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

Rita Mercer, Wellness, Mindset & Mental Health Expert

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.  Are you ready to feel empowered and motivated to crush your wellness goals? 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 & 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. Living in Alignment: Identity, Self-Worth, and the Power of Self-Awareness – A Conversation with Amy Lenius

    2天前

    Living in Alignment: Identity, Self-Worth, and the Power of Self-Awareness – A Conversation with Amy Lenius

    What does it really mean to live in alignment with your truth? In this episode, Rita Mercer talks with Amy Lenius about turning pain into purpose, building self-belief and self-worth, and redefining success on your own terms. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with practical wisdom and honest insights. In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer is joined by Amy Lenius, Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, professional speaker, and personal development coach. Amy opens up about her powerful journey of overcoming chronic illness, rebuilding her identity, and helping others align with their truth. Together, we talk about the messy middle of growth, why hard days are actually a sign of progress, and how to cultivate both self-belief and self-worth. Amy shares why honoring your cyclical nature allows you to show up with more grace, and how to define success in ways that reflect your values—not external expectations. We also dive into the “circle of control” and explore how sustainable, adaptable habits lead to real transformation. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or seeking more alignment in your life, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and start small. Connect with Amy Lenius: Instagram/Facebook @AmyLenius Join her community: Next Level Nation on Facebook Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    39 分钟
  2. 9月10日

    Shift Your Mood and Thoughts from “I Have To” Into “I Get To” (Guided Affirmation)

    In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer invites you to explore the power of language and how the words you choose shape your reality. So often we walk through life feeling weighed down by the words “I have to”—whether it’s work, relationships, or responsibilities. But what if you shifted your perspective and replaced those draining words with empowering ones? ✨ Instead of “I have to,” you begin saying, “I get to.” ✨ Through gentle reflection and a guided meditation, Rita will help you move from obligation to gratitude, from burden to privilege. This practice will encourage you to see opportunities instead of chores, freedom instead of limits, and love instead of guilt or shame. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: How shifting one simple phrase can change your mood, energy, and outlookReflection questions to help you explore wants vs. needs, obligations vs. opportunitiesA calming guided meditation to practice affirmations that reframe “I have to” into “I get to”Practical examples you can use daily—from work, family, and self-care—to help you embody gratitude and abundanceBy the end of this episode, you’ll feel lighter, more empowered, and equipped with affirmations to carry through your day. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need a reminder of the power of words. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and keep daring well. Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    11 分钟
  3. 9月3日

    The Weight of Your Words (Mindset Motivation) with Rita Mercer

    Welcome back, wellness seeker!  In this week's episode, we're exploring the hidden power of your your belief system and how the words you choose—especially absolutes like “always,” “never,” and “should”—can either make you feel trapped or more freedom. This is not about guilt or shame—it’s about self-awareness and choosing to speak life and truth over yourself. You’ll learn how shifting just a few simple phrases can lighten your mental load and reshape your entire mindset.  Whether you're navigating burnout, striving for growth, or just want to speak to yourself more kindly, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and reframe. You'll also get a taste of next week's episode with a powerful affirmation segment designed to lift your spirit and ground you in truth. Key Takeaways: The danger of absolute language in your self-talk (e.g., never, always, should, have to)How words influence your mindset—either fixed or growth-basedThe connection between scarcity vs. abundance thinkingA simple language shift that creates freedom and possibilityA grounding affirmation segment to help you practice reframingReflective questions to help you build awareness around your internal dialogueLearn how to reframe phrases like: “I have to go to work” → “I get to go to work and share my gifts.”“I should’ve started earlier” → “I choose to begin from where I am, now.”🙌 Stay Connected: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need the reminder that their words matter. Your voice helps spread wellness and healing around the world. Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    14 分钟
  4. Healing From Betrayal Trauma:  Transforming Pain Into Personal Power with Dr. Debi Silber

    8月27日

    Healing From Betrayal Trauma: Transforming Pain Into Personal Power with Dr. Debi Silber

    What happens when the people we trust the most break that trust? Betrayal trauma cuts deeper than other wounds—it shakes our identity, self-worth, and ability to trust again. In this powerful episode of The Daring Well Podcast, host Rita Mercer sits down with Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute, to explore how unhealed betrayal impacts our health, relationships, and work—and how we can transform pain into personal power. Dr. Debi shares her groundbreaking research, including the discovery of Post Betrayal Syndrome and the five predictable stages of healing that guide people from shock and survival to healing and rebirth. With stories, statistics, and practical wisdom, this conversation offers both hope and a roadmap for anyone stuck in the aftermath of betrayal. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why betrayal is a unique form of trauma that impacts identity and trustThe symptoms of Post Betrayal Syndrome and how it shows up physically, mentally, and emotionallyFour self-reflection questions to uncover if you’re stuck in numbing or avoidanceThe five stages of betrayal recovery—and why so many stay stuck in Stage 3Practical steps you can take today to begin your healing journeyWhy betrayal can actually serve as an invitation to transformation and self-discoveryWhether you’ve experienced betrayal in relationships, work, or family, this episode will help you understand your pain, recognize the patterns keeping you stuck, and embrace a path toward healing. Connect with & learn more about Dr. Debi Silber and her programs at The PBT Institute https://thepbtinstitute.com/ . Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    31 分钟
  5. Living Gratefully Well: The Healing Power of Gratitude with Dr. Julius Torelli

    8月20日

    Living Gratefully Well: The Healing Power of Gratitude with Dr. Julius Torelli

    In this week's episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer welcomes Dr. Julius Torelli, a cardiologist and holistic wellness advocate, to explore the power of gratitude, mindset, and a holistic lifestyle in shaping our health. Dr. Torelli shares his journey from traditional medicine into developing the Gratefully Well Model, which blends the best of Western medicine with holistic practices. He explains how emotional overwhelm, stress, and limiting beliefs often show up as physical symptoms—and why addressing the whole person is essential for true healing. Listeners will discover: The pivotal patient story that inspired Dr. Torelli to rethink medicine.How thoughts and beliefs directly impact the body’s physiology.The science-backed benefits of gratitude for mental and physical health.The Traceback Method of Gratitude, a practical tool for shifting stress into calm and appreciation. Benefits of developing the Gratefully Well model as part of a healthy lifestyle includes: Improve recovery from illness and medical proceduresReduce symptoms of high blood pressure, pain, and illnessStrengthen immune functionEnhance sleep qualityIncrease resilience and stress coping skillsLower anxiety and depressionWhether you’re struggling with stress, managing chronic illness, or seeking more balance in life, this conversation will inspire you to live gratefully well every day. ✨Connect with Dr. Torelli: Dr. Torelli’s Website: www.gratefullywell.com Book: Holistic Health Pathways (Amazon) Substack Newsletter: Gratefully WellFree 7-Day Gratitude Challenge🎧 Tune in and discover how gratitude can transform your health, your mindset, and your life. Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    36 分钟
  6. 8月13日

    Pathways to Healing with Nature Therapy - Life’s Reset Button - Replay

    This is one of the top 5 most downloaded episodes from last year —because it’s just that powerful and just that good! In this heartfelt conversation, host Rita Mercer, your wellness coach, licensed counselor, and virtual friend, guides you through the healing and restorative benefits of nature therapy. If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, disconnected, or feeling stuck creatively, this episode is your gentle reminder to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with the natural world. Rita explores: What nature therapy is and the different forms it can take (forest bathing, grounding, eco-therapy, and more)The deficits we face when we don’t spend enough time in nature—like increased stress, emotional instability, and reduced creativityThe physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of engaging with nature mindfullySimple cues that signal you might need a nature resetPractical, beginner-friendly tips to make nature a regular part of your lifeRita also shares the fascinating research behind how much time in nature makes a measurable impact on your well-being—and spoiler: it’s easier to fit into your week than you think. Whether it’s a barefoot walk in your backyard, quiet reflection by a stream, or a gentle hike in the woods, you’ll learn how to make nature your reset button for mind, body, and spirit. Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    23 分钟
  7. 8月6日

    How to Complete the Stress Cycle & Regulate your Nervous System

    In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, we dive into what it really means to complete the stress cycle and restore balance in your nervous system. If you’re feeling constantly on edge, overwhelmed, or exhausted—this conversation is for you. You’ll learn how the fight-flight response works, why we get stuck in it, and how it impacts your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. We also explore the power of the parasympathetic nervous system (your body’s rest-and-digest mode) and the simple tools you can use daily to reset, recharge, and feel safe again. Rita walks you through practical ways to regulate your nervous system using breathwork, gentle movement, journaling, and the power of sacred rest. Plus, she shares an exclusive invitation to her upcoming Sacred Rest Online Retreat—a gentle wellness experience designed to help you release stress and reconnect to peace. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The science behind the fight-flight response and sympathetic nervous systemSigns of a stuck stress response across mind, body, and spiritHow to activate your parasympathetic nervous system for healingSimple and sustainable tools to complete the stress cycleHow to reclaim rest as a necessary rhythm for wellness🧘‍♀️ Join the Sacred Rest Online Retreat: Ready to restore your nervous system and return to calm? Visit: www.daringwell.com/retreat Use code FRIEND2025 to bring a friend for free! Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    41 分钟
  8. Healing from Within: How to Unlock the Body’s Wisdom with Banya Lim

    7月30日

    Healing from Within: How to Unlock the Body’s Wisdom with Banya Lim

    In this transformative episode of The Daring Well Podcast, host Rita Mercer sits down with energy healer and acupuncturist Banya Lim, Acupuncturist, Energy Healer & Founder of the Chi Mastery System to explore how emotional energy impacts physical health—and how we can reclaim our well-being by listening to the wisdom of the body. Banya shares her inspiring personal healing journey from chronic illness and depression to vitality and joy using movement, meditation, and energy healing. She also explains how emotions like fear, anger, and sadness create energetic blockages within specific meridians and organs, and how acupuncture, breathwork, and Qi-focused practices can help release those blockages. Learn the basics of Qi (energy), how to recognize where emotions live in the body, and what simple daily practices anyone can use to begin healing from the inside out. Whether you're new to energy medicine or deep in your healing path, this episode offers profound tools and insights that can shift your mindset, improve your physical health, and awaken your emotional intelligence. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Banya Lim healed her own chronic conditions through emotional and energy workWhat Chi (energy) is and how it functions in the bodyThe connection between mind, emotion, and physical painWhy meditation and movement are critical to emotional healingHow to begin building a relationship with your bodyThe importance of self-awareness in identifying internal blockagesWhy your thoughts can shape your health and reality Connect with Banya Lim, Chi Mastery System Interested in exploring energy healing or working with Banya? She’s offering a free clarity session for The Daring Well podcast listeners. Learn more or schedule at: Website: www.banyalim.com Send us a text Follow us on social media: @DaringWell Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online). https://www.daringwell.com/retreat 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

    35 分钟
5
共 5 分
8 个评分

关于

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.  Are you ready to feel empowered and motivated to crush your wellness goals? 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 & 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!