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Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
1 reviews
This podcast has
91 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2025/02/11
Latest episode
2026/10/22
Average duration
66 min.
Release period
6 days

Description

The *Activate and Illuminate Podcast with Melanie Wakelin* is a weekly celebration of real people sharing authentic stories of determination, perseverance, overcoming challenges, and simply choosing to show up. Tune in each week as we explore narratives that might challenge your assumptions, inspire you to show up differently, or even reshape your views on what's possible. You might find yourself moved to tears or eager to share this podcast with friends. Either way, we're thrilled you're here to listen, to discover how much is achievable, and to recognize that we're all active creators of our own lives. Through it all, our hope is to empower listeners everywhere to approach the world with a bit more optimism, equipped with fresh tools or a renewed mindset. Let's Activate, Baby!

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Check latest episodes from Activate & Illuminate with Melanie Wakelin podcast


The Science, Spirituality. and Mystery of Quantum Healing
2026/10/22
The Science, Spirituality, and Mystery of Quantum Healing What happens when we begin questioning the beliefs that have shaped our lives? In this episode of Activate & Illuminate, Mel Wakelin sits down with bestselling author, transformational coach, and quantum healing practitioner Lisa Schermerhorn for a fascinating conversation about consciousness, forgiveness, personal transformation, and the mysteries of healing. Lisa shares her journey from childhood trauma, learning disabilities, and years of feeling not good enough to discovering hypnosis, energy medicine, and practices that helped her reconnect with herself. She explains how challenging old beliefs, facing fear, and learning to let go transformed her relationships, career, and outlook on life. Together, Mel and Lisa explore the power of forgiveness through Ho'oponopono, the importance of observing our thoughts without becoming attached to them, and how emotional release techniques can help us work through difficult experiences. Lisa also shares stories connected to her work in quantum healing, her bestselling book In Every Belief Is a Lie, her appearance in the film Zero Limits, and her collaborative book We Are Quantum. The conversation also ventures into intuition, the future of healing, and Lisa's unusual experiences with emerging healing technologies. Whether you're curious about consciousness, personal growth, spirituality, or alternative approaches to healing, this episode invites you to question what you believe and consider new perspectives. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Lisa Schermerhorn 01:03 – Childhood challenges, trauma, and feeling not good enough 03:10 – Discovering hypnosis and the path to healing 08:29 – Finding your "why" and embracing out-of-the-box thinking 12:47 – Facing fear and the lessons of firewalking 16:13 – Divorce, forgiveness, and a new beginning 17:21 – Ho'oponopono and the power of forgiveness 20:11 – In Every Belief Is a Lie and the film Zero Limits 22:08 – Living with zero limits and entering a state of flow 27:54 – Lisa's experiences with quantum healing 31:27 – We Are Quantum and observing our thoughts 46:02 – Challenging our understanding of reality 46:21 – Emotional release, letting go, and finding peace 50:48 – The future of healing and the Deems Device 56:06 – The Awakening Summit and connecting with like-minded people 58:02 – Reinvention, gratitude, and living more freely 59:49 – Parenting, nature, and raising free thinkers 1:03:04 – Group quantum healing and Lisa's final reflections Key Takeaways • Our beliefs and early experiences can shape how we see ourselves and the world. • Facing fear can reveal strengths we didn't know we had. • Forgiveness can be a way to release the emotional hold of past experiences without excusing what happened. • Learning to observe our thoughts and emotions can create space for a different response. • Personal growth is an ongoing journey of questioning, learning, and discovering what matters most. Connect with Lisa Schermerhorn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaschermerhorncoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisafriedmanschermerhorn/ X: https://x.com/LisaCoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisaschermerhorncoaching Website: https://lisaschermerhorncoaching.com/ Connect with Mel Wakelin & Activate and Illuminate Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel Email: [email protected] Explore LifeVantage: http://protandimcanada.lifevantage.com/ Subscribe for more conversations that matter, featuring real stories of identity, alignment, and becoming. #ActivateAndIlluminate #QuantumHealing #Consciousness #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualAwakening
Is Ether The Missing Link Between Science, Consciousness & Spirituality?
2026/10/21
Toby Jacobs joins to explain his lifelong exploration of spirituality, physics, and consciousness, and why he believes the ether is the underlying life force behind reality. The conversation moves from big metaphysical claims to practical questions about healing, confidence, geometry, free energy, and how our environment shapes our sense of self.In this interview, Toby argues that mind, body, and spirit are different densities of the same fluid consciousness, and that understanding this can change how we think about healing, authority, and personal power. The discussion also touches on architecture, resonance, martial arts, and his book The Derivation of Reality. Key topics Toby Jacobs shares his background in spirituality, meditation, shamanism, martial arts, and physics, and how that combination led him to study the ether He defines the ether as the same underlying reality as qi, prana, life force, and consciousness He argues that modern science is too materialistic and reductionist to explain life or consciousness fully In this episode, Toby uses the image of water, bubbles, and fluid movement to describe atoms, particles, and the structure of the universe He explains consciousness as primary and the body as secondary, with healing beginning in the mind and filtering down into the body Toby and the host discuss how fear, hypnosis, and the illusion of authority can weaken people psychologically He connects martial arts, posture, and confidence to sovereignty, saying the body and mind visibly affect each other The conversation explores geometry, resonance, and why shapes, sacred buildings, and proportions like the golden ratio may affect consciousness Toby discusses free energy, Tesla, and the idea that electricity is generated by churning up etheric energy He frames hope more as balance and equanimity than optimism, and says the deepest excitement comes from understanding reality more clearly Toby explains his books and projects, including The Derivation of Reality, Entify, and The Body Efficiency Method Timestamps 00:00 - Toby Jacobs' background in spirituality, physics, and the search for the ether 01:13 - Childhood meditation, shamanism, martial arts, and the pull toward life force energy 03:10 - Why Toby is trying to prove the soul, spirit, and ether scientifically 04:13 - What the ether is and how qi, prana, and life force fit into the idea 05:42 - Why modern science talks about fields, dark matter, and quantum terms instead of ether 07:11 - Ether as a fluid, not just a field, and why that matters 09:00 - Toby's criticism of materialism and reductionism in science 10:49 - The universe as water, particles as bubbles, and consciousness as one fluid substance 13:24 - Consciousness as the creator and controller of the body 14:46 - How consciousness condenses into light, plasma, atoms, and the physical world 17:42 - Healing, mind-body unity, and why consciousness is primary 19:40 - The psychology of weakness, fear, and the spiritual-physical divide 22:04 - Mind and body as a two-way street, with mind still first 23:43 - Feeling energy as fluid, and the link between shamanic intuition and physics 25:35 - Why consciousness is not limited by physical distance 27:06 - Manipulation through separation, fear, and psychological control 29:31 - Placebo, nocebo, and how belief changes health and energy 30:28 - Martial arts, confidence, and how bullies respond to embodied sovereignty 34:10 - Media fear, conspiracy thinking, and psychological pressure 36:58 - The illusion of outward authority and why inward control matters 43:46 - The Derivation of Reality and the 50-step logical proof of the ether 50:11 - The three levels of ether: spirit, mind, and body 57:27 - Geometry, symbols, and why shapes can affect consciousness 59:25 - Resonance, tuning forks, and how geometry amplifies vibration 62:18 - Sacred architecture, golden ratio, and ancient buildings as technology 65:49 - Why older civilizations may have understood energetic technology better 67:16 - Brutalism, prisons, schools, and architecture that makes people feel weaker 70:36 - Toroidal spirals, coils, and the geometry of energy movement 71:36 - Free energy, Tesla, and the idea that electricity comes from churning ether 74:52 - Hope, despair, yin and yang, and equanimity as a philosophical stance 80:09 - What excites Toby most: understanding consciousness, the soul, and reality 84:23 - Healing through the idea of health and visualizing an energy body 87:16 - Aging, illness, and how repeated beliefs shape the body over time 90:23 - How our relationships and media environment affect our inner state 92:44 - Toby's website hub, books, and current projects 93:42 - The Body Efficiency Method and the role of posture, alignment, and efficiency   Guest Links https://purefluid.life/ https://the-coherence-studio.com/ Purchase book On Website with Discount Code: ACTIVATE https://www.youtube.com/@bodyefficiencytraining https://www.youtube.com/@unifiedaether https://www.youtube.com/@entifyworld   Connect With Mel: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel 🌐 Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ 📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected] 🛍️ Recommended Brands: https://www.activateandilluminate.com/brands
The Frequency You Live In Is Creating Your Reality With Chris Doria
2026/10/12
Summary In this enlightening conversation, Chris Doria shares his unique insights on resonance, frequency, coherence, and their profound impact on human life, sport, music, and society. Discover how returning distortion to coherence can transform personal and collective well-being. Keywords resonance, frequency, coherence, human performance, vibration, vibration, natural law, frequency shifting, subconscious rewiring, spiritual growth Key topics Frequency and resonance in human life Distortion vs coherence in society and self The role of natural law and vibration Tools for returning to coherence and self-awareness   Chapters 00:00Introduction to Chris Doria and his work 01:17Chris's childhood and understanding the unseen 02:02Growing up with sensitivity to unseen realms 03:13Life as a game of frequency 03:31Playing sports and understanding frequency in AFL 06:04Distortion and coherence explained 07:02The natural expression of frequency 09:04Chris's different roles and projects 11:41The Doria method and weekly reset 14:23Unique zero point frequencies 16:20Deprivation and abundance in frequency 19:54Main obstacles in life: living in distortion 20:21Mathematics of coherence and distortion 22:34Masculinity, femininity, and natural law 29:50Collaboration vs competition in society 36:57Music, frequency, and influence on crowd 39:51Disconnection through sound and frequencies 44:41Manipulation of frequencies in media and music 49:45Relationships as a reflection of frequency 01:01:01Parenting and imparting natural law 01:15:18How to find Chris Doria and his work 01:18:00Final thoughts: Life as a game of frequency   Guest Links: Website: www.chrisdoria.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrisdoria   Connect With Mel: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel 🌐 Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ 📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected] 🛍️ Recommended Brands: https://www.activateandilluminate.com/brands
The Mystical World of Mushrooms with Juliette Bryant
2026/10/06
In this episode of Activate & Illuminate, Melanie welcomes nutritionist, author, educator, and founder of the School of Earth Wisdom, Juliette Bryant. With over 20 years of experience in nutrition, plant medicine, superfoods, and holistic wellbeing, Juliette shares her wisdom on medicinal mushrooms, plant medicine, food sovereignty, natural health, and reconnecting with the healing intelligence of nature. Juliette is the author of Superfoods and How to Use Them and 7 Magical Mushrooms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 02:15 – Juliette's Journey Into Natural Health 08:30 – The Healing Intelligence of Nature 15:45 – Understanding Medicinal Mushrooms 23:10 – Food, Nutrition & Our Wellbeing 30:20 – Reconnecting With Plant Wisdom 37:15 – Food Sovereignty & Our Relationship With the Earth 44:00 – Trusting Our Own Innate Wisdom 49:30 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Juliette Connect with Juliette 📸 Instagram: @officialjuliettebryant 📘 Facebook: Juliette Bryant / Juliette's Kitchen Connect with Melanie 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel 🌐 Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ 📧 [email protected] 🌿 LifeVantage: http://protandimcanada.lifevantage.com/ #ActivateAndIlluminate #JulietteBryant #NaturalHealth #PlantMedicine #MedicinalMushrooms #Superfoods #HolisticHealth
One Hospital Stay Nearly Changed Her Life Forever
2026/09/29
What happens when a hospital stay leaves you unable to advocate for yourself? In this powerful conversation, Melanie speaks with returning guest Jane Scharf about her unexpected health crisis, hospitalization, medication, loss of mobility, and the importance of having someone who can advocate for you when you cannot advocate for yourself. Jane shares her experience with being heavily medicated, confined to bed, losing mobility, and eventually regaining her independence after leaving the hospital. They also discuss consent, capacity, power of attorney, living wills, rehabilitation, and questions surrounding long-term care and healthcare policy in Canada. Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction: Jane Scharf Returns 01:57 - The Fall That Changed Everything 04:00 - Discovering the Brain Bleed 06:00 - A Severe Reaction and ICU Stay 09:00 - When Medication Took Away Her Ability to Advocate 14:36 - "I Was Restrained in There" 15:00 - Consent, Capacity & Your Medical Rights 19:17 - What Jane Learned About the Healthcare System 24:00 - The Questions Nobody Was Asking 26:09 - Why You Need a Power of Attorney & Living Will 32:00 - Medication, Mobility & Loss of Independence 40:00 - What Happens When Patients Lose Mobility? 45:14 - The Research Behind Deconditioning 46:00 - Could Some Long-Term Care Patients Go Home? 48:00 - The Importance of Having an Advocate 54:51 - How to Challenge What Happens in Institutions 57:00 - Jane's Experience With Medical Decisions 1:02:00 - Healthcare, Long-Term Care & the Future 1:12:00 - How Jane Regained Her Independence 1:14:13 - Jane's Final Advice: Prepare Before You Need It 1:17:00 - Closing Thoughts  Connect with Jane: Facebook: www.facebook.com/mj.scharf.7 Website: www.grandjuryrising.ca Email: [email protected] Connect with Melanie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ Contact: [email protected] LifeVantage: http://protandimcanada.lifevantage.com/
The Hummingbird Mentality: What If You're Not Powerless? | Norman Traversy
2026/09/28
Former firefighter and paramedic Norman Traversy shares the extraordinary story of surviving serious injuries, PTSD, losing his career and home, and ultimately choosing to fight back. Norman discusses resilience, "divine mischief," intuition, challenging authority, and why he believes ordinary people have far more power than they realize. Chapters: 00:00 Norman's story begins 01:39 Life as a firefighter 05:57 PTSD & losing everything 08:57 The Hummingbird 11:13 Divine Mischief & OODA 17:14 "Buying" Canadian laws 30:03 The cost of fighting back 40:00 Divine timing 54:13 His upbringing & purpose 58:20 Are we the authors of our lives? 1:00:59 Supporting Norman Key Takeaway: Be the hummingbird. Do what you can, with what you have. Support Norman:  Website: https://www.givesendgo.com/werisetheyfall Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norman.traversy/ Connect with Activate & Illuminate 🎙️ Hosted by Melanie Wakelin Website: https://www.activateandilluminate.com Instagram: @activateandilluminate Facebook: Activate & Illuminate YouTube: Activate & Illuminate Podcast Listen on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe for new episodes featuring inspiring stories, personal transformation, spirituality, healing, and human resilience. #ActivateAndIlluminate #NormanTraversy #TheHummingbirdMentality #Resilience #Purpose #Courage #DivineTiming #PersonalPower
The Nurse They Called Ungovernable With Sarah Choujounian
2026/09/21
Episode Summary What happens when a nurse speaks publicly about what she believes she witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic and refuses to stay silent? In this episode of Activate & Illuminate, Melanie Wakelin sits down with former registered practical nurse Sarah Choujounian to discuss her journey from nursing and advocacy to disciplinary proceedings, the loss of her nursing license, and her ongoing appeal. Sarah shares what she says she witnessed while working in long-term care during the pandemic, why she chose to speak publicly, what she believes is at stake in her legal battle, and how the experience changed the direction of her life. The conversation also explores freedom of speech, informed consent, standing in your truth, rebuilding after adversity, and Sarah's new work in holistic wellness. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Sarah Choujounian 02:28 – What Does "Ungovernable" Mean? 05:16 – Sarah's Journey Into Nursing 08:25 – What Changed During COVID 11:05 – Why Sarah Spoke Out 11:28 – The Impact on Her Nursing Career 12:48 – Nurses, Regulation & Freedom of Speech 16:03 – What Sarah Says She Witnessed in Long-Term Care 18:00 – Disconnection, Trauma & Finding Your Truth 21:14 – Sarah's Legal Battle & Appeal 27:42 – Why This Case Matters 32:21 – Disciplinary Proceedings & Regulation 34:31 – The Allison Inquiry & Canada 37:18 – What Can Nurses Question? 39:13 – Sarah's View of Canada 41:38 – Sarah's New Path in Holistic Wellness 47:04 – How to Support Sarah's Appeal 49:05 – Trust in Institutions 51:04 – Rebuilding Trust & Living Outside the System 51:46 – What This Battle Has Cost Sarah 54:15 – Growth, Purpose & Finding Strength 55:17 – Sarah's Personal Mission 56:48 – What Sarah Wants for Canada 58:09 – Sarah's Upcoming Book 1:00:21 – Standing in Your Truth 1:04:11 – Final Thoughts Connect With Sarah Choujounian 🌐 Website: Sarah4Freedom.com 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/Sarah.Choujounian 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/Sarah_Choujounian 𝕏 X: x.com/SarahChoujounia ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@LightingUpDarkCorners 🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/SarahChoujounian Support Sarah's Appeal GiveSendGo: givesendgo.com/support-sarahs-cno-free-speech-appeal E-transfer: [email protected] Connect With Melanie Wakelin & Activate & Illuminate 🌐 Website: activateandilluminate.com 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/activateandilluminate 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/activateandilluminate 🎵 TikTok: @activateandilluminate ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel 📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected] About Activate & Illuminate Activate & Illuminate explores the stories, experiences, ideas, and journeys that challenge us to think differently, become more curious, and activate the potential within ourselves. If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review. Every share helps these conversations reach someone who may need to hear them. #ActivateAndIlluminate #SarahChoujounian #FreedomOfSpeech #MedicalFreedom #Canada
David Stephan | The Story Behind the Headlines Part 2
2026/09/18
Summary David Stephan shares his account of his son's death, his family's legal battle, and the conviction that was later overturned. He discusses the medical evidence, media coverage, multiple trials, and the questions he believes remain unanswered. Chapters 00:00 The 2019 Retrial 03:20 Cross-Examining the Forensic Pathologist 05:00 The Crown Appeals 06:30 The Psychological Toll 08:00 The Vaccine Issue Returns 10:45 The Third Trial 12:00 Missing Disclosure 13:00 The Media Narrative 16:20 Health Canada & the Bigger Battle 18:45 CBC & Natural Medicine 21:40 How the Family Was Portrayed 23:50 When Corruption Becomes Personal 24:25 The Jeremy & Jennifer Clark Case 27:30 Becoming the Reporter 29:00 The Alita Case 34:45 The CPSA Complaint 36:00 The Autopsy Report 40:00 The Nigerian Doctor Investigation 42:00 International Medical Licensing 48:50 Canada's Checks & Balances 52:20 Can the System Be Fixed? 55:00 Start With Yourself 57:15 Be Who You Are Supposed to Be 58:40 David's Films & Final Message 1:00:40 Change Starts From the Bottom Up Guest Links Documentaries: Epiphany: The Truehope Story: https://vimeo.com/1182457513 The People VS Stephan: https://vimeo.com/991774343 Sent Home to Die:    • Sent Home to Die: The Story of Baby Alita   Media Bezirgan's Nigerian Doctor Scandal documentary: Tag Media Bezirgan. David Stephan:   / david.stephan.568   Stand4Truth:   / stand4truth.ca   Connect with Mel Activate & Illuminate: https://activateandilluminate.com/
David Stephan | The Story Behind the Headlines
2026/09/15
NEW EPISODE: David Stephan | The Story Behind the Headlines David Stephan joins Mel on Activate & Illuminate to share his account of his son's death, the legal battle that followed, multiple trials, medical evidence, media coverage, and the questions he believes remain unanswered. This is a conversation about family, justice, accountability, and the lasting impact of a case that captured national attention. 🎥 Watch the episode and related documentaries: Epiphany: The Truehope Story https://vimeo.com/1182457513 The People VS Stephan https://vimeo.com/991774343 Sent Home to Die: The Story of Baby Alita https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Wu8bJQPQU 📲 Connect with David: Instagram: @stand4truth.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.stephan.568 🎙️ Connect with Mel and Activate & Illuminate: Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel Tag: @stand4truth.ca #ActivateAndIlluminate #DavidStephan #Truehope #ThePeopleVSStephan #MedicalFreedom
The Records, The River, and the questions surrounding Joel Mills Death
2026/09/08
Summary In this episode, Melanie sits down with Shelley Jo, a mother who has spent the past three years searching for answers surrounding the death of her 31-year-old son, Joel Mills. Joel was reported missing in September 2023 and was later found deceased in the Niagara River. Shelly Jo says records she obtained raise questions about the timeline surrounding his disappearance, hospitalization, death, and the handling of his remains. Shelly shares the documents, unanswered questions, and legal battles that have led her to continue searching for the truth about what happened to her son. Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Shelley Jo and Joel's story 03:20 – Who Joel was and why his loss was so devastating 05:43 – What Shelely was initially told about Joel's death 09:10 – The records and timeline that raised questions 15:01 – Breaking down the September timeline 17:13 – Questions surrounding Joel's CT scan and organs 23:40 – Was the case properly investigated? 30:28 – Concerns surrounding the autopsy report 33:07 – Shelley's biggest unanswered questions 38:55 – The search for legal and investigative help 41:58 – Missing records and unanswered requests 49:31 – The ongoing legal battle 56:09 – Why Shelely continues to fight for answers 59:14 – The impact on Joel's family Key Takeaways • Shelley Jo continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding Joel's death. • She says records she obtained contain inconsistencies that she believes require further investigation. • The episode explores questions surrounding Joel's hospitalization, death, autopsy, and the handling of his remains. • Shelley has pursued information through records requests and legal proceedings. • At the heart of everything is a mother's desire to understand what happened to her son and find closure. Guest Links GoFundMe: Support Shelley Jo's Search for Answers TikTok: Joel's Angel Mom on TikTok Facebook: Joel's Angel Mom on Facebook Please note: This episode shares Shelley Jo's personal account, experiences, and concerns regarding her son's death. Allegations and questions discussed in the episode have not been independently established as fact by Activate & Illuminate.
Married To The Morman Madoff: The Ultimate Ponzie Scheme
2026/09/01
What happens when the life you thought you built was actually built on a lie? In this powerful episode of Activate & Illuminate, Melanie Wakelin sits down with Andrea Merriman, who discovered after 20 years of marriage that her husband had secretly been running a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Andrea believed she was living a secure, successful life with her husband and their four children. She believed their investments were worth approximately $10 million. Then, in one devastating conversation, her husband revealed that his investment company was a sham, that he had been running a Ponzi scheme, and that their assets were being seized. Suddenly, Andrea was facing financial ruin, betrayal, single parenthood, public scrutiny, and the unimaginable task of rebuilding her life and helping her four children navigate the fallout. But this isn't simply a story about fraud. It's a story about resilience, forgiveness, integrity, identity, trust, motherhood, and the power to rebuild after everything falls apart. Andrea shares what she learned about recognizing financial fraud, why seemingly intelligent and sophisticated people can become victims, the importance of slowing down and doing your due diligence, and how a $5,000 hidden loss ultimately grew into a $20 million disaster. Most importantly, Andrea shares the lessons she discovered on the other side of devastation: that recovery is possible, that trust can be rebuilt, that forgiveness is a process, and that sometimes the hardest experiences of our lives can become the very things that make us stronger. Her message is simple but powerful: Don't let the worst thing that happened to you become the end of your story. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Andrea Merriman Andrea introduces her story and what it was like discovering she had unknowingly been married to a Ponzi schemer. 02:37 – The Life Andrea Thought She Had A successful marriage, four children, financial security, community involvement, and what appeared to be her dream life. 09:00 – The Conversation That Destroyed Everything Andrea's husband reveals that his company was a sham and that he had been running a Ponzi scheme. 12:17 – When Everything Was Suddenly Gone The house, cars, investments, savings, retirement and other assets were all scheduled for seizure. 14:17 – The First Hours of Shock and Survival Andrea describes leaving the house, trying to process what had happened, worrying about her children, and desperately trying to figure out what to do next. 18:00 – "I Need an Attorney?" Andrea discovers that she needs legal representation and realizes just how little control she has over the situation. 20:45 – Were There Red Flags? Looking back, Andrea identifies warning signs she didn't recognize at the time and discusses deception and compartmentalization. 23:23 – How Could Nobody Know? How her husband managed to maintain the deception for nearly two decades without his wife, friends, employees, accountant, sophisticated investors or even an IRS audit uncovering the scheme. 25:50 – How a Ponzi Scheme Actually Works Andrea explains how new investor money was used to fund the lifestyle and pay existing investors, and why the system eventually becomes unsustainable. 27:43 – When Fraud Hits Your Own Family Melanie shares why Andrea's story resonated so deeply with her, including her family's own experience with a Ponzi scheme. 29:34 – The Ripple Effect of Financial Fraud The consequences of fraud extend far beyond money, affecting families, children, relationships and entire communities. 30:59 – Financial Fraud Warning Signs Andrea shares practical advice about urgency, exclusive opportunities, unusually high returns, due diligence and independent custodians. 34:25 – Why Even Due Diligence Isn't Foolproof Andrea and Melanie discuss how scams can appear legitimate even after people investigate them. 36:00 – Rebuilding After Losing Everything Andrea explains how she discovered that financial devastation wasn't the end of her story. 37:34 – Learning to Trust Again How betrayal changed Andrea's ability to trust herself and others, and why rebuilding trust became a gradual process. 41:00 – Forgiveness Isn't a One-Time Decision Andrea explains why forgiveness has been an ongoing process as new information and new wounds surfaced. 44:39 – Letting Go of Guilt The difference between responsibility and undeserved guilt, and learning to give yourself grace. 46:41 – How a $5,000 Loss Became a $20 Million Crime Andrea reflects on how hiding one relatively small financial loss became the beginning of years of deception. 50:36 – Prison, Consequences and the Aftermath Andrea explains what happened after the confession, including the eventual prison sentence and release. 53:45 – Can a Family Forgive? Andrea discusses her children's relationship with their father and why forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean returning to the way things were before. 57:22 – The Unexpected Gifts of Losing Everything Less materialism, more time, resilience, courage, integrity and the freedom to make major life changes. 1:02:08 – Turning Survival Into a Mission Andrea shares how she began speaking nationally and internationally about fraud, ethics, integrity, resilience and comebacks. 1:04:41 – Everything Collapsed Except Me Andrea talks about the book she's writing about her experience and the story she hopes to share with others. 1:06:11 – "The Greatest Lie I Believed…" Andrea reveals that the greatest lie wasn't something her husband told her. It was the reality she believed she was living. 1:07:54 – What Are You Grateful You Lost? A surprisingly powerful conversation about relationships, material possessions, dishonesty and discovering who people really are. 1:10:36 – Recovery Is Possible Andrea shares some of the darker realities of what happened and why she believes people can heal after devastating experiences. 1:12:35 – One Thing Every Day Andrea explains how she rebuilt her life one small action at a time. 1:17:55 – From Surviving to Thriving The final lesson: survival shouldn't be the destination. Thriving is. Key Takeaways Fraud can happen to anyone Andrea never imagined crime or financial fraud would become part of her life. Her story demonstrates how deception can exist right beside you without you realizing it. Slow down when someone creates urgency "Act now or you'll miss out" is not reassuring financial advice. Andrea recommends slowing down, investigating thoroughly and doing your due diligence. Separate the investment advisor from the money Andrea emphasizes the importance of having an independent custodian so that the person managing investments doesn't have direct access to the money. Small ethical compromises can become enormous Andrea's ex-husband reportedly hid a $5,000 loss. Over the following years, that decision contributed to a $20 million Ponzi scheme. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting Andrea's experience demonstrates that forgiveness can exist alongside boundaries and changed relationships. Trust is rebuilt through a process After discovering that the person closest to her had deceived her for years, Andrea had to learn how to trust herself and others again. You are not responsible for someone else's choices Andrea spent years wrestling with guilt over marrying her ex-husband and not recognizing what he was doing. Eventually she learned to extend herself grace and recognize that she had made decisions based on the information she had at the time. Losing everything doesn't mean losing yourself One of Andrea's most powerful lessons is that material loss doesn't have to become personal destruction. Her identity, integrity and future survived. Recovery happens one step at a time Sometimes rebuilding means making one meaningful decision a day. Sometimes that means simply getting out of bed and taking a shower. Progress doesn't have to look impressive to count. Don't stop at survival Andrea's ultimate message is to move beyond simply surviving adversity and eventually use what you've learned to create something better. Connect With Andrea Merriman Andrea Merriman | The Unexpected Life Website: https://andreamerriman.com/ Instagram & TikTok: https://linktr.ee/andreamerriman Book: Everything Collapsed Except Me Speaking & Events: https://andreamerriman.com/speaker-inquiry Connect With Activate & Illuminate Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel Email: [email protected]
Why Bosnia and the Pyramids Could Change How We Understand Human Potential
2026/08/25
Episode Summary What if humanity has forgotten more about its own potential than we realize? In this episode of Activate & Illuminate, Melanie Wakelin speaks with Ajdin Ahmetspahić, Tourism Manager of the Bosnian Pyramids project, who has spent 17 years exploring the site and welcoming visitors from around the world. With a background in psychology and a lifelong curiosity about consciousness, ancient civilizations, and human potential, Ajdin shares his perspective on the mysteries surrounding Bosnia, the purpose of ancient structures, consciousness, energy, and the possibility that humanity is capable of far more than we currently understand. The conversation also explores Bosnia's history, cultural perceptions, unity, and why experiencing places and people for ourselves can challenge the stories we've been told. At its heart, this episode is an invitation to stay curious, question what you think you know, and remain open to possibilities beyond your current understanding. Key Takeaways Ancient structures may hold clues about humanity's past and potential. Ajdin believes consciousness may connect humanity in ways we don't fully understand. Human potential may be far greater than we've been taught. Curiosity and questioning are more valuable than rigid conclusions. We shouldn't rely solely on media or inherited narratives to understand other cultures. Unity and shared human experience may be more powerful than our differences. Sometimes the journey to understand ancient civilizations leads us back to understanding ourselves. Chapters 00:00 Meet Ajdin Ahmetspahić 02:27 From Psychology Student to 17 Years in Bosnia 06:32 Purpose, Curiosity & The Bigger Picture 09:52 Ancient Structures, Energy & Vibration 14:32 Were They Built for Us? 18:13 Time Capsules & Hidden Tunnels 24:18 Consciousness & the "Walking USB" 31:43 How Do You Wake People Up? 35:23 Do You Believe in Aliens? 36:24 The Hidden Side of Bosnia 43:46 Seeing the World for Yourself 47:54 Stories of Transformation 51:51 The Power of Giving 54:19 Stay Curious About Ajdin Ahmetspahić Ajdin Ahmetspahić is the Tourism Manager of the Bosnian Pyramids project and has been part of the Archaeological Park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun Foundation for 17 years. Originally studying psychology at the University of Sarajevo, Ajdin's curiosity about human nature, consciousness, and ancient civilizations led him from volunteer to guide, coordinator, and ultimately Tourism Manager. Today, he works with visitors from around the world and continues exploring the relationship between place, consciousness, human connection, and transformation. Connect With Ajdin & The Project Websites: Bosnian Pyramids: www.bosnianpyramids.ba Bosanska piramida Sunca: www.piramidasunca.ba Park Ravne 2: parkravne2.com Social: Dr. Semir Osmanagich: Instagram & Facebook Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun: Official Facebook Contact: [email protected] [email protected] This episode explores archaeological, spiritual, energetic, and consciousness-based perspectives discussed by Ajdin and the Bosnian Pyramids project. Some ideas presented are theories or interpretations rather than established scientific consensus.
Rethinking Everything We Know About Heart & Brain Health
2026/08/18
In this episode of Activate & Illuminate, Melanie Wakelin sits down with physician, author, and health educator Bill Code, M.D. for a powerful conversation about his decades-long journey through medicine, neurological illness, recovery, nutrition, oxygen therapy, and integrative health. After being diagnosed with a serious neurological condition in 1996 and being forced to leave his career in anesthesiology, Bill began exploring approaches to health and recovery that extended beyond conventional medical treatment. His journey ultimately led him into integrative medicine, nutrition, oxygen physiology, and patient-centered health education. Bill shares what he has learned from both sides of the medical system and emphasizes a central idea throughout the conversation: self-care is health care. From oxygen and microcirculation to omega-3 fatty acids, personal experimentation, prevention, and the importance of hope, this conversation challenges listeners to become more informed and active participants in their own health journey. Key Takeaways Your diagnosis may not tell the whole story. Bill discusses the importance of looking beyond a diagnosis to explore potential underlying triggers and contributing factors. Chronic illness requires a different approach. He explains why he believes conventional medicine can be highly effective for acute problems but often struggles with complex chronic conditions. Self-care is health care. Bill encourages people to take greater responsibility for their health while still recognizing the important role of physicians and medical care. Hope matters. Bill's own recovery journey demonstrates why maintaining hope and continuing to look for helpful tools can be powerful. The body is interconnected. Oxygen, circulation, nutrition, cellular function, and lifestyle all work together rather than existing as isolated systems. Microcirculation is an important piece of the puzzle. Bill explains his perspective on how small blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body. Oxygen plays a critical role in cellular energy. The conversation explores Bill's interest in oxygen therapy and its potential role in recovery. Nutrition can be personal. Bill discusses experimenting with different nutritional strategies and observing how his body responds. Measure, observe, and learn. He encourages people to track changes in things like energy, symptoms, and relevant biomarkers rather than relying solely on how they feel in a single moment. Recovery isn't necessarily linear. Bill shares how his own health has improved over decades through what he describes as finding individual "pieces of the puzzle." It's never too late to start. Bill discusses the potential for the brain and body to recover and adapt, offering a message of hope for people at different stages of life. Community matters. Bill believes meaningful change in healthcare can begin at the community and individual level. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Activate & Illuminate Melanie introduces Bill Code, M.D. and his fascinating journey from conventional medicine into integrative health. 01:55 – From Prairie Farm Boy to Physician Bill shares his early career as a rural family physician, his transition into anesthesiology, and his academic work studying the brain under anesthesia. 02:26 – The Diagnosis That Changed Everything Bill explains how a neurological diagnosis forced him to leave clinical practice and completely rethink his life and health. 04:00 – Finding the Pieces of the Puzzle His exploration of nutrition, vitamin D, eliminating gluten, supplements, oxygen therapy, and other approaches to recovery. 06:11 – The Importance of Relationships Bill reflects on his marriage, family, and the role relationships play in what ultimately matters in life. 06:52 – What's Wrong With the Healthcare System? Bill discusses how conventional medicine approaches diagnosis, chronic illness, and the "specialist merry-go-round." 10:59 – From Medication to Prevention How Bill's understanding of nutrition, lifestyle, and prevention evolved throughout his medical career. 13:06 – Are We Measuring the Right Things? A conversation about changing medical markers, laboratory testing, cholesterol, omega-3 status, and how healthcare evaluates risk. 15:27 – Self-Care Is Health Care Why Bill believes individuals need to become active participants in their own health. 17:27 – The True Cost of Being Unwell The conversation explores the financial and personal cost of chronic illness, missed work, and reduced quality of life. 19:03 – Losing Confidence in the Healthcare System Bill shares his perspective on growing public skepticism and the importance of giving people the information to make informed decisions. 21:21 – Oxygen: The "God Molecule" Bill explains why oxygen became such an important part of his personal health journey and his understanding of cellular energy and healing. 25:14 – Bill's Personal Recovery Journey He goes deeper into his diagnosis, early symptoms, fatigue, nutrition changes, and the process of finding what worked for him. 30:45 – How Do You Know What's Working? Bill explains his approach to tracking health changes, using measurable markers where possible, and keeping a personal record of symptoms and progress. 35:54 – The Connection Between Brain & Heart Health Bill identifies microcirculation as a key connection between cardiovascular and brain health. 40:32 – Omega-3s & Red Blood Cell Flexibility An exploration of EPA, DHA, cell membranes, blood flow, and oxygen delivery. 43:13 – Can the Brain Heal? Bill discusses neuroplasticity, recovery, and why he believes people should maintain hope about what may be possible. 46:47 – The Omega-3 Discovery That Changed Bill's Health Bill shares how learning about a different delivery method for omega-3s became another major piece of his personal health puzzle. 52:37 – Measuring Omega-3 Status The conversation explores omega-3 testing, biomarkers, and Bill's experience tracking his own results. 55:39 – Optimizing Health for Yourself & Your Family Why improving health isn't only about the individual, but can also affect families and future generations. 58:43 – Can Conventional & Integrative Medicine Work Together? Bill discusses the changes he believes need to happen and why he sees community-level action as an important part of the future of healthcare. 1:02:08 – The Canada Health Alliance Bill explains his involvement with the organization and its focus on education, community, and empowering people with health information. 1:07:04 – Orthomolecular & Natural Therapies Bill discusses his work with the International Orthomolecular and Natural Therapies Council and his current focus on nutritional counseling. 1:15:13 – Taking Your Health Into Your Own Hands Bill shares his vision for the future of healthcare and the importance of hope, personal responsibility, and accessible tools. 1:16:49 – The Role of Intuition in Health A conversation about intuition, personal experience, and learning to listen to yourself. 1:18:53 – Bill's Final Message: There Is Hope Bill leaves listeners with a message about taking health into your own hands, finding support, and moving forward at your own pace. Connect With Bill Code, M.D. 🌐 Website: billcodemd.com  📚 Books: Bill is the author of Winning the Pain Game, Who is in control of your MS: Peices of the MS Recovery Puzzle, Solving the Brain Puzzle, and Solving the Heart Puzzle. Order the Oil's Bill Code MD mentions  at http://zinzino.com/2020501526   🌿 Canada Health Alliance: Canada Health Alliance Connect With Melanie Wakelin 📸 Instagram: @activateandilluminate 📘 Facebook: Activate & Illuminate on Facebook ▶️ YouTube: Activate & Illuminate on YouTube 🌐 Website: Activate & Illuminate 📝 Substack: Activate & Illuminate on Substack 📧 Contact: [email protected]
Sound Healing as Medicine for the Future with Rea Tarnava
2026/08/11
Sound Healing as Medicine for the Future with Rea Tarnava Episode Summary: Melanie Wakelin interviews Rhea Tarnava, a practitioner of sound and vibration healing. Rhea shares her journey from architecture to integrative health, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that includes the mind, body, emotions, and spirit. She discusses the unique aspects of Russian medicine, her Infinite Energy Method, and the significance of intuitive development in healing practices. The conversation also explores the power of distance healing, the role of consciousness in health, and practical steps for individuals seeking to improve their well-being. Rhea encourages listeners to embrace their own power and explore various healing modalities. Key Takeaways: Rhea's journey into sound healing began with a desire to improve her parents' health. Integrative health considers the mind, body, emotions, and spirit as interconnected. Russian medicine emphasizes nutrition and preventative care over pharmaceuticals. The Infinite Energy Method taps into the unlimited potential of the human body. Intuitive development is crucial for practitioners in energy healing. Distance healing can be as effective, if not more so, than in-person sessions. Consciousness plays a significant role in healing and overall health. Maintaining one's energy is essential for personal and professional success. A team approach to health can provide comprehensive support during healing crises. Exploring different modalities can lead to better health outcomes. Resources Mentioned: Book: Power vs Force by David R Hawkins Connect with Rea: Website: http://www.infiniteenergyclinic.com/ Services: https://www.infinitebiofieldmedicine.com/book-online Classes: https://www.infinitebiofieldmedicine.com/courses Connect with Melanie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel Substack: https://substack.com/@activateandilluminate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizbloomercommunity/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bizbloomer Email: [email protected] Melanie's Business: LifeVantage Representative: http://protandimcanada.lifevantage.com/
Insight, Intuition, and Family Patterns With Kiara Hauch
2026/08/03
Episode Summary: Melanie and her daughter Kiara explore the world of spiritual gifts and intuition. Kiara shares her personal journey of discovering her intuitive abilities from a young age, how she has turned these gifts into a service for others, and the importance of setting energetic boundaries. They discuss the impact of childhood experiences, the significance of open conversations about mental health, and the effects of COVID-19 on young people's well-being. Kiara also shares her experiences with death, mediumship, and the lessons learned from close calls in her life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition, understanding timelines, and the necessity of boundaries in personal growth. Key Takeaways: Intuition is a lifelong lesson that requires trust. Energetic boundaries are essential for emotional well-being. Childhood experiences shape our intuitive abilities. Open conversations about mental health are crucial. Dreams can serve as a medium for spiritual work. Understanding timelines can aid in healing past traumas. Everyone has the potential to connect with their spiritual gifts. Episode References: Subscribe to the Activate & Illuminate Newsletter (for BONUS content and more): LET'S GET ACTIVATED Connect with Kiara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiara_hauch03/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiara.wakelin / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091585442914 Connect with Melanie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/ Contact Us: [email protected] Melanie's Businesses: LifeVantage Representative: http://protandimcanada.lifevantage.com/   Chapters   00:00 Exploring Spiritual Gifts and Intuition 04:24 Kiara's Journey into Intuitive Healing 06:38 Understanding Empathy and Energy 08:29 Nurturing Intuitive Abilities 10:41 The Impact of Vision on Intuition 12:35 Connecting with Others Through Healing 15:26 Navigating Grief and Loss 17:31 Lessons from Death and Spiritual Connections 18:36 The Importance of Mindset and Protection 20:21 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose 22:54 Navigating Tough Conversations and Mental Health 23:29 Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health 24:39 Friendship Dynamics Post-Pandemic 25:18 Understanding Dreams and Spiritual Insights 27:23 Purpose and Healing Journey 27:51 Exploring Timelines and Akashic Records 30:30 Establishing Boundaries in Life 33:34 Connecting with Others and Sharing Gifts Keywords spiritual gifts, intuition, energy healing, mediumship, boundaries, mental health, parenting, COVID-19, dreams, Akashic Records

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