The SoulFire Sessions

Alex Widener & Mariah Newman
  • 5.0 (4)
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The SoulFire Sessions: At the intersection of passion and purpose - where you align with what sets your soul on fire. Welcome to The SoulFire Sessions—smart, soulful, and unapologetically bold. Each episode is a deep dive into the moments, mindsets, and movements that ignite your inner fire. Through real talk, powerful stories, and soul-led strategy, we explore what it means to live and lead with purpose. This isn’t just self-growth—it’s a full-body yes to passion-fueled ambition, clarity, and alignment. Because the fire within you is ready to rise. 

  1. Jun 18

    Financial Series, Episode 3: Future-Proof Your Finances

    Introduction This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions. Summary In this episode of Money Matters for Real People, Cristina Easterling and Josh Montanez explore what it means to future-proof your finances through every stage of life. From young adults just beginning their financial journey to those approaching retirement, they discuss the key decisions, habits, and mindset shifts that can help create long-term financial confidence. Together, they break down the importance of understanding your personal goals, building strong financial habits early, and adapting your plan as life changes. The conversation covers the power of mentorship, compound interest, intentional financial check-ins, and how major life events, from career changes and marriage to retirement and legacy planning, can impact your financial strategy. Cristina and Josh also discuss common financial mistakes, the importance of balancing both the offensive and defensive sides of financial planning, and why focusing on where you are today is more valuable than comparing yourself to where you think you should be. Listeners will walk away with practical insights for building a financial plan that can grow and adapt alongside their life. Disclosure Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment. Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com. Key Takeaways ~ Financial planning should evolve as your life, goals, and circumstances change. ~ Starting early allows compound interest and good habits to work in your favor. ~ Major life events are a good time to revisit and adjust your financial plan. ~ Consistent financial check-ins help keep your goals and strategy aligned. ~ Retirement planning is about lifestyle and purpose, not just accumulating money. ~ Legacy planning should reflect your values and long-term priorities.  ~ A strong financial plan includes both growth opportunities and risk protection. ~ The best time to start paying attention to your finances is today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Future-Proofing Your Finances 05:00 Financial Planning Through Life's Transitions 10:00 Building Habits That Last 14:00 Preparing for Retirement 17:20 Common Financial Planning Mistakes 20:00 Legacy Planning and Long-Term Goals 24:00 Balancing Growth and Protection Connect with Josh Montanez Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn Keywords Financial planning; investing by age; retirement planning; compound interest; money mindset; financial goals; wealth building; financial habits; financial confidence; legacy planning; mentorship; emergency fund; life transitions; financial wellness  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    30 min

  2. Jun 12

    Spark Series, Episode 5: Purpose, Presence & Reconnection

    Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today. Summary In this episode of Sparks, Alex sits down with June Spark, Alex Hawkins, founder of Wildwood Connections, a nature-based community experience company helping people reconnect with themselves, each other, and the outdoors. After years of pursuing success as a compliance lawyer, Alex found herself burned out, disconnected, and questioning whether the path she had worked so hard to achieve was truly her own. What followed was a season of slowing down, healing, and rediscovering what brought her to life. Together, Alex and Alex explore burnout, perfectionism, identity, entrepreneurship, the healing power of nature, and the courage it takes to choose a different path. They discuss the importance of listening to your body, finding community during seasons of transition, and why resilience sometimes looks less like pushing through and more like stepping back. This conversation is a reminder that purpose isn't always found by doing more. Sometimes it's found by slowing down enough to hear what's calling you forward. Takeaways ~  Burnout can be an invitation to reevaluate what truly matters.   ~  The path that looks successful isn't always the path that's right for you.  ~  Resilience isn't about pushing through everything—it can also mean resting and recalibrating.  ~  Nature has a unique ability to reconnect us with ourselves and what matters most.   ~  Community and meaningful connection are powerful catalysts for healing and growth.    ~  Small, intentional habits can create lasting change over time.  ~  It's never too late to come back to yourself.  Chapters 00:00:  Welcome to Sparks & Introducing Alex Hawkins  04:45: Life on the Achievement Treadmill  10:40: The Conversation That Changed Everything  17:15: Burnout, Resilience & Choosing a Different Path  16:20: Identity Beyond Job Titles & Leadership Through Influence 26:30: Healing Through Nature  36:00: Building Wildwood Connections  40:55: Advice for Finding Your Spark 47:10: Connecting with Alex & Final Reflections    Connect with Alex Website:  https://www.wildwoodconnections.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodconnections Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578799715588 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexehawkins/ Email:  wildwoodconnections@gmail.com  Keywords Alex Hawkins; Wildwood Connections; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; burnout recovery; nature connection; purpose-driven leadership; authentic leadership; entrepreneurship; personal growth; resilience; outdoor wellness; community building; identity and purpose; Northwest Arkansas; women entrepreneurs; finding your spark  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    49 min

  3. May 22

    Spark Series, Episode 4: Connection, Community, and Belonging

    Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today. Summary In this episode of Sparks, Alex sits down with May Spark Kelley Drebes, a leader whose impact is rooted in connection, community, and helping people feel like they belong. Known by many as a “human dot connector,” Kelley shares how experiences of loneliness and searching for community shaped the way she leads today. Through mentorship, culture-building, intentional relationships, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued, Kelley has built a leadership style grounded not in authority, but in influence and authenticity. Together, Alex and Kelley explore leadership beyond titles, workplace culture, mentorship, motherhood, friendship, books that shaped them, and the importance of staying true to yourself in every season of life. This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about position, but rather it’s about how we show up for the people around us.  Takeaways ~ Leadership is about influence, not authority.  ~ Community and belonging can change lives.  ~ People want to feel seen, heard, and valued.   ~ Authenticity matters in every season of life.   ~ Small acts of connection can change someone’s world.    ~ Creating belonging starts with intentional relationships.   ~ Your spark and purpose may evolve through different seasons of life. Chapters 00:00: Welcome to Sparks & Introducing Kelley Drebes 03:55: What It Means to Be a “Human Dot Connector” 06:45: Loneliness, Community & Why Connection Matters 10:40: The Questions Kelley Uses to Truly Know People 16:20: Identity Beyond Job Titles & Leadership Through Influence 20:40: Kelley’s Career Journey in Healthcare & Walmart 24:15: Growing a Mentorship Community Through Connection 28:25: Family, Reading, Friendship & Life Outside of Work  Connect with Kelley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleydrebes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelleyRaeBell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleydrebes/ Favorite Book (A Raisin in the Sun): walmart.com  Keywords Kelley Drebes; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; connection; community; belonging; leadership; mentorship; authentic leadership; workplace culture; women in leadership; human connection; personal growth; leadership podcast  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    36 min

  4. May 14

    Financial Series, Episode 2: Your Money Blueprint

    Introduction This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions. Summary In this episode of Money Matters for Real People, Cristina Easterling and Joshua Montanez discuss the foundations of creating a financial plan and why understanding where you are financially is the first step toward building confidence with money. Together, they explore how to inventory your finances without judgment, identify personal financial goals, and create a plan that reflects your real life—not someone else’s.  The conversation also breaks down Josh’s simple “bucket” approach to money management, covering cash flow, savings, investments, and the role credit can play in long-term planning. Listeners will learn why automation, consistent check-ins, and realistic goal setting can help reduce financial stress and create greater peace of mind over time.  Disclosure Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment. Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com.  Connect with Josh Montanez: Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn Keywords: Financial planning; money mindset; budgeting; savings; investing; retirement planning; emergency funds; debt management; financial goals; wealth building; money habits; financial confidence; financial wellness; financial literacy Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    31 min

  5. May 7

    Episode 16: The Life Blueprint: Unlocking Your Full Potential with Intention

    In this episode, Alex sits down with Robert Rathje to talk about intentional living and what it really takes to reach your full potential. Robert shares how a defining belief from his childhood shaped his purpose of helping others grow, and how a major health transformation became the catalyst for deeper change in his life. That journey led him to create his Life Blueprint: a framework built around six core areas that help guide intentional decisions, habits, and long-term impact. Instead of focusing on temporary goals, Robert emphasizes the power of standards...the daily behaviors that shape who you become. Together, they explore the importance of reflection, personal responsibility, and building consistent habits that align with the life you actually want. This episode offers both mindset shifts and practical steps to help you move from potential to action.  Takeaways Your potential requires ownership: No one can want your growth more than you do Standards > goals: Goals are temporary, standards shape how you live dailyClarity creates action: Knowing what you want drives meaningful habitsSelf-actualization = potential + executionYou don’t have to do everything at once: Build your life intentionally, one area at a time Reflection is essential: Growth happens when you slow down and evaluate Life is seasonal: Your standards and priorities will evolve as your life changes Progress over perfection: Consistency matters more than doing it perfectly every day Community matters: Growth accelerates when you invite others into the process Intentional time creates transformation: Even 15–30 minutes of reflection can change everythingConnect with Robert Website:  https://www.optimyzedgrowth.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rathje/ Chapters 00:00: Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:00: Robert’s Story & Early Influences 06:00: Discovering Purpose & Career Shift 09:00: Health Journey & Turning Point 11:00: The Life Blueprint Explained (6 Core Areas) 14:00: Goals vs. Standards: The Mindset Shift 18:00: Building Habits That Actually Stick 22:00: Reflection, Growth & Life Seasons 26:30: Finding What Sets Your Soul on Fire 29:30: Practical Steps for Intentional Living  Keywords Intentional living, life blueprint, personal growth, self-actualization, reaching your potential, mindset, habits, discipline, clarity, purpose, goal setting vs standards, self development, leadership, performance, productivity, reflection, life design, coaching, holistic growth, work life integration  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    38 min

  6. Apr 24

    Spark Series, Episode 3: Clarity, Confidence, and Follow-Through

    Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today. Summary In this episode of the Sparks Series, Alex sits down with Josh Montanez, founder and lead wealth advisor of Montanez Wealth Advisors, to explore how clarity around finances can create confidence, stability, and forward momentum in life. Josh shares how his journey began as a young intern and grew into a purpose-driven career centered on helping people connect their money to their life path. At the heart of his work is a simple but powerful idea: when people truly understand their finances, they gain the confidence to move forward. Throughout the conversation, Josh emphasizes that leadership isn’t just about ideas or advice…it’s about follow-through. It’s about showing up, doing what you say you will do, and walking alongside people as they navigate important decisions in their lives. From navigating business growth and family life to advocating for hydrocephalus awareness, Josh’s story is a reminder that clarity builds confidence, but it’s follow-through that creates lasting impact. Takeaways ~ Clarity creates confidence: when you understand your finances, you can finally move forward with intention.   ~ Follow-through builds trust: leadership isn’t what you say, it’s what you consistently do.   ~ Money is personal: your experiences, emotions, and habits all shape how you manage it.   ~ Security changes everything: when you feel financially safe, you can take risks, grow, and step into more.   ~ Growth is ongoing: staying “green and growing” means always learning, both in life and leadership.   ~ You don’t have to have it all figured out: progress comes from showing up and staying committed.   ~ Passion can be built: sometimes what you love comes from sticking with something long enough to grow into it.   ~ It’s okay to pivot: changing direction doesn’t mean starting over, it means evolving. Connect with Josh Website: MontanezWealth.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanezwealthadvisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NM.JoshMontanez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-montanez-cfp%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-crps%E2%84%A2-29162b52/ Hydrocephalus Association Website: https://www.hydroassoc.org/  Keywords Financial clarity; follow-through; financial security; money habits; financial planning; confidence; purpose-driven leadership; mentorship; family leadership; hydrocephalus awareness; resilience; emotional intelligence; decision-making; growth mindset Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    39 min

  7. Apr 16

    Financial Series, Episode 1: Mind Over Money

    Introduction This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions.  Summary In this episode of Mind Over Money, Cristina Easterling and Josh Montanez explore how our thoughts, fears, and habits shape our financial future. They discuss the powerful role of money stories and inherited beliefs in influencing everything from spending and saving to risk-taking and long-term planning. Cristina and Josh unpack the shift from operating in “survival mode” to a more intentional, strategy-driven approach. They explore how early experiences shape financial behaviors, highlight common limiting beliefs, and share how shifting those beliefs can lead to greater confidence and control. With over 14 years of experience, Josh is the founder of Montanez Wealth Advisors, where he leads a team delivering comprehensive financial planning across investments, tax efficiency, retirement, and risk management. Together, they bridge mindset and strategy to show how awareness and action create lasting financial change. Disclosure Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment. Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com. Connect with Josh Montanez: Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    28 min

  8. Mar 19

    Episode 15: Rebuilding Health from the Inside Out: Healing Your Mind & Body

    In this episode of Soulfire Sessions, Alex and Cristina sit down with Scott Burgess, a human performance architect, to explore what it really means to rebuild your health from the inside out. After experiencing a major life pivot and health scare, Scott shares how he shifted from feeling depleted and disconnected to helping others restore their energy, confidence, and well-being. The conversation dives into the powerful connection between emotional patterns, physical health, and personal identity. Scott challenges conventional thinking around wellness, emphasizing that true healing starts by addressing internal imbalances, both mentally and physically. He also shares practical tools listeners can begin using immediately, including journaling, hydration, and small daily shifts that can create lasting change. At its core, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and take ownership of your health, energy, and purpose. Takeaways Shifting your mindset to believe life is happening for you can unlock healing and growth. Healing starts in the mind!Emotional patterns and unresolved stress can directly impact physical health.Rebuilding confidence and personal authority is a key part of overall wellness.Simple daily practices like journaling and intentional hydration can create powerful change.True healing requires addressing both the mind and body—not just symptoms.Stillness and self-reflection can help you reconnect with your purpose and inner clarity.Connect with Scott Website: www.BalancedNaturopathics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotteburgessnc/ Book Recommendations: It Works by RHJ (https://a.co/d/01f1aR6q), and Three Magic Words by U.S. Anderson (Master Key Society: https://youtu.be/lJRs4O9u_E8?si=zyrAfAjD-ALjg1ic)  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction to the episode 01:16 What it means to rebuild health from the inside out 03:20 Scott’s turning point and path into wellness work 05:33 The role of mindset, language, and perspective 12:18 How stress, identity, and emotions impact the body 19:31 Practical tools: journaling, hydration, and daily habits 29:34 Nutrition, energy, and supporting the body’s systems 36:40 What sets Scott’s soul on fire 38:18 How to discover your purpose through stillness 41:20 Final thoughts, resources, and where to connect    Keywords Health, human performance, wellness, emotional health, stress, healing, mind-body connection, energy, journaling, personal growth, burnout recovery, anxiety, mental wellness, confidence, resilience Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The SoulFire Sessions: At the intersection of passion and purpose - where you align with what sets your soul on fire. Welcome to The SoulFire Sessions—smart, soulful, and unapologetically bold. Each episode is a deep dive into the moments, mindsets, and movements that ignite your inner fire. Through real talk, powerful stories, and soul-led strategy, we explore what it means to live and lead with purpose. This isn’t just self-growth—it’s a full-body yes to passion-fueled ambition, clarity, and alignment. Because the fire within you is ready to rise. 

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Widener & Mariah Newman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The SoulFire Sessions
  • Show Website
    The SoulFire Sessions