Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast

Hannah Zackney

Welcome to the Heart Open Wide Wellness Podcast! A space where we explore how to keep our hearts and souls open to growth, healing, and new opportunities—even when life’s challenges make it tempting to shut down. I’m Hannah Zackney—therapist, yogi, life coach, and creator of Heart Wide Open Wellness, a hub for transformative programs, retreats, and community support. Each episode, we dive into powerful conversations with inspiring guests from diverse backgrounds—healers, thought leaders, wellness experts, and everyday people who have embraced joy, health, and abundance unapologetically. Join us as we uncover insights, tools, and personal stories to help you cultivate resilience, embrace change, and live with an open heart. Let’s journey together!

  1. Episode 35: Simplicity, Wellness & Living with an Open Heart featuring Alice Nicolai

    10/20/2025

    Episode 35: Simplicity, Wellness & Living with an Open Heart featuring Alice Nicolai

    In this episode of the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast, Hannah sits down with Alice Nicolai — a registered dietitian, Bikram yoga teacher, and wellness advocate — to explore how simple shifts can transform the way we live, age, and connect with ourselves. Together they explore:  ✨ The power of going back to basics with food and nutrition  ✨ Lessons from decades of yoga practice — both as a student and teacher  ✨ How to embrace aging with strength, education, and openness  ✨ Why confidence grows when we overcome challenges  ✨ Living with your heart wide open by trusting possibilities Alice brings humor, honesty, and wisdom from her personal and professional journey — reminding us that health and happiness don’t need to be complicated. 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro Meet Alice and how food, yoga, and wellness became her path. 02:45 – The Power of Simplicity in Nutrition Why going back to basics with food matters now more than ever. 07:10 – Lessons from Decades of Yoga Practice What it means to honor your body at every stage of life. 12:30 – Teacher vs. Student: Navigating Both Roles How learning and teaching go hand in hand in wellness. 17:40 – Overcoming Builds Confidence Alice shares how facing challenges shapes self-trust. 23:15 – Aging, Openness & Trusting the Unknown Why possibility exists beyond what we think we want. 29:00 – Living with Your Heart Wide Open Letting go of control and leaning into life with trust. 33:20 – Final Takeaways & Close Reflections and reminders for living in alignment. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · iHeartRadio · heartwideopenwellness.com #heartwideopenwellness  #wellnesspodcast #holisticliving #yogawisdom #nutritiontips #selfconfidence #mindbodyconnection #womeninwellness #healingjourney #agingwithgrace #openheartliving #podcastcommunity #spiritualgrowth #livewithanopenheart Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    53 min
  2. 34. Floating Into Wellness with Gaby Valencia

    09/29/2025

    34. Floating Into Wellness with Gaby Valencia

    Welcome to another episode of the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast with host Hannah Zackney, LMFT, international retreat leader, and curious human. In this episode, Hannah sits down with Gaby Valencia, owner of Cloud9 Float Spa in Folsom, CA. Gaby has spent 17 years in the wellness industry as a massage therapist and nail technician, and in 2023, she opened her float spa after discovering the life-changing benefits of float therapy. From healing chronic insomnia to creating a sanctuary for deep rest, Gabby’s story is one of passion, healing, and following your heart into entrepreneurship. Together, Hannah and Gaby dive into: ⏱️ Highlights & Time Stamps 00:03:45 How Hannah and Gaby met through the yoga studio next door 00:08:20 What float therapy really is and how it works 00:15:50 The science and benefits: magnesium absorption, sleep, injury recovery, stress relief 00:25:30 Overcoming fear: claustrophobia, myths, and what to expect when you float 00:40:15 Gaby’s personal journey—healing insomnia, finding peace, and becoming an advocate 00:55:40 Float therapy as a spiritual practice: meditation, prayer, and releasing emotions 01:10:05 Entrepreneurship lessons: following your gut, patience, and building community through wellness 01:25:00 How float therapy and trauma therapy (like EMDR) beautifully complement one another 01:40:00 Gaby’s personal answer to: “How do you live with your heart wide open?” 💡 Whether you’re curious about float therapy, looking for holistic ways to heal body and mind, or seeking inspiration to follow your own passion, this conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and practical insight. 🌐 Listen & Watch 🎧 Available on: * Apple Podcasts * Spotify * iHeartRadio * YouTube * HeartWideOpenWellness.com Open Heart Wide Listeners can get a discount cade for Cloud9 Float Spa; Use HWOW10 Learn more about cloud9: www.cloud9floatspa.net @cloud9floatspafolsom #HeartWideOpenPodcast #FloatTherapy #HolisticWellness #MindBodyConnection #HealingJourney #WellnessPodcast #CloudNineFloat #TherapyAndWellness #TraumaHealing #OpenYourHeart #floattherapy #sensorydepravation #floattank #meditation #float #floating #wellness #health #relax Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    49 min
  3. 33. Trusting Intuition & Beginning Again with Mandy Nowotenski

    09/15/2025

    33. Trusting Intuition & Beginning Again with Mandy Nowotenski

    Welcome back to the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast! In this episode, host Hannah Zackney, LMFT sits down with Mandy Nowotenski — yoga instructor, head of nutrition coaching at Cornerstone Wellness MD, and single mother of two. From her early struggles with sensitivity and depression to finding empowerment through yoga, nutrition, and shamanic practices, Mandy shares how listening to her intuition and learning to “begin again” transformed her path. 🌱 Together, Hannah and Mandy explore the gifts of motherhood, honoring intuition, embracing imperfection, and the healing power of yoga, chanting, and spiritual practices. This episode is filled with wisdom, raw honesty, and reminders that it’s never too late to start again. 🔑 Episode Highlights & Show Notes: * (00:00) Welcome & introduction to Mandy’s journey * (06:00) First time Mandy chose intuition over expectation * (15:00) From dropping out of school to finding her own path * (25:00) Discovering yoga as healing for body and spirit * (35:00) Navigating motherhood: magic, chaos, and growth * (47:00) Shamanic practices & connecting to power animals * (1:05:00) Finding her voice through chanting & overcoming fear * (1:20:00) Why imperfection is the only rule in her house * (1:35:00) Living with an open heart & the courage to begin again 📲 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🎧 YouTube🎧 iHeartRadio🌐 HeartWideOpenWellness.com #HeartWideOpenPodcast #HolisticHealing #YogaLife #MotherhoodJourney #TrustYourIntuition #SpiritualHealing #ShamanicJourney #BeginAgain #WellnessPodcast #SelfDiscovery Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    54 min
  4. 32. Embracing Healing Through Intentional Living with Ashley Hawkins

    09/01/2025

    32. Embracing Healing Through Intentional Living with Ashley Hawkins

    In this heartfelt episode, host Hannah welcomes her dear friend Ashley Hawkins — a vibrant soul devoted to intentional living, healing, and personal growth. From a hilarious story of how they first met to a rich conversation about love, self-investment, and embracing the messy beauty of life, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Ashley opens up about what it means to be human, how love plays a key role in healing, and why showing up for yourself matters. Whether you're navigating change, craving deeper purpose, or just love a good soul chat, this episode is for you. Talking Points: 1. The funny and memorable way Hannah and Ashley met 2. Why shared experiences and travel bond us deeply 3. What intentional living looks like in real time 4. The transformative power of love in healing 5. Embracing the beauty of a messy, authentic life Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you listen — links in bio! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! #HeartWideOpenPodcast #IntentionalLiving #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #PodcastForWomen #AshleyHawkins #BriannaWiest #HealingThroughLove #MessyBeautifulLife #WellnessPodcast #SoulConversations #WomenSupportingWomen #SubscribeAndListen #pachamama #shamanichealing Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    46 min
  5. 31. Finding Balance and Self-Compassion: A Conversation with Rachel Hills

    08/18/2025

    31. Finding Balance and Self-Compassion: A Conversation with Rachel Hills

    In Episode 32 of the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast, host Hannah Zackney sits down with special guest Rachel Hills, a dedicated mother, and advocate for self-care helping women stop hating their bodies and finally feel at home within themselves. Together, they explore the challenges of balancing personal growth, professional life, and family, while staying grounded in compassion and authenticity. Rachel brings her personal experiences and insights to the table, reminding us that healing is not about perfection but about embracing the process. Whether it’s through therapy, mindfulness, or everyday choices, Rachel inspires listeners to slow down, be kind to themselves, and honor the different seasons of life. This heartfelt conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and truth about what it really means to show up for yourself and your community. Episode Highlights: Rachel’s introduction & her journey into therapyNavigating motherhood, family, and professional growthThe importance of slowing down and finding balanceLetting go of perfection and embracing self-compassionTools and practices for resilience and groundingHonoring the seasons of life and personal growth🎧 Listen to the Podcast: Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeOur WebsiteDon’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! #HeartWideOpenPodcast #RachelHills #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #HealingTogether #Mindfulness #TherapyTalks #EmotionalWellness #SelfCompassion #BalanceInLife Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    56 min
  6. 30. Choosing Joy as a Lifestyle  with Heart Wide Open: A Journey with Daylin Boyd ✨

    08/11/2025

    30. Choosing Joy as a Lifestyle with Heart Wide Open: A Journey with Daylin Boyd ✨

    We’re celebrating fresh starts and meaningful connection in our brand new podcast space! In this episode, Hannah sits down with Associate Marriage & Family Therapist and collaborator Daylin Boyd to reflect on a year and a half of co-creating wellness experiences — from yoga and live music to… a GIANT GONG?! 🧘‍♂️🎶🥁 Together they explore: •The evolution of their professional partnership •Behind-the-scenes of their yoga/music events •Why a giant gong has become part of the healing magic •Daylin’s heart-led work as a therapist •And what it means to show up for community with purpose 💬 It’s a warm, inspiring, joy-filled conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favorite platform — link in bio! ❤️ Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next! #HeartWideOpenPodcast #NewBeginnings #DylanBoyd #PodcastCommunity #WellnessPodcast #HealingThroughConnection #YogaAndMusic #TherapistTalks #HolisticHealing #FriendshipAndGrowth #SacredSound #PodcastEpisode31 #SubscribeAndListen Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    43 min
  7. 29. Rooted in Community: Gardening, Growth & Giving Back with Michelle Kwek

    08/04/2025

    29. Rooted in Community: Gardening, Growth & Giving Back with Michelle Kwek

    In this heartfelt episode of the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast, host Hannah Zackney welcomes Michelle Kwek, the Garden Coordinator at Twin Lakes Food Bank. Together, they explore the deep connection they’ve formed through years of working in the Twin Lakes Garden—a space dedicated not just to growing food, but to nourishing community, resilience, and purpose. Michelle opens up about her journey from rural Mendocino County to suburban Folsom, her background in animal science, and how she brings those experiences into her work in food systems and wellness. As a mother of three, she shares how gardening has become both a therapeutic outlet and a way to model values of compassion and sustainability for her children. From rich metaphors about nature’s cycles to stories of friendship and service, this episode offers inspiration for anyone seeking deeper connection—to the earth, to others, and to themselves. 🌿 Highlights Include: The power of community through gardening Michelle’s journey from rural roots to community leadership How nature teaches us resilience, adaptability, and peace The challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with service Why food systems and social wellness are deeply intertwined 🎧 Listen now on: Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube Or wherever you stream your favorite shows 📲 Links in bio — Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share if you love what you hear! Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    46 min
  8. 28. Heart Wide Open: Connecting Through Community and Music with Randi Moody

    07/28/2025

    28. Heart Wide Open: Connecting Through Community and Music with Randi Moody

    Episode 28: Heart Wide Open: Connecting Through Community and Music with Randi Moody In this episode of the Heart Wide Open Wellness podcast, we’re joined by the vibrant and soulful Randi Moody—a heart-led event organizer known for cultivating spaces where connection and joy thrive. After years of hearing each other’s names in the wellness and music scene, Hannah and Randi finally sit down to share stories, values, and inspiration behind building intentional community. From organizing the beloved SAC Song & Wine Festival to creating experiences that blend music, healing, and meaningful relationships, Randi opens up about what it truly means to live—and lead—with your heart wide open. Whether you’re passionate about events, connection, or curious about how music can deepen the human experience, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to bring more joy into your life and the lives of others. 🎧 Talking Points: Meet Randi Moody and her story of connection with the host The heart and intention behind her event work Behind the scenes of the SAC Song and Wine Festival Why music and community gatherings create deeper healing How Randi brings love, light, and structure to large-scale events The power of following your passion and sharing it with others 📲 Tune in now on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio 🔗 Links in bio or visit HeartWideOpenWellness.com Discount Code for Listeners: Use HWO2025 at https://sacsongandwineseries.com/#tickets #heartwideopenwellness #randimoody #musicheals #sacsongandwine #communitymatters #wellnesspodcast #healingthroughconnection #livewithheart #podcastforthesoul #wellnessevents #musicandhealing #womensupportingwomen Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

    45 min

About

Welcome to the Heart Open Wide Wellness Podcast! A space where we explore how to keep our hearts and souls open to growth, healing, and new opportunities—even when life’s challenges make it tempting to shut down. I’m Hannah Zackney—therapist, yogi, life coach, and creator of Heart Wide Open Wellness, a hub for transformative programs, retreats, and community support. Each episode, we dive into powerful conversations with inspiring guests from diverse backgrounds—healers, thought leaders, wellness experts, and everyday people who have embraced joy, health, and abundance unapologetically. Join us as we uncover insights, tools, and personal stories to help you cultivate resilience, embrace change, and live with an open heart. Let’s journey together!