The SoulFire Sessions

Alex Widener & Mariah Newman
  • 5.0 (4)
  • CAREERS

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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. MAR 5

    Spark Series, Episode 2: Vision, Courage, and Caring

    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 Spark Series episode, we celebrate Amy Thompson, a steady, compassionate leader whose presence makes people feel seen, supported, and capable. Amy shares how her lifelong work in vision care is about more than eyesight: it’s about confidence, connection, and helping people see themselves and the world more clearly. We explore the values that shape how she shows up as a working mom, leader, friend, and “behind-the-scenes stage manager” who helps others shine. Amy opens up about career pivots that required courage, the power of trusting intuition, and why community is oxygen for our fire. She also shares practical self-care anchors (sleep, hydration, doing what you love when life gets loud), plus the books and voices that have guided her, including The Lazy Genius Way and Burnout. Takeaways ~ A spark doesn’t have to be big. Small moments, nurtured with care, can become life-changing flames. ~ Support is a leadership strategy: Amy’s goal is to help people feel seen, understood, and steady. ~ Vision is deeper than eyesight. Helping people see can build confidence and reshape how they experience life. ~ Courage shows up in pivots: choosing what’s right for you (even if it looks like a “step back”) is strength. ~ Community is oxygen. Sharing burdens with trusted people makes them lighter and keeps your fire burning. ~ Self-care isn’t selfish, so prioritize sleep, hydrate, and “do what you love” especially in stressful seasons. Connect with Amy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-thompson-1275a7193/ Book Recommendations: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi,  The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski, and Awake by Jen Hatmaker  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 Intro 03:45 Quiet Kindness 05:17 Vision & Purpose 09:12 Family & Support 13:01 Compassion in Action 17:43 Behind the Scenes 22:10 Courage & Resilience 26:41 Community & Collective 29:09 Self-Care Practices 33:11 Books & Inspiration 41:29 What Is a Spark? 46:16 Closing  Keywords Authentic leadership, kindness in leadership, community impact, women in leadership, personal growth, self-care for leaders, courage and resilience, finding your purpose, emotional intelligenc 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/

    48 min

  6. FEB 19

    Episode 14: Reignite Your Passion: Be the ARTist of Your Life

    In this episode of The SoulFire Sessions, Alex welcomes Leanne Zaccar, an actress, author, spiritual medium, and award-winning speaker joining from Australia. As a medium, Leanne lives with a powerful awareness that life is short, and that truth reshaped everything after divorce left her feeling disconnected from herself and questioning where her spark had gone. Leanne shares how she rebuilt her confidence and identity by returning to a past passion: Latin dance. What began as a vulnerable, confronting first step in front of studio mirrors became her “moving meditation” and the catalyst for rediscovering her authentic self. From there, she found the courage to step into mediumship professionally after a decade of hiding that part of herself and to live a life aligned, brave, and without regret. Together, Alex and Leanne explore imposter syndrome, healing from old narratives, the fear of judgment, and the power of micro-steps to begin coming home to yourself again. Leanne also introduces her book, The Soul Nudge, and shares the message behind her award-winning talk, “Reignite Your Spark: The Secret Power of Authenticity.” The episode closes with Leanne’s simple framework for transformation:  Be the ARTist of your life — Awaken, Reveal, Transform. Takeaways Your spark can be rebuilt even after burnout, divorce, or identity loss.Life feels different when you remember it’s short you stop waiting to be yourself.Returning to a past passion can reconnect you to your essence.Courage grows through small, consistent brave steps.Imposter syndrome is often old conditioning—not truth.Authenticity may cost you some people—but it brings the right ones closer.Failure is feedback, not a verdict.Micro-steps (affirmations, quiet moments, simple action) can reignite big change.Be the ARTist of your life: Awaken. Reveal. Transform.Connect with Leanne Website: www.leannezaccar.com.au  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannezaccar/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leannezaccar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannezaccar/ Book, The Soul Nudge: https://a.co/d/0hxeRjK2  Reach out to Leanne on her website or DM her with the word SOULFIRE, and she will gift you her ebook: "Reignite Your Spark: A 15 page Soul Guide to Remembering Yourself." 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 to The SoulFire Sessions 01:36 — Losing the Spark and Hitting a Breaking Point 03:38 — Dance as Rebirth: Coming Alive Again 07:02 — Building Courage Through Community 08:59 — Living Without Regret 11:21 — Redefining Failure and Psychological Safety 14:21 — Stepping Into Mediumship + Imposter Syndrome 19:40 — Masks, Judgment, and Authentic Identity 21:07 — The Power of Micro Steps 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/

    40 min
  7. Spark Series, Episode 1: The Wind Beneath My Wings

    FEB 4

    Spark Series, Episode 1: The Wind Beneath My Wings

    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 SoulFire Sparks episode, Mariah Newman honors the people who became the wind beneath her wings...the mentors, family members, and quiet encouragers who helped her rise long before she believed she could, and who shaped her life and leadership. Through heartfelt stories and reflections, Mariah honors the sparks who showed up with belief, safety, and unwavering support during pivotal seasons of her life. From professional mentors who helped her see her courage and potential, to family members who stood in the gap during difficult chapters, this episode is a reminder that leadership is never a solo journey.  This episode is a love letter to the unseen mentors, the ones who don't seek recognition but whose presence changes everything.  Takeaways ~ Not all mentors have titles—some simply show up and stay. ~ Safety and belief can change the trajectory of a life. ~ Being seen is often the first step toward courage. ~ Our “sparks” help us rise before we know how to fly on our own. ~ Gratitude deepens when we acknowledge the people who carried us through. Connect with Mariah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahnewman12321/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariah.e.cline  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-newman-ed-s-05054071/  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 – Introducing Sparks & the Power of Influence 01:00 – No One Becomes a Leader Alone 01:40 – Ken Henson on Courage and Leadership 05:39 – Todd Carter: Courage in the Face of Change 09:34 – The Ripple Effect of Being a Spark 11:25 – Seeing Yourself for the First Time 15:32 – Friendship, Authenticity, and Resilience at Work 19:20 – Miss Sharon: Love Without Conditions 25:02 – Family Who Stood in the Gap 27:50 – Persistence, Care, and Growing Up Too Soon 33:35 – Gratitude for the Sparks Who Raised Her 38:37 – Messages of Love & Affirmation 39:37 – The Wind Beneath My Wings 41:08 – Closing Reflection & Invitation to Honor Your Sparks Keywords Mentorship, personal growth, life mentors, support systems, influential people, gratitude, belonging, leadership development, emotional safety, confidence building, courage, influence, community support, chosen family, the wind beneath my wings 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/

    42 min

  8. JAN 21

    Episode 13: Psychological Safety: Brave Work & Bold Teams

    What happens when failure feels personal, and what becomes possible when a team feels safe? In this episode of The Soulfire Sessions, Alex and Christina are joined by Dr. Matt Daniel to explore psychological safety and why it’s one of the most powerful drivers of collaboration, innovation, and high-performing teams. Through real stories and practical insight, Matt unpacks what psychological safety is (and isn’t), how self-silencing signals an unsafe environment, and why failure lands so differently depending on team culture. Together, they discuss how unsafe teams turn mistakes into character judgments, while safe teams transform failure into shared learning, momentum, and creative problem-solving. The conversation also offers guidance for leaders looking to build a “bubble” of safety within unhealthy organizations, strategies for coping when leaving isn’t an option, and what it truly takes to repair trust once psychological safety has been broken.  Takeaways ~ In an unsafe environment, failure can feel like a personal indictment. ~ Psychological safety makes it easier to share mistakes without fear of humiliation. ~ Shared failures often lead to collaborative problem-solving and better ideas. ~ Safe teams treat failure as temporary—and keep moving forward. ~ Leaders shape team climate through modeling, coaching, and follow-through. ~ Repair requires consistent positive interactions over time, not a one-time apology. ~ Psychological safety fuels the brave work that bold teams need to innovate. Connect with Matt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjdaniel/ Free ACU Webinar Series, register here! If your organization is interested in partnering with ACU to provide your employees with tuition discounts and benefits, email Matt at matt.daniel@acu.edu 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 — Failure, Safety, and Team Culture 00:55 — Welcome to The Soulfire Sessions 01:56 — Meet Dr. Matt Daniel 03:33 — How Psychological Safety Gets Destroyed 06:34 — What Is Psychological Safety? 09:50 — Signs of an Unsafe Environment 10:27 — Is It Just a Bad Manager… or Something More? 11:22 — Courage, Silence, and Speaking Up 14:54 — When Leaders Don’t Mean Harm 16:27 — Why Psychological Safety Matters for Business 18:57 — Encouraging Quiet Voices on the Team 19:53 — Failure, Fast Learning, and Innovation 20:39 — Failure as a Game, Not a Judgment 22:42 — Coping in an Unsafe Workplace 25:24 — Purpose as a Buffer Against Toxicity 26:08 — Can Psychological Safety Be Repaired? 29:41 — The Power of Positive Interactions 30:19 — Creating a “Bubble” of Safety 32:26 — Reflections on Leadership Responsibility 35:21 — What Sets Your Soul on Fire? 38:02 — Finding Your Own Soul Fire 42 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/

    41 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
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The SoulFire Sessions
  • Show Website
    The SoulFire Sessions