Turning Pain into Purpose: B-CIDE on Music, MS, and Mental Strength

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 Maj 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 Maj 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 Maj 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 Apr 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 Apr 28min

Join us in this powerful conversation with Vince Covino, former CEO of SeaQuest and now the visionary CEO of Warrior Sage, as he candidly shares his transformative journey from ego-driven capitalism to heart-centered leadership. Vince opens up about his experience building a $100 million company, facing public scrutiny, bankruptcy, and ultimately a profound spiritual awakening that reshaped his understanding of success, leadership, and capitalism. About Vince Covino:Vince Covino founded and grew SeaQuest into a $100 million company, driven by a belief he felt was divinely inspired—until it all collapsed. Facing bankruptcy, criticism, and a crisis of faith, Vince chose personal growth over hiding in shame. Now, as CEO of Warrior Sage, he helps leaders shift from power to presence, control to compassion, and ego to essence. Key Takeaways: True success is not measured by money or accolades but by who you become and the purpose you serve. Ego-driven capitalism, while creating innovation and wealth, often neglects deeper values and relationships. Authentic leadership requires aligning personal purpose with business practices, prioritizing people and the planet over pure profit. Deep self-reflection and emotional intelligence are crucial for leaders aiming for sustainable and meaningful success. Transformation often comes from our greatest challenges and darkest moments. Connect with Vince Covino:Listeners can connect with Vince Covino to explore heart-centered leadership and learn how to align their purpose with impactful business practices. All relevant links and details will be provided in the episode's show notes. 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 #wellness

27 Apr 27min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with cannabis marketing strategist Toshe Todoroski, who has managed over $20 million in ad spend in the tightly regulated cannabis industry. Together, they explore how ethical, compliant, and strategic cannabis marketing can do more than drive sales—it can also change lives, reduce stigma, and support mental health. Toshe shares how to craft responsible campaigns that not only educate but also connect deeply with consumers. From navigating Facebook’s strict advertising policies to understanding the lifetime value of a customer, Toshe offers tangible insights for cannabis brands ready to scale ethically. He also discusses trending products in 2025 (hint: beverages are booming), the importance of storytelling in creative design, and how AI is transforming ad creation. About the GuestToshe Todoroski is the founder of Bronzeio, a cannabis marketing consultancy helping brands ethically scale through smart digital strategy and compliance-first advertising. With a focus on impact over hype, Toshe is redefining how cannabis can support consumer well-being. Key Takeaways How responsible cannabis marketing supports public mental health The secret to scalable brand strategy: product demand, customer retention & creative volume Why compliance doesn’t have to kill creativity—storytelling wins The importance of education, testing, and ethical impact in the cannabis space Actionable advice for cannabis founders ready to go national Connect with Toshe TodoroskiWebsite: https://bronzeio.comLinkedIn: Toshe TodoroskiOpen to consultations and advice—reach out for support!   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 #cannabismarketing #mentalhealth #ethicalbranding #cannabisindustry #wellness

27 Apr 23min

In this compelling episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik sits down with Tariq Johnson—entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Franchise Empire. From battling self-doubt and depression after nine failed business attempts to building a multi-million dollar franchise network, Tariq’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and relentless faith. He shares how emotional stability, faith, and finding the right system helped him shift from burnout to breakthroughs, and why mental health is not just a side conversation in business success—it's the foundation. Whether you’re struggling or on the verge of a pivot, this episode is your reminder to keep showing up. About the Guest:Tariq Johnson is the CEO of Franchise Empire and a former national speaker with Tony Robbins. With a background in finance and peak performance coaching, he helps aspiring entrepreneurs break free from analysis paralysis and take bold action. His approach is grounded in mindset, faith, and practical systems that drive growth. Key Takeaways: Mental health is the main event in entrepreneurial success—not an afterthought. Depression was not just a low point for Tariq—it was a turning point. A proven system and deep “why” helped Tariq bounce back and rebuild belief. Success follows when you act with courage, even before you feel confident. Your inner dialogue writes your business story—tune it with care. Connect with Tariq Johnson: YouTube: Franchise Empire Show LinkedIn: Tariq Johnson Website: franchiseempire.com 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 #wellness

27 Apr 22min