The Wellness Puzzle Podcast

What if the path to healing wasn’t about controlling your emotions—but allowing them? In this insightful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with author, speaker, and coach Manal El-Ramly, who brings a refreshing perspective on anxiety, emotional wellbeing, and personal transformation. With a unique blend of analytical thinking and grounded spiritual wisdom, Manal challenges the traditional idea of “managing” anxiety and instead invites us to transcend it. At the heart of her work is her powerful 5-4-3-2-1 framework, designed to help individuals reconnect with their Four Bodies—Physical, Emotional, Mental, an...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Rob Rene—former elite athlete, near-death survivor, and now a leading voice in natural health and faith-based healing. Rob’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After a near-fatal accident changed the course of his life, he began searching for deeper answers—beyond conventional medicine. What he discovered reshaped not only his health, but his entire philosophy on healing, purpose, and faith. Today, Rob is a keynote speaker, herbalist, molecular hydrogen researcher, and host of the “I Am Pain Free” podcast. Through his work, he’s helping pe...

What does it really mean to show up for yourself—especially when life looks successful on the outside, but feels misaligned within? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Valerie Pedigo, founder of Renewed Spirit Adventures, to explore the hidden reality of burnout among high-performing women. Valerie shares her personal journey from exhaustion and disconnection to renewal and purpose, and how that path led her to create transformational retreats and a global sisterhood dedicated to healing and reconnection. This episode goes beyond surface-level self-care and dives into what true healing looks li...

What if the secret to lasting health, vitality, and independence wasn’t just about what you do—but why you do it? In this episode, I sit down with highly respected wellness coach and fitness expert Carlos Reyes, a veteran of the health and fitness industry with over 30 years of experience. Certified by leading organisations including the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength & Conditioning Association, Carlos has dedicated his life to helping people not only improve their fitness—but transform their entire approach to aging and wellbeing. Carlos shares how a challenging start...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with author, speaker, publisher, artist, and entrepreneur Justine Martin to explore the extraordinary story behind her new book, Moxie. Justine’s life journey reads like a series of unimaginable challenges. From early childhood trauma and complex family dynamics to surviving sexual assault and domestic violence, she has faced adversity at levels most people could hardly comprehend. Her physical health has also been tested through chronic illness and multiple life-threatening diagnoses, including multiple sclerosis, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and an acquired brain injury. Yet Justine’s story is n...

What if the breakthrough in your relationship doesn’t begin with your partner… but with you? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Larry Bilotta, a man who spent 27 years in what he describes as a loveless marriage. Feeling disconnected, frustrated, and emotionally exhausted, Larry reached a point where something had to change. But instead of trying to fix his wife… Instead of demanding change… Instead of walking away… Larry made a life-altering decision: he chose to learn from the pain. And everything shifted. Larry sh...

What does it really mean to come home to yourself? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with therapist, speaker, and podcast host Malisa Hepner for an episode that feels like a warm embrace and a courageous invitation all at once. Malisa knows what it’s like to live with the noise of trauma. She also knows what it takes to move through it. Blending lived experience with professional expertise, she guides people beyond overthinking, perfectionism, and the fear of being seen — into a life that is grounded, authentic, and deep...

What happens when the people who are meant to guide you through life are suddenly gone?In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Mark Motsenbocker to explore his powerful story of loss, longing, faith, and ultimately—purpose. After losing both of his parents at a young age, Mark was left with a profound void, especially the absence of his beloved father. Rather than allowing that loss to define him, he embarked on a lifelong journey—searching for father.What he discovered along the way were unexpected mentors, guiding voices, and father figures who step...

What happens when you finally stop fighting, stop striving, stop trying to control everything… and simply let go?In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with author, speaker, actor, singer-songwriter, filmmaker, creator, and philanthropist Nikki Allen, who opens our conversation with a bold and honest declaration:“Most of my life has been difficult… until I decided to let go of my stress and let God be active in my life.”From a traumatic upbringing to a troubled marriage and painful separation, to experiencing homelessness, Nikki’s story is one of extraordin...

What happens when creativity, play, and purpose collide? You get Joel and Troy McRae — co-authors of delightful children’s books who are on a mission to inspire young people (and grown-ups too) to be more active, more creative, and a whole lot less hard on themselves.Joel is the writer, Troy the illustrator, and together they’ve created two much-loved picture books: Birdwatching Betty and Giraffe Cannot Play Hide and Seek. What began as heartfelt gifts for the children of friends has grown into stories that are now bringing joy, laughter, and important life lessons to readers of all...

What if your purpose isn’t defined by what you do—but by what you’re designed to carry and grow?In this soulful and faith-filled conversation, I sit down with Dawn Stephens, a self-proclaimed Fruit Pot, whose life and work are shaped by a powerful metaphor: we are vessels formed by the Potter, created to bear fruit—not pressure, performance, or perfection.Like the beloved main character in her award-winning children’s book The Little Pot, Dawn spent years searching for her identity through roles and titles—educator, wife, mother, fundraiser, sales manager, business owner, and e...

What happens after survival?After the pain, the addiction, the loss, the rebuilding—who do you become next?In this powerful episode of the podcast, Andrew sits down with Andrew Drasen, author of A Vision of Hope and creator of a transformative 90-day framework designed to help people turn pain into growth and live on purpose—not by accident.Andrew Drasen’s work was forged in adversity. His journey through addiction, incarceration, loss, and recovery forced him to confront the deepest question many of us avoid: Who am I when everything I built my identi...

Imagine waking up one day and not remembering the life you built — the faces you love, the dreams you once held close. For Shannon Michelle, that unimaginable reality became her truth after a horrific motorcycle accident left her in a coma, fighting for her life.Before the crash, Shannon was one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated interior designers and a devoted single mother to her beautiful daughter. Life was full, fast, and vibrant — until one ordinary weekend on the open road changed everything. Struck by a car, Shannon spent weeks hovering between life and death, her future uncert...

What happens when your body finally says enough—and you can no longer push, hustle, or power through?In this deeply moving and soul-awakening episode, I’m joined by Heidi Blackie, Occupational Therapist, speaker, consultant, and creator of UnshakableMe®. Heidi shares her powerful journey from chronic burnout and illness to healing, hope, and a profound reconnection with herself.For years, Heidi lived life at full speed—doing more, achieving more, squeezing everything she could out of each day. But beneath the busyness, her body was sending warning signs she ignored… until life delivered multiple losses in a shor...

Life doesn’t slow down. The clock is always ticking. The question is—how are you choosing to spend your time?In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, author, Ironman triathlete, nonprofit executive, and two-time cancer survivor, to explore what it truly means to live with intention when life reminds you just how fragile it is.Jeff’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. Within just two years, he faced prostate cancer followed by Stage 3B colorectal cancer—all while continuing to draw strength from the mindset forged through...

What if the smallest reactions you have each day are the very things shaping your leadership, relationships, and results?In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, I’m joined by Ilene Marcus—a powerhouse speaker, author, and innovator who knows how to turn frustration into fuel. With a no-nonsense approach and a sharp dose of humor, Ilene breaks down why your reactions speak louder than your actions, and how mastering yourself is the gateway to leading everything else more effectively.With over 25 years of leadership experience across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors—and responsibility for 10,000+ employ...

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Laurie Gerber, a life and relationship coach with over 20 years of experience helping thousands of individuals and couples create lasting love and meaningful connections. Laurie shares her personal journey from a near-divorce experience to becoming a leading expert in love and life coaching, guided by her signature “three H rule”: Head, Heart, and Hooha.We dive into the transformative power of The Handel Method®, Laurie’s approach to rebuilding relationships and creating the life you truly desire. She shares practical strategies for cultivating self-awareness, embracing vulnerability, and fostering love at any...

I sit down with speaker, trauma and brain injury survivor, and mental health advocate Nicholas Ruchlewicz for a deeply moving and perspective-shifting conversation.Nicholas has lived with anxiety and severe depression for more than 15 years. After a painful marriage breakup and a life-altering motorcycle crash that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, his world was turned upside down. What followed was a long, difficult, and humbling recovery—physically, mentally, and emotionally.Rather than allowing these experiences to define or defeat him, Nicholas chose to use his suffering as a platform for purpose. Through his recovery jo...

What does unconditional love look like when life has taken everything from you?In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Isobel Franklin — Founder, Speaker, Mental Health & Trauma Recovery Coach, Author, and Men’s Rights Advocate — whose life story is a living testament to resilience, healing, and transformation.Isobel has lived through the storm: addiction, abuse, homelessness, and losing everything she once knew. Rather than allowing the trauma of her past to break her, she chose to let the pain fuel her purpose. Through courage, self-work, and unwavering determination, Isobel rebuilt her life a...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of DNA of Design, I sit down with Caleb Matthews, founder of The SeeLink and an international motivational speaker with over 20 years of experience helping people uncover their purpose and live in alignment with their true design.Known for his unique blend of depth, humor, and spiritual insight, Caleb invites us to “see the links” — the often-overlooked connections in our everyday lives that reveal who we are, why we’re here, and how spirit, soul, and body work together according to our unique DNA of Design.Caleb’s journey into purpo...