EP 4: Attachment Styles in Dating, Love Bombing, Boundaries & Emotional Safety with Aya Shalak

EP 5: Breaking Karmic Cycles: The Truth About Past Lives with Kumudini Nicholas

Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, we explore past lives, karma, déjà vu, and emotional healing through storytelling, as Ericka Ush sits down with author R. E. Siliente (Kumudini Nicholas) Originally from Sri Lanka and now based in Ottawa, Kumudini brings a unique blend of science, spirituality, and lived experience into her writing. Her books, Who Stole Mother’s Soul? and Living Outside the Box – Time and Time Again, dive into themes of identity, memory, reincarnation, and the unseen forces that shape our lives and relationships. In this thought-provoking conversation, Ericka and Kumudini explore the deeper questions many of us quietly carry: Are past lives real? What does déjà vu actually mean? How does karma influence our present reality? And more importantly — how do these ideas connect to healing, self-awareness, and the way we live and love today? In this episode, Kumudini shares powerful insights on: * The inspiration behind her novels and how storytelling can be a tool for emotional healing * Dreams, déjà vu, reincarnation, and what they may reveal about consciousness * Understanding neurodivergence and how it shapes perception and identity * The connection between empathy, boundaries, and self-awareness * Karma explained—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it influences life patterns * Breaking karmic cycles and choosing growth over repetition * Writing as a pathway to vulnerability, reflection, and healing * Why readers interpret stories differently based on their own life experiences * The connection between places, memory, and past-life impressions * Mental health, hope, and navigating uncertainty in a complex world * What it truly means to “live outside the box” and challenge societal expectations * Her unique writing process and how she brings deeply layered stories to life This episode is for you if you: * Are curious about past lives, karma, reincarnation, or déjà vu * Have ever questioned the deeper meaning of your experiences * Are on a journey of emotional healing and self-discovery * Want to understand how past patterns may be shaping your present life * Enjoy deep, thought-provoking conversations about consciousness and identity * Feel called to live more authentically beyond societal norms * Are interested in storytelling as a tool for reflection and growth This conversation is reflective, expansive, and deeply eye-opening. It invites you to slow down, question what you’ve always believed, and explore the possibility that your life holds layers far beyond what you can see. If this episode resonates with you, subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more honest, thought-provoking conversations on love, identity, and personal growth. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:43 Why She Wrote the Novel 02:08 Dreams, Déjà Vu & Reincarnation 05:31 Defining Neurodivergence 07:49 Characters, Boundaries & Empathy 10:29 Rumi Quote and Past Lives 11:18 Buddhist Karma Explained 15:44 Breaking the Karmic Cycle 17:33 Memoir, Vulnerability & Feedback 19:46 Reader Interpretations & Stonehenge 22:09 Real Places, Real Inspiration 22:39 How Everyday Moments Spark Stories 23:42 Past Lives & Connection to Place 24:40 Hope & Mental Health 26:45 Living Outside the Box 31:51 Hope vs Reality 33:51 Next Book & New Ideas 35:18 Writing Process & Reverse Engineering 37:03 Reading a Love Encounter 40:36 Closing & Takeaways Connect with Ericka Ush: Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on Instagram: relationships.with.ericka [https://www.instagram.com/relationships.with.ericka/] Connect with R. E. Siliente (Kumudini Nicholas): Website: www.whostolemotherssoul.com LinkedIn: Kumudini Nicholas [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kumudini-nicholas-47549034]

EP 4: Attachment Styles in Dating, Love Bombing, Boundaries & Emotional Safety with Aya Shalak

Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, host Ericka Ush sits down with Aya Shalak, a mental health–focused coach and counsellor based in Canada who is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Counselling and Psychotherapy. Aya’s work lives at the intersection of emotional awareness, attachment, identity, and relationship growth. Certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and experienced in frontline mental health and youth support, Aya is also advancing her training in cognitive behavioural and trauma-informed coaching. Her approach blends directness, humor, and compassionate accountability—challenging individuals to become active participants in their own healing. In this honest and insightful conversation, Ericka and Aya unpack how early attachment, trauma, culture, and life transitions shape the way we love, date, and build commitment in today’s world. In this episode, Aya shares powerful insights on: * The fundamentals of attachment styles and how they show up in dating * The difference between chemistry and compatibility—and why confusing the two leads to heartbreak * Confidence, boundaries, and self-worth as dating essentials * Dating as a learning process to clarify dealbreakers and values * Why commitment goes far beyond the “in love” feeling * How dating apps can activate attachment wounds and emotional triggers * Who should pay on the first date—and what the conversation really represents * Creating safe emotional spaces for men in relationships * Why money conversations must happen before marriage * Nonviolent communication loops and how to break unhealthy patterns * Love bombing in online dating and how to spot it early * The importance of inner child healing and doing the deeper emotional work This episode is for you if you: * Feel confused about your attachment style in relationships * Keep attracting emotionally unavailable partners * Struggle with boundaries or over-giving in dating * Feel triggered or anxious while using dating apps * Want healthier communication tools * Are preparing for marriage and need clarity around money conversations * Desire emotionally safe, growth-oriented relationships * Are ready to stop repeating patterns and start healing intentionally   This conversation is both grounding and confronting—in the best way. It challenges romantic myths while offering practical frameworks for building mature, emotionally safe love. If this episode resonates with you, subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more honest, thought-provoking conversations on love, communication, and emotional growth. Episode Chapters 00:49 Meet the Guest Aya 02:03 Aya’s Origin Story 03:17 Attachment Basics in Dating 04:59 Chemistry vs Compatibility 07:05 Confidence, Boundaries & Self-Worth 09:11 Dating to Learn Your Dealbreakers 10:51 Commitment Beyond Being “In Love” 12:09 Dating Apps & Attachment Triggers 19:32 Who Pays on the First Date? 27:22 Creating Safe Space for Men 28:11 Money Conversations Before Marriage 28:48 Nonviolent Communication Loops 32:24 Love Bombing in Online Dating 48:29 Healing Work & the Inner Child   Connect with Ericka Ush: Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on Instagram: relationships.with.ericka [https://www.instagram.com/relationships.with.ericka/]   Connect with Aya Shalak on Instagram: itssayaaa [https://www.instagram.com/itssayaaa/]

EP 3: Breaking Free from the Past & Creating Healthy Relationships with Tressa Yonekawa

Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Tressa Yonekawa, a keynote speaker, consultant, and coach who helps organizations, leaders, and couples strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build healthy, thriving cultures. With decades of experience and a unique background as a female half-Asian, former dominatrix entrepreneur, multimillion-dollar healthcare agency founder, and adoptive mom of three amazing daughters from the US foster care system, Tressa brings unique, eye-opening perspectives on what's truly possible in connection and inclusion for all of us. In this episode, Ericka and Tressa discuss the powerful personal practices of highly successful leaders, partners, and parents, exploring how self-awareness, presence, and emotional safety create the foundation for extraordinary relationships—both romantic and professional. Tressa shares insights on: * The role of childhood patterns in shaping our adult relationships and how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free from cycles that keep us stuck * Self-awareness and self-worth as the cornerstone of all healthy relationships, and practical exercises to cultivate both * The Presence Pyramid framework: Why trust isn't the foundation of relationships (it's actually the pinnacle!) and the five essential layers that build lasting connection * Redefining vulnerability as full presence with your truth, and why simply "being vulnerable" isn't enough without the right tools * Nonviolent communication techniques, including the powerful "I have a story" framework that eliminates blame, shame, and explosive fights * Online dating in the modern age: The benefits and pitfalls of dating apps, the importance of boundaries, and how to navigate the desire to "be chosen" while requiring someone who meets you at your highest level * Bringing back in-person connection in the age of instant gratification, including the most powerful (and awkward) practice for building authentic relating * How to stop repeating the same relationship patterns by getting present, creating emotional safety, and using curiosity to illuminate unmet needs This episode is for you if you: * Keep repeating unhealthy relationship patterns and want to understand the root cause * Struggle with self-worth, people-pleasing, or being performative instead of authentic in relationships * Want practical tools for healthy communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation * Feel overwhelmed by online dating and the culture of instant gratification * Desire deeper, more meaningful in-person connections beyond screens * Are a leader, entrepreneur, or public figure navigating relationship challenges in silence * Want to understand how childhood experiences shape adult relationship dynamics * Are ready to build emotionally safe, present, and trust-centered relationships Tune in for a deeply moving and practical conversation that will shift how you show up in every relationship in your life — romantic, professional, and most importantly, with yourself. If you enjoyed this conversation, kindly subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more episodes filled with real, thought-provoking, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love and life.   Episode Chapters: 01:10 Introduction to the Guest: Tressa Yonekawa 03:54 The Power of Self-Awareness and Meditation 15:22 Building Trust and Emotional Safety 19:36 Crafting Online Dating Profiles and Algorithms 20:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Online Dating 22:47 Building Authentic In-Person Connections 25:47 Tools for Nonviolent Communication   Connect with Ericka Ush: Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on Instagram: relationships.with.ericka [relationships.with.ericka] Connect with Tressa Ana Kawa: Learn more about The Soul of Connection events, upcoming YouTube series, and podcast with Duke Entertainment Instagram: Tressa Yonekawa [https://www.instagram.com/tressayonekawa/?hl=en]

EP 2: Manifestation, Self-Love & Breaking Free from Limitations with Maria Cherkasskaya

Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this inspiring episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Maria Cherkasskaya, business and mindset coach, public speaker, and mental health advocate who helps entrepreneurs manifest their dream life and business on their own terms. Born in Russia and now based in Ottawa, Canada, Maria is the founder of her own marketing agency and Manifest Change Society, a women’s personal growth and development community. In this episode, Ericka and Maria explore the profoundly transformative power of manifestation, the importance of self-love as the foundation for all relationships, and how to build a life that's both aligned and fulfilling—on your own terms. In this episode, Maria shares invigorating insights on: * Her unexpected journey from corporate project management to entrepreneurship and discovering her passion for helping others manifest success. * The "Manifestation in Action" framework: gaining clarity on your vision, shifting limiting beliefs, and taking aligned action toward your goals. * Imposter syndrome * The difference between "any action" and "aligned, inspired action," and learning to follow your intuitive nudges without overthinking. * Her perspective on heartbreak * The importance of setting "requirements" vs. expectations in relationships * The narrative that being single means something is wrong with you * The power of community, especially for women * Building sustainable habits and routines that support your long-term vision, from morning rituals to the power of intentional autopilot This episode is for you if: * You’re struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt as you step into something new * You want to understand manifestation in a practical, grounded way that goes beyond "woo-woo" thinking * You’re navigating the dating world and want to set clear boundaries without settling * You’re building a business or pursuing a dream and need strategies for sustainable growth without burnout * You’re learning to love yourself first and want to understand how self-love impacts all your relationships * You’re ready to challenge societal expectations about what your life "should" look like and create your own rules Tune in for an inspiring and deeply practical conversation that will empower you to manifest the life you truly want, build unshakeable confidence, and create relationships (romantic and otherwise), that genuinely fulfill you. If you enjoyed this conversation, kindly subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more episodes filled with real, thought-provoking, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love and life. PS: Listen in for a mind-blowing freebie available in the episode!   Episode Chapters: * 00:00 Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence * 00:52 Meet Maria Cherkasskaya: Business and Mindset Coach * 14:47 The Power of Community and Manifestation * 23:09 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Making an Impact * 26:12 The Power of Intention and Goal Setting * 32:36 Self-Love, Relationships, and Personal Growth   Connect with Ericka Ush: Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on Instagram: relationships.with.ericka   Connect with Maria Cherkasskaya: Instagram: Maria🇨🇦 Business & Mindset Coach [https://www.instagram.com/mariacherkasskaya/] Facebook: Maria Cherkasskaya [https://www.facebook.com/maria.cherkasskaya.1]

EP 1: Challenging Societal Expectations in Love & Relationships with Nadee Fernando- O’Driscoll

Welcome to the premiere episode of Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll, author of Labyrinth of Dreams, for a raw and inspiring conversation about navigating relationships in the face of societal pressures and cultural expectations. They explore the challenges of breaking free from conservative traditions, the stigma surrounding divorce and adoption, and the importance of embracing your authentic self in love and life. In this episode: * Nadee shares the inspiration behind Labyrinth of Dreams, a fictional novel rooted in real-life experiences of secrecy, shame, and societal judgment. * Discussion on how cultural expectations, particularly in South Asian communities, impact women’s choices in relationships, from dating to marriage. * Exploration of the stigma around adoption and divorce, and how these experiences can lead to societal discrimination. * Insights into modern dating, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and setting personal boundaries. * A call to challenge outdated traditions that cause harm, with a focus on respect and equality in relationships. This episode is for you if: * You’re navigating life after divorce or a major relationship loss. * You’ve felt the weight of societal or cultural expectations in your relationships. * You’re seeking inspiration to embrace your authentic self and rewrite your relationship story. Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering discussion that will leave you motivated to challenge societal norms and live true to yourself. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for weekly episodes filled with real, raw, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love. Episode Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction * 00:41 Meet the Guest: Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll * 04:10 Exploring Cultural and Societal Biases * 28:14 Embracing Authenticity and Letting Go of Societal Expectations * 30:40 Navigating Modern Dating with Authenticity * 33:53 Addressing Societal Biases and Advocating for Change Connect with Ericka Ush on social media to share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation: * * Instagram: relationships.with.ericka  [https://www.instagram.com/relationships.with.ericka/]   Connect with Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll and learn more about her work: * Website: nadeefernando-odriscoll.com [https://nadeefernando-odriscoll.com/] * Buy Labyrinth of Dreams at Indigo [https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/labyrinth-of-dreams-she-has-a-dream.-he-has-a-plan.-but-an-unexpected-secret-child-could-destroy-everything./9781998287277.html], Amazon [https://a.co/d/5hYXGl9], or other major retailers via links on Nadee’s website.