SolFul Connections

My mom won’t come on my podcast. She says her response time is slower now, and she wouldn’t want to hear her own voice. But my mom's voice is in everything. It can be found among my thoughts, my values, my humor, my work, and my heart. In this deeply personal episode, I share some of the lessons I’ve learned from my mother, who continues to teach me with wit, wisdom, and warmth. My mother is irrev...

Welcome to Not That You Asked, the episode of the SolFul Connections podcast where unpopular opinions are served up on a platter that you didn't request. You're welcome. ;-) Amanda Soler shares bold, often contrarian takes on culture, life, and human behavior, not to spark outrage, but to remind us that we can think differently and still get along. Connections are possible when we are auth...

What do you get when you mix childhood wonder, artistic bravery, and a whole lot of cardboard? You get Holly Layman, a soulful, wildly creative artist who’s turning an ordinary material into extraordinary expression. In this episode, Holly shares her journey as an artist who works in the unexpected medium of cardboard, crafting large-scale, one-of-a-kind pieces that don’t just catch the eye, they...

In this episode of SolFul Connections, Mark Lund, MD, FCCP shares his unique journey from critical care physician to leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of skills learned in the ICU that can be applied to business and personal relationships. He discusses the human side of medicine, the necessity of trust in leadership, and the critical role of organizational culture. Dr. Lund also reflect...

In this episode of SolFul Connections , Amanda sits down with Lexy, an extraordinary woman whose life is a study in contrasts and courage. Lexy is a weightlifter, strength trainer, artist, poet, and writer who is actively healing from a past that contains a fair share of trauma. Lexy shares how she turned to strength training not just as a form of physical empowerment, but as a metaphor for reclai...

In this special birthday episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Amanda connects with her lifelong best friend, Roseanne, to reflect on the magic, mess, and meaning of life at this point in the journey. We talk about how we’ve changed, how we’ve stayed the same, what we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), and how powerful it is to maintain a friendship that spans decades. From elementary schoo...

What happens when a single moment changes everything? In this powerful episode, Amanda connects with Gregg Ward , a man who knows the lifelong ripple effects of tragedy. As a young man, Gregg was involved in a car accident that took the life of his girlfriend. It’s a story he shares publicly in his TEDx talk, Confessions of an Accidental Killer, and one that continues to shape how he lives, leads,...

What if a visit to the dentist could feel less like a chore — and more like a ritual of self-care? In this episode of SolFul Connections , holistic dentist Dr. Ekta Sem shares her innovative vision for transforming the dental experience. Drawing on ancient healing traditions, modern technology, and her own personal journey, she’s reimagining what it means to care for your smile, as well as your wh...

In this soulful episode of SolFul Connections , photographer Kristen Kidd shares how her camera became a bridge, not just to art, but to meaning, memory, and deep emotional connection. From capturing the chaos and beauty of family dynamics to preserving the tender bonds between people and their pets, Kristen’s journey is a reminder that behind every image is a story — and behind every story is a h...

In this powerful return episode, Dr. Jennifer Gardella, entrepreneur, educator, author, speaker, and social media consultant, joins SolFul Connections once again, but this time with a whole new layer to her story. When Jen first appeared on SolFul Connections , she shared her courageous journey of surviving and escaping domestic violence. Since then, she’s continued to rise becoming a Goldman Sach...

Less small talk. More soul talk. Welcome to SolFul Connections , where host Amanda Soler sits down with artists, dreamers, doers, healers — and everyday humans — for real conversations about what it means to be alive. From life lessons to laughter, vulnerability to purpose, these are the stories that remind us we’re not alone. This is where life’s mess meets its meaning. Let’s connect.

Big things are happening at SolFul Connections ! In this short solo episode, I’m sharing a few important updates: We’re officially launching Season 6 — and it’s all about leveling up. Our season opener drops Wednesday, June 4 , featuring the incredible Dr. Jennifer Gardella . From now on, new episodes will be released every Wednesday instead of Tuesday — to align with how I create and give you the...

In this special Replay episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Christy Holland and Amanda explore the themes of personal transitions, the power of reinvention, and the importance of mindfulness and somatics in navigating life's challenges. They discuss the significance of emotional awareness, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the need for support in personal growth. Christy shares her ex...

In this SolFul conversation, Jodi Banks, a financial advisor, shares her journey and unexpected career path to becoming a successful financial advisor. She discusses the importance of listening, overcoming personal challenges, and the emotional aspects of finance. Jodi emphasizes the significance of self-confidence, the lessons learned from parenting, and the inspiration she finds in her relations...

In this Flashback Friday episode of SolFul Connections author, speaker, and holistic life coach Trina Stutzman talks about finding her voice and a path toward knowing, pleasing, and heeding her inner voice. In this conversation, Trina discusses the importance of self-worth, the gradual shift from people pleasing to authenticity, and the steps to breaking free from the cycle. Trina emphasizes the j...

What happens when life throws not one, but multiple curveballs? In this powerful episode of SolFul Connections , Kristin Smedley returns to share the next chapter in her extraordinary journey. Kristin’s path was clear. She planned to be a teacher, a mother, and live a life rooted in faith. But life had other plans. Two of her three children were born blind, her marriage dissolved, and she was face...

In this outtake from the SolFul Connections podcast featuring Karen DeHaven, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, Karen shares a visual that provides important thinking about the people closest to you. Check out this outtake; then head over to the full podcast to hear more from therapist Karen DeHaven!

In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Karen DeHaven, MA, BC-DMT, LPC shares her journey in establishing AHA Studios, a therapeutic and counseling center focused on integrating creative arts into mental health practices. She discusses her background, the impact of personal loss, and the importance of resilience and empathy in her work. The conversation explores the intersection of scie...

In this profound conversation, Richard Paynton, CEO and CTO of Dontech, shares his leadership journey within a family business, the impact of personal loss, and the importance of building relationships and a strong company culture. He shares life and business philosophies, his thoughts on the fragility of life, and the lessons learned from his father's legacy. Richard emphasizes the significance o...

Entrepreneur Amanda Phillips shares her story of how dealing with a chronic illness led to the foundation of her company, Be Well. Amanda has created products to help others on their healing path. She discusses the importance of wellness, both physical and emotional, and emphasizes the need for advocacy in healthcare. Amanda also highlights the psychological impact of her products and the sense of...

In this episode of the SolFul Connections Podcast, David Robertson shares the story behind JoshWay, an organization inspired by the tragic loss of his brother, Joshua. The discussion delves into the importance of creativity, community, and leadership in nurturing youth, as well as the personal experiences that shaped David's journey. He reflects on his childhood, family dynamics, and the lesso...

In this SolFul conversation, Dr. Christina Carson Sacco shares her journey from aspiring pediatrician to clinical psychologist, discussing her experiences with cultural identity, the impact of environment on well-being, and the importance of finding joy in daily life. She emphasizes the significance of embracing one's uniqueness as a superpower and the role of community in overcoming challenge...

A SolFul life isn’t just about deep conversations and big dreams—it’s also about laughter, unfiltered honesty, and the kind of debates that only happen when strong women with even stronger opinions get together. In this episode of SolFul Connections, we tackle the tiny things that spark big reactions. Whether it’s the right way to load a dishwasher, the ultimate coffee order, or the absolute wrong...

SolFul Connections podcast host Amanda Soler was challenged to participate in the community program, Dancing for Buck$ where area leaders raised funds and stakes as they learned how to ballroom dance, part of a benefit for the Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic. The SolFul conversation revolves around the participants' experiences in the event. The group discusses nerves, courage, volunteer...

Amanda connects with Lindsay Da Silva who shares the wisdom behind her book Paying Your Attention: Thoughts About Attention, and the significance of understanding and valuing our attention in a world filled with distractions. She shares her personal journey toward recognizing the importance of self-belief and how meditation helped her focus her attention. The discussion also explores the concept o...