WhozYourMama

Michelle Kreft
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  • MENTAL HEALTH

Welcome to WhozYourMama, the podcast dedicated to empowering your mental health and wellness. Each episode is a journey towards mental strength, resilience, and holistic well-being. We explore the challenges and triumphs of mental health, offering expert insights, inspiring personal stories, and actionable strategies to help you thrive. Whether you're seeking to build mental fortitude, enhance your self-care routine, or find strength in community, WhozYourMama is your supportive companion. Tune in, find your strength, and let's conquer the path to wellness together.

  1. A Creative Career Can Start With One Bold Pivot

    5D AGO

    A Creative Career Can Start With One Bold Pivot

    A creative career rarely starts with a perfect plan, and Deena Abdul proves it. What begins as a handbag line and a love of fashion turns into a bigger mission: learn people’s stories, shape them into powerful media, and help brands (and humans) show up with clarity. We talk with Deena, founder of Amunet Collective, about the real mechanics behind brand strategy and creative direction. She shares how marketing campaigns work best when they’re built on identity and psychology, not just aesthetics, and why the way we present ourselves is often a form of self-expression we don’t fully name. We also get personal about drive: growing up independent, competing in sports, and developing the “we’ll figure it out” mindset that keeps entrepreneurs moving when the path is unclear. Then the conversation expands into travel, culture, and a unique niche: sports tourism. Deena explains how bringing work “back home” to Egypt becomes both a business pillar and a way to create personalized, behind-the-scenes experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist checklist. We close with a mindset shift you can use immediately: nervousness and excitement feel the same, so you get to choose the label and the outcome. If you care about storytelling, brand positioning, mindset, and building a life that stays connected to your roots, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a spark, and leave a review with the biggest idea you’re taking from the conversation. Support the show

    20 min
  2. From Pre-Med to Madrid: Building NUUX and Redefining a Creative Path

    MAR 26

    From Pre-Med to Madrid: Building NUUX and Redefining a Creative Path

    He hit a breaking point in the cold of Michigan, quietly dropped the MCAT plan, and chose a different life. Mark Williams joins us from Madrid, Spain, to tell the story behind NUUX Design Studios and the career pivot that took him from pre med expectations to digital marketing, then into UX design and entrepreneurship. We talk honestly about pressure, especially when you grow up in an immigrant family where the “doctor, lawyer, engineer” path feels like the only safe option. Mark explains how he made his move without a perfect blueprint, why creative digital work finally felt like a fit, and what changed when he stopped building for one big corporation and started helping smaller businesses grow through better user experience and design. Then we zoom out to the lifestyle shift. Mark compares American work culture in LA with Spain’s work-life balance, and how the slower pace forced him to rethink happiness, burnout, and what we call energy hygiene. If you’ve been searching for practical advice on moving abroad, becoming a digital nomad, or creating more freedom through remote work, his framework is clear: focus on skills that other people value, stack those skills, and use them to buy back your time. We also get specific about branding: how NUUX positions itself as a high-end boutique agency that still feels warm, approachable, and collaborative. If this conversation sparks something in you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one skill you want to stack next? Support the show

    12 min
  3. From Niceness to Kindness: How to Protect Your Energy

    MAR 11

    From Niceness to Kindness: How to Protect Your Energy

    Ever wonder why you feel drained after being “nice” all day? We dig into the difference between rigid boundaries and observed limits, then show how energy hygiene can help you respond to life without burning out. With returning guest Anabel Salimian, we unpack practical tools that honor your capacity, protect your sleep, and make kindness to yourself a daily practice. We start by reframing boundaries as living edges instead of concrete walls. Anabel shares insights from psychotherapy training on how observing limits creates flexibility without confusion. You’ll learn to read physical cues like tightness, restlessness, and fatigue as early signals, then pair them with emotion labels to turn vague discomfort into clear action. We walk through simple tracking—three daily check-ins, energy ratings, and a short sleep log—to transform hunches into patterns you can trust. From there, we zoom in on sleep as your most honest boundary. If falling asleep takes longer or wake-ups spike, your system might be stuck processing unfinished loops or unspoken needs. We map small, doable moves—earlier wind-downs, tomorrow-lists, and shifting high-stimulation tasks—that restore rest without overhauling your life. Finally, we draw a bright line between niceness and kindness. Niceness often seeks approval; kindness aligns with values and capacity. You’ll hear scripts for saying a smaller yes, setting expectations early, and sharing limits clearly at work and at home. By the end, you’ll have a lightweight system to observe your limits, track what truly drains or fuels you, and communicate your edges with calm confidence. If you’re ready to replace people-pleasing with sustainable care, hit play, share this with a friend who overgives, and leave a review to tell us your biggest shift. Support the show

    15 min
  4. How Personalized Music Can Guide Healing and Growth

    FEB 26

    How Personalized Music Can Guide Healing and Growth

    What if your soundtrack could meet you exactly where you are—without substances, complicated rituals, or one-size-fits-all advice? We sit down with audio alchemist Robert Alexander to unpack how personalized music and sober guided journeys can sharpen focus, calm the nervous system, and strengthen community. From energy hygiene to brain health as life health, we explore how sound becomes a practical tool you can actually use day to day. Robert traces the origin of Life Rhythms, a music wellness approach built on conversation, intuition, and craft. He explains why he works with your frequency—your story, state, and goals—rather than chasing trendy tones or rigid protocols. We dig into how he captures guided journeys in real time, then designs supportive music behind a client’s voice so they can re-enter clarity or calm on demand. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by wellness noise, this thoughtful, customizable process will feel like a breath of fresh air. We also talk about the subtle influence of the Five Rhythms movement on the brand’s name, the art of curation learned from years of producing and DJing, and the “buffet” mindset that keeps growth flexible yet grounded. Robert shares guardrails for responsible creativity, how personalized tracks become anchors for morning focus or evening wind-down, and the simple, generous advice he’d offer his younger self about feeling lost and being found. It’s a warm, practical guide to aligning sound with the way you actually live. If you’re curious about music for mental wellness, personalized sound design, guided journeys, and energy hygiene that sticks, this conversation will resonate. Listen, share with a friend who needs a gentle reset, and subscribe for more candid, community-centered stories. We’d love to hear: what part of your day could use a custom soundtrack? Support the show

    12 min
  5. Intention, Integrity, Connection: The Venice Electric Light Parade Story

    JAN 15

    Intention, Integrity, Connection: The Venice Electric Light Parade Story

    Sunset can feel like a reset button, and for us, it’s the moment a glowing stream of bikes turns Venice into a living neighborhood again. Marcus Gladney joins to share how the Venice Electric Light Parade grew from a late-night discovery into a decade-long, sober, family-friendly movement that brings hundreds of people together every Sunday. What started with wheel lights and a playlist became a lifeline for riders who needed connection, especially during lockdowns when Bicycle Bedtime Stories kept hope alive at dusk. We dig into the origin story—from leaving successful businesses in Kansas City to finding belonging on the boardwalk—and why clear values like no alcohol, no smoking, and kid-first pacing are the guardrails that keep the ride safe and joyful. Marcus opens up about DMs that changed his perspective, personal rides with folks who were struggling, and the power of showing up consistently. We also explore how technology can be intentional and human: iFit brought the parade to Norditrack users worldwide, letting someone in Thailand ride along and message Marcus in real time. The ripple effects stretch from families and restaurants to brain health, proving that movement, music, and community can recalibrate a tough week. Beyond the glow, there’s a philosophy: move with intention, protect integrity, and don’t be afraid of a redo. Marcus shares the choices behind collaborations he accepts—and those he declines—to keep the parade aligned with its mission. Kids who joined at four are now sixteen, and that arc is the true reward: routines that become roots, joy that becomes practice, and light that becomes legacy. If you’re craving connection, curious about building a values-led community, or just want a reason to look forward to Sundays, this one’s for you. If this story sparks something, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review with the word that guides your week. Then meet us at sunset—let’s ride. Support the show

    18 min
  6. How Chasing Discomfort Turned a DJ Into a Marathoner and a Better Human

    JAN 8

    How Chasing Discomfort Turned a DJ Into a Marathoner and a Better Human

    What if the soundtrack that moves a dance floor could also carry you through mile 24? We sit down with Ryan “DJ Lush Bunny” Jesena to unpack a transformation that began in lockdown and ended at a marathon finish line—powered by purpose, disciplined coaching, and playlists engineered for cadence, not just vibes. Ryan takes us back to the track where he watched athletes grind in silence while the world stayed still. One conversation with a coach reframed everything: don’t train without a purpose. That simple rule set a clear goal—finish a marathon—and forced every habit to line up behind it. The early days were brutal: half a block left him breathless and sick, so he rebuilt from the feet up with barefoot strength, form work, and patience. The results stacked fast. He lost 40–50 pounds, quit drinking, stabilized sleep, and found more energy and clarity at work. The race mattered, but the deeper win was identity: someone who trains with intent. Music became a tool, not a distraction. Ryan explains how BPM shapes effort—under 120 for base miles, faster tempos for intervals—and why mixing genres keeps the mind engaged when the body fades. He maps marathon playlists like DJ sets, syncing songs to course segments and expected fatigue so the right track hits exactly when the wall does. We dig into practical tips for beginners: build purpose first, use cadence to control pace, protect your morning routine, and let consistency lead before chasing speed. The most powerful insight is philosophical: comfort rarely equals happiness. Measured discomfort—hard sessions, honest feedback, the sting of failure—creates growth and a fuller human experience. If you’re starting from zero, curious about using music to guide training, or ready to trade ease for meaning, this conversation will hand you a blueprint. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge, and tell us: what hard thing will you choose next? Support the show

    14 min
  7. How Intuitive Dance Transforms Stress Into Strength

    12/26/2025

    How Intuitive Dance Transforms Stress Into Strength

    What if a dance floor could double as a healing space? We dive into an energizing conversation with DJ and creator Sebastian Siren about how intuitive movement, electronic music, and community can regulate the nervous system and unlock real emotional release. This isn’t about performance or steps—it’s about listening to your body, following curiosity, and letting rhythm reset your stress response. Sebastian traces his path from LA’s abundant wellness scene to New York’s intensity, showing how intention can replace access and how a brand can evolve beyond “just parties.” He shares why he designs playful, transcendent, and transformative sets that land listeners neutral to elevated, not burned out. We unpack practical somatic tools—hip circles, micro-movements, breath pacing—that pair beautifully with techno’s steady beat, and we explore how injuries or life shifts can push you toward gentler, smarter ways to move. You’ll hear a roadmap for finding your “little portals”: conversations at bars and coffee shops, cacao circles, bathhouses, and affordable breathwork sessions that become anchors for self-care. We talk about grief after leaving a beloved sport, the surprising power of a weighted hula hoop, and the quiet confidence that comes from feeling your posture, breath, and mood change in sync with the music. Whether you’re in a club or your kitchen, these practices help you downshift from survival mode and reconnect with joy. If you’re ready to start, build a short playlist, set a ten-minute timer, and let your body lead. Then tell us what you felt and what you want more of. Subscribe for new episodes, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review with the song that gets you moving every time. Support the show

    19 min
  8. How to Stop Carrying Too Much and Start Caring Well

    12/18/2025

    How to Stop Carrying Too Much and Start Caring Well

    Your mind doesn’t just need more motivation; it needs maintenance. We dive into energy hygiene with Anabel Salimian of ROOTS, exploring how to keep your mental state clear and resilient when life crowds your calendar. From the holiday rush to everyday stressors, we unpack simple ways to care deeply without carrying more than your share, and how to reset before burnout takes the wheel. We start by distinguishing caring from carrying—why values-led commitments feel light while people-pleasing feels heavy—and how that difference shows up in your body as tension, brain fog, and fatigue. Annabelle breaks down early burnout signals you can actually track, then walks us through micro-practices that work in real life: 4-6 breath cycles to calm the nervous system, quick body scans to release stress, and short walks to steady your heart and head. No hour-long rituals required; two focused minutes can change the day. Reflection ties it together. We share simple journaling prompts—What drained me? What fed me? What boundary protects tomorrow?—along with gratitude lines written in your own words to train attention toward what stabilizes you. You’ll learn how to set clean boundaries before resentment builds, protect your sleep with a calm wind-down, and treat reset time as part of responsibility rather than a luxury. If you’ve been trying to do it all and feel your energy slipping, this conversation offers a humane, repeatable plan to recover your focus and joy. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find these tools. Your support helps us grow this community of parents, educators, and caregivers who are building healthier brains and brighter days. Support the show

    11 min
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About

Welcome to WhozYourMama, the podcast dedicated to empowering your mental health and wellness. Each episode is a journey towards mental strength, resilience, and holistic well-being. We explore the challenges and triumphs of mental health, offering expert insights, inspiring personal stories, and actionable strategies to help you thrive. Whether you're seeking to build mental fortitude, enhance your self-care routine, or find strength in community, WhozYourMama is your supportive companion. Tune in, find your strength, and let's conquer the path to wellness together.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Kreft
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WhozYourMama
  • Show Website
    WhozYourMama