Vitalify Unplugged

Steph & Gry

Vitalify Unplugged isn’t just a podcast—it’s a revolution of the soul, mind, and body. A bold, soulful space where perfectionism is tossed aside and authenticity takes centre stage. Together, we’ll navigate the messy middle—those real, raw, and often hilarious moments of midlife, parenting, healing, and reinvention. We’ll confront the fears that hold us back, the insecurities that keep us small, and the stories that no longer serve us, not with resistance, but with curiosity, compassion, and courage. This is where vitality meets vulnerability, where being quirky is a strength, and where your journey—no matter how unconventional—is celebrated. From hormones and ADHD to relationships, spirituality, and biohacking, we blend soul and science in every episode. It’s time to shake off the shoulds, reclaim your energy, and create a life you love—on your terms. Because you are more than your doubts, you are wild. You are wise. You are limitless. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  1. 3D AGO

    S2:E5 Belonging Without Agreement: How to Stay Connected Without Losing Yourself in Midlife

    SummaryBelonging is a fundamental human need — but in midlife, it can feel more complex.In this episode, Steph Liyanage and Gry Stene speak with Renee Knapp about belonging in midlife, relationships after 40, and staying connected without people-pleasing or losing yourself. They explore: Why belonging matters for wellbeingHow midlife shifts identity and connectionFitting in vs true belongingNavigating conversations with curiosityBoundaries, rupture, and repairCommunity as supportRebuilding connection when feeling isolatedRenee shares stories from education, motherhood, and community work — showing how connection shapes how we live and cope. If you’ve ever wondered “Where do I belong now?” — this conversation will meet you there. Key TopicsBelonging as a core needConnection and mental healthMidlife identity shiftsBelonging vs fitting inBelonging without agreementCuriosity in conversationsBoundaries and repairCommunity as medicineRebuilding connectionRelational wealthGuest NameRenee Knapp Community Wellbeing Strategist | Educator | Founder of Think Effective Consultancy Sound Bites“Belonging is not a one-size-fits-all.”“We don’t always recognise belonging until it’s gone.”“Connection shapes behaviour and wellbeing.”“True belonging is being accepted for who you are.”“If you’re shrinking to belong — it’s not real belonging.”“Community is the missing piece in mental health.”Chapters00:00 Welcome & introduction 02:30 What is belonging — and why it matters 07:30 Renee’s story: community and change 15:30 Belonging and mental health 23:00 Disconnection and coping 39:00 Belonging without agreement 47:00 Difficult conversations 52:00 Boundaries and repair 56:00 Community as medicine 1:00:00 Rebuilding belonging ResourcesThink Effective Consultancy (Renee Knapp)Community Wellbeing Changemaker MembershipWhere do you truly feel like you belong?Where might you be shrinking or staying silent to stay connected? Share your reflections — or send this to someone who needs to feel seen. Due to a technical issue, the final moments of this conversation Steph’s software cut off — but the heart of the message remains with Gry & Renee. Connect With Us🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Email: Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 🧬 Zinzino Health Tools: zinzino.com 📩 Contact us: VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    1 hr
  2. MAY 4

    S2: E4 What Happens When You Finally Have Time? Midlife, Purpose & Redefining Wealth After 50

    SummaryRetirement isn’t just freedom — it can also feel like losing structure, identity, and purpose. In this episode, Steph Liyanage and Gry Stene speak with Anita Spurling about what really happens when life slows down in midlife. They explore the hidden challenges of retirement, the pressure of productivity culture, and why having more time doesn’t always feel as easy as we expect. They dive into: The emotional reality of retiring and losing work identityWhy busyness is wired into how we measure worthHow to rebuild purpose, rhythm, and meaning after workThe importance of community, connection, and contributionWhy time is one of the most valuable forms of wealthAnita shares how she reinvented her life through community, volunteering, and rediscovering what truly matters — offering a powerful perspective on positive ageing and living with intention. If you’re navigating midlife, burnout, career change, or wondering what comes next — this conversation will meet you there. Key TopicsWhat happens when work and structure disappear in midlifeRetirement and identity loss: “you are who you work”The discomfort of slowing down after a busy lifeRedefining wealth beyond money and productivityTime as a form of wealth and freedomReinvention, hobbies, and rediscovering purposeCommunity, volunteering, and connection as meaningThe pressure of busyness and achievementPositive ageing and designing a new life rhythmFinding joy, contribution, and fulfilment beyond work Guest NameAnita Spurling Sound Bites“What now?”“You are who you work.”“Retirement is a full-time job.”“People actually need people.”“Time is one of the most valuable forms of wealth.”“We don’t need more stuff — we need more connection.” Chapters00:00 Welcome & introduction 03:20 Life after retirement: what now? 11:00 Redefining wealth beyond money 14:40 Identity, work, and midlife transitions 22:15 Reinvention through connection and community 27:50 Time, purpose, and designing a new rhythm 34:00 The importance of connection post-COVID 40:50 Finding purpose beyond work 48:00 Consumerism vs meaningful living 56:50 Mindfulness and living unplugged ReflectionIf your life suddenly slowed down… who would you be without the busyness? What would you choose to do with your time? Share your reflections with us — or send this episode to someone navigating a big life transition. 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Email: Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 🧬 Zinzino Health Tools: zinzino.com 📩 Contact us: VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    58 min
  3. APR 27

    S2: E3 Your Body Isn’t Broken—It’s Communicating | Stress & Midlife Anxiety | Caroline Bellenger

    SummaryWhat if your anxiety, exhaustion, or overwhelm isn’t a sign something is wrong… but a message your body is trying to send? In this powerful conversation, Caroline Bellenger challenges the belief so many women carry — that they are broken when they feel stressed, reactive, or burnt out. Instead, she offers a new perspective: 👉 Your body isn’t failing you… it’s communicating. Drawing from her journey through trauma, addiction, and rebuilding her life, Caroline shares what it really takes to stay grounded and resilient in a world that rewards burnout and disconnection. We explore nervous system regulation, midlife stress, hormonal shifts, and emotional resilience — in a way that is simple, practical, and real. Because wellbeing isn’t about doing more… It’s about learning to listen. IN THIS EPISODE Why stress and anxiety are signals, not failuresHow to understand your nervous system responsesThe impact of midlife and hormonal changes on stressWhy women carry stress as a badge of honourHow self-worth shapes your health and energySimple tools to feel more calm, grounded, and in controlStaying human in high-pressure environmentsKEY TAKEAWAYS Your symptoms are information, not something to fixNervous system regulation is a skill you can buildSelf-care is essential, not indulgentYou are not failing — you are responding to pressureSmall shifts create powerful changeYou are enough, exactly as you areQUOTES “Your body is trying to tell you something.”“Self-worth is the foundation of health.”“Stress isn’t a badge of honour.”“Safety is when you feel centred.”ABOUT THE GUEST Caroline Bellenger is an award-winning speaker and wellbeing strategist working across leadership, emotional intelligence, and human performance — helping people stay grounded and human in high-pressure environments. CONNECT Website: www.carolinebellinger.com Instagram: Caroline Bellinger Official LinkedIn & Facebook: Caroline Bellenger If this resonated, share it with someone who needs the reminder: 👉 You’re not broken — your body is speaking. And as always — stay curious, stay connected, and keep living unplugged. 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    55 min
  4. APR 20

    S2: E2 Who Are You Without the Labels? Midlife Identity & Life Transitions w/ Dr Aruna Liyanage

    Summary What happens when the roles that once defined you—career, parenting, caregiving, relationships—begin to shift or fall away? In this deeply insightful and honest conversation, Dr. Aruna Liyanage shares his journey through professional setbacks, identity loss, and rebuilding a sense of self beyond titles. Together, we explore midlife identity shifts, burnout, over-functioning, and the quiet but powerful process of coming back to your core self. This episode speaks directly to anyone navigating life transitions, questioning “Who am I now?”, or feeling the weight of changing capacity. Through themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and faith, Aruna offers a grounded perspective on inner wealth and what it truly means to belong to yourself again. Key Topics Midlife identity shifts and life transition meaningWho you are beyond roles, titles, and expectationsBurnout, over-functioning, and “role addiction”Self-trust, self-acceptance, and rebuilding identityFaith, spirituality, and inner resilienceNavigating change when capacity and circumstances shiftGuest Name Dr. Aruna Liyanage Action Items Reflect on your core self beyond roles and responsibilitiesPractice self-compassion during identity shifts and transitionsBuild resilience through self-awareness, faith, and ownershipLet go of outdated labels that no longer fit your lifeSound Bites “Right now, I am just me.”“Faith helps rebuild the sense of self.”“It’s okay to say I don’t know.”Chapters 00:00 Exploring Identity Beyond Titles 02:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery 05:13 Belonging and Self-Acceptance 07:47 Wealth Beyond Money 10:38 The Pressure of Responsibility 13:16 Over-Functioning and Identity 16:03 Crisis and Rediscovery of Self 18:44 Buddhism and Personal Identity 21:33 Finding Strength in Adversity 23:58 Embracing Imperfection 27:55 Embracing Life's Breaks 31:16 Redefining Identity in Medicine 34:08 The Evolution of Self and Identity 36:05 Understanding Aging and Identity Loss 41:44 Finding Simplicity in Uncertain Times 49:08 Unplugged: Discovering the True Self 53:14 Outro Guest Links Top End Medical Centres - https://www.topendmedicalcentre.com.au/ LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/arunaliyanage Website - https://drarunaliyanage.com 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    54 min
  5. APR 13

    S2: E1 Redefining Wealth in Midlife: Energy, Self-Care & Authentic Living with Susanne Ridolfi

    SUMMARYIn this grounding and thought-provoking conversation, Susanne Ridolfi invites us to rethink what wealth, success, and wellbeing truly mean. If the old definitions of success — constant doing, striving, and chasing — no longer feel right, this episode offers a powerful pause. We explore what it means to live a wealthy life in midlife — one rooted in energy, self-awareness, and authentic alignment rather than external validation. Susanne shares insights on: • Why your body holds wisdom you may be overlooking • Why energy — not time — is your most valuable resource • The shift from “doing” to “being” • Why self-care is essential for a sustainable, vibrant life An invitation to slow down, reconnect, and redefine success on your own terms. KEY TOPICS • Redefining wealth beyond money and achievement • Reconnecting with your body’s wisdom • Energy as the foundation of wellbeing • Self-care as self-respect KEY TAKEAWAYS • True wealth is your energy, alignment, and authenticity • Your body is always communicating — listen early • Self-care is essential for vitality and clarity • Slowing down reconnects you to what matters • Trust yourself over external noise SOUND BITES • “Awareness is the first step.” • “Your body is your greatest guide.” • “We’ve become human doers.” • “Self-care sustains your life.” • “Real wealth is how you feel.” CHAPTERS 00:00 What Does a Wealthy Life Really Mean Now? 06:05 Susanne’s Journey 11:49 Abundance Beyond Money 17:22 Aligning Values 23:04 Boundaries & Self-Care 25:24 Emotional Load 28:06 Self-Care & Energy 31:17 Listening to Your Body 33:49 Wellness Isn’t a Trend 36:29 The Art of Listening 38:59 Being vs Doing 43:23 Letting Go 48:18 Purpose 50:03 Outro GUEST LINKS Website: https://susanneridolfi.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanneridolfi Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanneridolfi Book: My Body & Me If this episode resonated, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that she doesn’t have to keep doing more to be enough. If you’re ready to redefine what wealth means in your life, this is your invitation to start listening inward. 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.com 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset For Parents magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    51 min
  6. APR 6

    S2: E0 Redefining Wealth: What a Wealthy Life Really Means Beyond Money

    SummaryWhat if wealth was the way your life feels — not just what it looks like? In this opening episode of Season 2 of Vitalify Unplugged, Steph and Gry explore what it truly means to redefine wealth beyond money. This isn’t about status or ticking society’s boxes — it’s about creating a life rich in energy, connection, purpose, belonging, freedom, and health. They unpack how midlife shifts our relationship with success, identity, and enoughness, touching on burnout, nervous system regulation, relationships, and living more aligned. They introduce the six pillars of wealth: Inner wealthVitality wealthTime wealthRelational wealthMeaning wealthFinancial wealthThis episode invites you to reflect: Why doesn’t success feel the way I expected? What does a wealthy life really mean now? How can I feel more fulfilled and free? Key TopicsWealth beyond money, status, and successMidlife identity shifts and fulfilmentThe six pillars of wealthWealth as an ecosystem of wellbeingNervous system health and regulationTime freedom and burnout recoveryRelationships and belonging as wealthFinancial wealth as support, not identityTechnology, AI, and modern pressure Sound Bites“What if wealth was the way your life feels — not what it looks like?”“Wealth is an ecosystem of wellbeing.”“Time is a precious form of wealth.”“A wealthy life is one where you get to be fully yourself.” Chapters00:00 Welcome to Season 2 03:20 Wealth beyond money in midlife 05:47 The six pillars of wealth 11:00 Inner wealth and vitality 15:32 Time and relational wealth 20:32 Meaning and financial wealth 25:40 Wealth as an experience 29:13 Outro ResourcesWealth Ecology FrameworkGry’s Book: https://fullthrottleandtorque.comNervous System Reset for Parents: https://magnetikmumma.com/thenervoussystemresetforparents Listener CTAHow wealthy does your life feel right now? Share your reflections, questions, or which pillar you want us to explore next. Connect With Us🔹 Gry – grystene.rocks 🔹 Steph – magnetikhealth.com 📩 VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    30 min
  7. 12/15/2025

    S1:E10: The Legacy of You — Data + DNA

    It’s the final episode of Season One! Gry and Steph close out with a deep, dynamic dive into the intersections of epigenetics, technology, ancestry, and personal power. What if legacy isn’t about monuments — but micro-moments? In this soulful and science-sprinkled finale, we explore how the choices we make around tech, wellness, and ritual shape not only our lives but what we pass on. From nervous system regulation to data trails, Gry and Steph invite you to rethink what you’re really leaving behind. Whether you're journaling, parenting, coding, or healing — your DNA is not your destiny. And your data? It’s part of your story. So what are you authoring? In This Episode: Gry’s book tour + digital legacy projectsSteph’s ancestral healing + nervous system resetEpigenetics 101: DNA is the piano, you're playing the keysHow digital behaviour shapes wellness & identityWhat wearables, Woolies cards, and photo albums say about usAncestral rituals, AI tools, and the power of conscious designRewriting family patterns + authoring a new legacySoulful Sound Bites: ✨ “You’re becoming someone’s ancestor — right now.” ✨ “Legacy lives in your screen habits, not just your photo albums.” ✨ “DNA holds the instrument — you choose how it’s played.” Chapters: 00:00 Season reflections & family updates 07:30 DNA, data & your nervous system 13:17 Epigenetics + environment 18:18 Rituals, tech & ancestral influence 23:55 How data becomes legacy 29:29 Future design + what we pass on 32:40 Outro Legacy Practice: 🧬 Journal a ritual you want passed down 📸 Reclaim a family photo or memory 🔐 Audit your digital boundaries 📱 Ask: “What am I teaching through my tech use?” Mentioned: Gry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.comZinzino Gut Health Tests & Omega BalanceJournaling & ritual as epigenetic expressionConnect With Us: 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Health Scan 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset magnetikhealth.com | Substack 📩 Email: Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 🧬 Zinzino Health Tools: zinzino.com 📩 Contact us: VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com

    42 min
  8. 12/07/2025

    S1:E9: When Screens Steal Your Glow: Skin, Soul & Nervous System Health in a Tech-Heavy World

    What if the glow we crave isn’t in a filter — but in our nervous system? In this radiant episode of Vitalify Unplugged, Gry and Steph explore how screen time, blue light, and nervous system overload can quietly dim our glow. From skincare to stress, hormones to habits, they unpack how tech impacts your body’s biggest storyteller — your skin. You’ll hear laughter, science, and rituals to help you reclaim vitality in a tech-heavy world. Whether you're in midlife, motherhood, or just craving less cortisol and more radiance, this episode is your reminder: glow is felt, not filtered. In This Episode: Gry’s femme-sourcing tech projectSteph’s nervous system reset for parentsSkincare as vitality, not vanityBlue light & digital stress on the skinSkin as a mirror for emotional healthRituals for regulating stress & restoring glowCreating gentle tech boundariesSoulful Sound Bites: ✨ “Beauty isn’t filtered — it’s felt.” ✨ “Your skin is your nervous system’s first storyteller.” Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Updates 07:30 Skin-Tech Connection 13:17 Screen Impact on Skin 18:18 Nourishing Rituals 23:55 Skin as Messenger 29:29 Tech Boundaries 32:40 Outro Glow Practice This Week: Try a digital sunset: no screens after 8pmMassage your cleanser or moisturizer with intentionAsk: “How can I support my glow today?”Mentioned: Pomodoro TechniqueZinzino Omega Balance + SkincareGry’s Book: fullthrottleandtorque.comBlue light glasses & screen hygiene tipsConnect with Us: 🔹 Gry – Author, Speaker & Tech Whisperer grystene.rocks | Speaking Health Scan 🔹 Steph – Holistic RN & MagnetiK Mumma Nervous System Reset magnetikhealth.com | Substack Email: Steph@MagnetiKHealth.com 🧬 Zinzino Gut Health Tests & Products: zinzino.com Gut Test 📩 Email us: VitalifyUnplugged@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you! What’s your skin trying to tell you? Drop us a DM — and share this episode with someone who needs to hear: You were born to glow.

    33 min

About

Vitalify Unplugged isn’t just a podcast—it’s a revolution of the soul, mind, and body. A bold, soulful space where perfectionism is tossed aside and authenticity takes centre stage. Together, we’ll navigate the messy middle—those real, raw, and often hilarious moments of midlife, parenting, healing, and reinvention. We’ll confront the fears that hold us back, the insecurities that keep us small, and the stories that no longer serve us, not with resistance, but with curiosity, compassion, and courage. This is where vitality meets vulnerability, where being quirky is a strength, and where your journey—no matter how unconventional—is celebrated. From hormones and ADHD to relationships, spirituality, and biohacking, we blend soul and science in every episode. It’s time to shake off the shoulds, reclaim your energy, and create a life you love—on your terms. Because you are more than your doubts, you are wild. You are wise. You are limitless. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.