Elevated Life Academy

Cherie Lindberg

Welcome to Elevated Life: Stories of Hope and Healing with your host, Cherie Lindberg. Join us on a transformative journey, as Cherie engages in provoking conversations with leaders of the diverse realms of therapy and mental healing. Embark on a quest to understand the intricate tapestry of the human mind as we uncover the power of therapeutic modalities, new healing methods, and the intersection of psychology and spirituality. "Elevated Life: Stories of Hope and Healing" is not just a podcast; it's your compass on a journey to well-being, self-discovery, and societal harmony. Subscribe now to join Cherie Lindberg and her esteemed guests as they share insights, stories, and practical tips that illuminate the path to mental and emotional wellness. Whether you're a seasoned therapist, someone curious about mental health, or simply seeking inspiration for your own healing journey, this podcast is your guide to unlocking the potential within and fostering a more compassionate world. Tune in on Spotify, Audible, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms – because healing begins with understanding.

  1. 66: Less Tired, More Inspired: How Givers Can Thrive Without Burning Out with Phil Januszewski

    1 DAY AGO

    66: Less Tired, More Inspired: How Givers Can Thrive Without Burning Out with Phil Januszewski

    In this episode, we sit down with Phil Januszewski, nationally known keynote speaker, tattooed joy ambassador, and former high school chemistry teacher turned professional inspirer. After 20 years of teaching and witnessing too many brilliant educators, healthcare workers, and helping professionals running on empty, Phil made it his mission to help our world’s givers flourish again. Phil’s message? Thriving isn’t luck, it’s lifestyle. He shares the pivotal moment a single book, Big Potential by Shawn Achor, flipped his perspective and sparked his journey into the science of positive psychology. With his signature blend of energy, humor, and soul, Phil unpacks his framework from his keynote, “Less Tired, More Inspired,” guiding listeners through: How to identify the “-ers” that lift you higher (energizer, supporter, encourager).Why scheduling joy isn’t selfish, it's strategic.Ways to let go of the noise that drains your spark. Get ready for a conversation that mixes motivation with science, storytelling with self-discovery, and leaves you ready to show up to your life with more energy, more purpose, and more you. Tune in to learn how to rekindle your passion, sustain your purpose, and redefine what giving can feel like. Phil Januszewski is a nationally known dynamic keynote speaker that empowers our “givers” in the world to flourish more in their personal lives in order to create greater impact in their careers and community; all while avoiding burnout, boredom, and cynicism. Phil is an energetic speaker (since 2013), experienced educator (20 years), and charismatic creator. He holds a bachelor’s in chemistry, a master’s in teaching leadership, and a positive education certification. Known for his high energy, blend of entertainment and impact, and heavily tattooed skin, Phil lives out his personal mission of creating and spreading happiness through motivation, education, and entertainment. Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com Guest Links: Website: https://philjanuszewski.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilJanuszewskiSpeaks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philjanuszewski YouTube: https://youtube.com/@philjanuszewski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philjanuszewski Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philjanuszewski Twitter/X: https://x.com/philjanuszewski Positive Growth Clothing Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PositiveGrowthStore Link to Subscribe to Positive Growth Lounge Emails: https://mailchi.mp/efbb1914fa7b/join-the-positive-growth-lounge-email-list

    24 min
  2. 65: From Illiterate to Illuminated: The Transformational Path of John R. Spender

    6 APR

    65: From Illiterate to Illuminated: The Transformational Path of John R. Spender

    This episode dives deep into the remarkable journey of John R. Spender, founder of A Journey of Riches, writing coach, award-winning documentary filmmaker, and living embodiment of resilience. Once unable to read or write until age ten, John has since co-authored over 45 books, guided more than 450 authors across 50+ countries, and created an award-winning film, The Gift in Adversity, featuring thought leaders like Jack Canfield, Michael Beckwith, and Dr. John Demartini. In this intimate conversation, we explore how John transformed his early challenges, including childhood trauma and educational struggles, into fuel for purpose-driven storytelling that heals and inspires. He shares his evolution from landscaper to life coach, the pivotal moment his teacher recognized his gift, and how his time in Bali and the world of NLP shaped his coaching philosophy. Listeners will walk away with powerful insights on how to: Turn personal adversity into creative expression and purpose.Reframe life’s challenges through storytelling as a vehicle for healing.Build a global legacy rooted in authenticity, service, and resilience. This episode is a masterclass in transformation and a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to rewrite its story: one chapter at a time. John R. Spender is the founder of A Journey of Riches, a writing coach, and an award-winning documentary film director whose life journey is rooted in resilience and transformation. Despite being illiterate until the age of ten, John co-wrote more than 45 books and founded Abundant Publishing, helping over 450 authors from 50+ countries share their stories and achieve bestseller success. His award-winning documentary, The Gift in Adversity, which features global thought leaders Jack Canfield, Michael Beckwith, Dr. John Demartini, continues to impact audiences worldwide. John’s work centers on helping people turn life’s challenges into purpose-driven stories that inspire healing, growth, and authentic living. Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com Guest Links: https://www.facebook.com/john.rspender/ www.linkedin.com/in/john-r-spender-7a171630 www.ajourneyofriches.com www.youtube.com/@ajourneyofriches3672

    31 min
  3. 64: The Sacred Unknown: Grief, Play, and Becoming Who’s Next with Megan Malick

    23 MAR

    64: The Sacred Unknown: Grief, Play, and Becoming Who’s Next with Megan Malick

    What happens when the life you’ve built no longer fits, even as you’re still living it? In this episode, we sit down with Megan Malick, grief guide, speaker, and author of A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person’s Affairs. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified Brainspotting Practitioner, Megan invites us into a profound conversation about loss, identity, and the courage to live within the mystery of transformation. Three weeks before her first Brainspotting training in 2022, Megan’s mother died unexpectedly. By the end of that same training, her father’s illness and dying had begun. What followed was a season of deep reckoning: self-spotting, journaling, and learning to bring soul into the most practical parts of grief. In this conversation, Megan shares how her healing journey and Brainspotting experiences reshaped not only her work but her very sense of self. We explore how grief can be a creative companion, why “play” became her compass during uncertainty, and how listening to the quiet invitations of the soul can open portals to profound healing and purpose. If you’ve ever found yourself suspended between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming, this episode is a tender and illuminating guidepost for your own unfolding path. Key themes: Living with “the sacred unknown”Grief as a creative and spiritual processBrainspotting as a tool for self-healingThe power of play in personal transformationBringing soul into the practical realities of life Megan Malick is a grief guide, speaker, and author of A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person’s Affairs. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified Brainspotting Practitioner, Megan draws on her background in education, ministry, and psychotherapy to create soulful spaces of meaning and transformation. Megan believes the “mundane” is often a portal for healing and growth. Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com Guest Links: https://a-new-path.com/ https://meganmalick.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/revmeganmalick https://www.instagram.com/meganmmalick/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmeganmalick/ https://youtube.com/@meganmalick https://a.co/d/fsN9b6J

    29 min
  4. 63: The Human Curriculum: Teaching, Suffering, and the Art of Being Human with Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk

    9 MAR

    63: The Human Curriculum: Teaching, Suffering, and the Art of Being Human with Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk

    What does it mean to teach and live, with our humanity at the center? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, an educator, researcher, mental health practitioner, and parent whose work bridges the College of Education and the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan. Grounded in decades of experience and reflection, Dr. Judy developed The Human Curriculum: a framework that helps educators, practitioners, and communities navigate the beautiful struggle of being human together. She reminds us that teaching and caring for others begins with our own self-care: what she calls the “self-care to care gift.” Built around the guiding process of Aware, Care, Cope (ACC), The Human Curriculum invites us to become more conscious of our needs and the needs of others, to integrate care as an intentional practice, and to cultivate skills that support coping, resilience, and collective well-being. In this conversation, Dr. Judy shares her realization that no one is truly “trained” for the complexity of the human condition, yet it is precisely through our shared suffering, striving, and surviving that we become most capable of genuine teaching and connection. Whether you’re an educator, clinician, parent, or simply someone trying to do your best in an imperfect world, this episode will leave you reflecting on your own human curriculum. Topics covered: The origins and evolution of The Human CurriculumSurviving and thriving in education and care professionsThe Aware, Care, Cope process as a daily practiceThe “self-care to collective care” principleReframing imperfection and struggle as essential to growth Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, RTC, MTC, is the Well-being Coordinator in the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, and a Faculty member and Researcher in the College of Education. Judy brings over two decades of educational expertise and clinical practice to her endeavours, and has a keen interest in the intersections of mental health, leadership, and education. Therapeutic and healing-centred practices are her current focus. Judy believes self-care and personal well-being are essential for strong leadership, especially for those in caregiving professions, i.e., anyone in a position that holds humans at the heart of their work. Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com Guest Links: Social Media: Instagram: @drjudyjaunzemsfernuk Facebook: Prairie Sky Education Websites: http://www.drjudyjaunzemsfernuk.com www.therapeuticteaching.com www.prairieskyeducation.ca www.thehumancurriculum.ca Order The Human Curriculum™ Journal: https://www.amazon.ca/Human-Curriculum-Reflective-Journal-Self-Discovery/dp/B0DGQ1VVZJ

    37 min
  5. 62: Interrupting the Silence: Gilly Kahn on Women, ADHD, and the Power of Her Story

    23 FEB

    62: Interrupting the Silence: Gilly Kahn on Women, ADHD, and the Power of Her Story

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gilly Kahn, Atlanta-based psychologist, mother, and debut author of Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women's' ADHD. Originally from Miami and now calling Atlanta home, Gilly opens up about her journey from curious child to clinical expert, and how parenting her own "baby bears" informs her approach to both writing and therapy. Gilly's new book brings long-overdue attention to the emotional side of ADHD in girls and women, breaking down the myths and misunderstandings that surround adult ADHD—especially how it often flies under the radar. As a regular contributor to Psychology Today, Attitude Magazine, and beyond, Gilly shines a compassionate light on neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, OCD, and body-focused behaviors . In this episode, you’ll hear: What finally motivated her to write Allow Me to Interrupt—and the impact she hopes it will have.Why emotional dysregulation is often at the heart of women's ADHD, and what that looks like in daily life.How Gilly blends her passion for writing with her role as a therapist in a bustling group practice.The unique clinical challenges that come with working with kids, adults, and parents on the full neurodiversity spectrum.Gilly's take on how having ADHD herself drives her passion for variety and creativity, both in and out of the therapy room. Tune in if you want an eye-opening look at what women with ADHD truly experience—and why giving voice to these stories changes lives. Gilly Kahn, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist based in Atlanta and specializing in neurodiversity and emotion regulation. When not seeing clients or mommying, you’ll usually find her writing, probably about something psychological. Gilly is the author of Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD. Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com Guest Links: https://www.drgillykahn.com https://www.instagram.com/drgillykahn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilly-kahn-m-a-ph-d-1996892b4/ https://www.facebook.com https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.gillykahn

    33 min
  6. 9 FEB

    61: Sacred Knowing: Choosing Healing After the Hurt with Cherie Lindberg, PhD

    In this heartfelt conversation, trauma therapist-turned-coach Cherie Lindberg opens up about her deeply personal journey and the inspiration behind her new book, Sacred Knowing. After two decades helping others navigate trauma, Cherie experienced a profound shift following the loss of her childhood best friend, a moment that sparked her decision to move beyond trauma work and into coaching focused on flourishing, thriving, and living an elevated life. Cherie shares why she felt compelled to write this book and how it became a reflection of her own healing—an exploration of what it means to release pain, reclaim self-love, and trust the sacred inner knowing that guides us toward wholeness. Through stories, reflections, and a look at key chapters, Cherie reminds listeners that even those with high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores are not defined by their history. With support, intention, and compassion, healing and transformation are possible. In this episode, you’ll hear: How a personal loss led to Cherie’s pivot from trauma therapy to high-performance coaching and healing work.Why Sacred Knowing is as much a guidebook for healers as it is for those reclaiming their lives after trauma.The science behind healer burnout and the importance of energy clearing for long-term well-being.Cherie’s invitation to see healing not as an endless journey of “fixing,” but as an opportunity to flourish, love again, and thrive. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond your pain story and live from a place of sacred authenticity, this conversation offers both inspiration and a roadmap. Cherie Lindberg, PhD, is a transformational coach, speaker, advisor, and psychotherapist with over 20 years of guiding individuals into the highest expression of who they are: personally, professionally, and spiritually. At the heart of her work is a sacred mission to awaken high-performing healers, leaders, and changemakers who are ready to break through old patterns, reclaim their energy, and step into embodied leadership. As a Brainspotting Trainer and Consultant, Cherie weaves Brainspotting, Parts Work, and leading-edge modalities with neuroscience, consciousness practices, and nervous system regulation to create deep, lasting change. Rooted in Peruvian and Celtic wisdom traditions, she supports clients in releasing developmental, collective, and ancestral trauma while reconnecting with their intuitive intelligence. Married for 35 years, a proud mom of two sons, and an animal lover, Cherie brings warmth, humor, and heart to every space she enters. Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com

    21 min
  7. 60: The Birth of Yothera: When Yoga Met Therapy and Spirit

    19 JAN

    60: The Birth of Yothera: When Yoga Met Therapy and Spirit

    In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Maitri, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Yoga Therapist, and Brainspotting practitioner based in Boise, Idaho. Over her 15 years in private practice, Jessica has woven traditional psychotherapy together with intuitive movement, energy attunement, and embodiment work—culminating in the creation of The Yothera Method. Born during the stillness of the COVID era, Yothera was Jessica’s “COVID baby”—a deeply channeled download from higher consciousness that unfolded over six transformative months. Blending the wisdom of yoga (which means union, not posture) with therapeutic modalities, Yothera guides practitioners and their clients through a three-phase journey: rewriting old mental stories, awakening embodied intuition, and aligning body, mind, and spirit. Jessica shares how her years as a yoga therapist laid the groundwork for this integrative approach, how local practitioners began referring clients to her for this unique somatic therapy, and why her true passion now lies in teaching others through Yothera Method trainings for continuing education credits. Whether you’re a therapist, healer, or simply curious about the meeting point of neuroscience, intuition, and energy, this episode explores what happens when the body becomes the bridge to deeper healing. Jessica Maitri is an LCSW, a Brainspotting Consultant, a Certified Yoga Therapist, a Breathwork Practitioner, and an Intuitive Energy Healer. She is the creator of the Yothera Method. This therapeutic modality integrates somatics, yoga therapy, and Brainspotting to help individuals transform limiting mental narratives through the wisdom of the body and intuition. Jessica is passionate about mentoring fellow helping professionals, offering Brainspotting consultation, and leading the Yothera Method Facilitator Training for CE's to support deeper healing and embodiment in the mental health and healing professions. Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com Guest Links: https://www.yothera.com/ymft-feb https://www.yothera.com/yothera-brainspotting https://www.yothera.com/ymft-selfpaced www.yothera.com. IG: @yothera_method

    24 min
  8. 59: Back to Utah: One Therapist’s Path to Healing & Home with Ashley Buckner

    5 JAN

    59: Back to Utah: One Therapist’s Path to Healing & Home with Ashley Buckner

    Ashley Buckner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving clients in Utah and California. Her path as a therapist began with a passion for supporting at-risk youth, which grew into a career dedicated to trauma healing. Today, she specializes in Brainspotting and provides care for adults, teens, and families, with a focus on trauma, anxiety, depression, and faith transitions. She is also passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces in her community. What happens when you build a life outside your religion and hometown—then choose to go back? In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Ashley Buckner shares how moving from small-town Mormon Utah to Los Angeles, then unexpectedly back to Utah, shaped her healing and her work with trauma, faith transitions, and family systems. Ashley talks about growing up in Cedar City in a mixed-faith home, the culture shock of landing in LA at 18, and how her years in California ultimately led her to specialize in trauma-focused therapy and Brainspotting. She also reflects on returning to Utah in 2018 to start a family, how that move reactivated religious wounds, and why living back inside the culture that shaped her became both deeply difficult and profoundly reparative. In this conversation, we explore: What Brainspotting is and why “where you look affects how you feel” can be so powerful for trauma, anxiety, and depressionHow growing up in a high-demand religious culture impacts nervous system regulation, identity, and self-worthThe complex mix of grief, confusion, and relief that can come with faith transitions and religious disillusionmentWhy going back to a triggering environment can sometimes open the door to unexpected healingHow Ashley now creates safe, supportive spaces for adults, teens, and families navigating religious trauma, mixed-faith relationships, and evolving beliefs Want to know how you can begin your journey to hope and healing? Visit Elevated Life Academy for classes and free resources for personal development and healing. Resources: CherieLindberg.com ElevatedLifeAcademy.com Guest Links: Instagram: ashleyb_therapy website: ashleybucknerlmft.com

    27 min

About

Welcome to Elevated Life: Stories of Hope and Healing with your host, Cherie Lindberg. Join us on a transformative journey, as Cherie engages in provoking conversations with leaders of the diverse realms of therapy and mental healing. Embark on a quest to understand the intricate tapestry of the human mind as we uncover the power of therapeutic modalities, new healing methods, and the intersection of psychology and spirituality. "Elevated Life: Stories of Hope and Healing" is not just a podcast; it's your compass on a journey to well-being, self-discovery, and societal harmony. Subscribe now to join Cherie Lindberg and her esteemed guests as they share insights, stories, and practical tips that illuminate the path to mental and emotional wellness. Whether you're a seasoned therapist, someone curious about mental health, or simply seeking inspiration for your own healing journey, this podcast is your guide to unlocking the potential within and fostering a more compassionate world. Tune in on Spotify, Audible, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms – because healing begins with understanding.

You Might Also Like