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Updated 10/01/2024
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MAY 19

Ep. 537: Seasons of Life Celebrations

Ritual, Grief, Community & Celebrating Life’s Transitions with Gia IloleIn this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, JJ sits down with Gia Ilole, founder of Seasons of Life Celebrations, to explore the healing power of ritual, intentional community, and honoring life’s transitions — both joyful and painful. After experiencing profound personal loss — the death of her sister followed just six months later by the sudden loss of her husband — Gia discovered a deep need for meaningful, secular ceremonies that support people through grief, transition, and transformation. Together, JJ and Gia discuss: Why ritual matters more than ever in modern lifeHow intentional ceremonies help people heal and reconnectThe emotional importance of community and shared experiencesWhy transitions deserve acknowledgment — not just weddings and funeralsHow grief can uncover purpose, service, and a new callingThe role of celebration in milestones like divorce, retirement, career shifts, menopause, empty nesting, and personal reinventionWhy many people need support creating ceremonies that truly reflect who they are Gia shares how her business helps individuals and families design customized ceremonies, memorials, and celebrations that feel deeply personal and healing — whether in person or remotely. JJ also reflects on her own love of ritual, community-building, and creating memorable experiences through intentional gatherings, traditions, and ceremonies. The conversation expands into: Love languages and quality timeCreating annual traditions and meaningful gatheringsEstate planning beyond financesLeaving loved ones guidance for memorial wishesThe growing need for community-centered healing One of the most powerful themes of the episode is this: We don’t have to wait for tragedy to become intentional about connection, celebration, and meaning.Gia explains how rituals — even simple or symbolic ones — can psychologically and emotionally help people process change, grief, endings, beginnings, and identity shifts. Topics CoveredGrief & healingSecular memorial ceremoniesRitual & spiritualityCommunity buildingEmpty nest transitionsMenopause & identity shiftsDivorce & career transition ceremoniesIntentional livingCelebrating milestonesDeath doulas & end-of-life planningEntrepreneurship after lossService, connection & purpose About Gia IloleGia Ilole is the founder of Seasons of Life Celebrations, a company devoted to helping people create meaningful ceremonies and intentional rituals for life’s biggest transitions. Services include: Memorial planningCelebration officiatingCeremony designObituary & eulogy writingMemorial mappingCustomized ritualsLife transition celebrations Connect with GiaWebsite: Seasons of Life CelebrationsInstagram: @seasonsoflifecelebrationsvc Key TakeawayLife is made meaningful through intentional connection, shared experiences, and rituals that honor who we are becoming — not just who we’ve been.

May 19

•

45 min
23H AGO

Ep. 538: Are Psychiatric Drugs Making Mental Health Worse?

What if the story we’ve been told about depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia isn’t actually supported by the science? In this eye-opening conversation, JJ sits down with investigative journalist and bestselling author Anatomy of an Epidemic creator Robert Whitaker to explore the origins of the “chemical imbalance” theory, the pharmaceutical influence on psychiatry, and what the research actually says about long-term outcomes with psychiatric medications. Robert shares how his career as a medical journalist led him into uncovering contradictions between the public narrative around mental illness and what researchers inside the field were actually finding. Together, JJ and Robert discuss how emotions, trauma, environment, nervous system responses, childhood conditioning, and meaning-making may play a much bigger role in mental health than we’ve been taught. This conversation dives into: The origins of the serotonin and dopamine imbalance theoriesWhy the “chemical imbalance” story continued despite lack of evidenceResearch on antidepressants, antipsychotics, ADHD medications, and long-term outcomesThe difference between healing and symptom managementHow labeling people can shape identity and behaviorWhy emotions are part of being human—not necessarily disordersThe connection between trauma, interpretation, core wounds, and emotional sufferingThe importance of teaching emotional processing and nervous system regulationOpen Dialogue therapy and alternative approaches to healingWhy society may be over-medicating normal human emotional experiences JJ also shares her perspective as an Empowerment Strategist, discussing the role of core wound patterns, subconscious beliefs, emotional suppression, and how people can begin reconnecting with their bodies, emotions, and inner resilience. This episode challenges conventional thinking while opening the door to a broader conversation about healing, humanity, and what it truly means to thrive emotionally. Mentioned in This Episode:Anatomy of an EpidemicNational Institute of Mental HealthMad in AmericaNonviolent CommunicationOpen Dialogue TherapyEMDR & neuroplasticity approachesCore Wound Mapping Connect with Robert WhitakerMad in America Connect with JJJJ Flizanes Official Website

23h ago

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1h 1m
MAY 12

Ep. 536: Lowering Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease

The Great Cholesterol Myth: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling Youwith Dr. Jonny Bowden In this eye-opening conversation, JJ reconnects with renowned nutrition expert and bestselling author Dr. Jonny Bowden to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern medicine: cholesterol. Dr. Bowden, co-author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, explains why the conventional cholesterol narrative is outdated, why total cholesterol tells us almost nothing about heart disease risk, and why inflammation and insulin resistance may be far more important predictors of long-term health. Together, JJ and Dr. Bowden discuss the evolution of cholesterol science, the overprescription of statins, and why people must become advocates for their own health instead of blindly outsourcing decisions to conventional medicine. In This Episode:Why total cholesterol is an outdated marker for heart disease riskThe difference between LDL cholesterol and LDL particlesWhy “good” and “bad” cholesterol is an oversimplified conceptWhat ApoB and LDL particle testing actually reveal about cardiovascular riskThe role of inflammation in chronic disease and heart diseaseHow insulin resistance predicts disease years before symptoms appearWhy stress, processed foods, poor sleep, and sedentary living fuel metabolic dysfunctionThe connection between blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular healthWhy many conventional cholesterol tests are “1963 medicine”What lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation naturallyWhy questioning medical dogma matters for your long-term health Key Takeaways:Dr. Bowden explains that cholesterol itself is not the enemy. Instead, the real issue is the condition of the particles carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream and the inflammation damaging artery walls. He uses powerful analogies — including boats crashing in a marina and golf balls burning through a tennis net — to explain how small, dense LDL particles create more cardiovascular risk than large LDL particles. JJ and Dr. Bowden also explore how insulin resistance quietly drives many chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease — often decades before diagnosis. This episode is a reminder that true health requires curiosity, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. Resources Mentioned:The Great Cholesterol Myth by Dr. Jonny Bowden & Dr. Stephen SinatraApoB testingLDL particle testingFunction HealthPubMed.gov Connect with Dr. Jonny BowdenWebsite: DrJonnyBowden.comBook: The Great Cholesterol Myth Connect with JJJJ Flizanes Official WebsiteFeelings & Needs List

May 12

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1h 5m
MAY 5

Ep. 535: The Real Reason You Can't Change Your Behavior

If you’ve ever thought, “I know better… so why do I keep doing this?”—this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, I break down the real reason we stay stuck in emotional, behavioral, and even physical patterns—and why traditional approaches to healing often don’t create lasting change. We’re not just talking about mindset. We’re going deeper—to the subconscious beliefs formed before age 7 that still shape your reactions, your habits, and your identity today. This is the foundation of my Core Wound Map™, and once you see it… you can’t unsee it. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What a core wound really is (and why you didn’t choose it)How your brain created beliefs to keep you safe—but now keeps you stuckThe hidden pattern loop: Trigger → Feeling → ReactionWhy awareness alone doesn’t change behaviorThe difference between coping vs. actual healingWhy most therapy and personal development miss the rootHow your patterns show up in:RelationshipsFood & body imageSelf-sabotageEmotional triggers Key TakeawayHealing is when you are different in the same situation. Not when you avoid it. Not when you leave it. When the trigger is the same… but your response is different. That’s real change. The 3-Step Tool to Use ImmediatelyWhen you’re triggered, ask yourself: What am I feeling?What need is not being met?How can I meet that need—without requiring anyone else to change? 👉 This is how you interrupt the pattern in real time. Free ResourceDownload the Feelings & Needs List to start practicing this today: 👉 jjflizanes.com/feelingslist (or your preferred link) Print it. Keep it with you. Use it. Next StepIf this resonates, it means you’re ready to go deeper. This is exactly the work we do inside: The Roadmap to Emotional HealingRewiring Your Core Wound PatternsThe Empowering Minds Network Because this isn’t about more information… It’s about becoming someone different in the same situation.

May 5

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56 min
MAY 19

Ep. 814: Seasons of Life Celebrations

Ritual, Grief, Community & Celebrating Life’s Transitions with Gia IloleIn this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, JJ sits down with Gia Ilole, founder of Seasons of Life Celebrations, to explore the healing power of ritual, intentional community, and honoring life’s transitions — both joyful and painful. After experiencing profound personal loss — the death of her sister followed just six months later by the sudden loss of her husband — Gia discovered a deep need for meaningful, secular ceremonies that support people through grief, transition, and transformation. Together, JJ and Gia discuss: Why ritual matters more than ever in modern lifeHow intentional ceremonies help people heal and reconnectThe emotional importance of community and shared experiencesWhy transitions deserve acknowledgment — not just weddings and funeralsHow grief can uncover purpose, service, and a new callingThe role of celebration in milestones like divorce, retirement, career shifts, menopause, empty nesting, and personal reinventionWhy many people need support creating ceremonies that truly reflect who they are Gia shares how her business helps individuals and families design customized ceremonies, memorials, and celebrations that feel deeply personal and healing — whether in person or remotely. JJ also reflects on her own love of ritual, community-building, and creating memorable experiences through intentional gatherings, traditions, and ceremonies. The conversation expands into: Love languages and quality timeCreating annual traditions and meaningful gatheringsEstate planning beyond financesLeaving loved ones guidance for memorial wishesThe growing need for community-centered healing One of the most powerful themes of the episode is this: We don’t have to wait for tragedy to become intentional about connection, celebration, and meaning.Gia explains how rituals — even simple or symbolic ones — can psychologically and emotionally help people process change, grief, endings, beginnings, and identity shifts. Topics CoveredGrief & healingSecular memorial ceremoniesRitual & spiritualityCommunity buildingEmpty nest transitionsMenopause & identity shiftsDivorce & career transition ceremoniesIntentional livingCelebrating milestonesDeath doulas & end-of-life planningEntrepreneurship after lossService, connection & purpose About Gia IloleGia Ilole is the founder of Seasons of Life Celebrations, a company devoted to helping people create meaningful ceremonies and intentional rituals for life’s biggest transitions. Services include: Memorial planningCelebration officiatingCeremony designObituary & eulogy writingMemorial mappingCustomized ritualsLife transition celebrations Connect with GiaWebsite: Seasons of Life CelebrationsInstagram: @seasonsoflifecelebrationsvc Key TakeawayLife is made meaningful through intentional connection, shared experiences, and rituals that honor who we are becoming — not just who we’ve been.

May 19

•

45 min
6D AGO

Ep. 47: Seasons of Life Celebrations with Gia Ilole

Ritual, Grief, Community & Celebrating Life’s Transitions In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, JJ sits down with Gia Ilole, founder of Seasons of Life Celebrations to explore the healing power of ritual, intentional community, and honoring life’s transitions — both joyful and painful. After experiencing profound personal loss — the death of her sister followed just six months later by the sudden loss of her husband — Gia discovered a deep need for meaningful, secular ceremonies that support people through grief, transition, and transformation. Together, JJ and Gia discuss: Why ritual matters more than ever in modern lifeHow intentional ceremonies help people heal and reconnectThe emotional importance of community and shared experiencesWhy transitions deserve acknowledgment — not just weddings and funeralsHow grief can uncover purpose, service, and a new callingThe role of celebration in milestones like divorce, retirement, career shifts, menopause, empty nesting, and personal reinventionWhy many people need support creating ceremonies that truly reflect who they are Gia shares how her business helps individuals and families design customized ceremonies, memorials, and celebrations that feel deeply personal and healing — whether in person or remotely. JJ also reflects on her own love of ritual, community-building, and creating memorable experiences through intentional gatherings, traditions, and ceremonies. The conversation expands into: Love languages and quality timeCreating annual traditions and meaningful gatheringsEstate planning beyond financesLeaving loved ones guidance for memorial wishesThe growing need for community-centered healing One of the most powerful themes of the episode is this: We don’t have to wait for tragedy to become intentional about connection, celebration, and meaning.Gia explains how rituals — even simple or symbolic ones — can psychologically and emotionally help people process change, grief, endings, beginnings, and identity shifts. Topics CoveredGrief & healingSecular memorial ceremoniesRitual & spiritualityCommunity buildingEmpty nest transitionsMenopause & identity shiftsDivorce & career transition ceremoniesIntentional livingCelebrating milestonesDeath doulas & end-of-life planningEntrepreneurship after lossService, connection & purpose About Gia IloleGia Ilole is the founder of Seasons of Life Celebrations, a company devoted to helping people create meaningful ceremonies and intentional rituals for life’s biggest transitions. Services include: Memorial planningCelebration officiatingCeremony designObituary & eulogy writingMemorial mappingCustomized ritualsLife transition celebrations Connect with GiaWebsite: Seasons of Life CelebrationsInstagram: @seasonsoflifecelebrationsvc Key TakeawayLife is made meaningful through intentional connection, shared experiences, and rituals that honor who we are becoming — not just who we’ve been

6d ago

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44 min
23H AGO

Ep. 815: Are Psychiatric Drugs Making Mental Health Worse?

What if the medications designed to help depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia are actually worsening long-term mental health outcomes? In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, JJ sits down with investigative journalist and bestselling author Anatomy of an Epidemic creator Robert Whitaker to explore the research behind psychiatric medications, the chemical imbalance theory, and the growing mental health crisis in America. Robert shares how his work as a medical journalist led him to uncover a major disconnect between what the public has been told about antidepressants, SSRIs, antipsychotics, ADHD medications, and mood stabilizers — and what long-term research studies actually show. Together, JJ and Robert discuss: The origins of the “chemical imbalance” theoryWhy serotonin deficiency was never scientifically provenThe pharmaceutical narratives used to market psychiatric medicationsLong-term studies on antidepressants, antipsychotics, ADHD medications, and bipolar treatmentWhy mental health outcomes may be worsening despite increased medication useThe difference between healing and symptom managementHow trauma, childhood conditioning, core wounds, and emotional suppression impact mental healthWhy labeling people can reinforce identity-based sufferingThe importance of emotional processing, nervous system regulation, and neuroplasticityAlternative approaches to healing, including Open Dialogue therapyHow society may be pathologizing normal human emotional experiences JJ also shares her perspective on emotional healing, Core Wound Patterns, nervous system regulation, and the importance of learning how to feel, process, and move through emotions rather than suppressing or medicating them away. This episode challenges conventional mental health narratives while opening the door to deeper conversations about healing, humanity, and what it truly means to recover. In This EpisodeDepression and the chemical imbalance theorySSRIs and antidepressantsBipolar disorder and mood stabilizersADHD medications and long-term outcomesSchizophrenia research and antipsychotic medicationsEmotional healing and nervous system regulationTrauma, identity, and subconscious beliefsNeuroplasticity and alternative healing approaches Mentioned in This EpisodeAnatomy of an EpidemicMad in AmericaNonviolent CommunicationOpen Dialogue TherapyEMDR and neuroplasticity approachesCore Wound Mapping Connect with Robert WhitakerMad in America Connect with JJJJ Flizanes Official Website

23h ago

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1h 1m
APR 28

Ep. 534: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss

JJ sits down with nutritionist and behavior specialist Carrie Lupoli to break down why traditional dieting fails—and what actually creates lasting health and transformation. From generational conditioning and disordered eating to blood sugar regulation and belief systems, this episode reveals why most people stay stuck… and how to finally shift your relationship with food, body, and self. 💡 What You’ll LearnWhy the diet industry keeps you stuck in cyclesThe difference between calories vs. blood sugar regulationWhy weight loss is a symptom—not the goalHow your beliefs and identity drive your behaviorsWhy “I know what to do, I just don’t do it” keeps happeningHow to shift into the healthiest version of yourself 🧠 Key TakeawaysDiets Don’t Address the Root Restriction and willpower ignore the real issue—your metabolism, mindset, and patterns. “They put us in a cage and then blame us for not flying.”Blood Sugar Drives Everything Energy, cravings, weight gain, inflammation, and even chronic disease are tied to metabolic health. “Weight gain and health issues are symptoms of dysregulated blood sugar.”You Can’t Outperform Your Beliefs You can have the perfect plan—but without rewiring your mindset, it won’t stick. “We can’t outperform disempowered beliefs.”Identity > Goals Stop chasing a number on the scale. Start asking: What does the healthiest version of me do, say, think, and believe?You Are Always Modeling Your beliefs show up in your actions—and impact your family and environment. “You teach what you believe.”From Corset to Crown Let go of restriction, shame, and shrinking yourself… and step into self-worth, health, and empowerment. 🔥 Final TakeawayYou don’t need another diet. You need to shift your identity, regulate your body, and align your beliefs. That’s where real, lasting change happens. 🔗 Resources & LinksConnect with JJ Flizanes: Website: https://jjflizanes.comFree resources & programs: https://jjflizanes.com/mmPodcast Network: https://empoweringmindsnetwork.com Connect with Carrie Lupoli: Book (Pre-Order): From Corset to Crown 👉 https://carrielupoli.com/corset-to-crownWebsite: https://carrielupoli.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/carrielupoli 🎯 Who This Episode Is ForWomen tired of dieting and starting overThose who feel stuck despite “doing everything right”Anyone ready to move from restriction → empowermentListeners wanting a deeper, sustainable approach to health

Apr 28

•

47 min
MAY 12

Ep. 447: Lowering Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease

The Great Cholesterol Myth: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling Youwith Dr. Jonny Bowden In this eye-opening conversation, JJ reconnects with renowned nutrition expert and bestselling author Dr. Jonny Bowden to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern medicine: cholesterol. Dr. Bowden, co-author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, explains why the conventional cholesterol narrative is outdated, why total cholesterol tells us almost nothing about heart disease risk, and why inflammation and insulin resistance may be far more important predictors of long-term health. Together, JJ and Dr. Bowden discuss the evolution of cholesterol science, the overprescription of statins, and why people must become advocates for their own health instead of blindly outsourcing decisions to conventional medicine. In This Episode:Why total cholesterol is an outdated marker for heart disease riskThe difference between LDL cholesterol and LDL particlesWhy “good” and “bad” cholesterol is an oversimplified conceptWhat ApoB and LDL particle testing actually reveal about cardiovascular riskThe role of inflammation in chronic disease and heart diseaseHow insulin resistance predicts disease years before symptoms appearWhy stress, processed foods, poor sleep, and sedentary living fuel metabolic dysfunctionThe connection between blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular healthWhy many conventional cholesterol tests are “1963 medicine”What lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation naturallyWhy questioning medical dogma matters for your long-term health Key Takeaways:Dr. Bowden explains that cholesterol itself is not the enemy. Instead, the real issue is the condition of the particles carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream and the inflammation damaging artery walls. He uses powerful analogies — including boats crashing in a marina and golf balls burning through a tennis net — to explain how small, dense LDL particles create more cardiovascular risk than large LDL particles. JJ and Dr. Bowden also explore how insulin resistance quietly drives many chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease — often decades before diagnosis. This episode is a reminder that true health requires curiosity, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. Resources Mentioned:The Great Cholesterol Myth by Dr. Jonny Bowden & Dr. Stephen SinatraApoB testingLDL particle testingFunction HealthPubMed.gov Connect with Dr. Jonny BowdenWebsite: DrJonnyBowden.comBook: The Great Cholesterol Myth Connect with JJJJ Flizanes Official WebsiteFeelings & Needs List

May 12

•

1h 5m
01/07/2020

Ep. 225: How Ho'oponopono Works

The LAST Releasing What Weighs You Down http://releasingwhatweighsyoudown.com Inner Circle Membership http://jjflizanes.com/innercircle A few spots left for the Inner Circle Mastermind- jj@jjflizanes.com Dame Mabel Katz is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and seminar leader who is recognized as a leading authority on Ho'oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian art and practice for achieving greater clarity of purpose and living as well as working more effectively. She has crafted a series of keynotes, talks, and seminars for corporations, businesses, and individuals – including seminars for children – that apply the practices of Ho'oponopono to bring companies closer to their full potential and give people an edge at work and in all areas of life. Based on using forgiveness and gratitude, her presentations focus on practical ways for reaching what she calls Zero Frequency®, a state where we are free of restrictive memories and limiting self-talk. From the clarity of Zero, outstanding solutions become apparent and excellent choices can be made. Mabel was also rapidly acclaimed for her work in support of world peace. Honored with the prestigious 2012 Mil Milenios de Paz Peace Flag, acknowledging her world-peace initiative, Peace Within is World Peace, she was officially recognized as one of the world's preeminent Peace Ambassadors and on January 1, 2015 she was awarded the prestigious Public Peace Prize. http://www.mabelkatz.com JJ Flizanes is an Empowerment Strategist and the host of several podcast including People's Choice Awards nominee Spirit, Purpose & Energy. She is the Director of Invisible Fitness, a best-selling author of Fit 2 Love: How to Get Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually Fit to Attract the Love of Your Life and The Invisible Fitness Formula: 5 Secrets to Release Weight and End Body Shame. Named Best Personal Trainer in Los Angeles for 2007 by Elite Traveler Magazine, JJ has been featured in many national magazines, including Shape, Fitness, and Women's Health as well as appeared on NBC, CBS, Fox, the CW and KTLA. Grab a free copy of the Invisible Fitness Formula at http://jjflizanes.com/book

01/07/2020

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42 min

The Empowering Minds Network brings together a collective of influential podcast hosts focused on transformation, consciousness, and intentional living. This network is more than a collection of shows—it’s an ecosystem of voices dedicated to elevating how we think, live, connect, and lead. From emotional healing and mindset to business growth and purpose-driven success, each podcast offers insight, tools, and conversations that support lasting change. Explore the network to discover aligned perspectives, deepen your awareness, and step into your next level of personal and professional expansion.

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