From Surviving to Thriving: Dr. Rhonda Hodge on Post-Pandemic Mental Health Recovery
In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, we sit down with Dr. Rhonda Hodge, founder of Harmony Psychiatric Services, to explore how mental health care must evolve beyond traditional models in the aftermath of COVID-19. Dr. Rhonda shares how her integrative approach—combining medication, movement, nutrition, and community—addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms. From reducing stigma to empowering patients and creating safe, inclusive spaces for healing, this episode is packed with grounded insights on what mental health recovery really requires today. About the Guest:Dr. Rhonda Hodge is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Harmony Psychiatric Services. Her practice reimagines mental health care by blending clinical support with holistic wellness tools and community-based care. Passionate about accessibility and empowerment, she helps patients—from adolescents to adults—reclaim agency and heal through connection, education, and compassionate support. Key Takeaways: The pandemic reduced stigma around therapy but also exposed systemic gaps in mental health care. Empowerment is central to healing—patients must feel seen, safe, and supported to recover. Harmony’s approach blends clinical care with movement, nutrition, and executive functioning support. Community is not optional—it’s a protective factor that fosters recovery and resilience. Simple practices like mindful movement and shared vulnerability are powerful mental health tools. Connect with Dr. Rhonda Hodge:Website: www.harmonypsychiatric.com Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM 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 #wellness
21 Sep 23min
From Combat to Calm: Cole Grace on Healing, Humility & Mental Strength
In this powerful conversation, Cole Grace joins Healthy Mind, Healthy Life to explore the misunderstood strength of humility and how it became the foundation for his healing journey after war, addiction, and PTSD. Cole shares his transformation from a soldier driven by ego to an author and advocate grounded in truth. He opens up about the impact of chronic illness, the importance of subconscious reprogramming, and how gratitude, mission, and affirmations help him stay aligned—even on the hardest days. This episode isn’t just about struggle; it’s a deep reflection on reclaiming inner worth when the external world crumbles. About Cole Grace:Cole Grace is a combat veteran turned mental health advocate and author. After navigating war zones and personal battles with PTSD and addiction, Cole now helps others access healing through self-awareness, subconscious rewiring, and humility. His book, Internal External, guides readers through calming their internal chaos and living from truth rather than performance. Key Takeaways: Humility isn’t weakness—it’s grounded self-awareness and true strength. Healing starts by addressing subconscious beliefs, not surface behaviors. Having a mission statement and practicing gratitude can rewire your brain and guide you through emotional storms. Vulnerability and honesty are prerequisites for lasting change. Self-worth should not be tied to external achievements or setback Connect with Cole Grace: YouTube: @CGrace21 Book on Amazon: Internal External: Calming the Chaos Within Facebook & Instagram: Follow Cole Grace (Mental health content is public) Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM me on PodMatch: Send a message Tune in to all our 15 podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe to the newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join the 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/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness
21 Sep 18min
Mastering Relational Well-being and Communication with Amara Samata
In this episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana explores the transformative intersection of communication, self-awareness, and relational intelligence with Amara Samata — a globally recognized transformational guide and founder of the Inner Guidance Institute. With insights drawn from ancient Tibetan Dzogchen wisdom and modern psychological frameworks, Amara shares how tools like the Inner Mirror Method and Golden Request model help individuals build trust, resolve conflicts, and navigate power dynamics consciously in both personal and professional settings. She addresses common myths about transparency, emotional expression, and the real meaning of empathy. A must-listen for anyone seeking healthier connections and deeper communication. About the Guest:Amara Samata is a transformational guide, communication strategist, and creator of methodologies including the Inner Guidance Method, Inner Mirror, and the Golden Request. With experience across 35 countries and over 2,000 clients, she blends ancient Eastern philosophies with modern psychology to help leaders, couples, and individuals enhance relational intelligence and authentic self-expression. She has worked closely with psychologists, therapists, and spiritual teachers to evolve powerful tools that improve communication, trust, and self-awareness. Key Takeaways: Inner work precedes outer connection: Trust in others starts with self-trust and self-awareness. Communication isn’t about talking more — it’s about listening to yourself and others simultaneously. Dzogchen-inspired techniques like “feeding your demons” help heal inner resistance and past trauma. Healthy power dynamics rely on mutual respect, not manipulation or dominance. Transparency without discernment can be harmful — honesty must meet emotional intelligence. Misconceptions around ideal communication styles often hinder relational growth. Connect with Amara Samata:Website: www.amarasamata.comInstagram & YouTube: Search “Amara Samata” for updates and future content. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: Send me a message on PodMatch Tune in to all 15 shows:Podcast Network – Healthy Mind By Avik Subscribe To Our Newsletter:Healthy Mind by Avik on Substack Join Our Community:Nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned and Follow Us!YouTube – Healthy Mind, Healthy LifeInstagram – @healthyminds.podThreads – @healthyminds.podFacebook – Podcast.HealthymindLinkedIn – Reema Chatterjee | Avik Chakraborty #podmatch #healthymind #HealthyMindByAvik #relationalintelligence #communicationtools #mentalhealthawareness #selfleadership #transformationtools #mindfulnessmatters #podcastlife #consciousrelationships #AmaraSamata #innermirror #goldenrequest #Dzogchenwisdom
21 Sep 28min
Healing from Within: Aisha Rodrigue on Nervous System, Mindfulness & True Leadership
In this episode of Healthy Waves, Avik Chakraborty speaks with Aisha Rodrigue, co-founder of Human Garage, about holistic healing, nervous system regulation, emotional trauma, and embodied leadership. Aisha breaks down how stress lives in the body, why fascia holds the key to memory and healing, and how real transformation requires presence—not just effort. The conversation also tackles the myth of competence-based leadership and why true leaders must walk the path before guiding others. About the Guest:Aisha Rodrigue is a globally recognized coach, speaker, and visionary co-founder of Human Garage. With a diverse background spanning luxury hospitality, trauma release, circus arts, and conscious leadership, Aisha has guided thousands through physical, emotional, and energetic recalibration. Her work centers around nervous system healing, fascia therapy, and teaching people to lead and live from inner alignment. Key Takeaways: True holistic health considers physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being—not just symptoms. The nervous system plays a central role in healing; when it's dysregulated, the body prioritizes survival over repair. Trauma lives in the body and requires multi-layered healing—mental awareness alone isn’t enough. Mindfulness is more than meditation—it’s about being fully present in your healing. Leadership rooted in personal healing creates deeper human impact and authentic connection. Connect with Aisha Rodrigue:Follow Aisha on Instagram: @aishahumangarageExplore Human Garage and start your healing journey: humangarage.netWatch free guided sessions: Human Garage TV on YouTubeDownload the app (pay-what-you-can model): Search “Human Garage” on your app store 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-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/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #MindfulnessMatters #HealingJourney #TraumaInformed #NervousSystemHealing #HolisticLeadership #PodcastLife
21 Sep 33min
Healing on the Trail: Rand Timmerman on Grief, Sobriety & Hiking the Appalachian at 72
In this powerful episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik speaks with Rand Timmerman—retired attorney, recovered alcoholic, Vietnam veteran, and author—about his life-changing journey hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail at the age of 72. With an artificial knee, past trauma, and a backpack full of memories, Rand set out to support his grieving brother and ended up rediscovering himself. This episode is a deeply moving exploration of grief, resilience, addiction recovery, and the spirituality found in nature’s wildest places. Whether you're struggling with age, addiction, or doubt—Rand’s story proves it’s never too late to begin again. About the Guest:Rand Timmerman is a former Marine Corps officer, attorney, and author of A Spiritual Passage, a photo-journal memoir of his 6-month hike through the Appalachian Trail. Now sober, he speaks openly about addiction, PTSD, and spiritual healing later in life. Rand’s work offers hope to anyone feeling stuck, broken, or too old to chase transformation. Key Takeaways: At 72, Rand hiked 2,200 miles to help his grieving brother and discovered his own healing. Recovery is possible at any age—sobriety, service, and nature helped him reclaim purpose. The Appalachian Trail revealed emotional and physical limits—and how to push beyond them. Addiction is not a moral failure; understanding its biological basis changes the path to healing. Spiritual connection and surrender were critical in maintaining peace and sobriety. Connect with Rand Timmerman: Email: rand.timmerman@gmail.com Website: www.randtimmerman.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 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 #wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #AddictionRecovery #NeverTooLate #AppalachianTrail #SoberLiving #PersonalGrowth #VeteranVoices #StorytellingAsMedicine
21 Sep 20min
Reclaiming Creative Worth with Rachel Vancelette: Burnout, Boundaries, and Bold Expression
In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Rachel D. Vancelette—art advisor, strategist, and author of Own Your Worth—on how creatives can reclaim their value, heal from burnout, and navigate the art world with integrity. Rachel shares her personal journey through extreme burnout, autoimmune illness, and spiritual disconnection, all while leading major art institutions. She unpacks how saying “no,” finding sanctuary in art, and writing her book became transformational tools. This episode is a powerful reminder that creativity isn’t a commodity—it’s a lifeline. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to produce or perform, this is a conversation worth tuning in for. About the Guest:Rachel D. Vancelette is a global art advisor, creative strategist, and author of Own Your Worth: The Artist’s Guide to Selling with Purpose and Power. She’s led some of New York’s top galleries and curated cross-industry projects at the intersection of art, tech, and fashion. Her mission is to help artists find their voice, price their work with confidence, and break free from the myths of the “starving artist.” Key Takeaways: Burnout often hides beneath outward success; healing begins with honest self-inquiry. Reclaiming worth as a creative involves unlearning the pressure to say “yes” to everything. Writing, reflection, and boundary-setting can become spiritual practices. Social media metrics can distort artistic value—your voice is more than a like count. Artists must embrace entrepreneurship and price their work as a sustainable business model. Connect with Rachel Vancelette:Website: www.vancelette.comInstagram: @vanceletteEmail/DM via website or Instagram for collaborations or to learn more about her upcoming projects. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch: DM Me HereTune into all our 15 podcasts: Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our newsletter: Subscribe HereJoin our community: Join Now 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 – Reema Chatterjee | Avik Chakraborty #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #CreativeHealing #BurnoutRecovery #OwnYourWorth #ArtAndWellness #PodcastLife #StorytellingAsMedicine #VoicesOfUnity #MindfulnessMatters #PersonalDevelopment #BoundariesMatter
21 Sep 27min
Training the Mindset Muscle: Unlocking Grit, Belief, and Mental Toughness with Coach Sandy Cohen
What separates champions from quitters? It’s not talent—it’s mindset. In this high-impact episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana speaks with Coach Sandy Cohen, a dynamic mindset coach, speaker, and author of the 99 Rules series. Sandy breaks down what it really means to train the "muscle between your ears," offering powerful insights into belief, grit, focus, and emotional control. Whether you're an athlete, parent, coach, or someone navigating pressure in everyday life, this conversation will reframe how you see performance and personal growth. From managing burnout to reshaping parental support in sports, this is a raw, practical guide to building a winning mindset. About the Guest:Coach Sandy Cohen is a high-energy mindset coach and speaker who has worked with thousands—from young kids to Olympians. He's the author of 99 Rules Every Athlete Needs to Know and 99 Rules Every Sports Parent Needs to Know, offering straightforward, no-fluff strategies to build character through sport. Sandy’s mission is simple: sports are the vehicle, but character is the destination. Key Takeaways: Mindset isn’t fluff—it’s foundational. Sandy defines mindset through what he calls “The Big 7”: belief, attitude, grit, focus, emotional control, discipline, and self-awareness. Confidence is not the root; belief is. Without belief, confidence and performance crumble. Athletes and parents often focus too much on outcomes. The real win lies in mastering actions and behaviors. Parents have a massive role—not as second coaches, but as steady supporters who know when not to intervene. Burnout happens when athletes ignore recovery and emotional health. Grit isn’t about pushing blindly—it’s about knowing when to pause and reset. Connect with Coach Sandy: Website: www.mentaledgehockey.com Social Media: @mentaledgehockey LinkedIn: Sandy Cohen Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM 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 #wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #MindsetMatters #AthleteMindset #SportsParenting #PerformanceCoaching #PodcastLife #GrowthMindset #CharacterBuilding #GritAndGrace
21 Sep 23min
Entrepreneurship After Trauma: Redefining Strength with Amy Friesen
In this heartfelt episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Amy Friesen—award-winning entrepreneur, author, and founder of Tea & Toast—about the emotional realities of caregiving, trauma, and entrepreneurship. Amy shares how her personal journey through loss and family dysfunction led to creating two impactful organizations dedicated to guiding caregivers and families through the complex world of elder care. Amy reveals how building a business was both an act of survival and healing, and how her work now helps others navigate caregiving with boundaries, resilience, and community. From launching an entire industry category to supporting caregivers facing trauma, Amy's story offers powerful lessons for anyone balancing emotional weight with leadership. About the Guest: Amy Friesen is the founder of Tea and Toast and Elder Care Planners of Canada, both pioneering services helping Canadian families navigate eldercare. With over two decades in the senior living industry, Amy’s mission is to bring clarity, structure, and compassion to an emotionally taxing process. She’s also the author of a book that empowers caregivers with practical tools and insight to make informed, confident decisions. Key Takeaways: Caregiving often reactivates old trauma, especially in estranged or difficult family relationships. Entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for healing—but it requires resilience when recognition is absent. Amy created a new category in eldercare planning from scratch, confronting legal and systemic barriers with determination. “You are not alone” is more than a slogan—it’s a strategy for mental wellness through connection and community. Leadership in caregiving isn't about doing more, but about setting boundaries and doing what matters. Connect with Amy Friesen: Visit https://teaandtoast.ca for resources, services, and to learn more about Amy’s work with Tea and Toast and the Elder Care Planners of Canada. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM 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 #CaregivingSupport #EntrepreneurshipJourney #TraumaHealing #WomenInLeadership #ElderCareAdvocate #HealthyMindHealthyLife #PersonalGrowth #ResilienceInBusiness
21 Sep 18min
