Bounce Back Stronger with Donna Ferris

“Your heart is beating right now. My heart is beating. Air is going into us and out, and we just completely take that for granted, most of us, most of the time. And it really should not be taken for granted. It's really incredible.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris interviews award-winning author Roland Merullo. Known for novels like The Talk Funny Girl and “quirky spiritual” road-trip books like Breakfast with Buddha, Merullo shares insights into his writing process, spiritual journey, and the importance of gratitude and meditation. Tune in for an engaging conversation that explores why we should eat and stay in out-of-the-way places, how to write with humor and the joy he has found in working with his daughter. To learn more about Roland’s books, visit rolandmerullo.com. To read his Substack with his daughter Zanny, visit merullo.substack.com. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. My latest book, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #Podcast #RolandMerullo #SpiritualJourney #Literature #WritingCommunity #Mindfulness #buddha #resilience #Gratitude #Inspiration #NewEpisode

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, your host, Donna Ferris, guides you through a heartfelt meditation focused on cherishing happy memories of lost loved ones. This meditation aims to support those on a grief journey by utilizing the powerful tool of positive reminiscence. Research shows that recalling joyful memories can significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance psychological well-being. By immersing yourself in these happy moments, you can find comfort and strength to cope with the pain of loss. This meditation is designed to complement professional support, offering you a moment of solace and connection. It is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. Please note that it is recommended that those experiencing loss work with a therapist, psychiatrist, grief counselor, and or grief group. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please get in touch with your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). Music: Respire by Echowave. #griefhealing #meditation #happymemories #positivethoughts #improvemood #reducestress #psychologicalwellbeing #emotionalregulation #griefhealing #guidedmeditation #healinggrief #bouncebackstronger #healingjourney #meditationforgrief #rememberinglovedones #happymemoriesmeditation #guidedmeditationforgrief #emotionalhealing

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris guides you through a powerful meditation that focuses on body awareness and tension release. Discover how your emotions manifest in your body and learn the importance of releasing this tension for overall well-being. Donna also introduces a simple yet effective technique using a tennis ball to help you find relief and calm. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to reduce stress and build mindfulness in their daily lives. It is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). Music: At Long Last by Falls. #BounceBackStronger #Meditation #StressRelief #Mindfulness #SelfCare #DonnaFerris #Podcast

“What makes you feel good? What centers you? Do more of that.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris interviews Bob Butera, a Ph.D. in yoga therapy who founded the Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training at Yoga Life Institute. What is yoga therapy? A discipline that adapts yoga’s mind, body, and spirit practices to mental and physical health challenges. During our time together, Bob shares three simple ways yoga therapy can improve our lives. We also discuss the importance of community and connection and how to find peace in everyday activities like driving in heavy traffic or standing in the grocery line. Finally, Bob will teach one of Donna’s favorite breathing practices – the three-part breath. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, this episode is for you. To learn more about Bob’s latest book - The Yoga Life: Applying Comprehensive Yoga Therapy to All Areas of Your Life - other books, events, and writing, please visit yogalifeinstitute.com. If you like this episode - you may want to listen to Episode #5 – Leave Guilt Behind with Erin Byron, or Episode #25 – From Stress to Success: Three Ways Mindfulness Upgraded My Life. Also, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others – that is the best way to get it into the hands of those who may benefit. Thank you. My latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram or my YouTube channel @donnayferris and/or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). #BounceBackStronger #YogaTherapy #InnerPeace #HolisticWellness #MindBodySpirit #YogaLife #Podcast #DonnaFerris #BobButera #FindYourBalance #Meditation #CommunityHealing

"I just felt like the world didn’t need any more sadness - it really needed more prettiness. And I also felt like with flowers, there was this stereotype of women, mothers, older women painting flowers, and I thought I'm gonna own that." In this week’s episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris sits down with Judith Bigham, an artist whose resilience and creativity shine brightly in the face of adversity. Judith, a Rhode Island School of Design graduate, shares her journey from New York City's bustling streets to the Pacific Northwest's tranquil landscapes. After the sudden loss of her husband, Judith turned to her art for solace, transforming her grief into stunning botanical paintings that exude love, passion, and beauty. In this episode, we also discuss the emerging field of neuroaesthetics - and how looking at beautiful colorful things can positively rewire our brains. To see Judith’s beautiful art, watch this episode on YouTube or follow her on Instagram @judithbigham. If this episode is helpful to you, you may enjoy Episode #18, The Healing Power of Wonder, with Caldecott Winner Micha Archer, and Episode #29, Moms, Memoirs, and Mental Health, with Mira Bartok. Please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others – that is the best way to get it into the hands of those who may benefit. Thank you. My latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram or my YouTube channel @donnayferris and/or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

“Pain gets suppressed in the body either consciously or subconsciously. I think this isn't talked about enough. When you start to express that suppressed pain in any sort of movement, not just yoga, it allows you to release heaviness in the body.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris delves into the healing power of yoga and meditation with grief yoga teacher Kim Bernardo. After experiencing profound personal loss, Kim turned to yoga and now guides others to find strength and resilience through her specialized grief yoga practice. Discover Kim's unique blend of yoga and meditation techniques that help her students achieve resilience and peace amidst grief. Kim also shares three essential yoga postures designed to release pain and bring a sense of calm. Tune in to learn how yoga and other movement practices can transform your healing journey. To learn more about Kim's grief yoga classes, follow her @travelandbalanced on Facebook and Instagram or email her at travelandbalanced@gmail.com. If this grief episode is helpful to you, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. You might also like listening to: Episode #5, Leave Guilt Behind, with Erin Byron, and Episode #13, Find Happiness After Loss, with Maria Sirois. My latest book on resilience, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Transcripts for all guest episodes can be found on my website donnayferris.com. Follow me on Instagram or my YouTube channel @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

"Everybody has a treasure. Everybody is a gem in some way. And that's why I'm so curious. That's why I ask people questions because I like to try to discover or plumb their being or their soul and find out what is that special spark that makes them unique and interesting." In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris interviews the illustrious Art Carey, an acclaimed author, journalist, and editor with over 34 years of experience at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Art shares insights from his interviews with legends like Fred Rogers and Jack Bogle and discusses his exploration of health, fitness, and human resilience through his writing. Discover how his passion for fitness, inspired by his grandfather, led him to write the enduring health book Body for Life and how his column "This Life" delved into the philosophies that sustain and fulfill us. Art also discusses his recent heartwarming project with his son, building a cabin in Maine, and how this experience helped him overcome a decade-long battle with depression. To learn more about Art’s books, events, and editing services, please visit artcarey.com. If this episode is helpful to you, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Donna's latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow Donna on Instagram or her YouTube channel @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging @donnayatesferris or emailing donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

Tune into our latest podcast episode for a powerful meditation that combines mindfulness and movement to help you overcome barriers and walk your way to inner peace. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. Click here to join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes. Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). The music for this meditation is Walz for Walter by Fleece Mob.

“There's always something that's going to test us and try to knock us off kilter. But if you stay resilient and open, I swear you will receive blessings, opportunities, epiphanies, and a connection to the divine that gets stronger and stronger and stronger.” We are thrilled to welcome our first repeat guest, the internationally renowned psychic medium, spiritual teacher, and real-life ghostbuster Cristina Leeson. We had so much fun talking (I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this much in an interview) with her about the ghostly encounters detailed in her new book, Live in the Light, Respect the Dark and the practical steps she recommends to protect your space and connect with your spirit guides. Cristina also shares her guide's message with us: "This is the perfect time to let go of the anchor of toxicity so we can manifest the life of our dreams." I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. To learn more about Cristina's book, events, and services, please visit innerlighthc.com. My latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Please follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

“People sacrifice sleep. They put it last, and I'm hearing things like, I'll sleep when I die, sleep is for the wicked, or you want to show that you're a superhero by not needing more sleep...” This is our third episode in Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week, we are focusing on a fundamental activity that directly affects our mental health. What is it? Sleep. Our guest is Julie Wright, the visionary founder of We Sleep, a pioneering company dedicated to helping individuals and businesses conquer poor sleep and end insomnia. Julie’s journey into the world of sleep is guided by a profound motto: "Sleep and your dreams will come true." With her groundbreaking book, The Natural Sleeper, Julie provides invaluable insights, practical tips, and techniques to help us all reclaim our nights and wake up refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace each day with vitality and purpose. In this episode, Julie shares: Julie’s approach is refreshingly open, and provides encouragement for listeners to explore various solutions to find what works best for them. To learn more about Julie’s book, events, and services, please visit wesleep.co.uk. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. My latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

In this episode, we guide you through a ten-minute meditation focused on the art of surrendering the outcome. This practice isn't about giving up, but rather about recognizing that we've done our best and it's time to let go of persistent thoughts, release control, and trust in the flow of life. We'll start by helping you relax your body and focus on your breath. As we move through the meditation, we'll explore the concept of surrendering and how to let go of attachment to outcomes. You'll be guided to visualize something you've been striving for and learn to release control over it, trusting that whatever happens next is for your highest good. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). We hope this meditation is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. Visit donnayferris.com to join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes. Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com. If you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your medical doctor or insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). The music for this meditation is Quiet Lake by Paths.

“I’ve always told people who deal with a family member or someone they love with schizophrenia or some severe or even brain trauma, the essential person is in there. It's this disease or accident or whatever, that's hijacked the brain.” This is our second episode in Mental Health Awareness Month, and our guest is National Book Critics Award-winning memoir author Mira Bartok. This conversation is for anyone who loves someone struggling with a mental health condition or is looking for inspiration to create their way out of a difficult place. We spend much of our time discussing Mira’s The Memory Palace, a beautiful memoir about keeping the connection with our mothers no matter how difficult the task. (So, in a way, this episode is a Mother’s Day episode, too.) Mira Bartok is a Chicago-born artist, writer, and the author of over twenty-eight books, including the children's book "The Wonderling," which will have a sequel in 2025. I loved my time with Mira and hope you will too. To learn more about Mira’s books, events, and writing, please visit mirabartok.com. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. To learn more about my latest book, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, click here. To join our email list and receive our newsletter, which includes essays on ways to live a more peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donna@donnayferris.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

In this first episode for May Mental Health Awareness Month, we delve into the meaning of "The Peace That Passes All Understanding" as we lead you through a serene, meditative journey of self-discovery and tranquility. Through simple steps, discover how to release past and future worries and remain grounded in the present moment. Experience the inherent calmness within you, regardless of external circumstances. Conclude feeling rejuvenated and better prepared to face whatever challenges may arise with a peaceful state of mind. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (available here). I hope this meditation is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. Click here to join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). The music for this meditation is Outside the Sky by Elements.

“Quickly after coming to Kripalu, I noticed that when we asked people why they were there, 80 percent of them said, I want to come home to myself... There was this kind of desperation to come to someplace that felt like home. And what is that? Well, that's being at ease with how it is in the body, how it is in the mind...beginning to notice how it all is, and being okay with it...” ~Stephen Cope Join us for a special episode of Bounce Back Stronger as we sit down with one of the most influential thinkers in the yoga world, Stephen Cope, Scholar-in-Residence at the Kripalu Center. Stephen’s teachings have profoundly impacted countless lives, including mine. From his books "The Wisdom of Yoga" to "The Great Work of Your Life," Stephen's unique talent lies in seamlessly blending ancient wisdom with contemporary psychology, offering deep insights into the human experience. In this honest conversation, Stephen shares his journey to Kripalu and current challenges - and he dives into his latest book, "The Dharma In Difficult Times." He offers invaluable wisdom on how yoga and meditation can guide us through life's difficulties—helping us find ourselves and fostering clarity and resilience along the way. This conversation meant so much to me personally, and I hope it is helpful to you, too. It is a true gift when someone you've admired from afar is everything you hoped for and more. To learn more about Stephen’s books, events, and writing, please visit stephencope.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. You also may want to listen to our Episode #11 "Find Your Way to Peace and Happiness with Sharon Salzberg." To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

Feeling angry or anxious? Overwhelmed and not sure how to manage strong emotions like resentment, jealousy, and fear? This meditation is for you. In this episode, we use the symbol of a rose to navigate intense feelings. Join us as we practice releasing difficult emotions into its cooling petals so we can learn from our feelings and emerge lighter, freer, and more at peace. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens (launching May 2024 wherever books are sold). I hope this meditation is helpful to you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). The music for this meditation is Promise of Hope by Kurtis Parks.

"You become that place where people rely on being safe...being a safer place than I was before has helped my career more than my MBA or CFA...Maybe the yoga therapy training I took was the best money ever spent." Recently, I guested on the 10X Growth Strategies podcast with Saradha Sriram to discuss one of my favorite books, The Untethered Soul. This episode replay shares how this book helped me during a difficult time and how sidelining my career to pursue a more mindful life surprisingly led to more career success - as well as a fulfilling personal life. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

In this episode, Dr. Stephen S. Tang, author and biotech executive, shares his experience leading the team behind the Intelliswab Covid-19 test, which Oprah Winfrey calls the easiest of its kind. He also shares crisis and leadership insights from his book A Test for Our Time, along with his six secrets for navigating tough times and tips for those of us who have trouble blurring work and life. I learned so much from talking to Dr. Tang and admire him. Hope you will take a listen to his story. To learn more about Dr. Tang, visit www.tang.ceo. If this episode is helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you. To learn more about our upcoming Soak Up the Sun Retreat in Duck, NC, May 15-19, please visit our information page here. To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

This week’s guest, Billy Manas, is a writer, poet, truck driver, father, and talented singer-songwriter with over twenty years of experience in the music industry. You might have come across Billy's insightful Substack column, "Manas From Heaven," or caught his compelling pieces in Elephant Journal and the Good Men Project. But Billy's talents don't end there – he's also the author of "Kickass Recovery," a motivational self-help guide designed for those overcoming challenges with alcohol and substance use. Currently, he's diving into the world of young adult fiction with his upcoming book set in the era of Woodstock. In this episode, Billy shares stories from his publishing journey, his path to recovery, his experiences as a musician, and his writings for the Good Men Project. Join us as we delve into the inspiring tales and wisdom of this multifaceted artist and advocate. To learn more about Billy’s books, events, and writing, please click here, and his substack can be accessed here. You can also follow him on Facebook @billymanas or on Instagram @billymanas2 I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. To learn more about our upcoming Soak Up the Sun Retreat in Duck, NC May 15-19 please visit our information page here. To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).

Ever wish you could blink your eyes and be in your happy place? That's what this meditation is all about. Through soothing imagery and relaxation techniques, this short meditation will guide you to leave overwhelm behind so you can be in your special place of bliss and calm. This meditation is one of a dozen that accompany Donna Y. Ferris' book Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens which can be purchased here. The music for this episode is Moment by Reaching for the Sky.

“So rather than being focused on my circumstances, how can I look up and out above the waves and recognize that my body has cancer, but it doesn’t have to have my soul, my heart, or mind? How can I live love while I’m here?” This week’s episode features cancer survivor and author Shawn Elizabeth George. With four books under her belt, including a heartwarming children’s book about finding your place, Shawn shares her powerful insights on generating inner peace regardless of life’s challenges. Drawing from her experiences with depression and cancer, Shawn candidly shares her struggles around living from the inside out and provides helpful wisdom about pausing when faced with triggers and underacting rather than overreacting when parenting our kids (this one has come in handy). Her motto to pause, breathe, pray, and live out love is just one of the many short bites of wisdom we discuss from her “Live from the Inside Out” podcast (which I highly recommend). I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Shawn and hope you don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and empowered by her transformative journey. Links to Shawn’s website can be found here. Her podcast “Live from the Inside Out” is on Apple and Spotify, and she can be followed on Instagram and Facebook @shawnelizabethgeorge. I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you. To learn more about our upcoming Soak Up the Sun Retreat in Duck, NC May 15-19 please visit our information page here To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here. Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only).