Advertise on podcast: The Ultimate Journey of Self-Care

Guest, Gerard Wouters, a Dutch Taoist master, author of eight books, and therapist for about 30 years, describes how he began studying with a Thai teacher after meeting him during a period of depression and loneliness. A central part of his approach is “unlearning” behaviors he considers unhelpful, especially worry, fear, and the belief that one is not good enough. He says these patterns are often treated as normal and reinforced by experience. In his view, fear can narrow a person’s attention, while worry and overthinking can prevent people from seeing what is happening around them. Gerard links feelings of inadequacy to early experiences, such as not receiving enough appreciation or having an adult take over a task before a child can learn it. He emphasizes that struggle can be part of learning, and that trying, making mistakes, and trying again can build confidence. He says life need not be a constant struggle, even though challenges can offer opportunities to learn. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:45 Meeting a Taoist Teacher 5:21 Why Pressure Undermines Happiness 7:58 The Wisdom of Unlearning 11:17 Letting Go of Fear 14:31 Breaking the Habit of Overthinking 16:38 Learning to Believe You’re Enough 18:14 Growth Through Life’s Hardships connect with Gerard website: https://thetaoistway.com book: https://thetaoistway.com/the-book SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison speaks with Eboné Bell about her work as a keynote speaker and voiceover artist, including presentations on leadership, belonging, using one’s voice, and difficult conversations. Eboné explains that fear is the main reason people struggle to advocate for themselves, and she discusses how honesty, vulnerability, directness, and kind delivery can make conversations less defensive. They also talk about self-regulation, stress, and how mental overwhelm can show up as clutter or difficulty focusing. Eboné recommends writing down everything on one’s mind, then prioritizing tasks instead of trying to do everything at once. A major part of the conversation focuses on self-advocacy in leadership and workplaces, including naming emotions like sadness, disappointment, or overwhelm so others can respond appropriately. Eboné ends by encouraging curiosity, responsibility, and taking action before things are perfect. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:14 Fear Behind Speaking Up 6:43 Future-Focused Decisions 10:13 Regulating Overwhelm 14:59 Honest Leadership 19:29 Vulnerability Builds Trust 21:52 Authenticity Opens Doors 24:08 Taking Responsibility Forward 28:26 Mindset Through Hard Times 31:56 Stay Curious, Keep Adapting 34:46 Start Before It’s Perfect connect with Eboné website: https://www.ebonebell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebone.bell SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison speaks with Vicki Lange, a key-note speaker and corporate trainer, about her three-step framework for creating change: awaken, define, and strengthen. They discuss how it is meant to help people who feel disconnected from their purpose, value, and voice, and how it can address issues such as burnout, comparison, and fear of rejection. Vikki also talks about how the framework applies to teams and leadership, including the value of understanding personality types, respecting boundaries, and connecting individual roles to a shared purpose. Lastly, Vikki shares how her personal health journey and strength training have shaped her view of building confidence. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:55 Purpose and Non-Negotiables 5:56 Fear of Rejection 9:18 Confidence Through Reps 13:53 Define Your Boundaries 19:04 Awaken, Define, Strengthen 22:56 Voice You Leave Behind connect with Vikki website: https://www.vikkilange.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterlosing100pounds SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison talks with Eric Woodard about why many people feel stuck, stressed, or misaligned in their jobs, and how mindset and wellness play into finding better work. He shares his career path through government and cultural institutions and explains how those experiences shaped his views on work and people. They also discuss patterns he has seen across careers, including the challenges of building a business and the need for human connection in a more automated world. Eric emphasizes building trust by focusing on other people, leading with curiosity, and making conversations more about listening than self-presentation. He also speaks about judgment, vulnerability, and not assuming we know what others are thinking. The conversation closes by discussing service, clear agreements, and being intentional and helpful in work and life. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:35 White House Breakthrough 4:14 Why Work Feels Hard 7:23 Make It About Them 11:24 Trust Over Credentials 14:23 Curiosity Beats Judgment 18:45 Reframe the Story 21:27 Service Over Pleasing 25:19 Lead With Connection connect with Eric website: https://go.winatwork.io SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison talks with Sarah Rawlings about her holistic approach to health, shaped by her experience as a mom of six, personal trainer, and health coach. They discuss how Sarah works with clients by looking beyond fitness to include nutrition, sleep, stress, work, relationships, and home life, and how she helps them clarify what they want and why. They also talk about consistency, movement, and small changes, including short walks, taking the stairs, and other “exercise snacks” that add up over time. Sarah emphasizes starting with one manageable habit, building routines around sleep and self-care, and focusing on steady progress rather than all-or-nothing thinking. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:47 Building Wellness Pillars 6:57 Finding Your Why 9:55 Consistency Beats Intensity 13:11 Mindfulness and Grounding 15:17 Start With One Step 17:13 Sleep Is Nonnegotiable 20:06 Make Yourself a Priority 21:06 Simple Tips to Begin connect with Sarah website: https://www.sarahjrawlings.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShifttoThrive IG: https://www.instagram.com/shifttothrive SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison speaks with special guest, Nancy McKay, about her personal journey through sobriety, a suicide attempt, and ovarian cancer, and how these experiences led her to leave oil and gas and become a life coach. They discuss Nancy's view that people are not broken when they cannot do things perfectly, and her focus on helping clients recognize their own wisdom rather than looking for answers outside themselves. They also talk about listening to the body, separating physical sensations from the stories the brain creates, and seeing relapse or setbacks as information rather than failure. Nancy describes her work with women in recovery and with those facing grief, burnout, divorce, retirement, and job loss, as well as her horse-based immersion sessions. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:26 Sobriety, Cancer, New Purpose 2:41 You Are Not Broken 6:56 Listen To Your Body 10:08 Choosing Help And Healing 14:40 Discipline Over Willpower 17:07 Brave Recovery Work 18:47 Healing With Horses 21:28 Immersions And Safe Space 24:28 Practical Tips For Healing connect with Nancy website: https://www.womenempoweredrecovery.com email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymckay SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison's guest, Katie Naughton discusses her family background in the automotive industry, her path through dealership work and becoming a dealership owner with her husband. She describes the dealership ownership experience as the point where she saw a need for more support among women in leadership and says many existing women’s events focused on shared frustration without offering much practical help. She wanted a space where women could connect, be ambitious, talk honestly about challenges, and work through them together. That led her to create Drive Her Forward, which she says is not limited to women in automotive. The work is aimed at women in leadership or women who want to grow, and she also describes leadership as something people can practice in their own lives. She says building her business has been a major part of her own development, and that entrepreneurship has been a deep process of learning who she is. She notes that managing the highs and lows of business is an important skill and that having community helps make challenges easier to handle. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:26 From Cars to Coaching 6:00 Building Women’s Leadership 11:02 Self-Care Through Entrepreneurship 15:48 Imposter Syndrome and Growth 19:16 Fitness as Mental Health 26:05 Build Your Life by Design connect with Katie website: https://www.driveherforward.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/driveherforward SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison talks with Javier Gutierrez, a former professional baseball player who now works with clients on strength training and overall fitness. The discuss his athletic background and how his own experience in sports shaped his approach to training and coaching. The conversation focuses on what getting stronger means over time and how strength is not only about appearance, but about supporting daily life, staying active, and maintaining quality of life as we age. They also discuss how training goals change with age, including recovery, movement quality, and preserving the ability to do the activities we want to keep doing. They also talk about the importance of balance, stability, coordination, endurance, and full-range movement. Javier shares examples from his clients, including older adults who want to keep hiking, traveling, and moving safely. Included, how strength can help with daily tasks such as getting in and out of cars, lifting luggage, and playing with grandchildren. Javier covers practical ways to stay consistent, including walking, adding small bouts of movement during the day, and not missing too many days in a row. He also explains his view that shorter workouts can still be effective, and that recovery, stress, sleep, and nutrition all matter for progress. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:16 What Strength Really Means 5:44 Strength Beyond the Gym 9:36 Recovery and Active Movement 14:58 Simple Consistency Wins 18:27 Staying Consistent Long Term 20:09 Online Coaching and Accountability 23:14 Health Is a Smart Investment connect with Javier website: https://www.javiergutierrez.net SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison welcomes Katie Kirklin, a registered nurse and certified functional nutrition counselor who is also training in nervous system regulation. The discussion focuses on digestive health and gut health, with an emphasis on both the science behind the topic and practical steps listeners can apply. Katie shares her personal health history and describes developing health problems in her teens and 20s, trying different diets and medications, and feeling that standard approaches did not address underlying causes. She then explains a major turning point in 2020 when an abnormal Pap smear and biopsy showed moderate cervical lesions. After choosing to make diet and lifestyle changes and working with a naturopath, she later received clear results, which led her to learn about functional nutrition and the idea of addressing root causes rather than isolated symptoms. The discussion moves to gut health and Katie explains that gut health affects nutrient absorption, the microbiome, and the gut lining. She describes leaky gut as increased permeability in the gut lining, which can allow proteins and pathogens into the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation. Katie identifies common inflammatory factors, including highly processed seed oils, ultra-processed foods, processed sugar, gluten for some people, and dairy for some people. She recommends reading ingredient lists rather than front labels and gradually increasing whole foods to crowd out processed foods. Alison and Katie also discuss the importance of individualized nutrition and reintroduction after elimination, since the gut microbiome benefits from diversity. Katie emphasizes that different people can respond differently to the same foods. They also cover the gut-brain connection. Katie describes the vagus nerve as a two-way communication pathway between the brain and gut and notes that most of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. She says these connections help explain why digestion, mood, sleep, and overall health are linked. In her client work, Katie starts with blood sugar balance, sleep, digestion, hydration, movement, and fiber intake. She recommends tracking food, symptoms, and bowel movements, and suggests beginning with a nourishing whole-food breakfast to support stable energy and better choices throughout the day. HIGHLIGHTS: 4:03 Functional Nutrition Journey 7:29 What Gut Health Means 10:47 Gut Inflammation Triggers 14:58 Understanding Leaky Gut 18:59 Body Systems Connected 27:43 Start With Breakfast connect with Katie website: https://www.katiekirklin.com SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Barbara McAfee, a vocal coach and author, joins Alison to talk about the importance of using our voice and how voice connects to communication, self-expression, and wholeness. Their discussion focuses on why many people feel held back by their voice and what can help them speak with more clarity and confidence. They start with the layers that can shape how we use our voice, including family messages, cultural expectations, past criticism, trauma, secrecy, and perfectionism. They also talk about how people may feel their voice does not matter or that they are not ready to speak. Barbara shares her framework of four vocal qualities: earth, fire, water, metal, and air. She explains how different tones can be useful in different situations, such as setting boundaries, speaking with tenderness, projecting without strain, or telling stories and introducing new ideas. Alison and Barbara also cover voice as a form of self-care. Barbara suggests playful ways to open up the voice, including pretending to be characters, voicing yawns, reading children’s books aloud, and listening to a playlist of singers with different vocal styles. She explains that these practices can help people expand their range and feel more at ease using their voice. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:35 Stories Behind Our Voice 5:57 The Four Vocal Elements 10:25 Voice as Self-Care 12:51 Why We Hold Back 14:33 Simple Voice Exercises connect with Barbara website: https://www.barbaramcafee.com SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison's guest, entrepreneur George Rivera, discusses how years of building businesses left him overworked and disconnected from his family, and how a comment from his dying father made him realize he was repeating the same pattern with his own son. He says the change did not happen immediately. Although he recognized the problem, it took about three years before he fully restructured his life. He was working long hours and became the main bottleneck in the business and describes realizing that he needed to stop doing tasks he did not like and focus on what he did best. Rivera says redesigning his business changed both his schedule and his family life. He reduced his workweek from about 90 hours to no more than 30, and says his income more than doubled. He also says he was able to keep his commitment to not missing his son’s games. George also describes creating spaces for men to talk about stress and family issues, and shares advice for founders to cut unnecessary work, automate repetitive tasks, and delegate outcomes. He says money can be made again, but time with children cannot be recovered. HIGHLIGHTS: 2:38 Legacy Sparks a Change 6:06 Redesigning for Freedom 11:05 The Come-to-Jesus Moment 18:47 Simple Steps to Freedom 21:08 Time Is Irreplaceable connect with George website: https://founderdadtables.com Before They Stop Asking (book): https://beforetheystopasking.com SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

If work-life balance is something you strive for, you won't want to miss this special re-broadcast! Alison interviews entrepreneur Allan Draper, diving deep into the intricacies of work-life balance and the entrepreneurial mindset. Allan reflects on the essence of being an entrepreneur, emphasizing that it transcends mere professional identity; it's an integral part of who he is. He identifies the enthusiasm for business creation not merely as a job but as a passion that permeates his very soul. This passion, however, can bring challenges when managing the delicate balance of work and personal life. He challenges the usual notion of work-life "balance," arguing instead for a concept he terms "focused imbalance," where success requires intense concentration on particular priorities. Allan outlines the significance of recognizing and prioritizing time allocation in various areas of life shares that true success is not defined by a relentless pursuit of balance but instead by thoughtful sacrifices in the short term to ensure long-term fulfillment. Allan shares the seven key life areas crucial for achieving what he deems true success: spiritual, family, mental/emotional, physical, professional, financial, and social. He places a personal spin on this framework, encouraging listeners to adapt it to their individual values and circumstances. As the discussion wraps up, Allan provides actionable advice for entrepreneurs struggling to identify their focus areas, suggesting they begin with goal-setting and calendar review to evaluate their true priorities. HIGHLIGHTS: 6:41 The Balance Debate 10:22 Seven Key Areas of Focus 25:21 Defining Your Legacy connect with Allan website: https://allandraper.com SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this episode Alison speaks with Matt Campbell about the “Primal Five,” which he describes as five foundational areas of self-care: movement, social connection, sunlight, sleep, and attention to what we consume. They discuss how these needs fit the way our bodies are made, while modern life can make them harder to maintain. They focus first on consumption, including scrolling, news, social media, alcohol, and ultra-processed food. Matt talks about how knowing what is healthy is not enough by itself, and how implementation is often the harder part. He also notes that many people are so used to being depleted that they do not recognize how much better they could feel. They then discuss movement and how physical activity supports mood, stress management, and energy. Matt talks about how regular movement can help with anxiety, improve focus, and create momentum for the day, especially when it becomes a routine rather than something based on motivation alone. They also cover social connection, sunlight, and sleep. Matt talks about the importance of meaningful interaction, the benefits of morning sunlight for mood and circadian rhythm, and the role of sleep in recovery, memory, mood, and anxiety. They end by discussing practical steps such as taking stock of weak areas, starting with simple habits, and combining healthy behaviors in ways that are easier to sustain. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:05 Consumption Overload 6:38 Movement Matters Most 10:28 The Power of Connection 13:40 Sunlight and Sleep 18:50 Biggest Struggles Today 26:04 Simple Primal Five Tips connect with Matt website: https://www.ourprimal5.com SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this special re-aired episode, Alison talks with Allison Davis about longevity and what it means to build habits that support long-term health. They focus on how to reset goals within a 60-day window and use that time to create practical changes. She explains that her work is designed to help women follow a clear, baby-step approach to longevity habits. They two discuss Allison's three-part framework: body work, brain work, and world work. Body work covers eating, drinking enough water, moving, sleeping, and breathing. Brain work includes journaling, reading uplifting material, decluttering, meditation or prayer, and creative activity. World work focuses on purpose, relationships, spiritual connection, volunteering, and taking action on what matters most. They also talk about the idea that habits are shaped by daily routine and environment. Allison shares examples such as keeping healthy food visible, placing shoes where they are easy to see, and setting up spaces to make desired behaviors easier to repeat. They close by discussing the value of starting small, repeating one change for 60 days, and using the process to support a fresh start. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:53 Meet Alison Davis 7:19 Three Pillars of Longevity 10:02 Building Healthy Habits 13:46 Mind and Environment Reset 18:06 Purpose and Connection 22:34 Simple Steps to Start connect with Allison Davis website: https://allisonmccunedavis.com free resources: https://allisonmccunedavis.com/resource-library SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this popular re-aired episode, Alison talks with Cathy Christen about self-care through the lens of energy, health, and intentional living and their conversation focuses on how nourishing ourselves can come from more than just sleep, food, and exercise. Cathy shares her background in entrepreneurship and explains that after years of pushing hard, she became burnt out and realized that success was not sustainable if she ignored her own wellbeing. They discuss the idea that energy has several parts: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Cathy describes how joy, meaningful relationships, mindfulness, and prayer all contribute to how she feels each day, along with practical habits like time blocking and choosing what matters most. She also explains how her approach changed after having children. Instead of following a rigid routine, she adapted her mornings to include meditation, affirmations, shared family time, and trade-offs with her husband so both of them can care for themselves. They close with practical guidance for listeners who feel overwhelmed. Cathy encourages starting with a clear reason for wanting better health, making a dreams list, finding support through a mentor or community, and being honest about what is draining versus what is life-giving. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:06 Energy and Self-Care Reset 3:39 Beyond Physical Energy 6:04 New Mom, New Routine 7:27 Four Kinds of Energy 10:01 Fueling What Matters 12:48 Finding Your Why 15:03 Dream Big, Live Intentionally 17:53 Life on Purpose 19:22 Delegate the Drain 22:04 Forgiveness and Healing 25:01 Start With a Mentor 27:25 Make Time by Choice 29:30 Closing Thoughts on Priorities connect with Cathy website: https://cathychristen.com Life As A Masterpiece book: https://a.co/d/06uMkQOW SPONSOR: Cellev8 Discount code: THEALISONK ALISON'S LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast Series JOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB Group INNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution