Holistic Healers Community Podcast

Holistic Healers Community

The Holistic Healers Community Podcast is a space for conscious conversation, integrative healing, and soulful growth. Hosted by Crystal Venegas—Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Reiki Master, and Meditation Guide—this podcast explores holistic wellness through the lens of mind, body, spirit, and community. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, Crystal shares reflections, tools, and stories designed to support deep healing, self-awareness, and empowered living. As the founder of Southern California’s Holistic Healers Community, a collaborative network of wellness practitioners in the Inland Empire, Crystal regularly features local holistic practitioners and community leaders as guests, amplifying their wisdom, work, and lived experience. Together, they blend Eastern traditions with Western evidence-based practices to offer listeners a grounded yet expansive approach to well-being. Whether you’re navigating personal transformation, seeking alignment, or seeking deeper connection, this podcast invites you to slow down, listen inward, and remember your innate capacity for healing. Learn more at www.holistichealerscommunity.com

  1. 3h ago

    The Long Game Of Health & Fitness

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Jorge Garcia De Alba, owner of J7 Fitness in Upland, for a conversation about fitness, nutrition, mindset, and finding ways to prioritize your health even when life feels overwhelmingly busy. Jorge has a particular focus on helping millennials create healthier lifestyles during what can often be some of the busiest seasons of their lives. We talk especially about moms who are accustomed to putting everyone else first, from their children and spouses to their households and even their pets, while their own health and well-being repeatedly get pushed to the bottom of the list. Jorge shares how a nutrition class first sparked his interest in the fitness industry, eventually leading him from working as a personal trainer at a commercial gym to building his own business. He also explains the meaning behind the name J7 Fitness and how his experiences helped shape the approach he takes with clients today. We explore his seasonal fitness programs, why he encourages clients to commit to a minimum of three months, and the importance of allowing enough time to establish habits and experience realistic, sustainable results rather than chasing quick fixes. Jorge breaks down the four core pillars he believes contribute to long-term success: mindset, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. We discuss how each plays a role in creating meaningful change, why having a personal trainer and structured fitness program can make such a difference when establishing a new routine, and what his coaching actually looks like beyond simply telling someone what exercises to do. We also get practical with tips for staying on track with nutrition goals, navigating the challenges of everyday life, and making healthier choices without feeling like you have to completely overhaul your world overnight. This conversation is a reminder that taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean adding another impossible expectation to your already full plate. Sometimes it starts with making yourself a priority, finding the right support, and committing to small changes that create a healthier foundation for the life you're already living. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or someone who's been telling yourself you'll get back to your health goals when things finally slow down, this episode is a reminder that you deserve to feel good in your body now, too. Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Jorge and how to work with him on his IG and website. IG: @j7fitnessgym Website: www.j7fitness.com Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    The Long Game Of Health & Fitness
  2. Nov 1

    Permission To Dream

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Sonia Tapia of Sonia Tapia Photography and founder of Foothill Studios for a conversation about personal branding, confidence, entrepreneurship, and the vulnerability of allowing ourselves to be seen. Sonia specializes in personal brand and headshot photography, as well as brand strategy coaching. But her approach goes beyond simply taking a good photograph. She believes that the confidence we carry (or sometimes struggle to find) translates through the camera and ultimately shows up in the images we share with the world. Crystal shares her own experience working with Sonia for a personal branding photoshoot, including the feedback she's received from clients who have seen the photos. Together, they explore why having images that genuinely reflect who we are can make such a difference in how we present ourselves professionally, connect with potential clients, and feel about showing up in our businesses. They discuss the differences between a traditional headshot session and a personal branding photoshoot, when someone might benefit from each, and some of the common reservations Sonia hears from professionals who feel uncomfortable being photographed. From concerns about how they look to feeling awkward, exposed, or unsure how to show up authentically, they unpack the vulnerability that can come with putting yourself out there in such a visible way. Sonia also shares the personal experiences that helped her develop her niche, including her own journey of moving through discomfort with being seen. She opens up about the career she originally pursued, how searching for a hobby and a sense of fulfillment introduced her to photography, and how that passion eventually led her to leave the security of a traditional 9-to-5 and step into entrepreneurship. As a first-generation entrepreneur, Sonia reflects on the guilt, uncertainty, and financial concerns she had to navigate while making that transition, especially when choosing a path that didn't come with the same sense of predictability or security. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at her latest business expansion, Foothill Studios: what it is, what inspired her to create it, and everything that has gone into bringing that vision to life. And for anyone who has been thinking about exploring photography or another creative interest but hasn't quite given themselves permission to start, Sonia shares some encouragement and advice about following those curiosities and allowing yourself to discover where they might lead. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the things we pursue simply because they bring us joy can open doors we never expected. And sometimes, the first step toward showing the world who we are is learning to feel comfortable being seen by ourselves. Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Sonia and how to work with her on her IG and website. IG: @soniatapiabranding Website: www.soniatapiaphotography.com Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    Permission To Dream
  3. Oct 18

    Building A Brand That Feels Like You

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Stephanie Munsen of Moxie Creative Solutions, founder of the Women in Business Connections group, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, authentic branding, and what it really takes to put yourself and your business out into the world. This conversation is especially meaningful to Crystal because Women in Business Connections was the very first networking event she attended when launching her own business. Stephanie created the group with a mission to support women in growing their businesses through connection, community, and opportunities to learn from one another. She shares the vision behind the group, how it has evolved, and her plans for expanding its reach and impact. Crystal and Stephanie also dive into the work Stephanie does through Moxie Creative Solutions, exploring the role that branding and digital marketing play in helping small businesses grow. Crystal reflects on her own experience working with Moxie when she was first developing her business identity, including how they used one of her tattoos as inspiration for a personalized logo that immediately felt like her. That experience opened up a bigger conversation about something many entrepreneurs discover along the way: Our businesses are often an extension of who we are. Together, they explore how branding can help us communicate our values, show up authentically, and give potential clients a better understanding of who we are and what makes our work different. They also discuss how a thoughtful digital presence can build trust, establish credibility, and help people feel more confident in choosing to work with us. Stephanie shares why she pivoted from graphic design into digital marketing, what she loves about helping businesses find their voice, and the pros and cons of AI in an industry that continues to evolve. They also get into the vulnerability that can come with branding, especially when putting your face, personality, story, and expertise on display feels a lot more personal than simply selling a product or service. Because when you're a small business owner, you're often not just promoting a business. You're asking people to see you, trust you, and believe in what you have to offer. Whether you're just starting out, considering a rebrand, trying to improve your online presence, or looking for ways to grow your business without losing yourself in the process, this episode is an invitation to think differently about what it means to show up and be seen. Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Stephanie and how to work with her on her IG and websites. IG: @moxiecreativesolutions IG: @womeninbusinessconnections Website: www.needmoxie.com Website: www. joinwibc.org Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    Building A Brand That Feels Like You
  4. Oct 4

    Fitness, But Make It Human

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Ray Martinez of Awareness Training for a conversation about fitness, body wellness, consistency, and finding an approach to movement that actually feels sustainable. If you’ve ever struggled with fitness, felt intimidated by the gym, or found yourself rolling your eyes at the latest “lose 30 pounds in 30 days” promise, this conversation is for you. Ray shares how he originally got into fitness as part of his own personal development journey, eventually becoming a boot camp instructor and learning firsthand what worked, what didn’t, and what was missing from many of the fitness programs he encountered. He talks about his frustration with the industry’s focus on quick weight-loss results and how moving into one-on-one training gave him the opportunity to help people develop a healthier relationship with their bodies through movement, nutrition, sleep, and the fundamentals of overall wellness. We also talk about Ray’s particularly entertaining social media content and why humor might actually be one of the things that makes fitness more accessible. Sometimes making exercise funny and relatable is enough to get someone who really doesn’t enjoy working out to engage, stay curious, and maybe even become a little more consistent. Ray shares how the pandemic created the opportunity to launch his own online coaching business, the evolution of Awareness Training, and the work he now does out of his studio in Rancho Cucamonga. He also talks about helping clients navigate challenges such as lower back pain and joint pain, while finding more ease, motivation, and confidence in their personal body wellness journeys. We break down the differences between Ray’s training, coaching, and hybrid services, what each approach looks like, and how he determines what will best support someone’s individual goals. And, of course, Ray shares one of his client success stories and what it taught him about the kind of transformation that can happen when we stop chasing quick fixes and start building sustainable habits. This conversation is a reminder that fitness doesn’t have to be punishment, perfection, or an all-or-nothing commitment. It can be about learning your body, understanding what it needs, finding movement you actually enjoy, and creating a relationship with wellness that you can maintain for the long haul. Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Ray and how to work with him on his IG and website. IG: @awareness_training Website: www.awarenesstrainingonline.com Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    Fitness, But Make It Human
  5. Sep 20

    Same Childhood, Different Stories

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with a very special guest: Desiree Carscadden, Reiki Master, hypnotherapist, co-owner of the Holistic Healers Community… and her sister. This conversation is a little different from the usual HHCP episode, because Crystal and Des aren’t just talking about their work in the holistic space. They’re talking about them. They reflect on growing up together, their very different personalities, and how those differences sometimes created more tension than closeness. They talk about family, connection, the ways we can carry old dynamics into adulthood, and the very different places they each tend to access their power from. For Des, anger has often been a source of power. For Crystal, it’s sadness. They also share how their grandmother played an important role in awakening and nurturing their shared curiosity about the magical, mysterious, and unexplained parts of the universe. From there, the conversation takes plenty of sibling detours, because that’s what happens when sisters get together. Des also opens up about her recent experience participating in the Monologue Mavens event at HHC in collaboration with Nikki. They explore why the experience may have felt so cathartic for her and how giving herself permission to express what had been held inside may have helped her move through the stress cycle rather than continuing to carry it. Crystal and Des also talk about the beautiful evolution of HHC’s event offerings and the work Des has poured into expanding what the community can experience within the space. They tease an upcoming breathwork class coming to HHC, talk about what it has looked like for Des to attune her children to Reiki, and explore some of the ways that practice has shown up in their lives. And, of course, there are plenty of completely random sibling digressions about family, relationships, childhood, and connection along the way. This episode is part holistic conversation, part sister therapy session, part trip down memory lane, and a reminder that some of our most meaningful relationships can hold both tension and deep connection. Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Des and how to work with her on her IG. IG: @desireholisticwellness Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    Same Childhood, Different Stories
  6. Sep 6

    Carrying, Giving, Recovering: A Surrogacy Journey

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Mara Aguilar to explore her firsthand experience as a gestational surrogate and the journey that led her to make the decision to carry a baby for intended parents. Mara shares what motivated her to become a surrogate, what she looked for when choosing an agency, and what an ideal relationship with intended parents looked like for her. She walks us through some of the practical aspects of the process, including the requirements to qualify as a surrogate, what goes into a contract between a surrogate and intended parents, and the many decisions that have to be considered before the journey even begins. Mara also gives an honest look at the physical and emotional experience of surrogacy. From the hormonal preparation and embryo transfer to the unexpected challenges she encountered throughout pregnancy and the different things she tried to do to manage and mitigate those issues. She opens up about labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and what the experience was actually like from her perspective. And, of course, Mara answers the question that she gets asked all the time: Would you do it again? Whether you’ve considered becoming a surrogate yourself, know someone who has, or are simply curious about what the process is really like, this episode offers an opportunity to hear about surrogacy directly from someone who has lived it. Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or ask Mara any further questions you may have on her IG. IG: @mara.aguilar11 Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    Carrying, Giving, Recovering: A Surrogacy Journey
  7. Aug 23

    Making Space For A Bigger Version Of Yourself

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Dr. Zerri Gross - a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Reiki Master, crystal and sound healer, trauma-informed yoga instructor, Goddess Temple Priestess, author, retired veteran, and holistic life coach - for a deeply honest conversation about transformation, burnout, spirituality, and learning to make space for every part of ourselves. Dr. Z shares her journey from the military into the mental health field, the early experiences that challenged her to reflect on her own growth as a therapist, and the gradual shift toward holistic healing that initially began as something she pursued for herself. She opens up about the internal and religious beliefs she had to work through in order to make space for these modalities, as well as the barriers that kept her from believing her trainings and gifts were meant to be shared with others. Eventually, burnout and life’s challenges pushed Dr. Z toward opening her own private practice, only to reveal a whole new layer of healing around money, visibility, social expectations, and the narratives we inherit about what we’re “supposed” to do. Together, Crystal and Dr. Z explore what happens when the person who has spent years caring for everyone else finally gives herself permission to be cared for, too. Dr. Z also shares about her upcoming Disconnect to Reconnect event at HHC on August 29th, created specifically for the teachers, therapists, healers, and “strong friends” who are so accustomed to being the ones everyone else relies on. And in one of the most memorable parts of the conversation, Dr. Z introduces a powerful reframe for working with the inner child: Instead of making our inner child responsible for healing us, what if we fired them from the role of “healer” and hired them as a consultant? Someone whose experiences, needs, creativity, and wisdom can inform the way we move forward. This episode is an invitation to reconsider what healing, spirituality, success, and self-care can look like when we stop abandoning parts of ourselves in order to become who we think we’re supposed to be.  Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Dr. Z and how to work with her on her website & IG. IG: @greaterself_dr.z Website: www.greaterself.org Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    Making Space For A Bigger Version Of Yourself
  8. Aug 9

    Coming Back To The Body Through Sound

    In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Nikki Hinsen-O’Connor, certified sound therapist and alchemist, to explore the powerful intersection of sound, healing, and self-awareness. Nikki shares her personal journey into this work, which began with her search for relief from chronic migraines. What started with binaural beats eventually led her to the world of sound baths, opening the door to a deeper understanding of how sound can impact the body, mind, and nervous system. In this conversation, Nikki breaks down the science behind sound healing and explains how frequency, vibration, and resonance can support regulation and healing within the body. She also speaks candidly about her first sound bath experience not being relaxing or comfortable, and how a private, in-home session allowed her to truly soften, feel safe, and connect more deeply with herself. This episode also highlights the importance of trauma-informed care within this modality. Nikki shares about her certification through Kin Unified Healing and why proper training matters when working with sound, as dissonance or lack of awareness from an untrained practitioner can potentially be dysregulating or harmful. Beyond the modality itself, Nikki reflects on how sound healing has supported her own mental and emotional health by creating a foundation of awareness. One that has inspired her to incorporate other supportive practices like meditation and therapy. She describes sound as an ongoing invitation to return to her body and reconnect with her higher self. Crystal and Nikki also discuss her Heartfire Family sound baths hosted at the Holistic Healers Community, as well as the unique and often profound effects sound healing can have on children. This episode is both an introduction and an invitation to listen more deeply, to become more aware, and to explore the ways sound can support your healing journey. Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Nikki and how to work with her on her IG. IG: @hearthfiresound Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

    Coming Back To The Body Through Sound

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Holistic Healers Community Podcast is a space for conscious conversation, integrative healing, and soulful growth. Hosted by Crystal Venegas—Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Reiki Master, and Meditation Guide—this podcast explores holistic wellness through the lens of mind, body, spirit, and community. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, Crystal shares reflections, tools, and stories designed to support deep healing, self-awareness, and empowered living. As the founder of Southern California’s Holistic Healers Community, a collaborative network of wellness practitioners in the Inland Empire, Crystal regularly features local holistic practitioners and community leaders as guests, amplifying their wisdom, work, and lived experience. Together, they blend Eastern traditions with Western evidence-based practices to offer listeners a grounded yet expansive approach to well-being. Whether you’re navigating personal transformation, seeking alignment, or seeking deeper connection, this podcast invites you to slow down, listen inward, and remember your innate capacity for healing. Learn more at www.holistichealerscommunity.com

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