Heart Of Life Podcast

Continuing the exploration of the concept of "intentional change" in the second part of this three-part series, Jesie and Brooke break down the idea of sustainable change based on our values. Part two explores how change can happen in "one-degree movements" instead of monumental shifts.  The benefit of swapping outcome-driven goals for values-based goals and shifting our motivation to interna...

Brooke and Jesie are back in 2023 after a rest-filled break. Exploring the concept of "intentional change" in this three-part series, Jesie and Brooke break down the idea of sustainable change based on our values.  Part one explores the importance of reflection on growth and how we can engage in a "needs assessment" before making monumental shifts in our lives. If you're located in Colorado a...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke talk frankly about how compelling "being busy" has become and the way we might use it to avoid the feeling and processing necessary to be effective. The idea is introduced that perhaps rest is where we find our most effective, creative, whole, and healed self. We'll be back in January with new Heart of Life Episodes and we wish you replenishing rest in that fallow...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke navigate the discomfort that arises when we allow the approval of others to become less important than becoming who we are meant to be. Discussing the ways that releasing the need for approval often results in a "pendulum swing" and how to find the balanced middle in between extremes. "When I give up the need for others' approval, I am free to become who I truly a...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie disrupt the magical thinking that there is a point where we "have it all figured out." In this episode, we invite listeners to rest in the awareness of how far they've come instead of how far there is left to go. Join us in the invitation to use play and rest to gently sit in the healing plateaus.  "Don't get so weighed down by your worries that you forget to...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke delve into the myth that "just one more thing" can break us. Separating the ideas of damage from brokenness, and the ways we are built to withstand even the hardest circumstances in life.  "I know it's not easy, but you were not built to break." The card referenced in this episode comes from Listen B*tch affirmation card deck.  If you're located in Color...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie explore how we can feel energetically depleted or filled in our relationships. How can we notice our energy in relationships and become more mindful of the energy we bring to our own relationships and more conscious of how we are impacted?  "Which people give me energy and which people take it away?" The card referenced in this episode comes from The Reflect...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke discuss stepping outside of our comfort zones. Learning to differentiate between the safety of familiarity and the growth awarded in discomfort.  "When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?" The card referenced in this episode comes from The Reflect Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Ri...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie press into the reminder that we don't fully know the end of our stories. Finding the choices available in the "messy middle" and how we can remain present even in the hardest parts of our stories.  "I know that each breath confirms that I am alive and far from finished. I am just getting started." The card referenced in this episode comes from The Dreamers De...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie explore how the stories we tell ourselves can impact our ability to grow. From relationships, healing, and our view of self, how can we start to live better stories, and let go of the ones that no longer serve us?  "Remember you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." -Louis Hay The card...

In this episode, Erica Henkel joins Brooke and Jesie in demystifying the work of Intuitive Energy Healing. If you've ever wondered what the "energy stuff" was all about, this is the episode for you. Erica describes her journey from being a skeptic to a believer in the idea that our bodies have a vital flow of energy pulsing through them. This “Life Force Energy” is something we are all able to tun...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie dive into the ambiguous work of defining "intuition." How can we learn to tune into, listen to, trust, and be guided well by our deep knowing and intuition? "I know that sitting in silence is the surest way to hear my intuition speak. I am listening." The card referenced in this episode comes from The Dreamers Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in w...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke explore the relationship between trying to control our world, versus empowering ourselves to impact our own world. How can we reclaim our power and learn to let go of the pressure to control every circumstance?  "I know that focusing my attention on things I cannot control distracts me from my journey. I am letting go."  The card referenced in this episo...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke discuss how to embrace our bodies with a "compassionate touch." Discussing self-pleasure, body respect, and reconnecting to our bodies as our own.  "Touch your body without shame or embarrassment or thoughts of it needing to be something else. Give yourself a hug before bed and tell yourself that it will be okay. Touch yourself with kindness every day-you're...

Heart of Life Podcast is back for a second season! In this season, Heart of Life invites you to join us. Whether you'd like to ask a question, share your story, or join us on an episode, we want to connect with you.  In this episode, Brooke and Jesie reflect on the importance of a healthy connection and how we can engage authentically in a genuine connection.  "Our ability to connect wit...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie are Joined by Julie Harker, the genius behind Riverbend Counseling's social media. Julie, Brooke, and Jesie talk about what it's felt like over the last 27 episodes of the Heart Of Life Podcast. They share themes and takeaways, as well as hopes for season two! If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counselin...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke talk about what quality therapy feels like and how to understand the work that happens in the therapy office. Talking through grief work, trauma work, and skills enhancement, Brooke and Jesie offer practical ways to know you've found a solid therapeutic relationship and how to prepare for the healing that can happen in therapy. Jesie and Brooke also speak to fello...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke differentiate between the search for approval, versus the need for attunement. Unpacking the experience of someone longing for their mother to express pride in them, but never feeling they get it. Brooke and Jesie offer practical ways to engage in our community, improve self-esteem, and cultivate a realistic understanding of childhood attachment to allow us to mov...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie shed light on how family shame and family secrets are created and maintained. This week's letter writer asks where their own bravery is in confronting the hidden, painful, and unspoken truths within their family system. Drawing on the examples given in Disney's "Encanto," Jesie and Brooke walk through how family systems can often close off the "truth speaker" and...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie are joined by Riverbend Collective Member Phyllis McComb. This week's letter asks a straightforward question about how our attachment styles impact our relationships in adulthood. Phyllis joins Jesie and Brooke in explaining how attachment forms, what it means about us, and how it can impact our ability to show up in relationships. Challenging the idea that we "ar...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke explore the ways we can be stuck in uncertainty when decisions need to be made. Releasing the pressure of outcomes and being attached to the "right or wrong" answers, Brooke and Jesie offer suggestions to release ourselves from certainty. This week's letter writer wonders if he should be a dad and if he has what it takes to "be a good one." Join Jesie and Brooke a...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke are joined by Riverbend Collective Member Phyllis McComb.  This week's letter writer finds themself battling what feels like a never-ending pattern of self-sabotage. Phyllis joins Brooke and Jesie in exploring some of the reasons we can get in our own way, and how the familiarity of unhelpful behaviors can be so compelling. Providing realistic and practical s...

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie talk about the human body as a whole system. Discussing the connection between our mind and body, and the ways in which stress can impact us on all levels. This week's letter writer asks curiously about how the mind and body are connected, and how what is happening to us on an emotional or mental level can have such deep impacts on our bodies. Join Brooke and Jesi...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke face conflict in relationships head-on. Exploring why conflict can feel so scary, what to do about those emotional and physical responses, and even how to appreciate them. In this episode, Brooke and Jesie propose the idea that relationships can actually improve with conflict, and that closeness can even increase when we bravely step towards discomfort.  Broo...

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke welcome back Licensed Clinical Social Worker Erica Henkel to the podcast for part two on healthy sexuality! Erica specializes in taking a holistic approach to engage a mind-body connection and treating spiritual and religious trauma. Erica also specializes in working with individuals, particularly women, deconstructing ideas around their sexuality as a result of i...