Between Breath and Air

Eco-Psychology & International Wellness Outlooks

In this episode, Robin Higgins, counsellor and educator, takes us through her career journey and the essential integration of eco-psychology and socio-ecological approaches in counselling. She shares how mindfulness practices inform her work, offering a grounded approach to helping others navigate emotional landscapes. The conversation dives into the importance of creating culturally sensitive and ecologically aware communities, which nurture individual and collective well-being. Robin and Dana explore climate grief and reflect on the importance of using personalized actionable strategies to cope with the anxiety and sadness that arise from environmental changes. Tune in as Robin also reflects on her current work supporting Afghan women students with resilience skills and creating impactful facilitation guides for social-emotional learning. Her recently published facilitation guide is now available [https://www.kaajeducation.org/] for purchase and she is donating half of all proceeds from this project to KAAJ.

How To Be A Great Artist

In this episode, Dana Smith sits down with fine artist Kristy Gordon, who shares her journey of blending intuition, technical skill, and self-expression in her artwork. As an adjunct professor and mentor, Kristy guides artists in discovering their authentic voice and launching successful careers. Together, Dana and Kristy explore how art can serve as a tool for personal healing, self-discovery, and navigating troubling times. Krristy reveals her process of intuitive painting, which encourages artists to bypass perfectionism, embrace play, and reconnect with their creative impulses. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the connection between self-portraiture and the artistic process, as well as how creative expression is a metaphor for our internal states. Kristy also shares insights into her book Become a Great Artist, which offers a five-step framework to help artists connect with their authentic selves and refine their creative practice. Plus, hear about her Visionary Artist Master Program (VAMP) and the exciting resources available for those ready to take their artistic journey to the next level. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the intersection of art, intuition, and personal-growth. Whether you're an artist or just someone seeking to live more authentically, this episode will leave you with valuable tools and perspectives to tap into your own creative potential.

Midlife Musings Between Long Time Friends

In this episode, Dana and Sierra dive into the process of rediscovering who they are beyond the roles of parent, partner, and professional. Midlife often brings unexpected changes, and with it, a fresh opportunity to explore who a person can be when they’re not busy being everything to everyone else. They discuss the thrill (and sometimes challenge) of letting go of old identities and desires to make space for new ones. With humor and honesty, they explore how embracing curiosity and making mistakes can reignite a sense of purpose and joy. They don’t shy away from the real stuff either—the guilt, the grief, and the pressure to keep achieving. Instead, they flip the script, discussing what it means to feel "enough" and the liberating power of setting boundaries, finding stillness, and being truly present in the moment. Listeners are invited to hear these long-time friends share their insights on the messy, beautiful process of self-discovery. They offer advice to their younger selves: ditch perfectionism, embrace the journey, and remember that life is less about doing it all and more about being fully alive in every moment.

Staying Grounded In Start-Up Life

Dana sits down with entrepreneurial visionary Maxine Cunningham, founder of Pick My Brain, who has been navigating the tech start-up world for nearly a decade. Known for her powerful ability to build connections, her masterful conversational skills, and her immense generosity of spirit, Maxine shares her insights on the evolving knowledge economy and how it intersects with personal growth. They explore the concept of turning knowledge into a valuable exchange, positioning "knowledge commerce" as the next big shift in how we connect and learn. Maxine talks about her innovative vision to revolutionize education by bringing professionals from various fields into classrooms, creating more meaningful career conversations for the next generation. This conversation also dives into the importance of balancing ambition with self-care. Maxine and Dana discuss the value of deep conversations, intentional collaboration, and creating space for reflection and wellness as key practices for success. They offer a refreshing take on how entrepreneurs can blend growth, connection, and well-being for a more fulfilling journey in both business and life. Visit Pick My Brain [https://www.pickmybrain.world/]

From Resilience to Leadership: Solo Episode

In this solo episode, Dana shares her exciting pivot from resiliency coaching to a vibrant new focus on personal leadership. Dana explores what it means to lead with inner authority, vision, adaptability, and compassion. She explains how individual wellness fuels collective well-being and the crucial mind-body-spirit connection. With enthusiasm, Dana announces her upcoming course or workshop series designed to empower listeners with her personal leadership tools and insights. Join Dana on this transformative journey and sign up for her mailing list to stay updated on this exciting new chapter in her coaching journey.