Tender Space

Confidence

Tender Space is a soft place for honest conversations about life, mental health, fading friendships, emotional exhaustion, healing, freedom, and the quiet struggles we carry alone. This podcast explores the parts of being human we don’t always know how to explain — overthinking at night, feeling lost in life, outgrowing people, trying to heal while still hurting, and learning how to exist in a world that can feel both beautiful and unfair. Through deep reflections, real conversations, and vulnerable storytelling, Tender Space reminds listeners that they are not alone in what they feel.

  1. 1 day ago

    Remembering the Sacred Feminine with Sharon Ann Rose

    What happens when the life you've built no longer feels like the life you're meant to live? In this episode of Tender Space, we sit down with Sharon Ann Rose, M.Div., a ceremonialist, author, and shamanic priestess devoted to the sacred restoration of the feminine. For more than 25 years, Sharon has guided women through profound transitions involving burnout, grief, motherhood, empty nesting, spiritual longing, identity, and the desire to reclaim a deeper connection with themselves. Drawing from feminine spirituality, archetypal wisdom, ancestral remembrance, nature-based ritual, womb wisdom, and her own lived experiences, Sharon invites women to listen more deeply to the wisdom within their bodies, hearts, lineages, and longings. We talk about motherhood, feminine power, grief, nature, ceremony, ancestral patterns, embodiment, spiritual transformation, and what it means to release an old identity and make space for who we're becoming. This is a conversation about the tender thresholds of life—the moments when something within us whispers that there must be another way. About Sharon Ann Rose Sharon Ann Rose, M.Div., is a ceremonialist, author, and shamanic priestess who has spent more than 25 years guiding women through profound transformations. She is the author of Faces of the Mother: A Feminine Path to Embodiment through Ancient Wisdom, Archetypes and Soul Fertility, a work that explores feminine wisdom, archetypes, embodiment, and soul fertility. Sharon's work draws from feminine spirituality, archetypal wisdom, nature-based ritual, ancestral remembrance, womb wisdom, peacemaking, spirituality, and sacred union. She is deeply committed to helping women navigate the moments when old identities and roles begin to crumble and a deeper longing emerges. Her work particularly speaks to women experiencing burnout, grief, empty nesting, spiritual crisis, or a desire to reclaim their feminine power and live more authentically. Sharon lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, three sons, and beloved companion animals. She finds inspiration in forests, early morning sunrises, plants, animals, gardening, natural bodies of water, and the living world around her. Her approach is grounded in listening, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace surprise and the unfolding nature of transformation. Connect with Sharon at: https://www.sharonannrose.com/

  2. 1 day ago

    The Reality of Caring for Aging Parents with Kim Brant-Lucich & Alexander Nury

    What happens when the parent who once cared for you begins to need care themselves? In this episode of Tender Space, we welcome Kim Brant-Lucich and Alexander Nury, co-authors of Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents. With more than 50 years of combined healthcare experience—and personal experience caring for their own parents and in-laws—Kim and Alexander understand the realities families face when caregiving suddenly becomes part of their lives. We talk about recognizing when a parent needs help, choosing the right living situation, navigating legal and financial decisions, protecting aging loved ones from scams, managing sibling disagreements, and dealing with the guilt and emotional exhaustion that often accompany caregiving. We also explore the less-discussed side of caregiving: humor, physical health, resilience, identity, and the unexpected ways major life transitions can lead to reinvention. This is an honest conversation for anyone who has ever wondered, “How do I care for someone I love without losing myself in the process?” About Kim Brant-Lucich & Alexander Nury Kim Brant-Lucich and Alexander Nury are the co-authors of Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents. Together, they bring more than 50 years of healthcare experience, along with firsthand experience caring for their own parents and in-laws. Kim's professional journey has included healthcare, stand-up comedy, and, after retirement, becoming a Pilates instructor. Her background gives her a unique perspective on caregiving, humor, healthy aging, physical strength, and navigating difficult life transitions. Alexander has also built a second career as a career coach, helping adults navigate job loss and career transitions. His experience supporting people through sudden and disorienting changes translates naturally into the world of caregiving. Their work goes beyond eldercare. At its heart, it's about resilience, reinvention, relationships, and learning how to navigate life's transitions with preparation, compassion, and sometimes a little humor. Learn more and become part of their caregiving community at: https://caring4agingparents.com/

  3. 2 days ago

    Peace Within, Peace on Earth with Kate Heartsong

    What if creating a better world begins with creating more peace within ourselves? In this episode of Tender Space, we sit down with Kate Heartsong, an author, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, intuitive coach, and Reiki Master/Teacher, to explore healing, confidence, inner guidance, consciousness, interconnectedness, and the possibility of creating positive change in a world that can often feel overwhelming. Kate's own journey through childhood trauma taught her that healing can reveal strengths we may not even realize we possess. Today, she helps others reconnect with their brilliance, raise their self-confidence, navigate uncertainty, and live more authentically. We talk about the power of meditation and intuition, overcoming trauma, rebuilding self-esteem, managing fear during turbulent times, and understanding our interconnectedness with one another. Kate also shares her vision for a more compassionate world—one built around kindness, respect, collaboration, love, peace, and unity. At the heart of her message is a simple but powerful belief: “Peace within, peace on earth.” About Kate Heartsong Kate Heartsong is an author, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, intuitive coach, and Reiki Master/Teacher who is passionate about helping people feel better, navigate challenging times, grow personally, raise their confidence, awaken, and live consciously. Her wisdom comes from her experiences overcoming childhood trauma as well as receiving profound and uplifting guidance through meditation. She is the author of the bestselling Humanity's Cry for Change and Deeply We Are One. Kate works with individuals and audiences to help them recognize their inherent brilliance and creative power, develop greater self-confidence, heal, and create positive change in their lives. She also shares practical exercises for moving from separation toward unity, living authentically, raising consciousness, and developing a deeper awareness of our interconnectedness. Her broader vision is to help create a world rooted in kindness, respect, collaboration, love, peace, and unity consciousness. Kate believes that when we begin with one person at a time, transformation creates a ripple effect that can ultimately contribute to positive change on a global level. Her guiding message says it beautifully: “Peace within, peace on earth.” Connect with Kate and explore her resources at: https://joyfulradiance.com/

  4. 4 days ago

    Preserving Khmer History Through Storytelling with Som Phin

    What happens when storytelling becomes an act of cultural preservation? In this episode of Tender Space, we sit down with Som Phin, a Cambodian-American independent author whose novels blend Khmer history, mythology, fantasy, literary fiction, and romantasy. With more than 35 novels inspired by Cambodian history and mythology, Som is working toward a remarkable long-term goal: building one of the largest collections of Khmer-inspired fiction while introducing readers to stories, traditions, and perspectives that are often overlooked. Her work explores identity, family, resilience, romance, belonging, and the powerful relationship between the past and the present. Som has also earned recognition from Kirkus Reviews and BookLife by Publishers Weekly, including multiple Editor's Picks. In our conversation, we explore the inspiration behind her writing, Cambodian history and folklore, cultural identity, worldbuilding, indie publishing, the business of being an author, and the responsibility—and privilege—of preserving culture through stories. Because sometimes the best way to keep a culture alive is to keep telling its stories. About the Guest Som Phin is a Cambodian-American independent author dedicated to preserving Khmer history, folklore, mythology, and culture through storytelling. She writes across historical fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and romantasy, blending ancient mythology and cultural traditions with modern themes of identity, family, resilience, romance, and belonging. Som has built a catalog of more than 35 novels inspired by Cambodian history and mythology and has a long-term goal of creating one of the largest collections of Khmer-inspired fiction available. Her work has received recognition from Kirkus Reviews and BookLife by Publishers Weekly, including multiple Editor's Picks. As an independent author, Som has also developed firsthand experience with the writing, publishing, marketing, and reader-connection sides of building a sustainable creative career. Guest Link https://www.amazon.com/stores/Som-Phin/author/B0GJ47GBCD?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=db2c9757-056c-4ae0-8790-abaf76effcf3 https://www.somphin.com/

  5. 4 days ago

    Beautifully Dysfunctional — You Are Not Alone with Troy Haslinger

    What happens when one day changes everything? In this powerful episode of Tender Space, we sit down with Troy Haslinger, TED Talk speaker, medical sales professional, author, ultra-marathon runner, and charity founder. Troy is the author of Beautifully Dysfunctional, a raw memoir about addiction, mental health disorders, a near-death experience, success, failure, relationships, and the unexpected turns that can completely reshape a life. His story begins on a cold April day in 2011 when Troy learned that his dream job was slipping away—and on that same day discovered that his sister Holly had been diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. What followed was a 15-year journey through some of life's darkest and most complicated territory. In this conversation, Troy opens up about addiction, mental health, failure, relationships, endurance, grief, success, and the lessons he learned from experiences he wouldn't necessarily choose to repeat. But beneath all of it is a message that matters deeply: You are not alone. This is a conversation about what happens when life gets messy—and how we find a way to keep going anyway. About the Guest Troy Haslinger is a TED Talk speaker, medical sales professional, author, ultra-marathon runner, and charity founder. His memoir, Beautifully Dysfunctional, chronicles a deeply personal journey beginning in April 2011, when Troy faced the loss of his dream job and learned that his sister Holly had been diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. His story explores addiction, mental health disorders, a near-death experience, career challenges, success, failure, relationships, and the lessons that emerged from years of difficult experiences. Troy's approach is intentionally unfiltered and honest. Rather than presenting a polished version of his life, he shares the tragic, entertaining, uncomfortable, and deeply human parts of his journey. His central message is one many people need to hear: Whatever you're going through, you're not alone. Guest Link https://authortroyhaslinger.com/

  6. 4 days ago

    GoOutLiving — Finding Strength After the Battle with Jonathan Brandt

    What happens when surviving isn't the end of the health journey—but the beginning of a completely different one? In this deeply personal episode of Tender Space, we sit down with Jonathan Brandt, health and wellness coach, holistic nutrition practitioner, personal trainer, podcast host, and founder of Brandt Performance Health Coaching. Jonathan's journey began alongside his wife, Kristie, after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. A little more than a year later, Jonathan received his own diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Together, they navigated treatment, recovery, and the side effects that followed. When Jonathan struggled with issues including weight gain and gut health and couldn't find the answers he was looking for, he began educating himself about health, wellness, nutrition, fitness, and holistic approaches. That personal journey eventually became his calling. We talk about surviving cancer, the realities of life after treatment, building sustainable health habits, the connection between physical and emotional wellness, the philosophy behind GoOutLiving, and the courage it takes to keep living after profound loss. Jonathan also opens up about Kristie's death in January 2026 and the promise he continues to carry: telling her story so that her courage and the meaning of GoOutLiving can continue inspiring others. This is a conversation about health—but it's also about love, grief, resilience, purpose, and choosing to live. About the Guest Jonathan Brandt is a health and wellness coach, holistic nutrition practitioner, personal trainer, podcast host, and founder of Brandt Performance Health Coaching. Jonathan's wellness journey began when his wife, Kristie, was diagnosed with cervical cancer, followed by his own diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma more than a year later. Their experiences with treatment and its lasting side effects motivated both of them to educate themselves about health and wellness. Jonathan earned certifications in health and wellness, holistic nutrition, and personal training, while Kristie pursued education in phlebotomy and holistic practice. Together, they developed the GoOutLiving philosophy, focused on approaching life and health with courage, awareness, and a commitment to living fully. Jonathan now continues that mission through the GoOutLiving Podcast, community, and Brandt Performance Health Coaching. His work focuses on practical support for building strength, mobility, nutrition, habits, and confidence—one realistic step at a time. Following Kristie's death from cervical cancer on January 23, 2026, Jonathan has also committed to continuing to tell her story and preserve the inspiration she gave to others. Guest Link https://www.skool.com/gooutliving https://gooutliving.com/ https://youtube.com/@gooutliving?si=qP6P8KYdRExfdcML https://www.instagram.com/gooutliving?stkn=YTJnd256MTZ2aGwx

  7. 4 days ago

    Healing the Past Without Reliving It with Frank Healy

    What if healing doesn't require forgetting the past—but changing the way the past lives inside you? In this episode of Tender Space, we sit down with Frank Healy, a Licensed Professional Counselor, life coach, author, and one of the relatively few people known to have hyperthymesia, an extraordinary ability to remember autobiographical experiences in remarkable detail. Frank remembers every day of his life since childhood, including personal events, significant news, and the emotions connected to those experiences. His unusual memory led him to participate as a research subject at the University of California, but it also forced him to confront something deeply human: painful memories can remain emotionally alive long after the event itself is over. That experience helped shape Frank's work as a counselor and the foundation of his books, including Heal Your Memories, Change Your Life and Stress-Free Success. We talk about memory, emotional pain, depression, anxiety, trauma, forgiveness, limiting beliefs, stress, success, and the possibility of creating a different relationship with our past. Because sometimes healing isn't about forgetting what happened. It's about remembering without having to relive it. About the Guest Frank Healy is a Licensed Professional Counselor, life coach, author, and mental health advocate with more than 40 years of experience in counseling and coaching. Frank has hyperthymesia and remembers every day of his life since he was six years old, including the day of the week, personal events, significant news, and the emotions associated with his memories. His unusual memory has led him to participate in research at the University of California. His personal experience with emotionally intense memories became an important part of his professional journey. Frank studied psychology and developed approaches for releasing the emotional impact of painful memories, which he now uses to help others work through depression, anxiety, stress, and personal challenges. He has authored books focused on healing the past, stress management, happiness, and achieving success without unnecessary stress. His Heal Your Memories trilogy includes self-help exercises and inspirational stories, while Stress-Free Success focuses on reaching goals while maintaining emotional well-being. When he's not counseling, coaching, or writing, Frank enjoys gardening, spending time at the beach, and reading novels. Guest Link https://healyshealing.com/

  8. 5 days ago

    Reclaiming Your Self-Worth and Awakening the Sourcerer Within with Justin L. Shaw

    What if healing isn't only about changing the behavior—but about reconnecting with the soul beneath it? In this episode of Tender Space, we sit down with Justin L. Shaw, a mystical comedian, Doctor of Divinity, former stand-up comedian, and author of Sourcery 101: 13 Rungs to a Higher Elevation of Consciousness. Justin opens up about his journey through substance abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and years of struggling within the healthcare system before discovering a deeper spiritual path toward healing. We explore self-worth, addiction, spiritual bankruptcy, technology and materialism, Source energy, humor as a tool for healing, and Justin's unique 13-rung system of consciousness. This is a conversation about what happens when we stop defining ourselves by our wounds—and begin asking what might still be waiting to awaken within us. About the Guest Justin L. Shaw is a Doctor of Divinity, former stand-up comedian, author, and self-described Sourcerer. His book, Sourcery 101: 13 Rungs to a Higher Elevation of Consciousness, uses humor, personal experience, pop-culture metaphors, spirituality, and lessons inspired by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to present a unique approach to healing trauma and reconnecting with Source. Having personally experienced addiction, trauma, emotional and mental struggles, Justin brings both vulnerability and humor to conversations about consciousness, healing, self-worth, and spiritual transformation. His philosophy centers on the belief that becoming a Sourcerer isn't about casting spells—it's about learning to connect with Source energy and awakening the deeper potential within ourselves. Guest Link https://www.amazon.com/Sourcery-101-Higher-Elevation-Consciousness-ebook/dp/B0DJMTJ5Z6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=17997QHDGIZAY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fRgHLQx4JqXJWodmtVitzE5Pu0jsDjRNPaE0n_Zfkj9TszcKqazIrqo_6mP-6WFwLWFILH9ktvPxLsClCpeJu52rlWg4W66uziNQjx2o4IN8sdzKewUi-UyVcKqPvA8bcLFXEjo6O2Kgp5ttyPwBDQN9j92nbw7L-q_NHy33WQeNpxR1CFn_X89FpwRVA5yzhnKx5SpagATlCHvwlRjekgXvzgoShH78LsNDsQyVEnI.nYd8iYWLtSiVfuUdQeBybSq9yMuPK4p6zHoJCltbbY4&dib_tag=se&keywords=sourcery&qid=1743869741&sprefix=%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-3 https://www.awakenthesourcerer.com/

About

Tender Space is a soft place for honest conversations about life, mental health, fading friendships, emotional exhaustion, healing, freedom, and the quiet struggles we carry alone. This podcast explores the parts of being human we don’t always know how to explain — overthinking at night, feeling lost in life, outgrowing people, trying to heal while still hurting, and learning how to exist in a world that can feel both beautiful and unfair. Through deep reflections, real conversations, and vulnerable storytelling, Tender Space reminds listeners that they are not alone in what they feel.