From the Ashes

I had the privilege of interviewing some remarkable souls during my adventures at Mindvalley U this year in Amsterdam. From world-class DJs to wandering nomads, hundreds of soul-seeking travelers from all around the globe gathered for two weeks of connection and personal growth. I knew that there would be people with incredible stories to share, and I was not wrong! In this episode of From the Ash...

In this week's episode of From the Ashes, I sit down with writer and former Silicon Valley leader Sabra Meretab , who shares her deeply personal story of navigating burnout, imposter syndrome, and what she calls “hero syndrome.” From excelling in corporate at Stripe to writing her first memoir, Sabra opens up about the inner reckoning that changed her life, and how she chose to heal from within ra...

In this solo episode, I share my raw, reflective experience completing a 72-hour water fast—something I once thought I’d never do. From initial skepticism to Ayurvedic insights, I walk you through the why , how , and who should or shouldn't try this powerful practice. We explore fasting as a spiritual and biological reset, and how our motivations—survival vs. thriving—deeply affect the outcome. I...

In this episode of From the Ashes , I dig deep into one of the most universal blocks on the journey to personal transformation: getting out of our own way . I share personal stories, cultural reflections, and the mindset shifts I’ve experienced—and continue to practice—to move beyond self-sabotage. We unpack why so many of us know what we want but stop short of going after it, and how invisible “r...

In this episode, I reflect deeply on a truth many of us avoid: that waiting until the brink of collapse before taking care of ourselves can be devastating. I explore how burnout creeps in, often disguised in small, overlooked symptoms, and how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom can help us recognize and reverse imbalances before they manifest as serious disease. I share personal stories, client experiences,...

This week’s episode is a real-time reflection from the floor of my office, sparked by something I’ve been unpacking in my own life and in Club Phoenix lately: joy. More specifically—why I’ve been choking my own joy, even while teaching others how to live in alignment. In this solo episode, I explore my Flowstate Framework and how each pillar (purpose, abundance, freedom, and fulfillment) feeds int...

What does it mean to heal at the root—not just to feel better, but to become whole again? In this deeply resonant episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Stauder—somatic transformation coach, quantum healing guide, and fellow rebel soul—to explore what it means to return to the wisdom of the body, to grieve and awaken simultaneously, and to walk the long road of self-healing with curiosity and courage....

From running nightclubs with the mob in Chicago… to curating a culinary bookstore in Long Beach built on dialogue, not hype—Matt Miller has lived some stories . In this episode, I sit down with Matt—writer, food obsessive, and founder of Kitchen Lingo —to talk about the messy, meandering, totally unscripted path to building something that actually fits . What struck me most? He didn’t rush it. He...

In this episode of From the Ashes, I sat down with Human Design and nervous system guide Akary Busto  for an open, honest, and eye-opening conversation about how Human Design can help you reconnect with your true nature and unlock your full potential. To make the most out of listening to this episode, I highly recommend downloading your free personal Human Design chart at https://uhkare.com/...

What if the path to your purpose isn't about following a formula—but listening deeply, leaning into fear, and saying yes to what lights you up? In this solo season premiere of From the Ashes , I share the story of how a spontaneous decision to attend a retreat in Japan reignited a long-lost part of me—and reminded me that reclaiming your unique potential often starts with one bold, intuitive leap....

In this powerful season finale of From the Ashes , I’m joined by Sambo Sak —a Cambodian American community leader, poet, and educator based in Long Beach, CA. Sambo uses storytelling and creative expression as a path to healing, identity, and collective liberation. Together, we explore how creativity becomes a lifeline in times of darkness, how generational trauma can quietly shape our beliefs abo...

What if your healing journey isn’t about becoming someone new—but remembering who you’ve always been? In this week’s episode of From the Ashes , I sit down once again with meditation teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner, and dear friend Michael Green for a conversation that goes straight to the soul. We dive into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and how it reveals not only the roots of imbalance, but als...

What does it really mean to live unapologetically as yourself ? To embrace change, trust your intuition, and follow your creative instincts—even when it means burning everything down and starting over? In this episode, I sit down with Walden Cox , aka Walthrax , aka Black Metal Axe —a 12-time world record-holding trick shot champion in axe and knife throwing, a touring metal musician , and a multi...

What happens when the thing you love most starts to drain you? When passion turns into exhaustion? After 2.5 years of grinding in LA’s dance scene—teaching, performing, producing community shows, and chasing a career that no longer felt aligned—I made a radical decision. I sold everything I owned, packed my bags, and moved to New Zealand with no plans of coming back. In this episode, I share why I...

This week on From the Ashes , I sit down with the incredibly thoughtful and creative Katherine Roesler , a sober artist and creative from Toronto who believes that art, play, and creation are essential to healing and transformation . Katherine’s own journey through substance abuse and identity exploration has shaped her values and convictions around her art and personal mission today. Together, we...

This week, I’m diving into a powerful realization—one that shifted how I see myself, my work, and the way we show up in the world. We all have an immense power to lead from authenticity and creativity, but so many of us get stuck chasing validation—whether it’s praise, money, or recognition. Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in philosophy, and one book that deeply resonated with me is The Courage...

Rise. Renew. Reconnect. Welcome back to From the Ashes ! This week, I’m absolutely stoked to introduce you to my friend Kyle Hebner—drummer of the metal band Mourn the Light and an all-around delightfully honest human being. Just like Dylan Gowan from a few episodes back, Kyle and I met during our heavy metal travels through Japan last December, and I knew immediately that he’d be an incredible gu...

In this episode, I’m talking with Erin Resch , a conservation manager and sustainability advocate whose initiatives started with powerful personal journey. Erin’s story begins with her struggle with infertility—a challenge that led her to completely rethink her diet, environment, and lifestyle. By cutting out toxins, processed foods, and microplastics, she didn’t just improve her physical health b...

This week on From the Ashes , I sit down with Rich Santana, founder of Debt Behind Me, Wealth Before Me , to discuss his personal transformation and how it led him to a life of leadership, service, and faith. Rich opens up about his early life growing up in a broken home, where sports became his identity and party culture led him down a path of self-destruction. After hitting rock bottom and findi...

When I met Joseph San Nicolas a few weeks ago, I was immediately struck by the depth of his presence. Joseph has a remarkable story of self-discovery—one that invites us to reflect deeply on the narratives we create about ourselves and the courage it takes to rewrite them. From his humble beginnings in Guam, Joseph overcame great odds, navigating a difficult childhood and a pervasive sense of purp...

Last month, I had a unique opportunity to do something different: serve as an assistant tour guide for two heavy metal bands and their fan club! For two weeks, I helped guide the Lords of the Trident and Seven Spires on an adventure through Japan. As someone who knew very little about metal going into this experience, I was surprised and delighted by what I discovered—not just by the music but by...

Welcome back to From the Ashes ! In today’s short and sweet solocast, I reflect on the impact of shame and self-esteem on how we show up in the world. I share my personal journey of navigating these challenges and the life-changing lessons I’ve learned about reclaiming your worth. This episode concludes with a recording of my recent speech, “ Choose Yourself Before You Lose Yourself ,” where I dis...

Happy New Year, and welcome back to From the Ashes ! We’re kicking off 2025 with a conversation with my friend, Lynn Beck. Lynn and I met in Cate Stillman’s growth group where she has been a mentor, coach, and my personal senpai—someone I look to for inspiration and strategy. Lynn’s journey from climbing the corporate ladder to rediscovering herself through wellness, introspection, and connection...

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes , I am joined by Dr. LouAnne Boyd—Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Chapman University and a pioneer in designing technologies that support and celebrate neurodiverse populations. LouAnne’s work is driven from the heart. From her beginnings as a therapist working with neurodivergent individuals to stepping boldly into the world of computer sci...

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes , I am joined by Ellie Yang Camp—artist, educator, and author of Louder Than the Lies: Asian American Identity, Solidarity, and Self-Love . As a daughter of Asian immigrants myself, Ellie’s story struck a deep chord with me. Together, we dive into the challenges of navigating racial identity, unpacking white supremacy, and learning what it really means to e...