Listening Well Podcast

I’m so thrilled to finally sit down with my mentor and teacher, Kathi von Koerber – artist, storyteller, and earth wisdom keeper. This conversation was nourishing, eye-opening, and filled with so much juicy wisdom for all to enjoy. Here’s what we explored: Kathi’s Journey: Growing up on five continents and what being a "global citizen" has taught her about humanity and connection. Founding Kiah Keya (meaning "beginning of a new flower" in Quechua), a platform dedicated to preserving indigenous knowledge and connecting us to the Earth through art, ritual, and creativity. Wisdom of the Elements: Earth: How grounding practices, like planting trees or working with clay, can help us reconnect – especially in urban spaces. Water: Simple rituals, from mindful hydration to honoring water during daily showers, and even charging water with crystals. Fire: The transformative power of fire for letting go, transmuting energy, and creating renewal through rituals. Air: Why many of us feel “heady” or scattered and how activities like sewing, artistry, or slowing down can bring balance and focus. Rituals for City Life: Practical tips to connect with nature, even in the “concrete jungle,” like greeting the morning sun or taking intentional moments for gratitude. Kathi’s Offerings: Upcoming retreats in Lombok (March) for those craving a hands-on experience. Her online courses for women, focusing on earth wisdom, ritual, and initiations – with a new course, Initiation, launching soon! Kathi is a true beacon of light, reminding us that Earth is home and that connection to it doesn’t require escaping to a far-off place – it starts with simple, mindful practices.If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or just craving some grounded wisdom, this episode is for you. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well! 🌿See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I always turn to the mountains for counsel. Not only does the presence of a majestic mountain humble me, but being amidst the mountains allows me to feel strong, dignified, and proud. The withstanding of all seasons, weather systems, and chaos, is something we can all learn from a sublime mountain. As we embody the shape of a mountain, we too can feel as proud as strong as a mountain, and allow the weather systems of our emotions pass by, not being swayed by the sometimes overwhelming nature of life. Enjoy the meditation! With love, Steph Binaural Beats By Listening Well Music 🎵See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartwarming episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Farina Ghani, a wellness champion, qigong practitioner, and meditation expert. Farina’s mission revolves around facilitating meaningful self-discovery through breathwork, somatic movement, and mindfulness practices. With a unique background that started in ballet and evolved into corporate strategy, she now focuses on guiding both adults and children toward emotional well-being. Our Conversation Highlights: Mindfulness as a life skill for children Parent-Child bonding through breathwork The connection between breath and behavior Breaking the cycle of perfectionism and academic pressure Mindfulness in schools and beyond As someone who works with both children and adults, Farina reminds us that mindfulness is for everyone. Adults, too, can benefit from the same breathwork practices—especially in moments of overwhelm. She encourages families to adopt small, consistent practices that will benefit both parents and children alike, fostering emotional health for the entire household. I found this conversation particularly inspiring, as I think about the kind of parent I want to be in the future. Farina’s gentle wisdom on cultivating emotional resilience from a young age really resonated with me, and I loved her practical approach to teaching children how to slow down, breathe, and express their emotions. Thank you so much for tuning in to this special episode. If you found value in our discussion, please share it with friends or family—especially those raising children or planning to have kids. And if you enjoyed the episode, I’d be so grateful if you could give the podcast a five-star rating! Until next week, take good care, breathe deeply, and I’ll see you for another meaningful conversation on The Listening Well Podcast. 🌿 Connect with Farina: www.arise.care Sonic Healing IG Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This meditation comes at a pertinent time, a closing of a big chapter. As I conclude 12.5 years in Singapore as a resident, I reflect on all those who have been there for my journey. To all those I fell in love with, to the friends who supported me through the turbulent times, to the mentors that guided me and showed me my talents.  I love you all from the bottom of my heart. This is not a farewell, but a see you later :) Love, Steph Binaural Beats By Listening Well Music 🎵See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is both informative and practical. I will start my explaining the function of the pelvic floor, then will guide you through a breathing practice to help maintain our pelvic floor health. Think of it as a kegal exercise, broken down into parts. This exercise can be done multiple times a day, any day!  Cheers to your pelvic floor health! With love, Steph Binaural beats from Listening Well Music 🎵 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am so thrilled to welcome Sarah Powers to this episode! If you’ve dabbled in yoga—especially yin yoga—you’ve likely heard her name. Sarah is the co-founder of the Insight Yoga Institute and author of Insight Yoga and Lit From Within. She has been teaching for over 30 years, blending yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, and transpersonal psychology into an integrated approach that enlivens the body, heart, and mind. Sarah's teachings emphasize mindfulness and personal inquiry, drawing from psychological models like internal family systems and psychosynthesis. Her yin practices balance long-held postures with meditative awareness, offering a truly holistic way of being. Our Conversation Highlights: The Birth of Insight Yoga:We explore how Sarah weaves Buddhist insight meditation into yoga. This combination encourages students to go beyond the physical body, guiding them to develop deeper emotional and mental awareness. Sarah shares how yin yoga isn’t just about stillness—it’s about opening a window into the emotional body and confronting the discomfort many of us avoid. The Emotional Body and Maturity:Sarah discusses how most of us lack emotional maturity, often responding to life’s challenges with old, reactive patterns. Through mindful self-awareness, we learn how to engage with emotions in healthy ways rather than suppress or avoid them. She emphasizes that emotional well-being is essential—not secondary—to physical and mental health. Energy and Breath as Allies:We dive into Sarah’s relationship with the breath and how it serves as a refuge during moments of stress. She explains how breath connects us to the energy body, a subtle system often overlooked in modern life. Sarah shares her personal practice of using yin postures to align her energy, drawing on both Taoist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teachings. Practical Mindfulness Tools:Sarah offers insight into Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the idea of subpersonalities—the parts of us that show up differently in various relationships and roles. Recognizing these inner parts can create greater emotional freedom and help us respond more authentically in any situation. Curiosity as a Lifelong Practice:One key takeaway from our conversation was Sarah’s emphasis on staying curious about ourselves, even during difficult moments. With curiosity, we can approach our emotions as opportunities for growth rather than burdens, embracing the full spectrum of human experience. This conversation felt like a masterclass in mindfulness and emotional health, reconnecting me with the tools I first learned during my 2020 yin yoga training with Sarah. Her insights reminded me how essential it is to integrate mindfulness into every part of life, not just on the yoga mat. It was also a beautiful reminder to let go of perfectionism—in yoga, teaching, and life. If you enjoyed this episode, I encourage you to check out Sarah's books, Insight Yoga and Lit From Within, and explore her trainings and retreats. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a revelation for my mentor and teacher to mention how her views have changed from the ever common "belly breathing" cue to now "ribcage breathing." When we focus the breath around the ribs, naturally the belly becomes soft and receptive. By focusing on the ribcage when we do our breathwork, the diaphragm muscle too gets a juicy exercise, and afterall it is the diaphragm that is responsible for our deep belly breaths. I hope you enjoy this practice. Till next time, big love! Steph xx Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode I sat down with Sasha Heussler, an entrepreneur, engineer, and author of "Light Up Your Darkness: Be the Hero of Your Own Story." Sasha’s story is one of personal transformation, from navigating deep depression to rediscovering joy and purpose. Together, we explored the themes from his book and the practices that helped him rebuild his identity and find fulfillment beyond external achievements. Conversation Highlights: The fall and rediscovery of identity How Sascha's reliance on external validation set him to embark on a journey of inner exploration How he realised he has shift perspective and rewriting your story The Hero's Journey, inspired by Joseph Campbell He shared some tools for inner healing The power of Vippasana Sascha's spiritual journey - his experience in Peru Navigating setbacks with grace Sascha reminds us that life's journey is never perfect—it’s a constant ebb and flow. The beauty lies in having the tools to navigate both highs and lows with grace, calmness, and self-compassion. As he shared, “When I thought I lost it all, I found myself.” Thank you, Sascha, for your authenticity and for sharing your journey with us. If you, dear listener, are on your own path of self-discovery, know that you are not alone. We all walk this road together, learning and growing along the way. About Sascha’s Book: Sascha’s book, "Light Up Your Darkness: Be the Hero of Your Own Story," documents his personal transformation and offers insights for anyone on their own journey of healing. It’s available on Amazon in both Kindle and print formats. You’ll find diagrams, large print, and engaging storytelling—perfect for anyone seeking both inspiration and practical tools. Until next week! If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. And if you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a five-star review—it really helps spread the message. Stay well, friends, and see you next time on The Listening Well Podcast. 🌿 Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have to start somewhere with our meditation practice, and I have found that by focusing on the nostrils as a means of attention is the best way to access awareness in the body.  For 5 minutes, you will be gently guided through a practice that uses the tip of the nose as a focal point to concentrate.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy this meditation. Love, Steph xx Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Listening Well Podcast, I’m reflecting on something deeply transformative—clearing out those old tapes. You know, the patterns and beliefs that replay in our minds, often holding us back from living fully and authentically. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my reflections on how these "old tapes" form, why they persist, and how we can re-record over them with curiosity, self-compassion, and mindfulness. I’ll share personal stories, insights from my journey, and practical tools to recognize and rewrite these unconscious loops. Episode Highlights: The power of awareness in uncovering hidden patterns Questions to help you identify and untangle emotional triggers The role of mindfulness and self-compassion in creating new pathways How small, mindful actions can lead to lasting change Life is a journey of learning, unlearning, and rewriting our stories. And as I remind myself (and you), it’s okay to grow, stumble, and embrace the messiness of it all. So, let’s dive in, reflect, and start clearing out those old tapes together. If this resonates, share it with a friend who might need a little reminder to hit pause, reflect, and rewrite. And as always, your five-star reviews mean the world to me. Take care, stay curious, and see you next time. Ciao for now! 🌟 Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I catch up with the incredibly funny and talented Shanice Stanislaus—award-winning clown, actor, and founder of Creatives in Spirit. We dive into her journey as a theatrical clown, how clowning isn’t just about red noses and circus tricks, and how it’s deeply rooted in embracing failure, play, and finding your inner child. Shanice shares the joy of rediscovering lightness in life, why making mistakes is essential, and how she found her way back to joy through clowning after a tough stint in the corporate world. We also chat about how clowning can break down mental barriers, support mental health, and even be used therapeutically in communities around the world—like with Clowns Without Borders. Her perspective on society’s fear of failure really hit home, especially in Singapore, where success is so emphasized. If you’ve ever felt bogged down by life’s seriousness, this conversation is a gentle nudge to laugh, play, and dance like no one’s watching. Shanice even shares practical ways to bring more playfulness into your everyday routines. I had so much fun chatting with Shanice, and I hope you enjoy it too! Don’t forget to check out her workshops, and as always, thank you for listening and remember: life doesn’t have to be so serious! 😊 Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've attended a yoga class, your teacher probably guided you through a nadi shodhana pranayama, where you use your fingers to block one nostril to isolate breath flow.The benefits are magnificent! Alternate nostril breathing can bring better balance to your nervous system and less stress response and activity over time. It also lowers blood pressure. But it's just as potent and powerful to visualise the breath traveling up and down each nostril if you're not in a class setting. Let me know how you enjoyed this! Enjoy your meditation, Love, Steph xx Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I speak to happiness scientisst, Sha-En Yeo. She is a 2x TEDx speaker and the first Singaporean to graduate from the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been featured on national multiple media channels, including TV, radio and print. In 2021, she was identified as one of LinkedIn Asia’s Top Mental Health Advocates to follow; and in 2022, she was identified as a LinkedIn Top Voice. She was also featured as a panelist on the Nobel Prize Dialogue, alongside Nobel laureates. As the Founder of Happiness Scientists, she has trained more than 30,000 people in Singapore & beyond. Her clients include VISA, Love Bonito, YPO, AAK, GIC & Shopee. Episode Highlights: What is a happiness scientist? Happiness in moments of adversity The masks we wear and losing touch with our authentic self Being happy vs. experiencing joy The flavours of contentment Questions to ask when you are stuck in feelings of emptiness Get in touch with Sha-En Yeo. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simply put, we cannot live without our spine. The spine has been used as a reference point to navigate our energy centers or chakras, whereby each chakra associates with a different set of organs in our body that are vital for our overall health. This meditation does not focus on the chakras, but rather on the curve of our spine to heighten attention. By tracing our breath along the spine, not only do we feel a more intimate connection with our breath, but we also nourish our spine energetically with this visualisation. Lengthening and opening the spine on the inhalation, and relaxing all of our muscles on the exhalation. A wonderful meditation! I hope you enjoy. With love, Steph xx Binaural beats by Listening Well Music 🎵See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I speak to Sharad for the second time on the Pod! Sharad is an entrepreneur and coach based in Singapore. He has supported thousands of people through adversities, career acceleration, finding purpose, and  integrating deeper meaning in their life. Sharad started his career in Fortune 500 companies including Procter & Gamble and The Boston Consulting Group. He then moved to entrepreneurship, setting up multiple businesses across industries. Join me as I reconnect with Sharad Lal, entrepreneur, coach, and host of How to Live, for a thought-provoking conversation on The Listening Well podcast. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to live with purpose. Sharad shares insights on how to recognize when you’re aligned with your purpose, what it feels like in the body, and how to tap into intrinsic motivation to fuel your journey. We discuss the evolving nature of purpose—how it shifts with life stages, relationships, and personal growth—and the role of flow, impact, and community along the way. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or navigating a personal pivot, Sharad offers practical ways to find meaning in everyday activities, reduce stress, and bring more joy into your life. This conversation resonates deeply with my own journey, and I hope it offers you some valuable wisdom too. Don’t miss Sharad’s thoughtful advice on navigating transitions and building purposeful habits, one step at a time. Take a moment, tune in, and let’s explore what it means to live a life of purpose together. Connect with Sharad: Website | How To Live Podcast Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I love meditating when it rains. The rain acts as an anchor for attention, but also it symbolises a sort of cleansing to my soul. I imagine the rain washing away all my worries, my stresses, anything that is tugging me on my heart... it's super powerful! It doesn't have to be raining for you to enjoy this meditation, you can instead use the rain coming out of my microphone to support your practice. With love, Steph Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I bring my partner on the Pod to discuss the world of wines. Personally, I love wine! And to understand more about the viticulture process and how wine gets made is something that I've found fascinating learning from this man. In this episode, we talk about the practical tips you can use to select your wine, and the etiquette that goes into wine appreciation. As a Sworn Wine Expert from the Commerce Court of Paris, Ramesh brings years of experience as a broker, marketer, and international wine judge. He’s worked on trade projects and viticulture with estates across France, New Zealand, and Switzerland, where he currently develops strategy for Vinattieri Ticino SA. In this episode, we explore wine selection tips, tasting etiquette, and the fascinating journey from vineyard to glass. Episode Highlights: The history of wine Viticulture and Enology and what that's all about Old World Wine vs. New World Wine Terrains, and how the soil plays a part in the growing of grapes The cycle of the wine harvest The etiquette of drinking wine How to choose which wine to drink on any occasion A live sample tasting of one of Vinattieri's wines Vivino App Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello friends, This meditation was inspired from a conversation I had with a close friend when she was telling me that her boundaries were overstepped and she felt she needed some help in building a stronger auric field so that she wouldn't feel so vulnerable in the real world. This meditation will help build that strong energetic bubble, so that you can walk around feeling more poised and assured through life. Also - with consistent practice, you will give off a "vibe" of "don't f*ck with me" and as a result help keep your boundaries in check. Enjoy the meditation! With love, Steph Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I speak to Dr. Martha Tara Lee, a highly respected and sought-after expert in  the field of positive sexuality. With a Doctorate in Human Sexuality and  a Masters in Counseling, she founded Eros Coaching in 2009 to empower individuals and couples to lead self-actualized and pleasurable lives. Dr. Lee’s extensive experience includes working with couples facing  unconsummated marriages, individuals with sexual inhibitions,  discrepancies in sexual desire, as well as men with erection and ejaculation concerns. She is also an ally for members of the LGBTQIA+  and kink communities. Dr. Lee’s expertise has garnered attention from the media, with frequent appearances in publications such as Huffington Post, Newsweek, South China Morning Post, and more. She is known for her engaging and informative events that promote fun and sex-positive education. In addition to her professional accolades, Dr. Lee is a published author with several books to her name. Her works include Love, Sex and Everything In-Between (2013), Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between (2015), From Princess to Queen: Heartbreaks, Heartgasms and Everything In-Between (2017), and {Un}Inhihibited (2019). These books serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking personal growth and sexual empowerment. In recognition of her work, Dr Lee was named one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40’ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011.  With her expertise, compassion, and  dedication to positive sexuality, she is committed to helping you embrace your true sexual self and experience the joy and fulfillment you deserve. Episode Highlights: Martha's discovery of her purpose The challenges she faced around the topic of sexuality Martha's issues with certain gender roles Learning and growing from our sex mistakes What goes on in the mind of a sex addict Watching porn as a bandaid to other issues The three types of stimulation How much masterbation is too much masterbation? Using pleasure to heal trauma The vaginismus epidemic The orgasm gap The importance of your pelvic floor muscle health and orgasms Embracing our unique individualism Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi friend! This simple breathwork couples a simple arm movement with the breath. It was inspired by guru Mark Whitwell. "Try inhaling a strong, smooth ujjayi breath as you raise your arms and look up at your hands, keeping the shoulders relaxed. Exhale an even breath and bring the arms down again. After the first breath, try another. The first two breaths may be difficult, but the third comes sweetly. Inhale and receive God. Pause and be with God. Exhale and surrender to God. Pause after exhaling. You are surrendered. When you consciously participate in your own breath, you are connecting directly to That which is breathing you — and beating your heart and all the rest. Like sex, breath is a natural function of life that we cannot suppress without damage. The same way that you love to dance, love to love, learn to love to breathe. Breathe to feel your intimacy with your partner and with yourself. Breathe to feel how you love and are loved, heal and are healed. Breathe to embrace the opposites in your body and in your life, and feel the current of all life run through you." - Mark Whitwell Enjoy this meditation. With love, Steph Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.