Elsplend Realities

Many of the struggles we face in adulthood aren't created in the present moment—they're rooted in experiences, beliefs, and emotional patterns we've carried for years. The challenge is that these patterns often operate beneath our awareness, quietly shaping our relationships, decisions, confidence, and sense of self. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Jamie Green, Trauma Relea...

What does it take to transform an idea into a book that not only gets published but creates lasting impact? The answer lies at the intersection of creativity, strategy, clarity, and resilience. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Wiebke Tasch, self-publishing strategist, founder and CEO of Digital Authors, and an expert in helping non-fiction authors bring their knowledge to th...

Money can feel intimidating, especially when investing seems like a world reserved for experts. But what if building wealth could be approached with clarity, confidence, and a mindset rooted in long-term growth rather than fear? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Dr. Danica Cicmil, finance expert, educator, and founder of the Investing Academy by Dr. Danica Cicmil. Drawing from her...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Dr. Josh Waddell, integrative psychiatric provider, educator, and founder of Arukah Well, to explore a more thoughtful and human-centered approach to mental health. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms and labels, Dr. Waddell invites us to ask deeper questions about what drives our emotional experiences and how biological, psychological, e...

What does it mean to build a life defined not by limitations, but by curiosity, reinvention, and lived experience across the world? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Kerry Damiano, a global traveler, creator, and longtime figure in the pageant world whose journey spans over 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states. From pageantry and mentorship to fashion design, entrepreneurship, and...

What happens when the pain we’ve buried for years finally begins to surface—and we can no longer outrun it? In this deeply human episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Linda Feig Knipe, a retired high school counselor with over two decades of experience supporting young people through crisis, grief, and mental health challenges, and the author of the memoir Braving Therapy. Linda shares h...

What does it take to build organizations that are not only high-performing—but deeply human? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Oksana Lukash, a people strategist, culture architect, and executive advisor with over 20 years of experience leading people strategy in high-growth and high-pressure environments. From her early experience immigrating at the age of 13 to becoming a C...

Anxiety is often experienced in silence—but rarely understood in full. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore anxiety through both science and lived experience with Dr. Troy Rohn, a neuroscientist with over three decades of research in brain function, neuropsychiatric conditions, and emerging treatment approaches. Dr. Rohn brings a rare dual perspective: scientific expertise combined wi...

What if the qualities you’ve been told might hold you back are actually the ones that make you an exceptional leader? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Emily Jackson, a Senior Channel Manager at rf IDEAS, Inc., whose career spans fitness, aviation, IT distribution, and channel sales. Emily shares her journey of navigating multiple industries as a self-described introvert, cha...

Many women are taught, quietly and consistently, that strength has an expiration date — that confidence fades with age, and that fitness is something to fear, manage, or earn. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we challenge that narrative with Melanie Levy, founder of Melanie Levy Fitness and creator of the EmpowHER Method — a strength-based approach to fitness designed specifically for women...

What does it really take to rebuild a life when the old version of you no longer fits? In this deeply personal episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Tara Wiskow, an intuitive healer, energy coach, and reinvention mentor who guides women through emotional healing, identity shifts, and inner transformation. Tara shares her powerful journey through profound loss, suicidal ideation, a major life t...

Money is rarely just about numbers—it is about identity, safety, relationships, and the emotional stories we carry about worth and control. In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Amanda Cassar, a highly respected financial adviser, educator, and global advocate for financial wellbeing and protection. With specialist expertise in aged care, self-managed superannuation, estate planning, a...

What does it take to build an artistic world where creativity, fairness, and humanity are not in conflict—but fully aligned? In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Ben Zingos, multidisciplinary theatre artist and Executive Director of Space Pirates Theatre Collective, a Los Angeles–based nonprofit redefining what theatre can be and who it serves. Ben shares how immersive theatre—c...

What if healing doesn't require revisiting every painful memory? In this insightful episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Steven Hoskinson, Founder of Organic Intelligence®️ and a pioneer in the field of Post-Trauma Growth. Drawing from decades of work in psychology, neuroscience, and human development, Steven challenges traditional assumptions about trauma recovery and offers a gentler, scien...

Why is it so easy to care for everyone else, yet so difficult to care for ourselves? In this empowering episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Barb Nangle, boundaries coach, speaker, author, and host of the podcast Fragmented to Whole: Life Lessons from 12 Step Recovery. After decades of searching for healing through therapy and self-help, Barb discovered a path that transformed her relat...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Suzanne Leydecker — fierce love architect, author, and spiritual psychology practitioner — to explore what it truly means to reclaim self-worth and live in alignment with your values. Drawing from her memoir A Woman On Top: My Journey of Self-Discovery Through Love and Money, Suzanne shares her deeply personal journey through inheritance, ide...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Rani Dabrai, serial entrepreneur and certified EOS®️ Implementer, to explore the emotional reality behind building and scaling successful businesses. Rani brings a rare blend of business strategy and emotional intelligence, drawing from her experience across fashion, beauty, virtual assistance, and leadership consulting. Together, we unpack w...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Naomi Asher, leadership expert, burnout-prevention strategist, and founder of The Maven Consulting, to explore what it truly takes to build healthy, sustainable workplace cultures. Together, we unpack the emotional realities of leadership — from burnout and retention challenges to the unseen pressures employees carry into work every day. Naom...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Rick Tracewell, small business owner and author of The Uncomfortable Comfort Zone, to explore the hidden patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of busyness without meaningful progress. Together, we unpack why so many people equate activity with achievement, and how this mindset can quietly block clarity, momentum, and real growth. Rick shares...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Allie Grack, nationally recognized marketing executive and founder of Workhorse Marketing, for a deeply honest conversation about resilience, identity, and leadership shaped by lived experience. From a childhood marked by instability, foster care, and early motherhood to leading a thriving agency in a competitive industry, Allie’s journey cha...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Nandita Brahmbhatt, certified business coach and entrepreneur, to explore what it truly takes to build a business without losing yourself in the process. Drawing from her background in pharmaceutical sales and her transition into entrepreneurship, Nandita shares powerful insights on overcoming overwhelm, building sustainable systems, and lead...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we explore the profound connection between the subconscious mind and personal transformation with Dr. Karoline Fischer, MD turned RTT Hypnotherapist and Emotional Healer. From her journey in traditional medicine to deep work in hypnotherapy and inner child healing, Karoline brings a unique perspective on how lasting change truly happens. Together, we dive int...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, to explore how simple awareness can grow into global impact. What began as a single act of service in a small farming community has evolved into a worldwide movement ensuring that no child sleeps on the floor. Together, we unpack the philosophy of “Humans Helping Humans,” the emotional and p...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Anthony Weaver, host of the About That Wallet podcast and a trusted voice on financial wellness for the Sandwich Generation. Together, we explore the emotional and practical realities of managing money while caring for both children and aging parents — a space where responsibility often meets overwhelm. This conversation goes beyond budgeting...

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Michael Leung, CEO and Founder of The Flo Group, to explore how personal adversity can become the foundation for meaningful innovation and social impact. From navigating immigration, trauma, and mental health challenges to building a mission-driven company focused on hearing accessibility, Michael shares a powerful story of resilience, reinve...