Vitalify Unplugged

Steph & Gry

Vitalify Unplugged isn’t just a podcast—it’s a revolution of the soul, mind, and body. A bold, soulful space where perfectionism is tossed aside and authenticity takes centre stage. Together, we’ll navigate the messy middle—those real, raw, and often hilarious moments of midlife, parenting, healing, and reinvention. We’ll confront the fears that hold us back, the insecurities that keep us small, and the stories that no longer serve us, not with resistance, but with curiosity, compassion, and courage. This is where vitality meets vulnerability, where being quirky is a strength, and where your journey—no matter how unconventional—is celebrated. From hormones and ADHD to relationships, spirituality, and biohacking, we blend soul and science in every episode. It’s time to shake off the shoulds, reclaim your energy, and create a life you love—on your terms. Because you are more than your doubts, you are wild. You are wise. You are limitless. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  1. 5 days ago

    S2:E7 What If Your Body Isn’t Broken? The Midlife Wake-Up Every One Needs With Karen Kohler-Sergeant

    What if midlife wasn’t the beginning of decline… but the beginning of a deeper relationship with your body? In this episode of Vitalify Unplugged, we sit down with Karen Kohler-Sergeant—athlete, health coach, and founder of Buncho Momentum—to explore what’s really possible for women in midlife and beyond. From hormones and inflammation to movement, mindset, self-trust, and sustainable vitality, Karen shares how tiny shifts can create extraordinary change. In this episode, we explore:• Karen’s personal health wake-up call at 35 • How nutrition transformed her energy, pain, and performance • Why women are taught to fear aging • The connection between inflammation, hormones, and midlife vitality • Resistance training, bone health, and injury prevention • Why your comfort zone may actually be your “familiar pain zone” • Learning to work with your brain instead of against it • Tiny sustainable habits that create long-term transformation • What it means to treat your body as a partner, not a problem Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + introducing Karen 01:40 – Karen’s health turning point 05:50 – Skijoring, dogs, and world championship competition 10:05 – What wealth means beyond money 11:40 – Midlife as an invitation, not decline 13:15 – The fears women carry around aging 17:10 – The stories society teaches us about getting older 20:05 – Hormones, energy, recovery, and midlife changes 25:05 – Pain, inflammation, and body awareness 30:10 – Healthy habits without punishment 34:30 – Data, intuition, and listening to your body 39:00 – Why women outsource their health 42:00 – Tiny steps and rewiring the brain 46:00 – Movement that matters most in midlife 52:40 – What’s still possible after 50 56:00 – Treating your body as your best friend 59:10 – What living unplugged means Connect with KarenBuncho Momentum info@bunchomomentum.com If this conversation resonated, share it with someone who needs the reminder that midlife can be your strongest chapter yet. Stay curious. Stay connected. Keep living unplugged.

    1hr 3min
  2. 19 May

    S2:E6 Intimacy, Cancer & Confidence: How Women Reclaim Their Bodies and Voice with Felicia Linsky

    What happens to intimacy, confidence, and identity when a woman moves through illness, aging, and life’s unexpected pivots? In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, Felicia shares her journey through multiple cancer diagnoses, body changes, and profound personal transformation — and how it led her back to pleasure, embodiment, and self-trust. This episode explores what so many women quietly navigate: Feeling disconnected from their bodiesLosing confidence in midlifeStruggling with intimacy after illness or stressPerforming life instead of actually living it Felicia invites us into a different way — one rooted in self-ownership, safety, and radical honesty. This is a conversation about moving from survival mode to full aliveness — and remembering that pleasure, connection, and confidence are not luxuries… they are part of your wellbeing. This episode is for women who are: Navigating midlife, perimenopause, or menopauseHealing after illness, burnout, or major life transitionsFeeling disconnected from their body, identity, or intimacyReady to reclaim their confidence, voice, and sense of selfEpisode Chapters 00:00 – Intimacy in Midlife: What Changes and Why 38:39 – How Intimacy Evolves Over Time 41:37 – Body Image, Aging & Self-Acceptance 44:02 – Cancer, Health & Identity Shifts 46:31 – Why Safety Is the Foundation of Intimacy 49:14 – Consent, Boundaries & Self-Trust 51:44 – Rebuilding Trust in Your Body 54:18 – The Power of Female Connection 01:00:09 – Authenticity vs Societal Expectations 01:02:54 – Generational Shifts in Women’s Lives 01:05:43 – Reconnecting with Confidence & Self 01:12:01 – Reclaiming Your Voice 01:13:18 – The Cost of Ignoring Your Inner Voice 01:16:43 – Self-Ownership & Personal Power If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who needs to hear this conversation. And if you’re ready to reconnect with your body, your voice, and your sense of self — this is your invitation to begin. ResourcesFelicia Linsky Website: https://www.felicialinsky.comhttps://www.felicialinsky.com/reclaim-your-radiance https://www.felicialinsky.com/shop If you’re ready to redefine what wealth means in your life, this is your invitation to start listening inward. 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    1hr 22min
  3. 11 May

    S2:E5 Belonging Without Agreement: How to Stay Connected Without Losing Yourself in Midlife

    SummaryBelonging is a fundamental human need — but in midlife, it can feel more complex.In this episode, Steph Liyanage and Gry Stene speak with Renee Knapp about belonging in midlife, relationships after 40, and staying connected without people-pleasing or losing yourself. They explore: Why belonging matters for wellbeingHow midlife shifts identity and connectionFitting in vs true belongingNavigating conversations with curiosityBoundaries, rupture, and repairCommunity as supportRebuilding connection when feeling isolatedRenee shares stories from education, motherhood, and community work — showing how connection shapes how we live and cope. If you’ve ever wondered “Where do I belong now?” — this conversation will meet you there. Key TopicsBelonging as a core needConnection and mental healthMidlife identity shiftsBelonging vs fitting inBelonging without agreementCuriosity in conversationsBoundaries and repairCommunity as medicineRebuilding connectionRelational wealthGuest NameRenee Knapp Community Wellbeing Strategist | Educator | Founder of Think Effective Consultancy Sound Bites“Belonging is not a one-size-fits-all.”“We don’t always recognise belonging until it’s gone.”“Connection shapes behaviour and wellbeing.”“True belonging is being accepted for who you are.”“If you’re shrinking to belong — it’s not real belonging.”“Community is the missing piece in mental health.”Chapters00:00 Welcome & introduction 02:30 What is belonging — and why it matters 07:30 Renee’s story: community and change 15:30 Belonging and mental health 23:00 Disconnection and coping 39:00 Belonging without agreement 47:00 Difficult conversations 52:00 Boundaries and repair 56:00 Community as medicine 1:00:00 Rebuilding belonging ResourcesThink Effective Consultancy (Renee Knapp)Community Wellbeing Changemaker MembershipWhere do you truly feel like you belong?Where might you be shrinking or staying silent to stay connected? Share your reflections — or send this to someone who needs to feel seen. Due to a technical issue, the final moments of this conversation Steph’s software cut off — but the heart of the message remains with Gry & Renee. Connect With Us🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Email: Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 🧬 Zinzino Health Tools: zinzino.com 📩 Contact us: VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    1 hr
  4. 4 May

    S2: E4 What Happens When You Finally Have Time? Midlife, Purpose & Redefining Wealth After 50

    SummaryRetirement isn’t just freedom — it can also feel like losing structure, identity, and purpose. In this episode, Steph Liyanage and Gry Stene speak with Anita Spurling about what really happens when life slows down in midlife. They explore the hidden challenges of retirement, the pressure of productivity culture, and why having more time doesn’t always feel as easy as we expect. They dive into: The emotional reality of retiring and losing work identityWhy busyness is wired into how we measure worthHow to rebuild purpose, rhythm, and meaning after workThe importance of community, connection, and contributionWhy time is one of the most valuable forms of wealthAnita shares how she reinvented her life through community, volunteering, and rediscovering what truly matters — offering a powerful perspective on positive ageing and living with intention. If you’re navigating midlife, burnout, career change, or wondering what comes next — this conversation will meet you there. Key TopicsWhat happens when work and structure disappear in midlifeRetirement and identity loss: “you are who you work”The discomfort of slowing down after a busy lifeRedefining wealth beyond money and productivityTime as a form of wealth and freedomReinvention, hobbies, and rediscovering purposeCommunity, volunteering, and connection as meaningThe pressure of busyness and achievementPositive ageing and designing a new life rhythmFinding joy, contribution, and fulfilment beyond work Guest NameAnita Spurling Sound Bites“What now?”“You are who you work.”“Retirement is a full-time job.”“People actually need people.”“Time is one of the most valuable forms of wealth.”“We don’t need more stuff — we need more connection.” Chapters00:00 Welcome & introduction 03:20 Life after retirement: what now? 11:00 Redefining wealth beyond money 14:40 Identity, work, and midlife transitions 22:15 Reinvention through connection and community 27:50 Time, purpose, and designing a new rhythm 34:00 The importance of connection post-COVID 40:50 Finding purpose beyond work 48:00 Consumerism vs meaningful living 56:50 Mindfulness and living unplugged ReflectionIf your life suddenly slowed down… who would you be without the busyness? What would you choose to do with your time? Share your reflections with us — or send this episode to someone navigating a big life transition. 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Email: Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 🧬 Zinzino Health Tools: zinzino.com 📩 Contact us: VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    58 min
  5. 27 Apr

    S2: E3 Your Body Isn’t Broken—It’s Communicating | Stress & Midlife Anxiety | Caroline Bellenger

    SummaryWhat if your anxiety, exhaustion, or overwhelm isn’t a sign something is wrong… but a message your body is trying to send? In this powerful conversation, Caroline Bellenger challenges the belief so many women carry — that they are broken when they feel stressed, reactive, or burnt out. Instead, she offers a new perspective: 👉 Your body isn’t failing you… it’s communicating. Drawing from her journey through trauma, addiction, and rebuilding her life, Caroline shares what it really takes to stay grounded and resilient in a world that rewards burnout and disconnection. We explore nervous system regulation, midlife stress, hormonal shifts, and emotional resilience — in a way that is simple, practical, and real. Because wellbeing isn’t about doing more… It’s about learning to listen. IN THIS EPISODE Why stress and anxiety are signals, not failuresHow to understand your nervous system responsesThe impact of midlife and hormonal changes on stressWhy women carry stress as a badge of honourHow self-worth shapes your health and energySimple tools to feel more calm, grounded, and in controlStaying human in high-pressure environmentsKEY TAKEAWAYS Your symptoms are information, not something to fixNervous system regulation is a skill you can buildSelf-care is essential, not indulgentYou are not failing — you are responding to pressureSmall shifts create powerful changeYou are enough, exactly as you areQUOTES “Your body is trying to tell you something.”“Self-worth is the foundation of health.”“Stress isn’t a badge of honour.”“Safety is when you feel centred.”ABOUT THE GUEST Caroline Bellenger is an award-winning speaker and wellbeing strategist working across leadership, emotional intelligence, and human performance — helping people stay grounded and human in high-pressure environments. CONNECT Website: www.carolinebellinger.com Instagram: Caroline Bellinger Official LinkedIn & Facebook: Caroline Bellenger If this resonated, share it with someone who needs the reminder: 👉 You’re not broken — your body is speaking. And as always — stay curious, stay connected, and keep living unplugged. 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    55 min
  6. 20 Apr

    S2: E2 Who Are You Without the Labels? Midlife Identity & Life Transitions w/ Dr Aruna Liyanage

    Summary What happens when the roles that once defined you—career, parenting, caregiving, relationships—begin to shift or fall away? In this deeply insightful and honest conversation, Dr. Aruna Liyanage shares his journey through professional setbacks, identity loss, and rebuilding a sense of self beyond titles. Together, we explore midlife identity shifts, burnout, over-functioning, and the quiet but powerful process of coming back to your core self. This episode speaks directly to anyone navigating life transitions, questioning “Who am I now?”, or feeling the weight of changing capacity. Through themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and faith, Aruna offers a grounded perspective on inner wealth and what it truly means to belong to yourself again. Key Topics Midlife identity shifts and life transition meaningWho you are beyond roles, titles, and expectationsBurnout, over-functioning, and “role addiction”Self-trust, self-acceptance, and rebuilding identityFaith, spirituality, and inner resilienceNavigating change when capacity and circumstances shiftGuest Name Dr. Aruna Liyanage Action Items Reflect on your core self beyond roles and responsibilitiesPractice self-compassion during identity shifts and transitionsBuild resilience through self-awareness, faith, and ownershipLet go of outdated labels that no longer fit your lifeSound Bites “Right now, I am just me.”“Faith helps rebuild the sense of self.”“It’s okay to say I don’t know.”Chapters 00:00 Exploring Identity Beyond Titles 02:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery 05:13 Belonging and Self-Acceptance 07:47 Wealth Beyond Money 10:38 The Pressure of Responsibility 13:16 Over-Functioning and Identity 16:03 Crisis and Rediscovery of Self 18:44 Buddhism and Personal Identity 21:33 Finding Strength in Adversity 23:58 Embracing Imperfection 27:55 Embracing Life's Breaks 31:16 Redefining Identity in Medicine 34:08 The Evolution of Self and Identity 36:05 Understanding Aging and Identity Loss 41:44 Finding Simplicity in Uncertain Times 49:08 Unplugged: Discovering the True Self 53:14 Outro Guest Links Top End Medical Centres - https://www.topendmedicalcentre.com.au/ LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/arunaliyanage Website - https://drarunaliyanage.com 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    54 min
  7. 13 Apr

    S2: E1 Redefining Wealth in Midlife: Energy, Self-Care & Authentic Living with Susanne Ridolfi

    SUMMARYIn this grounding and thought-provoking conversation, Susanne Ridolfi invites us to rethink what wealth, success, and wellbeing truly mean. If the old definitions of success — constant doing, striving, and chasing — no longer feel right, this episode offers a powerful pause. We explore what it means to live a wealthy life in midlife — one rooted in energy, self-awareness, and authentic alignment rather than external validation. Susanne shares insights on: • Why your body holds wisdom you may be overlooking • Why energy — not time — is your most valuable resource • The shift from “doing” to “being” • Why self-care is essential for a sustainable, vibrant life An invitation to slow down, reconnect, and redefine success on your own terms. KEY TOPICS • Redefining wealth beyond money and achievement • Reconnecting with your body’s wisdom • Energy as the foundation of wellbeing • Self-care as self-respect KEY TAKEAWAYS • True wealth is your energy, alignment, and authenticity • Your body is always communicating — listen early • Self-care is essential for vitality and clarity • Slowing down reconnects you to what matters • Trust yourself over external noise SOUND BITES • “Awareness is the first step.” • “Your body is your greatest guide.” • “We’ve become human doers.” • “Self-care sustains your life.” • “Real wealth is how you feel.” CHAPTERS 00:00 What Does a Wealthy Life Really Mean Now? 06:05 Susanne’s Journey 11:49 Abundance Beyond Money 17:22 Aligning Values 23:04 Boundaries & Self-Care 25:24 Emotional Load 28:06 Self-Care & Energy 31:17 Listening to Your Body 33:49 Wellness Isn’t a Trend 36:29 The Art of Listening 38:59 Being vs Doing 43:23 Letting Go 48:18 Purpose 50:03 Outro GUEST LINKS Website: https://susanneridolfi.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanneridolfi Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanneridolfi Book: My Body & Me If this episode resonated, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that she doesn’t have to keep doing more to be enough. If you’re ready to redefine what wealth means in your life, this is your invitation to start listening inward. 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    51 min
  8. 6 Apr

    S2: E0 Redefining Wealth: What a Wealthy Life Really Means Beyond Money

    SummaryWhat if wealth was the way your life feels — not just what it looks like? In this opening episode of Season 2 of Vitalify Unplugged, Steph and Gry explore what it truly means to redefine wealth beyond money. This isn’t about status or ticking society’s boxes — it’s about creating a life rich in energy, connection, purpose, belonging, freedom, and health. They unpack how midlife shifts our relationship with success, identity, and enoughness, touching on burnout, nervous system regulation, relationships, and living more aligned. They introduce the six pillars of wealth: Inner wealthVitality wealthTime wealthRelational wealthMeaning wealthFinancial wealthThis episode invites you to reflect: Why doesn’t success feel the way I expected? What does a wealthy life really mean now? How can I feel more fulfilled and free? Key TopicsWealth beyond money, status, and successMidlife identity shifts and fulfilmentThe six pillars of wealthWealth as an ecosystem of wellbeingNervous system health and regulationTime freedom and burnout recoveryRelationships and belonging as wealthFinancial wealth as support, not identityTechnology, AI, and modern pressure Sound Bites“What if wealth was the way your life feels — not what it looks like?”“Wealth is an ecosystem of wellbeing.”“Time is a precious form of wealth.”“A wealthy life is one where you get to be fully yourself.” Chapters00:00 Welcome to Season 2 03:20 Wealth beyond money in midlife 05:47 The six pillars of wealth 11:00 Inner wealth and vitality 15:32 Time and relational wealth 20:32 Meaning and financial wealth 25:40 Wealth as an experience 29:13 Outro ResourcesWealth Ecology FrameworkGry’s Book: https://fullthrottleandtorque.comNervous System Reset for Parents: https://magnetikmumma.com/thenervoussystemresetforparents Listener CTAHow wealthy does your life feel right now? Share your reflections, questions, or which pillar you want us to explore next. Connect With Us🔹 Gry – grystene.rocks 🔹 Steph – magnetikhealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    30 min

About

Vitalify Unplugged isn’t just a podcast—it’s a revolution of the soul, mind, and body. A bold, soulful space where perfectionism is tossed aside and authenticity takes centre stage. Together, we’ll navigate the messy middle—those real, raw, and often hilarious moments of midlife, parenting, healing, and reinvention. We’ll confront the fears that hold us back, the insecurities that keep us small, and the stories that no longer serve us, not with resistance, but with curiosity, compassion, and courage. This is where vitality meets vulnerability, where being quirky is a strength, and where your journey—no matter how unconventional—is celebrated. From hormones and ADHD to relationships, spirituality, and biohacking, we blend soul and science in every episode. It’s time to shake off the shoulds, reclaim your energy, and create a life you love—on your terms. Because you are more than your doubts, you are wild. You are wise. You are limitless. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.