R and R: Resilience and Rebirth

Ẓ̌ana

Welcome to R & R: Resilience and Rebirth , a podcast and community where your voice matters. This is a space for real stories, raw challenges, and hard-won triumphs. I'm Žana, a fearless European entrepreneur embracing vulnerability, transformation, and resilience. Some episodes will be in German, honoring my roots and inviting a multicultural, dual-language space. If you feel called to share your story, let’s connect. This is more than a podcast, it’s a movement. XoXo, Žana.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Episode 50: 🌱 Boundaries vs. Walls: Finding Strength Without Shutting Out Love

    In this episode of R&R, Resilience and Rebirth, I dive deep into the delicate balance between building healthy boundaries and hiding behind walls. Many of us grew up believing we had to protect ourselves at all costs, only to find ourselves cut off, lonely, or misunderstood. But here’s the truth: setting clear, intentional boundaries is an act of self-love, while putting up walls can keep us from experiencing the very connection we long for. I share my own journey of learning to let go, move on, and stand firm in my truth, even when others meet it with resistance. If you’ve ever struggled with the difference between guarding your heart and honoring your soul, this episode will meet you right where you are.  🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story, your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect. I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love , the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    21 min
  2. 18 SEPT

    Episode 49: Nick D.: From Shadows to Spotlight: 🌈Journey of Healing, Dance & Resilience

    In this powerful episode of R&R Resilience and Rebirth , I sit down with Nick, whose story is one of courage, creativity, and reclaiming identity. Growing up in a small Montana town where being “different” was unacceptable, Nick knew early on that he was drawn to men but felt silenced by his environment. Through the hardships of silence, trauma, and codependency, Nick discovered a profound passion for dance, first inspired by ballerinas in his hometown, and later blossoming into a career that took him all the way to Broadway as a performer, choreographer, and director. Nick opens up vulnerably about being molested at 12, struggling with acceptance both within himself and among other men, and navigating the cycles of seeking validation through others. His transparency reveals the deep challenges and the profound beauty of his healing journey. Today, Nick not only shares his story but also his artistry as a documentarian. His latest documentary, Body Electric, shines a light on the complexities of identity, self-love, and resilience. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and a testament to the human spirit’s ability to turn pain into purpose. 🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story, your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect. I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love , the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨Want to connect with Nick D. Here's a link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: Be sure to let him know you found her through the R&R: Resilience and Rebirth podcast; it means the world to me to know how these meaningful connections are made. 💖

    55 min
  3. 11 SEPT

    Episode 48: Ramon & Candice: Love, Disconnection & Rebirth: A Couple’s Journey

    In this powerful episode of R&R: Resilience & Rebirth, I sit down for the very first time with a couple who have weathered, decades of love, growth, and challenges together. Ramon and Candice open up about a raw season in their marriage, a time when they realized that, despite their deep love, something wasn’t working anymore. It was Candice who found the courage to voice what her heart was feeling, and thanks to Ramon’s emotional intelligence and unwavering commitment, he didn’t resist instead, he leaned in, choosing to stand fully beside her. Their story is a living testament to the strength of couples who choose to fight for each other, not against each other. They share candidly about the hard truths of emotional disconnection, loneliness, and neglect, but also about the deep courage, resilience, and love it takes to rebuild when you feel like you’re at the edge. This episode shines a light on the real meaning of lasting love: that even in the moments when you don’t like each other, the foundation of true love can carry you through. If you’ve ever been in a season of “I love you, but I don’t like you,” or wondered what it takes to move from disconnection back into deep connection, this conversation will leave you inspired, hopeful, and reminded that real love isn’t perfect , but it is powerful.🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story , your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect , I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love, the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    51 min
  4. 4 SEPT

    Episode 47: 💪The Courage to Ask: Why Seeking Help is a Superpower

    In this heartfelt episode of Resilience & Rebirth, I open up about the deeply human challenge of asking for help. For many of us, reaching out feels uncomfortable, shaped by our upbringing, early role models, or simply the habit of doing everything on our own. Our ego tells us we should manage alone, but true growth happens when we learn to stand in our truth and ask. I share my own personal journey of learning that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength. It is an act of authenticity, vulnerability, and courage, and even if the answer isn’t always what we expect, the process itself builds resilience and a deeper human connection. Because in the end, none of us accomplishes great things in isolation. We rise together.  🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story , your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect , I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments, I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love, the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    22 min
  5. 28 AUG

    Episode 46: Stephanie: When Love Isn’t Enough: Choosing Yourself After a Long-Term Relationship

    What happens when the life you’ve built with someone… no longer feels like your own? In this deeply moving episode of R&R: Resilience & Rebirth, I sit down with my dear friend Stephanie, a brave, beautiful soul who vulnerably shares her journey of walking away from a long-term relationship that had slowly shifted from love to obligation. Stephanie opens up about the emotional weight of becoming a caregiver in a partnership that once felt like home, and the silent guilt that kept her stuck far longer than her heart wanted. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the hardest decisions, the ones that feel like breaking something sacred, are actually the most loving acts of self-honor. If you’ve ever felt torn between loyalty to someone else and loyalty to yourself… If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s “selfish” to want more… If you’ve ever stayed in something out of guilt, fear, or comfort… This conversation will meet you right where you are. Stephanie's courage to choose herself is an invitation to all of us:  You are not wrong for wanting joy. You are not bad for needing freedom. And you are never too far gone to come back home to yourself. 🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story, your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect. I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love , the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    48 min
  6. 21 AUG

    Episode 46: Hiva: The Hidden Weight of High Potential: When Giftedness Becomes Burnout

    We often celebrate brilliance without seeing the burden it can quietly carry. In this soul-stirring episode of R&R: Resilience & Rebirth, I sit down with Hiva, a profoundly gifted woman whose intelligence was recognized early, but at a cost few talk about. As a child with a remarkably high IQ, Hiva wasn’t just learning; she was teaching. But behind the awe and admiration was a growing pressure… one that eventually led to burnout, self-doubt, and deep depression. Hiva’s story is a powerful reminder that success without rest, intelligence without nourishment, and drive without compassion can become dangerous. What was once labeled a gift became an internal prison of perfectionism, exhaustion, and isolation. Together, we explore: The untold emotional toll of being “the gifted one” How burnout can mask itself as ambition The critical need for rest, stillness, and self-acceptance The courage it takes to redefine success and reclaim your life This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like their potential came with pressure… and for those silently struggling behind high performance. Your worth isn’t measured by your output. And your brilliance includes your ability to rest. 🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story, your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect. I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love , the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨Want to connect with Hiva and learn more about Functional Medicine, and have the privilege to be coached by Hiva. Here's Hiva's Website link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hivamonshi.com Be sure to let her know you found her through the R&R: Resilience and Rebirth podcast; it means the world to me to know how these meaningful connections are made. 💖

    56 min
  7. 15 AUG

    Episode 45: Dr. Cynthia B.: Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of 7 Minutes Secret

    What if the key to unlocking your full potential wasn’t outside of you, but already within? In this transformational episode of R&R: Resilience & Rebirth, I sit down with the extraordinary Dr. Cynthia Bentzen, author, mindset expert, and powerhouse of human potential. Her book, Now, Near, Next, is a blueprint for turning the invisible parts of our minds into the fuel that drives our personal evolution. Together, we explore the truth behind self-doubt, fear, and untapped confidence, and how your greatest breakthroughs begin in your mindset. But here’s what makes this episode so actionable: Dr. Bentzen shares her signature lesson, the power of just 7 minutes a day. Yes, 7 minutes. She teaches us that setting aside seven minutes each day to reconnect with ourselves, reset our minds, and refill our inner tank can completely shift the trajectory of our lives. You’ll learn: Why human potential isn’t something we “gain,” but something we remember How self-confidence is built through daily micro-commitments The neuroscience of starting small and staying consistent Why 7 minutes of focused time can unlock a lifetime of change Whether it’s in the morning, your lunch break, or the school pickup line, those 7 minutes could be your gateway to clarity, purpose, and personal power. This episode is your reminder that you already have what it takes, you just need the space to let it rise. 🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story, your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect. I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love , the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨Want to connect with Dr. Cynthia B. Here's a link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: cynthiabentzenmercer.com Be sure to let her know you found her through the R&R: Resilience and Rebirth podcast; it means the world to me to know how these meaningful connections are made. 💖

    47 min
  8. 7 AUG

    Episode 44: Aireal: When the Dream Is Bigger Than the Breakdown: Brave Rebirth

    What happens when success comes faster than you’re ready for? When your dream takes flight but your foundation isn’t strong enough to carry it? In this soul-stirring episode of R&R: Resilience & Rebirth, I sit down with the incredible Aireal, a courageous entrepreneur, new mother, and radiant human being who opens up about the silent struggles behind her early success. Aireal’s journey isn’t your typical highlight reel. It’s raw, real, and deeply moving. She takes us into the pressure cooker of running a thriving business while navigating new motherhood, alone...of overwhelmed, and unsure how to ask for help. This conversation is a powerful reminder that falling doesn’t mean failure, and that sometimes the breakdown is the doorway to the breakthrough. You’ll hear: The unspoken toll of “doing it all” How ignoring the signs led to collapse, and clarity The courageous act of asking for help The beauty of starting over, stronger, wiser, and more aligned If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode is your reminder that your dream is still worth fighting for. Sometimes, you have to lose your footing to find your wings. 🎙️ Join the conversation, share your story, your voice matters. 📲 Follow R&R: Resilience and Rebirth for raw stories, deep insights, and soul-stirring conversations. 🎧 Tune in now and let this episode pour purpose and power into your day. 💬 Got a story to share or know someone whose voice needs to be heard? Let’s connect. I’d love to feature voices that heal, teach, and inspire. 🗳️ Don’t forget to vote in this episode’s poll and drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every single one. 🔁 If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, share it with someone who needs it and tag me. XoXo, Žana 💛 💌 P.S. Always stay rooted, grounded, and connected to Love , the strongest force in the Universe. 📩 Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Style.by.zana@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@zanahospitality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨Want to connect with Aireal Here's a link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠www.therareairacademy.comBe sure to let her know you found her through the R&R: Resilience and Rebirth podcast; it means the world to me to know how these meaningful connections are made. 💖

    55 min

Trailer

About

Welcome to R & R: Resilience and Rebirth , a podcast and community where your voice matters. This is a space for real stories, raw challenges, and hard-won triumphs. I'm Žana, a fearless European entrepreneur embracing vulnerability, transformation, and resilience. Some episodes will be in German, honoring my roots and inviting a multicultural, dual-language space. If you feel called to share your story, let’s connect. This is more than a podcast, it’s a movement. XoXo, Žana.