Awaken your power.

In this episode of Awaken Your Power, Keri is joined by Karen Laos—speaker, coach, confidence cultivator, and host of the Ignite Your Confidence podcast. Karen has spent 25 years as a trusted C-suite advisor and keynote speaker for companies like Google, Starbucks, and NASA, and is the author of Trust Your Own Voice. Keri and Karen dive into what it really takes for women to speak up, negotiate clearly, and take up space—at work, in relationships, and on the stage. Karen shares candid stories from her upbringing in a frugal, traditional home and how mixed messages about “being seen” shaped her early relationship with her voice and self-worth. They explore cultural myths around negotiation, scarcity, gender roles, and “imposter syndrome,” while offering practical tools to help women ask for what they want without apology and step into a deeper, more grounded confidence. In This Episode, We Explore: Karen’s origin story: flea markets with her dad, learning to “never pay full price,” and the early messages she absorbed about speaking up The painful gap between being valued for what you produce vs. being loved simply for who you are How cultural myths (like “a good negotiation means everyone’s a little unhappy”) keep us in scarcity and zero-sum thinking Why women tend to over-qualify themselves before applying or asking—and what we can learn from how men apply “underqualified” The power of clear, direct asks vs. passive, softened language “If you’re interested…” vs. “Would you like to…” How to negotiate in a way that creates win–win outcomes, not winners and losers The subtle ways women still police other women who take up more space, speak boldly, or break traditional norms Gender conditioning and invisible early messages (like “girl sandwiches” vs. “boy sandwiches”) Why discomfort is necessary for growth—and how to get curious instead of judgmental when we feel triggered by another woman’s boldness Imposter syndrome as a sign of growth, not proof you don’t belong Why we need both warmth and assertiveness, and how women are held to a different standard than men The idea of a “celebration portfolio” to collect evidence of your strengths and accomplishments Karen’s mission to reach 10 million women and help them turn self-doubt into self-confidence Key Concepts & Practices 1. Celebration Portfolio Create two lists: Your accomplishments (things you’ve done, created, achieved) Your character strengths (who you are—your attitude, presence, and values) Return to this when doubt creeps in to remind yourself you do belong where you are. 2. 5 & 5 Exercise Ask five people you trust to share five positive qualities they see in you. Look for themes and strengths you may take for granted because they feel “just like you.” 3. Clear, Direct Asking Replace: “If you’re interested…” “If you’d like to…” With: “Would you like to…” “Are you available to…” “Here’s a time that works for me—does it work for you?” 4. Borrowing Your Future Self When you’re scared to ask or step forward, ask: “What would the woman I’m becoming do here?” Then make the decision she would make. About Karen Laos Karen Laos is a speaker, confidence cultivator, and communication expert who helps women speak up, negotiate clearly, and own their power in every conversation—from the boardroom to the kitchen table. With 25 years as a trusted advisor and keynote speaker for companies like Google, Starbucks, and NASA, she has coached countless leaders to become more influential and effective. Karen is the author of Trust Your Own Voice, host of the Ignite Your Confidence Podcast, and is on a mission to help 10 million women transform self-doubt into self-confidence. Connect with Karen Karen Laos  Keynote Speaker  Communication Expert & Confidence Cultivator Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/   Connect with Keri For more conversations that challenge the status quo and invite deeper personal power, subscribe to Awaken Your Power on your favorite podcast platform. Find more of Keri’s writing, talks, and offerings at kerimangis.com.

In this episode of Awaken Your Power, Keri talks with Maureen Spielman—spiritual psychology coach and host of the Mystical Sisterhood podcast—about what it really means to live from unity consciousness in a world that feels more divided than ever. They explore how our inner work ripples out into the collective, why women and the reclaimed feminine are so central to this time on the planet, and how creativity, community, and liminal “in-between” spaces become initiations into a more awake life. Maureen also shares candidly about her own cancer journey as a turning point that stripped away old personas and unprocessed resentment, inviting a deeper level of honesty, self-compassion, and spiritual growth. Together, she and Keri challenge the shiny, “love and light” version of awakening and talk about the real cost—and real gifts—of saying yes to a path of consciousness. In This Episode, We Explore: What unity consciousness actually is and how it contrasts with dualistic “right/wrong, winner/loser” thinking Why we can see both deep cultural division and an unprecedented rising of light and collaboration at the same time How our inner work on shame, guilt, anger, and self-judgment creates harmony in our relationships and the wider collective The idea of the microcosm and macrocosm: how each of us is a small version of what’s happening in the whole Why women and the reclaimed feminine are so central right now—sisterhood, mentoring, eldership, and cyclical wisdom Moving from competition and scarcity to collaboration and “there’s room for all of us” Creativity as a feminine, mystical force—how everything from cooking to conversation can become alchemy Liminal spaces: the uncomfortable “in-between” times when one life is over and the next hasn’t formed yet Learning to stay with discomfort (the “mosquito on the nose” in yin yoga, the bugs on the yoga mat) instead of constantly seeking comfort The real cost of awakening: illness, loss, breakdown, and the crumbling of identities we thought we needed Why Maureen wouldn’t go back to who she was before cancer and deep inner work Sovereignty and power: how we’ve been conditioned to give our power away—and how to start calling it back The difference between being “normal” and being truly natural, in your own voice and rhythm Key Themes & Takeaways Awakening isn’t tidy or glamorous. It’s more often about being stripped down, cracked open, and invited to unlearn who you thought you had to be. Inner and outer are mirrors. As we heal our inner critic, judgment, or resentment, our relationships and communities shift, too. The feminine is rising. Not as domination over the masculine, but as a rebalancing: community over hierarchy, cycles over straight lines, mentorship over lone-wolf heroics. Creativity is everyday magic. True magic is changing how we see the world—and helping others see differently, too. Your power is yours to reclaim. Notice where you hand your authority to experts, influencers, or systems, and gently call that power back to your own inner knowing. About Maureen Spielman Maureen Spielman is a spiritual psychology coach and the founder/host of the Mystical Sisterhood podcast. Her work centers on unity consciousness, sisterhood, and helping women cultivate a more harmonious relationship with self so they can show up more fully in all areas of life. Drawing on her background in conscious parenting and her own initiatory experiences with illness and loss, Maureen supports women in reclaiming their inner mystic, their creative power, and their place in community. Connect with Maureen https://www.maureenspielman.com/ https://www.threads.com/@maureenspielman   Connect with Keri For more conversations that challenge the status quo and invite deep, soul-level transformation, subscribe to Awaken Your Power wherever you listen to podcasts. Find more of Keri’s work at www.kerimangis.com      

Episode Description In this conversation, Keri sits down with yoga teacher and clinical social worker Karen DeBaun, owner of Yoga Moodra, to explore yoga as a practice for living—not just another form of exercise. They talk about midlife beginnings, healing from trauma, and how yoga can become a framework for pausing, reflecting, and living more consciously in chaotic times. Karen shares why discomfort and anxiety are often the doorway to real change, how curiosity keeps us from hardening into certainty as we age, and why she sees herself as an “ambassador of love and peace” in a culture that rewards speed, productivity, and numbness. This is an invitation to step off autopilot and into a more deliberate, awake way of being. In This Episode, We Explore: Yoga in midlife and beyond How starting yoga in her 40s shaped Karen’s teaching Why so many of her students have stayed with her long-term What it’s like to come to yoga without being a “bendy 25-year-old” Yoga as a practice for the mind, not just the body The line that hooked her: gaining flexibility in the mind How yoga supported her emotional and physical recovery after a serious motorcycle accident Why she believes yoga is “a practice for living,” not just fitness Capitalism co-opting yoga Hot yoga, power yoga, and speed as the dominant narrative What we lose when yoga becomes just another workout Reclaiming yoga as “a sacred practice of remembering who you are” Pause as quiet rebellion How yoga classes are built around intentional pause and integration Why rest, reflection, and stillness are almost nonexistent in our culture Why even one hour a week of true pause can begin to change a life Habits, autopilot, and conscious living The difference between helpful routines and unconscious habits Why Karen and Carrie are more interested in undoing habits than just trading old ones for new How habits can become “brain shortcuts” that keep us from actually being present From reactivity to response How yoga has helped Karen become less reactive and more deliberate The ripple effects of one person becoming calmer, clearer, and more rooted in their values How this inner work quietly shapes our culture and communities Yoga, activism, and being an “ambassador of love and peace” Different roles people can play: activists, supporters, question-askers, rabble-rousers Karen’s personal mantra: “Ambassador of love and peace” Expanding the idea of activism beyond protests and picket signs to how we move through the world every day Discomfort as a catalyst for transformation Why anxiety and discomfort are often what finally move us to change Karen’s own leap into yoga teacher training in her 40s (and imposter syndrome all along the way) How to reframe discomfort as information and invitation, not failure Why it’s so hard to try new things From Karen’s article “5 Reasons Why It’s Hard to Try New Things”: Our built-in negativity bias and brain’s obsession with safety Our love of the comfortable and predictable Social fears: not wanting to look awkward or out of place Misinformation and assumptions about what something (like yoga) will be A deep lack of faith in ourselves and our ability to handle the unknown Curiosity and unlearning Curiosity as a spiritual practice and a way to soften certainty How assumptions flatten other people into two dimensions The courage it takes to unlearn beliefs and patterns that “got us this far” Beginner’s mind on and off the mat Tiny glimmers of enlightenment Rethinking enlightenment as fleeting moments of connection, wonder, and alignment Why Karen doesn’t chase permanent bliss states but treasures brief openings How pausing long enough to notice “little moments of magic” may be the most accessible form of awakening for modern life Creativity as spiritual practice Karen’s ongoing relationship with The Artist’s Way (Julia Cameron) How creativity is less about making “art” and more about how you live your life Carrie’s love for Big Magic (Elizabeth Gilbert) as a companion text Vulnerability, imperfection, and why our human “clumsiness” is often what connects us most A gentle invitation to try yoga For those curious but hesitant: why you’re allowed to dabble The value of trying something simply to expand your experience, even if you decide it’s not for you How online gentle yoga can be a low-pressure, accessible starting point—no fancy clothes or commute required About My Guest Karen DeBaun is the owner of Yoga Moodra, where she teaches online gentle yoga to adults in midlife and beyond. With 18 years of experience as a yoga instructor and 30 years as a clinical social worker, Karen blends yoga, mental health, and holistic wellness to help students reduce stress, build strength, and cultivate a deeper connection between mind and body. Her classes emphasize accessibility, compassion, and curiosity, making yoga feel like a practice for real life rather than performance. Karen is also a speaker on anxiety, stress, burnout, and finding calm in uncertain times, and is the author of an upcoming daily reflections book, See You on the Mat: Reflections for Presence and Peace. Resources & Links Mentioned Karen’s website & classes: Yoga Moodra – gentle online yoga for midlife and beyond https://www.yoga-moodra.com/contact.html Free class for podcast listeners Karen offers one free gentle yoga class for Awaken Your Power listeners. (Check her site or contact page for the “First Yoga Class Free” link.) Article: 5 Reasons Why It’s Hard to Try New Things – downloadable/free resource from Karen (via her website). Books mentioned: Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Teacher referenced: Andrew Harvey – writer and teacher on sacred activism Caroline Myss – for the “skyscraper of awareness” metaphorKaren DeBaun is the owner of Yoga Moodra, teaching online gentle yoga to adults in mid-life and beyond. Karen helps adult yoga students reduce stress, build strength, and enhance their overall wellbeing by offering a compassionate space where students can explore and deepen their connection to mind and body. With 18 years of experience as a yoga instructor and 30 years as a clinical social worker, Karen blends yoga practice and holistic wellness to provide a supportive online yoga environment where all students feel welcome and successful. In addition to teaching yoga, Karen is a speaker and presents on topics such as anxiety, stress and burnout, and finding calm in times of uncertainty. Karen is also the author of a soon-to-be published daily reflections book titled: See You On The Mat: Reflections for Presence and Peace.

Episode Summary In this episode of Awaken Your Power, Keri talks with Maree Lipschitz—speaker, facilitator, writer, and lifelong spiritual seeker—about the radical cultural power of female rites of passage. Drawing from decades of work with girls and women at puberty, motherhood, and menopause, Marie shares how ceremony and ritual can transform these transitions from private struggles into publicly honored initiations. Together, Keri and Maree explore how reclaiming these rites of passage doesn’t just support individual women—it quietly undermines patriarchal, capitalist norms and invites an entirely different model of wisdom, leadership, and community. In This Episode, We Explore: How Marie went from industrial chemist studying oxytocin to a facilitator of deeply embodied female rites of passage. Why menarche, motherhood, and menopause are spiritual rites—not just biological events. What Maree learned when no one honored her own transition into motherhood, and how that sparked her work designing ceremonies for new mothers. Examples of rites of passage from Indigenous and traditional cultures (from four-day dances to 40 days of post-birth seclusion) and what our modern world has lost by abandoning them. Why post-menopausal women have historically been the wisdom-keepers—and how longer lifespans are creating an unprecedented wave of potential elder leadership. How patriarchy harms both women and men, by over-valuing masculine forms of power and shutting down emotion, intuition, and vulnerability. The quiet but radical difference between “helping women succeed in the current system” vs. using ritual to question and reshape the system itself. The idea that all rites of passage are embodied and why public witnessing, truth-telling, and blessing are essential parts of any initiation. Practical, everyday ways to reclaim ceremony: Marking first periods, first heartbreaks, significant birthdays, and other turning points. Simple rituals you can create at home for yourself or loved ones. How denying rites of passage pushes teens (and adults) to self-initiate through risk-taking, numbing, or self-destructive choices. What it means to move from “midlife crisis” to midlife transformation, with ritual as a container. Maree's reframing of the Triple Goddess: Maiden → Menarche and emerging sexuality Mother → Nurturer (whether or not you have biological children) Menopause → The Alchemist, with Crone/Elder emerging more fully around 70+ The deep stigma and falsehoods we must unlearn about menopause, including the belief that women lose their value once fertility ends. Why Maree encourages women to track their cycles (and perimenopausal symptoms) as an act of power and a practical tool when seeking support. A simple, beautiful story of how she honored her last period with candles, a bath, and a love letter to her body. Key Takeaways If culture doesn’t provide initiation, we will seek it anyway—often through risky, unconscious, or harmful paths. Ceremony doesn’t have to be elaborate. Simple + sincere + witnessed can be life-changing. We are living in a rare moment in history where large numbers of post-menopausal women have the health, resources, and desire to lead. Bringing sacredness to the mundane—a birthday, a breakup, a final period—can reshape how we see ourselves and each other. Tracking your cycle and symptoms is not just “data”; it’s a way of claiming your authority over your own body and story. About Maree Lipschitz Maree Lipschitz is a speaker, facilitator, and writer specializing in female rites of passage. A former industrial chemist, she spent a decade working in corporate and tertiary education before becoming a mother in 1995—an experience that radically altered her path. For the past 20+ years, Maree has facilitated: Puberty workshops for pre-teen girls and their mothers Rites-of-passage programs for teenage girls Menopause and perimenopause workshops for women Her work centers on menarche, motherhood, and menopause as profound spiritual initiations. Marie is currently writing her book, Menarche, Motherhood and Menopause: A Woman’s Journey Through Life, weaving memoir, archetypal psychology, and decades of facilitation experience. Connect with Maree Website & newsletter: https://www.mareelipschitz.com/ Sign up for updates on her upcoming book and offerings via her website. https://www.facebook.com/maree.lipschitz/https://www.instagram.com/mareelipschitz/

Awakening Into Sovereignty with Aaron Scott In this episode, Keri Mangis is joined by author and systems-thinker Aaron Scott for a far-reaching conversation about what it means to awaken inside a world built on inherited myths, conditioning, and collective illusions. Drawing from his background in philosophy and nearly two decades on Wall Street, Aaron offers a rare lens into how our identities are shaped—and misshaped—by the structures we grow up within. Together, they explore the process of shedding those layers and reclaiming a deeper, more grounded truth. This episode moves through: The “synthetic construct” we mistake for reality How childhood conditioning forms identity and disconnects us from our core Disillusionment as a doorway, not a failure The illusion of separation and why it fuels division Conspiracy thinking as a ready-made story that replaces imagination Interconnection as both comfort and responsibility The myth of scarcity—not just of resources, but of time, meaning, and belonging What it means to live from authenticity instead of external validation Sovereignty as a daily practice of truth, agency, and conscious choice Aaron also shares the personal breaking point that pushed him to question the life he had built—and the moment he chose inner truth over external expectations. The conversation closes with a grounded, accessible definition of sovereignty: A return to the truth within, a reclamation of selfhood, and a shift in how we move through the world. If you’ve been sensing that the old stories no longer fit—or that something deeper is calling you back to yourself—this episode meets you right where you are. https://www.theaaronscott.com https://www.amazon.com/BEFORE-WE-FORGET-Collective-Awakening/dp/1969372230    

Awaken Your Power — Episode: From Block to Powerful (with Cheryl Stelte) Episode Overview In this deeply insightful conversation, Cheryl Stelte   joins Keri to explore what it means to move from block to powerful. A spiritual coach, master healer, and author of From Block to Powerful: The Spiritual Guide to Unlocking Inner Clarity and Authentic Power, Cheryl helps women uncover how trauma, conditioning, and subconscious beliefs shape our lives—and how true transformation requires healing beneath the surface. Together, Keri and Cheryl dive into the energetic connection between personal healing and collective evolution, why midlife “success but misalignment” is a spiritual initiation, and how shadow work helps us reclaim authentic power. This conversation is for anyone ready to stop fixing themselves and start listening to what their “blocks” are trying to reveal. Guest Cheryl Stelte — Spiritual coach, master healer, and author of From Block to Powerful: The Spiritual Guide to Unlocking Inner Clarity and Authentic Power. For over 30 years, she has guided women through trauma, reinvention, and spiritual awakening with a unique approach that views blocks as sacred signals rather than flaws. 🌐 Website: starofdivinelight.com  📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steltecheryl/ 💼 LinkedIn: Cheryl Stelte  Key Takeaways Blocks are sacred signals. Every emotional or energetic “stuck point” is an invitation to deeper awareness, not a flaw to fix. Healing ripples outward. Personal transformation (microcosm) influences collective evolution (macrocosm); when one person heals, the field shifts for everyone. We are all connected. Separation is an illusion—each act of compassion, forgiveness, or courage uplifts the collective vibration. Shadow work is essential. Real transformation means feeling repressed emotions, not bypassing them with mindset tricks or quick fixes. Success without fulfillment = misalignment. When achievements stop bringing joy, it’s a call to realign with your soul’s deeper truth. Discernment over judgment. Spiritual maturity means holding compassion for others’ paths while clearly choosing what aligns with your own. You are far more powerful than you realize. Everything you need to awaken authentic power is already within your subconscious and your soul’s design. Memorable Lines “Blaming will never get you to who you truly are.” “Our wounds are not problems to solve; they are portals to higher truth.” “The extreme codependent will always attract the extreme narcissist—until healing occurs.” “Separation is an illusion. When you judge another, you are judging yourself.” “You can’t mindset your way out of trauma. You must feel your way through it.” Episode Highlights The origin of feeling “unwanted” and how early wounding shapes adult patterns The cultural programming that keeps us small—and how spirituality reclaims power Understanding the microcosm and macrocosm of healing: how personal work heals the world The illusion of separation and why compassion is revolutionary Shadow work explained: what it is, why it matters, and how it transforms at the energetic level Moving beyond “mindset” into the subconscious and emotional body The meaning of “midlife success but misalignment” and why it’s a sacred initiation Why discernment—not judgment—is the foundation of authentic power Practical steps for uncovering subconscious beliefs and repressed emotion Mentioned in This Episode From Block to Powerful — Cheryl’s latest book The Prayer of St. Francis (referenced as a model of spiritual action) Quotes from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Sufi mysticism, and Buddhist teachings on compassion and attachment Discussion of trauma imprinting in the subconscious and nervous system Connect with Cheryl 🌐 Website: starofdivinelight.com  🎧 Free Resources: Three Meditations for Subconscious Healing  — learn how to access the subconscious and create safety in the root chakra 💫 Offerings: Personal Chakra Readings Business Chakra Readings (for women in leadership and healing professions) 9-Month Deep Healing Program Connect with Keri 🌐 Website: kerimangis.com  📩 Subscribe: for new episodes, writing, and resources on transformation, rites of passage, and awakening authentic power. Support the Show If this episode resonated, please subscribe, rate, and share with a friend ready to awaken their power and do the deep inner work that heals the collective.      

In this conversation, writing coach and author Amy Hallberg joins Keri to explore how we awaken power by claiming our gifts—especially in times of upheaval. They trace Amy’s journey from “upholder” to norm-breaker, the humbling wisdom of being an exchange student in West Germany, and why language is only an approximation of lived experience. Together they unpack ritual, grief, and everyday action in the wake of community tragedy, and reframe “purpose” from a rigid noun to a living verb. If you’re navigating liminal spaces—midlife shifts, identity transitions, creative blocks—this episode offers practical ways to honor what’s breaking down while making something truer take root. Guest Amy Hallberg — author, writing coach, and founder of Courageous Wordsmith, guiding real-life writers from inklings to finished work through 1:1 and group programs. Website: amyhallberg.com • Programs: Courageous Wordsmith Key takeaways Your gifts are your power. Start naming—out loud—the thing you do with ease (the thing others notice). Claim it, then practice it. Purpose is a verb. Who you are being (quality + action) matters more than a tidy title or identity. Language ≠ life. Words are translations of experience; let stories emerge before you edit them into shape. Allow → Compose → Revise. Amy’s creative flow favors permissive drafting over “shitty first draft” self-talk or premature perfection. Ritual holds crisis. In collective grief, pair prayer/meaning with movement/action (“pray—and move your feet”). Small things, great love. Capacity builds through tiny, repeated acts (in writing, caregiving, citizenship). You won’t “go back.” After liminal thresholds, the task is integration—not returning to who you were. Memorable lines “Your gifts are your power.” “Words are signifiers—approximations of what we live.” “Purpose works better as a verb than a title.” Lightly structured outline  Meeting the rebel-upholder: growing up gifted, sensitive, and not quite fitting Germany at 17: unlearning perfection & finding value beyond grades Language, symbols, and telling the truth on the page Drafting without armor: the Allow → Compose → Revise method Ritual, grief, and community response after tragedy Purpose vs. meaning: claim the verb, not the label Closing practice: say it in the mirror—“I am a writer / creator / healer”—until your nervous system believes you Mentioned Prayer of St. Francis (“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…”) Quote often attributed to Mother Teresa: “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” Try this (listener prompt) Write down one gift you’ve been minimizing. Say it out loud three times today. Then take one tiny action that expresses it. Connect with Amy Website: amyhallberg.com Coaching & community: Courageous Wordsmith Connect with Keri Site: kerimangis.com Support the show Subscribe, rate, and share with a friend who’s ready to challenge the status quo and step into their gifts.

Episode summary Menopause advocate and life strategist Zapheria Bell joins Keri to reframe midlife as a profound alchemical journey. Drawing on her “Five Passages of Menopause,” Zapheria bridges science and soul—neuroscience-informed tools, emotional clearing, and what she calls psych-architecture—to help women move from cracking and burning to pause, remembering, and rising. This is a compassionate, practical conversation about nervous system regulation, corporate culture, HRT without shame, and honoring the sacred fire that remakes us. Guest Zapheria Bell is the founder of the Institute of Inner Mastery, creator of The Five Passages of Menopause, and a consultant for menopause-inclusive workplaces. Her work blends evidence-based approaches with deep embodiment and spiritual wisdom to help women 40+ “build the F**K-Yes life.” Key takeaways Menopause as alchemy: It’s not a problem to fix; it’s a process that burns away false identities so the truest self can emerge. The Five Passages of Menopause The Cracking — faint fissures in health, cycles, beliefs, and relationships signal change has begun. The Burning — heat, rage, and inflammation surface; what’s untrue combusts so truth remains. The Pause — a void/death phase that can feel terrifying; disciplined rest enables nervous-system repair. The Remembering — quiet reconnection to who you’ve always been (no “purpose pressure” required). The Rising — embodied wisdom and inner leadership; fewer Fs to give, more alignment to live. Science + soul can co-exist: Translating “energetic” concepts into accessible language invites broader understanding—especially in corporate settings. Nervous system regulation: Health isn’t the absence of stress; it’s the capacity to move from activation back to rest. No shame in support: Choices about HRT and symptom relief are individual; quality of life and brain/bone health matter. Corporate inclusion: Simple flexibility (later starts, longer lunches, quiet days) helps retain top women leaders. Creation beyond motherhood: Women are constant creators—of friendships, work, art, businesses, and ideas. Memorable moments  “If we try to avoid menopause, we miss the fire that forges our deepest truth." “I can go live in a mystery school forever, but the work is to bring the wisdom back to the real world.” “Regulation isn’t never getting stressed—it’s being able to return to calm.” “You don’t have to carry the world to raise its consciousness. Be fully you.” “Walk through the fire. On the other side, you’re handed the gift of yourself.” Chapters 00:00 Welcome + why alchemy resonates 05:12 Bridging woo and research: speaking multiple languages 12:40 From corporate burnout to spiritual immersion—and back again 20:55 The Five Passages: Cracking → Burning → Pause → Remembering → Rising 38:10 Regulating the nervous system in a dysregulated world 47:25 Menopause at work: inclusive policies and practical flexibility 55:18 Rethinking “purpose” and letting a quieter self lead 1:04:30 Birthing life in all forms: babies, businesses, ideas 1:10:00 Closing reflections + gratitude Resources mentioned Institute of Inner Mastery — Zapheria hub for methods, programs, and workplace consulting The Five Passages of Menopause framework (overview + guide) On nervous system regulation: breath work, pausing rituals, tech boundaries, and somatic practices WEBSITE: https://www.zapheriabell.com EMAIL: zapheria@zapheriabell.com Follow Zapheria Bell: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/zapheriabell INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/zapheriabell YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@zapheriabellofficial  

Episode Summary In this season finale, host Keri Mangis reflects on the powerful conversations from Season 3 of Awaken Your Power. Throughlines emerge from her five incredible guests: the courage to question the status quo, to keep asking why, and to follow not just the mind but the heart and soul. Drawing inspiration from her own TEDx experience, Keri shows how truth and wisdom often come not from certainty but from curiosity, humility, and a willingness to unlearn. With references to cultural norms, the Truman Show, midlife transformation, and the parable of the blind men and the elephant, this episode invites us all to soften into deeper questions that can awaken our power. What You’ll Hear in This Episode 🌱 Season 3 themes: why questioning norms is vital for growth and authenticity. 🍷 Challenging cultural habits around alcohol, menopause, apologies, and relationships. 🎭 The Truman Show as a metaphor for breaking free from “normal.” 🔥 How crises—personal or societal—can become opportunities for rebirth. 💡 Why aligning with your true self brings resilience, creativity, and sovereignty. 🐘 The parable of the blind men and the elephant as an image for humility and perspective. 💖 A reminder that each of us holds unique gifts, and society needs us to step forward and share them. Key Quotes “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” — J. Krishnamurti “Not a single one of us has been put on this planet to play it small.” — Keri Mangis Looking Ahead ✨ Season 4 launches in December 2025 with nine incredible guests already booked. Stay tuned for powerful new conversations to help you awaken your power even more deeply. 🔗 Connect with Keri: Website: kerimangis.com Instagram: @kerimangis Newsletter: Subscribe on the website for updates

Jen Veralle — event experience strategist; founder of Spark Track and Mindful Drinking Movement; co-founder of Sauna & Sobriety; TEDx speaker (“Why We Should Rethink Drinking Culture”); eleven years alcohol-free and an advocate for inclusive, alcohol-optional social spaces. Episode snapshot After two decades of alcohol misuse and a corporate burnout at forty, Jen rebuilt her life and work—then went public with her story. In this conversation we unpack how to move from stigma to choice, why “sober not somber” matters, and how the “messy middle” (the liminal space between breakdown and rebirth) becomes a catalyst for a truer self. From secrecy to sovereignty: Jen’s path to eleven years alcohol-free and the moment she chose to “let go out loud.” Sober not somber: Designing events and workplaces where alcohol is optional and nonalcoholic choices are visible, elevated, and normalized. Taste, truth, and habit: The “acquired taste” myth; how stepping away can reset your palate—and your perspective. Mindful drinking for the middle: Options beyond all-or-nothing; making choices that fit health, context, and values. The messy middle: Reflection vs. “just pause”; how real transformation requires time in the in-between. Identity in motion: Name changes, reinventing purpose, and living “all of the truth.” Practical advocacy: What any of us can do—at restaurants, work events, and in our circles—to create alcohol-inclusive culture. Highlights “Ideas aren’t precious—share them and watch them find their collaborators.” “If an idea wants to be born and you won’t carry it, it moves on.” “Reflection is the engine of change; pausing is just the doorway.” “Make the nonalcoholic option obvious, celebrated, and in real glassware.” “The antidote to our fractured times isn’t out there—it’s us.” Timestamps (approx.) 00:00 — Welcome and why breaking stigma is the show’s heartbeat 04:30 — Creativity, collaboration, and nonattachment to ideas 11:40 — Jen’s sober story and the first public share 20:10 — Rethinking drinking culture (and that bookstore-bar slide) 28:00 — Mindful drinking for the “middle” 35:45 — Hosting better: menus, servers, and culture shifts 44:30 — The messy middle: reflection as a practice 55:00 — Identity, “all of the truth,” and next chapters 1:03:00 — Coaching, Sauna & Sobriety, and how to connect Connect with Jen Mindful Drinking Movement (advocacy, consulting, experiences) Sauna & Sobriety (alcohol-free community sessions) Coaching: Life + addiction/recovery coaching for the sober-curious and change-ready Connect with Keri Substack: The Power Source Podcast: Awaken Your Power — follow, rate, and review to help others find the show IG / LinkedIn: @kerimangis If this episode resonated, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and share it with a friend who’s exploring mindful drinking or moving through their own messy middle.   Referenced links: CreativeMornings profile (September 2024 talk): https://creativemornings.com/individuals/jenveralle TEDx Talk — “Why We Should Rethink Drinking Culture”

🎙️ Episode Title: Not Your Mama’s Menopause: Redefining Midlife with Shebang 🗓️ Episode Summary: In this powerful, candid, and laugh-out-loud episode of Awaken Your Power, I'm joined by Lori and Doty—founders of Shebang, the bold and unapologetic voice redefining the midlife experience for women. What started as a friendship forged over a tearful porch conversation blossomed into a movement built on honesty, humor, and the deep knowing that menopause is not a crisis—it's a sacred rite of passage. Together, we unpack the silence around perimenopause and menopause, share the pivotal moments that sparked Shebang, and explore how women can reclaim their identity, agency, and power in midlife and beyond. We also discuss: The shame and misinformation around hormone health—and how to advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office The emotional and spiritual transformation hidden inside the physical symptoms How midlife reinvention is not only possible, it’s potent—and often more joyful than you imagined The importance of giving yourself permission to pause, pivot, and power up Why this conversation needs to include men, too Lori and Doty are funny, fierce, and full of wisdom—and they don’t hold back. If you’ve ever felt like you were going through it alone, this episode will make you feel deeply seen and supported. ✨ Favorite Quote: “Loving yourself isn’t selfish—it’s foundational.” 🎁 Mentioned in This Episode: Shebang’s subscription box for midlife women: Permission to Pause, Pivot, Power Up The idea of celebrating menopause with ritual and ceremony The lack of menopause training among doctors (only ~2,500 certified in the U.S.) The role of synthetic hormones and why informed choices matter The connection between menopause and reinvention, sovereignty, and spiritual awakening Article(s) on not talking about periods.https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/period-talk-needs-to-stop-period/#comments-containerhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/02/can-we-please-stop-talking-about-periods/?ICID=continue_without_subscribing_reg_first#comment 🔗 Resources & Links: Follow Shebang on Instagram: @Shebang Subscribe to their monthly box: Shebang Subscription Box Read the article mentioned about public discussion of periods: [Link will be added here] Learn more about Keri’s TED Talk on menopause as a rite of passage: kerimangis.com/tedx 💌 Connect with the Guests: Lori and Doty are open-hearted, no-nonsense women who love hearing from listeners. DM them on Instagram or reach out through their website to share your story or ask questions—they’re building a movement, and you’re invited. — 🌀 Awaken Your Power is a space for those ready to disrupt the status quo and reclaim their voice. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if this episode spoke to you!

Guest: Galina Singer | Coach, Writer, Soulful Disruptorhttps://galinasinger.com/ | IG: @galinasinger 🌟 Episode Summary In this bold and deeply honest conversation, Keri welcomes coach and writer Galina Singer to explore what it really means to live beyond the status quo. Together, they examine the quiet (and not-so-quiet) ways women disrupt inherited roles—especially around marriage, motherhood, aging, identity, and the body. From redefining partnership and parenting to navigating menopause and political despair, Galina speaks to the power of self-responsibility, embodied sovereignty, and the courage it takes to become “nobody” in order to become fully yourself. This is a must-listen for anyone questioning long-held roles, longing for wholeness, or feeling the call to live with deeper truth and integrity. 🔑 Topics We Explore: Why living in alignment can feel disruptive—even dangerous Galina’s journey into truth-telling within long-term relationships What sovereignty really means (hint: it’s with your body, not over it) Reimagining marriage, conflict, and the myth of the “doting wife” Navigating menopause as a sacred rite of passage The body as messenger: hot flashes, skin symptoms, and suppressed anger Redefining identity: playing with costumes instead of clinging to roles Political division, spiritual resilience, and the power of curiosity The healing force of conversation—and why listening is radical 🧭 Timestamp Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome + why this season of Awaken Your Power goes deeper 03:40 – Galina's against-the-grain choices and personal sovereignty 11:25 – Redefining marriage from codependency to conscious connection 21:45 – Is it selfish to speak your truth? Or sacred? 31:00 – When disagreement feels like rejection: families, politics, and fear 39:05 – Identity, aging, and putting down our “straightjacketed” roles 50:12 – Menopause, clarity, and returning to yourself 1:05:00 – The dance between sovereignty and self-responsibility 1:12:40 – Listening across divides and why hope lives in conversation 🧘 Resources Mentioned: Dr. Christiane Northrup on menopause Darrell Davis’ work with the Ku Klux Klan Keri’s book: Embodying Soul Galina's program: True to Me, Open to You (Fall 2025) 🔗 Connect with Gina Singer: 🌐 Website: https://galinasinger.com/ 💌 Newsletter: sign up on her homepage 📸 Instagram: @galinasinger 💥 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend, tag us on Instagram, or leave a review. Your voice helps awaken others. → Subscribe to Awaken Your Power wherever you listen. → Join the newsletter at Kerimangis.com → Follow Keri on Instagram: @kerimangis

🎙️ Episode Title: Reclaiming Moxie: How Women Shrink—and How to Stop 🪷 Episode Summary: In this empowering and insightful episode, Keri sits down with social entrepreneur, educator, and unapologetic change-maker Kristi Hemmer. Together, they explore what it means for women and girls to “shrink”—in classrooms, boardrooms, conversations, and everyday culture—and how to reclaim your voice, space, and inner fire. From redefining the word “sorry” to honoring the power of liminal spaces, this episode offers a vibrant reminder that your moxie isn’t something you outgrow—it’s something you grow into. 👤 About Kristi Hemmer: Kristi Hemmer is the founder of the Academy for Women’s Empowerment (AWE) and author of Quit Being So Good. A former educator who left her six-figure job to backpack the world, Kristi now teaches unapologetic leadership to women and girls across the globe. Her mission is to disrupt outdated systems of power by helping people reclaim their voice, agency, and moxie. ✨ Topics We Explore: The everyday ways girls and women “shrink” (and how to notice it) Why saying “sorry” often means something different for women The cultural pressure to be “nice” vs. the power of being kind How voice inflection, laughter, and body language shape our presence What it means to take up space energetically and emotionally The freedom (and power) of liminal spaces and identity shifts Reframing patriarchy, dismantling myths, and choosing solidarity What “moxie” really means—and how to light torches for others Creating safe spaces where women gather, lead, and rise 🔗 Links + Resources Mentioned: Kristi Hemmer’s Website Quit Being So Good by Kristi Hemmer Montana Power Camp Info (check availability or join the waitlist) Keri’s upcoming TEDx Talk (details coming soon) Learn more about the Awaken Your Power podcast and community: [Your Link Here]   🙏 Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, share it with a woman who needs to remember how powerful she truly is. 💌 Subscribe to Awaken Your Power and never miss an episode.

🎙️ Episode Title: Menopause Is Not a Disease—It’s a Rite of Passage 🪷 Episode Summary: In this fierce and freeing conversation, Keri is joined by veteran aromatherapist, coach, and wise woman Anna Denfeld to reclaim menopause as the sacred transformation it truly is. Together they dismantle toxic cultural narratives that treat menopause as a disease or a decline and instead frame it as a chrysalis moment—a profound shift into power, clarity, and elderhood. This episode is a call to arms (and hearts) for any woman who's tired of shrinking and ready to rise. 👤 About Anna Denfeld: With over 35 years of experience as an aromatherapist, coach, and women's guide, Anna Denfeld is passionate about helping women reclaim their bodies, power, and truth. Post-menopause herself, Anna works with women to shift the narrative around aging—from fear and shame to strength and sovereignty. Her work weaves body wisdom, spiritual insight, and cultural critique into a grounded and liberating approach to transformation. ✨ Topics We Explore: Why menopause is not the end, but the beginning of your Second Spring The cultural programming that teaches women to disappear after 50 What the caterpillar and chrysalis can teach us about this life phase Why shame is the most powerful tool used to control women The myth of menopause as a “disease” (and who benefits from that narrative) How to embrace aging without pathologizing it The invisible labor of enduring and the toll it takes on our bodies What it means to move from adulthood into true elderhood Creating a society where postmenopausal women are leaders, not liabilities   🔗 Resources + Mentions: Anna Dannfelt Facebook: Book reference: Feminine Forever by Robert Wilson (and why it needs to be retired forever) Related episode: The Power of Liminal Spaces with Keri 🌱 Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman in your life who deserves to feel powerful in her body—at every age. 💌 Subscribe to Awaken Your Power to keep these vital conversations going.

Welcome to the season 3 of Awaken Your Power. In a world that rewards fitting in and staying small, what does it really mean to step into your power? In this solo opening, I dig into the myths and misunderstandings about power that keep so many of us from living fully. Is power the same as control? Does it always corrupt? Is it just for a chosen few? Together, we’ll explore a very different kind of power—one rooted in agency, awareness, and alignment with our deepest values. This episode is both personal and cultural: it’s about reclaiming your own voice, and it’s about what happens when more of us rise up and bring that voice into the world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why control and power are not the same thing—and how mistaking them keeps us small. The damaging cultural myths about power (like “power corrupts” and “it’s a zero-sum game”). How “fitting in” differs from true belonging, and why that difference matters for your authenticity. Why humility has been weaponized against women—and how to step beyond it. The kind of power that nurtures wisdom, resilience, and alignment, both in your life and in our world. Links & Resources Learn more about me and my work: www.kerimangis.com Connect on Instagram: @keri.mangis If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who’s ready to challenge the status quo. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found value in this one, leave a review—it helps others find the show. And remember: awakening your power isn’t about control. It’s about agency, alignment, and stepping into the fullness of who you already are.

Episode Title: The Power of Liminal Spaces Host: Keri Mangis   Main Topics: Understanding Liminal Spaces: [05:00] Definition and emotional resonance of being "in between" states, the challenge and beauty of transitions. Cultural Context and Historical Insight: [12:30] Discusses how different cultures and ancient rites incorporate the understanding of these transitional phases. Transformation in Personal and Collective Spheres: [20:45] Reflects on the pandemic as a collective liminal space and the need for real transformation rather than superficial changes. Navigating Liminal Spaces: [31:10] Offers practical advice on dealing with uncertainty and the potential within liminal spaces, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and reflection. Conclusion: [40:00] Keri wraps up by connecting her personal experiences with broader societal implications, underscoring the power and potential of embracing liminal spaces.  

Dear Power Source subscribers,It has been a long, busy, hot summer so far! My newsletter has surely fallen down on the list of priorities!However, I have remained busy. I’ve been writing articles for Spirituality & Health Magazine, which you can check out here.I’m also writing two columns for The Edge Magazine, one on personal transformation, and the other on simple tips and tricks. Please check those out as well!Finally, I spent June and July recording my audiobook for Embodying Soul: A Return to Wholeness!! I recorded it myself, in my little cupboard under the stairs, and now it is going to a professional mixer to make it sound as good as possible.As you may remember, my book was officially published in 2020, so it has been two years since I’ve really dug into it at this level. Reading it word for word after this long was quite an adventure, and, as you might imagine, I found plenty of things I would change! But, eh, that is the life of a writer! I also had a couple of other realizations along the journey as well, and it is those realizations I share in the introductory audio attached.The final Audiobook will be available in late August/early September. I can’t wait to have it out in the world, and as Power Source subscribers, you’ll be the first to know!Of course, you may also purchase a print or ebook copy of the book on my website (signed!) or on Amazon! If you’d like to support our independent bookstores, my book is available in several around Minnesota and North Dakota. My website contains that information as well. Get full access to The Power Source at kerimangisauthor.substack.com/subscribe

We are living in a time of immense confusion, pain, and disconnect. When there are horrors in every direction, it overwhelms us, and can cause us to feel like there’s nothing we can do. It can lull us into numbness.Hopelessness is a dangerous emotion. It’s very easy to get caught in a cycle of cynicism, fear, and bitterness. Yet, we are called to pull ourselves out of those cycles. We are called to greater things.“The terrorists thought they would change my aims and stop my ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage were born.”Malala YousafzaiSeeing all the pain in the world also has a tendency to make us ignore or dismiss our own pain. It’s hard, for instance, to focus on healing the pain of a lost relationship when so many overseas are losing their lives or their families. Yet, the one thing that connects us all as human beings is our pain. It is through our pain, and the emotions they create, that we can connect and heal. In this audio, I share the ancient practice of Tonglen—a Tibetan word that means “to give and receive.” It is a powerful practice that should be practiced with care, deep intention, and self-love.I invite you to this practice, with all your pains, and all your emotions. I invite you to connect in a time of division, and feel in a time in which so many are choosing numbness. You are stronger than you know. You can, one pain at a time, help to heal the world. Get full access to The Power Source at kerimangisauthor.substack.com/subscribe

Dear Power Source Subscribers:You didn’t think I’d give you a morning meditation without also offering an evening meditation, did you? 🙃Bookend your days with these two guided meditations, and notice the shifts in your mindset, well-being, and even productivity.Namaste,Keri Get full access to The Power Source at kerimangisauthor.substack.com/subscribe

Of all the good habits you can put into place, taking just a few moments in the morning to get grounded and set your intentions can make all the difference between a day where you always feel a step behind and a day when you feel unstoppable.This AM meditation is just 11 minutes. I encourage you to bookmark this email and get into the routine of playing it each morning. (For paid Substack members, this meditation will be available on your VIP page for easy access.)Happy morning! Get full access to The Power Source at kerimangisauthor.substack.com/subscribe