May 13, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 281 - Qigong with John Munro

In this episode, we explore the ancient practice of Qigong and how it can be used to support physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Our guest shares insights into how this millennia-old tradition helps cultivate energy, balance, and resilience in everyday life.

We also discuss how Qigong fits into a modern lifestyle and why its benefits go far beyond simple movement. This conversation offers a fresh look at how working with energy can enhance health, focus, and overall vitality.

JOHN MUNRO

John Munro is the founder and head instructor of Long White Cloud Qigong, an international qigong school with a network of over 400 qigong instructors around the world. He is the author of four books on qigong, has previously served as Vice President of the New Zealand Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine and as Chairman of Natural Health Practitioners of New Zealand, and is a current member of the World Academic Society of Medical Qigong. He is passionate about bringing the essence of ancient philosophies and practices to a modern audience and making them easily understood and applicable in our daily lives.

John believes that our qigong practice should support us in living our lives to the fullest, so when he is not teaching courses, giving qigong healing treatments, or leading retreats and workshops, you can find John engaging in activities such as paragliding, scuba diving, or DJing for ecstatic dance events!

RESOURCES
https://longwhitecloudqigong.com/
https://www.instagram.com/longwhitecloudqigong/
https://www.youtube.com/@QiLife

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
https://thejornipodcast.com/episode-281-qigong-with-john-munro

May 9, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 280 - Your Body Is A Clock with Melanie Weller

This episode contains adult subject matter and some listeners may be triggered by this content. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we explore a surprising perspective on how the body holds deeper patterns that influence our health and wellbeing. Our guest shares how years of experience in physical therapy and biomechanics led to an unexpected discovery that reshaped her understanding of how healing connects to the cosmos.

We also discuss how the body’s own structure and function may be connected in ways we do not typically consider. This conversation invites curiosity about the hidden relationships between science, health, and the patterns that shape our experiences.

MELANIE WELLER

Thirty years of working as a physical therapist and athletic trainer combining biomechanics and neurotheology with patients that no one else could figure out gifted Melanie Weller a reputation as a vagus nerve expert—and “The Body Whisperer”. She trained with nationally and internationally renowned experts and collected certifications and credentials like fine wines.

Then, she had a health crisis followed by a marriage crisis and a lawsuit crisis. Her credentials did not help her make sense of the nonsense in her life. Turning to astrology, Melanie was led to an extraordinary discovery and the research to support it—our bodies are clocks that mirror the celestial architecture of the zodiac.

Our wellness depends on synchronizing our nervous systems with the cosmic dance of the solar system. She has used this information to take people out of pain, anxiety, suicide planning, and more. Melanie now teaches a revolutionary approach, uniting ancient and modern science in her Heretical Healing program.

RESOURCES
https://www.melanieweller.com/
https://substack.com/@melanieweller
https://www.instagram.com/embodyyourstar/

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
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May 6, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 279 - Holistic Healing and Self-Belief with Caren Paskel

This episode contains adult subject matter and some listeners may be triggered by this content. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we explore the connection between holistic healing and self-belief, especially in the face of life’s most difficult challenges. Our guest shares how personal loss, caregiving, and unexpected change led her to redefine her mission and embrace a deeper understanding of resilience and transformation.

We also talk about the role of community, self-care, and personal growth in navigating both grief and healing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in moments of deep struggle, there is space for evolution, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose.

CAREN PASKEL

Caren Paskel,​​ a best-selling author, speaker, and the founder of the Self-Evolution Education (S.E.E.) Foundation. With decades of experience in spiritual education and yoga principles, Caren guides individuals on a transformation journey, inspiring them to reach their fullest potential. As the former owner of EnSoul Yoga, facing the challenges of managing multiple studios while caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness, paired with a global pandemic, led Caren to reevaluate her mission, which is a testament to her resilience and an inspiration to all.

A firm believer in the power of community, Caren has inspired thousands through her Self-Evolution courses, retreats, and books, including her acclaimed work, The Power of Self-Belief. She has since expanded her mission to include self-caregiving support for caregivers, launching a program that promotes self-care practices for those caring for loved ones. Her philosophy centers on the idea that personal development begins with inner strength, amplified by a supportive community, and her programs ignite individuals with their full power of self-belief.

Caren’s work also emphasizes a holistic approach to agelessness, integrating disease prevention with energy management, emotional well-being, physical vitality, transformative relationships, and a deep sense of purpose. Through her teachings, she helps individuals cultivate longevity and fulfillment by aligning mind, body, and spirit. Her latest endeavors, including the Youthful Longevity Mastermind, reflect this philosophy, providing a space for deeper exploration into sustainable well-being and lifelong growth.

RESOURCES
https://carenpaskel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caren-paskel/
https://www.instagram.com/carenpaskel/
https://www.facebook.com/carenpaskelselfevolution/

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
https://thejornipodcast.com/episode-279-holistic-healing-and-self-belief-with-caren-paskel

May 2, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 278 - Processing Life with Faust Ruggiero

In this episode, we dive into a practical, no-nonsense approach to mental health. Our guest shares insights from his Fix It handbook series, offering real, actionable steps to help people take control of their wellbeing. Instead of simply talking about it, we explore clear strategies designed to create real change in your mental and emotional health.

We also take a broader look at the current mental health crisis and the challenges people are facing today. With decades of experience in the field, our guest offers a unique perspective on what he is seeing in his practice and what needs to change. It is an eye-opening conversation about personal healing and the bigger picture of mental health.

FAUST RUGGIERO

Faust Ruggiero’s professional career spans over forty years of cutting-edge counseling programs focused on professional excellence and personal life enhancement. A published research author, clinical trainer, and therapist, he has worked in diverse settings, including clinics for deaf children, prisons, nursing homes, substance abuse centers, inpatient facilities, and major corporations.

After earning his degree from Mansfield University in 1977, Faust pursued graduate studies in psychology at Illinois State University, contributing to research on children's cognitive responses to television. He later worked with adolescent deaf children, developing behavioral management programs, and provided substance abuse counseling at the Lehigh Valley Alcohol Counseling Center. In 1984, he joined Northampton County Prison, where he provided psychological and substance abuse counseling for inmates.

In 1989, Faust became president of the Community Psychological Center, offering services for individuals, families, and specialized groups, including veterans and first responders. He also developed corporate employee assistance programs and was recognized nationally and internationally for his business-focused counseling approaches. In 1994, he became a trainer for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Faust developed the Process Way of Life Counseling Program, a method incorporating over fifty internal human processes to help clients navigate life challenges. This approach became the foundation for The Fix Yourself Empowerment Series, beginning with the award-winning The Fix Yourself Handbook in 2019. Faust has appeared on national and international media, including television, radio, and podcasts, and launched his own radio show, Fix It With Faust, in 2021.

RESOURCES
https://www.faustruggiero.com
https://www.facebook.com/faustinspire/
https://x.com/faustinspire
https://www.instagram.com/faustinspire/

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
https://thejornipodcast.com/episode-278-processing-life-with-faust-ruggiero

April 29, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 277 - Embodying Your Purpose with Yuki Yoshii

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to embody your purpose, not just as an idea but as a lived experience. Our guest shares how shifting thoughts, beliefs, and subconscious conditioning can open the door to a more aligned and fulfilling life.

We also talk about the connection between self-realization, mindfulness, and holistic wellbeing, and how integrating these practices can lead to deeper connection with yourself and your purpose. This conversation invites us to move beyond simply thinking about your path and instead fully stepping into it.

YUKI YOSHII

Yuki Yoshii helps people live the life they truly desire by teaching them how to change their thoughts, beliefs, and subconscious conditionings, using over two decades of his spiritual journey and by connecting the dots between the field of spirituality, personal development, holistic health, and mindfulness.

Yuki is a former professional dancer turned into a guide to help people embody awakening through the practice of self-realization. He is also a former consultant for Bob Proctor and author of Soul Purpose Insights. Yuki holds a Master's degree in Holistic Health Education, specializing in consciousness and somatic psychology.

RESOURCES
https://www.skool.com/soulpurpose/about
https://www.instagram.com/yukiyoshii/
https://www.youtube.com/@yukiyoshii/videos

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
https://thejornipodcast.com/episode-277-embodying-your-purpose-with-yuki-yoshii

April 25, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 276 - Overcome Anxiety and Stress with Kavita Sahai

In this episode, we explore how women in midlife can better manage anxiety and stress while supporting their overall wellbeing. Our guest shares holistic approaches to restoring balance, increasing energy, and navigating this stage of life with more ease and confidence.

We also talk about why so many women put themselves last and how small, intentional changes can lead to big shifts in how they feel every day. This conversation is a reminder that midlife can be a time of renewal, growth, and empowerment with the right tools and support.

KAVITA SAHAI

Kavita Sahai is a holistic wellness expert, certified aromatherapist, Ayurvedic practitioner, yoga instructor, and holistic nutrition specialist dedicated to helping women in midlife reclaim their energy, reduce stress, and thrive through perimenopause and beyond.

As the founder of Vibes Tribe, a wellness platform designed specifically for women 40+, Kavita combines her wisdom with other experts in natural healing modalities with modern science to create practical, effective tools to help you live your best life. Her work has empowered thousands of women to transition through midlife with ease, confidence, and vitality.

With over a decade of experience in holistic health, Kavita’s journey began when she burned out from a high-pressure career in finance and turned to ancient healing practices to restore her well-being. Now, she’s on a mission to make self-care simple and accessible for women who have spent their lives caring for others—helping them finally put themselves first.

Through Vibes Tribe’s membership, courses, and community, Kavita shares the most effective breathwork, nutrition, movement, and mindset strategies to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

When she’s not teaching or creating transformative programs, you’ll find her experimenting with herbal remedies, practicing yoga, or exploring the latest research on longevity and optimal health. She lives in Florida with her husband, three kids, and dog.

RESOURCES
https://vibestribe.co/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/vibestribemembers/

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
https://thejornipodcast.com/episode-276-overcome-anxiety-and-stress-with-kavita-sahai

April 22, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 275 - The Transformation Soulution with Tammy Valicenti

This episode contains adult subject matter and some listeners may be triggered by this content. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we take a closer look at what true transformation looks like and how deep healing can happen faster than we might expect. Our guest shares insights from years of working with trauma, revealing a unique approach that helps people move through emotional pain in a way that feels more effective and lasting.

We also explore why so many people feel stuck in their healing journey and what can make the process more accessible and empowering. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on trauma recovery and what is possible when we have the right tools and support.

TAMMY VALICENTI

Tammy Valicenti, LICSW, is an international psychotherapist, speaker, and podcast guest. With expertise in trauma recovery, she has achieved remarkable success in co-transforming various forms of trauma. Through her engaging podcast interviews and impactful speaking engagements, Tammy offers hope and spreads awareness about how the journey from pain to peace is more achievable than ever imagined. She holds a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University and a Bachelor's in psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

During her 25+ years of clinical experience, Tammy has developed Transformation Soulution™, a cutting-edge synthesis of EMDR, IFS therapies, dubbed "psychotherapy on steroids". This approach accomplishes in weeks or months what traditional psychotherapy achieves in years. Tammy practices modalities she has benefited from and invites you to do the same.

RESOURCES
https://www.tammyvalicenti.com/
https://www.instagram.com/transformationsolution/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-valicenti-licsw-3925798/
https://www.facebook.com/transformingsolution

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
https://thejornipodcast.com/episode-275-the-transformation-soulution-with-tammy-valicenti

April 18, 2025
The Jōrni Podcast
Episode 274 - Cultivating Resilience with Giovanna Silvestre

This episode contains adult subject matter and some listeners may be triggered by this content. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to cultivate resilience, especially in times of uncertainty and change. Our guest shares her journey of reinvention, from a career in Hollywood to a period of deep personal struggle that ultimately led her to a new path of self-discovery and purpose.

We also talk about how embracing confusion and uncertainty can be a powerful part of growth, rather than something to fear. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on navigating life’s twists and turns with courage, curiosity, and a willingness to redefine success on your own terms.

GIOVANNA SILVESTRE

Giovanna Silvestre, a visionary and trailblazer, embarked on a remarkable journey that took her from the prestigious halls of the University of Southern California to the world of entertainment. Beginning her career in Hollywood, Giovanna’s unwavering passion for creativity and innovation quickly distinguished her in the industry. Her sharp eye for talent and commitment to her craft led to a sought-after role alongside a renowned film director at a major studio.

However, after leaving the entertainment industry, Giovanna fell into a dark depression, a pivotal moment that forced her to confront her identity and purpose. This introspective time ignited her quest to discover who she truly was and why she was here on Earth, ultimately leading her to create her brand and write her book.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, Giovanna founded Confused Girl in the City, a unique activewear brand inspired by healing crystals. Driven by her determination and an innate sense of design, her innovative creations have garnered acclaim in prominent publications such as NBC and Forbes, while amassing a dedicated following of 400,000 on Instagram.

In May 2025, Giovanna’s highly anticipated book, "Confused Girl: Find Your Peace in the Chaos," will be released by Blackstone Publishing Company. Written during her two years of solo travel around the world, the book masterfully blends memoir and guidance, empowering readers to embrace confusion as a virtue that can lead to a fulfilling life.

Recognized for her influential voice and authenticity on major social media platforms, Giovanna exudes a magnetic aura that resonates with audiences everywhere. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and the transformative nature of embracing life's uncertainties.

RESOURCES
https://confusedgirlinthecity.com/
https://www.instagram.com/confusedgirlla/

Pre-Order the Book Now on Amazon
https://a.co/d/6wlXt8Z

THE JORNI RESOURCES
https://thejornipodcast.com for show notes
https://thejorniblog.com for more holistic healing and mental health resources
https://thejorni.com

LIKED THIS EPISODE?
Share this episode on social media and leave us a short review
https://thejornipodcast.com/episode-274-cultivating-resilience-with-giovanna-silvestre