Curious With Sonia

Sonia Houria Rivas
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Curious With Sonia is a long-form exploration of the human experience. Hosted by Sonia Houria Rivas, integrative inner-work guide and cultural bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern life, the podcast brings together thinkers, healers, creators, athletes, and everyday people with extraordinary stories to explore how humans grow, adapt, connect, and heal. Each episode dives into the deeper layers of mind, body, emotion, culture, and nature - the places where meaning, resilience, and identity are shaped. We explore themes such as: • emotional resilience and nervous-system intelligence • breathwork, embodiment, and movement practices • cultural identity, belonging, and ancestral wisdom • nature connection and its impact on wellbeing • spirituality, creativity, fear, and purpose • relationships, community, and collective healing The mission: To help listeners understand themselves more deeply and navigate life with groundedness, clarity, and compassion. This podcast invites you to remember your true nature; to reconnect with your inner intelligence, honour cultural and ecological wisdom, and rediscover the courage already alive within you. No quick fixes. Just honest, spacious conversations that honour complexity and inspire transformation. If you’re seeking meaningful dialogue that reflects the depth of being human, Curious With Sonia is your place to slow down, listen, and explore what truly shapes us.

Episodes

  1. FEB 28

    Don't Be Blindsided by Perimenopause - A Naturopath's Honest Guide with Sulin Sze

    Episode Summary Have you been feeling exhausted, irritable, bloated, or just not yourself — and no one can tell you why? You might be in perimenopause. You're not alone, and you're not crazy. In this episode, Sonia sits down with naturopath, herbalist and women's health specialist Sulin Sze to break down everything you weren't told about perimenopause — what's actually happening in your body, why your symptoms are real, and what you can do about it naturally. In This Episode We Cover: Why perimenopause can start in your late 30s — and the signs most women missWhat your bleed is actually telling you about your hormonesBelly fat, bloating and why your waistline is changing in your 40sBrain fog, memory loss and ADD-like symptoms — yes, it's hormonalWhy ghrelin increases six times in perimenopauseThe liver-emotion connection and why rage and hot flashes are linkedHow chronic stress directly lowers progesteroneThe Mediterranean diet, phytoestrogens and herbs that actually help Connect with Sulin Sze 🌿 Website: www.herbalwell.com.au 📱 Instagram: @perimenopause.naturopath ▶️ YouTube: Sulin Sze Sulin's book: https://herbalwell.com.au/product/wildcraft-guide-botany-herbalism-for-wildcrafters/ Learn herbalism with Sulin: www.wildmedicineacademy.com Perimenopause course: https://insighttimer.com/meditation-courses/calm-the-chaos-a-natural-toolkit-for-perimenopause Connect with Sonia 🌊 Website: www.womenmakewaves.com.au 📱 Instagram: @womenmakewaves_ Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 www.superfeast.com.au 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link 👉 www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH Keywords: perimenopause symptoms, natural remedies, anxiety, insomnia, perimenopause weight gain, estrogen dominance, progesterone decline, insulin resistance Chapters 00:00 Understanding Perimenopause: An Introduction 01:21 Cultural Influences on Perimenopause 06:05 Defining Perimenopause and Menopause 09:27 Symptoms of Perimenopause 14:54 The Role of Hormones in Perimenopause 25:37 Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes for Perimenopause 32:07 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Women 41:38 The Importance of Nutrition and Food Choices 52:38 Navigating Perimenopause: Hormonal Imbalances and Symptoms 56:39 Dietary Recommendations for Hormonal Health 01:01:03 Cultural Influences on Menopause 01:03:29 The Importance of Community and Connection 01:05:29 Nutrition and Herbal Remedies for Hormonal Health 01:10:13 Mental Health and Hormonal Balance 01:15:19 Generational Stress and Its Impact on Women 01:19:41 Emotional Health and Hormonal Well-being 01:24:33 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support

    1h 31m

  2. FEB 20

    You're Breathing Wrong and It's Making You Anxious: The Truth About Functional Breathing

    Are you breathing wrong right now? Most people are - and it's silently fueling anxiety, brain fog, poor sleep, and chronic stress. In this solo episode, Sonia Houria Rivas takes you on a deeply personal journey - from breaking her back in a surfing accident, to discovering the one tool that changed everything: her breath. But this isn't just a story. It's a masterclass in why how you breathe matters more than you think, and what you can do about it starting today. In this episode you'll learn: The difference between functional and dysfunctional breathing - and how to know which one you're doingWhy chest breathing and mouth breathing are keeping your nervous system locked in chronic stress responseWhat CO2 actually does in your body and why over-breathing is making you more anxious, not lessThe 4 pillars of functional breathing that can improve your sleep, digestion, focus, and emotional regulationHow breathwork became the foundation of Sonia's shamanic practice - and why science and spirituality are two sides of the same coinWhether you're dealing with anxiety, burnout, poor sleep, or you simply want to perform better - physically, mentally, emotionally - this episode will show you that the most powerful healing tool you have is already with you. You draw 20,000 breaths a day. It's time to make them work for you. 🎧 Listen to the previous episode with Jason Rice, founder of Apnea Survival, for the science behind breath hold and stress management. Chapters: 00:00 - How a Surfing Accident Forced Me to Stop and Face Myself 01:32 - From Physical Pain to Emotional Healing: My Journey Into Stillness 04:28 - How Breathwork at an Ayahuasca Retreat Changed Everything 10:23 - What Is Dysfunctional Breathing - And Are You Doing It? 14:40 - What Chronic Dysfunctional Breathing Does to Your Body, Mind and Emotions 16:22 - The 4 Pillars of Functional Breathing 19:24 - Breathwork for Athletes, Anxiety and Healing: Real Client Results 23:19 - A Simple Breathing Reset You Can Do Right Now 🔗 Useful Links & Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 https://www.superfeast.com.au/ 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link: 👉 https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH

    28 min

  3. FEB 8

    Jason Rice - Surf Apnea Founder | The Science of Stress Management through Breathing

    Summary In this conversation, Sonia Houria Rivas interviews Jason Rice, Apnea Survival Founder and expert in performance stress management and breath control. They discuss the importance of breath control in high-pressure situations, the physiological and psychological aspects of breath holding, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Jason shares insights on how proper breathing techniques can enhance athletic performance, manage stress, and build mental resilience. They also explore the role of cold water immersion in teaching discomfort management and emphasize the importance of safety in breath training. The conversation highlights the need for individuals to familiarize themselves with discomfort to navigate stress effectively. In this conversation, Sonia Houria Rivas and Jason explore the profound impact of breathwork on personal healing, the importance of stillness, and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. They discuss how breath can be a tool for regulation and calm, the essence of humanity, and the role of creativity in authentic expression. The dialogue emphasizes the need for individuals to reconnect with nature and their true selves, highlighting the journey towards enlightenment and understanding one's purpose in life. USEFUL LINKS 🔗 Website: https://apneasurvival.com.au/ LISTENERS' DISCOUNTS SuperFeast: * 20% off on all products with Code *WMWHEALTH*at: https://www.superfeast.com.au/ Australian Ceremonial Cacao * _: 20% off with link: https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Breath Control and Performance 02:32 The Journey of Surf Apnea and Stress Management 05:45 Understanding Breath Hold and Stress Response 11:41 Myths and Misconceptions about Breath Holding 14:36 The Importance of Proper Breathing Techniques 17:22 Breath Control for Athletic Performance 20:43 Training Techniques for Surfers 23:28 Mental Resilience and Breath Control 26:40 Safety in Breath Training 29:19 Cold Water Immersion and Adaptation 32:33 Breathing Techniques for Recovery 35:29 Managing Discomfort and Stress in Daily Life 54:48 The Power of Stillness and Calm 01:00:07 Healing Through Breath and Consciousness 01:03:06 Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Breath 01:18:40 Creativity and Authenticity in Expression

    1h 7m

  4. JAN 18

    If You Don’t Understand This About Yourself, Overwhelm Wins

    Most people think overwhelm means something is wrong with them. That they’re weak, failing, or not organised enough. It usually means none of that. Overwhelm happens when the demand placed on you, by life, work, others, or yourself, is higher than your capacity in that moment. Capacity fluctuates. With your nervous system. With your season of life. With your natural rhythms and relationships. In this episode, I unpack overwhelm through three lenses: the inner world, the natural world, and the relational world, and why understanding how you function matters more than pushing harder. If you’ve been feeling tired, frustrated, or disappointed in yourself lately, this conversation is for you. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Overwhelm 01:36 The 3 Systems: Inner, Natural, Relational 03:12 The Inner World and Nervous System Signals of Overwhelm 05:50 Natural Rhythms: Seasons + Energy 06:52 Practical Strategies for Managing Overwhelm 08:10 Your Personal Data: Track the Pattern 12:21 Relational Intelligence 12:48 The Importance of Healthy Relationships 14:37 Be like the French - Fill Your Champaign Cup First 16:11 The Greatest Hack of All: Honour The Full Human Experience 16:31 Build a Life That Matches Your Rhythms Useful Links - Listeners' Discounts SuperFeast: 20% off on all products with Code WMWHEALTH at: https://www.superfeast.com.au/ Australian Ceremonial Cacao: 20% off with link: https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH

    20 min

  5. JAN 3

    Starting a Mission-Driven Business in Uncertain Times - Circular Meal Delivery, Plastic & Burnout

    In this conversation, Sonia Houria Rivas speaks with Veronica Robin, founder of The Loop Kitchen, about building a sustainable meal delivery service rooted in reuse, community, and conscious choice. They explore the environmental and health impacts of plastic, why reducing waste starts with everyday decisions, and how food systems shape both wellbeing and connection. Veronica shares her personal journey toward sustainable living, the two-year process behind launching The Loop Kitchen, and the challenges of building a mission-driven business while navigating uncertainty and self-doubt. Together, they discuss practical ways to reduce food waste, the importance of flexibility and rest, and how small, consistent changes - made with awareness rather than perfection - can create meaningful impact over time. Chapters00:00 – A Canadian in Australia: Introduction and Background 02:12 – The Loop Kitchen: Meal Delivery With a Circular Twist 05:58 – The Zero-Waste Pyramid: One Level That Creates Change 07:20 – The Making of an Activist 09:18 – A Sustainable Way to Create Big Change 14:38 – What Plastic Does to Humans 21:59 – How to Reduce Food Waste in Your Own Home 24:37 – Why Purpose Work Can Burn You Out 28:20 – The Internal Blocks No One Sees 32:14 – Rethinking Rest When You’ve Lived in Survival Mode 37:48 – The Hidden Cost of Convenience 40:11 – The Unnatural System of Food Rejects 47:56 – The Lost Art of Connection 50:23 – The Key to Navigating Life Well Useful Links🔗 Website: https://theloopkitchen.com.au/ 👉 20% Discount* @ The Loop Kitchen - Code WMW20 *Valid for a Limited time, from 1st Jan 2026 Listeners' DiscountsSuperFeast: 20% off on all products with Code WMWHEALTH at: https://www.superfeast.com.au/ Australian Ceremonial Cacao: 20% off with link: https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH

    53 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Episode 000 — For Honest Conversations About Being Human

    What does it really mean to be human, and how do we live a life that feels like ours? In this opening episode of Curious With Sonia, host Sonia Houria Rivas shares why this podcast exists and the questions at its heart. Born from years of working with thoughtful, capable people who still feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck, this podcast explores the inner and outer tools we often forget we have as humans. Through long-form conversations, Curious With Sonia examines the human experience through inner intelligence, nature intelligence, and relational intelligence, supporting deeper clarity, resilience, belonging, and connection. This is not a podcast of quick fixes, but an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Learn more at womenmakewaves.com.au

    3 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Curious With Sonia is a long-form exploration of the human experience. Hosted by Sonia Houria Rivas, integrative inner-work guide and cultural bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern life, the podcast brings together thinkers, healers, creators, athletes, and everyday people with extraordinary stories to explore how humans grow, adapt, connect, and heal. Each episode dives into the deeper layers of mind, body, emotion, culture, and nature - the places where meaning, resilience, and identity are shaped. We explore themes such as: • emotional resilience and nervous-system intelligence • breathwork, embodiment, and movement practices • cultural identity, belonging, and ancestral wisdom • nature connection and its impact on wellbeing • spirituality, creativity, fear, and purpose • relationships, community, and collective healing The mission: To help listeners understand themselves more deeply and navigate life with groundedness, clarity, and compassion. This podcast invites you to remember your true nature; to reconnect with your inner intelligence, honour cultural and ecological wisdom, and rediscover the courage already alive within you. No quick fixes. Just honest, spacious conversations that honour complexity and inspire transformation. If you’re seeking meaningful dialogue that reflects the depth of being human, Curious With Sonia is your place to slow down, listen, and explore what truly shapes us.

Information

  • Creator
    Sonia Houria Rivas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sonia Houria Rivas
  • Show Website
    Curious With Sonia