My Crunchy Zen Era

Son of a Seeker: A Documentary of a Spiritual Journey with Kai Balin

What does it mean to be Jewish? Kai Balin explored this question and his spiritual journey in his documentary film, Son of a Seeker.  Kai has always been a seeker, point in fact, he's attempted to start a dance crew in Jerusalem... you'll have to listen to find out more about that tidbit. Don't miss this thought provoking conversation about fitting in and seeking acceptance while never forgetting where you come from. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist] * WAGOS Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wagos-with-a-grain-of-salt/id1722373516] * Burnout by Emily Nagoski [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/592377/burnout-by-emily-nagoski-phd-and-amelia-nagoski-dma/] Connect with Kai: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sonofaseeker/] * Documentary Screening [https://congregationmicah.shulcloud.com/form/son-of-seeker] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

A Cult Enthusiast's Warning Signs... That You're in a Cult with Teresa Morrison

Are you in a cult? Not sure? Nicole and her guest, Teresa Morrison, are here to help you figure it out and escape.  On top of being a comedian, improviser and actress, Teresa has become quite the cult enthusiast... and may have converted Nicole too. The duo watched the documentary Escaping Twin Flames and they dissect the documentary as they delve into the psychological manipulation behind cults.  With the rise of influencers, company cultures, and our own vulnerabilities, we are all susceptible to wanting to find our people and our purpose in community. Unfortunately some people take advantage of that, but Nicole and Teresa will provide you with the red flags you need to be aware of to steer clear of cults and maybe join theirs. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * Escaping Twin Flames Documentary [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29388212/] Connect with Teresa: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teresahysteria/] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

Do We Define Pop Culture.. or the Other Way Around with Nikki Denton

Nikki Denton has always been fascinated with 'The Business'. This improviser and Executive Assistant to the Executive Producer for live network TV productions turned her obsession into a life long calling to preserve the integrity of a fading art.  She admittedly stumbled into a few positions that elevated her career and now hopes to parlay that mix of luck and experience into a new adventurous life in New York! But.. before she heads out on her next journey she drops in to talk pop culture and entertainment with Nicole! They discuss the state of the entertainment industry and what or who defines pop culture... do books count? ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * Zachary the Swiftologist [https://www.instagram.com/theswiftologist/?hl=en] * Brent Hull the Antiflipper [https://www.youtube.com/@BrentHull] Connect with Nikki: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nikki_denton/] * Blog [https://www.genadmission.org/about-us/nikki-denton] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

Your Hormones Aren't the Enemy (Here's Why) with Abbie Stasior

Cycle syncing: when women's cycles sync up because they're spending too much time gossiping together. Uh... not quite. Nicole is joined this episode by Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Abbie Stasior to answer her questions about eating to support your hormones, diet culture, and women's health. Nicole and Abbie talk about aligning your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and self-care practices, with the natural hormonal fluctuations throughout a menstrual cycle.  Delving into how living in harmony with a woman's natural rhythms rather than working against them, promotes better hormone balance and overall womens health.  So many women struggle with feeling like my body hates me! But this podcast dives into why that's just not true. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * Modern Wisdom Podcast Episode #1047 [https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/1047-jonathan-swanson-the-obvious-strategy-to-take/id1347973549?i=1000745516765] * In the Flo by Alisa Vitti [https://floliving.com/pages/in-the-flo-book?srsltid=AfmBOoqygi-HxT8Saq9UbL-ORUiXzmtZBiojjUPHi7SC-tifJMKkefrJ] Connect with Abbie: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/abbie.stasior/] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

Happy Employees = Bigger Profits? Here's What Leaders Get Wrong with Nadian Zak

Fresh off a three day silent retreat, Nadian Zak, founder and CEO of Zak Human Solutions, joins Nicole on the first episode back from spring break!  Nadian's company began in response to her frustration with the CEOs she worked with in her day job. Their inability to understand the importance of people and culture to profitability (and just being a good human being) led her to take matters into her own hands and become the CEO she never had. In its initial two years, Zak Human Solutions grew exponentially by putting a focus on people and culture, while making HR more accessible and affordable for small businesses. Nicole and Nadian delve into how culture is a trickle down effect from leadership, signs of a toxic work environment, and the importance of creating a culture of belonging... feeling like you can have opposing viewpoints while still being welcomed and accepted. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * Uno Flip * School of Greatness Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-school-of-greatness/id596047499] Connect with Nadian: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zakhumansolutions/] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]