Everyday Awakening

Hope isn't a feeling you wait for. It's a practice you build.     My guest today, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe explores the neuroscience, psychology, and resilience research behind hope — and why it may be the most underestimated skill we have. Dr. Robyne draws from her own story of childhood institutionalization and a near-death experience to show how hope can be held even in the hardest places. Her l...

What does it mean to truly be here — not just in concept, but in body, breath, and presence? In this episode, Catherine explores the practice of returning: from the busy, chattering mind back to the stillness that lives beneath it. Using the simple anchor of the senses — what you see, hear, and feel right now — she guides listeners into the quiet truth that we are not our thoughts, but the space i...

What if healing begins with understanding your own energy?     In this podcast, we explore the human energy field and its profound connection to health, transformation, and human development — bridging ancient wisdom with modern science to illuminate how your mind, body, and spirit work as one.     Dr. Jason Yuan is a naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, educator, and founder of the Consciousnes...

We can start anew every day, but are you truly living, or just going through the motions?     What if you already knew what happens when we die? At just three years old, Jacob Cooper crossed over, and came back with answers most of us spend a lifetime searching for. In this episode, he shares intimate details of life on the other side and what that experience revealed about the energy that's insid...

Purpose isn't something you find, it's something you practice. It lives beyond the self, functioning less like a destination and more like a verb that shapes how we move through each day. At its core, purpose is foundational to life itself, and unlocking it begins with a single, honest question: What is life asking of me now?     The answer requires us to say yes to life, even when it's hard. Suff...

In this soul-stirring conversation, I sit down with Sebastian Siegel to explore the nature of consciousness and what it means to show up fully in your own life. Sebastian offers a reframe: consciousness isn't something we have — it's a resonance we inhabit . And in our deepest relationships, something greater moves through the other person toward us. Love, he suggests, isn't just a feeling — it's...

Have you ever paused long enough to ask — why am I here? In this deeply reflective conversation, meditation teacher, somatic educator, and mystic Annette Knopp invites us back to one of life's most profound questions: how do we heal the parts of ourselves that have been waiting for our attention?   Annette shares how mindfulness opens the inner space we need to turn toward those unhealed places —...

Have you ever wondered why you're here? When you pause and truly look at your life, the answers begin to arise—because your life has purpose. In this episode, I sit down with Rachel McCord—media entrepreneur, TV personality, author, and founder of The McCord List Media Network, as well as creator and host of the nationally syndicated show  The McCord List , reaching over 44 million households. We...

I sat down with Dr.  Richard Louis Miller —clinical psychologist, author, and broadcaster with more than 64 years of experience in mind-body health. His recent book,  Master Your Mind , offers a step-by-step path for moving from living on autopilot to consciously shaping your life - shifting from anxiety to greater peace.  In this conversation, we explore how we can shift from living in anxiety to...

In uncertain times, fear can quietly take over—pulling us into the past or projecting us into the future. But life is only ever happening now. In this episode, I explore how returning to the present moment softens the body, steadies the mind, and loosens fear's grip.  Through a tender lesson from my 97-year-old mother—I reflect on what it means to live in trust rather than anxiety. Presence doesn'...

I sat down with Finnian Kelly, founder of Intentionality, Inc., and a globally recognized breathwork facilitator, for a powerful conversation about living from the inside out. Finnian shares his personal awakening journey and explores how true transformation begins within. Together, we reflect on the question:  Am I living from love or fear? He reminds us that awakening is available right now and...

We often turn to therapy when we feel unsettled—and therapy  is valuable. But talking can only take us so far. The truth is, our past experiences live in our body, not just our mind.  In this solo episode, Catherine shares a personal moment that revealed just how deeply our past lives in the body. While therapy offers insight, the real shift happens when we turn inward, breathe, and allow long-hel...

In this powerful conversation, Des Hague opens up about the traumatic childhood he overcame—abuse, instability, and homelessness—and the inner drive that helped him reclaim his life. His mantra,  Onwards , fueled his rise to CEO, investor, author, and national leader who now channels his success into helping others. Des's story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and choosing purpose. Des i...

At 45 years old, Dr. John King's life cracked open when suppressed memories of being trafficked as a child resurfaced - sending him into a profound personal reckoning. Instead of running from the pain, John chose to face it head-on. What followed was a long, courageous journey of healing, recovery, and awakening. In this powerful conversation, John shares how trauma doesn't have to define who you...

In this episode, I share a full-circle moment that unfolded while helping my 97-year-old mother transition into a group home. Among her things, I discovered a cassette tape labeled  "Catherine's Senior Assembly Speech."  At 18, I stood in front of my school speaking about not taking life for granted—wisdom born from facing dying at age 11. Listening back decades later, three messages still ring tr...

l loved this conversation with Ben Rein -  Ben Rein, PhD is an award-winning neuroscientist, Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNNEY Buffalo, and Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation. Ben has published over 20 peer-reviewed papers studying the neuroscience of social behavior and is the author of new book  Why Brains Need Friends: The Neurosci...

In this episode, I sit down with Seline Shenoy who is an author, blogger, and podcaster focusing on personal development, self-esteem, productivity, and culture. Seline's new book,  The Nomadic Soul: A Seeker's Guide to Finding a Sense of Self and Belonging in the Modern World  explores how we can all find awe and wonder in life.  Seline's online community – The Dream Catcher – connects and encour...

This week, I sat down with Ashley Turner - licensed psychotherapist, yoga and meditation expert, and psychedelic therapist. Ashley's mission is to reshape the narrative around menopause and midlife, helping women thrive through this profound threshold of initiation -  and guiding men to awaken to their true nature. Her work empowers you to reclaim your voice, vitality, and vision in midlife and be...

Today's conversation is with John Strelecky, the #1 bestselling inspirational author of  The Café on the Edge of the World ,  Return to the Why Café ,  What I've Learned ,  The Big Five for Life , and more. His books have been translated into 45 languages and sold over 11 million copies worldwide. Recognized as one of the 100 most inspirational thought leaders in leadership and personal developmen...

Today's conversation is with Suzanne Stone, President and CEO of Livestrong, where she leads with heart and purpose to ensure that anyone affected by cancer has the resources and support to live a full, meaningful life. Suzanne is also the co-author of the new book -  My Brave Friend . In our conversation, we explore how service can be a path to healing—how we can open to life even as we walk thro...

Today's conversation is with Dr. Amy Robbins. Amy is a clinical psychologist for the past 20 years, where she integrates traditional psychotherapy and spiritual intuition.  Amy is well known for her podcast –  Life, Death, & The Space Between .  In this episode, we discuss the intersection of psychology and spirituality. Amy's work and podcast meet people on their path, helping them find healing t...

I'm excited to share my latest conversation with Sebastian Siegel. Sebastian   is a British American director, author, and therapist in depth psychology. His first book, The Consciousness Revolution was published by Giger/Verlag for the German market. Sebastian wrote, produced, and directed the feature film, Grace & Grit, adapted from the true story and book by Ken Wilber. Sebastian's 51 Episode s...

This week I'm joined by the inspiring Jodi Wellman. Jodi is the author of You Only Die Once. She is a former corporate executive, executive coach, TEDx speaker, who ignites passion with audiences across the country on what it means to be alive.  In this episode, Jodi highlights that living requires courage and bravery to override fear and open into life. Her soul- searching questions start with -...

I'm excited to share the first episode of Season Two of Everyday Awakening with Master Chunyi Lin. Master Lin is a world-renowned qigong healer, founder of Spring Forest Qigong, and author of multiple best-selling books. He is a healer, and wellness coach for over 750k people, including TV/film celebrities and professional athletes.  In this episode, we discuss the pathway to healing and the impor...

I'm back today with a solo episode.  Just when you think you've expanded… the Universe shows you there's still more to learn, more to feel, more to become. Guidance is always here — subtle, quiet, ever-present. To become who you're called to be in this life means learning to listen deeply… within.  It takes silence. It takes listening. It takes courage to go inward. Opportunities are everywhere, w...