The Calming Ground Podcast

Have you ever experienced a sense of deep loss for something you never actually had? In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the concept of grieving the empty space - an often overlooked form of grief. This grief typically centers around circumstances or things that never happened - the empty spaces where something should have been such as mourning a relationship that didn’t reach its full pote...

Ever feel the urge to slow down and rest more in winter? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, that instinct is deeply connected to the Water Element, which is the element of winter.  In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun dives into the wisdom of Qigong and ancient Chinese medicine to explore how we can align with winter’s natural rhythm for better well-being. Elizabeth explains about what t...

What if mastering communication and connection with your partner wasn’t just about what you say, but how you embody and balance both the masculine and feminine energies within you?  In this episode, I’m joined by Nicola Navon, a Communication & Leadership Coach, and Expert in Masculine/Feminine Dynamics. She specializes in helping driven couples create a deeper connection and lasting pass...

Have you ever noticed how a familiar song can instantly shift your mood?  In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the profound impact music has on our emotions, nervous system, and physical health. Elizabeth dives into the fascinating ways music influences the brain and supports overall well-being; from ancient healing traditions to modern neuroscience, she uncovers why sound is such a pow...

Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thích Nhất Hạnh said: "Breath is the bridge between mind and body. When you return to your breath, you return to yourself."  In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun shares a personal story about my journey from being an anxious child to discovering the transformative power of breathwork. She discusses the science behind how breathwork helps shift us from a high-stress state...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I’m just not good at this," or "I never have enough time?" It might feel like these thoughts are just facts of life, but what if they’re not? What if these are actually limiting beliefs - stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck? In this episode Elizabeth Mintun explores what limiting beliefs are and how they form, three clear signs that you’re likely e...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your thoughts or stuck in unproductive loops, this episode is for you.  Elizabeth Mintun shares personal experiences, scientific insights, and practical tips to help you declutter your mind and create more space for peace and clarity. Elizabeth dives into how our daily habits and mindset contribute to our mental overwhelm and offers 5 simple strategies to fi...

What if decluttering your space in 2025 can actually support creating spaciousness in your mind?  In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun interviews Annette Kurtz, Feng Shui Expert, Clutter Clearing Coach, and the author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Harmonize Your Home: 52 Tips to Energize Your Work From Home Life for Greater Success . Annette dives into the profound connection between our physical...

As we step into 2025, this episode invites you to explore the art of letting go and more fully embracing presence.  Elizabeth Mintun dives into mindfulness as a practice of release and renewal, creating space for the new while honoring what is. She offers personal stories of transformation, including lessons from friendship, family, and surrendering control. Elizabeth also provides practical...

Take a moment to pause and ground yourself in the midst of the holiday season. In this special episode, Elizabeth Mintun offers a soothing guided meditation designed to help you find peace, presence, and a sense of connection—whether you’re surrounded by loved ones, enjoying quiet solitude, or navigating mixed emotions today. Key Takeaways:  Holidays can bring joy, but they can also feel over...

When you reflect on 2024, what lessons did this year hold for you?  As we get closer to closing the chapter on 2024, Elizabeth Mintun shares in this episode her personal reflections of this year. She explores a strengths and resilience-based approach to mindful, sustainable intention-setting as an alternative to new year’s resolutions. She also shares a creative reflection exercise she tried...

As the days grow shorter and colder, many of us dread the winter season. But what if winter holds hidden treasures we haven’t considered? What if our mindset could be the greatest barrier to finding joy and nourishment in this season? In today's episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the concept of wintering . In the northern hemisphere, as we approach winter solstice - the shortest and darkest day of...

What if you are already good enough, just the way you are? In today's episode, Elizabeth Mintun delves into a profound truth: that we don’t need to be fixed. She suggests that the struggles we experience are adaptations to our own unique nature and life experiences, rather than evidence of our brokenness. Elizabeth uncovers the top 5 reasons she has found that people are unkind to themselves, offe...

Have you ever felt that a significant life change or an experience of grief and loss taught you about love or connection? In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores grief with returning guest Edie Gudaitis, the CEO & founder of Edie Gudaitis Wellness. Edie shares her story and perspective on how the loss of her mother, along with other significant losses and life changes, led her to a deeper u...

What does it mean to live from the heart? In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun is joined by coach, author, facilitator, and TEDx speaker Christine Samuel. Christine shares her journey of personal transformation and addresses the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and shifting from analytical, head-centered thinking to heart-centered awareness.  She explores how this approach can enable dee...

How do we cope when our daily life stressors are compounded by events over which we have no sense of control? In today's episode, Elizabeth Mintun delves into how global uncertainty, marked by economic, environmental, and political shifts, affects our emotional and mental well-being. She explores the unique blend of grief and fear that arises when the world feels unpredictable, and addresses how t...

What does forgiveness truly mean, anyway?  In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun dives into what forgiveness is, why it can be so challenging, and how it can be an act of self-care. The key message is that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event, and encourages listeners to be gentle with themselves as they work towards greater peace and acceptance. Key Takeaways: Forgiveness is not about...

Have you ever experienced an empowering feeling when quitting a path that no longer served you?  In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun talks with therapist Anne Brady about the often-overlooked strength of knowing when to quit, how flexibility can empower us, and why self-kindness is essential in our journey toward a more balanced life. In this conversation, Anne explores the art of letting go wi...

Did you know that having a regular intentional morning self-care routine can create a lasting impact throughout your days?  In this episode, Elizabeth explores the research behind morning rituals and routines and talks about the way even just a simple, brief mindful morning routine in an otherwise busy morning can make a huge difference.  Key Takeaways:  Morning routines reduce stre...

Need a few moments to relax and unwind?  As part of this week’s anniversary of The Calming Ground podcast, I am offering this meditation, which comes from Cari Beyerstedt’s interview back in October of 2023 (Episode 2).  Enjoy!  Resources https://www.caribeyerstedt.com/   Schedule your free consultation with Elizabeth by emailing: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.com (deadline...

It’s hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since The Calming Ground podcast was born!  What an amazing project this has become in my life. I have loved every minute of reflecting, learning, and sharing the insight and wisdom of so many people throughout this year. As part of this celebration, this episode pulled from some of my favorite interviews throughout this year on The Calming...

Have you ever wondered what the mind-gut connection actually means? Your gut and brain are in regular communication through all kinds of signaling within your body - so what impacts one affects the other. Have you ever felt your stomach turn because of a distressing thought? There you go!  In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun speaks with functional gut health registered dietician Naria Le Mire a...

Have you ever noticed any correlation between how you feel and the season in nature? In this episode, Elizabeth uses the framework and foundation of qigong to explore the wisdom of fall and the element of metal, which teaches us the power of refining and letting go. As the season of autumn invites us to slow down and reflect, Elizabeth discusses how the metal element—connected to the lungs, skin,...

Have you ever noticed how no matter what diet or fitness regimen you might try, it doesn’t necessarily lead to a sense of intrinsic value, inner balance, or sustainable contentment in your life? In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun speaks with author and self-discovery and empowerment coach Aura Martinez about her journey from being a nutritionist to focusing on self-discovery both within herself and...

Isn’t it amazing to consider that memory and impulses stored in our body lead to many decisions we make in our lives and impact our ability to be fully present? In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the therapeutic modality of Somatic Experiencing (founded by Peter Levine) with psychotherapist Caleb Tipple. Caleb discusses his own journey that led him to get trained in this particular modalit...