My Crunchy Zen Era

Nicole Swisher
  • 5.0 (12)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Just your average millennial with a traumatic brain injury trying to simplify life in a chaotic world. Since I don't remember half of what I hear, the best option was obviously to record smart or interesting people (sometimes… they’re even both!!) answering my questions about life. And it'd just be downright awkward if I didn't share it on a podcast.  Welcome to My Crunchy Zen Era... we're not exactly sure what it is but we're figuring it out! Hosted by Nicole Swisher.

  1. 13H AGO

    Happy Employees = Bigger Profits? Here's What Leaders Get Wrong with Nadian Zak

    Fresh off a three day silent retreat, Nadian Zak, founder and CEO of Zak Human Solutions, joins Nicole on the first episode back from spring break!  Nadian's company began in response to her frustration with the CEOs she worked with in her day job. Their inability to understand the importance of people and culture to profitability (and just being a good human being) led her to take matters into her own hands and become the CEO she never had. In its initial two years, Zak Human Solutions grew exponentially by putting a focus on people and culture, while making HR more accessible and affordable for small businesses. Nicole and Nadian delve into how culture is a trickle down effect from leadership, signs of a toxic work environment, and the importance of creating a culture of belonging... feeling like you can have opposing viewpoints while still being welcomed and accepted. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: Uno FlipSchool of Greatness PodcastConnect with Nadian: InstagramConnect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook

    45 min

  2. MAR 19

    Painting as Meditation? Here's What Happened with Drew Harrison

    This week Nicole sits down with standup comedian, podcaster and artist (and editor of the pod!) Drew Harrison... Drew has rediscovered his love of art as he gets older and has used it to help deal with everyday stress and the roller coaster of emotions that comes with being professional standup comedian. Drew is also one of many comedians with a deep, abiding love of professional wrestling. Drew started watching Bob Ross as a form of clearing his mind but soon found himself picking up a brush to follow along. Nicole and Drew share a history of brain injuries and discuss how they face it each and every day. They might have even uncovered a Reese's holiday conspiracy!! ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: Nicole's Amazon StoreStumbleOh Hey Guys with Drew HarrisonCreatine*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases you buy through this link. Connect with Drew: InstagramDrew's Wrestling PodcastConnect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook

    40 min

  3. MAR 12

    A Recovering People Pleaser Achieving a Renaissance Life with Sydney Dozier

    Life integration not work life balance leads to a Renaissance Life. Nicole is joined by Sydney Dozier this week and they discuss how high achieving women can love their lives and thrive despite the hustle.  While juggling a business and a family, Sydney realized that although you need to work hard, it's how you learn to integrate your work and personal that helps you thrive. The pair delve into having an inner circle and people around you that know you so well, they can speak into your life and have your back.  From embracing CEO energy this year to setting up boundaries to avoid social media hangovers, Sydney brings insight and joy to this week's episode. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: The Other Significant Others by Raina Cohen (find it in: Nicole's Amazon Store)JunoWomen Connect*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases you buy through this link. Connect with Sydney: InstagramRenaissance Marketing Group InstagramConnect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook

    44 min

  4. MAR 5

    Why This Orthopedic Surgeon Chose Stand Up Comedy with Dr. Ben

    Nicole and Dr. Ben (orthopedic surgeon *and* comedian) dive into medicine, creativity, and courage. He'll tell you how dad jokes led to stand-up, plus the secrets to confidence, stage fright vs. surgical prep, and why creatives need creative escapes.  They'll also cover laughter's superpower, storytelling, grit, and the wild ride of stand-up. Nicole shares her own stand-up stumbles and podcast pivot. Plus, AI in medicine/law, identity, and uncovering the true meaning of Esquire.  It's all about creative courage: try, refine, stay curious, and pivot! Takeaway: Confidence = showing up, trying again, and living your dream life. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: Nicole's Amazon StoreBorn Standing Up by Steve Martin*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases you buy through this link. Connect with Dr. Ben: YouTubeInstagramConnect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook

    41 min

  5. FEB 26

    Your Current Career Might Be Costing You More Than You Think with Luke DeLaVergne

    Find your life's "aha!" moment and unlock your true potential! This week, we're thrilled to have Career Coach Luke DeLaVergne joining us.  Luke is going to share the ONE single, transformative question that completely rerouted his entire career path and led him to a place of greater fulfillment and purpose. After his own deeply personal quest for clarity and direction, it was another insightful career coach who pointed him in the right direction.  Luke and Nicole delve into the exciting world of career leaps, exploring the strategies and mindsets that can empower YOU to make your own epic moves and design a life that truly resonates. You absolutely do not want to miss out on the magic and inspiration that unfolds in this episode! ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: The Rhythm of Life by Matthew KellyRyze Mushroom ChaiAba Nashville*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases you buy through this link. Connect with Luke at thriveconsult.org. Connect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook

    45 min

  6. FEB 19

    Breaking the Shame That Keeps Us Hidden with Sarah Wilson

    Get ready for a powerful episode! Sarah Wilson, calling a Spiritual Director a "soul beautician" and "spiritual midwife," joins Nicole to reveal a journey through postpartum struggles and a child in hospice, ultimately a story of incredible hope and encouragement. Discover how Sarah transformed her experiences into a call for authentic community, urging us to break free from isolation and truly connect. This episode bravely uncovers the silent battles women face and ignites a passion for mutual support, reminding us that we're meant to navigate life together. Loved it? Hit follow, share this with your fellow spiritual explorers, and drop a quick review! ✨ Follow Sarah @siftmylife on Instagram.  ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: Scott EricksonThe Telepathy Tapes PodcastPsych TV ShowConnect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook

    47 min

  7. FEB 12

    This Might Be Our Most Unhinged Episode Yet | Bear Winter Era with Zeta Graves

    Valentine's Day: Overhyped or just… a thing? Either way, we're ditching the roses for International Quirkyalone Day.  Nicole and returning fave Zeta Graves are breaking down V-Day's wilder cousin: the "bro equivalent of Galentine's," a candy bracket, single update letters, and the glorious concept of "Bear Winter" (think girl dinner, but with peanut butter and hibernation). Basically, we're petitioning for an annual winter nap.  This episode is, dare we say, unhinged. And remember, we once did Bigfoot.  Enjoy the chaos? Follow, share with your Valentine's-obsessed/indifferent friends, and bless us with a review.  ✨ Follow Zeta on Instagram Recommendations: He's Just Not That Into YouLocation Island ShowConnect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook

    44 min

  8. FEB 5

    You’re Not Your Worst Day… It's Never Too Late to Have the Life You Want with Jeff Allen

    Jeff Allen, a comedian whose career spans 6 decades, is in the studio with Nicole! He is also an author, husband and recovering addict. He loves finding the humor in everyday family life and will admit he is head over heels in love with his life (and his wife) and wants everyone to know it. Having grown up with unpredictable parents, Jeff learned that loud usually wins arguments. From the brink of divorce to finding Jesus, Jeff talks with Nicole about playing the exact person (spoiler: his dad) that taught him that loud wins in a new sitcom pilot based off his book 'Are We There Yet?' And just to keep things light, Jeff and Nicole meander into chatting string theory like it's an episode of the Big Bang Theory! Didn't see that coming... Enjoy the episode?  Follow the show, share the episode with someone who loves a good laugh followed by a great comeback story, and leave a quick review.  ✨ Follow Jeff Allen on Facebook & Listen To His Podcast!! Visit my Amazon Shop here (**Fun Legal Disclosure Below!**) for this week's recommendations: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtAre We There Yet? by Jeff AllenConnect with Nicole: InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook**As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from my shop. I really appreciate your support!  Podcasting is a labor of love.**

    48 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Just your average millennial with a traumatic brain injury trying to simplify life in a chaotic world. Since I don't remember half of what I hear, the best option was obviously to record smart or interesting people (sometimes… they’re even both!!) answering my questions about life. And it'd just be downright awkward if I didn't share it on a podcast.  Welcome to My Crunchy Zen Era... we're not exactly sure what it is but we're figuring it out! Hosted by Nicole Swisher.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Swisher
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 My Crunchy Zen Era
  • Show Website
    My Crunchy Zen Era

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