Advertise on podcast: A Quest for Well-Being

— Change is one of the few certainties of life. Sometimes we choose it, sometimes it arrives unexpectedly, and sometimes it completely changes the direction we believe our lives are taking. Today, J. Reed Durand joins me for a conversation about self-mastery, resilience, personal responsibility, and our ability to navigate change with greater awareness and intention. We explore the idea that adaptability is not simply something we are born with—it is a skill we can develop and strengthen. We look at how we recognize our patterns and blind spots, remain grounded under pressure, question the beliefs and biases that influence our decisions, and become clearer about our values, purpose, and intentions. We also explore the important difference between trying to control what happens around us and learning to master how we respond to it. True self-mastery isn't about having all the answers or eliminating uncertainty. It's about knowing ourselves deeply enough to remain centered when life changes the plan. Ultimately, we ask: Can learning to accept, navigate, and grow through change become a pathway to greater freedom, meaning, resilience—and joy? Valeria sits with J. Reed Durand — He is the author of "Train to Change: Phase One: Self-Mastery." From Private to Chief Information Officer, J. Reed Durand is a realist and change practitioner with 40 years of frontline leadership experience in one of the world's largest and most complex institutions—the U.S. Army. Throughout his dual military and civilian careers, he led personal, team, and enterprise-level transformations while refining practical, field-tested approaches to navigating change in high-stakes environments. After retiring twice and reflecting on the patterns behind continuous change, he created the Train to Change series—blending leadership, psychology, philosophy, and organizational behavior into grounded, immediately usable strategies for personal and professional growth. His first book, Train to Change: Phase One – Self-Mastery, is available worldwide, and his follow-on Kindle eBook, Train to Change: Realism, continues the series into Phase Two. Reed's work bridges theory and lived experience, offering audiences a disciplined, deeply human approach to self-mastery. His core belief is simple: lasting transformation begins with taking ownership of your own development. He helps others understand change, prepare for it, and use it as a catalyst for growth in an increasingly complex world. To learn more about J. Reed Durand and his work, please visit:  https://managingchange.xyz/ and https://jreeddurand.com/

Some battles leave visible scars. Others unfold quietly within us—in fear, uncertainty, grief, anger, or the struggle to keep believing when life becomes painfully difficult. Valerie Sullivan, author of ZAY: Put on the Whole Armor of God, knows something about walking through those battles. Her journey has taken her from homelessness in Baltimore, where she arrived with a backpack and two young children, through profound challenges involving each of her three sons. Through it all, Valerie says her faith became the armor that helped her family keep moving forward. Inspired by her youngest son, Isaiah—Zay—the book transforms that message into the story of a young spiritual warrior who encounters forces of fear, confusion, and envy. Along his journey, family members equip him with the biblical armor of God: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Spirit. Our conversation explores what that armor can mean beyond the pages of a book. How do we choose faith when fear feels stronger? How can prayer change the way we respond to adversity? And how do we teach children that courage is not always about fighting back, but sometimes about finding the spiritual strength to remain grounded in love, truth, and hope? Valerie's story reminds us that even when we cannot choose the battles that come into our lives, we can choose what we carry into them. Valeria sits with Valerie Sullivan — She is the author of  "ZAY: Put on the Whole Armor of God." ZAY is a faith-centered children's book inspired by Valerie's three sons, Curtis, O'shawn, and Zay. Through Zay's journey as a spiritual superhero, Valerie teaches children that life's challenges can be met not only with physical strength, but through faith, prayer, God's Word, and the support of family. Her message is deeply rooted in her own experiences of hardship and resilience—from homelessness with her young children to seeing her sons overcome a shooting, serious mental-health struggles, and other life challenges. Through it all, Valerie credits her faith with carrying and protecting her family. Her journey from arriving in Baltimore with little more than a backpack to later appearing on a Times Square billboard reflects her central belief: our circumstances do not have to determine our future. Valerie's work is ultimately a message of faith, perseverance, hope, family, and choosing spiritual strength in the face of life's battles. To learn more about Valerie Sullivan and her work, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@valeriesullivan-l7u6i

— Today, we're exploring a fascinating question: What if healing involves more than the conscious mind—and more than the stories we're able to put into words? Howard brings together the worlds of Western psychotherapy, energy psychology, and shamanic healing through an approach called Dynamic Energetic Healing, or DEH. It's a model that invites us to look beyond traditional talk therapy and consider the deeper emotional, energetic, and spiritual dimensions of our experiences. We'll explore how unresolved trauma may continue to influence our lives, what it means to carry energetic imprints, and why healthy energetic boundaries may be important to our well-being. We'll also talk about behavioral muscle testing, shamanic journeying, the healing potential of imagination, and how ancient spiritual practices can be thoughtfully integrated with contemporary psychotherapy. Along the way, we'll ask some bigger questions: What does the body know that the conscious mind may not? How do we distinguish intuition from imagination? And can healing sometimes require us to explore parts of ourselves that cannot easily be explained through words alone? This is a conversation about expanding our understanding of what healing can look like—moving beyond what keeps us stuck and opening ourselves to greater awareness, connection, wholeness, and joy. Valeria interviews Howard Brockman, LCSW, DCEP  — He is the author of  "A Foot In Both Worlds: How Shamanic Healing and Energy Psychology Are Transforming Psychotherapy,  Dynamic Energetic Healing® & Essential Self-Care For Caregivers And Helpers." Howard is also a psychotherapist, energy psychology practitioner, and teacher dedicated to bridging the worlds of psychotherapy and energy-based healing. With over 44-years of experience in trauma-informed care, Brockman integrates traditional therapeutic models with shamanic practices such as soul retrieval, extraction of psychotoxic energies and spirit-guided interventions. As the developer of Dynamic Energetic HealingÔ, Brockman helps clients and practitioners alike explore the deep connections between the body, mind, and spirit. His work is rooted in both academic training and lived spiritual experience, offering a truly integrative approach to emotional and energy-based healing. When he is not writing, Brockman offers private sessions, workshops and practitioner trainings, helping others access the transformative power of blending Western psychotherapy, energy healing and shamanic practices in their personal and professional lives. To learn more about Howard Brockman and his work, please visit: https://www.dynamicenergetichealing.com/

— Today, we're exploring a question that many of us eventually encounter: What if creating a meaningful and successful life doesn't require us to constantly push, strive, and force our way forward? My guest, Sam Kukathas, is the founder of Soul Purpose Leaders and creator of Resonance OS. His work explores the relationship between the nervous system, sound and resonance, emotional patterns, purpose, and human potential, particularly among high-performing founders and leaders. Together, we'll explore why achievement doesn't necessarily bring fulfillment, how unconscious patterns can keep even highly successful people caught in cycles of pressure and resistance, and what may become possible when we begin creating from a place of greater coherence rather than force. We'll also dive into Sam's fascinating work with the human voice and sound frequencies, his understanding of nervous-system regulation, and some bigger questions around conscious leadership, spirituality, identity, and purpose. And perhaps most importantly, we'll ask: What happens when we stop measuring our lives only by what we accomplish—and begin paying attention to who we are becoming along the way? This is a conversation about moving from striving to resonance, from resistance to flow, and ultimately, toward a more joyful and authentic way of being. Valeria sits with Sam Kukathas — He is the founder of Soul Purpose Leaders, where he works privately with founders and leaders carrying multi-million and billion-dollar visions. Using his voice, he transmits specific sound frequencies that work directly on the nervous system to dissolve the stored emotional patterns keeping high performers stuck in cycles of force and resistance. He's also the creator of Resonance OS, a platform that makes this work accessible in daily 9-to-15-minute sessions. Described by Michael Beckwith as "a great addition to one's spiritual growth and spiritual path," Sam has appeared on 20+ podcasts sharing this work. To learn more about Sam Kukathas and his work, please visit: https://soulpurposeleaders.com/

Today we're exploring an intriguing and often controversial topic at the intersection of innovation, energy, and wellness: Brown's Gas technology and its potential applications for health and everyday well-being. We'll discuss what Brown's Gas is, how it differs from traditional hydrogen technologies, the science and engineering behind it, and the thinking that led to the development of the AquaCure system. We'll also explore why so many people are interested in this technology, the questions it raises, and how innovation can inspire us to think differently about supporting health and vitality. Valeria sits with George Wiseman — He is an inventor, engineer, and founder of Eagle-Research, best known for his decades of work developing Brown's Gas technology for both energy and emerging wellness applications. Raised as a rancher's son in a remote, off-grid environment, George learned early how to build, repair, and survive with limited resources, which influenced his lifelong commitment to practical and reliable innovation. After leaving the ranch in the late 1970s, he pursued a path in alternative energy and automotive systems, eventually specializing in fuel efficiency and combustion technologies. In the 1980s, he began developing Brown's Gas systems that could significantly improve fuel economy and even replace traditional torch gases at a fraction of the cost. Over time, George's work took an unexpected turn as customers began reporting potential health-related effects from the technology—something he initially dismissed. Years later, after personally experimenting with the applications and witnessing growing anecdotal results, he shifted his focus toward exploring its broader potential and developed his at-home device, AquaCure.  This mission became deeply personal following the loss of his wife after a long battle with Lupus, which intensified his commitment to sharing what he had learned. Today, George is driven by a singular goal: to make his technology accessible to as many people as possible.  To learn more about George Wiseman and his work, please visit:  https://eagle-research.com/ and https://www.aquacure.life/

—  What does it mean to truly heal—not only mentally, but physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Today, we explore healing as an inner pilgrimage, bringing together ancient spiritual wisdom and modern psychology to understand what helps us become whole again. At the heart of our conversation is Hildegard of Bingen's beautiful concept of viriditas—the "greening power" within us—and Alfred Adler's teachings on belonging, courage, purpose, and our deeply relational nature. We'll explore what happens when we feel disconnected from that inner vitality, how our struggles may be pointing us toward something that needs attention, and why healing is about more than simply eliminating symptoms. Danae talks about pilgrimage, creativity, spirituality, belonging, surrender, and the mind-body connection—and how each can become part of our journey back to ourselves. Perhaps healing isn't only about repairing what has been wounded. Perhaps it is about allowing something within us to come alive again—to feel our sap rising and rediscover our natural capacity for growth, meaning, and joy. Valeria sits with Danae Ashley  — She is the author of  "My Sap is Rising: A Pilgrimage of Holistic Mental Health Healing with Hildegard of Bingen and Alfred Adler."  The Rev. Danae Ashley is an Episcopal priest, Adlerian psychotherapist, international speaker, and voiceover actress in the Pacific Northwest. Danae uses art, music, drama, poetry, and movement in counseling, spiritual direction, and creation of ritual. She has written for various online publications, as well as being a contributor to podcasts, books, and producing a play about fertility struggle. Danae's book, My Sap is Rising debuted in March 2026. When not reading, writing, or speaking about Hildegard, you may find her traveling with her husband, making sure their rescue dog is living his best life, dancing with wild abandon to Celtic music, and singing serious karaoke. To learn more Danae Ashley about and her work, please visit: https://www.danaeashley.com/

— Today's conversation explores a powerful question: What if the most difficult moment of your life became the beginning of your most meaningful work? At the heart of this episode is From Patient to Advocate: Turning Survivorship into Impact, a book about what can happen after the shock of a life-changing diagnosis—when fear, uncertainty, and survival begin to transform into purpose, service, and hope. This is not simply a cancer story. It is a roadmap for anyone who has ever wondered what to do with the wisdom gained through adversity. We'll explore how lived experience can become a form of expertise, why our stories matter, and how people can move from feeling powerless to becoming active participants in their own healing and in the systems that shape their lives. We'll also talk about the emotional realities of serious illness, the role of mindfulness, therapy, community, and resilience, and the surprising ways advocacy itself can become part of the healing process. Ultimately, this is a conversation about turning pain into purpose, finding meaning in what we never would have chosen, and discovering that even our hardest chapters can become a source of contribution, connection, and hope. Valeria sits with Tim McDonald  — He is the author of  "From Patient to Advocate: Turning Survivorship into Impact: A Healthcare Advocate's Guide." Tim is also a healthcare advocate, speaker, and community builder who turned his stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis into a mission for change. He translates patient experience into meaningful action for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare organizations through leadership roles with Fight Colorectal Cancer, Man Up To Cancer, HOPA, and the PAN Foundation. Now host of Advocacy at Work, Tim uses storytelling and advocacy to raise awareness and drive impact. He is the author of the brand-new book, From Patient to Advocate. To learn more about Tim McDonald and his work, please visit: https://www.timmcdonaldadvocate.com/

— There are moments in life that change us forever—moments when everything we thought defined us suddenly falls away. The loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the collapse of a career, or an unexpected life transition can leave us asking one profound question: Who am I now? While these experiences can feel like the end of our story, they can also become the beginning of something entirely new. Sometimes our greatest breakdowns become the doorway to our deepest healing. Sometimes the very challenges we spend years trying to avoid become the teachers that lead us back to ourselves. Today, we're exploring what it means to transform pain into purpose, rebuild our identity after loss, and discover the resilience we never knew we possessed. We'll talk about why true healing isn't about returning to who we once were, but about becoming who we were always meant to be. And we'll explore how even life's darkest seasons can reveal unexpected gifts, deeper meaning, and a renewed sense of hope. Joining us today is Richard Lobo, bestselling author of The Trifecta Code, whose personal journey reminds us that our greatest crises don't have to define us—they can become the catalyst for profound transformation. Valeria sits with Richard Lobo — He is the bestselling author of "The Trifecta Code: When Crisis Becomes the Catalyst for Profound Change." The Trifecta Code is a powerful exploration of rebuilding life after profound personal loss. Following the collapse of his family, marriage, and career within the span of a year, Richard transformed his greatest challenges into the foundation of his life's work. With more than 15 years of experience as a senior creative film editor for the NFL, he understands what it takes to perform under pressure and has developed a practical framework to help others navigate adversity with resilience. Through his writing and speaking, Richard inspires people to embrace life's most difficult moments as opportunities for healing, transformation, and lasting personal growth. To learn more about Richard Lobo and his work, please visit: https://ricklobo.com/

— Today's conversation is about a health issue that affects millions of families but is rarely talked about openly. While it primarily impacts men, it often becomes a shared experience for couples. If your partner is waking up several times a night to use the bathroom, struggling with urinary symptoms, or simply saying, "It's just part of getting older," this episode is for you. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is an incredibly common condition as men age, yet many delay seeking help—even though effective treatments are available. The result isn't just interrupted sleep for them; it can affect the well-being, rest, intimacy, and quality of life of both partners. Today, we'll explore what BPH really is, the signs to look for, how to start compassionate conversations with a loved one, and the treatment options that can help men regain comfort, confidence, and a better quality of life. Joining us today is urologist Dr. Sravan Panuganti, who specializes in men's urologic health and is passionate about helping patients find effective, personalized solutions so they can get back to living life more fullyValeria sits with Dr. Sravan Panuganti — He is a urologist with Carolina Urology Partners and an assistant professor in urology at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, S.C. Dr. Panuganti completed his college education at the University of Pittsburgh. He then went on to medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in urological surgery at Jefferson New Jersey Hospitals in Southern New Jersey, followed by a fellowship in men's sexual medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. He is also a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. His specialty interests in urology include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). He believes in early intervention for BPH and is trained in a variety of treatment options. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, two kids, and dog. To learn more about Dr. Sravan Panuganti and his work, please visit: https://www.laborie.com/patients/conditions/optilume-for-bph/

— In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become disconnected—from ourselves, from one another, and from the natural world. We're constantly chasing the next task, the next notification, the next destination, often forgetting that some of life's greatest healing happens when we simply slow down and pay attention. But what if one of the most powerful practices for reducing stress, restoring mental clarity, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of peace wasn't another productivity hack—but simply spending intentional time among the treesToday, we're exploring the beautiful practice of forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku—a gentle invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse ourselves in nature through our senses. We'll talk about the growing science behind this practice, how it supports our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, and why slowing down may be one of the most profound pathways to joy. Valeria sits with Amanda Chapman   — She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1997 and has worked with people from all walks of life and ages from diverse backgrounds.  Amanda is also a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy; a Certified Heart Math Practitioner; a Certified Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapist; and a Certified Life Coach, with a specialty in Spiritual Direction. Amanda currently offers both counseling and nature-based services through a branch of Elizabethton Counseling and Arts Center, located at Shakti in the Mountains, in Johnson City, Tennessee.  Within her practice, Amanda specializes in what she calls Psycho-Spiritual Counseling, a blend of traditional psychotherapy or "talk therapy", outdoor or nature connection experiences, and spiritual direction or guidance. In addition to her counseling services, Amanda offers seasonal forest bathing experiences, which are guided nature walks, inspired by the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku," an outdoor practice that opens doors for physical and mental system regulation and relaxation and a reconnection to Mother Earth.  Amanda also offers workshops and facilitates community talks on various subjects, such as Spiritual Awakenings, How to Age with Grace and Gusto, the Hidden Powers of the Highly Sensitive Person, Animal Communication, and Embracing the Inner Child. She also hosts and guides a local monthly group that explores the nature of reality and spirituality.  Amanda's personal story of spiritual awakening will be coming out in a soon-to-be published nonfiction anthology, What Happened Next: Stories of Life Altering Encounters, and she is currently working on her memoir.  Amanda is a proud native of her community and loves sharing the magic of what nature and spirit can do for our hearts, bodies, and minds. When not working, Amanda can be found spending time with her granddaughter or just sitting in silence in her backyard woods, listening to the birds and watching the deer and squirrels, and the occasional neighborhood bear.  To learn more about Amanda Chapman and her work, please visit: https://www.oneforestworld.com/

— Today, we're exploring one of life's most profound and universal questions: What does true healing really mean? When facing illness, especially something as life-altering as cancer, it's easy to focus solely on the physical body. But what if healing is also about nurturing the mind, strengthening the spirit, cultivating hope, and discovering meaning even in life's greatest challenges? In this meaningful conversation, we'll explore the powerful intersection of science, compassion, faith, and integrative medicine. We'll discuss how lifestyle, emotional well-being, relationships, and our inner life can influence the healing journey, and why treating the whole person—not just the disease—may offer a more complete path toward health and resilience. Whether you or someone you love has been touched by cancer, or you're simply interested in what it means to live with greater vitality, purpose, and hope,  this episode offers wisdom that extends far beyond medicine.  Valeria interviews Dr. Francisco Contreras  — He is a globally recognized surgical oncologist and a pioneer in integrative cancer care. As President and Medical Director of Oasis of Hope Cancer Center in Tijuana, Mexico, he has spent more than four decades combining cutting-edge medical treatments with metabolic therapies, nutrition, and compassionate, faith-based care to support the healing of the whole person. Building on the legacy of his father, founder of Oasis of Hope, Dr. Contreras has helped thousands of patients from around the world while advancing a holistic approach that unites science, lifestyle, and the healing power of the human spirit. He is also an internationally respected author, educator, and speaker, having co-authored several influential books on cancer treatment, hope, and integrative medicine. To learn more about Dr. Francisco Contreras and his work, please visit: https://www.oasisofhope.com/

— What if the greatest obstacle to living a joyful, authentic life isn't what happens to us—but the patterns we use to cope with it?  Whether it's grief, fear, shame, or the desire to escape difficult emotions, many of us carry habits that quietly pull us away from ourselves. Today's conversation explores what it means to face those patterns with honesty, courage, and compassion, and how even our deepest struggles can become a doorway to healing, purpose, and freedom. We'll talk about resilience, self-awareness, the power of keeping promises to ourselves, and why following our inner compass may be the truest path back to joy. Valeria interviews Colleen Clifford  — She is the author of  "Life Beyond The Binge: A Commercial Fisherwoman's Journey Home." Colleen Clifford is also a commercial fisherwoman, speaker, and most importantly a mental health advocate.  As she moves through her 6th decade of life, surprisingly it's been her most authentic.  It wasn't until her late husband's death by alcohol-related suicide and her last dangerous drinking episode; that she vowed to change. Colleen explores through her writing and speaking opportunities the intersection of grief, binge drinking, suicide, resilience, and the hidden patterns we use to survive.  There is a silver lining in all the tragedy.  A promise made to her late husband and to herself.  To share her message, it only takes one time of drinking too much for a life to change forever.  Through podcast interviews, her book, Life Beyond the Binge, A Commercial Fisherwoman's Journey Home and speaking engagements, Colleen offers hope to others through non-judgmental curiosity and compassion. To learn more about Colleen Clifford and her work, please visit: https://lifebeyondthebinge.com/

— What if many of the struggles we face today—our relationships, self-doubt, anxiety, or the ways we cope with life's challenges—are rooted in emotional patterns that began long before we were aware of them? As children, we all have fundamental emotional needs, and when those needs go unmet, we often develop beliefs and protective strategies that help us survive but may no longer serve us as adults. In today's conversation, we'll explore the science of Schema Therapy and how understanding these deeply ingrained patterns can help us heal childhood wounds, cultivate self-compassion, build healthier relationships, and strengthen what therapists call our "Healthy Adult"—the part of us that can respond to life with wisdom, resilience, and love. Valeria sits with Dr. Leslie Muetzelfeldt  — She is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and she works with adults in private practice in Central London.   Her background includes neuropsychology, Intensive Care/ Major Trauma and Adult Mental Health. Dr Muetzelfeldt employs an integrative, person-centred approach using Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness and EMDR. Her warm and empathetic approach aims to help adults develop self-compassion and healthier relationships by processing childhood traumas, building emotional resilience, and an ability to tolerate uncertainty.  Learn more about Dr. Leslie Muetzelfeldt and her work!

— Why do we keep repeating the same painful relationship patterns, even when we desperately want things to be different? Why do some people fear abandonment, while others pull away when relationships become too close? And how much of our ability to love, trust, and feel emotionally safe is shaped by the experiences we had long before we entered our first romantic relationship? Attachment theory suggests that our earliest relationships create a blueprint for how we connect with others throughout life. These unconscious patterns can influence everything from our communication style and conflict resolution to our sense of self-worth, emotional security, and capacity for intimacy. The encouraging news is that these patterns are not fixed. With awareness, compassion, and intentional effort, it is possible to heal old wounds, develop greater emotional resilience, and create relationships built on trust, safety, and genuine connectionIn today's conversation, we'll explore the fascinating world of attachment styles, how they shape our inner lives and relationships, why so many of us get stuck in predictable cycles of conflict and disconnection, and what it takes to move toward more secure, healthy, and fulfilling connections—with others and with ourselves. Because at the heart of every human being is a desire to feel seen, understood, accepted, and loved. Valeria interviews  Marc Cameron — He is the author of  "Understanding Your Attachment Style: The Path to Overcoming Unhelpful Patterns and Building Healthy, Secure Relationships." Marc Cameron is an author, speaker, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Newport Beach, California specializing in couple's therapy. Alongside his private practice, Marc and his wife, Amy, lead How We Love, an organization founded by Milan and Kay Yerkovich birthed from their groundbreaking book on attachment by the same name.  Marc firmly believes that developing secure attachments is the key to creating strong and fulfilling connections between couples and within families. He guides people in enhancing communication, building trust, and deepening emotional bonds by helping them understand how insecure attachment styles create predictable dysfunctional relationship cycles—and how these patterns can be overcome. His book, Understanding Your Attachment Style (2025), outlines this approach in detail. In addition, Marc is certified in EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma and is a regular co-host on New Life Live!, America's top Christian counseling call-in radio program with a weekly audience of over 2 million listeners. Learn more about Marc Cameron and his work!

— Why do we keep finding ourselves in the same relationship patterns even when the people in our lives change? What if our greatest relationship challenges aren't simply about the other person, but about something within ourselves that's asking to be seen, understood, and healed? Relationships have an incredible way of reflecting who we are. They can reveal our deepest fears, our emotional wounds, our attachment patterns, and the beliefs we've carried about ourselves for years. Rather than seeing conflict as something to avoid, what if we began to see it as an invitation to grow? In today's conversation, we'll explore why we choose certain partners, how our early experiences shape the way we connect with others, and why healing begins with self-awareness. We'll talk about attachment styles, emotional resilience, and how intentional personal growth can help us move beyond simply surviving our relationships toward creating deeper, healthier, and more authentic connections. If you've ever wondered why the same challenges seem to repeat themselves in your relationships—or how changing yourself can transform the way you love—this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and a beautiful reminder that the path to meaningful relationships always begins within. =Valeria shares sacred space with Christina Ajagbe — She is the author of  "From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide to Personal Growth and Intentional Couple Connection." Christina is also an integrative practitioner who combines counselling, psychotherapy, and life coaching to help individuals and couples overcome obstacles, build confidence, and create more fulfilling lives. Her work is grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and positive change when supported within a safe, compassionate, and empowering environment.  Throughout her career, Christina has been deeply committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing through early intervention and personal development. She works with clients to increase self-awareness, identify unhelpful patterns, strengthen emotional resilience, and successfully navigate the transitions and challenges that arise throughout adult life.  Alongside her work with individuals, Christina has extensive experience supporting couples as a relationship psychotherapist. She provides a safe, respectful, and non- judgmental space where couples can explore the underlying dynamics of their relationship, improve communication, rebuild connection, and work towards meaningful and lasting change.  Her professional journey has included working within charity organizations and private practice, supporting people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. These roles have strengthened her appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and reinforced her belief in the transformative power of self-understanding and intentional growth.  Christina's personal story is one of self-discovery and authenticity. Like many people, there were periods in her life when she found herself following paths shaped by external expectations, education, and established systems. She often questioned whether she was pursuing what truly mattered to her or simply following a route she believed she should take.  Over time, she encountered experiences that brought a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment. What once appeared to be detours became valuable lessons, equipping her with wisdom, compassion, and insight. Through this journey, she came to understand that no experience is ever truly wasted when it contributes to personal growth and self- awareness.  By embracing her authentic self, Christina discovered a greater sense of peace, purpose, and alignment in her own life. These experiences continue to inform her work, enabling her to support others as they uncover their own potential, navigate life's challenges, and create lives that feel meaningful and authentic.  Recognizing that personal growth is a lifelong journey, Christina remains committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and development. She believes that when people begin living in alignment with who they truly are, the possibilities for growth, fulfilment, and transformation become limitless.  Through her blogs, courses, and professional work, Christina shares the lessons, reflections, and insights she has gained along the way, encouraging others to embrace their own journey with courage, self-awareness, and intention.  To learn more about Christina Ajagbe and her work, please visit: https://www.thekeyphase.com/