Leigh Martinuzzi

Leigh Martinuzzi
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About Leigh Martinuzzi | The Hidden Why Podcast I'm Leigh Martinuzzi—a real estate entrepreneur, coach, author, and passionate seeker of growth, freedom, and fulfilment. My mission is simple: to help people live more fully, find more meaning, and experience more joy. I believe that by developing the right mindset, embracing change, and pushing beyond limitations, we can all create a life of purpose, happiness, and success. This is why The Hidden Why Podcast exists. It's my space to explore deep conversations with inspiring guests, share insights from my own journey, and provide practical wisdom to help you grow and exceed. Whether you're here for personal development, mindset shifts, or motivation, I hope you find something valuable that resonates with you. Beyond the podcast, I run a successful real estate business in Australia and coach agents who are looking to thrive in their careers. I've also authored The Ultimate Life Map, a book that breaks down the core principles of living with freedom, fulfilment, and happiness—because at the end of the day, isn't that what we're all searching for? 👉 Let's connect! Follow me on Instagram, check out my YouTube channel for more mindset and motivational content, and explore my website for coaching, real estate insights, and more. 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighmartinuzzi/ 🔗 YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCAlhrdF9UYjpkmdrY119FcQ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHiddenWhy/ 🔗 Website: https://www.thehiddenwhy.com 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leighmartinuzzi?_t=ZS-8uaV991qujo&_r=1 🔗 Become a Real Estate Agent: https://martinuzzi.com.au 🔗 The Ultimate Life Map: https://amzn.to/4kHh8Ik

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Episode 1050: Dr. Laney Knowlton on Relationships, Betrayal & the Sexuality Divide: A Clinical Sexologist's Perspective

    In this deeply insightful conversation, Dr. Laney Knowlton explores the shifting landscape of modern relationships, the disconnect between our tools for connection and our actual ability to connect, and the intersection of sexuality, betrayal, and shame. Drawing from 28 years of marriage and decades of clinical experience, she challenges the "soulmate" myth, breaks down gendered patterns in infidelity, and offers a roadmap for building healthier relationships — starting with yourself.        Key Topics Discussed: 1.The Soulmate Myth & Relational Expectations Marriage has shifted from a practical contract (land, children) to an emotional one ("be my everything"). No one person can fulfill all your needs — you need a "Superhero Squad" (minimum 5 people in your support system). "Happily ever after" is the beginning, not the end. Relationships require ongoing work. 2.Betrayal & Infidelity: Beyond the Binary Betrayal = violation of the relational contract (not just sexual contact). Problematic sexual behaviors = sexual or romantic behaviors that cause harm or conflict with your values — not always infidelity. Gendered patterns: Men betrayed: react more to physical acts. Women betrayed: react more to emotional connection. Relationships where the woman betrayed are far more likely to end (~90%) than those where the man betrayed (~10% end). 3.The Disconnect Crisis We have more tools to connect than ever, yet we are more disconnected. Throwaway culture extends to relationships — we replace instead of repair. Community breakdown: we move more, change jobs more, and lose deep-rooted connection. 4.Sexuality, Shame & Intergenerational Patterns Shame around sex is often taught, not innate. Menstrual products hidden in shopping carts = fear of being seen as sexual/biological beings. We don't talk about sex naturally — even the word "sex" gets censored on social media. Key quote: "Confidence is knowing what's true. Joy is loving what's true." — Emily Nagoski 5.LGBTQ+ & the "Trend" Question Dr. Knowlton rejects the idea that increased visibility of bisexual, pansexual, or trans identities is a "fad." The social, familial, and religious costs of coming out are too high for it to be inauthentic. Regret rates for gender-affirming surgery are 1–2% — the lowest of any surgery. 6.Consent & Parenting Consent starts early: she doesn't post photos of her kids without their permission. Sex ed should be biologically accurate, teach relational contracts, boundaries, and communication — not just anatomy. Only some U.S. states require sex ed; fewer require it to be accurate.     Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Laney Knowlton (she/her/hers) has worked in the mental health field since 2009. She holds a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a PhD in Clinical Sexology. She currently serves as President of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH). She is credentialed through multiple organizations, specializing in recovery from Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB), infidelity, betrayal, and sexual trauma. Dr. Knowlton is the creator of the Connected Recovery® model, an attachment-based, trauma-informed framework that integrates PSB treatment, betrayal recovery, individual and relational connection, and sexual health. She has authored multiple books and professional resources based on her model. A Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in multiple states and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Knowlton is an international presenter and educator. She owns and directs Connected Recovery® Training and offers in-person and virtual services from her office in Dallas, TX.     Resources & Recommendations Books Mentioned: Mating in Captivity & The State of Affairs – Esther Perel Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski Dr. Knowlton's Work: Book: Healing from Betrayal, Infidelity and Problematic Sexual Behaviors Free handouts & resources: connectedrecoverytraining.com Therapy services (U.S. only): knowltoncounseling.com   Dr. Laney Knowlton Social Medias INSTAGRAM TIKTOK X

    43 min

  2. 16 FEB

    Episode 1149: Hot Wired How Heat Can Help You Live Longer with Bill Gifford

    In this episode, Leigh sits down with journalist and author Bill Gifford to explore how heat exposure—through saunas, hot baths, and heat training—can improve longevity, sleep, cardiovascular health, and overall wellbeing. Drawing from science, personal experimentation, and global research, Bill explains why humans are biologically wired to benefit from heat and how modern lifestyles may be limiting this natural advantage.   Key Topics Discussed: The Power of Heat Therapy How saunas and hot baths improve heart health and reduce mortality Research from Finland and Japan on long-term sauna and bathing habits Links between heat exposure, circulation, and brain health Reduction in risks for heart disease and Alzheimer's Sleep, Stress, and Recovery Why heat exposure improves sleep quality The connection between poor sleep, metabolism, and diabetes risk How evening heat sessions support deeper rest Human Evolution & Adaptation Why humans evolved to sweat more than other mammals The role of sweat glands in survival and endurance How early humans thrived in hot environments Differences between cooling (eccrine) and odor-related (apocrine) sweat glands Heat Training & Performance How athletes use heat adaptation to boost endurance Similarities between heat training and altitude training Olympic preparation in hot climates Safety considerations when training in heat Personal Experiments & Research Bill's sauna routine and lifestyle changes Heat tolerance testing at the University of Connecticut Work with the Corey Stringer Institute Insights from evolutionary and anthropological studies, including research linked to Harvard University About Bill Gifford: Bill Gifford is a journalist and author who focuses on health, aging, and human performance. His work blends deep scientific research with personal storytelling, helping readers understand how biology, habits, and environment shape long-term wellbeing. BOOK Hot Wired: How the Hidden Power of Heat Makes Us Stronger INSTAGRAM X

    1h 2m

  3. 9 FEB

    Episode 1148: Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle on Stress, Technology & the Mental Health Crisis

    In this conversation, I speak with Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle about the modern mental health crisis —why depression, anxiety, and burnout are exploding—and what we can practically do about it. Drawing on more than 35,000 hours of face-to-face clinical work, Mike explains: Why today's levels of stress, anxiety, depression, suicidality and addiction are unlike anything he saw 20 years ago.  How the breakdown of the family unit and loss of close community are impacting psychological safety. The powerful (and often invisible) role technology and social media play in keeping our brains in constant fight-or-flight.   Why we need to return to values, vision and intentional living** if we want to feel grounded again. We also dive into LiveWell Coaching, Mike's digital platform that packages proven therapy tools into courses, challenges & daily content to help people build coping skills, reduce stress & improve mental health—wherever they are in the world.   Key Topic Discussed The mental health crisis is real and escalating; awareness alone doesn't explain it—severity is rising.  Family, connection and community are foundational to psychological safety, and many of us have drifted away from them.  Technology isn't the enemy, but the way we use it often keeps our brains locked in stress and fear.  Real change begins with clarity of values and a long-term vision for your life—then acting in line with that vision day by day.  You don't need to change everything overnight. Small, intentional practices, repeated consistently, can transform your mental and emotional health over time.  If nothing changes, nothing changes. Doing even one thing differently—starting today—can shift your trajectory. Mike's background and the story behind LiveWell Behavioral Health and LiveWell Coaching.  The reality of the mental health epidemic.  Rising rates of depression, anxiety, addiction and suicidality   The increasing severity of symptoms, especially in teens  The impact of:  Family breakdown and fragmented communities   Busyness and overwork** on relationships and parenting   Technology, smartphones and social media on dopamine, attention, and anxiety  How our culture has lost an anchor. About Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle is the President, CEO, and Owner of LiveWell Behavioral Health and the founder of LiveWell Coaching. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and a leading voice in emotional and spiritual health, regularly presenting at conferences and seminars across the United States.   His latest book, Stress Relief for Life, published by Siloam Charisma House, translates decades of clinical experience into practical strategies for reducing stress and improving well-being.   Mike earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College and completed his Pre‑Doctoral Internship in Child, Adolescent, and Family Therapy at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Chicago. Before that, he completed seminary studies at Samford University's Beeson Divinity School, receiving a Master of Theological Studies. Married since 1998, Mike and his wife have three children.   Connect with Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle LiveWell Coaching (digital platform) https://www.livewell-coaching.com  Book: Stress Relief for Life

    55 min

  4. 26 JAN

    Episode 1147: Catherine Pittman on Anxiety Comes From the Amygdala

    Anxiety isn't a personal failure—it's a brain-based survival response. In this episode of The Hidden Why Podcast, Leigh Martinuzzi sits down with clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Catherine Pittman, co-author of Rewire Your Anxious Brain, to explore what's really happening in the brain when we experience anxiety, panic, and fear. Dr. Pittman explains the powerful role of the amygdala, how it learns through experience, why it reacts before we can think, and how modern life keeps it on high alert. Together, they unpack why anxiety feels so real—even when the danger isn't—and what we can do to calm the brain using practical, science-backed strategies like movement, sleep, breathing, and meditation. This episode offers clarity, compassion, and tools for anyone who struggles with anxiety—or wants to understand it better.       Key Topics  Discussed: What anxiety really is (and why it makes sense) The role of the amygdala vs. the cortex Why anxiety feels uncontrollable and "irrational" Fear vs. anxiety: what's the difference? How thoughts alone can trigger anxiety Why news, media, and imagination increase anxiety How the brain learns fear through experience Fight, flight, and freeze responses explained Why exercise calms the anxious brain The critical role of sleep and REM cycles How breathing directly affects anxiety Meditation and learning to "change the channel" Practical ways to calm the amygdala without medication The amygdala reacts faster than conscious thought Your body can feel fear even when the danger isn't real Thoughts alone can activate anxiety Movement, sleep, and breathing calm the brain Understanding anxiety reduces fear of anxiety itself  About Dr. Catherine M. Pittman Dr. Catherine M. Pittman is a clinical psychologist, professor, and internationally recognized expert on anxiety and the neuroscience of fear. She is the co-author of Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry (2nd Edition), a practical guide that bridges cutting-edge brain science with real-life tools for managing anxiety. Dr. Catherine Pittman  BOOKS Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry INSTAGRAM

    1h 5m

  5. 19 JAN

    Episode 1146: Carrie Schmitt on Creativity as a Healing Force

    In this profound conversation with artist and author Carrie Schmitt, we explore how creativity isn't just a skill or hobby—it's a living, healing force that can transform lives. Carrie shares her personal journey of how painting saved her during a debilitating health crisis and how creativity became her most meaningful relationship. She challenges conventional views of creativity and offers insights into how anyone can reconnect with their innate creative spirit. Key Topics Discussed Carrie developed a rare, life-threatening allergy to heat and her own body heat in 2009, which left her bedridden and severely depressed. A voice told her: "Now that your life is over, you might as well do what you want and paint." She began painting in bed as a means of survival. Creativity became a source of peace, love, and comfort that no human could provide—it literally saved her life. Carrie views creativity as a living, breathing force with a personality—messy, chaotic, unpredictable, and loving. She emphasizes that creativity is not something you "get good at," but something you get closer to—like a relationship. "It never judged me. It never criticized me. It only loved me." Creativity is not limited to art—it's the same force that guides nature, evolution, and all tangible existence. It's about process over outcome, connection over judgment, and play over perfection. "We make creativity really small, but it's literally the force that has led everything into existence."     About Carrie Schmitt: Carrie Schmitt is an artist, author, and creative guide devoted to helping people reclaim their creative spirit as a path of healing and wholeness. She began painting as a therapeutic practice after the onset of rare condition - a life-threatening allergy to all forms of heat, including her own body heat.     While bedridden and unable to move without reacting to her own body heat, she heard a voice tell her to paint, and thankfully she listened. Creativity saved her from deep despair and comforted her in a way no human could. It carried her across the painful threshold of the death of her old life into a new way of living a life in devotion to Spirit. She vowed to love her creativity, just as it had loved her, and share the truth of its love to others. Today she is full-time artist, teacher, and author of Awakening Creativity : A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist, The Story of Every Flower, A Flower in Her Heart, and Painted Blossoms, and host of the Awakening Creativity podcast. For over a decade, Carrie has led retreats, workshops, and creative communities that weave art, spirituality, ritual, and storytelling.Her work has been featured in BCC News, Spirituality & Health.Where Women Create, Evening Magazine news, and other publications, and her books Creativity as something as loving relationship, not something they must earn or judge. Carrie's Resources Website: carrieschmitt.com Books: wakening Creativity : A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist Online classes and community for those looking to reconnect with creativity

    53 min

  6. 12 JAN

    Episode 1145:Erin Kerry- Living Beyond Labels

    In this deeply insightful episode of The Hidden Why, host Leigh Martinuzzi sits down with Erin Kerry, functional nutritionist, integrative health coach, and author of Live Beyond Your Label. Erin shares her powerful personal journey—from being diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder as a teenager to living symptom-free for nearly two decades through a holistic, root-cause approach to healing. This conversation explores how diagnostic labels can be both helpful and limiting, the deep connection between the gut, brain, and nervous system, and why true healing happens when we address stress, trauma, nutrition, and self-talk together—not in isolation.   Key Topics  Discussed: Erin's personal story of mental health diagnoses and recovery Why labels can unintentionally keep us stuck in unhealthy identity patterns The difference between managing symptoms vs. healing root causes How stress—both emotional and physiological—drives chronic illness The gut-brain connection and its role in mood, anxiety, and depression Why nervous system regulation is foundational to healing How negative self-talk impacts inflammation, immunity, and overall health The importance of routine, movement, sleep, and consistency Why small, sustainable changes matter more than "quick fixes" Simple mindfulness and breathing practices to regulate stress How curiosity and compassion—not judgment—create lasting change About Erin Kerry Erin Kerry is a functional nutritionist and integrative health coach specializing in mental health, gut-brain connection, trauma recovery, and nervous system regulation. Her work blends functional medicine, mindfulness, nutrition, and somatic tools to help individuals heal beyond diagnostic labels. Book Live Beyond Your Label Location: Texas, USA Find Erin on Instagram for resources, tools, and free guides

    48 min

  7. 24/11/2025

    Episode 1144 Dr. Aimie Apigian -The Biology of Trauma & Healing

    In this transformative episode, Leigh Martinuzzi is joined by Dr. Aimie Apigian, a double-board-certified physician and leading expert in trauma recovery, to explore the biology of trauma. From her beginnings as a general surgery resident to becoming a foster/adoptive parent and later facing her own personal health challenges, Dr. Aimie shares her powerful journey—and how it led her to redefine the trauma-healing process through a biological lens. Through this deep and practical conversation, you'll discover how trauma lives not just in the mind, but in the body. Dr. Aimie offers powerful tools and perspectives that challenge the traditional psychology model, bringing listeners a new framework to support healing, recovery, and personal transformation. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Trauma is physiological, not just psychological—understanding the body's role is essential for healing. The stress response (fight/flight) differs from the trauma response (freeze/shutdown) driven by the vagus nerve. Biological safety must be established before cognitive work or trauma storytelling can be effective. Traditional talk therapy alone may be insufficient—somatic tools, like breathwork and vocal exercises, help rewire trauma. Try the "Vu" exercise: a gentle vocal vibration that can help regulate the nervous system. 👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Aimie Apigian: Dr. Aimie is a physician, speaker, and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated. With master's degrees in Biochemistry and Public Health, and double board certifications in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, she's developed a unique, practical approach to trauma healing that integrates neuroscience, somatics, and medical insight. Learn more and access free resources: 🌐 traumahealingaccelerated.com 📺 YouTube: @DrAimie Dr. Aimie Apigian's  book

    1h 1m

  8. 18/11/2025

    Episode 1143 The Secret Language of Your Body with Inna Segal

    In this episode, Leigh sits down with internationally acclaimed healer and author Inna Segal to explore the deeper connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Inna shares her remarkable healing journey—how years of physical pain and illness led her to discover the body's hidden language and its ability to communicate emotional and energetic imbalances. Together, they dive into how our emotions, thoughts, and past traumas manifest as physical symptoms, and how tuning in to our body's wisdom can open the door to true healing.  Key Topics Discussed Inna's personal journey from illness and chronic pain to self-healing Understanding The Secret Language of Your Body How emotional trauma and stress can manifest as physical pain. The connection between specific body parts and emotional experiences Simple ways to begin tuning in to your body's messages Healing practices to reconnect with your inner wisdom Why real transformation begins when we take responsibility for our own healing  Memorable Quotes "Your body is always speaking—it can be your friend or your enemy, depending on whether you're willing to listen." – Inna Segal "We often look outside ourselves for the magic pill, but the truth is—the pill is inside of you." – Inna Segal  About the Guest Inna Segal is a best-selling author, speaker, and intuitive healer whose book The Secret Language of Your Body has sold over a million copies and been translated into 27 languages. Her work empowers individuals to connect with the innate wisdom of their body and heal from within. 🔗 Learn more: www.innasegal.com  Explore her masterclasses and resources at innasegal. Inna Segal book    Listen & Subscribe Tune in to The Hidden Why Podcast for more insightful conversations about purpose, awareness, and personal transformation. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

    38 min
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About

About Leigh Martinuzzi | The Hidden Why Podcast I'm Leigh Martinuzzi—a real estate entrepreneur, coach, author, and passionate seeker of growth, freedom, and fulfilment. My mission is simple: to help people live more fully, find more meaning, and experience more joy. I believe that by developing the right mindset, embracing change, and pushing beyond limitations, we can all create a life of purpose, happiness, and success. This is why The Hidden Why Podcast exists. It's my space to explore deep conversations with inspiring guests, share insights from my own journey, and provide practical wisdom to help you grow and exceed. Whether you're here for personal development, mindset shifts, or motivation, I hope you find something valuable that resonates with you. Beyond the podcast, I run a successful real estate business in Australia and coach agents who are looking to thrive in their careers. I've also authored The Ultimate Life Map, a book that breaks down the core principles of living with freedom, fulfilment, and happiness—because at the end of the day, isn't that what we're all searching for? 👉 Let's connect! Follow me on Instagram, check out my YouTube channel for more mindset and motivational content, and explore my website for coaching, real estate insights, and more. 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighmartinuzzi/ 🔗 YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCAlhrdF9UYjpkmdrY119FcQ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHiddenWhy/ 🔗 Website: https://www.thehiddenwhy.com 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leighmartinuzzi?_t=ZS-8uaV991qujo&_r=1 🔗 Become a Real Estate Agent: https://martinuzzi.com.au 🔗 The Ultimate Life Map: https://amzn.to/4kHh8Ik

Information

  • Creator
    Leigh Martinuzzi
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Leigh Martinuzzi