The Rise 2 Thrive Podcast with Matt and Brooke

#14 - Alexandra Omania: Master NLP Practitioner Exposes the Real Reason You're Stuck

Alexandra Omania is a transformational coach, Master NLP Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and founder of Luminate Harmonics, a Harmonic Egg center in Bozeman, Montana. Drawing from years of experience in nervous system regulation, somatic healing, and personal transformation, she helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom, break free from limiting patterns, and create lasting change from the inside out. Her work bridges science, spirituality, and embodiment, empowering others to heal, grow, and thrive. In this episode, Alexandra shares her profound journey of personal healing, nervous system regulation, and bridging science with spirituality. Discover how her innovative work with harmonic egg therapy and emotional alchemy is revolutionizing healing and self-discovery. Highlights: * Alexandra’s transformative journey from the restaurant industry to holistic healing * The pivotal moment when deeper connection shifted her life perspective * How NLP and hypnotherapy reveal unseen patterns and open pathways to freedom * The powerful role of emotions, energy, and metaphors in healing physical and emotional blocks * Insights into the harmonic egg chamber and its impact on bioelectric harmony * Practical tips on trusting your intuition and recognizing true alignment * The importance of play, surrender, and trusting the process in creating a thriving life Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Alexandra Omania’s inspiring work 01:17 - Alexandra’s background and unique blend of science and spirituality 04:20 - The moment she was seen and deeply understood at Soul Rising 07:07 - Navigating confusion and transitioning into authentic purpose 09:47 - The influence of NLP in perceiving the unseen and expanding awareness 14:21 - Using metaphors and energy psychology to clear emotional blocks 17:24 - Trusting your inner guidance and reading the energy field 23:08 - Overcoming limiting beliefs like “I don’t know” 30:36 - Visualization of aligning with truth through frequency and resonance 35:51 - Trusting the process and taking bold steps toward your dreams 46:53 - Recognizing and transforming stuck emotional energy with creativity 58:45 - How light, energy, and vibrational health shift our reality Connect with Alexandra: * Alex’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alexomania/] * Inquire about Alex’s 3 Month Coaching Container [alexandraomaniallc@gmail.com]: alexandraomaniallc@gmail.com Connect with Brooke & Matt: * Brooke & Matt Website [https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe] * Brooke [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en]’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en] * Matt Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer/?hl=en] Join Our SKOOL Community: * Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃 [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about] Subscribe to Matt + Brooke’s “Updates from the Road” Newsletter: * Subscribe Here: [https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe] https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe [https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe]

#13 - Ash Shields: How Song, Safety, and Radical Play Unlock the Creative Self You've Been Silencing

Ash Shields is a community song leader, musician, performance artist, and workshop facilitator with a background in environmental education and cycle health. She is deeply passionate about collective expression, using song, dance, theatrical antics, and creative play to curate spaces that are safe, informative, and joy-filled for all ages. When she's not facilitating, she can be found crafting with fiber arts, practicing puppetry, learning street dance, writing poetry, experimenting with sound, and balancing on slacklines! In this episode, Ash shares her journey from self-doubt to confident performer, illustrating how community and music foster genuine expression.  Discover her unique approach to blending environmental education with music, creating spaces for adults and children to reconnect with their innate playfulness. Ash offers practical insights on building confidence and using music to cultivate community and healing. Highlights: * Ash’s childhood relationship with music and play, inspired by her love of diverse genres * Her evolution from exploring music independently to facilitating community song circles and workshops * The role of safety and support in overcoming performance anxiety and embracing vulnerability * How slacklining and mindfulness techniques helped Ash build confidence in performing * The transformative power of collective singing, improvisation, and ceremonial sound practices * The significance of integrating art and environmental education for holistic community engagement * The impact of grief and healing spaces in deepening her connection to music as medicine * Practical tips on shifting perspective to find magic in everyday routines * The importance of honoring childlike expression and supporting human authenticity Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction to Ash Shield, community song leader and performance artist 05:01 – How Ash first connected with music and rhythm through childhood experiences 15:20 – Overcoming stage fright with slacklining and breathwork techniques 25:40 – Building community through song circles and creative improvisation 35:39 – The role of vulnerability and permission in collective expression 44:22 – Exploring sound healing and ceremonial music practices 50:02 – The power of gratitude and mindfulness in everyday life 55:18 – Embracing imperfection and supporting authenticity in performance 60:35 – Thoughts on thriving life as a continuous journey of self-discovery Connect with Ash: * Ash’s Website [http://ashleyraeplays.com] * Ash’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ashleyraeplays/] Connect with Brooke & Matt: * Brooke & Matt Website [https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe] * Brooke [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en]’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en] * Matt Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer/?hl=en] Join Our SKOOL Community: * Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃 [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about]/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about] Subscribe to our “Updates from the Road” Newsletter: * Subscribe Here: [https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe] https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe [https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe]

#12 - Marissa Hughes: Stop Blaming Food - The REAL Reason You Have Food Sensitivities and What to do

Marissa Hughes is a transformational gut health coach dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their health and vitality. Having personally struggled with chronic gut issues, Marissa understands the frustration of chasing symptoms without finding lasting solutions. Her journey led her to discover the profound connection between gut health and overall well-being.  In her coaching practice, Marissa focuses on addressing the root causes of health challenges rather than just the symptoms. She helps women wake up with energy, eat without fear, and feel like themselves again.  In this episode, we dive deep into the world of gut health, exploring her personal journey from struggling with chronic gut issues to becoming a transformational coach. We discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of health problems, the interconnectedness of the body and mind, and practical steps to support gut health. Marissa shares insights on the gut-brain axis, the impact of toxins, and the role of mindset in healing.  We Talk About: * Marissa’s personal health journey and how it led to her coaching career * The importance of treating the whole body and mind in health * Understanding leaky gut and its impact on food sensitivities * The gut-brain axis and emotional connections to food * Practical steps to support gut health: testing, nourishing, and mindful living * The role of toxins and environmental factors in health * How mindset influences healing and overcoming fear of food * The significance of community and self-care in wellness * Future innovations in personalized health through AI and digital twin technology Timestamps: 00:33 - Introducing Marissa Hughes and her expertise in women’s gut health 03:23 - Personal journey with chronic gut issues and frustration with traditional medicine 07:09 - The interconnectedness of the body, mind, and emotions in health 09:27 - Testing the gut microbiome for accurate diagnosis 10:54 - The importance of calming the nervous system for healing 13:01 - Empowering yourself beyond diagnoses and taking control of health 15:24 - The significance of mindset, gratitude, and self-care 17:50 - The importance of gut bacteria and balancing microbiome 21:16 - Rise to Thrive community and ongoing support 24:49 - Tiny lifestyle changes for toxin reduction and self-empowerment 29:40 - The science behind leaky gut and food sensitivities 32:25 - The importance of digestion environment and food choices 36:42 - The importance of mindful eating rather than restrictive dieting 41:38 - Stress management techniques, including breath work 49:49 - The concept of being the CEO of your health Resources & Links: * Marissa's Website [http://thehappybellymethod.com/] * How To Eat To Have All Day Energy [http://www.thehappybellymethod.com/lm-alldayenergy] * Mini Course - The Gut Clarity Method [https://thehappybellymethod.com/opt-ins/the-gut-clarity-method] * Solution to DETOX GLYPHOSATE [https://link.sharepurium.com/XJSW] * SAVE 25% on The 90 Day Lifestyle Transformation - Starter Pack [https://link.sharepurium.com/LZVC] Connect with Marissa: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/marissahugheshealth] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/marissa.hughes42/] Connect with Brooke & Matt: * Brooke & Matt Website [https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe] * Brooke [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en]’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en] * Matt Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer/?hl=en] Join Our SKOOL Community: * ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer/?hl=en]Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃 [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about]/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about]

#11 - Reverend William Gregory: Poetry from the Divine - Insights from the Edge of Life

William is a father, partner, poet, minister, and above all, a human being on a profound journey of transformation. He is a minister at Unity Church in Bend, Oregon, where he is dedicated to fostering a community grounded in authenticity, humor, and spiritual growth. His experiences at Burning Man further enriched his understanding of humanity, inspiring him to live a life of service and connection. Through his poetic storytelling, William invites others to explore the sacredness of play and the indestructible nature of innocence, guiding them toward a thriving, authentic life. In this episode, William shares his profound journey from almost dying to spiritual awakening. He recounts a life-changing moment that led to a transformative vision, reshaping his beliefs and freeing him from societal programming. William's story is interwoven with his poetic expressions, offering insights into love, integrity, and the beauty of life beyond appearances. In this episode: * William’s near-death experience and visions that reshaped his worldview * The concept of "NPC" (non-player character) and breaking free from societal programming * How life’s adversities serve as catalysts for growth and healing * The power of poetry as a tool for expression and spiritual connection * Insights on love, innocence, integrity, and true beauty beyond appearance * The sacredness of play, humor, and community in spiritual practice * Practical wisdom on living a thriving, adaptable, and authentic life * The importance of community and raising children immersed in love and affirmation Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction to William's multi-faceted life and story 03:12 - Exploring the flavors of human experience and transformation 04:48 - Life’s adversities as catalysts for growth and humility 07:27 - The near-death cliff incident and the profound visions it brought 09:50 - Viewing life from others’ perspectives, empathy and humility 14:35 - William’s poetic ode to the waters of the Santiam River 17:31 - The awakening from religious programming and embracing universal truth 21:13 - Love, innocence, integrity, and the true source of beauty 25:04 - Life after the near-death experience: embracing dance, community, and self-expression 28:35 - The power of ordinary moments and divine mirrors in relationships 31:33 - The transformative power of community, shared creativity, and play 36:52 - The importance of joy, light-heartedness, and not taking life too seriously 41:14 - The impact of community, self-expression, and giving freely 50:26 - The role of children, community, and affirmation in raising empowered beings 61:25 - Defining a thriving life: growth, adaptability, and surrender Connect with William: * William’s Talk on the Superpower of Humor [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eDJPRFHr5s] * William's Website [http://avatierre.com/] * William's Poetry Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/people/Avatierre-of-the-Juniper-Forest/100063623156227/] Connect with Brooke & Matt: * Brooke & Matt Website [https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe] * Brooke [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en]’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en] * Matt Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer/?hl=en] Join Our SKOOL Community: * Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃 [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about] * Upcoming Health and Detox programs starting Spring 2026: https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe [https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe]

#10 - CoupleCast: Road Life, Surprises, and Self-Discovery: A life update from Matt & Brooke

Join Matt and Brooke this week as they reflect on their adventure-filled journey on the road, sharing candid insights about life's surprises, challenges, and moments of growth. This episode offers a raw, authentic look at nomadic life, community, self-awareness, and embracing the unpredictable. Key Topics: * Navigating nomadic life: challenges and surprises * Connecting with community and nature in Bend, Oregon * Personal growth and self-awareness through travel and shared experiences * The importance of spontaneity, gratitude, and embracing imperfections * Future visions: land ownership, self-sufficiency, and mobile wellness endeavors Timestamps: 00:33 - Introduction and episode update from Matt & Brooke 01:14 - Celebrating milestone of 10 episodes and overcoming recording challenges 03:04 - Experiencing Bend's outdoor adventure culture and community vibes 07:41 - Attending a free Shaky Graves concert and camping in snow 09:54 - Honest reflections on mood swings, loneliness, and inspiration 10:52 - The thriving van life community and nature proximity in Bend 12:36 - Their unique cacao elixir breakfast ritual 13:28 - Finding beauty and abundance in everyday surroundings 16:18 - Managing frustrations in mini golf and childhood triggers 18:45 - Growth in self-awareness and overcoming inner critic 20:26 - Dreaming of land ownership for self-sufficient living and gathering space 21:21 - A recording mishap and embracing authenticity 22:09 - Listener engagement: questions, feedback, and future topics Resources & Links: * Northwest Nomads Gathering Sept. 16-21 [https://www.thenorthwestnomads.com/] - Event gathering in Oregon * Deschutes Brewery [https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/] - Local brewery in Bend * Shaky Graves [https://www.shakeygraves.com/] - Music artist featured in Bend Connect with Brooke & Matt: * Brooke & Matt Website [https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe] * Brooke [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en]’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie/?hl=en] * Matt Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer/?hl=en] Join Our Community: * Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃 [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about]/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about [https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about] * Upcoming Health and Detox programs starting Spring 2026: https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe [https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe]  * Subscribe to the Podcast. Leave us a comment. Share your journey! Tag us!