Conversations with Joan

Many survivors feel like they've lost themselves to trauma, and it can seem impossible to find the upside of an experience that's so devastating. Madeline Popelka understands the pain of trauma having experienced it in her own life. She shares the insight she gained that shifted her perspective, brought her comfort, reduced her shame, and helped her feel less alone. Madeline is the creator of Heal...

Just when you think everything is on track, life will throw you a curve ball. Tara Lagronigro discusses how she used a gratitude practice to battle crippling depression, grieve the loss of her mother, and navigate the unexpected diagnosis of Down Syndrome for her youngest daughter. Tara is the co-owner of Iris Yoga, a yoga studio in Bloomfield, NJ, and Extra Lucky Moms, an advocacy brand in the di...

Finding out you have cancer can be devastating. feelings of depression, anxiety and fear are common. Mary Battaglia was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. For years, Mary has helped her clients navigate their health challenges. Now, she faces one of her own. Mary is a certified hypnosis practitioner, founder of Metro Hypnosis Center, and author of the author of the book, Transformation Throu...

None of us could ever have imagined the devastation that has taken place during the past few years. It changed all of us. But for those who lost a loved one to Covid, life will never be the same. We heard the daily counts of numbers and to many they were just numbers. But to countless others they were moms and dads, brothers and sisters, husbands, wives, grandparents, friends, and children. Jean S...

Exposure to environmental toxins, medications, and lifestyle factors like stress, excessive alcohol use and unhealthy diets make sustaining gut balance increasingly important. Dr. William Davis talks about how we can maintain gut health during and after a course of antibiotics or other medication. Dr. Davis is a cardiologist and author of the number one New York Times bestseller, Wheat Belly. His...

Is it possible to be a successful leader and a compassionate human being? Jim Blake says not only is it possible, but it’s the key to effective leadership. In his book, The Zen Executive: Gems of Wisdom for Enlightened Leadership, Jim creates a blueprint for enlightened leadership. He draws from ancient teachings to help us achieve personal and professional goals, over come challenges, and take ri...

Do you feel despair, numb or even hopeless when navigating addiction and mental health issues alongside someone you love? According to Pamela Brinker, caring for a child, spouse, parent, or friend can feel like it’s pulling the life from you. In her book, Conscious Bravery: Caring for Someone with Addiction , Pamela offers lifesaving skills and crucial pillars for growth. Pamela is a psychotherapi...

Many people hunger for success but struggle to balance what they pursue on the outside with what they need on the inside. According to Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, we can learn how to have our outer success reflect our inner core. He teaches how our five core energies can create outer impact from a place of inner mastery. Dr. Wadhwa is a professor at Columbia Business School and the founder of the Mentora...

Lyme disease has been around for over 5,000 years and infects about 300,000 people per year in the U.S. alone. Identifying Lyme is not so easy for a number of reasons. Laboratory tests are often unreliable and the number of infectious diseases carried by ticks has grown significantly. Also, hallmark signs of Lyme disease aren’t always present and many of the symptoms vary greatly from patient to p...

According to Bob Doyle, your brain’s wiring dictates how you make meaning out of every moment. Bob believes that the science of Neuroplasticity - the ability for the brain to change - is the most direct path to lasting transformation. He teaches how to intentionally and efficiently rewire your brain to transform you into the person you need to be to get the results/manifestations you want. Bob is...

Is cancer inevitable? While a cancer diagnosis is scary, according to Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, there’s growing evidence that fewer cancers will be a death sentences for patients. Dr. Weeraratna discusses the latest cancer advances and what the future may hold. Dr. Weeraratna was appointed to the National Cancer Advisory Board by President Biden in 2021, and is recognized by the National Cancer Insti...

Many self-help resources focus on the step-by-step process of goal setting, but very few focus on what comes after a goal is achieved. According to Alan Stein, Jr., “If you want to remain a champion, you must level up what you did to become a champion. Alan discusses how the highest performers in sports and business have been able to create long-term success while simultaneously managing unparalle...

According to Sara Connell, recent reports show women owned businesses are the highest contributors and creators of new jobs in 2022. In her new book, The Science of Getting Rich – for Women, Sara shares how she went from struggling to make $20K per year, to earning a multi-seven figure per year business. Sara is a bestselling author and founder of Thought Leader Academy, where she helps coaches, w...

Gaslighting is a technique of manipulating others to gain control. Gaslighters use a series of tactics to distort the truth making their victims question their own reality. Dr. Stephanie Sarkis sheds light on gaslighting and she offers strategies to help us cope and break free. Dr Sarkis is a psychotherapist specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and narcissistic abuse. She is a senior contributor to Forb...

Sometimes when things fall apart, they’re actually falling into place. Christina Lopes spent a decade working as a neuropediatric clinician before becoming a life coach, spiritual teacher, author, and entrepreneur. In 2013, she experienced a spiritual awakening, followed by 4 years of solitude and deep meditation training. Today, Christina bridges science and spirituality to help others heal from...

At the age of 3, Ed Hajim was kidnapped by his father, driven cross-country, and told his mother was dead. Ed was bounced from foster homes to orphanages, living a daily struggle to survive, to realizing the American dream. He provides insight into what he learned from some of his life’s defining moments. Ed is chairman of High Vista Strategies and has served as a senior executive at firms such as...

In order to challenge yourself, grow stronger and become better, you need to step out of your comfort zone and take risks. Anytime you consider doing so, your brain will try to convince you to play it safe. But, even when your thoughts lack a rational basis, you may allow your anxiety to prevail. Then, the fear holds you back. Angie Morgan received a master class in how to take risks when she sign...

Over the past 50+ years, Reverend Matthew Fox, PhD, has challenged doctrines, called leaders to account, awakened minds, and healed wounded souls. A spiritual theologian, an Episcopal priest, and an activist for gender and eco-justice, he is believed to be one of the most challenging religious-spiritual teachers in America. Matthew is the founder of the University of Creation Spirituality in Calif...

Many of us are hitting a new stage in response to the pandemic as we are now in its third year. We continue to feel anxious and exhausted. Many are less motivated or inspired. Rabbi Daniel Cohen is all too familiar with how people are handling this — or rather not handling it. According to Rabbi Cohen, we can live with joy regardless of our external circumstances. Rabbi Cohen is the co-host of the...

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, 47 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed experienced identity theft in 2021. Just as it is important for you to maintain emotional and physical health, in today’s world you must also focus on your digital health. Mark Pribish, vice president and ID Theft Practice Leader with Merchants Information Solutions, Inc., talks about how you can improve your di...

Many women over age 50 today are redefining what it means to be alive: they are learning and living all that is possible at this stage in life. According to Sue Brightman , it’s not about aging it’s about becoming more of who we really are and doing what we’re called to do. For her book, A Call to Further Becoming: The New Declaration from Women Over 50 , Sue interviewed 100 women age 50 plus to l...

Finding out you have cancer can be devastating. Feelings of depression, anxiety and fear are common. Douglas Wick was diagnosed with late stage acute myeloid leukemia, given a 2 percent chance to survive. Called by his doctor, a medical miracle, Doug's journey from diagnosis to today is inspiring and it offers hope to anyone traveling the same road. Music:  www.purple-planet.com Show site:  www.cy...

The human body is designed to fight disease. And with the right fuel, this hidden power can be amplified. Dr. William Li believes that each of us has an enormous opportunity to take charge of our lives using food to transform our health. He talks about the new science of how the body heals itself. Dr Li  is an internationally renowned physician, scientist and author of the New York Times bestselle...

Certain regions of our brains are always at work at involuntary activities like daydreaming, worrying about the future, and self-talk. This mindwandering can stop us from keeping our attention in the present moment. We spend a great deal of time and energy trying to control this incessant chatter. But, according to Dr. Moshe Bar, we can harness the default activity in our brains and use it to our...

In recent weeks, we have been hearing more and more about the possibility of a cyberattack. Former FBI agent, John Iannarelli, talks about what these warnings really mean. John was a member of the FBI Cyber Division Executive staff, and was an assistant special agent in charge, overseeing all criminal, cyber, and counter Intelligence Investigations.   Music:  www.purple-planet.com Show site:  www....