Healthy Mind, Healthy Life

In this eye-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dr. Betsy Holmberg, Harvard-trained psychologist and author of the upcoming book Unkind Mind. Betsy shares her personal journey through heartbreak and depression, revealing a powerful discovery: the voice inside your head—the one constantly criticizing and doubting you—is not actually you. It’s your brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), a survival mechanism rooted in ancient fears of rejection and failure.

Together, they unpack how these negative thoughts form, how they impact identity, parenting, relationships, and careers, and—most importantly—how we can separate ourselves from them. Learn how understanding the brain’s thought networks can unlock freedom from anxiety, overthinking, and imposter syndrome.

About the Guest
Dr. Betsy Holmberg is a psychologist with a Ph.D. from Duke and clinical training from Harvard. She previously worked as a top-tier consultant with McKinsey & Company. Betsy now focuses on educating people about brain science and self-talk. Her upcoming book Unkind Mind (releasing June 1st) is a game-changer in mental health, blending neuroscience and personal insight.

Key Takeaways

• Negative self-talk often stems from the DMN, an outdated neural network designed for survival, not truth.

• You are not your thoughts—the DMN is automatic and separate from your conscious self.

• Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and anxiety can be reduced by strengthening the Central Executive Network (CEN) through mindfulness and intentional focus.

• Meditation helps shift brain activity from DMN to CEN, building emotional resilience.

• Self-compassion, awareness, and emotional honesty are powerful tools for breaking free from unkind mental patterns.

Connect with Dr. Betsy Holmberg

• Website: www.betsyholmberg.com

• Instagram: @betsyholmberg

• Book: Unkind Mind – Pre-order now on Amazon or from other major retailers (available June 1st)

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#UnkindMind #HealthyMindHealthyLife #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfTalk #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #BetsyHolmberg #podmatch #healing #resilience

In this soul-stirring episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik sits down with mystical pioneer, ordained pastor, and spiritual coach Kristen Wambach to explore how the unseen world isn’t just real—it’s radically personal. From seeing angels on sand dunes to building spirit-led businesses, Kristen shares her journey of awakening to the presence of God in everyday life. If you've ever felt distant from the divine or questioned your spiritual gifts, this episode is a loving nudge to reawaken your connection. Kristen offers practical wisdom on hearing God's voice, bringing heaven into your workflow, and unlocking the cool, conversational nature of the Holy Spirit.

About the Guest:
Kristen Wambach is an Oregon-based author, podcaster, entrepreneur, and ordained pastor who helps others live spiritually brave. She’s known for demystifying spirituality through storytelling, coaching, and divine dialogue. Her journey from farm girl to faith-led businesswoman is a testament to what happens when heaven meets earth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Spirit is not distant—it’s deeply personal, joyful, and always present.

• Spiritual eyesight can be activated through simple daily conversations with God.

• Entrepreneurship can be divine—God meets us in our creativity and ideas.

• Want to connect with God? Start with, “I’m sorry I believed you were distant.”

• Ask: God, how would you have me ask you to walk through this? It changes everything.

Connect with Kristen Wambach:
Explore Kristen’s books, podcast, coaching, and spiritual tools at https://kristenwambach.com

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In this powerful episode of Healthy Waves, host Avik Chakraborty is joined by holistic wellness and leadership coach Yvonne Lee-Hawkins for a candid conversation about burnout, healing, and redefining what success truly means. Yvonne shares her deeply personal journey through two major burnout episodes, the wake-up call moments, and the mindset shifts that brought her back to vitality and joy. Whether you're juggling a high-powered career, parenting, or silently navigating emotional fatigue, this episode is your gentle permission slip to pause, heal, and choose yourself.

About the Guest: Yvonne Lee-Hawkins is a seasoned leadership and holistic wellness coach with 20+ years of experience helping professionals recover from burnout and lead with clarity. A former corporate executive, mom of three, and certified energy healer, she now empowers clients to create sustainable success without sacrificing their well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout can sneak up over years, often masked by ambition and drive.

• Asking for help and delegating are essential to recovery.

• True rest is not laziness—it's a strategic, powerful reset.

• Slowing down can actually speed up your success.

• Healing starts with letting go of outdated beliefs and reclaiming your worth.

Connect with Yvonne Lee-Hawkins: Visit her website: yvonneleehawkins.com
Follow her on Instagram: @yvonneleehawkins
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yvonneleehawkins

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In this transformative episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Tarsha Richardson—founder of Black Travelers International—about how travel can become a deeply healing, empowering experience. Tarsha shares how solo travel helped her overcome introversion and fear, sparked creativity, and led her to launch a mission-driven travel company that helps mature Black women explore the world confidently and safely. This conversation dives into cultural immersion, emotional breakthroughs, and the freedom found beyond borders.

About the Guest: Tarsha Levitt Richardson is the founder and lead travel curator at Black Travelers International, an organization devoted to helping mature professional Black women travel with confidence. A former IT professional turned travel entrepreneur, Tarsha creates intentionally curated trips that prioritize mental wellness, cultural immersion, and sisterhood.

Key Takeaways:

• Travel can be a powerful tool for mental health, especially for introverts.

• Facing the unknown in foreign countries builds courage, creativity, and self-trust.

• Representation in travel empowers marginalized voices and fosters deeper cultural connection.

• Structured group travel with cultural education reduces anxiety and enhances personal growth.

• Experiences like Ghana’s naming ceremonies create emotional healing and a sense of belonging.

Connect with Tarsha Richardson:

• Website: https://blacktravelersint.com

• Instagram: @blacktravelers.int

• Facebook: Search “Black Travelers International” or join the community group

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In this heart-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sana (filling in for Avik) sits down with author and retired school counselor Linda Feig Knipe to unpack the deep-rooted cultural and emotional patterns of people-pleasing—especially among women. Drawing from Linda’s memoir Braving Therapy, the conversation explores the hidden costs of being the “good girl,” perfectionism, internalized shame, and the long journey to reclaiming authenticity through therapy. Linda shares her personal trauma story, how she buried pain to maintain appearances, and how real healing began only when she learned to speak her truth.

About the Guest

Linda Feig Knipe is the author of Braving Therapy: Rape, Buried Trauma, and the Triumphant Journey Over PTSD. With over 20 years of experience as a professional school counselor, Linda now advocates for mental health awareness, especially around trauma and cultural expectations placed on women. A survivor herself, she shares her journey to empower others to break free from silence and perfectionism.

Key Takeaways

• People-pleasing often stems from childhood praise for "good behavior" and suppressing one's own needs.

• Burying trauma to stay “perfect” leads to anxiety, self-criticism, and strained relationships.

• Healing starts with honesty—first with yourself, then with others.

• Therapy, especially with unconditional positive regard, is a safe space to rediscover your true self.

• Real strength lies in vulnerability and choosing healing over hiding.

Connect with Linda Feig Knipe

• Website: https://lfknipe.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/l.f.knipe

• Book: Braving Therapy available on Amazon and major bookstores.

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In this eye-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty chats with global leadership expert Joanne Merrick to explore a question every professional faces: Should I become a manager? Joanne, author of Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play?, shares how leadership is not just a promotion—it's a transformation. They dive into how neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset play a key role in modern management, and why making a conscious decision is crucial before stepping into a managerial role.

About the Guest:
Joanne Merrick is a global leadership coach and founder of The Leadership Recipe. With 25+ years of experience across 22 countries and top firms like Deloitte and Amazon, she combines emotional intelligence and neuroscience to empower leaders. Her book, Game On, helps professionals decide if management is truly their next best move.

Key Takeaways:

• Management is not a default promotion—it’s a distinct career path.

• Emotional intelligence and curiosity are non-negotiable for great leadership.

• Neuroscience reveals that autonomy and psychological safety are key to performance.

• The shift from individual contributor to manager requires mindset and identity change.

• Feedback, reflection, and practice drive true leadership growth.

• Not everyone is meant to be a manager—and that’s okay. Clarity brings alignment.

Connect with Joanne Merrick:

• Website: www.theleadershiprecipe.com

• Email: joanne@theleadershiprecipe.com

• Book: Game On: Is Management Your Best Career Play? – Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardback formats

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