Embrace Balance, Discover Joy

In this episode, Amanda talks with Kerry Damiano, “Ms. World Traveler.” Kerry created and writes and hosts her own web series about travel, style and shopping. She has visited over 130 countries and plans to reach 149 by the end of the year. Kerry’s wanderlust started with her mom and her grandmother, two women who loaded the kids into the car and set off on their own at a time when that wasn’t co...

In this episode, Amanda is joined by Aamir Malik, professor of neuroengineering and author of Fix the Floor , to explore the five pillars of health and how our everyday choices influence not only our physical well-being, but also our cognitive health, mood, relationships, and quality of life. Aamir’s book grew out of years of research and conversations with people looking for ways to improve their...

In this episode, Amanda is joined again by Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia researcher and educator, for a fascinating conversation about writing, research, critical thinking, and the power of learning how to communicate an idea clearly. Russell introduces the concept of the basic advanced body paragraph , a writing framework designed to help students—and really, anyone—develop stronger research a...

In this episode, Amanda is joined by author and mother Katie Rizzo, who shares her family’s heartbreaking journey through her son Nicholas’s addiction and his eventual death. Katie opens up about the reality of loving someone struggling with addiction, the devastating impact it can have on an entire family, and the complicated grief that follows loss. They also talk about something that can feel a...

In this episode, Amanda is joined by Michelle Lynn, a certified hypnotherapist and life coach, for a fascinating conversation about the mind, personal transformation, and the tools that can help us create meaningful change. Michelle shares her own journey to hypnotherapy, which began during a major life transition as an empty nester navigating divorce and a career change. What started as a search...

In this episode, Amanda is joined by Dr. Linda Varisco, author of The Girl with the Million Dollar Smile , to talk about resilience, redemption, healing, and finding the strength to rise after life takes an unexpected turn. Linda’s journey is anything but ordinary. A successful chiropractor and mother, she found herself facing challenges she never imagined—including the collapse of her marriage, f...

In this episode, Amanda is joined by Kirana Sidin, whose personal transformation began with an unexpected and painful comment from her son at the dinner table. Those words forced Kirana to take an honest look at her life. She realized she had been drifting and knew there was more she wanted to experience, create, and become—but she didn’t have a grand plan for how to get there. Instead, she starte...

In this episode, Amanda is joined by Kimberly Petschen, a restorative leadership and business agility coach, for a thought-provoking conversation about authenticity, self-trust, ancestral wisdom, and what it really means to lead. Kimberly challenges us to think beyond traditional ideas of leadership. Restorative leadership isn’t just about leading in the workplace—it’s about how we lead ourselves,...

With a special introduction by Adrian Paul. In this episode, Amanda is joined by Priscilla Manriquez, who has participated in an incredible 89 Sword Experience events. Created by Adrian Paul of Highlander fame, the Sword Experience combines sword training with personal growth, confidence, discipline, and focus. Priscilla shares how what began as simple curiosity—and a lifelong love of martial arts...

Have you ever taken a personality test, read the results, and wondered, Now what? In the Season 5 premiere of the Embrace Balance, Discover Joy podcast , Amanda is joined by Arky Jones, creator of PersonalityPeek, to explore a different approach to personality assessments—one that focuses on growth rather than labels. They discuss: Why traditional personality tests often leave people feeling stuck...

In this Season 4 finale, Amanda sits down with Jasmyn Quianna, the author of Falling Madly in Self-Love and founder of the Absolute Self-Love Movement, for a deeply transformative conversation about healing, self-realization, and creating a life rooted in joy and authenticity. After achieving the success society told her should bring fulfillment, Jasmyn found herself burned out, disconnected, and...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with psychotherapist and coach Dr. Glenn Berger to explore the transformative process of self-cultivation—the lifelong journey of becoming more aligned, self-aware, and intentional in how we live. Dr. Berger shares why true growth goes beyond simply talking about problems and requires active participation, reflection, and practice. Together, they discuss the impor...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with wellness coach and author Kerisma Vere to explore the deep connection between creativity, self-worth, and holistic healing. Through her own journey of recovery and personal growth, Kerisma shares how creativity became a powerful pathway back to herself—and how it can be for you, too. This episode is an invitation to release perfectionism, quiet the inner crit...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Stanley Bronstein—attorney, CPA, life coach, and author—who shares his powerful journey from a lifetime of obesity to vibrant health and wellness. After reaching a turning point at age 50, Stanley made a decision that would transform everything: he started walking. But this isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about healing, mindset, and reconnecting with yours...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with dyslexia researcher Russell Van Brocklen to explore what truly supports individuals with dyslexia—and what often gets overlooked. Drawing from both his personal journey with severe dyslexia and his work developing impactful educational programs, Russell offers a fresh perspective on how we can better understand and empower dyslexic learners. They talk about w...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Tamara Andreas, co-author of Core Transformation , to explore a powerful approach to creating real, lasting inner change. They dive into what Core Transformation® actually is—and why it works differently than traditional coaching or mindset work. Instead of pushing through with willpower, this process gently guides you inward, helping you connect with the dee...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Dr. Joe Pina, a retired army physician turned intuitive life coach, to explore the powerful connection between self-compassion, leadership, and living a life of purpose. Dr. Pina shares his journey from over 30 years in high-pressure medical environments to a more intuitive, reflective path in coaching. Through his experiences—especially during the challenges...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Ikigai expert Nick Kemp to explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai —your “reason for being.” They dive beyond the Western Venn diagram version to uncover the deeper, personal, and philosophical meaning behind finding purpose and joy in life. Nick shares his journey from discovering Ikigai in Japan to becoming a coach, and they explore how this timeless philoso...

In this episode, Amanda speaks with life coach and speaker, Colin C. Thompson, to explore the power of imagination and how it can transform the way we experience our lives. Colin shares his journey from the corporate world into coaching and how a simple shift in perspective opened the door to deeper fulfillment and impact. Together, they dive into what it really means to move beyond going through...

In this episode, Amanda talks to Camilla Calberg, a business mentor and success coach. She shares the importance of building a healthy relationship with yourself. It's not just about hitting goals; it’s about diving deep to confront those limiting beliefs that hold you back. True power comes from serving others without losing our authenticity. It’s about asking the right questions and encourag...

In this episode, Amanda speaks with Transformation Coach and author Chandra Lynn about her book 'Root to Rise.' They discuss the importance of grounding and building a strong foundation in life, the journey of personal transformation, and the connection between emotional resilience and purpose. Chandra shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating identity shifts, the collabor...

In this episode, Amanda speaks with Intuitive Coach Susan Jane about her journey into intuitive coaching, the role of intuition in personal development, and the importance of empowering clients. They discuss the nuances of manifestation, emphasizing that it requires action beyond mere visualization. Susan shares her insights on client readiness and the significance of self-care in the coaching pro...

In this episode, Amanda speaks with Transformational Life Coach Alicia M. Sanabria about her journey from Cuba to becoming a mentor and healer. They discuss the importance of travel, personal growth, and the role of a life coach in facilitating transformation. Alicia shares insights on quantum healing, the significance of community, and the power of gratitude. The conversation emphasizes the impor...

Today’s guest is Gary Montalvo, a Leadership and Mindset Coach who helps big-hearted entrepreneurs stop being the bottleneck in their business. With nearly 20 years of experience coaching solopreneurs, startups, and executives around the world, Gary’s known for his real talk, practical strategies, and contagious energy. He’s the former Chief Growth Officer at LimeLife by Alcone and the host of The...

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Kristi Vredeveld to explore her transformative journey from feeling overwhelmed in parenting to becoming a coach who empowers others. Kristi shares insights on embracing intuition, living authentically, and the power of personal choice in creating a fulfilling life. About Kristi Kristi Vredeveld is a transformational life coach and founder of The 90-Day Shift...