Listening Well Podcast

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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.

This week, I speak to Nikki Muller is a Swiss-Filipina, Third Culture Kid. The FLY Entertainment Artist landed her first regional TV job when she was just 15 years old, hosting MTV@Mbassy. At 20 she was nominated as “Best Entertainment Presenter” at the Asian Television Awards while interning with Diane Sawyer for ABC News in New York City. She’s covered tennis and motor sports on Fox Sports Asia, talked food science on National Geographic and moderated discussions ranging from sustainability, inclusivity in the workplace and the future of tech. While working at the United Nations Headquarters, Nikki’s interest in organizational leadership and cultural competence was first sparked. Nikki now focuses her area of expertise on the Third Culture Kid (TCK) experience and the unique lessons that come from having lived a highly mobile and multi-cultural childhood. Nikki, and many TCKs like her, are acclimatised to disruption from an early age and seek out the opportunities that accompany change. As a trained journalist, Nikki’s research on identity, belonging and managing transitions is extremely relevant to today’s most significant workplace challenges. We’re seeing organisations prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion as they face remarkable changes within their own companies across all sectors. Nikki’s keynotes share small gearshifts that can make a big difference in reinvigorating collaborative teams amidst uncertainty. Her keynotes are brought to life through her own personal stories and interwoven with the latest science around the power of positive transitions and the tools to cultivate a culture of belonging. Having spent her formative years navigating copious change and grappling with a search for roots and community, Nikki has found a way to take the lessons of her childhood and make them relevant to today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Episode Highlights: Life as the new Mrs. Nikki Muller Deciding on next moves as a TCK The need for restlessness, the anticipation for change Being acclimated to discomfort as a TCK The relationship to taking risks as a TCK The loss and grief that comes from a move What happens in our limbic system when experiencing culture shock Where do we feel a sense of belonging? Transition care for children Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All it takes is a few moments, even 5 minutes of your day to take a moment to yourself. The benefits of meditation are silent. We meditate to improve our life, not to improve our meditation practice. Thank you for practicing with me. Love, Stephanie Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I speak to Chardét Ryel, a wellness entrepreneur and the author of 7 Steps to Feel Good Naked who is on a mission to challenge mainstream expectations about fitness, nutrition, and body image. Over the last nine years, she has worked with women around the world to help them redefine confidence, beauty, and health on their own terms, outside of diet culture. She lives in Portugal (not the UK as I had mentioned in the episode), and we speak not just about body image issues, but entrepreneurship in general! I noticed I kept saying "entrepreneurialship" which is obviously not a word so a big woopsies from me on that front! Episodes Highlights: Chardet's experience in the corporate world From burnout to wellness Chardet's perspective on body image and why body dysmorphia is so prevalent Obsession vs. Discipline when it comes to wellness Ways to tackle body image issues Mix and match wellness habits to live an overall healthy life Chardet sharing her tips on how to combat unmotivation in her entrepreneurial journey Taking risks in your business and letting go of fear Why social media isn't the end all be all as an entrepreneur Connect with Chardet here. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I speak to the Founder and Managing Director of Riviera Ozone Nicky André previously worked in the Pharmaceutical industry. It was at this point, she decided Pharma was not the only health option available. In 2017 and 2018 she suffered 2 strokes; the first whilst 8 months pregnant (but went on to have a healthy girl), however Nicky was left with acute hypertension and associated complications.  Her desire to find complimentary therapies to aid her health, amplified and finally in late 2017 she discovered ozone and PEMF (pulse electromagnetic field) therapies. In only one 30-minute session her blood pressure normalised and with weekly sessions, she was able to stop taking her medication (with her Cardiologists agreement) and has seen her health go from strength to strength. In late 2023 Nicky decided to make a move to Singapore where the Ministry of Health invited her to bring ozone into the country for the first time. Riviera Ozone Singapore has been incorporated and subsequently launched in May 2024. All listeners to the podcast get 50% off their FIRST VISIT to Riviera Ozone in Singapore! Just quote the Listening Well Podcast to receive the benefit! Get in touch with Nicky: Website | Instagram Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi friend! I usually end my yoga classes with a smile meditation, as it allows for my students to really marinate in the essence of joy. It is a wonderful and accessible way to bring a little levity and good vibes into your day. So I hope you enjoy this meditation! With love, Steph Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I speak to Alex Mearns, an executive coach, and founder of Levitise: a holistic lifestyle centre helping C level execs optimise their health and fitness. After 20 years in the finance industry, Alex left the corporate world to allow for more meaning in his life. He made this career change when he was looking for ways to fix his own health problems from the commercial fitness and medical industries, and so he set out on a quest to study holistic health, fitness, and nutrition around the world. His holistic centre, Levitise specialises in working with senior executives in their 40s and 50s, by solving the problems that burden this demographic such as stress and anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep, and weight gain. In this conversation we talk about the problems this age group experiences compared to those in their 20's, we talk about detox, macrophages, and go down a rabbit whole on infrared saunas. We also speak about what energy healing means and the most effective ways to exercise the mind. Episode Highlights: Why Alex works with execs in their 40's and 50's Being too busy vs. not prioritising How his curiousity about cholesterol led to his interest in health Energetic healing Authenticity and the power of its frequency The importance of vulnerability The benefits of infrared sauna Levitise and the power of their programs Melatonin, macrophages, and mitochondria Get in touch with Alex: Website | LinkedIn Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I had the absolute pleasure to talk to my dear friend, Amy Natalie. Amy is an author, podcast host, and a women’s empowerment coach with over a decade of coaching experience. She specializes in helping women to emerge as the most authentic, confident, and self-expressed versions of themselves. Her mission is to ignite women into their feminine power so that they can live a life of freedom, pleasure, fulfillment, and purpose. As a community leader, Amy creates transformational spaces for women to experience radical healing and deep soul-connection through her retreats, workshops, events, and group coaching programs. Amy is the author of The Feminine Way, and the host of the Feminine Frequency Podcast, which has over 300 episodes, reaching women all around the globe. Connect with Amy: Website | Instagram | Book Discover Your Feminine Superpower Quiz Empowered Feminine Morning Ritual Episode Highlights: The start of Amy’s journey How living “our of alignment” manifested for Amy The price of ignoring your inner voice/intuition What is the divine feminine? What does wounded feminine energy feel like? How gender roles can create inauthentic personalities Energetic agility and why it’s so important Rituals to embody the feminine Amy’s spiritual toolkit Mirror gazing and dancing and how it increases confidence and alter brain chemistry Every breakdown is followed by a breakthrough Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Meditation with Stephanie Podcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I introduce a breathing exercise made popular by Dr. Andrew Huberman. This is a breathwork practice I usually start my yoga practice, as this not only helps my students feel centered and settled at the start of practice, but also by allowing them to open and expand their lungs at the start of class. Taking two inhales and one long exhale reduces CO2 levels, slows your heart rate, and leaves you feeling calmer, less tense, and more focused.  Enjoy this short breathwork, as I know it will make your day much better! With love, Stephanie Binaural beats by Listening Well Music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I share my thoughts and reflections on the deeper meanings behind the popular Netflix show, Eric. Set in 1980s New York, the thriller series brings to screen many harsher realities of the period it reflects.Eric wants to say something about systemic racism, police brutality, the unhoused, 1980s homophobia, mental illness, and parenting, among other things There are so many ways to interpret the show - but I'll focus on the one that stood out to me and really my quest to emotional health. One of my favourite lines from the show: "Eric is a monster, yes, Eric is that which we fear true. Eric is the shadow that lurks behind us all or Lies under the bed. But he is also, YOU, and you, and you, and all of us. He is the very best and very worst of all of us. He is the monster that walks with us side by side, he's the monster that every child wants when they are lost. And need to be found." The real monsters are not under the bed, they are within each and every one of us. Are they your friend, foe, or stranger? What name is YOUR monster? Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Meditation with Stephanie Podcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.