Beyond the mind

Gina

Beyond the Mind is a podcast about the human experience—our minds, emotions, relationships, challenges, and the experiences that shape who we become. Through honest conversations with mental health professionals, psychologists, authors, coaches, advocates, and people with meaningful life stories, we explore mental health, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, purpose, identity, confidence, resilience, relationships, and life transitions. We also explore career and success,to personal growth, purpose, or wellbeing.

  1. 2d ago

    Joana E. Matos: When the Life You Built No Longer Fits — Finding Yourself Through Change

    What happens when you’ve built a life that looks good on paper, yet something inside you no longer feels right? You may be doing everything you’re supposed to do, showing up for everyone who depends on you, and still feel disconnected from yourself. Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t knowing that something needs to change—it’s discovering who you’re becoming when the life you’ve known no longer fits. In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Joana E. Matos, a scientist with a PhD in Medicine from Aarhus University and an embodiment teacher whose work explores the connection between our bodies, emotional experiences, personal growth, and relationships. Her journey has taken her through rare disease research, life across seven countries, motherhood, depression, and the end of her marriage. Along the way, she discovered that being capable of handling everything doesn’t necessarily mean we’re truly okay. Joana shares how years of independence and achievement helped her navigate life’s challenges but also made it difficult to recognize when she needed support. As she began rebuilding her life, practices such as breathwork, movement, time in nature, and spiritual reflection helped her reconnect with herself. Her experience raises an important question: What if strength isn’t always about carrying more, but about learning when to pause, receive support, and listen to yourself? We also explore how our nervous system may influence the way we respond to uncertainty, stress, and emotional closeness. Drawing on her scientific background and additional training in breathwork and relationship coaching, Joana offers a thoughtful perspective on the relationship between the body and our lived experiences, while recognizing the distinction between scientific evidence and personal or spiritual understanding. Beyond personal transformation, we discuss relationships and the challenge of remaining true to ourselves while loving someone else. How can couples maintain intimacy and desire as life changes? What happens when partners become excellent teammates but struggle to feel like lovers? And how can we communicate our needs, remain open to connection, and allow relationships to evolve without losing our sense of identity? Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, questioning a familiar role, rebuilding after a relationship ends, or simply feeling uncertain about your next chapter, this conversation offers space to reflect on what it means to find your way back to yourself. As Joana puts it, perhaps you aren’t lost—you’re at sea, somewhere between the life you’ve outgrown and the future you haven’t yet discovered. Connect with Joana E. Matos: Joana is the founder of Amoris Medicina, where she supports women navigating life transitions, identity shifts, and periods of uncertainty. Visit her website to explore her work, learn about her 90-day Landfall program, and take a short quiz designed to help you reflect on the transition you’re experiencing. You’ll also find information about Amoris et Eros, her work with individuals and couples exploring intimacy, connection, and desire. Explore Amoris Medicina: Joana E. Matos’s Website

  2. 2d ago

    Bill Ferrier: Your Customers Owe You Money — Turning Unpaid Invoices Into Cash Flow

    What if your business has the money it needs to grow, but that money is tied up in unpaid invoices? For many companies, the challenge isn’t just making sales—it’s getting paid. And how a business handles those conversations can make a real difference to its financial health. In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Bill Ferrier, founder of Ready Set Collect, who brings nearly 40 years of experience in the credit and collections industry. Bill helps companies improve the way they collect overdue payments, strengthen cash flow, and reduce the time money remains tied up in accounts receivable. But collecting money isn’t always as simple as asking customers to pay. Sometimes, good customers experience financial difficulties. Other times, businesses face repeated excuses, delayed promises, or objections that are difficult to overcome. Bill explains why understanding what’s really preventing payment—and knowing which questions to ask—can help collection teams approach these conversations with greater confidence and professionalism. We explore how companies can train their in-house collection teams to become more effective, recognize warning signs before accounts become seriously overdue, and encourage customers to pay without unnecessarily damaging valuable business relationships. Bill also shares why he sees collection training as an investment rather than just another expense, and how improving collection practices can contribute to stronger cash flow, lower Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), and increased profitability. Beyond the numbers, this conversation highlights an important business lesson: being professional about money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing relationships. With the right skills, businesses can become more confident about asking for what they’re owed while still treating customers with respect. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, entrepreneur, or someone responsible for finances, this episode offers a fresh perspective on managing unpaid invoices and protecting your company’s financial stability. How much stronger could your business become if you were better equipped to collect the money you’ve already earned? Connect with Bill Ferrier: Learn more about Bill’s approach to collection training and how Ready Set Collect helps businesses improve their collection processes, strengthen cash flow, and build more effective customer payment conversations. Explore Ready Set Collect: Visit Bill Ferrier’s website to learn more about his training and services.

  3. 2d ago

    S.M. Sebastian: From Teenage Homelessness to Putting the Vatican on Trial — Resilience, Forgiveness & the Search for Justice

    Can the most painful experiences of our lives become the starting point for discovering strength we never knew we had? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by S.M. Sebastian, author of the Kirkus-starred novel Suing the Vatican: Balancing the Scales of Justice. Steve’s life story is one of extraordinary adversity, unexpected encounters, and the determination to keep moving forward even when the odds seem impossible. At just eleven years old, Steve spent six months in a tuberculosis sanatorium, where he met a man whose kindness left a lasting impression on him. Five years later, after refusing to tolerate continued sexual abuse by a clergy member, Steve was expelled from high school and forced out of his home. His journey into adulthood included homelessness, difficult choices, and moments that challenged him to reconsider what was possible for his life. Over the decades, Steve experienced more than fifty moments he describes as extraordinary turning points—encounters and unexpected events that influenced his decisions and changed his direction. We explore how these experiences shaped his understanding of resilience, intuition, humor, and the importance of recognizing opportunities even in the middle of hardship. Steve also shares what led him, after years of personal reflection and five years of research, to write a novel that places the Vatican on trial over its responsibility for clergy sexual abuse. Although the courtroom is fictional, the book draws on real-world research and invites readers to consider difficult questions about institutional accountability, survivors’ experiences, and the pursuit of justice. But this conversation goes beyond his book. We discuss the complicated relationship between forgiveness and accountability, how humor can help people navigate painful experiences, and whether forgiving someone means giving up the right to seek justice. We also reflect on how seemingly insignificant encounters can influence our lives and how people can begin rebuilding after experiences that threaten to define them. Steve’s story reminds us that we cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can sometimes choose what we do next. Can we turn adversity into purpose without pretending the pain never happened? And can forgiveness and the pursuit of justice exist side by side? Connect with S.M. Sebastian: Explore Suing the Vatican: Balancing the Scales of Justice, learn more about the book, and discover how readers can participate in its fictional courtroom by becoming members of the jury and casting their votes. The website also offers survivors an opportunity to share their experiences, anonymously if they choose. Visit the website: Suing the Vatican

  4. 2d ago

    Lisa Petr: Is AI Making Your Business Invisible? — The New Rules of Online Visibility

    What if potential customers were searching for exactly what your business offers, but AI wasn’t recommending you? As more people turn to AI tools to discover businesses, products, and services, the way customers find us online is changing. And many business owners may not realize they need to adapt. In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Lisa Petr, an AI VisAbility Coach who helps businesses, entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, nonprofits, and organizations improve how they appear to AI-powered discovery tools. Lisa believes that having a website and social media presence is no longer enough if AI systems struggle to understand what you do, recognize your credibility, or connect your services with the people looking for them. We explore the difference between traditional search engine optimization and the emerging practice of making businesses easier for AI tools to understand and recommend. Lisa introduces her six pillars of AI VisAbility—clarity, consistency, search words and phrases, social proof, schema, and frequently asked questions—and explains how these elements can help businesses communicate their value more effectively online. But what does this mean if you’re a small business owner without a technical background? We discuss why your competitors might appear in AI-generated recommendations when you don’t, how your website and online presence influence discoverability, and what practical changes you can start making without feeling overwhelmed by technology. Lisa also explains how her AI Visibility Score and gap analysis can help businesses identify potential areas for improvement. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, service provider, nonprofit leader, or someone building a brand from scratch, this conversation invites you to think differently about your online presence. If AI is becoming another way customers discover businesses, what can you do today to make sure yours isn’t overlooked tomorrow? Connect with Lisa Petr: Want to understand where your business may be missing opportunities for AI visibility? Explore Lisa’s AI VisAbility bundle, which includes an AI Visibility Score, a detailed gap report, a one-month action plan, and personalized implementation support. Explore the AI VisAbility Bundle: Lisa Petr’s AI VisAbility Bundle

  5. 3d ago

    RobinQuinn Keehn:TheUnfinishedConversations StealingYourPeace-Boundaries,Resentment&FindingYourVoice

    Have you ever replayed a conversation in your head, wished you had said something differently, or avoided a difficult discussion even though you knew it needed to happen? Sometimes, it’s not just the conversation itself that weighs on us—it’s the fact that we’ve left it unfinished. In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Robin Quinn Keehn, a Human Dynamics Specialist, Certified Mediator, and author of Stop Stealing From Yourself. Robin explores what she calls “Open Loops”—the unresolved promises, unspoken boundaries, broken agreements, and difficult conversations we leave hanging. Although these situations may seem small at first, they can gradually drain our time, energy, and peace of mind. Drawing from her own experiences with relationships, people-pleasing, and learning to stop putting everyone else’s comfort before her own, Robin shares how avoiding difficult conversations can keep us trapped in resentment and unhealthy patterns. We discuss why saying what we really feel can be so uncomfortable, how to establish boundaries without unnecessary conflict, and what it means to take responsibility for the way we allow others to treat us. We also explore Robin’s belief that the calmest person in the room often has the most authority. How can we remain composed when emotions run high? Can setting a boundary actually strengthen a relationship? And what would change if we stopped waiting for other people to understand our needs and started communicating them clearly? Robin also shares insights from Debate Without Hate, her curriculum for teaching children to disagree respectfully without turning differences into personal attacks. Whether you struggle with people-pleasing, find yourself avoiding uncomfortable conversations, or feel emotionally exhausted from carrying things you’ve never said out loud, this conversation offers practical ways to reclaim your voice, protect your peace, and move forward with greater clarity. Connect with Robin Quinn Keehn: Visit Robin’s website to access a free resource to help you identify and close your own Open Loops, explore her book Stop Stealing From Yourself, and discover practical tools for navigating difficult conversations. Start Closing Your Open Loops: Close the Loops Now

  6. 4d ago

    Dr. Shannon Sinsheimer: LivingLonger Isn’t Enough Healthspan, Healthy Aging & UnderstandingYour Body

    What if living a long life isn’t the only goal—but feeling healthy, energetic, and capable throughout that life matters just as much? Many people focus on getting better when something goes wrong, but what if we also paid more attention to understanding our bodies and supporting our health before problems arise? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Dr. Shannon Sinsheimer, a California-licensed naturopathic doctor and founder of Optimal Health Center, the first naturopathic clinic in the Coachella Valley. With 19 years of experience combining scientific approaches with traditional healing practices, Dr. Shannon focuses on individualized care, helping people explore their health concerns through a more personalized approach. We discuss the difference between lifespan—the number of years we live—and healthspan, the years we spend in good health. Dr. Shannon shares her perspective on why generic wellness advice doesn’t always address individual needs, how lifestyle choices can influence long-term well-being, and why understanding the underlying factors affecting our health can be an important part of making informed decisions. We also explore regenerative health, hormone health, and the growing interest in approaches designed to support healthy aging. But this conversation isn’t just about medicine or living longer. It’s about how we care for ourselves, the habits we build, and the choices we make long before a health concern forces us to pay attention. We also consider an important question: Are we simply trying to add more years to our lives, or are we thinking about how we want to feel and live during those years? Whether you’re interested in healthy aging, improving your everyday habits, preparing for a family, or learning more about personalized healthcare, this episode offers an opportunity to rethink your relationship with your health and consider how informed, individualized choices may support your long-term well-being. Connect with Dr. Shannon Sinsheimer: Learn more about Dr. Shannon’s work in individualized naturopathic care, regenerative health, and lifespan medicine through Optimal Health Center. Explore Optimal Health Center: Visit Dr. Shannon’s website for information about her services and approach to whole-person wellness.

  7. Oct 17

    Anne Topenot: When the Past Stops Holding the Pen — Healing, Vulnerability & the Power of Your Voice

    Have you ever found yourself saying “I’m fine” when, deep down, you know you’re not? Sometimes, the things we learn not to talk about become the very things that influence how we see ourselves, connect with others, and move through life. But what happens when we finally find the courage to speak? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Anne Topenot, a French-born, US-trained international keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and European improvised speaking champion. Growing up in an environment where painful experiences often went unspoken, Anne learned how to appear fine even when there was more beneath the surface. Over time, her journey across cultures, languages, and stages helped her discover how powerful honest communication can be—not only in connecting with others, but also in understanding ourselves. Anne is the creator of the Flow Method, a research-grounded framework that explores the relationship between authentic communication, personal growth, and leadership. Drawing inspiration from the work of researchers and authors such as Bessel van der Kolk, Brené Brown, and Gabor Maté, she challenges the idea that vulnerability makes us weak. Instead, she invites us to consider what becomes possible when we stop hiding behind the versions of ourselves we think the world expects us to be. We explore how childhood experiences can influence the way we express ourselves, why some people struggle to speak openly about what they’re feeling, and how fear of judgment can keep us silent even when we desperately want to be understood. Anne also shares why communication is about more than choosing the right words—it’s about learning to express what is true for us while building deeper connections with the people around us. Whether you’re someone who struggles to express your emotions, a leader trying to communicate more authentically, or simply a person learning to feel comfortable in your own voice, this conversation invites you to reflect on an important question: What might change in your life if you no longer allowed your past to decide what you’re allowed to say? Connect with Anne Topenot: Connect with Anne on LinkedIn to learn more about her speaking, the Flow Method, and her work helping people develop their communication and leadership skills. Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: Anne Topenot on LinkedIn

  8. Oct 17

    Vince Coyner: The Prosperity We Take for Granted — Innovation, Opportunity & the Power of Gratitude

    Have you ever stopped to think about how different your life is from the lives of people just a few generations ago? Many things we consider normal today—from modern transportation to everyday conveniences and technological advances—were once unimaginable. But how did we get here, and how often do we stop to appreciate the people and ideas that made it possible? In this episode of Beyond the Mind, I’m joined by Vince Coyner, founder of Gratitude for America and creator of 250 for 250, a project celebrating America’s 250th year by sharing the stories of 250 entrepreneurs and innovators who helped shape the modern world. Through this project, Vince explores not only the individuals behind remarkable achievements but also the conditions that helped their ideas become reality. We discuss the role of creativity, opportunity, competition, access to capital, and the willingness to take risks in building successful businesses and driving innovation. Vince shares why he believes understanding the origins of prosperity matters, and what today’s entrepreneurs can learn from the people who dared to challenge existing ideas, overcome setbacks, and create something valuable. But this conversation goes beyond business and history. At its heart is a question about gratitude: How often do we become so accustomed to the good things in our lives that we forget the effort, sacrifices, and generations of progress behind them? We reflect on the importance of recognizing what we have inherited, learning from the past, and considering what we want to contribute to the generations that follow. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a history enthusiast, or someone curious about how societies develop and prosper, this episode offers a chance to look at familiar things from a different perspective. It reminds us that progress is shaped by people who are willing to take action—and that understanding the past can help us think more carefully about the future. Connect with Vince Coyner: Vince’s 250 for 250 project shares the stories of entrepreneurs and innovators whose work has helped shape American life. If you connect with the project’s mission, you can support its continued research, writing, fact-checking, and design through a tax-deductible donation. Support Gratitude for America: Donate to Gratitude for America

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Beyond the Mind is a podcast about the human experience—our minds, emotions, relationships, challenges, and the experiences that shape who we become. Through honest conversations with mental health professionals, psychologists, authors, coaches, advocates, and people with meaningful life stories, we explore mental health, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, purpose, identity, confidence, resilience, relationships, and life transitions. We also explore career and success,to personal growth, purpose, or wellbeing.