Dr. Danielle Griffin

Power in Obstacles (with Shannon Donohoe-Simpson)

This week, we introduce Shannon Donohoe-Simpson: an amazing survivor who has spent her life learning how to overcome obstacles, persist through struggles, and empower others through her own strength and triumphs. Overcoming Adversity and Personal Growth In today's episode Shannon shares deeply personal stories of overcoming significant life challenges, including childhood trauma, breast cancer, divorce, and parenting. Shannon describes surviving childhood abuse, breast cancer, and supporting her family through autism diagnosis. She emphasizes that these experiences shaped her rather than defined her as a failure. Reah discusses early motherhood at 14, divorce, being neurodivergent, and raising five children partly as a single mother. Both women highlight the importance of embracing discomfort and failure as catalysts for growth, resilience, and confidence. They agree that reflecting on past hardships provides perspective and strength to face future challenges, and that self-compassion and grace are essential during difficult times. Healing from Trauma and the Power of Storytelling A major theme this week is the healing power of sharing personal stories, especially regarding trauma such as sexual abuse and illness. Shannon recounts her first cancer retreat in 2009, where she realized the importance of addressing underlying emotional wounds. She openly discusses her own childhood sexual abuse and the cultural pressure to remain silent. Reah echoes this, sharing her own experience of childhood assault and the generational silence around such topics. Parenting, Neurodiversity, and Family Dynamics The conversation delves into parenting children with autism and ADHD, the impact of neurodiversity on family life, and the importance of emotional intelligence. Shannon shares her experience homeschooling her twins, including her son Nolan, who was diagnosed with autism at age two and was initially nonverbal and unable to walk; graduating high school two years early and now being in college despite dire predictions. Both women stress that speaking out is essential for healing and societal change, noting that podcasts and public platforms are vital for breaking stigmas around issues like sexual assault and autism. They agree that sharing stories fosters connection, reduces isolation, and can be transformative for both the storyteller and listeners. Mind-Body Connection and Emotional Release Shannon shares a compelling story about developing severe foot pain before a major hike, which was resolved after releasing pent-up resentment and emotions during a therapy session. She references Gabor Maté’s work on the mind-body connection, explaining that unexpressed emotions can manifest as physical ailments. Her daily practice of dancing is described as a form of emotional release and self-care, which she likens to medicine. Reah refers this to her own parenting, using the "I See You letter" to help her son process anger and emotional pain. Both agree that moving emotions out of the body—whether through dance, conversation, or other practices—is crucial for well-being, and that many adults and children unknowingly store unresolved emotions physically. Authenticity, Boundaries, and Self-Reflection Shannon outlines her three pillars: authenticity, boundaries, and the concept that everyone is a mirror. She argues that true authenticity is impossible without clear boundaries, and that others often reflect back what we need to address within ourselves. Both women discuss the difficulty and necessity of setting boundaries, especially for women conditioned to people-please. They share personal experiences of learning to say no, dealing with guilt, and the transformative effect of prioritizing self-care. The conversation also covers the importance of self-reflection, recognizing triggers, and taking responsibility for one’s own emotional state rather than projecting onto others. This self-work is seen as essential for personal growth and for modeling healthy behavior to children. Perspective, Resilience, and Surrender The speakers reflect on how surviving past hardships—such as cancer, divorce, and parenting challenges—provides perspective and resilience for future obstacles. Shannon describes enduring severe reactions to chemotherapy and how these experiences now make other challenges seem manageable. Reah discusses learning to surrender control, especially after early life trauma, and the relief that comes from accepting what cannot be controlled. Both mention the importance of trusting oneself and the universe, and the ongoing journey of stepping into new opportunities despite fear. They agree that resilience is built by facing adversity, and that celebrating small victories, like weaning off sleep medication, is important. The conversation ends with mutual encouragement and recognition of each other’s growth. Professional Growth, Public Speaking, and Opportunities Shannon discusses her journey into public speaking, including her TEDx talk, which was her first major speaking engagement. She describes the process of applying, preparing, and the support she received from coaches. The conversation covers the importance of believing in oneself and seizing opportunities, even when they seem daunting. Shannon also mentions her ongoing Toolbox Tuesday series, now at 200 episodes, and upcoming events such as an online workshop titled "Brave Enough to Be Yourself." The meeting concludes with a discussion about magazine feature opportunities, including the financial considerations and logistics of print versus digital publication. Both women express excitement about future collaborations and the importance of supporting each other’s professional growth. JOIN SHANNON JUNE 21st for a virtual summer solstice event, using this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EBT7CFz1g/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_share_1EBT7CFz1g_-3Fmibextid-3DwwXIfr&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=3ui2UW3IgYqrJTCHNa9VqkZz5LuH1uwfkGE6DJ_jG6E&m=Vcz6TW4qLyF54nyWaIdKhWx7ZhKQP33K6bx9ZZzyMSQpawUacNSUgoCjqC92og62&s=vfYL6gMXd03OIPns4R56MOQMavtIrJXUPptMStuKHOE&e=] JUNE 25th brings a FREE one-hour workshop called: Brave Enough to Be Yourself as well as Toolbox Tuesdays, EVER TUESDAY, live on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/shannon.donohoesimpson]. To learn more about Shannon, attend events, watch her speak, and more, visit: Healing through art after breast cancer - The Collective Magazines [https://thecollectivemags.ca/healing-through-art/] and THE GIFT OF FAILURE:DISCOMFORT SHAPES SUCCESS | Shannon Donohoe-Simpson | TEDxBrentwoodCollegeSchool [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_jBtXjyvss] Find Shannon on social media- Website: https://shannondonohoesimpson.com/ [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__shannondonohoesimpson.com_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=3ui2UW3IgYqrJTCHNa9VqkZz5LuH1uwfkGE6DJ_jG6E&m=Vcz6TW4qLyF54nyWaIdKhWx7ZhKQP33K6bx9ZZzyMSQpawUacNSUgoCjqC92og62&s=PzqkN-9caTWPxGLTk8qb32Agl0k8SGUNf5D_tCWIT7I&e=] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.donohoesimpson [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_shannon.donohoesimpson&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=3ui2UW3IgYqrJTCHNa9VqkZz5LuH1uwfkGE6DJ_jG6E&m=Vcz6TW4qLyF54nyWaIdKhWx7ZhKQP33K6bx9ZZzyMSQpawUacNSUgoCjqC92og62&s=IspAqat0UUCpagmd-AWulpnxzo8aEWDgTdCsEmnA_2c&e=] Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-donohoe-simpson/ [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_shannon-2Ddonohoe-2Dsimpson_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=3ui2UW3IgYqrJTCHNa9VqkZz5LuH1uwfkGE6DJ_jG6E&m=Vcz6TW4qLyF54nyWaIdKhWx7ZhKQP33K6bx9ZZzyMSQpawUacNSUgoCjqC92og62&s=bOJ-3KJ0giwTV_90sCHH2xhOVRSvYL7LHQXb6UT2N04&e=] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannondonohoesimpson/videos [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.youtube.com_-40shannondonohoesimpson_videos&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=3ui2UW3IgYqrJTCHNa9VqkZz5LuH1uwfkGE6DJ_jG6E&m=Vcz6TW4qLyF54nyWaIdKhWx7ZhKQP33K6bx9ZZzyMSQpawUacNSUgoCjqC92og62&s=5QdTZ1ZhvLPV0mndG-OmQVmK8Kx4Cf9SO3p9zXwq9uk&e=] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannondonohoesimpson/ [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.instagram.com_shannondonohoesimpson_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=3ui2UW3IgYqrJTCHNa9VqkZz5LuH1uwfkGE6DJ_jG6E&m=Vcz6TW4qLyF54nyWaIdKhWx7ZhKQP33K6bx9ZZzyMSQpawUacNSUgoCjqC92og62&s=GNlRcBfm9a1_mLxXhhhJWcWL6hSGJTqsg1wMuVUKMAg&e=] Learn more about Reah at https://www.Falolity.net, Reah Hagues (@falolity_llc) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/falolity_llc/], Falolity | Salisbury NC | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FalolityLLC/], TikTok - Make Your Day [https://www.tiktok.com/@reahhagues] or email her at Reahdr@falolity.net! [Reahdr@falolity.net!] #healing, #innerwork, #startingwithin, #cancerfree, #cancersurvivor, #bodyart, #healingart, #publicspeakers, #publicspeaking, #shareyourjourney, #healingtime, #conversations, #podcasting, #falolityllc, #reahhagues, #shannondonohoesimpson, #womeninpodcasting

Dr. Eleanor Haspel-Portner

Dr. Eleanor Haspel-Portner's Background and Early Influences Dr. Haspel-Portner describes her early experiences with seeing auras and being sensitive to how people treated each other. She grew up as the youngest of five siblings, with significant age gaps, and faced challenges such as a difficult relationship with her brother and the loss of her father at age 15. Her mother was supportive in some ways, advocating for her in school, but less so in others. Her older sister Sandra was a major influence, introducing her to Jung and psychology. Dr. Haspel-Portner pursued higher education at the University of Chicago, influenced by her sister, and was drawn to psychology, feeling it was her calling. She emphasized the importance of credibility, aiming for a PhD to be taken seriously, especially given her interest in topics often dismissed as 'woo.' Academic and Professional Journey Dr. Haspel-Portner attended the University of Chicago, joining an integrated social science department that included psychology, biology, sociology, and anthropology. She studied under renowned figures such as Larry Kohlberg and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. She married at 20, divorced during graduate school, and balanced her studies with teaching and raising two children. She found teaching unfulfilling and realized that academic psychology did not equip her with practical skills for parenting. This led her to study Parent Effectiveness Training and other practical communication methods. She later became a clinician, refusing to use the DSM for labeling, and focused on empowering clients rather than pathologizing them. Her clinical work included group sessions using music and meditation, and she authored several books, including 'Marriage in Trouble: A Time of Decision.' Development and Critique of Human Design and Noble Energy Maps Dr. Haspel-Portner discusses her work with Human Design, which she critiqued as incomplete and disempowering because it focuses only on the mental world. She developed the Noble Energy Maps, based on statistical analysis of 45,000 cases, integrating astrology, the Tree of Life, developmental psychology, and esoteric theory. She emphasizes that humans live in four worlds: mental, emotional/angelic, spiritual, and physical. She argues that traditional psychology addresses only 25% of human experience (the mental world), neglecting the other dimensions. Her Noble Energy Maps aim to empower individuals by recognizing their multi-dimensional consciousness and unique energy sensitivities, starting from infancy. Energy Sensitivity and Communication in Relationships and Parenting Both speakers discuss the importance of recognizing and adapting to energy sensitivity in themselves and others, especially in family and therapeutic contexts. Dr. Haspel-Portner shares how she encouraged her children and grandchildren to acknowledge and discuss their perceptions of energy and auras, fostering a language of spirit at home. She emphasizes the need for parents and clinicians to adapt communication styles to the individual, especially for sensitive children. Reah shares her own experiences with sensitive children and the importance of treating each child as an individual. Both agree that recognizing and validating a child's or client's unique sensitivities and communication needs is crucial for self-esteem and empowerment. Dr. Haspel-Portner also notes that energy sensitivity can be inherited and that many people are unaware of their own sensitivities. Individuality and Uniqueness in Development and Education Dr. Haspel-Portner stresses that every individual is unique, as evidenced by her experience with thousands of Noble Energy Maps—no two charts are the same. She advocates for treating each child or client as an individual, adapting communication and educational approaches accordingly. She shares personal examples of moving her children between schools until they found the right fit, prioritizing their feedback over convenience. Both speakers discuss the importance of not imposing a mold on children and recognizing differences even among siblings or twins. This approach, they agree, fosters self-esteem, empowerment, and authentic self-expression. Therapeutic Practice and Service Orientation Dr. Haspel-Portner describes her therapeutic approach as entirely client-centered, focusing on the needs, desires, and state of being of the person she is serving. She emphasizes that therapy is not about the clinician's opinions or feelings but about empowering the client to discover and express their own needs. She warns against projecting one's own emotions or judgments onto clients or children, advocating for deep listening and attunement. This service orientation extends to all helping professions, where the goal should be to serve the unique needs of each individual rather than imposing preconceived solutions. Resources and Upcoming Events Dr. Haspel-Portner provides information about her website, noblesciences.com, where listeners can access a free Four Worlds Assessment. This tool evaluates balance across the mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical worlds and can guide personal development. She also announces an upcoming master class on the Four Worlds, scheduled for June 18th, lasting approximately four hours. Interested individuals can email her to be added to the notification list. Learn more about Dr. Eleanor Haspel-Portner at https://www.nobleenergywellness.com [https://www.nobleenergywellness.com]. Learn more about Reah at https://www.Falolity.net, Reah Hagues (@falolity_llc) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/falolity_llc/], Falolity | Salisbury NC | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FalolityLLC/], TikTok - Make Your Day [https://www.tiktok.com/@reahhagues] or email her at Reahdr@falolity.net! #PodcastLife, #PodcastCommunity, #PodcastHost, #PodcastCreators, #AuthorLife, #WritersCommunity, #FourWorlds, #falolityllc, #reahhagues, #dreleanorhaspelportner, #energy, #energyfields, #insight, #educational, #mentalhealth, #physicalhealth, #spiritualhealth, #emotionalhealth, #findingpurpose, #parenting, #parentingjourney, #holistichealth, #holisticparenting, #PurposeDrivenLife

Wild Adventures with Ingrid

Transitioning Life Stages and Identity Beyond Parenting This week's conversation explores the experience of moving from active parenting to a new phase of life as children grow older or leave home. Both women reflect on the challenges and opportunities that come with this shift, such as redefining personal identity beyond roles like parent, spouse, or caretaker. Ingrid shares her own journey after her children were grown, including getting tattoos and learning to ride a motorcycle at age 56, as acts of reclaiming personal freedom and self-discovery. Reah discusses the adjustment to having fewer children at home and the sense of unfamiliarity and even guilt that can come with newfound free time. Both emphasize the importance of taking time for oneself, pursuing personal interests, and not falling into the trap of always caring for others at the expense of self. The discussion also touches on the spiritual and practical aspects of this transition, especially for women, and the need to find fulfillment and joy in activities outside of traditional caregiving roles. Writing, Creativity, and the Value of Sharing Personal Stories A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the process and value of writing, particularly memoirs and autobiographies. Both speakers are authors and share their experiences with writing and publishing. Reah describes her ongoing work on a memoir about turning 40, the challenges of restructuring the book, and the emotional benefits of writing, such as gaining clarity and processing relationships. Ingrid emphasizes that writing truthfully can open doors for readers to reflect on their own lives, even if the writing does not reach a wide audience. They discuss the impact that books can have on individuals, citing examples of books that changed their perspectives or lives. The conversation highlightes the importance of writing for oneself as well as for others, the therapeutic aspects of the creative process, and the ripple effect that sharing personal stories can have, even if it only helps one person. Both encourage others to write, regardless of commercial success, and reflected on the importance of being proud of creative work. Women’s Visibility, Wisdom, and Intergenerational Dialogue The speakers explore the theme of women’s visibility and the importance of honoring women’s identities and contributions. Ingrid recountes a formative childhood experience reading about Osa Johnson, whose name was omitted in a newspaper article, sparking a lifelong commitment to ensuring women are recognized for their achievements. This leads to a discussion about the tendency for women, especially as they age, to feel invisible or overlooked. Ingrid, who identifies as an elder and 'irreverent wise woman,' stresses the value of older women sharing their wisdom and experiences, both online and in person. She describes how her tattoos often spark conversations with younger people, creating opportunities for intergenerational exchange. Both speakers agree on the importance of women owning their stories, being proud of their accomplishments, and resisting societal pressures to diminish themselves. The conversation also touches on the need for women to support each other and to find pride in their creative and personal achievements.   Podcasting, Marketing, and Creative Commitment The speakers touch on the practical aspects of podcasting, marketing, and maintaining creative commitments. Reah discusses her approach to podcasting, noting that while her platform often serves as a marketing tool for guests, she finds self-promotion challenging and prefers organic sharing of her work. She has learned to schedule posts and manage her time more effectively, especially around personal milestones like her birthday. Ingrid appreciates the structure of being a regular podcast guest, as it helps her set intentions and prioritize participation. Both acknowledge that creative work, whether writing or podcasting, requires a degree of self-marketing and commitment, and that being proud of one’s work is important. They also discuss the mutual benefits of regular collaboration and the value of creating space for authentic, unscripted conversations. Get to know Ingrid at ⁠https://www.ingridkincaid.com/⁠. Learn more about Reah at https://www.Falolity.net, Reah Hagues (@falolity_llc) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/falolity_llc/], Falolity | Salisbury NC | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FalolityLLC/], TikTok - Make Your Day [https://www.tiktok.com/@reahhagues] or email her at Reahdr@falolity.net! ⁠ #PodcastLife, #PodcastCommunity, #PodcastHost, #Podcasting, #Storytelling, #Authorship, #falolityllc, #reahhagues, #ingridkincaid, #womenofthealways, #womenauthors, #femaleauthors, #storytelling, #promotionaltools, #selfpromotion #experiencedwriters, #writingjourney

Dr. Danielle Griffin

In today's episode we are joined by Dr. Danielle Griffin who shares her personal journey of dealing with stress, grief, and health issues, which led her to discover somatic exercise therapy and hypnotherapy as transformative approaches. Through these practices, she was able to improve her physical and mental well-being, allowing her to better manage her health and set realistic goals. Inspired by her recovery, Danielle expresses her desire to share these practices with others, particularly those in her immediate circle, to help improve their lives as well. Dr. Danielle and Reah discuss how somatic practices can be performed comfortably at home without physical barriers, emphasizing that mindset is the main obstacle. They deeper discuss how she combines somatic practices with hypnotherapy to help clients overcome mental barriers and create sustainable habits adding that taking small steps, like going to the gym, can be part of a larger transformation process. The pair additionally discuss how fears, including those related to childhood trauma and external beliefs, can hold people back from personal growth and success. Reah shares her journey of discovering the impact of these fears through education about brain function and self-reflection. Dr. Danielle emphasizes the importance of looking inward to identify and address personal limitations, using her own relationship experiences as an example of how self-reflection led to positive changes. They dive into a broader understanding of grief, explaining that it can stem from various life changes beyond just death, such as job loss or relationship changes while highlighting how relationship loss and gradual relationship changes can also cause grief. Both participants share personal experiences with grief, emphasizing its impact on daily life and mood. The discussion also focuses on the importance of individual work and therapy in relationships, with Reah emphasizing the role of accountability and external support through therapy. Reah shares personal experiences of processing multiple types of loss over the past three years, including relationship, familial, and financial losses, highlighting how grief can impact individuals. Also, touching on the importance of ending unhealthy relationships and the benefits of somatic work in managing grief and stress. They lastly explore how physical awareness and healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise and meditation, can help alleviate emotional and physical pain. Visit Dr. Danielle's website to experience the wide range of wellness offerings it provides, from general wellness to managing emotions and their impact on overall well-being at http://www.drdaniellegriff.com/ [http://www.drdaniellegriff.com/]. Learn more about Reah at https://www.Falolity.net, Reah Hagues (@falolity_llc) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/falolity_llc/], Falolity | Salisbury NC | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FalolityLLC/], TikTok - Make Your Day [https://www.tiktok.com/@reahhagues] or email her at Reahdr@falolity.net! #podcasting, #podcastlife, #falolityllc, #justthewhoofuspodcast, #selfimprovement, #wellness, #holisticwellness, #holistichealth, #womenshealth, #menhealth, #mentalhealth, #drdaniellegriffin, #psychology, #healthandwellness, #holisticcounseling

Cathy's Chuckle Club

This week, we meet Cathy, who runs a worm composting business in Canada, shares her journey from selling worms for indoor composting to discovering laughter yoga in 2012, which she began practicing seriously during the 2020 pandemic. She notes that laughter yoga, which involves laughing as a form of cardiovascular exercise, has significantly changed her life and is now focused on promoting mental health awareness globally. Cathy and Reah briefly discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society, including its effects on social interactions, work, and personal development. While some positive outcomes emerged, such as increased creativity and financial benefits for some, the overall societal impact was significant and multifaceted. Cathy and Reah discuss the origins of villainous behavior, agreeing that it is not inherent but develops over time, often due to unaddressed trauma and lack of understanding of accountability. Reah shares her personal experience of generational trauma, highlighting how healing and positive change typically begin in the third or fourth generation. They note that societal awareness of mental health issues, particularly since COVID-19, has helped in addressing these issues, but there is still a need for better education and support in dealing with trauma. Further, they discuss the increasing importance of mental health awareness across generations, noting that while age can influence learning, it's becoming more acceptable for people of all ages to continue growing and learning. They explore the potential of laughter yoga as a tool for promoting peace and reducing conflict, while Cathy shared her interest in worm composting as a solution for reducing landfill waste and improving soil nutrition.  Get to know Cathy via:  Links: https://www.cathyscomposters.com/ [https://www.cathyscomposters.com/] https://www.cathysclub.com/ [https://www.cathysclub.com/] https://www.cathyssprouters.com/ [https://www.cathyssprouters.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathynesbitt/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathynesbitt/] https://www.youtube.com/@CathyLaughter [https://www.youtube.com/@CathyLaughter] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559438955975 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559438955975] Learn more about Reah at https://www.Falolity.net, Reah Hagues (@falolity_llc) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/falolity_llc/], Falolity | Salisbury NC | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/FalolityLLC/], TikTok - Make Your Day [https://www.tiktok.com/@reahhagues] or email her at Reahdr@falolity.net! #laughtermedicine, #medicinallaughter, #chuckleclub, #cathyschuckleclub, #falolityllc, #justthewhoofuspodcast, #reahhagues, #cathynesbitt, #podcasting, #podcast, #sharingstories, #mentalhealth, #healthylaughter, #laughterclub