Surviving Roots: A Crash Course in Turning Pain into Potential

What if setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away — but about finally choosing yourself? In this powerful and deeply relatable conversation, Harvard-trained clinical psychologist Dr. Sabrina Romanoff joins Surviving Roots host Cari Fund to unpack the hidden patterns that shape our relationships — from friendship breakups and people-pleasing to the repetition of childhood wounds in our adult lives. Together they explore: Why boundaries are acts of preservation, not rejection. How self-abandonment begins in childhood — and how to stop repeating it. The psychology behind friendship breakups and envy. What “getting comfortable in the uncomfortable” really looks like. How to know if someone is a battery or a generator in your life. Why guilt can actually be a sign of healing. Whether you’re untangling toxic dynamics or learning to stand in your worth, this episode will help you reconnect with the version of yourself you’ve been betraying just to keep the peace. ✨ Connect with Dr. Sabrina Romanoff: @drsabrinaromanoff 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Surviving Roots — streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. 📘 Download The Bold Self-Healing Guide — your free resource for turning pain into potential, linked in Cari’s bio at @cari.fund

In this raw and soul-stirring episode of Surviving Roots, Cari Fund sits down with Michelle Garside—co-founder of Soul Camp Creative, a sacred strategy house helping purpose-driven people and organizations tell their most authentic stories. Michelle has spent her career creating transformative spaces like Soul Camp, The Enchantment Experience, and The Connecticut Women’s Club. But beneath all that success is a story of radical truth-telling, recovery, and what it really means to belong. Together, Cari and Michelle dive deep into the loneliness that hides beneath high achievement, the spiritual disconnection that fuels addiction, and the messy, beautiful process of coming home to yourself. Michelle opens up about her recovery from bulimia, addiction, and alcoholism—and how shame became the doorway to her power. She shares the story behind her upcoming 2027 book, Not Awakened, which challenges the illusion of “perfect enlightenment” and invites us to embrace our full, human messiness instead. ✨ Inside the episode: The loneliness that success can’t fill Motherhood as a spiritual practice of imperfection Recovery and radical truth-telling The healing power of community and belonging “God comes through guys”—how love can become a mirror for awakening The anti-guru message behind Not Awakened 💬 “Loneliness is a spiritual hole.” 💬 “We become the choices that we make.” 💬 “Maybe we’re not meant to be enlightened—maybe we’re meant to be human.” Follow @cari.fund and @survivingrootspod for more stories about truth, healing, and becoming who you were meant to be. 🌿 Get My Free Guide: Ready to start your own journey of self-discovery and healing? Download my free Bold Self-Growth Guide at www.cari.fund — your roadmap to reconnecting with yourself, setting boundaries, and creating the life you actually want.

Writer, mother, and reluctant socialite Asha Elias joins Cari to talk about reinvention, resilience, and the real story behind her rapid rise as a novelist. From launching Pink Glass Houses to celebrating the release of The Namaste Club, Asha opens up about writing, grief, raising two kids post-divorce, and how dating a younger man has taught her about love and softness in relationships. Asha has contributed to Cosmopolitan magazine and is a regular columnist for Miami New Times. She lives in Miami Beach. This conversation is honest, inspiring, hilarious, and packed with reminders that you can start over at any time — and do it loudly. This episode explores: Writing books faster than people have babies Reclaiming your voice after family childhood dysfunction Dating younger and being loved how you’ve always wanted Grieving a complicated relationship with her late mother Letting go of shame and the power of trying again If you’re standing at the edge of reinvention, this one’s your permission slip to leap. Books discussed: Pink Glass Houses & The Namaste Club Connect with Asha on Instagram @asha.sue.elias Connect with Cari on Instagram @cari.fund Listen to Surviving Roots wherever you get your podcasts.

What if parenthood came with a delegation plan, a support team, and a mission statement? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Christine Landis—former CEO turned intentional parenting strategist and founder of Peacock Parent—to unpack how executive-level planning, outsourcing, and mindset shifts can radically reduce burnout and bring joy back to motherhood. We explore: The hidden mental load modern parents carry How to apply “time is money” thinking to family life Why delegating isn’t selfish—it’s self-preservation How Christine’s new membership platform Proxy is helping busy families reclaim joy and rest Christine Landis is a former CEO who sold her global company and retired at 36. She now helps parents stop glorifying burnout and start parenting with presence, purpose, and peace through her revolutionary platform Proxy—a delegation toolkit designed for modern families. 🎁 EXCLUSIVE GIFT FOR SURVIVING ROOTS LISTENERS: Get $100 off your annual Proxy membership and start outsourcing the overwhelm today. Use code: CARIFUNDGIFT at checkout. 🦚 Learn more at peacockparent.com 💻 Hire help with Proxy: peacockparent.com/hire-help 📲 Follow Christine: @peacockparent 🌱 Follow me: @cari.fund

In this soulful episode of Surviving Roots, host Cari Fund welcomes Haitian-born artist and yoga teacher Anick Vorbe, author of the spiritual memoir My Drumbeats. Together, they explore how grief can become a sacred portal of awakening. Anick shares her healing journey through the sudden loss of her brother, her experiences with ayahuasca, and how writing this book became a way to reconnect with her voice, her culture, and her purpose.  We discuss plant medicine, raising conscious children, and what it means to write for the collective. This conversation is a heart-opening reminder that healing isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about moving through it. We talked about: How losing her brother launched her into awakening Her journey with ayahuasca and natural healing Raising a son while breaking generational cycles What it means to create from pain, not in spite of it Listen in and rediscover your own rhythm. If you’re grieving, growing, or searching for meaning—you’ll feel seen in this episode.   Grab Anique’s book My Drumbeats on Amazon.  Download my free guide to Bold Self-Growth and Living Visit my website www.cari.fund for more info.  Anick is happy to be part of Rythmia’s  Life Enhancement Center’s  program. This is her place of choice for ayahuasca.  Interested to learn more about ayahuasca, you can go directly to www.anickvorbe.com or her instagram profile  @anickvorbe. Just select the link and schedule a phone session with a Rythmia Life Enhancement Center representative.    

This week on Surviving Roots, wellness expert and digital fitness mentor Tracy Campoli joins us for an empowering conversation about redefining strength, beauty, and health — especially for women over 40. With over 300,000 YouTube subscribers and a thriving program called Total Body Transformation, Tracy shares her real-life journey from insecure dancer to thriving entrepreneur, wife, and mom.  We explore what movement really means, the myths she’s ditching (yes, even cold plunges), and how confidence gets better with age — not worse. Tracy opens up about motherhood, hormones, body image, skincare, HRT, and how to build a consistent life rooted in joy. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body or unsure how to show up in this next chapter — this episode is for you. Tracy has been featured in major media outlets like Good Morning America, The Today Show, ABC7, USA Today, The Daily Mail, and The Sun, and her work has inspired hundreds of thousands of women to reclaim their bodies, confidence, and energy—especially through the unique challenges of perimenopause and life after 40. Follow Cari on Instagram: instagram.com/cari.fund Download Cari's free guide to bold self-growth & living intentionally: https://mailchi.mp/cari.fund/download-resource tracycampoli.com: tracycampoli.com Start TBT! tracycampolimembers.com Follow Tracy on Instagram: instagram.com/tracycampoli

This week on Surviving Roots, I sit down with spiritual healer and author Lauren Courtney to explore what it really looks like to heal from the inside out. Lauren shares her journey from being a medicated teen in New York to becoming a Miami-based energy healer, sound therapist, and author of Glow Up Your Chakras. Together, we unpack the truth about healing highs, spiritual awakenings, reconnecting with your authentic self, and how grief can crack you open to your life’s purpose. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly healing or just performing a new version of self-improvement — this episode is for you. We discuss: Chakras, trauma, and self-remembrance The dark side of awakening (and what comes after the “healing high”) Why you don’t need crystals, ayahuasca, or a guru to start healing Moving from chaos to clarity — one choice at a time Tune in and walk away with inspiration, insight, and the reminder that your power lives in your truth. Listen on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube + more. Connect with Cari Fund on Instagram: @cari.fund Connect with Lauren on Instagram: @iamlaurencourtney Download my free bold self-growth guide at www.cari.fund    

This week on Surviving Roots, I’m joined by Dr. Gertrude Lyons—master coach, podcast host, and author of Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust. Her work is a deep call to reclaim the way we mother—not just our children, but ourselves. With features in The Guardian, Motherly, Thrive Global, Business Insider, and beyond, Dr. Lyons is leading a movement to challenge generational norms, uncover inherited beliefs, and help women rewrite the internal code we’ve been conditioned to live by. We talk about: The quieter symptoms of the mother wound. How generational trauma shows up in motherhood. Why “doing it all” doesn’t equal doing it right. And how to reclaim joy, intuition, and enoughness in your own story. This is a powerful conversation about honesty, boundaries, identity, and breaking free from outdated definitions of caregiving. Whether you're a mother, mothering something, or reparenting yourself—you’ll find a piece of yourself in this episode. 🌀 Grab her book Rewrite the Mother Code 🌀 Listen to her podcast Rewrite the Mother Code 🌀 Follow Dr. Lyons on Instagram: @drgertrudelyons 🌀 Follow me on Instagram: @cari.fund 🌀 Download my free healing guide: Free Guide  

This week on Surviving Roots, I’m joined by the one and only Valeria Lipovetsky—a content creator, entrepreneur, podcast host, and mother of three whose grace and grit have built more than just a brand—they’ve sparked a movement. In this deeply honest conversation, Valeria and I talk about what it means to mother ourselves while mothering others, the silent pressure of perfectionism, and the generational healing it takes to raise kids differently than we were raised. We explore cultural legacies, family dynamics, reconnecting with biological roots, and the emotional journey of writing your truth. This episode is for anyone unpacking their upbringing, redefining strength, and learning to feel joy again. 💫 It’s not just about being the perfect mother—it’s about becoming the whole woman underneath it all. 🔗 Connect with Valeria Lipovetsky: Website: notalonepod.com Instagram: @valerialipovetsky 🎧 Follow the show + more from me: Instagram: @cari.fund Podcast Site: www.cari.fund/podcastWatch the Episode on YouTube: Cari Fund on YouTube 📥 Free Guide: Download “Bold Self-Growth in 5 Minutes a Day”

This week on Surviving Roots, we’re kicking off Mother’s Day month with a truth bomb that’s long overdue: not everyone celebrates this day with ease. Dr. Sherrie Campbell—nationally recognized psychologist, best-selling author of But It’s Your Family…, and an unshakeable voice in the estrangement and healing space—returns for a raw, resonant conversation about grieving the mother you never had. Together, we unpack: The grief of being unloved while your mother is still alive How to release the fantasy of the mother you wish you had Why calling her by her first name can be an act of liberation Parenting your own children without repeating history And the truth about choosing peace over guilt If you’ve ever felt unseen, unloved, or emotionally orphaned, this episode is for you. Whether you're a mother, choosing not to be, or still learning how to mother yourself—you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong. 💔 New episodes of Surviving Roots every Wednesday 🎙️ Subscribe on Apple, Spotify & YouTube 🔗 www.cari.fund | @cari.fund | Guest: @drsherriecampbell

What if power didn’t have to be loud—and grace was your secret strength? In this episode of Surviving Roots, host Cari Fund sits down with Julie Helms, global business leader and viral content creator, to explore what it really means to communicate with grace, lead with confidence, and set boundaries without losing your kindness. Julie shares her incredible journey from being the “Pitbull in Pumps” in the male-dominated oil & gas industry to becoming a powerful voice on composed communication and elegant authority. Together, we unpack how to stop walking on eggshells, what graceful strength looks like in real life, and how to handle everything from fubs (phone snubs) to backhanded compliments with confidence and composure. Whether you're navigating difficult relationships, trying to find your voice, or just want to feel more grounded in how you show up—this episode is your masterclass in grace, grit, and authentic power. 🎧 Listen now to learn: The neuroscience behind powerful communication How silence can be your most impactful tool Why you don’t need to be loud to be respected Tools to stop performing and start connecting ✨ Share with a friend who’s ready to stop shrinking and start leading with quiet strength.   New episodes of Surviving Roots drop every Wednesday at 10AM EST on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio & YouTube. 🎁 Download Cari's free guide to bold self-growth + intentional living → www.cari.fund Connect with Cari Fund on Instagram www.instagram.com/cari.fund 

If you've ever found yourself deep in the drama of Mean Girl Moms on Instagram, chances are you’ve come across Dr. Noelle Santorelli. A licensed clinical psychologist and expert in relational aggression, Dr. Santorelli has spent over a decade helping high-achieving women break free from toxic family cycles, navigate covert bullying, and reclaim their peace. In this episode, we dive into: The psychology behind Mean Girl culture and why it doesn’t end after high school How to recognize toxic friendships and set boundaries without guilt The link between childhood trauma and finding yourself in adult friend group drama What to do when your child is dealing with a mean girl Dr. Noelle’s viral content, balancing motherhood, and why she’s redefining what it means to be a modern psychologist This conversation is packed with insight, humor, and real-life tools to help you navigate tricky social dynamics. If you've ever questioned whether a friendship was truly healthy or found yourself stuck in social landmines, this episode is for you. Follow Dr. Noelle Santorelli on Instagram: @dr.noelle.santorelli Rate & Review the podcast on Apple and Spotify!

20 minutes. One microphone. And the truth I’ve never shared—until now. In this week’s solo episode of Surviving Roots, I’m speaking words out loud that I’ve only ever carried in silence. The story of estrangement from my mother. The text I never thought I’d get. The moment I realized rejection wasn’t about me—it was the door to peace. When a parent can’t love you… it can either bury you or build you. This is the episode that’s still healing me as I speak it. 🎧 Buried or Built: What Parental Rejection Teaches Us — out now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube & iHeartRadio. Don’t just listen… feel it. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cari.fund Website: www.cari.fund  Download my FREE guide to Bold Self-Growth and Living Intentionally: https://mailchi.mp/cari.fund/download-resource  

In this captivating conversation, Cari Fund sits down with Dana Myers, a tarot reader, spellcaster, and ritual designer, to explore the magic of manifestation, intuition, and pleasure. Dana shares her journey from the sexual wellness industry to embracing the power of rituals and self-discovery. Together, they discuss the balance between hard work and manifestation, the importance of leaning into discomfort, and how simple daily practices can transform your life. Tune in for insights on harnessing your personal magic, trusting your intuition, and bringing more joy into your daily routine.

Are angels really with us? Internationally recognized spiritual teacher and bestselling author Kyle Gray joins Surviving Roots Podcast to talk about his latest book, Angels Are With You Now. Known for making spirituality accessible, Kyle shares how we can invite angelic support into our lives, strengthen our intuition, and recognize divine signs around us. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Kyle’s personal journey—from childhood encounters with angels to his global spiritual mission ✨ The power of angelic guidance and how to connect with your angels ✨ Why raising your vibration attracts higher support ✨ Signs from loved ones who have passed and how they continue to guide us ✨ How a single prayer can open the door to divine intervention Kyle also shares a powerful, life-changing message: We are never alone. The divine is always within reach. 💫 Tune in and discover how to invite more love, light, and guidance into your life. 📖 Angels Are With You Now is available now wherever books are sold!  

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Case Kenny—author, mindfulness expert, and host of the hit podcast New Mindset, Who Dis? Case has built a massive platform making mindset work simple, practical, and relatable. His viral affirmations, handwritten in bold red ink, have helped millions reframe their thoughts and take ownership of their lives. We dive into: The power of self-talk and how to stop labeling yourself in limiting ways Why clarity in relationships is everything The one-word shift that can change your entire outlook How to break free from overthinking and step into your power This episode is packed with wisdom, real talk, and powerful mindset tools you can apply immediately. Tune in now and start shifting the way you see yourself and your life.  

Cari Fund is a writer, podcast host, and bold advocate for self-growth, healing, and breaking cycles. Through Surviving Roots, she shares raw, unfiltered conversations about choosing yourself, setting boundaries, and rewriting the stories that no longer serve you—because healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about becoming who you were always meant to be. In her first-ever solo episode, she's sharing the real, raw moments that shaped her— How childhood trauma & toxic family dynamics tried to define her. Why walking away from her mom 15 years ago was her hardest but most empowering decision. How boundaries (even the painful ones) can heal more than just relationships—they heal YOU. Why the choices you fear the most are often the ones that change everything. A powerful first solo episode that dives deep into self-growth, healing, and the choices that redefine everything.   

Olivia Young—speaker, writer, healer, and founder of Liv Young—is a force of nature when it comes to self-love and transformation. As the host of The Liv Young Show podcast, Olivia shares her raw, inspiring journey of turning pain into power, balancing grit with grace through movement, plant medicine, and spiritual alignment. In this episode, she dives deep into the art of surrender, the surprising reasons we don’t love ourselves, and how reconnecting with your inner voice can unlock everything you’ve ever needed. Her story is a vibrant reminder that healing isn’t about fixing—it’s about discovering the power that’s already within you. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts empowering, entertaining, and soul-stirring.

Gary Lipovetsky is a trailblazing entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host of the RISE Podcast, where he explores the journeys of extraordinary individuals and the lessons behind their success. With a career spanning successful ventures in e-commerce and digital media, Gary is also the co-founder of Valeria Inc., alongside his wife, Valeria Lipovetsky—a global influencer with a cumulative audience of over 6.5 million followers across all social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Together, they’ve built a powerful brand rooted in authenticity, connection, and purpose. In this episode, Gary shares insights on breaking free from generational cycles, the power of gratitude, and how he balances entrepreneurship with being a dedicated husband and father. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you reflecting on your own journey toward success and fulfillment.

Sara Hayes is a running and mindfulness expert, coach, speaker, and the founder of Mindful Miles - a running and wellness community focused on teaching women how to heal, reclaim confidence, and have fun again through movement. Her unique approach to running has garnered attention from outlets such as Runners World, Well + Good, and Women's Health. Her practice is rooted in intuitive movement, personal development and mindfulness habits. Her latest program The Running Restart teaches you how to become a mindful runner starting with 15 minutes a day.