min

In this electrifying episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana is joined by Nico Verresen — a 6-time Muay Thai and MMA champion turned elite performance psychologist. Together, they explore how to stay cool, calm, and deeply engaged in high-pressure situations. Drawing from neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and decades of training elite athletes and CEOs, Nico shares powerful mindset shifts and easy-to-apply techniques that anyone can use to turn stress into strength. Whether you're battling boardroom anxiety, juggling family life, or facing internal fears, this episode offers practical tools to transform tension into triumph. About the Guest:Nico Verresen is a former world champion fighter and now a sought-after performance psychologist. He works with Olympians, Fortune 500 CEOs, and high performers across industries to unlock flow states and resilience under pressure. His approach blends science, movement, and mindset to help people transform stress into their superpower. Key Takeaways: Stress isn't the enemy—your mindset is. Nico explains how the belief that stress is harmful actually causes more harm than stress itself. Embrace, don’t escape. Rather than fighting stress, Nico suggests seeing it as a biological signal of something important, much like our ancestors did with real threats. Learn to ground yourself. Simple tools like the physiological sigh and progressive muscle relaxation can calm the body without suppressing energy. Mental rehearsal works. Visualizing how you'll respond to stress before it hits prepares the brain to stay steady under pressure. Practical for everyone. From elite athletes to working parents in unfulfilling jobs, these techniques work because they align the body and mind through awareness and self-regulation. Bubble method for thoughts. One of the most creative tools: naming and acknowledging negative thoughts, then releasing them like soap bubbles to reduce their emotional grip. Connect with Nico Verresen: Website: www.2yourtopcoach.com Instagram & Facebook: @NicoVerresen 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

14 Apr 42min

In this mind-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with body language strategist and behavioral psychology educator Shalom Damabel. From first impressions to high-stakes conversations, Shalom unpacks how nonverbal cues shape our reality. He reveals the truth behind the famous 55-38-7 communication rule, debunks myths about spotting lies, and shares confidence-boosting posture tips you can use in interviews, public speaking, or everyday interactions. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal presence or decode others with precision, this episode equips you with the psychological edge. About the Guest:Shalom Damabel is a body language strategist and behavioral psychology educator known for breaking down human behavior into actionable insights. Through platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn, he empowers professionals with practical tools to improve communication, boost confidence, and navigate social dynamics with precision. Key Takeaways: Body language makes up 55% of communication; posture and presence matter more than words. Spotting lies isn't about one cue—look for lack of commitment, pacifying gestures, and missing emphasis. We are wired to avoid pain more than we seek pleasure—understanding this sharpens persuasion. Use confident posture: keep your chest open, earlobes distanced from shoulders, and chin slightly raised. Hand gestures, especially showing palms, increase trust and message retention by up to 30%. Connect with Shalom Damabel 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 #bodylanguage #behavioralpsychology #confidenceboost #healthycommunication #healthymindbyavik

14 Apr 15min

In this empowering episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty chats with Ruth Mac, founder of Ruth Mac Fit and a champion of midlife transformation for women. From teacher to personal trainer to wellness coach, Ruth shares how a health crisis in her 30s became the catalyst for deep change—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Together, they explore how midlife isn’t a decline—it’s a new beginning. Ruth opens up about the real struggles women face in their 40s and beyond: perimenopause, burnout, identity loss, and the exhausting all-or-nothing mindset. She offers practical ways to shift from intensity to sustainability, to listen to your body instead of fighting it, and how even 5 minutes of movement or 3 consistent meals can spark powerful change. This episode is your permission slip to do less—but better. About the GuestRuth Mac is a UK-based health and lifestyle coach helping women 40+ reclaim their energy, health, and confidence. Through her brand Ruth Mac Fit, she supports clients in ditching yo-yo dieting and embracing a more compassionate, realistic approach to wellness that fits their real lives. Key Takeaways Aging doesn’t mean decline; it’s often burnout disguised as biology. Sustainability > intensity: consistency in small habits beats perfection. The “all-or-nothing” mindset keeps women stuck; learn to plan for chaos, not calm. Menopause, motherhood, and neurodiversity all shape wellness—but adaptability is power. The best time to start is now, not “when things calm down.” Connect with Ruth Mac Website: https://www.ruthmacfit.com Instagram: @ruthmacfit 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/ #midlifewellness #healthymindhealthylife #ruthmacfit #midlifereboot #womenover40 #agingwell #perimenopause #podmatch #selfcare

14 Apr 17min

In this inspiring episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik speaks with Coach Michael Lowman—an acclaimed speaker and mindset mentor trained by legends like Bob Proctor and Les Brown. Michael shares his gripping journey of losing his eyesight at the peak of his career and how he turned that life-altering challenge into a powerful transformation. This episode dives deep into personal growth, breaking limiting beliefs, upgrading your self-image, and the spiritual and mental tools needed to rebuild your life from the inside out. About the Guest: Michael Lowman is a mindset transformation coach, speaker, and resilience expert who helps people turn breakdowns into breakthroughs. Despite losing his eyesight, Michael used spiritual alignment, visualization, and self-image mastery to rebuild his life. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. Key Takeaways: True health begins with a healthy mindset and self-awareness. Limiting beliefs often operate subconsciously—awareness is the first step to breaking free. Your self-image determines your results; upgrade it to upgrade your life. Visualization and affirmations can help overcome addiction, trauma, and doubt. Success is not about achieving goals but becoming the person who naturally attracts them. Connect with Michael Lowman: LinkedIn:Coach Michael Lowman TikTok: @coachmichaellowman Instagram: @officialmichaellowmanMention Healthy Mind, Healthy Life to receive Michael’s $500 training on the 6 higher mental faculties—free for listeners!   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PodMatchDM 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 #mindsetcoaching #selfimage #resilience

14 Apr 23min

In this eye-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dr. Betsy Holmberg, Harvard-trained psychologist and author of the upcoming book Unkind Mind. Betsy shares her personal journey through heartbreak and depression, revealing a powerful discovery: the voice inside your head—the one constantly criticizing and doubting you—is not actually you. It’s your brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), a survival mechanism rooted in ancient fears of rejection and failure. Together, they unpack how these negative thoughts form, how they impact identity, parenting, relationships, and careers, and—most importantly—how we can separate ourselves from them. Learn how understanding the brain’s thought networks can unlock freedom from anxiety, overthinking, and imposter syndrome. About the GuestDr. Betsy Holmberg is a psychologist with a Ph.D. from Duke and clinical training from Harvard. She previously worked as a top-tier consultant with McKinsey & Company. Betsy now focuses on educating people about brain science and self-talk. Her upcoming book Unkind Mind (releasing June 1st) is a game-changer in mental health, blending neuroscience and personal insight. Key Takeaways Negative self-talk often stems from the DMN, an outdated neural network designed for survival, not truth. You are not your thoughts—the DMN is automatic and separate from your conscious self. Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and anxiety can be reduced by strengthening the Central Executive Network (CEN) through mindfulness and intentional focus. Meditation helps shift brain activity from DMN to CEN, building emotional resilience. Self-compassion, awareness, and emotional honesty are powerful tools for breaking free from unkind mental patterns. Connect with Dr. Betsy Holmberg Website: www.betsyholmberg.com Instagram: @betsyholmberg Book: Unkind Mind – Pre-order now on Amazon or from other major retailers (available June 1st) 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/ #UnkindMind #HealthyMindHealthyLife #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfTalk #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #BetsyHolmberg #podmatch #healing #resilience

14 Apr 20min