Healthy Mind, Healthy Life

On this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik explores the practice of “healing through hugs” with author and coach Melinda Lee, whose memoir Rebel Hugger documents a year of offering consensual hugs to strangers—and the deeper truth she uncovered: the connection she gave others was the connection she hadn’t given herself. We discuss intention vs. habit, consent and boundaries, people-pleasing and depletion, and a simple self-hug practice to regulate the nervous system. Clear, grounded, and practical—this conversation reframes touch as an act of presence, not performance.

About the Guest:  

Melinda Lee is the author of Rebel Hugger, a coach, and a certified Healing Touch for Animals practitioner. Her work centers on connection, consent, and embodied compassion.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Consent first: Melinda always asked, “Can I give you a hug?”—a model for safe, respectful connection.

• Intention matters more than the act: a present, welcomed hug can be regulating; a habitual hug can be empty.

• People-pleasing depletes: giving from an “empty cup” invites burnout and dis-ease; self-nourishment is non-negotiable.

• Boundaries are loving: a hug can invite closeness and still honor where you end and the other begins.

• Rejection isn’t rupture: when someone says “no,” stay in relationship—eye contact, respect, and warmth still connect.

• The mirror effect: outward generosity can expose inner neglect; notice what you’re seeking from others and practice giving it to yourself.

• Micro-practice: hand on heart, a few slow breaths, feel energy “flow” around the body—20–30 seconds to reset.

• Safety lens: enter interactions believing most people are kind while staying grounded, aware, and boundaried.

Connect with the Guest  

Website: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/
Book: Rebel Hugger 
Follow Melinda Lee on social media platforms

 

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatch
 

DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

 

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and conversations on:
• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth
• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living
• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment

With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

 

Contact
Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™
Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.com
Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com
Based in: India & USA

 

Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let’s connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.

 

Check Podcast Shows & Be a Guest:
Listen to our 17 Podcast Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik
Be a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest
Video Testimonials: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonials
Join Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymind
Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/

Our Services
Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/
Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/
Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory

Stay Tuned and Follow Us
Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind
LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik
LinkedIn (Avik Chakraborty) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/

Share Your Review
Google Review: https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/
Share a Video Testimonial (featured on our website): https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/

 

Because every story matters—and yours could be the one that lights the way.

 

#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness #comedypodcast #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast #startupspodcast #podcasthost #podcasttips #podcaststudio #podcastseries #podcastformentalhealth #podcastforentrepreneurs #podcastformoms #femalepodcasters #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #podcastrecommendations #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcastersofinstagram #newpodcastalert #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcasts #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #podbean #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcasthost #podcastseries #podcastforspeakers #StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #pdcastepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motivation #inspiration #positivity #mindset #selflove #success