Advertise on podcast: DTRH Podcast

When I told people I was sitting down with a Reiki practitioner and Kangen Water distributor, I think some expected an argument. What they got instead was a conversation. Raquel Zertuche is a chef, culinary instructor, entrepreneur, Reiki practitioner, and wellness advocate whose journey has taken her from a traditional Hispanic Catholic upbringing into the worlds of holistic wellness, personal development, and community building. As someone who has spent over 16 years working in healthcare and believes strongly in traditional Western medicine, I was curious to hear her perspective. What followed wasn’t a debate, but an honest discussion about health, spirituality, food, entrepreneurship, personal experiences, and the beliefs that shape how we see the world. We discuss her years as a culinary instructor, her passion for teaching others through food, her experiences with Reiki healing, Kangen Water, faith, wellness, and the mentors who influenced her path. We also explore why it’s possible to disagree with someone while still respecting them and finding common ground. Whether you’re skeptical, curious, supportive, or somewhere in between, this episode is less about changing minds and more about understanding each other. At the end of the day, this wasn’t a debate. It was two people from different worlds sitting down to listen. Connect with Raquel Instagram (Wellness): @energy_frequency_vibration Instagram (Culinary): @raquels.authentically_made Online Ripple Effect: https://online-ripple-effect.mn.co

This week on DTRH Podcast, we sit down with Monica Pelayo, founder of Thriving Pathways LLC, Certified Hypnotherapist (CH), and certified Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®) practitioner helping people break free from the subconscious patterns that keep them stuck. After more than 21 years in the high-tech industry, including 4 years working in Intel’s CEO Office, Monica made a major career shift into transformational healing and mindset work. Today, she helps high performing professionals identify and rewire the invisible beliefs behind procrastination, self-sabotage, overthinking, anxiety, confidence issues, trauma responses, and unhealthy relationship cycles. RTT® is a powerful method that combines hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and neuroplasticity to uncover the root cause of limiting beliefs, many of which are formed during childhood and replace them with healthier, more empowering patterns. In this episode, we go beyond surface level self-help and into the real work: childhood programming, emotional triggers, family dynamics, accountability, infidelity, healing old wounds, and what it actually takes to stop repeating the same painful cycles. This conversation gets personal, honest, and uncomfortable in the best way, because real growth usually is. If you’ve ever felt like you’re repeating the same lesson in different forms, this episode is for you. Connect with Monica here: Instagram: @monicapelayohypnosis https://www.instagram.com/monicapelayohypnosis/ Website: https://thethrivingpathways.com/ Hypnotherapy Services: https://thethrivingpathways.com/hypnotherapy/ About Monica: https://thethrivingpathways.com/about-us/ Book your free 15-minute exploratory call: https://tidycal.com/monicapelayo/15-minute-meeting Breakthrough Weekly Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breakthrough-weekly/id1862376423 Breakthrough Weekly Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/breakthrough-weekly-7323899377230434305

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Loretta Graziano Breuning, founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and author of Habits of a Happy Brain, to explore how the brain chemicals we inherited from earlier mammals quietly run our lives. Loretta’s work breaks human behavior down to its biological roots... dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphin and explains why our brains evolved to chase rewards, seek status, crave connection, and avoid pain. Her perspective is simple but uncomfortable: these chemicals were designed for survival, not constant happiness. Once you understand that, a lot of your emotional ups and downs suddenly make sense. What stood out to me in this conversation is how much of what I thought was “personal failure” was actually old neural wiring doing what it was trained to do. The constant push to feel better, the restlessness, the craving for validation, the anxiety when things feel uncertain, all of it clicked when framed through the idea of the inner mammal. Not as something to fight or suppress, but something to understand and work with. As someone constantly juggling creativity, responsibility, and self-doubt, Loretta’s approach gave me language for patterns I’ve lived with for years. It helped me see why certain habits stick, why change feels so hard even when you want it, and why progress isn’t about fixing yourself, it’s about building new pathways one repetition at a time. This episode isn’t about quick hacks or toxic positivity. It’s about learning how your brain actually works, why feeling “up and down” is normal, and how awareness gives you real agency over your behavior instead of shame. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles you can’t explain, this conversation might give you the missing context. 🌐 Website / Institute https://innermammalinstitute.org https://innermammalinstitute.org/about/ 📸 Instagram @inner.mammal.inst https://www.instagram.com/inner.mammal.inst 📘 Facebook LorettaBreuningPhD https://www.facebook.com/LorettaBreuningPhD 📺 YouTube Inner Mammal Institute https://www.youtube.com/c/InnerMammalInstitute 🔗 All Links / Resources https://linktr.ee/lorettabreuning Find Dr. Loretta Graziano Breuning

At just 16 years old, CrazyBen is already proving that creativity has no age limit. Still in high school, this rising artist is carving his own lane with a raw mix of emotion, sound, and vision that feels far beyond his years. In his first-ever interview, Crazy Ben opens up about his childhood, the making of his debut album Alterlove, and what it’s like growing up in a generation that’s been online since day one. The conversation bridges two worlds , the digital native mindset of Gen Z and the reflective perspective of those who came before. What emerges is an honest, inspiring look at a young mind built for creativity, where technology, art, and emotion all collide. Experience the Intro to Advanced Insanity. Connect with CrazyBen: 🔗 Apple Music 📸 Instagram 🎬 TikTok

On this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, I sat down with Shelby Ring — founder of Ruby Riot Creatives, visual storyteller, and just a genuinely deep and wild soul. This isn’t one of those surface-level interviews about business and branding (Studio set ups and tech used). We talked about everything from growing up in a strict evangelical home to being a yacht chef in the Caribbean who ended up falling in love with a GoPro more than the grind. Shelby shares how she went from filming baitfish in crystal blue waters to building a two-city creative agency that helps people tell their story with confidence and style. But what stuck with me most was her honesty — about her divorce, her healing, and what it really means to step into your own identity. She opened up about the moment she asked her mom to stop praying for her marriage and just be her mom, and how that shifted everything. This episode goes deep into family dynamics, self-worth, femininity, religious baggage, and learning to show up for yourself. We also get into her new course, The Art of Being on Camera — it’s Godfather-themed (yes, you read that right), and it’s all about helping you stop overthinking and start showing up like a pro on video. 🎥 Sign up for the waitlist here: rubyriotcreatives.com/interview 💸 Use code DTRH for 15% off — if it still works, you’re welcome. 🎧 More from Shelby: rubyriotcreatives.com 📲 Follow her: @rubyriotcreatives And if this episode hits you like it did me, drop a review — especially on our Plugged collab. Shelby’s watching, and you already know the comment section is half the experience.

In this episode, I sat down with Dominique D’Vita—Certified Tantra Educator, trauma-informed Master Coach, and former cardiac nurse—to explore how pleasure can be a gateway to healing, transformation, and personal freedom. Dominique brings over 30 years of medical experience into her work as an intimacy expert, blending science with soul to help people activate their full power—emotionally, sexually, and energetically. We talked about: Her signature “Holy Tantra Trinity”: Sex. Money. Love. Why true healing begins in the body—not the mind How to unlock deeper intimacy and lasting pleasure (solo or partnered) Using orgasmic energy for manifestation and personal breakthroughs Creating emotional safety and reclaiming your erotic truth This conversation is all about embodiment, empowerment, and dropping the shame. Whether you’re curious about Tantra, navigating trauma, or craving more connection, this episode offers real insight—and real tools. Connect with Dominique D’Vita: 🌐 Website: YesTantra.com 💻 Courses & Programs: learn.yestantra.com ✨ Free Consult Quiz: yestantra.com/media-inquiries 📸 Instagram: @yesdvita

Welcome to Season 6 of the DTRH Podcast! After October’s chaotic finale, we’re back with more deep dives, unexpected twists, and raw conversations. In this inspiring and reflective episode, Shaina Reyes shares her incredible journey as a war hero and female combat veteran. She faced ISIS eye to eye alongside her comrades in Afghanistan and emerged with stories of resilience, sacrifice, and an unbreakable spirit. Shaina recounts the explosion that took so much from her but ultimately strengthened her soul, describing how a healer’s gift reminded her of her own ability to heal herself and others. Through her experiences in the military and beyond, Shaina has studied various healing modalities, including spirituality, religion, psychology, communication, and metaphysical arts. Her connection with God—or the universe’s plan for her—has guided her toward physical and emotional strength, as well as a deep commitment to helping others. From navigating the complexities of trauma to her passion for civic engagement and voting, Shaina’s story is a testament to perseverance and purpose. She hopes to write a book to bring awareness to the suffering we face as human beings and inspire hope and peace in our hearts. Tune in for a deeply personal conversation about patriotism, healing, and the lessons that shape our understanding of service and community. For more info check out and support: VFW Marion Post 661 & https://www.alpost180.org

In this episode of the DTRH Podcast, I sit down with Sandra Perez, a 30-something L.A. native and first-generation Mexican-American, for an open and compelling conversation. Sandra shares what it’s like working in law and navigating the unique pressures of being a first-gen woman, especially in a world quick to assume that a “pretty girl” must be someone’s baby momma. We dive deep into how she’s defying expectations, prioritizing her personal growth and career over tradition, and creating a life on her own terms. As we trade stories about relationships and reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, the conversation takes a personal turn—revealing a deeper connection between us that neither of us quite expected. This episode takes you down the rabbit hole of identity, ambition, love, and self-discovery—showing just how unpredictable the path to finding yourself can be.

Ready to laugh, learn, and maybe blush a little? In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of sex education with none other than Tim Lagman, a board-certified sexologist and pleasure advocate from Ontario, Canada, who’s here to make sexual health both informative and hilarious. Tim’s journey from escorting to becoming a top sex educator is nothing short of extraordinary, and he’s spilling the tea on all things pleasure, relationships, and the importance of laughing through the awkwardness. Join us as we tackle everything from polyamory and navigating different relationship dynamics to breaking down sexual taboos and, yes, the art of embracing those all-too-funny moments in the bedroom. Tim’s philosophy? Sex should be fun, liberating, and full of laughter—because if you can’t laugh at the fart noises, you’re missing out! This episode is packed with raw, real talk, plenty of laughs, and some seriously spicy advice you won’t want to miss. Tune in, get comfortable, and prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about sex! Learn more about Tim at Sex Ed with Tim and follow him on Instagram m @sexedwithtim.

In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, we sit down with Nick “Keeper” Catran-Whitney, an author, musician, and advocate for brothers who have experienced trauma alongside their sisters. Born in 1958 in San Francisco, Nick shares his unique upbringing as one of twenty-four siblings, recounting the challenges of frequent moves and limited formal education. Despite these obstacles, Nick became a voice for a rarely acknowledged group—brothers coping with the trauma of their sisters’ sexual abuse. Nick discusses his inspiration for writing HELPLESSNESS, the first book in a three-part series that sheds light on the mental health struggles of brothers who have had to confront the abuse of their sisters by their own parents. With no existing resources to guide him through his own pain, Nick wrote the book to fill that void, offering solace to men who feel isolated in their experiences. In this candid conversation, Nick reflects on his family’s complicated past, the process of healing, and his mission to help other men understand that even in their silence, they are not alone. Along the way, he also touches on his creative projects, including his podcast This Is For The Brothers, and life with his wife, Patti, their children, and his beloved German Shepherd, ODIN. To learn more about Nick’s work, visit his website at keepercatranwhitney.com, where you can find out more about his book HELPLESSNESS: The Mental Health Challenges Brothers Experience Once We Learn Our Sisters Have Been Sexually Abused By Our Parents. If you or someone you know is navigating similar challenges, this powerful book provides a much-needed voice for men and brothers, reminding them they are not alone in their journey. Join us for an insightful episode as Nick “Keeper” Catran-Whitney opens up about breaking the silence, finding strength in vulnerability, and the ongoing journey of healing.

In this episode of the DTRH Podcast, we're diving into the life and journey of Natalya, also known as Natalie, Natty, or simply Nat. A divorced, millennial ex-Mormon from Utah, now living in the lush surroundings of Oregon, Natalya has faced more than her fair share of personal tragedy over the past few years. Despite the challenges, she's embraced the chaos, dancing and laughing her way through life’s ups and downs. She firmly believes that crying—while sometimes necessary—is overrated (though she admits, as a Cancer, she still sheds plenty of tears). Currently in "rebuild mode," Natalya is determined to rise from the ashes, and she’s not just surviving—she’s thriving. Having built three businesses from the ground up, she’s discovered a lot about herself and the world around her, proving that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. With a personality that’s as dynamic as her journey, Natalya is an ENFP and an Enneagram 9, bringing a playful, "silly goose" energy to everything she does. Whether she’s catching up on her favorite Bravo shows or getting lost in the world of Outlander, Natalya is someone who finds joy in the little things while tackling life’s big challenges. Join us as we explore her story, filled with resilience, humor, and the kind of insight that only comes from rebuilding your life from the ground up. For more about Natalya, visit her website at [The Ripe Ruin](https://www.theriperuin.com), and follow her on social media at [@currently.coping] (https://www.instagram.com/currently.coping)

With the fallout of a few potential interviews, we had to go back to our roots,. ( soon if you ask me) we are out here in hopes to finding someone not to shy to talk to us, so you get Luis and I once more for a redemption of our first endeavor. Thanks for the support and constructive criticism, every bit helps! #Bodycount

Re upload of what started this all. Sorry for the ear rape before but ya boy finally discovered post.... thanks for all the love and support thus far. Here is the first couple episodes of what was body count but at a more easier to listen level.

Here’s a quick recap on what the last decade means to me and with no one else I’d rather podcast with, my best friend. Luis #2 (crunchy) was on the first shit episode when it was body count and it’s only right we discuss our childhoods briefly and the decade highlights and low lights, here is to more podcasting and to another decade of your friendship. CHEERS to everyone! Be safe and drink responsibly! Thank you for everyone who has been here since day 1, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! Here is to season 2! (Also the interlude with crunchy singing was a song I made for him while we were in high school, over 10 years ago!!!! it felt right to post since I’m feeling gross and nostalgic)

In this special season premiere of "Podcast Purgatory: The Greendale Chronicles," join IIana Pinsky on a poignant journey through life's transformative chapters. As IIana embarks on the transition from podcaster to YouTuber, paralleled by my journey from podcasting to fatherhood, delve into the profound intersections of personal growth and evolving priorities. IIana shares candid reflections on bidding farewell to the familiar world of podcasting to embrace the dynamic realm of YouTube content creation. Amidst the excitement of new ventures, IIana offers heartfelt insights into the profound joy and responsibility of my becoming a father, mirroring my own journey into parenthood. Through moments of laughter, introspection, and genuine connection, explore the parallel narratives of creativity, family, and the intricate dance of life's transitions. Join IIana as she embarks on a dual journey of self-discovery, weaving a tapestry of resilience, love, and the unending quest for authenticity.