The Mindful Living

Unlocking Brain Health: Healing Post-Concussion Syndrome with Nate Pope

In this powerful episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana welcomes Nate Pope, a neurological occupational therapist and co-founder of NCX Brain Recovery. They explore the misunderstood world of post-concussion syndrome (PCS), shedding light on why symptoms like brain fog, headaches, and balance issues can persist long after a head injury. Nate explains the science behind PCS, why it often goes undiagnosed, and the cutting-edge therapies that can restore brain function. Whether you've experienced a concussion, know someone who has, or simply want to optimize your brain health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips for long-lasting wellness.
About Nate Pope:Nate Pope is a neurological occupational therapist with over two decades of experience in brain recovery. As co-founder of NCX Brain Recovery, he specializes in treating post-concussion syndrome through innovative, intensive therapy programs designed to reset the brain’s blood flow patterns and break harmful neurological habits. Nate's mission is to help people reclaim their quality of life after brain injuries.
Key Takeaways:
Post-concussion syndrome affects 20-30% of concussion cases, with lingering symptoms like headaches, brain fog, and anxiety.
Standard MRIs often fail to detect PCS, but functional MRIs can reveal blood flow imbalances in the brain.
Intensive, integrative therapy—engaging multiple brain systems simultaneously over many hours—can help rewire the brain and restore balance.
Outdoor activities on uneven terrain, combined with social interaction, are excellent for ongoing brain health.
NCX Brain Recovery offers free consultations to assess potential PCS and guide individuals toward recovery.
Connect with Nate Pope:Visit https://www.ncxbrainrecovery.com/ to schedule a free consultation and learn more about their brain recovery programs.
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Somatic Healing, Anti-Fragility & Trauma-Informed Mindfulness with Hans Hageman: Building Resilience from Within

In this powerful episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana engages in a transformative conversation with Hans Hageman—Princeton and Columbia Law graduate, breathwork coach, and social justice leader. Hans shares his journey from law to wellness, highlighting how somatic awareness and trauma-informed mindfulness became central to his work with underserved communities and prison populations. He introduces the concept of anti-fragility—growing stronger through stress—and explains how healing isn’t just cognitive but deeply rooted in the body, emotions, and spirit. The discussion also touches on legacy, leadership, and becoming an ancestor worth remembering. A must-listen for anyone seeking resilience and deeper healing.
About Hans Hageman:Hans Hageman is a breathwork coach, certified yoga instructor, and trauma-informed mindfulness practitioner. After starting his career in law, Hans shifted to community leadership, founding schools in Harlem and Kenya and bringing wellness programs to prisons. His integrative approach blends somatic healing with social justice, empowering individuals to reclaim agency and foster resilience.
Key Takeaways:
Somatic Awareness: Healing trauma requires engaging the body, not just the mind. Breathwork and yoga are vital tools for releasing stored trauma.
Anti-Fragility vs. Resilience: Anti-fragility means not just bouncing back, but growing stronger through adversity—mind, body, emotions, and spirit all aligned.
Trauma-Informed Mindfulness: Safe, choice-driven environments are crucial for healing trauma. Hans explains how to create space for safety and agency.
Breathwork in Prisons: Hans' breathwork coaching certification for incarcerated youth helps them heal and empowers them to give back to their communities.
Legacy & Leadership: Hans reflects on becoming an ancestor worth remembering and following one’s North Star without societal constraints.
Connect with Hans Hageman:
Substack: https://hanshageman.substack.com/
Website: https://hanshagemancoaching.com/
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Mastering Your Mindset: CBT Tools for Everyday Wellness with Judith Belmont

In this enlightening episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana dives into the transformative world of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with psychotherapist, workplace wellness trainer, and acclaimed author Judith Belmont. With over 40 years of experience and 11 self-help books under her belt, Judith shares actionable strategies to help you manage stress, reframe negative thoughts, and cultivate self-compassion. Whether you're feeling stuck in negative thinking or seeking tools for workplace resilience, this conversation offers hands-on guidance to elevate your mental well-being and live more mindfully.
About the Guest: Judith Belmont is a seasoned psychotherapist, workplace wellness trainer, and the author of 11 self-help books and two therapeutic card decks. Her latest book, 110 CBT Tips and Tools, provides practical techniques rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals manage stress, conquer anxiety, and build resilience. Judith’s mission is to make mental health tools accessible and actionable for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
CBT helps reframe negative thoughts for better emotional outcomes.
Core CBT concept: The quality of your thoughts determines the quality of your life.
Identify cognitive distortions (like catastrophizing) and replace them with rational statements.
Cultivate self-compassion through simple practices like visualization and positive affirmations.
Workplace stress can be managed by shifting from a victim mindset to self-empowerment.
Connect with Judith Belmont:
Website: https://belmontwellness.com/ 
Books: Available on Amazon
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Age Strong, Live Well: Steve McKinney on The Gospel of Fitness for Graceful Aging

In this transformative episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana welcomes Steve McKinney, bestselling author of The Gospel of Fitness, to discuss the powerful intersection of health, spirituality, and aging. Steve, a pastor, fitness coach, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, shares his inspiring journey from personal loss to helping thousands reclaim their health. Together, they explore Steve's revolutionary 3W Approach—weight training, walking, and watching your diet—crafted to help individuals age gracefully without the overwhelm of extreme workouts or fad diets. Tune in to learn how to build strength, maintain balance, and sustain hope while honoring the body, mind, and spirit.
About the Guest:Steve McKinney is a fitness coach, church pastor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and the founder of Fitness and More Inc. With over three decades of experience, he has transformed countless lives through his efficient and holistic 3W fitness method. His book The Gospel of Fitness integrates physical health with spiritual well-being, offering readers a rational, hopeful approach to aging gracefully.
Key Takeaways:
The 3W Approach: Weight training, walking (especially after dinner), and watching your diet can dramatically improve quality of life as you age.
Mindset Matters: Embracing aging as a phase of empowerment rather than decline is essential for long-term health.
Minimal Time, Maximum Impact: Steve’s 15-minute workouts, rooted in time-under-tension principles, challenge the myth that fitness requires hours in the gym.
Hope Restored: Ageing doesn't mean giving up—setting goals and trusting the process brings renewed energy and vitality.
Connect with Steve McKinney:
Website: http://fitnessandmore.net/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessandmorestl 
Email: steve@fitnessandmore.net
Book: The Gospel of Fitness available on Amazon
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Hormonal Balance for High-Performing Women: Reclaim Your Energy & Thrive with Chelsea McLeod

In this empowering episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana sits down with Chelsea McLeod, a hormone health coach and corporate powerhouse turned wellness advocate, to explore the often-overlooked connection between hormonal health and high achievement. Chelsea shares her personal journey of burnout and healing from PCOS and high cortisol after leading multi-million-dollar businesses. Together, they unpack the signs of hormonal imbalance, why they're so prevalent among high-achieving women, and how stress and lifestyle impact hormonal health. Chelsea introduces her transformative Healthy Hustle Method, designed to deliver rapid yet sustainable results like better sleep, clearer skin, and 8-10 pounds of weight loss—all without crash diets. Tune in to discover actionable insights on balancing hormones, managing stress, and thriving in high-pressure environments without sacrificing well-being.About the Guest:Chelsea McLeod is a former corporate leader who transitioned into a hormone health coach for high-performing women. Having worked with global powerhouses like Amazon, McKinsey, and Google, she now empowers women to reclaim their energy and confidence. Chelsea's Healthy Hustle Method has helped hundreds of women globally achieve hormonal balance and sustainable health results.Key Takeaways:Common signs of hormonal imbalance in high-achieving women: weight gain, sleep issues, mood swings, and cravings.Stress and cortisol play a major role in hormonal disruption and overall well-being.Personalized health plans, not one-size-fits-all biohacks, are key to sustainable hormonal balance.The Healthy Hustle Method helps women lose weight, improve sleep, and feel energized within weeks.Men’s hormonal health differs, but cortisol impacts both genders significantly.Connect with Chelsea McLeod:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthywithchels/Download the Busy Girl's Guide to Hormonal Weight Loss: Link available in Chelsea’s Instagram bio.Want to be a guest on The Mindful Living? DM on PodMatch:DM Me HereSubscribe To Newsletter: Healthy Mind NewsletterJoin Community: Healthy Mind CommunityStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube – Healthy Mind Healthy LifeInstagram – @healthyminds.podThreads – @healthyminds.podFacebook – Podcast Healthy MindLinkedIn – Reema Chatterjee | Avik Chakraborty#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

Finding Purpose After Hitting Rock Bottom | Mental Health, Resilience & Reinvention with Gretchen Schoser

In this raw and uplifting episode of The Mindful Living with Sana, we are joined by Gretchen Schoser, suicide attempt survivor, mental health advocate, and co-host of an award-winning podcast. Gretchen shares her journey from the depths of despair in her late 50s to finding her purpose and launching a mission-driven business in her 60s. We explore how laughter, honest conversations, and setting boundaries became her tools for healing and why sharing our stories unlocks others from their darkest prisons. If you've ever faced overwhelming struggles or know someone who has, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and the reassurance that you're never truly alone.About the Guest:Gretchen Schoser is a mental health advocate, suicide attempt survivor, and co-host of the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. After hitting rock bottom at 59, she transformed her life, combining her tech background with her passion for mental health to create Schoser Solutions. Gretchen’s mission is to make the world a little less “shitty” by encouraging open conversations around mental health, resilience, and hope.Key Takeaways:From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Gretchen’s journey through job loss, personal loss, and deep depression, leading to a transformative call to the 988 crisis lifeline.The Power of Storytelling: Sharing her story publicly became a catalyst for healing both herself and others.Boundaries Save Lives: Learning to set boundaries and prioritize mental well-being was key to Gretchen’s sustained recovery.Laughter as Medicine: Why finding joy—even in raccoon videos—can be a lifeline in difficult times.Reinvention at Any Age: Launching a business and winning awards for her podcast in her 60s proves it’s never too late to find your purpose.Connect with Gretchen:Website: https://goesoninourheads.net/Business: https://schosersolutions.com/Resources:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.You can also chat online - https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/If you are outside of the United States and You are in Crisis, please go to - https://findahelpline.com/Want to be a guest on The Mindful Living? DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod• Threads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

Healing Through Creativity: Exploring Art-Based Mindfulness with Jodi Rose Gonzales

In this enriching episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana connects with Jodi Rose Gonzales—visual artist, art therapist, TEDx speaker, and mindfulness coach—who shares her transformative journey of turning art into a tool for emotional wellness. Jodi reveals how her own medical crisis led her back to creativity, blending Western art therapy with Eastern mindfulness traditions to create her signature art-based mindfulness practice.Discover how creativity—without the pressure of perfection—can calm the nervous system, lower anxiety, and spark healing. Whether it’s knitting, making marks with your breath, or creating nature-inspired mandalas, Jodi explains how accessible and powerful these practices can be, even for those who don’t consider themselves “artistic.”If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your creative self or unsure how to express emotions, this conversation offers gentle, playful pathways back to your inner world.About Jodi Gonzales:Jodi Rose Gonzales is a visual artist, art therapist, TEDx speaker, and founder of Jodi Rose Studio. Her unique fusion of art-based mindfulness helps individuals transform emotional stress into empowered self-expression. From workshops to retreats, Jodi’s mission is to remind us that healing can be playful, colorful, and deeply personal.Key Takeaways:Creativity is a birthright and a powerful tool for emotional healing.Art-based mindfulness blends Eastern mind-body practices with Western art therapy.Techniques like rhythmic mark-making, knitting, or nature mandalas help calm the nervous system.Healing doesn't require artistic skill—it thrives in permission to play and express.Art-based mindfulness can also support business planning, leadership, and creative breakthroughs.Connect with Jodi Gonzales:Website: https://www.jodirosestudio.com/Newsletter can be accessed on her website & Free Community: The iROSE SocietyInstagram & Facebook: @jodirose.studioExplore her podcast and free resources to start your creative wellness journey.Want to be a guest on The Mindful Living? DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod• Threads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind• LinkedIn – Avik Chakraborty | Reema Chatterjee#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

Quantum Manifestation & Akashic Wisdom: Aligning Energy for Your Soul’s Highest Timeline with Bree Delacruz

In this soul-stirring episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana welcomes back spiritual guide, energy healer, and Akashic record reader Bree Delacruz. Bree shares her awe-inspiring journey into energy healing, sparked by witnessing her grandfather's miraculous recovery from Stage 4 brain cancer through the power of energy work.The conversation dives deep into quantum manifestation—the art of energetically aligning yourself with your highest possible future. Bree explains how the Akashic Records, often misunderstood as just a repository of past lives, actually offer a blueprint for both soul remembrance and future alignment. Together, Sana and Bree explore how energy frequencies, obstacles, and belief systems influence the timelines we manifest.If you're curious about unlocking your soul’s blueprint or wondering how to energetically align with the life you’re meant to live, this episode is your sign.About Bree Delacruz:Bree Delacruz is an Akashic record reader, energy healer, and spiritual guide. After witnessing energy healing transform her grandfather’s life, Bree dedicated herself to studying various healing modalities, including hypnotherapy and sacred energy clearing. She now helps others align with their soul’s highest potential and navigate their future timelines through quantum manifestation.Key Takeaways:Akashic Records are a metaphysical library containing your soul’s past lives and future possibilities.Quantum manifestation involves aligning your energy frequency with your desired outcomes.Belief systems and inner work are crucial in shifting timelines and manifesting your highest path.Challenges are simply obstacles—how you label them affects their energetic weight.Healing is about alignment, not striving.Connect with Bree Delacruz:Website: https://www.solandlunahealing.com/Instagram & TikTok: @solandlunahealingWant to be a guest on The Mindful Living? DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod• Threads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind• LinkedIn – Avik Chakraborty | Reema Chatterjee#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

The Art of Mindfulness: How Curating Heals with Rachel Vancelette

In this enriching episode of The Mindful Living with host Sana, we explore how art, mindfulness, and technology can beautifully intersect to nurture healing and connection. Curator and art-tech entrepreneur Rachel Vancelette joins us to share the story behind A Curator’s Sketchbook, co-authored with actor and artist Billy Zane. The book captures the behind-the-scenes journey of their exhibition Odyssey on the French Riviera, reflecting on grief, creativity, and community. Rachel opens up about how curating is not just an aesthetic act—but a mindful and emotional process of presence and reflection. She also dives into her platform Intro Expert, designed to foster human connection through creative virtual exchanges.About the Guest:Rachel Vancelette is a global art curator, art-tech innovator, and founder of Vancelette Global Art Acquisitions. She's the co-author of A Curator’s Sketchbook with Billy Zane and the mind behind Intro Expert, a platform that connects creatives across 40+ categories to inspire, earn, and share stories. Rachel believes deeply in the power of art to heal, empower, and build mindful communities.Key Takeaways:Art can serve as a powerful tool for mindfulness and emotional healing.Curating isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s an act of reflection and presence.Intro Expert is reimagining how creatives connect, collaborate, and earn.Digital spaces, when curated mindfully, can hold deep emotional intimacy.Journaling, sketching, and reflective creation help preserve moments and deepen intent.Creativity isn’t just expression—it’s a vital act of self-care in today’s fast-paced world.Connect with Rachel:Website: http://www.vancelette.com/BookPlatform: https://www.introxpert.com/Instagram: @rvanceletteWant to be a guest on The Mindful Living?DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/#podmatch #healthymind #mindfulliving #artforhealing #curatorsketchbook #rachelvancelette #billyzane #artandtech #mindfulnesspodcast #healingthroughart #creativecommunity

AI Meets Inner Work: Joshua Hale on Digital Freedom and Self-Development

In this illuminating episode of The Mindful Living, host Sana dives deep into the evolving landscape of AI and personal growth with Joshua Hale—AI strategist, digital freedom advocate, and founder of JH Media. From overcoming addiction and building a homestead to empowering entrepreneurs through AI, Joshua's journey is a powerful story of transformation and conscious tech use. They explore how AI can become a tool for mindfulness rather than a source of overwhelm, and how to embrace digital tools without losing authenticity.About the Guest:Joshua Hale is a self-taught AI strategist who went from high school dropout and addiction recovery to becoming a sought-after consultant helping small businesses scale with purpose. He is the founder of JH Media and Consulting, author of the upcoming book 15 Biggest AI Dangers You Will Face in Your Lifetime, and lives on a 10-acre homestead where he balances digital innovation with nature. His mission: help others thrive in the AI era without losing their values, voice, or autonomy.Key Takeaways:Joshua’s 10-80-10 approach to AI: Start and end with human input; let AI handle the heavy lifting in between.AI isn’t replacing humanity—it’s amplifying what already exists. Awareness is key.Deep fakes, surveillance, biased algorithms, and autonomous weapons are the real AI dangers—not robots taking over.Living in nature while working in tech helps Joshua stay grounded and focused on what matters.Future-ready tip: Explore local AI tools that prioritize privacy and control over data.Connect with Joshua Hale:Website: https://joshuahale.ioExplore his projects, book a strategy call, or learn more about responsible AI integration.Want to be a guest on The Mindful Living?DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/#mindfulliving #AIethics #digitalfreedom #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #joshuahale #selfdevelopment #wellbeing #technologywithsoul #homesteadingandtech