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

Rita Mercer, Wellness, Mindset & Mental Health Expert

Are you ready to feel empowered and motivated to crush your personal development and 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. 6d ago

    Morning Mindset Reset - Guided Meditation to Choose Joy, Hope, & Happiness

    You don’t have to postpone joy.  Choose Joy today! What if, before the demands of the day begin, you gave yourself permission to pause, breathe, and intentionally choose how you want to show up? In this gentle guided morning meditation, Rita invites you to slow down, release tension, and create space for hope, peace, gratitude, self-compassion, joy, and happiness. This episode is a reminder that you may not be able to control everything that happens during your day—but you can become more intentional about where you place your attention, what you focus on, and what deserves your energy. Through calming breaths, intention-setting, and affirmations, you'll be encouraged to reconnect with your worth, release doubt and worry, honor healthy boundaries, and step into your day with greater confidence and hope. And perhaps most importantly, you'll be reminded that you can always reset and begin again. One breath can change the direction of a moment. One intentional thought can shift your focus. And one small choice can help you create a different kind of day. ✨ In This Episode, You'll Explore: How to begin your morning with intention instead of immediately jumping into your to-do listUsing breath to release tension and create a sense of calmChoosing hope, peace, love, and gratitudeThe power of focusing your attention on what you want to growTaking small, intentional steps toward becoming the person you want to bePracticing self-acceptance, compassion, and graceRemembering that your worth isn't defined by accomplishments or possessionsCreating healthy boundaries around your energyChoosing joy and happiness even when life isn't perfectUsing a simple breath as a reset for your mind, body, and spirit💛 A Morning Reminder Choosing happiness doesn't mean ignoring the difficult things in your life. It means refusing to let the hard things become the only things you see. You can acknowledge what's difficult while still looking for what's beautiful. You can experience uncertainty while still choosing hope. You can have a hard day and still make space for joy. And when you need to? Reset. Breathe. Begin again. 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

  2. Aug 26

    Come Back Home to Your Body and Your True Inner Knowing: How Movement, Emotion & Self Trust Can Transform Your Life with Jen Aks TedX Speaker & Leadership Coach

    What if the answers you've been searching for aren't outside of you—but already living within you? In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita sits down with Jen Aks, TEDx speaker, bestselling author of Your Body Is Speaking, somatic educator, and creator of The Power of Gesture®, for a powerful conversation about the intelligence of the body and why mindset alone isn't always enough. Jen shares her personal journey from feeling disconnected from her own intelligence to discovering the many ways we experience intelligence through the body. Her story is a powerful reminder that traditional measures of success don't capture the full picture of who we are or what we're capable of. Together, Rita and Jen explore the concept of “body set”—an embodied complement to mindset—and the four intelligent systems that can help us develop greater self-trust: Kinesthetic intelligence – the body's ability to move, express, communicate, and navigate.Somatic intelligence – the “gut knowing” and physical sensations that provide information about our experiences.Intuitive intelligence – how we respond to and act on that inner knowing.Emotional intelligence – our ability to recognize, understand, and work with our own emotions while holding space for others.Jen also introduces The Power of Gesture, a practice that uses movement—particularly the hands—to help us connect the mind and body. She explains how our hands can serve as a bridge between our logical mind and emotional body.  ❤️ A Different Way to Relate to Struggle Toward the end of the conversation, Jen offers a beautiful invitation: What if we loved our struggles? Rather than judging ourselves for difficult emotions or experiences, she encourages us to approach them with curiosity, compassion, and love. Our emotions and struggles can become teachers rather than problems we need to eliminate. The conversation also explores the idea that we can experience seemingly opposite emotions at the same time. We can be happy and terrified, excited and nervous, confident and uncertain. It doesn't have to be either/or. It can be “yes, and.” ✨ In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why mindset alone may not be enough for meaningful changeWhat “body set” means and how it complements mindsetThe four forms of body intelligenceHow disconnection from the body can contribute to self-doubtWhy your gut feelings are worth paying attention toHow your hands can help you process emotions and informationThe Power of Gesture and the science behind itA simple RESET practice for shifting anxious energyHow to approach difficult emotions with curiosity instead of judgmentWhy you don't have to choose between two seemingly opposite emotionsHow reconnecting with your body can strengthen self-trust and authentic leadershipA Takeaway to Carry With You Your body isn't working against you. It may be communicating something you need to hear. Instead of immediately overriding, analyzing, or judging what you're feeling, pause. Get curious. Notice what's happening in your body. Give yourself permission to listen. As Jen reminds us, when we approach our emotions with curiosity, compassion, and love, we can begin to see ourselves—and our struggles—in a completely different way.  Top  Podcast Chapters Your Body Already Knows Rita opens with the question: How often have you ignored your body when it was trying to tell you something? This establishes the episode's central message—that empowered decisions require access to the intelligence already within us.   From Self-Doubt to Body Intelligence Jen shares the deeply personal story behind her work, including how traditional measures of intelligence contributed to years of self-doubt and disconnection—and how discovering multiple forms of intelligence helped her reconnect with herself.   What Is “Body Set”? Jen breaks down body set, the four body intelligence systems, and how they can help us develop self-trust and lead from the inside out.  The Power of Gesture + RESET Practice Jen explains how gestures can help bridge the mind and body, then walks listeners through her simple RESET practice for working with anxiety, nervousness, and emotional energy.  What If We Loved Our Struggles? The conversation turns toward self-compassion, emotional acceptance, and learning to approach our inner voices with curiosity rather than judgment. Jen's “yes, and” perspective offers a powerful way to hold complex emotions.  Connect with Jen Aks Website:  https://jenaks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_aks TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/nfZGY1mAbWs?si=9gdG1A44C4M3zOo- ---------------------------------- Breathwork & Candle Making Experience in Cincinnati, OH https://www.daringwell.com/courses/candle-making-experience 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

    Come Back Home to Your Body and Your True Inner Knowing: How Movement, Emotion & Self Trust Can Transform Your Life with Jen Aks TedX Speaker & Leadership Coach
  3. Aug 19

    Make Space to Feel: Body Awareness, Felt Safety & the Power of Slowing Down

    What happens when your mind knows what to do, but your body still says, “Not yet”? In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita sits down with Veronique Ory, an intuitive movement and mindfulness guide, author of Shine On and Off the Mat, and founder of the Shine Collective, for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked connection between the mind and body. We talk about what it means to actually feel safe in your body, why mindset work alone may not be enough, and how slowing down, movement, silence, nature, and body awareness can help us reconnect with ourselves. Veronique shares openly about her own journey through intergenerational trauma, substance use, perfectionism, overachievement, and identities that once shaped how she saw herself. Her story offers a reminder that healing isn't about becoming someone who is never triggered or uncomfortable—it is about developing greater awareness and learning new ways to move through discomfort. At the heart of this conversation is an invitation to stop simply consuming wellness information and start putting it into practice. Because sometimes the next step isn't learning something new. Sometimes it's getting quiet enough to hear what your body already knows. In This Episode, We Explore: Why your body may not feel safe even when your mind knows what to doThe connection between movement, emotions, and self-awarenessHow early experiences can shape our nervous system responsesThe relationship between perfectionism, productivity, achievement, and identityWhat “felt safety” actually means in the bodyHow silence, stillness, and time in nature can help us reconnectWhy creating space can be just as important as filling our lives with moreHow to recognize the people, places, and practices that support your sense of safetyMoving beyond consuming wellness content and taking meaningful actionWhy you don't have to wait for the “perfect” moment to create more joy in your life Top 5 Episode Chapters  When Your Mind Knows but Your Body Says “Not Yet” Exploring body awareness, movement, mindfulness, and why mindset may not be the whole story. From Trauma & Perfectionism to a New Way of Living Veronique shares her journey with early imprints, freeze responses, achievement, perfectionism, and identity. What Does Felt Safety Actually Feel Like? A conversation about authenticity, relationships, chosen family, solitude, nature, and practices that help us feel safe in our bodies.The Power of Getting Quiet & Emptying Yourself Why creating silence and space can help us resource ourselves instead of constantly consuming more information and stimulation. Stop Consuming Wellness & Start Living It Turning inspiration into action, creating more joy in the present moment, and choosing to do something now.Connect With Veronique Veronique Ory is an intuitive movement and mindfulness guide, author of Shine On and Off the Mat, and founder of the Shine Collective. Her work brings together movement, mindfulness, self-inquiry, community, and practices designed to help people reconnect with themselves. Listeners can learn more about her work, her book, and the Shine Collective through her website. Website:  https://yogawithveronique.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veroniqueory Get the Book, Shine On & Off the Mat:  https://a.co/d/0g9PLNtY 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

    Make Space to Feel: Body Awareness, Felt Safety & the Power of Slowing Down
  4. Aug 12

    Embracing Self-Love: The Journey to Loving Yourself Truly & Fully (Replay)

    What comes to mind when you hear the words self-love? For some, it may feel empowering and uplifting. For others, it may bring up guilt, discomfort, feelings of unworthiness, or the belief that putting yourself first is somehow selfish. In this replay episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer takes a deeper look at what self-love really means—and what it doesn't. Self-love isn't about being perfect, selfish, overly confident, or giving yourself everything you want in the moment. It's about developing a healthy relationship with yourself, recognizing your inherent worth, honoring your needs, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to show yourself the same compassion you so freely give to others. Rita explores some of the common barriers that can make self-love difficult, including self-criticism, comparison, rejection, past wounds, people-pleasing, unrealistic expectations, and relying on external validation. She also reminds us that self-love isn't a destination we eventually arrive at. It's a lifelong practice of consistently showing up for yourself—with intention, mindfulness, patience, grace, and compassion. In This Episode, You'll Explore: What self-love really means—and what it doesn'tWhy self-love isn't selfish or narcissisticThe connection between self-love and healthy relationshipsHow comparison and external validation can interfere with self-worthWhy past rejection and emotional wounds can affect how you see yourselfThe difference between self-love and self-careHow self-criticism can become a barrier to self-loveWhy setting boundaries and asking for help are acts of self-loveHow self-love connects to your identity, intuition, confidence, and legacySimple ways to begin practicing self-love in your daily rhythmsA Reminder for You You don't have to earn your worth. You are worthy simply because of who you are. Self-love means creating space for yourself, recognizing that your needs matter, trusting yourself, honoring your limits, and choosing to believe in yourself—even on the days when you don't feel particularly confident. And remember: self-love is a journey, not a destination. You don't have to master it all today. Start with awareness. Notice how you speak to yourself. Notice where you're overextending yourself. Notice where you're seeking approval or putting everyone else's needs before your own. Then choose one small way to show up for yourself differently. Daring Well Candle Making Experience Breathwork and Candles For more info and to register - www.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

  5. Aug 5

    700 More Mondays: A Simple Mindset Shift That Could Change Your Life

    How would your life change if you knew you only had 700 Mondays left? Most of us greet Monday with a sigh, counting down until the weekend. But what if Monday wasn't something to survive—it was a reminder that our time is precious? In this heartfelt solo episode, Rita shares a powerful perspective inspired by attending her uncle's funeral and the realization that 700 Mondays equals just over 13 years. Through honest reflection, she invites you to stop rushing through life and start intentionally creating moments that truly matter. This isn't an episode about fear—it's about hope. It's about choosing presence over distraction, purpose over procrastination, and gratitude over taking another day for granted. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply needing a fresh perspective, this episode will encourage you to pause, reflect, and embrace the life you've been given—one Monday at a time. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why "700 Mondays" may completely change how you think about time.The powerful lesson funerals can teach us about living well.How everyday moments often become life's most meaningful memories.Simple ways to live with greater intention, gratitude, and purpose.Why waiting for "someday" may be costing you the life you want today.Episode Chapters Why Mondays Matter More Than You Think Introducing the "700 Mondays" perspective and why time feels shorter than we realize. What a Funeral Taught Me About Living Reflections from attending a loved one's funeral and the importance of the life lived between the dates. Stop Waiting. Start Living. Practical reminders to choose connection, kindness, forgiveness, health, and joy today. Make the Moments Count A heartfelt invitation to live, love, and lead with greater purpose and intention. Invitation to Create & Slow Down Learn about the upcoming Daring Well Candle Making Experience and ways to continue your wellness journey. Key Takeaways Life is measured in moments, not milestones.We never know how many Mondays remain.Small choices create a meaningful life.Presence is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and others.There is still time to become the person you want to be—but don't wait.Favorite Quote "We never know how many Mondays we have left on this beautiful Earth. It's time to stop holding our breath, waiting and wishing... it's time to start living." Resources Mentioned Learn more about the Daring Well Candle Making Experience at www.DaringWell.com Connect with Rita If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that today matters. Keep living, loving, and daring well. God bless. 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

  6. Jul 29

    Conversations with Your Past, Present & Future Self

    What if the choices you're making today are shaping a future version of yourself that's either grateful...or wishing you had chosen differently? In this reflective solo episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer explores the powerful inner conversations we all have with our past, present, and future selves. Through an everyday story about something as simple as putting up a windshield sunshade, she reveals how our smallest daily decisions often reflect much bigger patterns in our lives. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in regret, or struggling to prioritize your own well-being, this episode will help you shift from guilt and self-criticism toward grace, compassion, and intentional living. You'll be encouraged to stop replaying the past, become more present, and begin making choices your future self will thank you for. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your daily habits shape the person you're becoming.How to stop letting guilt and shame keep you stuck.The difference between comfort in the moment and long-term fulfillment.Practical ways to extend yourself grace through every season of life.Reflection questions to help you become more intentional with your choices.How mindset coaching can help you move from surviving to thriving.Reflection Questions What would your future self thank you for?What wisdom does your past self have to offer?Where do you need to replace guilt with grace?What healthy habit can you begin today?What is one small action you can take that honors your future? Resources Monthly Candle Making Wellness Workshops beginning in August  https://www.daringwell.com/courses/candle-making-experience Learn more about workshops, coaching, and wellness resources at www.DaringWell.com. If you're interested in one-on-one mindset coaching, email info@DaringWell.com to learn more. Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged you, please: Subscribe to The Daring Well PodcastLeave a reviewShare this episode with a friend who could use a little more grace todayYour support helps spread the message of hope, healing, and holistic wellness to more people. Until next time... Keep living, loving, and 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

  7. Jul 22

    What If Your YES Could Change the World? Faith, Purpose & Stepping Into the Unknown with Candice Paolino

    What happens when God calls you to step into something you've never done before? In this inspiring conversation, Rita sits down with Candice Paolino to discuss what it looks like to trust God's direction even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Candice shares her personal journey of stepping out in faith, navigating fear, and creating My Wellness Wallet—a resource designed to help individuals and families access trusted mental health and wellness support. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, emotional wellness, community, and purpose, reminding listeners that sometimes our greatest calling begins with a simple act of obedience. Whether you're navigating a season of uncertainty, supporting a loved one through difficult times, or searching for practical wellness resources rooted in compassion, this conversation will encourage you to keep moving forward one faithful step at a time. In This Episode You'll Learn How faith often requires taking the next step before the entire path is visible.Why fear and purpose can exist together.The story behind the creation of My Wellness Wallet.Practical ways to help family members and friends find mental health resources.Why community plays such an important role in healing.How churches and organizations can better support emotional wellness.Encouragement for anyone feeling called to something bigger than themselves.Connect with Candice Paolino Learn more about My Wellness Wallet and discover resources designed to make finding mental health support easier for individuals, families, and communities. Website:  https://mywellnesswallet.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mywellnesswallet/ Connect with Rita If today's conversation encouraged you, be sure to subscribe to The Daring Well Podcast so you never miss an episode focused on holistic wellness, emotional resilience, faith, and living with purpose. If this episode inspired you, please leave a review and share it with someone who could use a little encouragement today. 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

    What If Your YES Could Change the World? Faith, Purpose & Stepping Into the Unknown with Candice Paolino
  8. Jul 15

    Flow State Over Stress: Helping High-Achieving Teens Thrive with Dr. Carla Caturia

    What if the greatest gift we could give our teens wasn't more pressure to succeed—but the emotional tools to truly thrive? In this inspiring episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita welcomes Dr. Carla Caturia, elite peak performance coach, speaker, educator, and founder of House of Rise, for a meaningful conversation about helping high-achieving teens excel without sacrificing their emotional well-being. With more than 20 years of experience working with students, athletes, performers, and families, Dr. Caturia shares how emotional intelligence, identity, and resilience are just as important as grades, awards, and accomplishments. Together, Rita and Dr. Caturia explore practical strategies for reducing stress, building confidence, entering the flow state, and helping teens develop lifelong emotional regulation skills. Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, counselor, or someone who works with young people, this episode offers practical wisdom for supporting the next generation in achieving success while protecting their mental and emotional health. In This Episode You'll Learn Why high-achieving teens often struggle with hidden stress and anxietyHow achievement can become tied to identity—and why that's dangerousWhat the "flow state" is and how it improves confidence and performanceWhy curiosity is one of the most powerful mindset shifts for overcoming fearDr. Carla Caturia's Three Zone Strategy for emotional regulationPractical ways parents can support teens without adding pressureWhy celebrating effort and progress builds lasting confidenceHow emotional resilience prepares teens for success long after graduation Connect with Dr. Carla CaturiaFollow Dr. Carla Caturia on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for practical strategies, educational resources, and encouragement for teens, parents, educators, and coaches seeking to build confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Website:  https://thehouseofrise.com/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@drcarlacaturia 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

    Flow State Over Stress:  Helping High-Achieving Teens Thrive with Dr. Carla Caturia
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Are you ready to feel empowered and motivated to crush your personal development and 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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