Walk With Me

Stephanie Bloom
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Journey with real people who have lived a life worth telling a story about. Hear their experiences and the wisdom they have gained from them.

  1. 1d ago

    Finding Your Story: Healing Through Identity, Hope & Storytelling with Johnzelle Anderson

    Who are you when the world has spent years telling you who you should be? In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Stephanie Bloom sits down with licensed therapist, storyteller, and author Johnzelle Anderson to explore the profound connection between identity, trauma, storytelling, and healing. Growing up as a mixed-race child in the American South, John struggled to find belonging while navigating racism, abuse, neglect, and the confusion of being defined by everyone except himself. Yet throughout every difficult chapter, a quiet spark of hope remained. That hope eventually led him to become a therapist, a writer, and the author of Mixtape, a memoir that reminds us that our stories don't have to imprison us—they can become the very thing that sets us free. Together, Stephanie and Johnzelle explore why storytelling is one of humanity's oldest healing practices, how writing can become therapy, and why every person has a story worth telling. In this episode you'll discover: • Why identity is often shaped by the stories we're told—and how to reclaim your own. • How childhood trauma influences the way we see ourselves. • The healing power of books, music, education, and creativity. • Why writing your story can transform your relationship with your past. • The difference between surviving life and truly living it. • How therapists use narrative therapy to help people rewrite limiting beliefs. • Why perfection keeps so many people from sharing their gifts. • Practical advice for anyone who wants to begin writing, creating, or simply telling their own story. • The importance of self-kindness as a lifelong healing practice. Throughout the conversation, John reminds us that hope isn't wishful thinking—it's something built through experience, resilience, and choosing to keep moving forward, even when life feels uncertain. Memorable Takeaways "You are worthy of love, understanding, and belonging—not because you've earned it, but because you're human." Healing often begins the moment we stop letting others define our story. Creativity isn't reserved for artists. Whether through writing, painting, music, conversation, or simply sharing your experiences, telling your story is an act of courage. Your past may explain you—but it doesn't have to define your future. About Johnzelle Anderson Johnzelle Anderson is a licensed therapist, storyteller, and author of Mixtape, a coming-of-age memoir exploring race, identity, trauma, belonging, resilience, and the lifelong pursuit of hope. His work combines narrative therapy, personal storytelling, and compassionate insight to help people better understand themselves and the stories that shape their lives. Connect with John Website: https://johnzelle.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnzelle_ Book: Mixtape: A Memoir Available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook through John's website and major online booksellers. Continue Your Own Healing Journey If this conversation encouraged you, challenged your perspective, or reminded you that your story matters, we'd love to continue walking alongside you. Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore hundreds of conversations with survivors, therapists, researchers, authors, and advocates who openly share the tools, therapies, and practices that helped them heal. You'll also find articles, resources, and new episodes designed to help you better understand trauma, resilience, mental health, and whole-person healing. Because healing isn't something we were ever meant to do alone. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little more hope today. To book a private session with me: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280 My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

  2. Jul 14

    When Addiction Steals a Child: Katie Rizzo on Grief, Shame, and Choosing Compassion

    What happens when the unimaginable becomes your reality? In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me – Conversations With Real People, Stephanie Bloom sits down with author, educator, and grieving mother Katie Rizzo to talk about surviving the loss of her oldest son, Nicholas, to opioid addiction. Katie shares the journey that led her from scientist and biology teacher to writer and advocate after tragedy forever changed her family's life. Together, Stephanie and Katie explore the devastating impact addiction has on families, the hidden shame so many parents carry, and why healing begins when we stop suffering in silence. Katie also introduces her powerful books, The Trimesters of Grief and None of Them Are You, born from journal entries and poetry she wrote while learning to live alongside unimaginable loss. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and ultimately hopeful—a reminder that compassion is often the first step toward healing. In this episode we discuss: Katie's childhood and the people-pleasing patterns that shaped her life Losing her son Nicholas to opioid addiction Why addiction affects the entire family—not just the individual The role Al-Anon played in her healing Breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and overdose Why shame keeps families isolated Learning to live with grief instead of trying to "move on" How writing became a lifeline through loss The healing power of movement and exercise Building community after unimaginable tragedy Why compassion—not judgment—is essential in addressing addiction Key Takeaways Addiction is a disease—not a moral failure. Families deserve support instead of shame. Grief changes us, but it doesn't have to isolate us. Writing can transform overwhelming emotions into something meaningful. Healing is rarely linear and looks different for every person. Community often becomes one of the greatest sources of resilience. We cannot control another person's choices, but we can choose how we respond with love and compassion. Memorable Quotes "I'm half here and half with Nicholas." "There are over eight billion people on Earth, and none of them are you." "We need less shame and more compassion." Resources Mentioned Al-Anon Family Groups Love in the Trenches Finding the Words by Colin Campbell David Kessler's grief work Nick Cave's The Red Hand Files Connect with Katie Rizzo 🌐 Website: https://katierizzo.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/katierizzo007 Facebook: https://facebook.com/rizzoboysandagirl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rizzo-098978280 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katie.rizzo007 Katie's Books 📖 The Trimesters of Grief (Memoir) Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Trimesters+of+Grief+Katie+Rizzo 📖 None of Them Are You (Poetry Collection) More information: https://katierizzo.com If this conversation encouraged you, challenged your perspective, or reminded you that you're not alone, please share this episode with someone who may need it. To discover more conversations about healing, resilience, trauma recovery, and the remarkable strength of the human spirit, visit: https://WalkWithMeConversations.com While you're there, explore hundreds of conversations with survivors, therapists, advocates, authors, and everyday people who have found hope on the other side of hardship. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Every conversation shared helps someone else realize they don't have to walk alone. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

  3. Jul 7

    From Burnout to Baseline Joy with Elizabeth Munoz | Healing the Nervous System, Reclaiming Self-Worth & Leading Without Sacrifice

    What if the life you've worked so hard to build is the very thing disconnecting you from yourself? In this deeply personal conversation, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Elizabeth Munoz, founder of Soulhaven and creator of the Radiant CEO Movement, to explore how childhood trauma, nervous system dysregulation, perfectionism, and burnout can quietly shape the course of our lives. Elizabeth shares her journey from growing up in an abusive home, serving in the military, navigating high-pressure corporate leadership, and surviving toxic relationships, to experiencing a complete nervous system shutdown that ultimately became the catalyst for profound healing. Together, Stephanie and Elizabeth discuss what it really means to reconnect with your body, release survival patterns, build healthy boundaries, and create a life rooted in peace instead of performance. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about returning home to who you've always been. In this episode you'll discover: How childhood trauma influences adult relationships and self-worth Why so many high achievers live in chronic survival mode The hidden cost of performance-based identity What nervous system regulation actually looks like in everyday life How self-compassion helps break generational patterns Practical ways to reconnect with your body through breath, movement, and awareness Why healing happens through small, consistent steps—not overnight breakthroughs The difference between chasing happiness and cultivating "baseline joy" How redefining success can transform your work, family, and legacy Memorable Takeaways "Healing doesn't happen all at once—it happens one breath, one choice, and one step at a time." "You don't have to earn your worth. You simply have to remember it." "Your legacy isn't just what you build—it's how you show up for the people you love." About Elizabeth Munoz Elizabeth Munoz is the founder of Soulhaven, creator of the Radiant CEO Movement, and a psychology-trained leadership coach who helps women reconnect with themselves after burnout, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation. Her work combines psychology, nervous system education, conscious technology, ritual, embodiment practices, and lived experience to help women build businesses and lives that support their well-being instead of sacrificing it. Connect with Elizabeth 🌐 Soulhaven: https://soulhaven.com 📘 Free Resources & Journal: https://soulhaven.com (Visit the website for Elizabeth's free "Too Much, Not Enough" guide, journal, courses, and additional resources.) Enjoying Walk With Me? If this conversation encouraged you, please consider: • Following the podcast on your favorite listening platform. • Leaving a rating and review—it helps more people discover these stories of healing and hope. • Sharing this episode with someone who may need the reminder that healing is possible. Explore More Conversations Every episode of Walk With Me: Conversations With Real People shares honest stories of resilience, trauma recovery, personal growth, and the practical tools that help people heal. Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com to: Browse hundreds of conversations with therapists, authors, advocates, survivors, and coaches. Discover practical healing resources. Learn about Stephanie Bloom's work and books. Subscribe so you never miss a new episode. Because no matter where you've been... You don't have to walk alone. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

  4. Jun 30

    Healing Beyond the Diagnosis: Finding Courage, Presence, and Your Own Path with Bron Watson

    Some people survive adversity. Others allow adversity to transform how they live. In this inspiring episode of Walk With Me Conversations, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Bron Watson—nurse, educator, entrepreneur, mother of five, and founder of The Serenity Project. After surviving breast cancer and later being diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma, Bron discovered that healing is about far more than medicine. It is about learning to live fully in the present, caring for yourself with intention, and finding peace even when certainty is impossible. Rather than allowing illness to define her, Bron shares how she rebuilt her life around one guiding principle: healing is a journey, not a destination. This conversation is filled with wisdom for anyone facing illness, trauma, grief, burnout, uncertainty, or simply wondering how to reconnect with themselves. In this episode, we discuss: Bron's childhood, early bullying, and how it shaped her confidence and identity The pressure of always being the "good girl" and putting everyone else's needs first Building successful businesses while quietly ignoring her own inner voice How a breast cancer diagnosis forced her to reevaluate everything Why self-care is a necessity—not a luxury Living with an incurable blood cancer while choosing hope, courage, and purpose The difference between curing disease and pursuing healing Learning to become comfortable with uncertainty instead of trying to control it How emotional, mental, and physical stress all influence our health The Serenity Prayer as a practical framework for everyday life Why "be where your feet are" has become Bron's daily philosophy The importance of becoming an active participant in your own health journey Creating The Serenity Project to bridge science, evidence, and the human spirit Memorable Quotes "Healing isn't something that happens to you. It's a path you choose to walk." "Self-care isn't selfish. It's how we keep showing up for the people we love." "You may not be able to control your circumstances, but you can choose how you respond." "Be where your feet are." Key Takeaways Bron reminds us that adversity comes in many forms—not only illness, but loss, broken relationships, financial hardship, burnout, and uncertainty. While we cannot always control what happens to us, we can learn to: Slow down enough to hear our inner wisdom Focus on what is actually within our control Stop allowing fear to dictate today's decisions based on tomorrow's possibilities Care for ourselves with the same compassion we offer others Accept that healing looks different for every person Her story is a powerful reminder that courage is not the absence of fear—it is choosing to move forward anyway. Connect with Bron Watson 🌐 The Serenity Project https://serenityproject.com.au LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwatson/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bronwatson/ Podcast: The Serenity Project Podcast Newsletter and community: https://serenityproject.com.au Continue Your Journey If this conversation encouraged you, inspired you, or reminded you that healing is possible—even when life feels uncertain—we invite you to explore more conversations just like this. At Walk With Me Conversations, we believe healing begins when people are willing to share honest stories, difficult experiences, and the wisdom they've gained along the way. 🎙️ Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com to discover more podcast episodes, resources, books, and conversations designed to help you navigate trauma, healing, resilience, and personal growth. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need this message today. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

  5. Jun 24

    From Tragedy to Purpose: Karen Olsen on Grief, Resilience, and Creating Hope After Suicide Loss

    What happens when a childhood tragedy shapes the course of an entire life? In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Karen Olsen to explore the profound impact of losing her mother to suicide at just twelve years old. Growing up in a time when grief, mental health, and suicide were rarely discussed, Karen was left to navigate unimaginable loss with very little support. Rather than allowing that pain to define her future, Karen transformed her experience into a life dedicated to helping others. She shares her journey through grief, healing, resilience, and purpose, offering powerful insights for anyone carrying the weight of loss, trauma, or life's unexpected challenges. This conversation is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal, grow, and create meaning from even the darkest experiences. In This Episode You'll Learn How childhood grief can impact emotional development The unique challenges faced by survivors of suicide loss Why community and connection are critical components of healing How purpose can emerge from profound pain The importance of creating safe spaces for difficult conversations What resilience looks like in real life—not just in theory Memorable Themes Grief and healing Suicide loss survivorship Childhood trauma Finding purpose through adversity Compassion and service Mental health awareness Hope after loss Connect with Karen Olson Please see the links below to connect with Karen and learn more about her work: www.karenolsonauthor.com  https://www.instagram.com/karen.olson.author/?hl=en  https://www.facebook.com/karen.olson.author  Continue the Conversation If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. For more conversations about healing, resilience, personal growth, and the many paths toward recovery, visit: https://WalkWithMeConversations.com There you'll find additional podcast episodes, resources, guest information, and tools designed to support you on your own journey. Support the Show If you're enjoying Walk With Me Conversations: Subscribe to the podcast Leave a rating and review Share your favorite episodes with friends and family Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more resources and inspiring conversations Every share helps spread messages of hope, healing, and connection. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

  6. Jun 16

    The Medicine Man's Apprentice: Healing Trauma, Indigenous Wisdom, and the Lifelong Journey of Transformation with Ben Oofana

    In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, Stephanie sits down with healer, teacher, and meditation guide Ben Oofana to explore a lifetime devoted to healing, self-discovery, and the pursuit of deeper awareness. Ben shares the extraordinary story of growing up amidst childhood trauma, religious extremism, and emotional wounding, only to find himself drawn toward Native American healing traditions from a young age. That calling eventually led him to become the apprentice of Horace Daukei, one of the last renowned Kiowa medicine men, where he was introduced to vision quests, Indigenous healing practices, and a radically different understanding of health and human potential. Throughout the conversation, Ben discusses the impact of trauma, attachment wounds, grief, and emotional pain—not only in his own life, but in the lives of the many people he has worked with over the decades. He also reflects on the challenges of balancing spiritual development with emotional maturity, sharing lessons learned from gifted teachers who possessed extraordinary healing abilities while still struggling with their own unresolved wounds. This episode explores: Ben's childhood experiences with trauma, abuse, and religious fear His lifelong fascination with Native American culture and healing traditions Becoming the apprentice of a respected Kiowa medicine man Vision quests and their role in personal transformation Healing attachment wounds and emotional trauma The connection between body, mind, emotions, and spiritual growth Meditation, Qigong, and somatic healing practices Why healing is an ongoing process rather than a destination The importance of integrating spiritual growth with emotional health Practical ways to begin processing and healing emotional pain Ben offers profound insights into how our lived experiences become stored in the body and how intentional practices can help us digest, process, and transform those experiences into growth and resilience. If you've ever struggled with trauma, grief, abandonment, emotional patterns that seem impossible to break, or questions about the deeper dimensions of healing, this conversation offers both wisdom and hope. Connect with Ben Oofana 🌐 Website: https://BenOofana.com 🌐 Meditation Resources: https://teachmetomeditate.com 📺 YouTube: Search "Ben Ufana" for long-form teachings and educational content 📞 Contact: 332-333-5155 If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to explore more conversations about healing, recovery, resilience, trauma, and personal transformation at: 🌿 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com There you'll find hundreds of inspiring interviews, resources, and stories designed to help you navigate your own journey toward healing and wholeness. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from this conversation. Remember: healing isn't about becoming someone else—it's about returning to who you've always been beneath the wounds. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show write a review or: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

  7. Jun 9

    Turning Pain Into Purpose: Zolal Habibi on Resilience, Freedom, and Becoming an Agent of Change

    What happens when unimaginable loss becomes the foundation for a life of purpose? In this powerful episode of Walk With Me Conversations, I sit down with Zolal Habibi, activist, advocate, and member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran's Foreign Affairs Committee. Raised in the United States by Iranian parents deeply involved in the fight for human rights, Zolal shares a story that is both deeply personal and globally significant. At just seven years old, Zolal learned that her father had been killed by the Iranian regime during one of the darkest chapters in Iran's modern history. Rather than allowing grief to consume her, she made a choice that would define her life: to transform pain into purpose and dedicate herself to helping create a future where others would not have to endure the same suffering. Throughout this conversation, we explore resilience, gratitude, leadership, women's empowerment, and the power of refusing to see yourself as a victim. Zolal offers a perspective that challenges us to recognize the freedoms we often take for granted and reminds us that every person has the capacity to become an agent of change. In This Episode We Discuss: Growing up between two worlds: America and Iran How childhood exposure to human rights activism shaped her worldview Losing her father to political violence at age seven The decision to transform grief into purpose Why gratitude can be more powerful than victimhood The importance of serving something greater than yourself Women's leadership and empowerment within resistance movements The hidden strength and resilience that exists within all human beings How ordinary people can influence meaningful change The role awareness and action play in protecting human rights Memorable Takeaways "Crying wasn't going to bring my father back, but purpose could honor his sacrifice." Freedom is often like oxygen—we don't recognize its value until it's gone. Pain can become a source of service when we choose purpose over self-pity. Every person has more strength and resilience than they realize. Inaction is an action in itself. Real change begins when we stop waiting for others to act. Guest Resources Zolal Habibi Learn more about the movement and initiatives discussed in this episode: 🌐 https://mymagicforchange.com Learn more about the National Council of Resistance of Iran: 🌐 https://www.ncr-iran.org Connect with Walk With Me Conversations If this conversation inspired you, challenged your perspective, or encouraged you to turn your own struggles into purpose, please share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. For more conversations exploring healing, resilience, recovery, personal growth, and the human spirit, visit: 🌐 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com There you'll find podcast episodes, resources, articles, and information about The Quiet Rebellion and the growing Walk With Me Conversations community. Enjoying the Show? Subscribe to Walk With Me Conversations Leave a rating and review Share this episode with your friends and family Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more inspiring conversations and resources Together, we can create a world where healing, compassion, and courageous action become contagious. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

  8. Jun 2

    Shattering the Mirror: Healing Shame, Reclaiming Your Voice & Returning to Wholeness with Lena Fein

    In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Lena Fein, author of Shattering the Mirror, to explore the lifelong impact of childhood shame, emotional trauma, and the powerful journey back to authenticity. Lena shares her story of growing up in a home shaped by criticism, emotional neglect, and generational trauma. From the heartbreak of having her childhood diary publicly exposed to decades spent hiding behind achievement and perfectionism, Lena opens up about how survival patterns can disconnect us from our true selves. At age 51, after the death of her mother, Lena experienced a profound emotional awakening that began a decade-long journey toward healing and wholeness. Through therapy, dance, singing, writing, and learning to be fully present in the moment, she slowly reclaimed the voice and joy she had buried for most of her life. This episode is an honest and compassionate conversation about: Childhood emotional abuse and shame Generational trauma and survival patterns The masks we wear to stay safe Learning self-compassion later in life Reconnecting to the body through movement and creativity Hospice work, death, and spiritual presence Finding authenticity, voice, and joy after trauma Why it's never too late to heal Lena's story is a reminder that healing doesn't erase the past—it transforms our relationship with it. Guest Information Lena Fein Author of Shattering the Mirror Available on Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, and BookBaby. Connect & Support If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. Your support helps these conversations reach more people walking their own healing journey. Visit: 🌿 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com for more episodes, resources, and conversations centered around healing, growth, trauma recovery, and authentic living. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the podcast for future conversations that remind us we're never walking alone. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Journey with real people who have lived a life worth telling a story about. Hear their experiences and the wisdom they have gained from them.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Bloom
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Walk With Me