Zen Gem

In this raw and reflective episode, your host delves into the complexities of human nature, inspired by her own Gemini duality. She explores the vital balance between setting boundaries and offering grace, arguing that we can't "play God" and force others to change. Instead, the focus turns inward: acknowledging our own triggers as opportunities for profound growth, rather than setbacks. Drawing f...

In this episode, your host gets candid about the increasingly common issue of disrespectful behavior in shared spaces, from the yoga studio to everyday life. She shares frustrating personal anecdotes, like being yelled at by a class member for burning incense and dealing with someone complaining a class was "too easy" while exhibiting poor form. This leads to a larger discussion about the decline...

In this follow-up conversation, Carolina reconnects with Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, Ryan Usher for an unfiltered dialogue on burnout, balance, and the often-overlooked emotional labor of the wellness industry. Together, they explore the physical and mental toll of hustle culture, the importance of staying present, and how movement practices—rooted in everything from Ayurveda to somatic awarenes...

In this episode of the Zen Gem podcast, host Carolina interviews Ryan Usher, founder of Kaizen Fitness. They discuss Ryan's journey from traditional powerlifting to a holistic approach to fitness that emphasizes self-care, recovery, and the importance of breath work. Ryan shares insights on injury prevention, the role of yoga in personal growth, and the significance of community and intention in f...

Marissa Lavin is a writer, mother, and founder of Soul to Soil —a living, breathing micro-school that reimagines education through the lens of nature, self-trust, and embodied learning. After two decades in movement, holistic nutrition, and homeopathy, Marissa realized that true transformation doesn’t come from fixing—but from remembering how to live in harmony with our bodies, our children, and t...

Dr. Darius Fathi, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Psych Fitness , a boutique private practice dedicated to helping high-achieving adults and teens overcome mental barriers to unlock their full potential. With expertise in trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and addictions, Dr. Fathi combines evidence-based therapies—including cognitive behavioral therapy, dial...

Based out of Jupiter, FL, and with a name that embodies the spirit of being green and growing, The Leafy Greens Band is a Folk/Americana acoustic duo known for their captivating, high-energy performances and their unique ability to connect with audiences, creating an eventful and engaging atmosphere. Billy and his wife Ellen have cultivated a loyal following, affectionately calling their fans "Bud...

In this special solo episode of The Zen Gem Podcast , your host Carolina steps into the spotlight to share her deeply personal and transformative journey into the world of sound healing and vibrational therapy. From a powerful Kundalini yoga experience to an unexpected visual encounter with sound waves, Carolina opens up about the events that awakened her to the power of vibration, frequency, and...

Peggy Sullivan is a business addict in recovery, keynote speaker, author, and researcher. Her TEDx talk with millions of views and bestselling book Beyond Busyness has inspired audiences worldwide to overcome busyness and achieve peak performance without sacrificing well-being. Through her signature busy-busting framework—trusted by Fortune 500 companies like Google, Bank of America, Blue Cross Bl...

Jill is a yoga teacher and owner of Thrive Power Yoga & Wellness, a studio that offers Yoga, Pilates, and Barre classes, as well as cold plunge, sauna, and massage in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. When she’s not teaching or running the studio, Jill can be found training others to become yoga teachers and mentoring her staff on various aspects to elevate their scope of teaching and yoga business...

Sydnee Fiorello is the owner of Treign Functional Fitness, a boutique personal training studio in Jupiter. She is a South Florida native and University of Florida graduate with a passion for helping others through health and fitness. Before she found her true calling, Sydnee spent the first 10 years of her career in legal marketing and administration, at one point single-handedly running a 500-mem...

Jen Magi is an engineer, adventurer, and advocate for change. As a solar project engineer, she designs and builds large-scale solar facilities to support Florida’s energy transition. But this year, she’s taking on an even bigger challenge—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to honor her late father, Mike Magi, and raise critical funds in the fight against blood canc...

Carolina Panoff is a life coach specializing in Authenticity and the visionary founder of Be You Disco, a groundbreaking team-building company that brings wellness and authenticity to the forefront through music, movement, and mindfulness. Passionate about breaking down barriers, Carolina helps transform company cultures to thrive relationally by boosting well-being and improving the bottom line....

In this episode of Zen Gem Podcast , Carolina sits down with Kim Depasquale, a Florida native, yoga studio owner, and co-founder of Downward Goat at Groovy Goat Farm. Kim shares her journey from the corporate world to discovering her true purpose in yoga, energy healing, and working with animals. They discuss the importance of grounding, the concept of being energetically wealthy, and how yoga goe...

Marisa is a dynamic professional who balances a successful career in finance with her passion for fitness. By day, she serves as the Director of Marketing for a leading financial firm, where she leverages her strategic expertise to drive growth and innovation. By night, Marisa transitions into a fitness enthusiast, having taught indoor cycling at CycleBar for nearly eight years. Her energy, dedica...

Incorporating somatic practices beyond talk therapy became integral to her healing, affirming the truth that “the body keeps the score.”It was through this exploration that she discovered the profound somatic healing potential of breathwork. Inspired by years of personal practice, Michelle is passionate about sharing this transformative gift, empowering others to reconnect with their radical authe...

Dr. Ken Grey is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine & Acupuncture Physician with his masters in both fields. In this episode, Dr. Grey presents his unique approach to holistic healing and vitality as a man in today's society.  Dr. Grey has been on staff at Jupiter Medical Center for over 20 years has his private practice in Jupiter for over 20 years where he is a proud resident. Dr. Grey is the...

Katie Usher is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in Pelvic Floor Health. University of Florida graduate in 2011 with her Bachelor's degree in Health Education & Behavior and received her DPT from the University of Miami. Her passion for women's health grew as she entered the hospital-based outpatient system and found how underserved women are in the prenatal and postpartum period. This...

Carolina shares her insights of New Year's resolutions on her first solo episode recording on her new podcast! Identifying the voice in our head that keeps us from progressing. This episode will give you a boost of encouragement if you are feeling unmotivated or falling off your "New Years" resolutions. Reminding our listeners that there is always an opportunity to start fresh and anew! Follow @ze...

In this episode, Victoria Taylor, a Florida native, seasoned yogi and sound healer, opens up about her personal yoga journey, sharing how the rich philosophy of yoga has deeply influenced her practice and teaching. We delve into the transformative power of yoga, exploring how it cultivates both physical strength and inner peace. She gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming arm balance workshop she'...

Carolina and Tova share their plans for the new year. While Rebel Zen Podcast with Tova and Carolina is retiring, Carolina has rebranded the show to ZEN GEM PODCAST, where leaders in the health and wellness field share their knowledge and inspire listeners to live an empowered and vital life. Tova shares what she looks forward to creating in this new year. You can follow her on social media @tova....

Welcome to the Zen Gem podcast, where we invite health and wellness professionals to share how their personal journeys have inspired them to help others. Listen along to discover holistic practices and develop your own autonomy and the choices you make. I'm your host, Carolina, founder of CocoLina Yoga and a fitness professional since 2011. Over the years, I've met countless inspiring individuals...