Transforming and Thriving

Brooke Sacchetti, Stacie Weaver, and Neelia Heydt
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • EVERY TWO MONTHS

"Transforming and Thriving," hosted by 3 best friends (Brooke, Stacie, and Neelia) is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the stories of resilient, everyday women who have persevered through pivotal transitions and/or traumas. In each interview, you will learn about their strength, their courage, and the work they are continuing to do to move through life. In this community, you will find a space of support and motivational fuel to create meaning from the mess. Our podcast aims to highlight the message we all need to hear when going through the muck: You are not alone, and you too can transform and thrive. Let’s move through it together. See you there!

  1. 16 FEB

    The Power of a Shared Story: A Year of Healing & Transformation Recapped by Host Neelia Heydt

    "A story shared is a burden halved and a light doubled." In this special "Best-Of" reflection episode of Transforming and Thriving, Neelia pulls back the curtain on a year of profound growth. This isn't just a recap; it’s a love letter to the human spirit’s ability to bend without breaking. Neelia has curated a tapestry of the most raw, courageous, and unforgettable moments that sparked healing, built courage, and forged deep connections in our community. We’re revisiting the conversations that made us stop in our tracks, catch our breath, and realize: “It’s not just me.” In this episode, we revisit the heart-opening wisdom of: Stacie Weaver (Ep. 3): On the "unfiltered" reality of a difficult childbirth and postpartum challenges. Stacie reminds us why vulnerability isn't just a trait—it’s a mother’s greatest superpower.Cecily Kelly (Ep. 7): On the quiet battle with imposter syndrome. Cecily shares the intentional steps to reclaiming your seat at the table with unshakeable confidence.Erin Koppel (Ep. 8): On the heavy tides of grief and loneliness. Erin speaks to the life-saving necessity of a "forever community"—the people who stay long after the flowers have faded.Maryanne Hibner (Ep. 21): On the alchemy of healing. Maryanne walks us through how she navigated the shadows of childhood trauma to emerge into a life of vibrant purpose.What you’ll walk away with: A renewed sense of belonging and "we-ness."Actionable insights on navigating grief, career doubt, and trauma.The inspiration to start sharing your own story, knowing it has the power to heal others.Whether you’re a long-time listener or joining us for the first time, this episode is a warm invitation to break the silence and find strength in our collective journey. Join Neelia as she honors these incredible voices and celebrates a year of transformation. Tune in now to find the spark you need for your own next chapter. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6 Our philanthropy initiative is still going strong! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations! DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG at WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    20 min

  2. 2 FEB

    The Holistic Pivot: Healing, Leaving Prescriptions, and Finding Your Purpose with Dr. Arreanna Marko

    Join your cohosts Brooke and Neelia on "Transforming and Thriving" for an incredibly personal and insightful conversation with the inspiring Dr. Arreanna Marko, a chiropractor and holistic healer with a deep passion for whole-body wellness. In this powerful episode, Dr. Marko takes us through a significant "before and after" turning point in her life: the holistic way of thinking about health she encountered in chiropractic school. This profound shift led her to make the life-changing decision to transition off long-term prescriptions, including birth control pills and Adderall. She shares the raw details of the unexpected side effects she experienced—such as vision changes and panic attacks—and the tools that helped her navigate this massive transition, including supplementing cortisol, yoga, movement, and mindfulness. The conversation explores how this experience shaped her practice, leading her to offer mobile chiropractic services in South Orange County, a concierge model that allows her clients to feel calm and centered in their own homes. Dr. Marko also shares a profound moment helping a newborn and offers empowering advice for anyone feeling like they are losing passion or standing at a crossroads. Dr. Marko’s story is a testament to her belief that “If you're losing passion in your field, it's time to dig deeper.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning their health path, navigating a transition off long-term medication, or seeking a more fulfilling and whole-body approach to wellness. Find out more about Dr. Arreanna Marko and her work here: Instagram: @AlignedbyarreannaWebsite: www.alignedbyarreanna.comMention: Dr. Marko offers mobile chiropractic services serving individuals in South Orange County, where she also posts health tips and chiropractic care. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6 We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new Allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations!  DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG @ WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    28 min

  3. 5 JAN

    Beyond the Body with Pilates - Mindful Movement and Reconnecting with Your Confidence with Tawnya Vickery

    Join your cohosts Brooke and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for an enlightening conversation with the incredible Tawnya Vickery, a certified Pilates instructor and our first returning guest, back by popular demand! With her gift for helping people reconnect with their bodies, Tawnya dives deep into how movement can become a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and transformation. In this insightful episode, Tawnya shares her personal journey of finding herself and how Pilates became a central part of that process. She discusses the profound, real-life transformations she’s witnessed in her clients—not just physically, but also in their confidence and overall well-being. The conversation explores what Pilates truly is, moving beyond its reputation as just a workout to reveal its benefits for the mind and soul. Tawnya explains how this mindful form of movement focuses on building core strength and body awareness, helping countless people get in touch with their bodies and emotions. She also offers empowering advice for anyone looking to use movement to feel stronger and more aligned in their life. Tawnya’s story is a testament to her belief that “When we learn to understand, connect with, and feel at home in our bodies, we naturally align more fully with our lives. Pilates has shown me this over and over through the transformations I’ve witnessed in people.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the deeper power of movement and its ability to spark personal growth. Find out more about Tawnya Vickery and her work here: Instagram: @pilatestawnya Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new Allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations! DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG at WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new Allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6 We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    29 min

  4. 01/12/2025

    Beyond the Timeline: Navigating Societal Pressures, Second Chapters, and Finding Confidence with Erin Koppel

    Join hosts Neelia and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for a return visit with the inspiring Erin Koppel! Initially a guest on EPISODE 8: Perseverance and Overcoming the Loss of a Parent, Erin is back to share a completely new, yet highly relatable, chapter of her life focused on navigating external expectations and societal pressures on young women and embracing her own timeline.  Erin Koppel is a powerhouse with a Bachelor's in Kinesiology, a Club Pilates Studio Manager, and a Level 2 Lagree Instructor working toward her nutritional coaching certification. In this powerful episode, Erin opens up about the profound impact of facing external judgment and pressure about her appearance and age as she approached 30, specifically related to not yet being married or having children. She shares the personal challenges of confronting stereotypes and the internal work it took to protect her own path, including: Building confidence in self through therapy and positive self-talk.Learning to find humor in others' reactions and taking a step back to understand that she can only control her own attitude and response.How she navigated the societal "timeline" and found her beautiful second chapter—becoming engaged to a man who has two children and stepping into the role of a stepmom, or in her words, having “bonus children.”The essential role of clear communication, self-respect, and setting boundaries to manage external pressure and make choices that align with what is best for her and her loved ones.Erin's story is a testament to the fact that happiness is paramount, and it’s okay to take a path different from what society deems "normal." This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt judged or pressured to meet a certain life stage by a specific age. Connect with Erin KoppelFind Erin teaching Lagree classes at Trim Fitness Studio in Lake Forest: Mondays: 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 amThursdays: 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 pmSundays: 7, 8, 9, and 10 amInstagram: @erinkoppel Connect with the Podcast & Support Our InitiativeFind us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations! DONATION LINK: DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG @ WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new Allcove center your donations are helping to support here: [allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center.](allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center.) Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6 We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    25 min

  5. 10/11/2025

    Bridging Worlds: Helping Western Women Heal and Maasai Women Thrive with Silvia Resnik

    Join your cohosts Neelia and Stacie on "Transforming and Thriving" for a truly profound and inspiring conversation with Silvia Resnik, a transformational coach and the founder of the EmpowerHer project. Silvia helps women who feel burnt out and disconnected to find their purpose and joy. In this powerful episode, Silvia shares her major "before and after" moment: a trip to Tanzania that led to a deep cultural immersion with the Maasai people. This experience served as a powerful wake-up call, shifting her focus from external validation and corporate success to the profound happiness that comes from helping others. She discusses how this journey led her to create the EmpowerHer project, which supports Maasai women and children in their effort to end female genital mutilation (FGM), as well as her coaching program, Soul Warrior, which helps women find their inner voice and live a life they love. Silvia's journey is a testament to the idea that personal healing can lead to a profound impact on the world. She shares invaluable insights on how to reconnect with yourself, prioritize self-love, and set healthy boundaries to live a more fulfilling life. Find out more about Silvia Resnik and her work:  Website: silviaresnik.com  Instagram: @coachsilviaresnik  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvia.simple.life.journey  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachsilviaresnik  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-resnik-7381609b/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU_eG_Xl-y8 Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new Allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we are matching up to $1000 in donations!  DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG @ WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new Allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6 We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    26 min

  6. 27/10/2025

    From Public Education to Private Practice: Finding Your "Why" and Helping Moms Thrive with Katie Gerwel

    Join your host Brooke on "Transforming and Thriving" for a deeply insightful conversation with Katie Gerwel, a licensed professional counselor and the owner of Healthy Roots Counseling. Brooke shares her personal connection to Katie's work, expressing her anticipation for the episode as she navigates her own perinatal journey. In this episode, Katie shares a pivotal “before and after” moment in her life: her brave decision to leave her nine-year career in public education. She opens up about the profound feeling of not living her "why" and the barriers she faced in the school system that prevented her from truly helping others. This difficult transition ultimately led her to a new and fulfilling path—building her own private practice. This powerful conversation explores the challenges of career change and the importance of finding your true purpose. Katie shares how her journey from working with teens to specializing in perinatal and postpartum women was a natural evolution, driven by the realization that nurturing mothers leads to healthier families. She provides a wealth of knowledge and practical tips for new moms, including the importance of rest, mindfulness, and knowing when to seek professional help. Katie's story is a testament to the power of aligning your work with your purpose and turning difficult transitions into opportunities to help others thrive. Find out more about Katie Gerwel and her work: Instagram: @healthyrootscounseling.moFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Healthy-Roots-Counseling-100089949344585/Website: https://healthy-roots-counseling.com/Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations!  DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG at WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new Allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. Music by https://www.bensound.com The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    33 min

  7. 13/10/2025

    From Daughter to Matriarch: Navigating Mother Loss & Finding Your Path with Jenn Loyd

    Join your host Neelia on "Transforming and Thriving" for a powerful and deeply moving conversation with Jenn Loyd, a personal stylist and founder of Accessory To Love. Jenn, who empowers women to feel like the main character through curated style and bold accessories, gets incredibly personal as she shares her journey through profound grief and transformation. In this episode, Jenn opens up about a major “before and after” moment in her life: losing her mom and mother-in-law within three months, which suddenly made her the matriarch of her family at just 36 years old. She shares how she navigated this immense double loss while raising three young daughters and how this experience, particularly during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, forced her to adapt and grow in unimaginable ways. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into Jenn’s journey of processing grief, from feeling numb in the first year to embracing her emotions in the second. She shares the tools that helped her find her path, including journaling, prioritizing time for herself, and the importance of asking for and accepting help. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and how we can transform personal pain into a passion for empowering others. Find out more about Jenn Loyd and her work, or connect with her if you can relate to her loss and need support or connection:  Website: jennloyd.com  Instagram: @lovejennloyd  Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new Allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations!  DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG at WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new Allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6 We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    24 min

  8. 29/09/2025

    Transforming Grief & Loss Through EMDR: A Clinical and Personal Journey After Miscarriage with Katie Estberg

    Join your cohosts Stacie and Brooke on "Transforming and Thriving" for a profound and deeply personal conversation with Katie Estberg, integrative healing practitioner and Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology. Brooke shares how a professional connection with Katie blossomed into a meaningful friendship rooted in a shared commitment to helping others, praising Katie’s warmth, intelligence, and heart. In this episode, Katie bravely shares a pivotal “before and after” moment in her life: her experience with a miscarriage. She opens up about the profound grief and isolation she felt, and how this led her to an incredible breakthrough through her own use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She reveals how EMDR helped her uncover a deep, subconscious link between her adult grief and an early childhood experience of feeling alone, ultimately transforming her personal healing journey and professional purpose. This powerful conversation explores the complexities of grief, the truth about anger in the healing process, and the importance of self-care and resilience. Katie Estberg shares her unique approach to holding space for others, blending neuroscience with holistic modalities like EMDR and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to help individuals move through trauma and loss. Her story is a testament to the fact that profound personal pain can be transformed into a powerful mission to help others heal. Find out more about Katie Estberg and her work: Instagram: @magic_overmatters Website: magic_overmatters.co Stan Store: stan.store/katieestberg Find us here: https://linktr.ee/transformingandthriving We are so excited to announce the launch of our new philanthropy initiative! We invite all our amazing listeners to help support the incredible work our former guest Susan Parmalee is doing with the Wellness & Prevention Center by raising funds for their preventative and mental health programs that benefit young people, including their brand-new Allcove space in San Juan Capistrano, a place for youth to find community, support, advice, or even just a moment of pause. Your donations make a real difference, and to kick things off, we'll be matching up to $1000 in donations!  DONATION LINK: Support teen mental health here! Follow them on IG at WPCoc and learn about their mission to create a culture in which young people prioritize their mental health and have access to quality care. Learn more about the new Allcove center your donations are helping to support here: allcove: find your moment. find your space. find your center. Get your FREE meditation download: https://transforming-and-thriving.kit.com/40d6bfadc6 We love MoonBrew for help with sleep! Tastes yummy and filled with superfoods. Use this link for our discount: https://moonbrew.co/SF7GP3BC Music by https://www.bensound.com License code: BFZ5TTZVY9ZC7ZMK The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have. Listener discretion is advised.

    35 min
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About

"Transforming and Thriving," hosted by 3 best friends (Brooke, Stacie, and Neelia) is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the stories of resilient, everyday women who have persevered through pivotal transitions and/or traumas. In each interview, you will learn about their strength, their courage, and the work they are continuing to do to move through life. In this community, you will find a space of support and motivational fuel to create meaning from the mess. Our podcast aims to highlight the message we all need to hear when going through the muck: You are not alone, and you too can transform and thrive. Let’s move through it together. See you there!

Information

  • Creator
    Brooke Sacchetti, Stacie Weaver, and Neelia Heydt
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Transforming and Thriving