Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast

Episode 35: Simplicity, Wellness & Living with an Open Heart featuring Alice Nicolai

In this episode of the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast, Hannah sits down with Alice Nicolai — a registered dietitian, Bikram yoga teacher, and wellness advocate — to explore how simple shifts can transform the way we live, age, and connect with ourselves. Together they explore:  ✨ The power of going back to basics with food and nutrition  ✨ Lessons from decades of yoga practice — both as a student and teacher  ✨ How to embrace aging with strength, education, and openness  ✨ Why confidence grows when we overcome challenges  ✨ Living with your heart wide open by trusting possibilities Alice brings humor, honesty, and wisdom from her personal and professional journey — reminding us that health and happiness don’t need to be complicated. 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro Meet Alice and how food, yoga, and wellness became her path. 02:45 – The Power of Simplicity in Nutrition Why going back to basics with food matters now more than ever. 07:10 – Lessons from Decades of Yoga Practice What it means to honor your body at every stage of life. 12:30 – Teacher vs. Student: Navigating Both Roles How learning and teaching go hand in hand in wellness. 17:40 – Overcoming Builds Confidence Alice shares how facing challenges shapes self-trust. 23:15 – Aging, Openness & Trusting the Unknown Why possibility exists beyond what we think we want. 29:00 – Living with Your Heart Wide Open Letting go of control and leaning into life with trust. 33:20 – Final Takeaways & Close Reflections and reminders for living in alignment. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · iHeartRadio · heartwideopenwellness.com #heartwideopenwellness  #wellnesspodcast #holisticliving #yogawisdom #nutritiontips #selfconfidence #mindbodyconnection #womeninwellness #healingjourney #agingwithgrace #openheartliving #podcastcommunity #spiritualgrowth #livewithanopenheart Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/psychotherapy] – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/membership] – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/offerings-events] – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/kundaliniyoga] – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

34. Floating Into Wellness with Gaby Valencia

Welcome to another episode of the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast with host Hannah Zackney, LMFT, international retreat leader, and curious human. In this episode, Hannah sits down with Gaby Valencia, owner of Cloud9 Float Spa in Folsom, CA. Gaby has spent 17 years in the wellness industry as a massage therapist and nail technician, and in 2023, she opened her float spa after discovering the life-changing benefits of float therapy. From healing chronic insomnia to creating a sanctuary for deep rest, Gabby’s story is one of passion, healing, and following your heart into entrepreneurship. Together, Hannah and Gaby dive into: ⏱️ Highlights & Time Stamps 00:03:45 How Hannah and Gaby met through the yoga studio next door 00:08:20 What float therapy really is and how it works 00:15:50 The science and benefits: magnesium absorption, sleep, injury recovery, stress relief 00:25:30 Overcoming fear: claustrophobia, myths, and what to expect when you float 00:40:15 Gaby’s personal journey—healing insomnia, finding peace, and becoming an advocate 00:55:40 Float therapy as a spiritual practice: meditation, prayer, and releasing emotions 01:10:05 Entrepreneurship lessons: following your gut, patience, and building community through wellness 01:25:00 How float therapy and trauma therapy (like EMDR) beautifully complement one another 01:40:00 Gaby’s personal answer to: “How do you live with your heart wide open?” 💡 Whether you’re curious about float therapy, looking for holistic ways to heal body and mind, or seeking inspiration to follow your own passion, this conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and practical insight. 🌐 Listen & Watch 🎧 Available on: * Apple Podcasts * Spotify * iHeartRadio * YouTube * HeartWideOpenWellness.com Open Heart Wide Listeners can get a discount cade for Cloud9 Float Spa; Use HWOW10 Learn more about cloud9: www.cloud9floatspa.net @cloud9floatspafolsom #HeartWideOpenPodcast #FloatTherapy #HolisticWellness #MindBodyConnection #HealingJourney #WellnessPodcast #CloudNineFloat #TherapyAndWellness #TraumaHealing #OpenYourHeart #floattherapy #sensorydepravation #floattank #meditation #float #floating #wellness #health #relax Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/psychotherapy] – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/membership] – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/offerings-events] – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/kundaliniyoga] – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

33. Trusting Intuition & Beginning Again with Mandy Nowotenski

Welcome back to the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast! In this episode, host Hannah Zackney, LMFT sits down with Mandy Nowotenski — yoga instructor, head of nutrition coaching at Cornerstone Wellness MD, and single mother of two. From her early struggles with sensitivity and depression to finding empowerment through yoga, nutrition, and shamanic practices, Mandy shares how listening to her intuition and learning to “begin again” transformed her path. 🌱 Together, Hannah and Mandy explore the gifts of motherhood, honoring intuition, embracing imperfection, and the healing power of yoga, chanting, and spiritual practices. This episode is filled with wisdom, raw honesty, and reminders that it’s never too late to start again. 🔑 Episode Highlights & Show Notes: * (00:00) Welcome & introduction to Mandy’s journey * (06:00) First time Mandy chose intuition over expectation * (15:00) From dropping out of school to finding her own path * (25:00) Discovering yoga as healing for body and spirit * (35:00) Navigating motherhood: magic, chaos, and growth * (47:00) Shamanic practices & connecting to power animals * (1:05:00) Finding her voice through chanting & overcoming fear * (1:20:00) Why imperfection is the only rule in her house * (1:35:00) Living with an open heart & the courage to begin again 📲 Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🎧 YouTube🎧 iHeartRadio🌐 HeartWideOpenWellness.com #HeartWideOpenPodcast #HolisticHealing #YogaLife #MotherhoodJourney #TrustYourIntuition #SpiritualHealing #ShamanicJourney #BeginAgain #WellnessPodcast #SelfDiscovery Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/psychotherapy] – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/membership] – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/offerings-events] – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/kundaliniyoga] – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

32. Embracing Healing Through Intentional Living with Ashley Hawkins

In this heartfelt episode, host Hannah welcomes her dear friend Ashley Hawkins — a vibrant soul devoted to intentional living, healing, and personal growth. From a hilarious story of how they first met to a rich conversation about love, self-investment, and embracing the messy beauty of life, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Ashley opens up about what it means to be human, how love plays a key role in healing, and why showing up for yourself matters. Whether you're navigating change, craving deeper purpose, or just love a good soul chat, this episode is for you. Talking Points: 1. The funny and memorable way Hannah and Ashley met 2. Why shared experiences and travel bond us deeply 3. What intentional living looks like in real time 4. The transformative power of love in healing 5. Embracing the beauty of a messy, authentic life Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you listen — links in bio! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! #HeartWideOpenPodcast #IntentionalLiving #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #PodcastForWomen #AshleyHawkins #BriannaWiest #HealingThroughLove #MessyBeautifulLife #WellnessPodcast #SoulConversations #WomenSupportingWomen #SubscribeAndListen #pachamama #shamanichealing Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/psychotherapy] – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/membership] – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/offerings-events] – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/kundaliniyoga] – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.

31. Finding Balance and Self-Compassion: A Conversation with Rachel Hills

In Episode 32 of the Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast, host Hannah Zackney sits down with special guest Rachel Hills, a dedicated mother, and advocate for self-care helping women stop hating their bodies and finally feel at home within themselves. Together, they explore the challenges of balancing personal growth, professional life, and family, while staying grounded in compassion and authenticity. Rachel brings her personal experiences and insights to the table, reminding us that healing is not about perfection but about embracing the process. Whether it’s through therapy, mindfulness, or everyday choices, Rachel inspires listeners to slow down, be kind to themselves, and honor the different seasons of life. This heartfelt conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and truth about what it really means to show up for yourself and your community. Episode Highlights: * Rachel’s introduction & her journey into therapy * Navigating motherhood, family, and professional growth * The importance of slowing down and finding balance * Letting go of perfection and embracing self-compassion * Tools and practices for resilience and grounding * Honoring the seasons of life and personal growth 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: 1. Apple Podcasts 2. Spotify 3. YouTube 4. Our Website Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! #HeartWideOpenPodcast #RachelHills #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #HealingTogether #Mindfulness #TherapyTalks #EmotionalWellness #SelfCompassion #BalanceInLife Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness Meet the Team [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/psychotherapy] – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team! Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey. Women’s Membership [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/membership] – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals. Offerings & Events [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/offerings-events] – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support. Kundalini Yoga [https://www.heartwideopenwellness.com/kundaliniyoga] – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.