Life Chats With Friends

We’re told that resilience is about pushing through, bouncing back, and keeping it moving. But what if that narrative is incomplete — or even harmful? In this powerful live conversation, Dr. Andrea Holman joins Antonio on the Sip & Chat stage to challenge everything we think we know about resilience. Together, they explore the ways society rewards silent suffering, how resilience can turn into...

What happens when we give ourselves permission to pause? In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Hava Rose — Chief Wellness Officer and creator of The Pause Experience — for a deeply grounding conversation and practice on the power of journaling, presence, and inner connection at our last Sip & Chat a few months ago . Grab your journal (or a pen and notepad), pour yourself a warm cup...

This special replay brings you into the calming atmosphere of Sip & Chat, by Life Chats With Friends, with a restorative sound bath and grounding experience led by Desiree Vazquez, our Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. In this session, you’ll be guided through breathwork, visualization, and intentional presence—designed to help you reconnect with your body, your breath, and your roots. W...

In this enlightening episode of Life Chats with Friends , host Antonio Stephens sits down with Becky Tahel, Head of Brand & Marketing for Global Day of Unplugging . They delve into the significance of disconnecting from digital devices to foster genuine human connections and combat the modern epidemic of loneliness. Becky shares insights into the origins and mission of Global Day of Unplugging...

In this special Sip & Chat spotlight, we sit down with Desiree Vázquez , a holistic health and sound healing practitioner who brings deep wisdom, grounding energy, and a heart for healing into every space she holds. As one of our featured facilitators for Sip & Chat, Desiree joins us to explore the role of community in emotional recovery and what it really means to unplug and be present wi...

What if resilience isn’t about pushing through but about learning when to pause? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Andrea Holman joins Antonio Stephens to challenge the biggest misconceptions about resilience and mental health in a world that glorifies being ‘always on.’ Together, they explore how identity and lived experiences shape how we process stress and trauma — especially in the digital ag...

In this episode of Life Chats with Friends, Dr. Hava Rose joins Antonio Stephens to explore how unprocessed emotions manifest in the body, the science behind trauma retention, and how mindfulness and journaling can help regulate our nervous system and promote healing. 🌿 Key Topics & Timestamps: 00:04 – Welcome back, Dr. Hava Rose! Finding peace in a chaotic world 00:34 – The importance of com...

As the year comes to a close, our host, Antonio Stephens, takes a moment to reflect on the biggest lessons he’s learned about resilience, adaptability, courage, and growth. From navigating major life changes to finding courage in tough decisions, Antonio shares his personal journey and offers practical takeaways to help you uncover your own resilience. Whether you’re reflecting on this year or pre...

The holidays are often celebrated as a time of gratitude and togetherness, but they can also come with unique challenges, especially when it comes to family dynamics. In this thoughtful and reflective episode, Laman Ben-Trahoret, a wellness expert, shares his wisdom on the ongoing act of finding balance and peace amidst imperfect family relationships and dynamics. Drawing from personal stories and...

Join us as we dive into a timely conversation with Christina Glennon, a leader in inclusion and belonging, who shares powerful insights on finding common ground and fostering understanding—especially in the tense aftermath of an election. Christina talks about the transformative power of empathy and active listening in bridging social and political divides, helping us connect across differences in...

In this special episode, Antonio reflects on their personal journey of coming out and the mental health challenges they faced along the way. Tying together World Mental Health Day and National Coming Out Day, this conversation explores the deep connection between identity, acceptance, and well-being. Antonio opens up about the emotional highs and lows of navigating self-discovery and shares valuab...

In this episode of Life Chats with Friends , host Antonio Stephens opens up about his personal journey through the worlds of rowing and bodybuilding, two passions that once defined his life. Antonio reflects on the emotional challenges of stepping away from these identities and how letting go led to profound personal growth and transformation. Listeners will hear how discipline, self-acceptance an...

In this conversation, Antonio Stephens interviews Gareth Whalley about turning setbacks into opportunities. Gareth shares his personal experiences of growing up as a queer individual in a working-class environment and how these experiences shaped his worldview. He also discusses the setback he faced when his role was eliminated in a corporate restructuring and how he turned it into an opportunity...

In this episode of Life Chats with Friends, host Antonio Stephens is joined by Dr. Hava Rose, Chief Wellness Officer, pause. Experience to discuss finding inner peace amidst global crises and political divide. They emphasize the importance of connection, self-reflection and self-care in navigating tumultuous times. Dr. Rose shares her journey from chiropractic medicine to wellness and journaling a...

In this episode, Antonio Stephens and Diego Gonzalez-Zuniga, a fashion influencer and wellness advocate discuss the importance of authenticity and building authentic relationships within the LGBTQIA+ community. They explore the significance of cultivating meaningful connections, both online and offline, and how it relates to mental health. They also touch on the role of vulnerability and empathy i...

In this episode, Dr. Andrea Holman, formerly a psychology professor at Huston-Tillotson University and now a leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) at Lyra Health, joins host Antonio Stephens to explore the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the African American community.  Dr. Holman sheds light on the primary barriers preventing access to mental heal...

In this solo episode of Life Chats With Friends, host Antonio Stephens invites listeners to explore the multifaceted aspects of their identities beyond their 9-5 responsibilities. As spring blooms around us, Antonio reflects on the importance of pausing to acknowledge personal growth and renewal. Throughout the episode, Antonio dives into three key areas of self-discovery: Passion: Antonio shares...

In this episode, Dr. Andrea Holman, formerly a psychology professor at Huston-Tillotson University and now a leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) at Lyra Health, the foremost provider of workforce mental health benefits available to over 15 million people globally, joins host Antonio Stephens for a profound discussion. Together, they explore the intricate interplay of...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Winston Thompson, a visionary in the world of beauty, color and connection. With over a decade of experience as a master colorist, educator and creative consultant, Winston brings a unique blend of artistry, curiosity and compassion to the world of beauty. Winston's journey to self-discovery has been transformative, marked by moments of deep introspec...

Join Antonio in this insightful episode as he introduces Maillard Howell , a distinguished wellness expert, former head of fitness at Reebok® and entrepreneur with a diverse background. Maillard shares his passion for guiding individuals toward wellness, particularly during the new year. The conversation dives into the intricacies of navigating the new year with mindfulness, exploring common minds...

Welcome to a special year-in-review episode of 'Life Chats With Friends'! 🎉 Join me, Antonio Stephens, host of the show and wellness advocate, as I reflect on the incredible journey we've shared throughout 2023. Whether you're a first-time listener or a returning friend, thank you for being part of these meaningful conversations about self-discovery and living authentically. In th...

In this heartfelt episode of "Life Chats with Friends," your host Antonio Stephens welcomes Bucky Mitchell, a health and wellness guide, to explore the transformative power of vulnerability in the journey toward authenticity. Together, they embark on a deep and candid conversation, sharing personal experiences and insights. Discover the beauty in embracing your true self, as Bucky reflec...

Welcome to season 2 of Life Chats with Friends! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laman Ben-Trajoret, a passionate wellness coach and entrepreneur, back on the show. Laman's dedication to holistic wellness and his mission to foster a healthier and more balanced world are truly inspiring. Laman's expertise spans physical wellness, personal growth, corporate wellness, and employee hea...

In today’s episode, our guest is Justin Borroto. He is a Miami native who is passionate about love, spirituality, healing, justice, and yoga. He has previously worked as a high school math teacher, recruiter, and diversity, equity, and inclusion facilitator in Washington DC.  Key Quotes [7:28-7:33] God encompasses all that has been and all that will ever be. [19:20-19:25] The method you use to see...

In this episode, the guest speaker is Larissa Sativa, a practitioner of traditional healing practices and ceremonies. Larissa talks about her experiences with these practices and shares insights on the importance of intention and mindfulness in one's healing journey. Section 1: Traditional Healing Practices Larissa describes how she uses stones and the presence of her ancestors to create steam and...