Coffee Break with Fatima, Grace, and Liz

The Nexus Experience

Do you seek a deeper understanding of yourself and others? Join us as we explore the power of authentic relationships, personal growth, and community. With candid conversations and actionable solutions to help you grow, find belonging, and live with purpose.

  1. The Unspoken Grief of Life's Transitions with Susanna Spiccia

    20 DE AGO.

    The Unspoken Grief of Life's Transitions with Susanna Spiccia

    In this episode of Coffee Break, we discuss the complex and often unspoken realms of grief, identity, and the transitions that shape our lives. Join us as our hosts reunite with longtime friend and guest, Susanna Spiccia, to explore her personal journey through grieving life's changes, from professional shifts to personal relationships. Susanna shares how acknowledging pain, embracing curiosity, and intentionally seeking discomfort have all contributed to her resilience and personal growth. From heartfelt conversations about the impact of modern technology on our mental health to the significance of slowing down and living in the moment, this episode offers profound insights into the narratives we carry and the ways in which we can rewrite them. Whether you're navigating your own transitions or seeking to understand the quieter grief that accompanies change, this conversation will resonate and inspire you. Chapters: 00:00 Start 03:53 Exploring the Concept of Grief 06:53 Navigating Personal Narratives and Emotional Awareness 12:14 Balancing Empathy and Personal Boundaries 13:17 The Impact of Technology on Emotional Well-being 18:24 Struggles with Identity and Professional Transitions 24:14 Finding Balance and Embracing Change 29:35 The Healing Power of Art and Movement 30:45 Living Authentically and Letting Go of Labels 42:17 The Continuous Journey of Grief and Self-Discovery 44:09 Embracing and Releasing Heaviness 45:23 Connecting with Kids 48:50 Navigating Disorientation and New Experiences 55:04 Singleness and Self-Discovery 01:02:30 The Power of Skipping and Creative Expression 01:11:57 Grieving Friendships and Seeking Healing 01:25:58 Exploring Collective Growth and Human Similarities 01:26:58 Navigating Conflict and Connection in the Digital Age 01:27:33 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction 01:29:56 The Role of Water and Interconnectedness 01:34:37 The Burden of Societal Expectations and Materialism 01:37:10 The Influence of Social Media on Creativity and Grief 01:51:02 Balancing Feminine and Masculine Energies 02:06:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Realignment 02:10:09 Final Encouragements -- Follow us @insidecoffeebreak. Enjoy. -- Just as the musical artist Pitbull so poignantly sang about his origins, "I was born in a flame," so was Susanna Spiccia. An Italian-American originally from Florida, raised mostly in Georgia, Susanna moves through life with unmistakable intensity—visible in her purposeful stride and expressive eyebrows. Her gift lies in helping humans believe in our innate creativity, trusting in our revolutionary ability to transform…transform…transform. ⇐ (periods are just tiny portal black hole openings to change) In 2014, she founded the nonprofit RE:IMAGINE/ATL to give young people space to connect from different backgrounds and storytell together. Go Kids, Go! These days, Susanna spends her time with the people she loves—drawing, working, skipping, sauna-ing, and dreaming up ways to partner with nature’s intelligence to help herself & humanity to remember the magic that we truly are.

    2h11min
  2. The Story Our Minds Tell Us: Rewiring Thoughts and Reclaiming the Self with Dr. Tahilia Rebello

    7 DE AGO.

    The Story Our Minds Tell Us: Rewiring Thoughts and Reclaiming the Self with Dr. Tahilia Rebello

    In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Tahilia Rebello, neuroscientist, VP of mental health research and advocacy organization: One Mind, and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Columbia University. Tahilia shares her journey navigating mental health from not only a personal but also a community and global perspective. We explore: • How early-life experiences and the environments we grow up in shape the personal narratives we carry into adulthood • How early-life experiences play a role in shaping our emotional blueprint and why early relational experiences matter so much for long-term mental health • Why change, especially deep emotional change, can be challenging without the right support structures • Tools to identify and "rewrite" the unhealthy stories we tell ourselves and design psychologically safe spaces in our lives • Why urban planning, climate justice, and community are critical to mental health. This conversation was incredibly powerful and a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how to best care for themselves, others, and our communities. Enjoy. -- Chapters: 00:00 Start 04:04 How Early Life Shapes Our Core Narratives 13:57 Epigenetics: Inheriting Stories Biologically 18:48 A "Tourist" Identity 24:02 Digital Age & Narrative Formation 31:07 Challenging and Rewriting Our Stories 47:22 Psychological Safety: Key to Healthy Development 57:31 Systems Thinking: Mental Health Beyond the Individual 01:06:31 One Mind’s Ecosystem Approach 01:28:31 Cross-Cultural Insights 01:40:50 Hope and Future Vision

    1h43min
  3. Stop Hiding and Start Healing | with Atlanta Trainer and Kickboxing Coach, Derrick Washington

    24 DE JUL.

    Stop Hiding and Start Healing | with Atlanta Trainer and Kickboxing Coach, Derrick Washington

    Derrick Washington—Atlanta-based kickboxing coach, trainer, and founder of 301 Fitness, shares how addiction, shame, and isolation eroded his body, relationships, and spirit—and most importantly, how fitness became a path back to himself. We explore: The illusion of "fine" and why physical strength means nothing when we’re spiritually hollow, and how to recognize the disconnectHow community, not willpower alone, is the antidote to hidingHow to reclaim movement not for aesthetics, but as a dialogue between body, faith, and forgivenessThe use of words as medicine and why intentional language rebuilds integrity from withinThis episode is for anyone who has ever armored themselves with achievement, numbed pain with productivity, or felt like a stranger in their own skin. Enjoy. 00:00:00 Start 00:01:26 Meet Derrick Washington 00:03:58 Fitness Origin Story 00:07:01 Spiritual Bankruptcy 00:13:23 Addiction & Rock Bottom 00:15:22 Rehab Revelation 00:19:26 Daughter's Diagnosis 00:25:51 Purpose Reborn 00:30:34 Atlanta Awakening 00:32:30 Coaching Through Empathy 00:45:01 The Non-Negotiable: Community 00:47:32 Words as Medicine 00:49:16 Fitness Misconceptions 00:51:18 Mind-Body Presence 01:01:04 Embracing Discomfort 01:02:50 Final Wisdom: You're Not Alone Follow us: @insidecoffeebreak -- Derrick Washington has dedicated his life to making fitness more accessible and enjoyable for others. As the Lead Trainer at Roundhouse Kickboxing based in Atlanta, Georgia, he offers personalized coaching that includes tailored workout plans, nutritional guidance, and ongoing support to help people achieve their fitness goals. Derrick empowers individuals to harness their inner strength and resilience through higher high energy workouts that combine strength training, cardio and martial arts techniques.

    1h7min
  4. Finding Home Within | on Yoga, Identity, and Purpose with Rutu Chaudhari

    5 DE MAR.

    Finding Home Within | on Yoga, Identity, and Purpose with Rutu Chaudhari

    In this episode, we sit down with Rutu Chaudhuri, a renowned yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience, the founder of the Dharma Project, and owner of All Life is Yoga studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Rutu shares her life journey from moving to the United States at a young age, navigating multiple cultural identities, and ultimately finding her place and purpose through yoga and mindfulness. We explore her life coming from an immigrant family, navigating familial expectations, and how she utilized yoga to find home within herself and overcome personal challenges. Rutu also discusses the founding of the Dharma Project, a nonprofit bringing yoga and mindfulness to marginalized communities, and her recent decision to step away from the organization. Whether you're on a journey of understanding your purpose, learning how to heal from trauma, or seeking courage to pursue something new in your life, this episode is for you. Enjoy. Chapters 00:00 Start 01:54 Growing Up Indian American 05:10 Navigating Cultural Identity 10:08 Finding Community and Hip Hop 15:53 Rediscovering Yoga 21:30 Teaching Yoga and Family Reactions 40:46 The Dharma Project 46:09 The Concept of Dharma 48:24 The Intersection of Purpose and Service 49:42 Transitioning from the Dharma Project 50:32 Challenges and Achievements in Nonprofit Work 55:01 The Decision to Step Down 57:46 Embracing New Creative Pursuits 59:53 Navigating Transition 01:06:21 The Girl with the Om Tattoo 01:20:06 Future Aspirations 01:30:43 Closing Thoughts Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-up Rutu Chaudhari is an Atlanta-based writer, actor, and yoga teacher dedicated to fostering inclusivity in wellness. She is the CEO of All Life is Yoga studio and director of Atlanta’s premier Yoga Teacher Certification Program, having trained 150+ instructors since 2008. Rutu began practicing yoga in 1998 and has over 4,000 hours of certifications in alignment-based yoga, meditation, yoga therapeutics, nutrition and lifestyle coaching In 2016, she founded the Dharma Project, a nonprofit providing trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness to underserved communities, including incarcerated individuals, first responders, and educators. Under her leadership, the organization earned the United Way’s SPARK Prize, a Civic Innovation Fellowship, and recognition as Georgia’s first yoga vocational program for incarcerated populations. Named Atlanta’s “Best Yoga Teacher” by Creative Loafing and a Hambidge Creative Arts Center writing fellow, Rutu holds a BA in English Literature from Georgia State University. Off the mat, she enjoys music, cooking, and retreats to the woods. Follow us @insidecoffeebreak

    1h28min
  5. How to Stay True to Who You Are: Thai-American Fashion Model and Her Mom on the Good, the Bad, the Pretty, and the Ugly | with Kotch and Chalita Natakuatong

    19 DE FEV.

    How to Stay True to Who You Are: Thai-American Fashion Model and Her Mom on the Good, the Bad, the Pretty, and the Ugly | with Kotch and Chalita Natakuatong

    In this episode, the Coffee Break hosts welcome a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Kotch and Chalita Natakuatong, who share their inspiring journey from Thailand to the modeling industry in America. Chalita, a fashion model who has worked with renowned brands like Fenty Beauty and Skims, describes her early start, the challenges she faced, and how her mother's unwavering support helped navigate the risks and pressures of the industry. Kotch, Chalita's mother, recounts her own immigration story from Thailand, the cultural shocks, and the sacrifices that shaped her and her family. This episode sheds light on the complexities of the modeling world, and is filled with anecdotes about family, the significance of maintaining boundaries, and the importance of having a solid support system. We discuss cultural differences in parenting, balancing career aspirations while prioritizing family values, and overcoming health challenges. We were deeply inspired by Kotch and Chalita's unique and loving mother-daughter relationship. This episode changed the way we look at parenting and the balance between career and family. Enjoy. Chapters 00:00 Start 01:03 Introduction 02:11 From Thailand to the US 02:46 Adjusting to Life in America 06:27 Family Dynamics and Relationships 08:11 Chalita's Modeling Career Begins 11:33 Challenges and Triumphs in Modeling 18:03 Navigating the Modeling Industry 20:18 Maintaining Boundaries and Well-being 26:39 The Importance of a Supportive Agency 38:54 Letting Go of Big Clients 40:10 Rejection and Building Resilience 43:18 A Turning Point 45:38 The Token Asian Model Experience 51:29 Modeling and Social Media 56:59 A Unique Mother-Daughter Relationship 01:04:29 Big Wins and Future Aspirations 01:11:25 Final Thoughts Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-up Modeling since the age of 14, Chalita has modeled for Kim Kardashians clothing line, She is one of the faces for Fenty Beauty, modeled for Sherri Hill, Florence by Mills Millie Bobby Brown’s fashion line, to name just a few. She is currently represented by the Ursula Wiedmann Agency, and she is a self-made content creator who has amassed over 32K followers on TikTok. Immigrating from Thailand at just 16-years-old, Kotch was in search of new opportunities. A loving mother, she has worked tirelessly to provide for her family, instilling in them the values of hard work, compassion, and perseverance. Kotch continues to inspire those around her with her strength and determination. Follow us @insidecoffeebreak

    1h13min
  6. Breaking Free: Redefining Your Identity with Hmong-American Artist and Dancer, Page Yang

    5 DE FEV.

    Breaking Free: Redefining Your Identity with Hmong-American Artist and Dancer, Page Yang

    How do you break free from cultural expectations and write your own story? Hmong-American artist Page Yang shares how dance, film, and storytelling helped her reclaim her identity, heal generational wounds, and build community. Page Yang is a Hmong-American artist, dancer, and filmmaker dedicated to storytelling, representation, and community empowerment. Her work has been featured on national stages, including the Equality International Film Festival and the Night Walker Sessions Tour, and she has collaborated with artists like Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and 21 Savage. In 2022, she made her directorial debut with Home, a documentary highlighting the voices of artists and trailblazers from her hometown of Sacramento. Throughout this episode, we cover: • How dance became a tool for self-discovery and healing. • The challenges of balancing cultural identity with personal dreams. • Why representation in the arts is more important than ever. • The impact of storytelling on breaking generational cycles. • How she learned to embrace vulnerability and build authentic connections. Passionate about making the arts accessible, Page has worked with organizations like the Rose Family Creative Empowerment Center and the National Black Arts Festival, where she currently serves as Operations Manager in Atlanta. Page’s perspective on art, identity, and community reminds us that we have the power to re-image our own stories. All it takes is a small act of courage. Enjoy.

    1h23min

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Do you seek a deeper understanding of yourself and others? Join us as we explore the power of authentic relationships, personal growth, and community. With candid conversations and actionable solutions to help you grow, find belonging, and live with purpose.