The Daring Well Podcast - Holistic Health & Wellness, Mindset, and Personal Growth

Rita Mercer, Wellness, Mindset & Mental Health Expert
  • 5.0 (10)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you ready to feel empowered and motivated to crush your wellness goals? Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Your one stop for mindfulness, meditations, holistic wellness, mental health, evidence based strategies, healthy habits, and deep and meaningful conversations to help you transform your mind and relationships.  Well, I’m your host, Rita Mercer. I’m a holistic wellness and mindset coach, licensed counselor, and your new virtual friend on this wild and crazy journey called life.  On the Daring Well podcast, we will explore holistic wellness practices to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit.  Each episode we will learn new coping skills and explore holistic wellness tools and tips to shift your mindset and discover your true self.   With nearly a decade of experience as a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in trauma, grief, loss, and integrative mental health, I’m excited to share some nuggets of wisdom, clinical experience and research that I’ve learned along the way.  I invite you to lean in as I share stress management tools, resources, and guest interviews to help you DARE TO BE free, calm, have more joy, create meaningful relationships, be your true and authentic self.   Want more wellness and mindset support, let’s connect at DaringWell.com or on YouTube at Daring Well Coach.  If you’re ready to Dare to be Well, let’s lean in!

  1. Creating Calm & Safety in the Body: Movement Practices to Release Anxiety, Trauma, and Stress with Jo Stewart

    3D AGO

    Creating Calm & Safety in the Body: Movement Practices to Release Anxiety, Trauma, and Stress with Jo Stewart

    In this insightful episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer sits down with Jo Stewart, Yoga Teacher & the Founder of Garden of Yoga, Cohost of the Flow Artists Podcast, and author of Eight Limbs of Aerial Yoga.  Together in this episode we explore how gentle movement and aerial yoga can provide relief and support healing from anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress. Jo shares her 20+ years of experience teaching yoga and introduces a compassionate, body-centered approach to movement that prioritizes safety, autonomy of choice, and nervous system regulation. Rita & Jo, unpack how the body holds onto tension, the role of fascia, and why traditional “stillness” doesn’t work for everyone—especially those navigating trauma or heightened stress. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t have to be intense. It can be soft, supportive, and intuitive—meeting you exactly where you are. ------------------------------------------------------------- Key Takeaways Healing begins with creating safety in the bodyMovement can regulate the nervous system more effectively than forced stillnessFascia plays a key role in storing and releasing tensionGentle, supported movement can be more impactful than intense workoutsThere is no “right way” to move—your body’s needs are your guide------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Jo Stewart Website & Online Classes: Garden of Yoga https://gardenofyoga.com.au/Podcast: The Flow Artist Podcast https://podcast.flowartists.com/Book: Eight Limbs of Aerial Yoga (available for pre-order) https://gardenofyoga.com.au/learn/eight-limbs-of-aerial-yoga/FREE Super Deluxe Shoulder Self-Massage Guide https://www.gardenofyoga.com.au/free-shoulders-guide/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    37 min
  2. Want to go from Brain Hijack to Emotional Safety? Learn how to Regulate your Nervous System with Diane McDowell

    MAR 18

    Want to go from Brain Hijack to Emotional Safety? Learn how to Regulate your Nervous System with Diane McDowell

    Have you ever found yourself reacting in ways you later regret or feeling overwhelmed despite “doing everything right,” or constantly seeking validation from others?  If you answered yes, you might be struggling with emotional safety and I hope that this episode will speak directly to you and give you the tools to Dare to Be Well. In this powerful and insightful episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita sits down with therapist, relationship coach, and emotional safety expert Diane McDowell to explore what it truly means to feel safe—from the inside out. Diane introduces her transformative framework, the Brain-to-Heart Code, and breaks down how our nervous system responses—especially during moments of perceived rejection or stress—can hijack our behavior, relationships, and sense of self. Together, Rita and Diane unpack how to shift from external validation to internal regulation, helping you reconnect with your body, calm your nervous system, and build a deeper sense of self-trust. This episode is a must-listen for high achievers, helpers, and anyone ready to move from survival mode into emotional alignment and inner peace. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode What emotional safety really means—and why it starts withinHow a “brain hijack” impacts your reactions and relationshipsWhy high achievers often feel stressed despite outward successThe connection between your thoughts, body, and nervous systemHow to stop outsourcing your self-worth and reclaim your valuePractical tools to regulate your emotions and shift your mindsetWhy “words are neutral” and how to take back control of meaning----------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Diane McDowell Website: www.emotionalsafetyco.com/Social: @EmotionalSafetyCoFree Resources: Hijack Quiz, Mini-Course, Relationship ToolsSend a text Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    22 min

  3. MAR 11

    Anxious Attachment: Calming the Fear of Abandonment (Healing Attachment Wounds - Part 3)

    Anxious Attachment: Calming the Fear of Abandonment (Healing Attachment Wounds – Part 3) Relationships can bring us deep joy and connection—but they can also awaken some of our deepest fears. Have you ever found yourself worrying that someone might leave, questioning whether you’re “too much,” or feeling anxious when a message goes unanswered? In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, we continue our series on attachment styles by exploring anxious attachment—one of the most common relational patterns rooted in early childhood experiences. Anxious attachment often develops when love and emotional support felt inconsistent or unpredictable growing up. As adults, this can show up as a deep fear of abandonment, emotional hyperawareness in relationships, and the need for reassurance to feel secure. But here’s the encouraging truth: these patterns are not character flaws—they are survival strategies that were learned long ago. And what was learned can also be healed. In this episode, we explore the origins of anxious attachment, the core beliefs that fuel it, how it impacts the nervous system, and practical steps to begin healing attachment wounds and creating healthier relationship patterns. If you’ve ever felt emotionally overwhelmed in relationships or worried about losing connection with someone you care about, this conversation will offer insight, compassion, and hope. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, we explore: What anxious attachment is and how it developsThe fear of abandonment and the internal stories that fuel relationship anxietyHow anxious attachment affects the mind, body, and nervous systemCommon patterns that show up in adult relationshipsPractical steps to begin healing attachment wounds and building emotional securitySend us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    17 min

  4. MAR 4

    Have a Soft Day – You Are Worthy of Softness

    This week on The Daring Well Podcast, we’re pausing our attachment styles series for something deeply needed — a reminder and permission slip to embrace softness. This message is not just for women. It’s for men too! In a world that glorifies hustle culture, grinding, and constant productivity, we often forget that we are human beings — not machines. You do not have to be strong and hardcore all the time. It is not only okay to have a soft day — it’s healthy. In this heartfelt episode, Rita invites you to reflect on how you’re spending your 24 hours. Are you rushing them away? Dreading them? Wasting them? Or are you allowing space for simplicity, quiet, humility, and love? Softness is found in: Appreciating the beauty in simple momentsGiving yourself a day without an agendaChoosing quiet over constant stimulationShowing up humbly and loving deeplyIf you’ve been grinding, grinning, and bearing it just to survive the day — this episode is your gentle wake-up call. That’s not living. That’s existing. It’s time to conserve your energy, release unnecessary pressure, and invite softness into your daily and weekly routine. You are worthy of softness. —————————— Daring Well Pop Up Shop  If you’re local to Cincinnati, OH — Rita will be selling candles, wax melts, and room sprays to benefit the Oak Hills High School Band. Mention that you heard this invitation on The Daring Well Podcast for a free gift 💛  Saturday, March 7, 2026 ~ 9 am - 3 pm Oak Hills High School Band Spring Craft & Vendor Fair  3200 Ebenezer Road  Green Township, OH 45248 Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    18 min
  5. Cut Soul Ties & Clear Negative Energy: How to Free Yourself from the Hidden Forces Draining Your Energy

    FEB 25

    Cut Soul Ties & Clear Negative Energy: How to Free Yourself from the Hidden Forces Draining Your Energy

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Rita sits down with Herman Petrick, an internationally renowned energy healer with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and families clear energetic attachments. Herman shares how his intuitive journey began unexpectedly—and how he now works remotely with clients around the world to address sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, fearful attachments, and relationship-based energetic connections. Together, Rita and Herman explore what energy really is, how attachments form, how soul ties affect relationships, and why fear and anxiety may sometimes have deeper energetic roots. If you've ever struggled with persistent negative thought loops, emotional heaviness, draining relationships, or disrupted sleep, this episode invites you to consider a new perspective on healing. This conversation blends spiritual insight with practical self-awareness tools, empowering you to reconnect with your authentic self and strengthen your internal energy field. Herman also reframes “letting go,” suggesting that sometimes it’s not you holding onto the emotion—but the emotion holding onto you. Key Takeaways Not every thought or emotion may originate from your true self.Relationships can create lasting energetic ties that require intentional release.Strengthening your internal energy field reduces vulnerability to fear and anxiety.Rest, boundaries, and stillness are foundational to energetic health.Healing often begins with awareness.----------------------------------- Connect with Herman Petrick Interested in going deeper? Herman offers a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific concerns. 🌐 Website: https://hermanpetrick.com If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to The Daring Well Podcast. Keep Living. Keep Loving. Keep Daring Well. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    32 min
  6. Why Burnout Hits Women Differently: Nervous System Regulation for High-Achieving Women with Rachel Korb

    FEB 18

    Why Burnout Hits Women Differently: Nervous System Regulation for High-Achieving Women with Rachel Korb

    In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer welcomes Rachel Korb, a somatic leadership coach specializing in supporting high-achieving women, leaders, and startup professionals. Rachel shares her journey from repeated burnout in high-pressure roles to discovering sustainable ways to regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and thrive in all areas of life. This conversation dives deep into female physiology, body awareness, interoception, and practical strategies for tuning into your body to enhance both personal and professional life. Learn how to cultivate sustainable energy, prevent burnout, and show up fully for yourself and others through a somatic approach to leadership and self-care. Connect with Rachel Korb: Website: https://rachelkorb.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkorb/Substack: https://coachingwithrachel.substack.com/Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    25 min

  7. FEB 11

    Dismissive–Avoidant Attachment: Learning to Need Without Shame (Healing Attachment Wounds – Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our Healing Attachment Wounds series, we gently explore the dismissive–avoidant attachment style — the pattern of emotional independence that once served as protection but may now be limiting deeper connection. Have you ever said, “I’m fine” when you really weren’t? Told yourself, “I don’t need anyone” — even while feeling lonely inside? This episode is not about labeling you as cold or distant. It’s about understanding how your nervous system adapted to survive. Dismissive–avoidant attachment isn’t about lacking feelings — it’s about protecting them. Today, we explore how independence became your armor… and how healing invites you to expand your strength by allowing softness, vulnerability, and connection — at your pace. You are not broken. You are not too much. You adapted. And now, you get to heal. ------------------------- 💛 Listener Invitation If this episode resonated, sit with it. Let it marinate. Healing does not require rushing — it requires courage and compassion. If you’d like support in your healing journey, you can connect at info@DaringWell.com for next steps. ------------------------- Daring Well Pop Up Shop  If you’re local to Cincinnati, OH — Rita will be selling candles, wax melts, and room sprays to benefit the Oak Hills High School Band. Mention that you heard this invitation on The Daring Well Podcast for a free gift 💛  Saturday, March 7, 2026 ~ 9 am - 3 pm Oak Hills High School Band Spring Craft & Vendor Fair  3200 Ebenezer Road  Green Township, OH 45248 Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    18 min

  8. FEB 4

    Fearful–Avoidant Attachment: When Closeness Feels Unsafe (Healing Attachment Wounds Part - 1)

    Healing Attachment Wounds – From Survival to Secure Connection (Part 1) In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, we begin a powerful four-part series on attachment styles and how early experiences shape the way we connect in relationships, leadership, and life. Part one focuses on the Fearful–Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment Style—a pattern marked by a deep desire for intimacy paired with an equally strong fear of closeness. If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting connection and feeling overwhelmed or unsafe when it arrives, this episode is for you. With compassion, psychoeducation, and nervous-system–informed insight, this episode invites you to move away from self-blame and toward self-understanding. You’ll learn how attachment wounds form, how they live in the body, and how to begin restoring safety in your mind, body, and spirit. There is no shame in recognizing yourself here. Awareness is the first step toward healing—and you don’t have to rush the process. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode What fearful–avoidant attachment is and how it developsWhy closeness can feel both desired and dangerousHow early emotional or physical neglect shapes attachment patternsThe core beliefs that drive push–pull relationship dynamicsHow the nervous system responds to perceived relational threatWhy oversharing, withdrawal, and shame cycles show up in adulthoodGentle, practical steps to begin creating emotional safetyA guided grounding practice to invite safety back into your body-------------------------------- 🤍 Work With Me At Daring Well, I support individuals and organizations through nervous system regulation, mindset coaching, and holistic wellness education. Whether you’re looking for: 1:1 holistic wellness coachingA guest speaker for your group or eventMindset and stress management support for your organizationI’ve got you. Website - www.daringwell.com Email - info@daringwell.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWell For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

    22 min
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5
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About

Are you ready to feel empowered and motivated to crush your wellness goals? Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Your one stop for mindfulness, meditations, holistic wellness, mental health, evidence based strategies, healthy habits, and deep and meaningful conversations to help you transform your mind and relationships.  Well, I’m your host, Rita Mercer. I’m a holistic wellness and mindset coach, licensed counselor, and your new virtual friend on this wild and crazy journey called life.  On the Daring Well podcast, we will explore holistic wellness practices to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit.  Each episode we will learn new coping skills and explore holistic wellness tools and tips to shift your mindset and discover your true self.   With nearly a decade of experience as a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in trauma, grief, loss, and integrative mental health, I’m excited to share some nuggets of wisdom, clinical experience and research that I’ve learned along the way.  I invite you to lean in as I share stress management tools, resources, and guest interviews to help you DARE TO BE free, calm, have more joy, create meaningful relationships, be your true and authentic self.   Want more wellness and mindset support, let’s connect at DaringWell.com or on YouTube at Daring Well Coach.  If you’re ready to Dare to be Well, let’s lean in!

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