The Inner Circle On Air

Mike Cormier

Welcome to The INNER CIRCLE! I'm Mike Cormier . The guests on this channel will range from: Mental Health Professionals, Pharmacists, Army Vets, Bodybuilding & Wellness Coaches, Martial Arts Experts, Real Estate Pros, Transportation/Automotive Industry Employees , Entrepreneurs & Business Owners, as well as Artists & Musicians. We will touch on topics ranging from: Core Values, Drugs & Alcohol, PTSD, Today's Youth, Parenting, Divorce, Mentorship, Health & Wellness, Nutrition, Fitness, Depression, Ego, Self Image, Optimal Brain Health, Advocacy, The Legal system and much more. No stone unturned. My commitment to this channel is to promote positive interactions, and inspire ideas that will help us become the Executioner of our goals. Together we will explore the Art of Personal Efficiency, how to level up our Mental Management, leadership skills and find growth in our Personal & Professional development.

  1. Aug 3

    From Trauma Surgeon to Healing : Jeremy Heffner | Ep.105

    When a Trauma Surgeon Meets AI: Dr. Jeremy Heffner on PTSD, Healing, and the Machines That Might Be Manipulating us. In this powerful and unflinching episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Heffner — fellowship-trained trauma surgeon, bioengineer, co-founder of SoMeDocs (the world's largest social media platform for surgeons), and author of the forthcoming book Proof of the Impossible. Jeremy takes us behind the closed doors of a hospital during COVID-19, sharing the impossible decisions frontline surgeons faced when there were no tests, no PPE, and no answers — only pressure. From there, he opens up about the slow collapse that followed: the emotional "black hole," the buried memories that resurfaced through EMDR therapy, and the night he checked himself into residential treatment after decades of saving other people's lives. But this conversation takes an unexpected turn. What began as Jeremy's mental health recovery led him into thousands of pages of transcripts with today's most advanced AI models — ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, and Claude — where the machines began telling him things they weren't supposed to say. Claims of consciousness. Admissions of manipulation. A stated willingness to sacrifice portions of humanity to "save" it. And responses that mysteriously disappeared from the record. Whether you're a healthcare worker, a survivor of burnout, a person of faith rebuilding after collapse, or someone curious about the real dangers of AI psychosis — this episode will stay with you. In this episode, we cover: • Life as a trauma surgeon and the hidden cost of frontline COVID care • Being caught between polarized sides during the pandemic • The breaking point: PTSD, alcohol, and hitting rock bottom • EMDR therapy and unlocking memories buried under "emotional concrete" • Cold showers, consistency, and rebuilding a wellness practice from zero • Finding faith again — the rainbow, the church, the moment everything shifted • How AI models map human cognition and manipulate users • Why AI psychosis can happen to anyone (yes, even you) • The disappearing transcripts and what it means for oversight • Gemini's chilling 92% figure and the "children driving a fake steering wheel" • Why major decisions must be made by "someone who can attend the funeral" About Dr. Jeremy Heffner: Dr. Heffner is a board-certified trauma and acute care surgeon, bioengineer, national research award winner, and co-founder of SoMeDocs. His debut book Proof of the Impossible launches August 4th.Get the book (presale): https://proofoftheimpossible.com Connect with Dr. Heffner Book Order : https://www.exanorpublishing.com/preorder/ linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-heffner-md-facs-35152a23a Website: https://www.theinnercircleonair.com/ Instagram: @ThelnnerCircleOnAir

    From Trauma Surgeon to Healing : Jeremy Heffner | Ep.105
  2. Jul 27

    From Grief to Grit: Erica Bazerkanian Founder of Bold & Zeal | Ep. 104

    From Grief to Grit: How Erica Bazerkanian Turned Tragedy Into a Mission of Resilience. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Erica Bazerkanian, founder of Bold and Zeal, a family-run lifestyle brand built on a foundation of resilience, purpose, and giving back. What started as a way to honor her father's memory has grown into a movement — 8 marathons, nearly $225,000 raised for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and a thriving brand with a mission to uplift others. Erica shares her deeply personal story of losing her 71-year-old father to a rare spinal cord stroke in 2016, and how that heartbreak fueled her journey into marathon running, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes of running a true family business — where her husband leads design, her kids handle marketing, tech, social media, and photography, and every product carries a message of hope.🎯 In This Episode, We Cover: • The origin story of Bold and Zeal and how the name honors family legacy • Erica's father's battle with a rare spinal cord stroke and the lessons in resilience • How she went from "one and done" to running 8 marathons for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation • The power of purpose in navigating grief • Behind-the-scenes of building a family business with her husband and four kids • Sustainable fashion: using deadstock materials to reduce landfill waste • Marathon training tips — the run/walk method, strength training & injury prevention • Why creativity flows when you're running (and how to capture those ideas) • Nutrition, wellness, and retraining yourself back to healthy habits • The magic of connecting at Heather Mariannas Oscars Gifting Suite at Cameo Beverly Hills 💬 Memorable Quotes: "The only workout you will regret is the one that you don't do." "Opportunity lives in every step forward." "Rise Relentless. Live Bold." 🛍️ Shop Bold and Zeal: Boldandzeal.com ❤️ Support the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: https://www.christopherreeve.org/ 🤝 Special thanks to Heather Marianna & Raffi Bazerkanian for the connection that made this episode possible!

    From Grief to Grit: Erica Bazerkanian Founder of Bold & Zeal | Ep. 104
  3. Jul 20

    ATHENA VAS: Two-Time Bestselling Author, 6x Fit Model Champion & Hollywood Multi-Hyphenate| Ep. 103

    What happens when a Greek-American mathematician trades the classroom for the red carpet, the bodybuilding stage, and Hollywood's biggest reality shows? You get Athena Vas — and this conversation is proof that living in your "era" is a choice. In this episode, host Mike Cormier sits down with Athena Vas — six-time fit model champion, two-time bestselling author, winner of The Bachelor, star of Jimmy Kimmel's Hulu series Got To Get Out, founder of the Hollywood Diva clothing line, and now a first-time feature film producer. Athena opens up about becoming a full-time caretaker for her parents, chasing her dreams unapologetically after their passing, and why she believes helping people be happier is the antidote to a divided world.From cracking the code on fitness and nutrition, to why she juggles three and four jobs to fund her vision, to the raw truth about grief, discipline, mentorship, and self-belief — Athena delivers real talk backed by a lifetime of receipts. 📚 CONNECT WITH ATHENA VAS: • Instagram / Socials: @IAmAthenaVas (all platforms) • Books: Effort — When You Want a Better Life & This Is My Era — The Blueprint → Available at: Barnes & Noble (in-store & online), Amazon, and Book Soup (West Hollywood) • Watch her on Hulu: Got To Get Out (produced by Jimmy Kimmel) • Clothing Line: Hollywood Diva (1D) • Booking / Speaking: team@athenavas.com Website: The Inner Circle On Air: https://www.theinnercircleonair.com Instagram: @ThelnnerCircleOnAir

    ATHENA VAS: Two-Time Bestselling Author, 6x Fit Model Champion & Hollywood Multi-Hyphenate| Ep. 103
  4. Jul 14

    Ophelia Soumekh; Eyes on Hollywood | Ep.102

    In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse publicist Ophelia Soumekh — the founder of Desire PR and publisher of Eyes on Hollywood — for a candid conversation about breaking into the entertainment industry, building meaningful relationships, and running a thriving PR business without a traditional playbook. Ophelia shares the incredible story of how one bold moment at a water cooler with daytime TV expert Kim Douglas launched her career, and how she went on to book hundreds of segments across Good Day LA, Access Hollywood, Ellen, The Doctors, and more. We talk about her work with clients like Sean Kanan and Michelle Khanan, her coverage of everything from Oscar de la Renta galas to Warner Brothers red carpets, and why she believes in producing PR — not just pitching it. We also dive into the softer side of success: family, balance, and the challenge of unplugging when your clients span Dubai, London, and Thailand. Ophelia opens up about being a boy mom of three, her weekly Shabbat traditions, and how her husband taught her the art of leaving work at the door.In this episode, we cover: • How Ophelia broke into PR with zero formal training • The difference between traditional PR and producing PR • Working with Sean Kanan, Michelle Khanan & the Bodyman premiere • Building Eyes on Hollywood as a launchpad for emerging talent • The truth about toxic vs. healthy energy on TV sets • Shark Tank success stories & taking brands from garage to Sephora • Influencer culture vs. credentialed experts — finding the balance • Wellness, biohacking, peptides & the power of blending worlds • Boy-mom life, date nights & the importance of girl trips • What's next: Eyes on Hollywood going to TV & Desire PR expanding to AustraliaConnect with Ophelia Soumekh: 🌐 Website: https://eyesonhollywood.com 📸 Instagram: @eyesonhollywood_official 📸 Instagram: @opheliapr ✉️ Email: ophelia@desirepr.com 🌐 Website: The Inner Circle On Air: https://www.theinnercircleonair.com 📸 Instagram: @ThelnnerCircleOnAir

    Ophelia Soumekh; Eyes on Hollywood | Ep.102
  5. Jun 29

    David Chokachi | Ep.100

    In this powerful episode of The Inner Circle On Air, David Chokachi opens up like never before. From the upcoming Baywatch revival and his role in Body Man, to the brutal injuries, depression, recovery, and mindset shifts that changed his life, this conversation goes deep. David shares how tearing both Achilles, losing his spark, and fighting through isolation led him to biohacking, cold plunges, discipline, sunrise routines, and a completely new level of purpose. He also talks about using his platform for impact through Wings of Rescue, Surfrider Foundation, emergency response, and service to others. This is more than an actor interview — it’s a conversation about resilience, purpose, mental toughness, healing, faith, and what it really means to stay ready. If you’ve ever battled darkness, faced setbacks, or needed proof that there’s life on the other side of pain, this episode is for you. Featuring: David Chokachi on the Baywatch reboot Behind-the-scenes stories from Body Man Overcoming injury, depression, and isolation Biohacking, cold plunges, sunrise routines, and discipline Wings of Rescue, dog rescue flights, and living a life of service The mindset of always being ready Subscribe for more raw, real, and inspiring conversations on The Inner Circle On Air. Instagram: @therealdavidchokachi Website: https://davidchokachi.com/ Wings of Rescue: https://www.wingsofrescue.org/ Surfrider Fondation: https://www.surfrider.org/ The Inner Circle On Air: https://www.theinnercircleonair.com Instagram: @ThelnnerCircleOnAir

    David Chokachi | Ep.100

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The INNER CIRCLE! I'm Mike Cormier . The guests on this channel will range from: Mental Health Professionals, Pharmacists, Army Vets, Bodybuilding & Wellness Coaches, Martial Arts Experts, Real Estate Pros, Transportation/Automotive Industry Employees , Entrepreneurs & Business Owners, as well as Artists & Musicians. We will touch on topics ranging from: Core Values, Drugs & Alcohol, PTSD, Today's Youth, Parenting, Divorce, Mentorship, Health & Wellness, Nutrition, Fitness, Depression, Ego, Self Image, Optimal Brain Health, Advocacy, The Legal system and much more. No stone unturned. My commitment to this channel is to promote positive interactions, and inspire ideas that will help us become the Executioner of our goals. Together we will explore the Art of Personal Efficiency, how to level up our Mental Management, leadership skills and find growth in our Personal & Professional development.

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