Mindset Connection

Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O'Connell

Our mission is to provide a place to explore the journey through change and learn from everyday people doing extraordinary things in the mental health and wellness space. In every episode, we will introduce you to incredible changemakers who are making a difference-one step at a time. Join us and learn about how these amazing people may help you take one small step towards creating a stronger and more resilient version of yourself.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Mindset Connection Episode 33: Dr. Srini Pillay

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast!  Thank you for tuning in for our 33rd episode, and for this one, we went all out. We are back seeing guests in person, and ours did not disappoint! We were honored to spend time with Dr. Srini Pillay, co-founder of Reulay-an AI-driven digital therapeutics company that enhances well-being and healthspan by shifting your mindset. Dr. Pillay is also a Harvard trained psychiatrist, a brain researcher, author, master executive coach, and  world renowned keynote speaker and lecturer. He is also passionate about enjoying life, leading with love, having a good sense of humor, and a killer outfit! Dr. Pillay brought incredible energy to our set. He explained that he accepted our invitation on intuition and felt today was a “dot” that would connect him to another meaningful moment in life. Describing himself as “somewhere between a martini and a meditation,” Dr. Pilly talked to us about the importance of both focusing and unfocusing on tasks, and how becoming the best version of ourselves requires us to find our Center of Gravity. He talked to us about staging in the present moment and not being swayed by what other people are doing.  Dr. Pillay is currently working on multiple projects, including one that is focused on turning the Bronx into a Blue Zone. In addition to all of his academic accomplishments, we learned that Dr. Pillay is a concert trained pianist, spontaneously wrote a musical, hates social media, and struggles like the rest of us to get in his daily step count. He is someone who tirelessly works to help improve the lifespan of others, and works with some of the most prominent and famous people in the industry of health and wellness. However, Dr. Pillay made a point to show us that he is just a person, and does not see himself as someone with titles after his name. We wish we had more time to spend with this unique and highly skilled individual, and you will, too. Good thing he is on almost every platform out there, so you can get your dose of brain science and fashion tips. What an episode! The Changemaker for Allowing the Brain to Focus and Unfocus - Dr. Srini Pallay Contact Information for Dr. Srini Pillay Website: drsrinipillay.com Instagram: @drsrinipillay Facebook: SriniPillay, M.D. Linked In: Srini Pillay, MD Twitter: @drsrinipillay  _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    45 min
  2. 21 JAN

    Mindset Connection Episode 32: Linda Pevac

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast!  Thank you for tuning in for our 32nd episode, and our second with a virtual guest. Today, we welcomed writer and adoptee advocate, Linda Pevac-also known as Emma Stevens, who graciously tuned in from Tulsa, Oklahoma. We connected with Linda a few years ago, after hearing about her story and her work on another podcast. We have been waiting ever since to have her on our show! Linda is the writer of a trilogy of books that  detail her life as an adopted child. Linda was adopted into an authoritative and rigid household, and was not given the help she needed to heal from the never discussed trauma of being separated from her birth mother. Later in life, she endured the pain of being misled and manipulated by a mental health professional who she trusted with her recovery. Linda finally found the right provider and started writing under the name of Emma Stevens, in order to allow herself to fully tell her story and begin her healing journey. Today, Linda remains an advocate and a resource for adoptees and families of adopted children. We were inspired by her story and we hope you will be as well.  The Changemaker for Helping Adoptees and Families of Adopted Children to Heal - Linda Pevac/Emma Stevens Contact Information for Linda Pevac/Emma Stevens Website: emmastevenswriter.com Instagram: @emmastevenswriter _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    49 min
  3. 7 JAN

    Mindset Connection Episode 31: Dr. Peter Amato

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast!  Thank you for tuning in for our 31st episode, and our first time recording with a guest virtually! Today, we had the privilege of getting to talk with Dr. Peter Amato and his colleague Jacqueline from Inner Harmony Wellness Center. Even though Dr. Amato told us that humility was one of his biggest strengths, it is important to note that he has had amazing experiences and achieved great insight.  In addition to running Inner Harmony Wellness Center, and the incredible Harmony Mountain Retreat Center, Dr. Amato is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, yoga instructor, Reiki Master, Primordial Sound Healer, Zen Master and Lay monk. He is the author of several books, and has written multiple healing programs which he incorporates into his wellness practice with patients. Dr. Amato is a world-renowned leader in the space of addiction recovery. He has traveled the world and has worked with masters in the industry, including Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil, Jon Kabat Zin Tich Nhat Hahn, and the Dalai Lama. Dr. Amato talked to us about his extensive work and research in schools where he has worked for many years to give children a greater sense of peace and a daily dose of “Inner Harmony.” We hope that you will try the relaxation technique he shared with us during the show, and give yourself a chance to experience what Dr. Amato calls, “Waking up.”  The Changemaker for Channeling Peace and Inner Harmony - Dr. Peter Amato Contact Information for Dr. Peter Amato Websites: harmonymountaininstitute.com/ innerharmonywellness.com peteramato.com Instagram: @innerharmonywellnessnepa _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    46 min
  4. 24/12/2025

    Mindset Connection Episode 30: Nicole Hope

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! Thank you for tuning in for our 30th episode. We are so grateful to be able to do this work, and share our amazing guests with the world. In this episode, we sat down with Nicole Hope to talk about her work with Expanded Mamas. Nicole is a Holistic Wellness and Breathwork Coach who focuses on helping women build sustainable wellness, and find calm in the chaos of motherhood. Nicole is also the host of the Expanded Mamas podcast, where she offers actionable steps to busy moms to help create balance, ease and expansion to daily life. She has also been a teacher for 20 years, and practices what she preaches in the classroom. Nicole talked about the importance of identifying a starting point, making tasks a priority, and scheduling appointments for herself every day. She also talked to us about how she views rejection as a redirection, and how she is always growing and evolving. If you are a mom and feel you have forgotten who you are, you need the services of Expanded Mamas! The Changemaker for Helping Moms Remember Who They Are- Nicole Hope- Holistic Wellness and Breathwork Coach Contact Information for Nicole Hope Instagram: @expandedmamas Podcast: Expanded Mamas _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    44 min
  5. 10/12/2025

    Mindset Connection Episode 29: Dan Sachkowsky

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! Thank you for tuning in for our 29th episode. Today’s episode was definitely out of the ordinary. Cindy was away, and Jen was interviewing solo! We also welcomed a guest that is not traditionally working in the mental health and wellness space. Dan Sachkowsky, entrepreneur, coach, and the host of two podcasts- The Big D Podcast, and The Intredidus Podcast-did not disappoint! Dan shared his story of winning and losing in the world of business, and how having a heart attack drastically changed his life path. Dan was adamant about upholding his morning self-care routine, which includes, journaling, movement, practicing gratitude,  and prayer.  Dan talked to us about the power of serving others, and giving his all to help one person at a time-Sounds like values that anyone in any industry can appreciate and learn from! Dan talked to us about how he is a continuous learner, and is always looking to be around people who understand him. As any business owner knows, there are always people out there who do not understand the work you do-and that’s OK.  Your crew is out there, so don’t stop looking. We hope you will find Dan’s words of wisdom as helpful and useful as we did. He definitely reminded us that running a business requires grit, hard work, and patience, and that financial gain is not what life is all about.  The Changemaker for Living by the concepts of Wealth, Freedom and Relentless Execution-Dan Sachkowsky Contact Information for Dan Sachkowsky Instagram: @bigdanofficial Website: Dansachkowsky.com Youtube: @dansachkowskyofficial    _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    44 min
  6. 26/11/2025

    Mindset Connection Episode 28: Tom Manni

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! Thank you for tuning in for our 28th episode. We continue to showcase amazing people who are truly giving their gifts to the world, and are striving to live a full and healthy life. Today’s guest, Tom Manni, is truly an example of someone who is living with pillars of wellness in mind. He shared his unique story of how he was called to yoga: working in construction, and in executive firms before a friend asked him to go to a yoga class. She already could tell that his energy was to be elevated on the mat. Tom was hooked from the first class, noting how calm and peaceful his mind felt during the class and afterwards. Tom deepened his love for yoga by becoming an instructor, and offering classes in multiple locations for everyone from young children to seniors. Tom told us that he feels the world is so busy, and that most people are not taking the time to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with themselves. Tom-also a world traveler-practices what he preaches, and shared his own rituals for keeping calm in a sometimes scary and frustrating world. He also kept it real-admitting that he does worry, gets really annoyed at those people who bring phones to yoga classes, loves his children and grandchildren, and really wants his wife to retire! Kudos to the man who left his own phone out in the car during the recording of this episode, and was 30 minutes early to arrive! Plus, he is the father of Melissa Girkesh-our podcast guest from episode 11. You will want to seek out a class with him after listening to his soothing and peaceful voice. The Changemaker for Seeing Good Health as the Foundation for a Good Life-Tom Manni Contact Information for Tom Manni Instagram: @tommanni14 _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    44 min
  7. 12/11/2025

    Mindset Connection Episode 27: Kathy Van Benthuysen and John Schwind

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! Thank you for tuning in for our 27th episode. We are so proud to be able to continue to bring you incredible guests who are doing amazing work in the world. This time, we were honored to welcome our guests, Kathy Van Benthuysen and John Schwind, the Co-founders of Digital Prep Academy. Kathy and John founded this company as a direct response to the rising connection crisis and the urgent need to prepare children before handing them a phone or giving them access to social media. They continue to strive to solve one of the biggest parenting dilemmas: How to raise kids who are truly ready for the digital world. Their work focuses on the importance of hiring a coach. Kids hear things differently when it comes from someone other than their parents, and coaching changes how kids hear information. Kathy and John have an established program running in schools, called Converlation, which helps kids address the important aspects that come along with entering the world of technology. They started this episode by asking Cindy and I to pick affirmations. We read them at the beginning of the show and again at the end-something they do with their students and with each other every day. This episode comes at a time where mental health issues in children, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, are at an all time high. The work that Kathy and John are doing is for everyone-not just parents-needs to know about. We hope you will be running to check out their programs like we did.  The Changemakers for RaisingTechnically Adjusted and Independent Children Kathy Van Benthuysen and John Schwind Contact Information for Digital Prep Academy-Converlation Website: conversation.com Instagram: @converlation   _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    44 min
  8. 29/10/2025

    Mindset Connection Episode 26: Dr. Patrick Roth

    Welcome to the Mindset Connection Podcast! We are proud to present you with our 26th episode, and Dr. Patrick Roth did not disappoint. Dr. Roth is a Neurosurgeon, author, educator, and founder of New Jersey Brain and Spine. He is also the Chief of Spinal Surgery for the Hackensack Meridian Hospital, and an administrator and facilitator for the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Dr. Roth put his phone in another room, so he could be totally present for our episode. He talked with us about how he cares for his patients holistically, how he believes in the concept of Aporia-the euphoric anticipation of being able to change your mind, and how he sees himself as a surgeon by day and a protector of patients by night. Dr. Roth reminded us of how powerful connection and communication really is, and how the relationship between a patient and a provider can dictate the healing process. Dr. Roth is an example of someone who is dedicated to helping, but truly wants his patients to foster independence and ownership in their care. Dr. Roth has written several books including ,The End of Back Pain: Access Your Hidden Core to Heal Your Body,  Managing Back Pain for Dummies, and The Me in Medicine: Reviving the Lost Art of Healing.    His next book is ready to be published, and was edited by Rachel Arterberry-the editor for our book and our guest on episode 23! Additionally, Dr, Roth is a former Triathlete, who finds his meditative state through movement and music. He really needs to come back for Part II! The Changemaker for Seeing Care Through the Eyes of the Patient Dr. Patrick Roth Contact Information for Dr. Patrick Roth Website: njbrainspine.com Instagram: @newjerseybrainspine    _____________________________________________ Contact Information for Hosts, Jennifer Clearwaters and Cynthia O’Connell: Jen www.mindsetnj.com -Website @mindsetjen-Instagram @mindsetconnectionpod-TikTok Cindy www.mindfulnessconnection.com-Website @mindfulnssconnection-Instagram @mindsetconnctionpod-TikTok @theelevationprinciples-YouTube channel for the book, The Elevation Principles The Elevation Principles is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665307099?ref=myi_title_dp Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube This podcast is produced, recorded, and edited at Black Swallowtail Studios in Eatontown, NJ.

    43 min

About

Our mission is to provide a place to explore the journey through change and learn from everyday people doing extraordinary things in the mental health and wellness space. In every episode, we will introduce you to incredible changemakers who are making a difference-one step at a time. Join us and learn about how these amazing people may help you take one small step towards creating a stronger and more resilient version of yourself.