Soul-Shaking Love

We’ve all been there: we want to communicate about something that’s bothering us, but we know that if we bring it up, it’ll lead to an argument and then we’ll have 2 problems instead of one: the original problem and now you also feel disconnected. Few of us had good modeling for how to communicate in a way that brings us closer.  That’s why I chose to interview Raffi Bilek. Raffi has developed a streamlined formula for how to communicate with your partner in a way that inspires connection rather than conflict and isolation - even when it comes to the really hard stuff. He has helped hundreds of couples improve their communication, boost their connection, recover from hurts and betrayals, and, in many cases, save their marriages. He shares his formula in our interview and also in his book, “The Couples Communication Handbook,” which he talks about in our interview.  Here are some questions that Raffi answers in our interview:  Why is communication so important for connection? What do people get wrong about communication? How can conflict breed connections? What can you do when you’re upset so that your communication lands well?  What are the formulas to share your feelings, desires, and resolve issues so you can feel closer rather than more distant?  You can get the first 2 chapters of Raffi’s book, “The Couples Communication Handbook“ for free at https://www.thecommunicationbook.com/ (PDF or audio files!) More about Raffi Bilek:  Raffi Bilek has been working with couples across the globe for over a decade. He has helped hundreds of couples improve their communication, boost their connection, recover from hurts and betrayals, and, in many cases, save their marriages. ​Before that, Raffi earned a degree in computer science from Brown University, but never much enjoyed it because the computers wouldn’t laugh at his humor. Besides being a couples counselor and a computer programmer, Raffi is a dad to four girls, a former swing dancer, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, and a nationally ranked Scrabble player. ​Raffi speaks English, Hebrew, French, and Spanish, has seen the fjords (they really are that good), and enjoys playing word games and telling good (and bad) jokes. He deeply loves his wife, but frankly wishes she got more of his jokes.

Anger is one of the most misunderstood emotions in relationships—and often the most shamed. Which makes sense! Unregulated anger can be genuinely scary. But when we do have the skills to manage our emotions, anger becomes something different: a protective signal. It's telling us a need isn't being met, a boundary's been crossed, or our nervous system is maxed out. Learn to speak kindly when you're angry, or learn how to co-regulate each other's anger, and it can actually bring you closer to your partner. That's exactly why I wanted to talk to Davina Hehn, an anger management expert. We get into why anger shows up so differently in different people, how emotional reactivity hijacks connection, and what actually helps couples move from blowing up to repair. Davina introduces the idea of anger archetypes, explains how your nervous system shapes your conflict patterns, and shares practical ways to respond to anger with curiosity—not defensiveness. Here’s what we cover in our interview:  Why is anger so demonized in romantic relationships?  How do you differentiate “healthy anger” from reactive or destructive anger?  What’s actually happening in the nervous system during emotional blowups?  Why do some people explode while others shut down during conflict?  How does childhood conditioning or attachment style shape our anger responses? What’s the most common mistake couples make when anger shows up?  How can someone respond differently in the moment (before things escalate)?  How can people learn their anger patterns and practice regulation in real time?  This conversation is for anyone who’s ever thought, “Why do we keep having the same fight?”—and is ready to understand what anger is really trying to say in love. You can get Davina’s free Anger Archetype Quiz here: https://asteadyspace.com/anger-archetype-quiz More about Davina Hehn: Davina Hehn is a trained therapist turned mental health coach, speaker, and founder of A Steady Space. She helps people transform explosive reactions, simmering resentment, and shutdown habits into emotional clarity and connection. Her work is rooted in her own powerful story of healing a struggling marriage and rewriting the patterns she inherited. Davina specializes in Anger Intelligence and building healthier communication that strengthens families across generations, empowering parents to raise children in ways worth repeating. 

As we prepare to enter the new year, most people think about what they want to create — in our health, our work, and especially our relationships. Whether you’re single or partnered, getting clear on what really matters can make a big difference in how love feels. That’s why I chose to interview LaShawn McCrary, a conscious relationship coach who helps people clarify what they want and learn the skills to create healthier, happier love lives. Creating Conscious Relationships is a bold, heart-led conversation about connecting with awareness. We explore how self-honesty, emotional responsibility, and spiritual maturity transform the way we connect—so relationships become a place of growth, truth, and real partnership. Here’s what we cover in our interview: Why is it important to create a conscious relationship with yourself before you create one with your partner? How does not knowing yourself sabotage a relationship? What skills are important to keep a relationship thriving? Why are unspoken expectations dangerous? What is it important to clarify before you invest your time and energy?  How can conflict to create an opening for intimacy instead of distance between partners? You can get LaShawn’s books here:  “I Am Not an Option: A Woman’s Guide to Self-Love and Relationships” https://amzn.to/44Fin4G “Before We Go Any Further: Pre-Engagement Workbook for Couples” https://amzn.to/4s959Hv You can get in touch with her through her website: https://lashawnmccrary.com/ More about LaShawn McCrary:  LaShawn McCrary is a multi-talented woman whose passion for empowerment shines through her diverse pursuits. From her self-reflective books, “I Am Not an Option: A Woman’s Guide to Self-Love and Relationships” and “Before We Go Any Further: Pre-Engagement Workbook for Couples,” to her roles as a conscious relationship coach, speaker and energy healer. LaShawn is dedicated to uplifting others and helping them realize their full potential. Her love for travel, fitness, literature, and gourmet cuisine enriches her life, while her commitment to teaching and learning fuels her endeavors. Currently based in Metro Atlanta, LaShawn’s mission is to encourage individuals to harness their strength and live a truly divine life.

We don’t stumble into our relationship patterns by chance. Most of us are quietly replaying the beliefs we absorbed as kids — about love, safety, power, and what parts of ourselves are welcome. This isn't about blame; by understanding what our patterns are, we can change them and enjoy happy, healthy love. Reprogramming childhood patterns is one of my favorite topics, so I decided to sit down with Matthew Riven, a coach and guide who helps people break the relational patterns they inherited — from childhood, culture, and past pain — and create relationships rooted in truth, power, and choice. In our lively interview, we unpack how those stories sneak into our adult relationships, how they influence the way we show up with a partner, and how we can finally rewrite them for good. Here are some of the topics we cover in our interview: What are script beliefs, and how do they shape our adult relationships? How does childhood shape the way we relate to power and intimacy as adults? What does it mean to "perform" or "wear a mask" vs. authentic connection? What does Matthew's work as a Dom have to do with healing relationship patterns? (And what do people often misunderstand about that?) Why are so many people terrified of their own desire — and how can they begin to reclaim it? Matthew offered a free gift to my audience, a free 30-minute session with him: https://stirinstitute.com/intro A free 30-minute one-on-one session with Matthew to explore the relationship patterns that might be keeping you stuck — and what it is you want your relationships TO look like. Whether you're navigating partnership or feeling disconnected from your own needs, this is a chance to slow down, get honest about what’s actually running the show, and learn what is possible!  Include the phrase "Soul-shaking love" in your intake form so I know where you’re coming from. More about Matthew Riven: Matthew Riven is a coach and guide who helps people break the relational patterns they inherited — from childhood, culture, and past pain — and create relationships rooted in truth, power, and choice. He’s trained in Transactional Analysis and Re-decision Therapy, with a focus on power and desire dynamics, and brings a deeply grounded, sometimes irreverent approach to intimacy, shame, and personal transformation. He also draws on experience from his training as a Professional Dom — not about leather and chains, but about emotional attunement, boundaries, and self-regulation. Who better to understand how we relate to power? His clients are often successful on the outside, but secretly exhausted from performing the life they were told to want. Matthew helps them stop apologizing for their desire, get honest about their patterns, and build relationships that are real.

Mismatched libido, or "desire discrepancy" is on of the most common problems couples experience. But few people know how to find the underlying cause or teach us what to do about it. Our interview reveals what's really going on (hint: it's not what you think!) and what couples can do to return to connection, flow, and deeper intimacy, love and pleasure. Here's what we cover in our interview: 1. What are the top 3 reasons why couples might have mismatched sex drives? 2. How can we discover what really turns us on?  3.Once we identify what we want, how do we communicate it in a way that doesn’t kill their turn-on? 4. What is the most effective way for couples to resolve differences in sex drive? 5. How can couples get what they want without sacrificing their needs or desires just to please the other? Here are Susan's free gifts: https://www.pathwaytopleasure.com/pleasure-keys.html The Pleasure Keys e-Guide is a free guide to deepening connection, enhancing pleasure, and reaching your orgasmic potential. Learn the first triad of the Pleasure Keys Process tm and practical things you can do right away to experience more mutual sexual fulfillment. Here's how to take Susan's Sexual Speedometer Test: https://susanmorgantaylor.kit.com/967f66a91a More about Susan Morgan Taylor: Susan Morgan Taylor, MA, is a leading somatic sex therapist who helps couples deepen their intimacy and create lasting, fulfilling connections. With over 25 years of experience in somatic healing, she developed The Pleasure Keys Process™, a powerful approach to reigniting sexual and emotional harmony in relationships. After a personal awakening from a sexless marriage, Susan became passionate about helping others remove obstacles to pleasure, love, and orgasm. She is also the creator of the Pleasure Keys Retreats and host of the Sex Talk Café Podcast. When not working, she enjoys hiking and singing karaoke in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Ever wonder why some couples grow closer over time while others drift apart? It’s not fate—it’s patterns. The small, often invisible ways we communicate, react, and repair can determine whether love deepens or disintegrates. And once you can see those patterns, you can change them. This week, I sat down with Zoey Charif, author of Love Can, In Fact, Be Calculated, to unpack the science (and soul) of lasting love. Zoey spent two decades decoding patterns of human attraction, pulling from her background in criminology, data analytics, and a drive to challenge everything we’ve been taught about love. She reveals what secretly destroys connection—and the small but powerful shifts that can bring it back to life. Here’s what she covered in our interview:  -What inspired Zoey to explore the idea that love can actually be calculated? -What are the most important findings that determine whether love thrives or fades? -Zoey says that self-worth is the foundation for healthy love. What are the signs someone’s operating from low self-worth—and how can they shift that from the inside out? -Zoey says that admiration is crucial in long-term relationships, and settling leads to resentment. Why is admiration so essential—and how can people hold out for alignment without closing their hearts? -For people who keep choosing the same kind of partner and getting hurt, what do her findings reveal about how to break that pattern? -How can someone use her insights to make their current relationship stronger, not just to find “the right person”? You can learn more about Zoey’s book, Love Can, In Fact, Be Calculated, here: https://amzn.to/472uLx5 And Zoey’s website is here: https://www.lovecaninfactbecalculated.com/ More about Zoey Charif:  Zoey Charif isn’t just redefining how we think about love — she’s giving us a blueprint. As the author of Love Can, In Fact, Be Calculated, Zoey spent two decades decoding patterns of human attraction, pulling from her background in criminology, data analytics, and a drive to challenge everything we’ve been taught about love. Born in Afghanistan, raised in Vancouver, and now based in Orange County, California, Zoey brings a rare blend of emotional depth, analytical precision, and lived experience to her work. Her framework is coachable, actionable, and designed to help people transform their relationships. Her work is a wake-up call: love isn’t magic. It’s math, psychology, and emotional mastery. Outside of the relationship space, Zoey is a powerhouse entrepreneur helping startups and established businesses secure funding and scale with precision.Whether she’s helping people find aligned love or success, Zoey’s mission is the same: to turn hope into mastery and potential into reality.

Boundaries—we all know they’re important, but putting them into practice? That’s usually the hard part. So often, we’re caught between voicing our needs and feeling guilty, or keeping quiet and subtly losing ourselves. That’s why I sat down with Emotional Resiliency Coach Jennifer Febel, author of How to Set Boundaries (Without Feeling Like a Dck)*. She busts common myths about boundaries and shares a down-to-earth, empowering framework for creating them with clarity and ease. With over twenty years of expertise in communication and personal growth, Jennifer offers practical tools and compassionate guidance to help you express your needs confidently—without shame, conflict, or endless second-guessing. If you’ve ever struggled to say no or felt anxious about how others will respond when you finally do, this is a conversation you’ll definitely want to tune into. Here’s what we cover in our interview:  -Jennifer shares her inspiring journey to heal herself and discover her own boundaries after being diagnosed with over seven different mental health conditions by the age of 19. -What is the biggest misconception about boundaries, and why do so many people struggle to set them? -In her book, Jennifer talks about “the language of boundaries.” She shares examples in our interview that help us put these tools into practice! -How can someone start setting boundaries today, even if they’ve never done it before? -Jennifer’s advice for handling people who push back when we start enforcing boundaries. Jennifer’s Free Gift: Jennifer is happy to offer her online course 'Rewrite Your Story' as a free gift to my audience. To access the gift, you just have to register at www.btgwellness.com/rewrite. At checkout, use coupon code NICENOMORE to access the course for free. More about Jennifer Febel “You are not broken.” This phrase has become Jennifer’s personal and professional mantra and is one she’s determined to share with as many people as possible. After being diagnosed with over seven different mental health conditions by the age of 19, Jennifer embarked on a unique journey of healing and self-discovery that helped shaped her belief that no one is broken and that everyone can find the healing they crave.  Today, as an Author, Emotional Resiliency Coach, Mentor, and Communications Instructor, Jennifer brings over two decades of experience in psychology, communication, and linguistics to her work. Through her private practice, trainings, retreats, and podcast, she empowers individuals to overcome their challenges using the same tools and principles that transformed her own life. By blending her professional expertise with the hard-earned wisdom of her personal healing journey, Jennifer has become a trusted resource in emotional resilience and offers support that is authentic, grounded, and deeply meaningful.

In relationships, we don’t enter adulthood with a blank slate—we inherit a “love script” from our childhood. It tells us what love looks like, how much we’re allowed to receive, how we should express ourselves, and what it takes to feel safe or chosen.  That’s why I decided to interview Inner Child Expert Anat Peri. She’s an expert on how early experiences with our parents shape the way we show up in romantic relationships—and how to rewrite those patterns to create conscious, secure, soul-shaking love.  Whether you keep attracting emotionally unavailable partners or find yourself shutting down when things get intimate, Anat’s guidance will help you reconnect to the part of you that knows how to love and be loved—without losing yourself. Here’s what we cover in our interview:  What exactly is a “love script,” and where does it come from? How do we know if we’re living out our childhood patterns in our current relationships? How does Mom teach us about self, and dad teach us about others? How can someone begin to rewrite their love script, especially if they feel stuck in repeating dynamics? What role does the nervous system play in shifting these deep patterns? What are some common survival strategies people use in relationships—and what’s underneath them? How does Anat’s 5 Stages of Healing framework support this transformation? You can get Anat’s free gift, “Cultivating Safety: A Guided Meditation to Rewire for Love” here: https://trainingcampforthesoul.com/cultivating-safety-meditation/ Before we can rewrite our love script, we must feel safe enough to do so. This 10-minute guided meditation helps you gently reconnect to your body, regulate your nervous system, and create an inner sense of emotional safety—the foundation for conscious love and healing. Perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed, shut down, or stuck in survival mode in relationships. Use this meditation daily to come home to yourself and create the safety you didn’t receive as a child. More about Anat Peri: Anat Peri is an Inner Child Expert, Founder of Training Camp for the Soul™, and Mentor to Coaches and Healers. With over 20 years of experience in emotional healing and leadership, she helps people rewrite the emotional patterns they inherited from childhood—so they can finally create the love, success, and freedom they desire. Through her signature 5 Stages of Healing, Anat blends somatic work, subconscious reprogramming, and nervous system regulation to help clients break free from survival strategies and embody their true selves. Her TEDx talk, Why Thinking Positive Doesn’t Work, challenges the status quo and champions the power of emotional truth. Anat has guided over 10,000 hours of transformational work and trained hundreds of coaches to do the same. Her work has been featured on MSN, and she’s known for making deep healing accessible, actionable, and lasting.

Attachment styles are everywhere these days—but what do they really mean for our relationships? Understanding your attachment style is the first step to healing patterns that keep love at arm’s length. When we learn how to cultivate secure attachment, we unlock the ability to create deeper, more lasting connections—starting with ourselves. That’s why I decided to interview Relationship and attachment trauma Practitioner Bev Mitelman about BECOMING Securely Loved. She, like I, grew up in an environment that fostered disorganized attachment and dedicated herself to learning the skills to heal, grow, and create secure love. Our conversation is a deep dive into attachment styles, how they form, how they look and how you can develop more self awareness that leads to secure love.  Here’s what we cover in our interview:  What are attachment styles are and how do they impact our romantic relationships? How does our childhood play a role in developing our attachment style? How does being securely attached in your relationship with yourself set the foundation for healthier relationships with others? Can you change your attachment style? What are the beliefs and skills of securely vs. insecurely attached people? Here’s Bev’s Free attachment style quiz! https://securelyloved.com/attachment-quiz More about Bev Mitelman:  As a child, Bev lived in a very unpredictable and chaotic environment where she never knew if she could rely on her parents to meet her emotional needs. This led her to absorb unhealthy relationship ideas based on what she was witnessing: she believed relationships were supposed to be unbalanced, uncertain, and overall chaotic. If you have an insecure attachment style, you probably relate to her experience, and navigating relationships can be particularly difficult for you.   Prior to becoming a Certified Attachment Practitioner and founding Securely Loved, Bev was an Executive Leader, University Lecturer and published author, having obtained her Masters' Degree in 2006. She has dedicated her entire career (25+ years) working with adults in the realm of personal growth and professional development.

Unfortunately, our world is becoming more polarized and people are arguing more now than ever. How do we stay connected to who we care about and what we care about at the same time?  That’s why I decided to interview Phyllis Levitt because she talks about how to navigate conflict in a healthy way: in our romantic relationships, families, and larger communities. Her latest book, "America in Therapy" is about bringing healing and conflict resolution to ourselves on a personal level; and our larger communities; and the relationship between the two. Phyllis presents 6 principles for how to navigate conflict in a healthy way where both people feel connected even if they disagree. It’s also a framework to repair a conflict after it happens. Here’s what we cover in our interview:  What struggles lead you to discover these 6 principles?  What are the principles and how do you apply them to transform conflict into connection?  What are the pitfalls around conflict?  What are the dangers for us personally and globally if we don't begin to make this connection?  What are the benefits and gifts? Lois is giving away a free gift:  PDF called The 6 Secrets For Repairing Relationships After Conflict and a Conflict Type Quiz to help identify your conflict style: https://phyllisleavitt.com/wp-content/uploads/6-Secrets-to-Repairing-Relationships.pdf More about Phyllis Levitt, in her words:  I am a psychotherapist of over thirty years and my own healing journey from childhood trauma took me deep into a spiritual connection that changed my life. What I realized at a critical point was that the ways I connect to spirit are influenced by my emotional health or ill health, and that healing emotional wounds became as much a part of my work as meditation and other practices. I now see them as intimately related. I wrote two books about my spiritual connection-- "A Light in the Darkness" and "Into the Fire" -- and my latest book, "America in Therapy" is about bringing psychological healing to ourselves and our nation and the relationship between the two. And it is my hope and my commitment that through healing our collective psychological make-up we can all be a part of the evolution of consciousness for the human race.

You've probably heard that communication is one of the keys to a healthy relationship; and I still hear from most people that they feel misunderstood by someone important to them. We need engaging teachers to help us clarify our truth and communicate it clearly. Jem Fuller has lived a colourful, global life. From barefoot backpacker to corporate leader, fire-dancer and traditional tattooist, kindergarten teacher to motorcycle courier, masseuse and reflexologist, to labourer and travel consultant. For more than 12 years now, he has run his own executive leadership coaching practice and international retreat company teaching conscious communication, which is why I decided to interview him. Here's what we cover in our interview: How did you discover conscious communication?  What mistakes have you made and learnt from? How do we elevate our relationships and experience of life and love through more conscious communication? Why do you believe a mindfulness meditation practice is so important? Jem's free gift: Mindfulness Made Easy Course: https://jemfuller.teachable.com/p/mindfulness-made-easy Enter the coupon code PODCAST25 for free lifetime access Here's a direct link to Jem's book: The Art of Conscious Communication: https://amzn.to/4j75cxr Here's Jem's latest TEDX talk: How to Have THAT Conversation: https://youtu.be/Z6bOk1nYwxs?si=ZatcYd-7xZoZCdkZ More about Jem Fuller: Jem Fuller has lived a colourful, global life. From barefoot backpacker to corporate leader, fire-dancer and traditional tattooist, kindergarten teacher to motorcycle courier, masseuse and reflexologist, to labourer and travel consultant.  For more than 12 years now, he has run his own executive leadership coaching practice and international retreat company in the Himalaya, Bali and Australia. He is a dedicated partner and father, who loves surfing and meditation. He is the author of the award-winning book, The Art of Conscious Communication, and can be seen delivering his TEDx talk on YouTube.

We’ve all heard about narcissism, and the typical advice is to leave because they can’t change. That is true most of the time and if you’re in a relationship with a Narcissist, I encourage you to get professional support.  However, some therapists who specialize in personality disorders have seen narcissists, with the right support, learn and grow into more empathic people who are capable of showing up with some self-awareness and care. This isn’t the majority, of course, and it’s not to minimize the abuse and hurt that narcissists cause to those closest to them. But if you have to relate to a narcissist, either through family, business, or some other obligation, it’s good to know what your options are.  That’s why I decide to interview Dr. Anthony Mazzella. He’s a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist specializing in personality disorders, including narcissistic and borderline pathology. He even hosts a podcast and video channel, called The Narcissism Decoder. He’s seen evidence of change in his practice and wanted to share his insights.  Here’s what we cover in his interview:  How do you know if the person you're with is on the NPD spectrum?   What are the typical painful cycles that people get caught in if they're in this type of relationship?   How do you know if they can change?   What are the ways that they can change? What is the best case scenario?   More about Dr. Anthony Mazzella: You can learn more about his work and his podcast on his website: https://www.drmazzella.com/ Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist specializing in psychodynamic treatment for individuals and couples. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, he shares valuable insights, strategies, and practical tips through his podcast and video channel, The Narcissism Decoder. His work focuses on the area he is most passionate about—personality disorders, including narcissistic and borderline pathology.

We all know that it takes work to keep love alive in a marriage, but what's the most important work to do? I'm passionate about this topic so I decided to interview relationship coach, marriage expert, and author Gabriela Embon about the Best Practices to Keep a Marriage Alive & Thriving. While each marriage is different, Gabriela believes that there are universal best practices that transcend all differences. Why? Because they tap into something deeper—the nature of the human soul. In her book, "Becoming a Power Couple," Gabriela outlines what she considers the key do's and don’ts of legendary relationships, revealing how to build an unshakable connection that deepens with each passing day. She shares the most important points from her book in our interview. Here's what we cover in our interview: Why do so many couples end up feeling disconnected over time? What are they missing? What does “engineering” a successful marriage mean? What does that look like in real life? What are the 4 pillars to Engineer Legendary Marriages? What are the biggest "do's and don’ts" that can make or break a marriage? How can couples shift from “just getting by” to actually thriving together? What are some simple daily habits that can help couples strengthen their connection? More about Gabriela Embon: Gabriela Embon is a Chemical Engineer, Relationship Coach, Author, influential Host of the Life Engineering podcast, and dynamic Keynote Speaker. Gabriela Embon believes that a fulfilling adult life hinges on two essential components: an ideal career and a thriving primary relationship. After spending eight years as a chemical engineer, Gabriela transitioned into couples coaching, bringing with her a unique edge—combining the precision of engineering with deep insights into human potential. She inspires high achievers and organizations to succeed, shedding light on the strategies needed to engineer extraordinary careers and build resilient, fulfilling relationships both inside and outside the workplace.  Gabriela is the proud author of Becoming a Power Couple – 4 Pillars to Engineer Legendary Marriages, which empowers individuals to embrace key principles that strengthen and elevate their relationships over time. Gabriela's free gift: https://gabrielaembon.com/prologue-becoming-a-power-couple/ You can download the prologue of the book: Becoming a Power Couple - 4 pillars to engineer legendary marriages for free.

Most of us don’t like feeling confused. We want to feel confident and secure in what we’re creating. But life doesn’t always work that way. In times like this most of us feel more confused than ever. That’s why I decided to interview Giovanna Silvestre, author of the upcoming book "Confused Girl: Find Your Peace in the Chaos” to help us feel inspired during periods of confusion.  Giovanna Silvestre, a leading lifestyle and wellness influencer and creator of the international activewear brand Confused Girl in the City, understands the turbulence of the modern world firsthand. Her message is this: to all the women who feel stuck, unworthy, and lost, take heart—your confusion is a virtue! It’s the first stepping-stone on your path to becoming an empowered warrior. Now, she’s here to guide women towards breaking free and boldly, confidently pursuing their dreams. Here’s what we cover in our interview:   What inspired you to write "Confused Girl: Find Your Peace in the Chaos," and how does it reflect your personal journey? Why is it important to slow down when we feel confused and learn to listen to your body, feelings, and intuition?  What are some practical tips you would offer to someone feeling lost or confused in their own life? What role do you believe self-expression and creativity play in finding peace amidst chaos? What advice do you have for individuals looking to connect more deeply with their spirituality or intuition? What do you hope readers will take away from "Confused Girl," and how do you envision it impacting their lives? Giovanna also has a free gift: if you purchase her book before May 13, she’ll enter you into a contest to win valuable gifts, like a paid get-away or a gift card to her store. You can learn more here: https://confusedgirlinthecity.com/confused-girl-book-launch-giveaway/ More about Giovanna Silvestre Giovanna Silvestre, a visionary and trailblazer, embarked on a remarkable journey that took her from the prestigious halls of the University of Southern California to the world of entertainment. Beginning her career in Hollywood, Giovanna’s unwavering passion for creativity and innovation quickly distinguished her in the industry. Her sharp eye for talent and commitment to her craft led to a sought-after role alongside a renowned film director at a major studio. However, after leaving the entertainment industry, Giovanna fell into a dark depression, a pivotal moment that forced her to confront her identity and purpose. This introspective time ignited her quest to discover who she truly was and why she was here on Earth, ultimately leading her to create her brand and write her book. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Giovanna founded Confused Girl in the City, a unique activewear brand inspired by healing crystals. Driven by her determination and an innate sense of design, her innovative creations have garnered acclaim in prominent publications such as NBC and Forbes, while amassing a dedicated following of 400,000 on Instagram. In May 2025, Giovanna’s highly anticipated book, "Confused Girl: Find Your Peace in the Chaos," will be published by Blackstone Publishing Company. Written during her two years of solo travel around the world, the book masterfully blends memoir and guidance, empowering readers to embrace confusion as a virtue that can lead to a fulfilling life. Recognized for her influential voice and authenticity on major social media platforms, Giovanna exudes a magnetic aura that resonates with audiences everywhere. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and the transformative nature of embracing life's uncertainties.

Self-love is a concept that’s hard to master so I like to interview different self-love experts to help us thrive!  Judith Costa is a Self-Love Coach who encountered many challenges in her relationships and health before she learned how to love herself unconditionally. She wishes someone had explained what Self-Love was when she was struggling and unhappy; and her mission is to share the insights and practical tools she learned on her journey so we can all create abundance, well-being, and better relationships. Her approach is a testament to the idea that when you Love yourself, you can truly share that Love with others. Here’s what Judith shares in our interview:  What does it mean to Love yourself? How did you discover it?  How do you know if you’re loving yourself or not?  What are the consequences of not loving yourself?  How can you demonstrate the Love that you have for yourself? How will loving yourself transform your life? Is loving oneself selfish or necessary? Practices to improve the relationship with yourself Why do you need to Love yourself to establish happy relationships? Judith’s Free Gift includes two meditations: Fall In Love With Yourself & Go Within. They will help you connect with yourself more deeply. https://www.judithmcosta.com/get-your-free-gift.html More about Judith Costa:  Judith Costa is an unconditional Love coach, Self-Love expert, seminar leader, writer, and speaker. She has a master's degree in Analytical Psychology and Psychotherapy and an MBA. She is also a Reiki Master, a certified Akashic Records consultant and teacher, and a Happiness Trainer. Judith's coaching is centered around the powerful belief that Love, especially Self-Love, is the catalyst for personal transformation. By helping her clients cultivate a deeper relationship with themselves, she empowers them to create abundance, well-being, and better relationships. Her approach is a testament to the idea that when you Love yourself, you can truly share that Love with others. She offers private sessions, workshops, and retreats. Some of her programs are Fall In Love With Yourself, Fall In Love With Your Body, How To Manifest Your Desires, How to Find Your Soul Mate, and Loving Your Way To Happiness.

If you follow me, you probably want to improve your love life. No one plans to get a divorce. But what do you do if you’re at the end of your rope, you’ve tried everything to make your marriage work, and you think divorce might be your best option but you don’t want to upend your life and family? Thankfully, just as there are good relationship coaches to help improve your marriage, there are also divorce coaches to help you make the best decisions for you and your family. That’s why I decided to interview Karen Covy, acclaimed divorce coach, mediator, and lawyer, about how to navigate this tough transition with as much ease and grace as possible.  Here’s what we cover in our interview:  -How do you make a big, hairy, emotional decision (ie like whether you should get a divorce) when there’s a lot at stake and you don’t want to screw up?  -Is there a “right time” to divorce? If so, when is it and how do you know if you’re there? -Divorce can be totally overwhelming. If someone is facing divorce, what should they do? Where do they start? What steps should they take first? -How can you set yourself up to have an amicable divorce? -How can you become the CEO of your own divorce? (... and is that even a "thing"?) -What is a divorce coach and why would anyone need one? -How do you protect your kids in divorce? Karen has a free gift called The Divorce Tool Kit. https://karencovy.com/divorce-tool-kit-lp/ It contains: -A Divorce Checklist  -A Document Checklist -A Divorce Process Comparison Chart -Tips on How to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce Here’s the link to Karen’s book: When Happily Ever After Ends: How to Survive Your Divorce Emotionally, Financially and Legally: https://a.co/d/0MXL5AS She also interviewed me recently on her podcast, “On The Fence” https://karencovy.com/podcast/ More about Karen Covy:  Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach, Lawyer, Mediator, Author, Speaker and Podcaster.  She coaches six, seven, and eight figure professionals and business owners all over the world to make clear, confident decisions during highly-charged emotional situations.  Karen helps her clients become the CEOs of their own divorce, so they can navigate through this difficult life transition with less conflict, less expense, and less damage to themselves and their children.  Karen is the author of When Happily Ever After Ends: How to Survive Your Divorce Emotionally, Financially, and Legally. She is also the creator of the online divorce programs, The Divorce Road Map 3.0 and How to Successfully Mediate Your Divorce. She is the host of the podcast, Off the Fence: Mastering Decision-Making Divorce and More.

If you've been following me for a while, you might have heard of my own journey to overcome emotional repression. Growing up disconnected from my feelings, I felt confused, disconnected from others, and unsure about what I even wanted. Thankfully, I've healed and now it's my mission to help others hear the message underneath their feelings so we can all thrive together. That's why I was excited to interview Unconscious-Mind Coach Wendy Patterson, because she specializes in helping people process their emotions productively. We had a thought-provoking discussion about why it's important to, and how to, label our feelings, identify what we need, meet that need ourselves first, and ask for what we need harmoniously. Wendy also overcame a lifetime of emotional repression and she shares her inspiring journey that lead her to helping others. Here's what we cover in this interview: -Wendy shares her journey from people pleasing and repressing feelings/needs to being able to be authentic, self-expressed, and fulfilled  -Strategies and tips to label feelings, identity needs, and meet them ourselves so we can be calm and harmonious when we express them to others -How to identify the unmet needs from childhood that become triggers and how to meet those needs in the present  -How to ask for what we need harmoniously and simply -What self care practices does she do to remain centered so she can collaborate joyfully with others? You can get Wendy's free gifts here: Download the FREE Stress Free Hypnotherapy audio and meditation audio: https://wbpatters.ac-page.com/free-stress-release-hypnosis-download  The website for the 10-day silent meditation retreat that Wendy mentioned is https://www.dhamma.org/ More About Wendy Patterson: Wendy Patterson, a lifelong seeker of self-discovery, battled depression and anxiety while juggling multiple roles including a corporate job. Now an Unconscious Mind Coach, she specializes in guiding women to rediscover joy and fulfillment. With certifications in Reiki, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Time Line Therapy(TM) and much more, she empowers clients to reconnect, reinvent, and deepen self-love in just 10 hours or less. Wendy's expertise transforms lives, helping women navigate towards happiness and authenticity. 

No matter how much we grow or achieve, sometimes just one little thing can spark feelings of insecurity or anger toward our partner. It happens to all of us because we carry those old childhood patterns that sneak up on us now and then. The good news is there are so many ways to heal our inner child. When we work on that healing, we find ourselves getting triggered less often. We can stay present and keep our hearts open, even when we're feeling intense emotions like anger or shame. This makes it easier to communicate with kindness and keeps our relationships feeling truly connected. Karoline Fischer is a medical doctor turned Hypnotherapist who specializes in healing the inner child through RTT Hypnotherapy. She has very transformative results in just a few sessions. That's why I decided to interview her about how both Hypnotherapy and other modalities like NLP can help to heal old wounds very quickly. She also shares tips that you can use right now to begin to heal those old triggers when they come up. You can learn more about her work at https://www.whyhypnotherapy.com/ About Karoline Fischer I am a trained MD that decided to train as an RTT Hypnotherapist as I found out personally how transformative this way of work is. I had worked my entire adult life with therapists for my own life and when I found methods that worked with the subconsciousness, transformation really started to happen in my life.

Meredith and Craig Bennett like to say they went from powerpoint to power couple: they left the 9-5 corporate grind to become full time entrepreneurs together, which wasn't easy, to say the least! Their journey is inspiring, which is why I decided to interview them. Through the ups and downs of discovering how to create a business together, their marriage has been the foundation for everything they build in our lives.  Now they help others live their dream life and that starts with having that rock solid relationship. A relationship where you don’t have to spend valuable time and energy constantly repairing it. They love helping others get that part of their lives exactly where they’ve always wanted it, so they can crush the rest of their lives. Here's what we cover in our interview: How did they discover their passion for helping others improve their relationships? What common relationship mistakes do they see couples making that they help them avoid? What are some key strategies to strengthen foundation of your relationship? How do you handle stress or difficult times in your business/marriage? What is the #1 thing someone can do right now to improve their relationship? What motivates them on days when they feel like giving up? How do they regroup? You can get their free gift here: https://roadoflifecoaching-exponentialrelationship.com/meaningfulconversations865935 Your Guide to Meaningful Conversations in Your Marriage to Get You Back on the Same Page Today: The guide walks you through exactly what to ask, when to ask and how to ask effective "check in questions" so that you can rebuild the connection and get your happy marriage back. Here's the link to join their facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/checkpoint/828281030927956/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2Ftravelingtheroadoflife%2F More about Meredith and Craig Bennett: We are Meredith & Craig, we left the 9-5 corporate grind, to become full time entrepreneurs. ...and had no idea what we were doing. But we knew we were unhappy and unfulfilled in our corporate careers and that life is just too short to live that way, so we decided to make a massive change. We wanted to be more intentional about building a life that we loved...instead of just the one we grew up believing we were destined for. So, we went completely against our nature and decided to jump out of the plane and build our parachute on the way down. Which made for some interesting, stressful, amazing, painful, insightful, scary, awful, awesome, unbelievable decisions, moments, experiences, relationships, and quite honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Through it all we’ve developed a growth mindset, and grew exponentially as individuals. We built businesses (most of which sucked). We got in the best shape of our lives in our forties...and did all of it while strengthening our marriage and making it bulletproof. Our marriage is the foundation for everything we build in our lives. A thriving marriage is the cheat code for leveling up every other area of your life.  We help others live their dream life and that starts with having that rock solid relationship. We love helping others get that part of their lives exactly where they’ve always wanted it, so they can crush the rest of their lives.

It's the time of the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere, the darkest time of the year. It's also that celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, and the celebration of our spiritual nature. Whatever your beliefs, this can be an opportunity to bring an element of the sacred into your relationships! In the latest episode of The Soul-Shaking Love Podcast, I interview Woman-Centered Transformational Love Coach Ashley Fuller Rubin about her path to Spiritual Synergy. After years of searching and longing for soul-aligned love, she discovered how self-love, cultivating the feminine, and trusting her intuition were the keys to attracting the thriving partnership she had always dreamed of. Through her journey that she shares in our interview, she attracted her now husband Cliff, and they share a deeply fulfilling Power Couple partnership and marriage that has become not only a source of joy but also a spiritual path of growth and connection. Here is what we cover in our interview: Ashley shares the story of how she and Cliff attracted each other. What does a soul-aligned relationship mean to Ashley and how does she use her relationship for spiritual growth? What does self-love look like in practice and how did it allow her to remove her blocks to intimacy? How did cultivating her feminine energy play a role in attracting her partner and building their relationship? Vision is a key part of her process. What kind of vision did she hold for her ideal relationship, and how did that help guide her? How did listening to her intuition shape her decisions in love? How do Ashley and Cliff maintain a thriving Power Couple dynamic today? For those still seeking their soul-aligned partner, she shares advice to start aligning with that love now. Ashley's Free Gift: 45-minute "Extraordinary Love Assessment" Call with Ashley to discover your inner barriers to the love you desire. Awareness is key to transforming your old patterns and experiences in love! Free Gift Link More about Ashley Fuller Rubin: Ashley is a certified Woman-Centered Transformational Coach, licensed Spiritual Counselor, and Path of Self-Love Guide devoted to helping women create the love they deeply desire by first embracing the love within. Known as the “Coach to Queens,” Ashley has spent over a decade empowering heart-centered, high-achieving women from around the world to break free from limiting patterns, embrace their feminine essence, step into their sovereign Queen self, and attract the love of their dreams. Her work inspires women to live fully expressed, radiant lives and co-create flourishing, extraordinary love relationships that reflect their highest vision. Ashley’s own journey is at the heart of her work. After years of searching and longing for soul-aligned love, she discovered how self-love, cultivating the feminine, and trusting her intuition were the keys to attracting the thriving partnership she had always dreamed of. Now, she lives in Canada with her Love, Cliff, in a deeply fulfilling Power Couple partnership and marriage that has become not only a source of joy but also a spiritual path of growth and connection. As the Faculty Lead for Personal Development at the Institute for Woman-Centered Coaching and Community Director for the world-renowned Feminine Power & Art of Love programs, Ashley has coached and mentored thousands of women through private coaching, group programs, and women’s circles. Her passion is creating safe, transformational spaces where women experience powerful breakthroughs, cultivate radical self-love, and step boldly into their vision for life and love. In her work, Ashley shares soulful guidance and practical insights to help women align with the love they desire—whether they’re calling in their soulmate or deepening a current connection. She invites women to open their hearts, trust their intuition, and embrace their feminine power to create relationships rooted in spiritual synergy and mutual growth. Ashley has been personally trained and mentored for nearly twenty years by Dr. Claire Zammit, founder and creator of Feminine Power, and has studied with luminaries such as Dr. Jean Houston, Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, Dr. Kristin Neff, Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks, and Alison Armstrong. Her mission is to empower women to rise into their authentic Queen self, embrace their unique brilliance, and create extraordinary love and life on their terms. With warmth, wisdom, and a deeply personal understanding of the journey, Ashley is here to guide women to claim the love they deserve and become the women they were born to be.