Stress Therapy with Cheri Flake: Meditation & Stress Relief for Real Life

Okay, y’all. Buckle up for a full-body reminder: there is nothing wrong with you. In this episode, I’m throwing down the truth about judgment (yours and everyone else’s), ego meltdowns, pink hair stereotypes, and what happens when you finally shut up long enough to hear what’s going on in your own head. We get real about red pepper anxiety, the silent retreat that changed me, and the quote that’s been living rent-free in my brain: “No one will ever love you the way you want to be loved… because that’s your job.” Spoiler: there’s also a blue breath meditation to clear out your throat chakra so you can speak your truth without all the noise. It’s part pep talk, part truth bomb, and all heart. Let’s go. 💡 3 Key Learning Points📣 Mentions & Shout-Outsilovetherapy.com

✨ Episode Summary In this raw and hilarious episode, Cheri Flake (a.k.a. The Stress Therapist) lays it all out about meditation retreats—why they matter, what actually happens, and why silent retreats are the real game-changer. From ego flare-ups to full-on hornet attacks, Cheri shares stories from the cushion with her signature honesty and wit. She also breaks down why most retreats miss the mark after you leave—and how hers are built to help you make meditation a lifelong habit. There’s even a short guided yes/no body wisdom meditation to help you decide if a retreat is calling your name. 🧘 Three Key Learning Points💬 Mentions & Shout-Outsilovetherapy.com🎧 Produced & Edited by: Owen Flake 🎙️ Hosted by: Cheri Flake, The Stress Therapist

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt classic, Cheri Flake (aka the Stress Therapist) returns with timeless wisdom to help you rethink New Year’s resolutions—for good. With her signature mix of humor, honesty, and soul, Cheri shares why the January 1st “fresh start” fantasy sets us up to fail—and what to do instead. You'll learn her favorite fill-in-the-blank method for long-term goal setting, how to actually feel good about your goals (so your brain wants to do them), and why the whole year—not just one day—is magical. Bonus? A deeply soothing guided meditation featuring the mantra “Om” to help you embody your desires from the inside out. 💫 🧠 3 Key Learning Points: 📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs: Vista Yogailovetherapy.comnaturallife.com🎙️ Produced and edited by Owen Flake. 💖 Hosted with heart by Cheri Flake, your Stress Therapist.

The holidays don’t magically create more time — but they do give us an opportunity to choose how we spend our energy. In this episode, Cheri Flake shares practical, compassionate ways to reduce holiday stress by setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and intentionally choosing joy. Drawing from her 25+ years as a psychotherapist, Cheri explores why over-scheduling leads to burnout, how mindfulness can transform even the most dreaded holiday tasks, and why presence — not perfection — is the real gift of the season. This episode also includes a guided loving-kindness meditation to help you reconnect with peace, abundance, and love during a busy time of year. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:🧘‍♀️ Mentioned in this episode:📬 Stay Connected: 🎧 Credits Host: Cheri Flake Produced & Edited by: Owen Flake

✨ Episode Summary: In this heartwarming holiday episode, Cheri pops out of her retreat-mode to drop a cozy, candid Thanksgiving chat straight from her pink treehouse. Inspired by a silent meditation retreat and a real-talk moment with a client, she gets real about why gratitude sometimes feels forced—and how to gently shift into a more loving, ease-filled practice. With stories of chapstick, cranky teens, and making lunches with love, Cheri invites us to stop overthinking gratitude and start living it. This episode ends with a beautiful, breath-centered guided meditation on love and thankfulness. 🔑 Key Learning Points: Gratitude doesn't need a journal. You don’t have to write it down to feel it—just find the good in everyday moments and let the thankfulness naturally flow. Resentment vs. Reverence. The way we frame our daily “chores” can turn obligation into a sacred act of service—and that shift changes everything. Love makes life taste better. Whether you're cooking, cleaning, or just breathing, doing it with love transforms your entire experience (and maybe even the flavor). 💌 Mentions & Shout-Outs: 🧘 Self-Realization Fellowship – Cheri’s recent silent meditation retreat that inspired this soulful drop-in. 📚 Gratitude Journals – The pros, cons, and Cheri’s “just live it” alternative. 💖 "It's Easy and I Like It" Tattoos – Cheri’s go-to mantra and mini gift from her talks. 📺 NewRealityTV.com + URView TV – Where you can find Cheri’s video meditations. 📬 Cheri’s Gift Guide & Retreat Newsletter – Sign up at TheStressTherapist.com to get it! 📧 Email her anytime: cheri@thestresstherapist.com 💕 Follow Cheri: Instagram: @thestresstherapist Twitter/X: @stresstherapy 🎧 Produced by Owen Flake – Mixing the vibes and polishing the magic, thank you for making it all sound so good!

✨ Episode Summary: Ever have one of those days where it feels like everyone is out to test your patience? In this classic replay, Cheri Flake dives deep into what’s really going on when the world feels extra annoying—and (spoiler!) the answer might not be them. With wisdom from retreats, a powerful teaching by Pema Chödrön, and reminders from A Course in Miracles, Cheri unpacks the empowering truth of owning your inner landscape. This episode includes a deeply grounding "Train Station OM" meditation to help you return to your center and choose peace over reactivity. 🔑 3 Key Learning Points: 📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs: Reserve Your Spot

✨ Episode Summary: This classic replay episode is one of those golden ones that deserves a second (or third!) listen. In this heartfelt and high-energy convo, Cheri welcomes the legendary Davidji—named one of USA Today's top five meditation teachers to follow—to wrap up her 12-week series with a deep dive on making meditation a lifelong habit. From his iconic "RPM" method to the science behind morning rituals and his game-changing 16 Seconds to Bliss technique, Davidji offers wisdom that's wildly practical and deeply soulful. Plus, there’s a beautiful guided meditation and a few tender moments about Peaches (yes, the Buddha-princess pup). A must-revisit for anyone ready to recommit to stillness—one breath at a time. 🎧 Originally aired thanks to our dear friend Owen—this is a lovingly handpicked replay. Enjoy the magic all over again. 🧘 Key Learning Points:📚 Mentions & Shout-Outs:

✨ Episode Summary: Welcome to Season 2! In this warm and witty kickoff, your favorite stress therapist brings us back to what matters: stillness, consciousness, and the radical magic of not saying “I’m tired.” Through heartfelt stories (including a rainy river trip that turned into a core memory), this episode reminds us why meditation matters and how we can reclaim our peace—one breath at a time. It all leads to a gentle guided breath meditation to help you get grounded, get quiet, and just be. Whether you're new or returning, this episode is your loving nudge to start again—with humor, honesty, and heart. 🧘‍♀️ 3 Key Learning Points: 💫 Mentions & Shout-Outs:

✨ Episode Summary: In this season opener, The Stress Therapist serves up a powerful, heartfelt reminder that you are the master of your own mind. With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of soul, she challenges the cult of “busy” and the habit of “tired,” urging listeners to rethink their default responses to stress. Through stories (including a soggy canoe trip that turned into a cherished memory), real talk about phone addiction, and a return to the basics of breath-focused meditation, this episode lovingly resets your nervous system. Plus: a guided meditation to help you reclaim your inner stillness. 💗 🧠 Three Key Learning Points:📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs:(And hey, major love to Owen Flake, always credited for his tech magic and calming influence behind the scenes.)

🪷 Show Notes: Ever wonder why you just can't seem to get motivated — even for the stuff you actually want to do? In this soul-sparking episode, Cheri breaks down the true nature of motivation and why it's not what you think. Spoiler: it doesn't magically show up before the action... it comes after. From her early days working with people living with schizophrenia to her own personal spiral of stress and transformation, Cheri shares raw stories, real science, and hilarious truth bombs that will make you want to lace up your sneakers (or at least drink some water). We unpack the little-by-little mentality, the “Pickleball Principle,” and the magic of doing less so you can feel more. Plus, a peaceful guided meditation using the powerful mantra “Om” awaits at the end — perfect if you’re ready to start showing up for yourself with love, not pressure. ✨ 3 Key Takeaways:🙌 Mentions & Shout-Outs:🧘‍♀️ Guided Meditation Included: Yes! A short, centering mantra-based meditation using “Om” to bring you back to center and energize your mind. Produced & edited with heart by 🎧 Owen Flake. Hosted by Cheri Flake, The Stress Therapist.

✨ Episode Summary: In this fiercely empowering episode, Cheri Flake dives deep into the illusion of control and the ultimate truth: you are the master of your life. Through reflections on Lucinda Williams' haunting lyrics and personal stories from her therapy practice, Cheri explores how we give our power away—and how to take it back. She challenges us to stop waiting for permission, resolution, or the perfect moment, and instead embrace radical responsibility for our healing and joy. The episode wraps with a powerful guided chakra meditation to help you turn inward and reconnect with your innate light. 🧠 Three Key Learning Points:📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs:ilovetherapy.com@thestresstherapist@estresstherapy🎧 Production Credit: Big love and thanks to 🎧 Owen Flake for producing and editing this episode with care and clarity.

🌀 Episode Summary: In this delightfully candid and mind-opening episode, Cheri Flake (a.k.a. your friendly neighborhood Stress Therapist) dives into the often-cringey concept of manifestation—but from a place of authenticity, clarity, and spiritual alignment. With a touch of skepticism and a whole lot of soul, Cheri shares real-life stories about manifesting the impossible: from her dream house (hello, Zillow magic and Ganesh chants!) to her new car (cue divine dealership intervention). The episode wraps with a heart-centered “Peace In, Peace Out” meditation that helps you become a magnet for the calm and clarity you're seeking. 🧘‍♀️✨ 🔑 Three Key Learning Points:💫 Mention & Shout-Out Section:🎙️ Credits: Produced & edited with love and skill by Owen Flake 💻🎧 Want more magic like this? 👉 Follow @stresstherapist on Instagram 👉 Follow @stresstherapy on Twitter 💌 Visit ilovetherapy.com to join Cheri's mailing list, book retreats, or (if you're in Georgia) schedule a therapy session. Until next season… You got this. 💖

📝 Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, Cheri unpacks the sneaky habit of putting everyone else first—even strangers—and what it really means when we constantly flake on ourselves. She calls it Southern Hospitality Syndrome: a charming but toxic blend of kindness and chronic self-abandonment. With her signature warmth and wit, Cheri shares personal stories, including a hilarious tale of 20 years of polite miscommunication, and offers real-world tips on how to finally treat yourself like someone you actually care about. Stick around for a guided chakra meditation focused on the heart, throat, and third eye to help you align with self-love and truth. 🔑 Three Key Learning Points:📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs:ilovetherapy.com

✨ Episode Summary: In this soulful and spirited episode, Cheri explores the powerful pull of desire—how our deepest wants keep whispering to us, no matter how long we've ignored them. Through candid storytelling, humor, and a heartfelt guided meditation, she helps you reconnect with your inner truth and reminds you that joy is a spiritual directive. Whether it’s a creative spark, a childhood dream, or a mysterious calling, your desires aren’t random—they’re sacred. Plus, there’s a writing prompt to help you get clear and real about what you truly want. 📌 Three Key Learning Points:💫 Mentions & Shout-Outs:Retreat Info@thestresstherapist on Instagram@stresstherapy on Twitter🎛️ Episode Production: Produced and edited by Owen—a creative force behind the scenes, helping shape the energy and sound of each episode with care and clarity. 🎧✨

🪷 Episode Summary: In this classic replay, Cheri Flake brings us back to basics with heartfelt humor and soulful honesty. Through personal stories, down-to-earth wisdom, and a warm shout-out to Louise Hay and Davidji, Cheri shares how to truly begin a daily meditation practice—without overcomplicating it. Whether you're a binge meditator, a meditation dropout, or totally new to the cushion, this episode is your permission slip to just start—three minutes at a time. Bonus: includes a calming breathwork-based meditation to kickstart your practice with presence and grace. ✨ Three Key Learning Points: 💌 Mentions & Shout-Outs: ilovetherapy.comProduced and edited by Owen Flake | Audio production, editing, and creative direction 🎛️🎚️🎧

In this heartfelt and zesty episode, Sheri Flake dives into one of the most transformative (and tricky!) mindset shifts of all: thinking like the version of you that you want to become. With wit, warmth, and wisdom from decades of therapy work, she unpacks why we’re not our thoughts—and how to separate from them using meditation, mindfulness, and sneaky brain hacks. This episode includes a powerful guided mantra meditation using Ham Sa (“I am that”), and even features an original song, “Joy,” by her band 13 Stories, written 18 years ago with this very message in mind. ✨ 🌟 Key Learning Points: 📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs: Byron Katie’s “The Work”Bhagavad Gita translated by Stephen Mitchell13 Stories🎧 Guided Meditation Included: Yes! A beautiful mantra-based meditation using Ham Sa (“I am that”) to help you gently return to center and reclaim your narrative. 💫 Final Thought: You’re allowed to change your thoughts. And when you do, your whole life shifts with them. Produced and edited by Owen Flake | Audio production, editing, and creative direction 🎛️🎚️🎧

📝 Episode Summary:In this powerful and intimate episode, the Stress Therapist, Cheri Flake, shares the deeply personal story of her husband's journey through a life-threatening cancer diagnosis and how his established meditation practice became a cornerstone of his remarkable healing. Blending humor, raw honesty, and guided insight, Cheri urges listeners to adopt a consistent meditation practice before crisis hits. This episode underscores the vital role of stillness, the importance of preparation, and the transformative power of simply showing up—before life forces you to.🧠 Three Learning Points: 🌀 MENTIONS & SHOUT-OUTS: 🎸 Sonic Yogi – Provides the dreamy soundscape for the closing meditation. Check him out on Spotify! This episode is lovingly dedicated to Andrew, whose strength, stillness, and healing journey continue to inspire. Your courage reminds us why we start the practice before we need it. Thank you for allowing us to share your powerful story. 💛And to all the listeners who show up, sit down, and breathe—you’re doing the work. Keep going. We see you.🎧 Includes a Guided Meditation! A breath-based meditation led by Cheri with music from Sonic Yogi. Perfect for beginners (and anyone who can breathe).The Host for this podcast: Cheri Augustine Flake, LCSW The Stress Therapist and Author💕 Love the show?Please rate and review us!💸 Send some love bucks: Paypal: cheri@thestresstherapist.com Venmo: @cheri-flake Thank you!🌊 Stay in Touch with Cheri & the Stress Therapy Community!Twitter: @stresstherapy Instagram: @thestresstherapist Facebook LinkedIn Website YouTube🌿 Join Cheri Flake on her next retreat! Register for a meditation and yoga retreat in the gorgeous Georgia Mountains or by the peaceful seaside on Jekyll Island. Walk away with a solid, joyful daily meditation practice and some serious inner calm.📚 Want Cheri to be your therapist?If you live in Georgia, go here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.📖 Buy Cheri’s book: Honey Do To Honey DONE! A Simple System For A Productive And Happy Household With Absolutely No More Nagging!A word from your host, Cheri Flake, LCSW: Feeling good after our Stress Therapy session? Awesome. Check out the show notes to connect with me, The Stress Therapist, on social media or visit www.iLoveTherapy.com to learn more about meditation classes & retreats.

🎙️ Episode 10 Title:Easily Offended? Let’s Talk About That🌼 Episode 10 Summary:Feeling constantly triggered by the world around you? In this real-talk episode, Cheri Flake shares why being easily offended can quietly poison your happiness—and how shifting your mindset can bring huge freedom. Through hilarious and heartfelt examples (spiders, comedy shows, awkward jokes—oh my!), she unpacks how humor, forgiveness, and self-love are the ultimate stress busters. Plus, she leads a loving-kindness meditation to help you soften toward yourself and others. 🧡🕊️📚 Episode 10 Key Learning Points: 📣 Episode 10 Mentions & Shout-Outs:learn more here read more listen to Sonic Yogi The Host for this podcast: Cheri Augustine Flake, LCSW The Stress Therapist and Author💕 Love the show? Please rate and review us! 💸 Send some love bucks: 🌊 Stay in Touch with Cheri & the Stress Therapy Community! @stresstherapy @thestresstherapist Facebook LinkedIn Website YouTube 🌿 Join Cheri Flake on her next retreat! Retreats in the Georgia Mountains or Jekyll Island—peace, meditation, and true connection.📚 Want Cheri to be your therapist? If you live in Georgia, schedule a free 15-minute consultation here.📖 Buy Cheri’s Book: Honey Do To Honey DONE! A Simple System For A Productive And Happy Household With Absolutely No More Nagging!

Stress Therapy Episode 9The Help You Give by Asking3/20/25In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Cheri Flake explores the often-overlooked power of asking for help. Through her own life experiences—especially during her husband's cancer battle—she reveals how seeking support not only uplifts the person in need but also benefits the helper. Blending psychology, spirituality, and humor, she breaks down the stigma around asking for help and encourages listeners to embrace their human need for connection and support. Asking for Help is Healing It's not a weakness—it’s an act of strength that allows others to feel useful and connected, while giving you the support you need. Help Can Be Spiritual or Practical Whether calling on a neighbor or St. Anthony, Cheri emphasizes that your help doesn't have to be human. It can be divine, energetic, or community-based. Giving is a Stress Buster Helping others is scientifically shown to reduce stress—so when you ask for help, you're actually doing someone else a favor, too. ~Meditation Music byhttp://sonicyogi.com https://open.spotify.com/track/7lpLx4vtoQusvoqidRY6vN?si=0db8efd9082c40ebhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0Qotx90teY3iZ00PgUCwty?si=44a1c18c52e24e1f Listen to Sonic Yogi on: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xJT8mRbrqa7rTY6d4y5Fq?si=q2YYpPSzQOmu4R8-W4jkpw https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sonic-yogi/722350162https://amazon.com/music/player/artists/B00FQMVVIC/sonic-yogi?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_Y5q68A8LSQQGzl01PQC7Uaw6chttps://amazon.com/music/player/artists/B00FQMVVIC/sonic-yogi?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_Y5q68A8LSQQGzl01PQC7Uaw6chttps://youtu.be/p2jtMEkdh6g?si=rVq-Q8o85mI75S4_ INTERESTING MENTIONS: Esther Hicks & Abraham – For woo-curious listeners, Cheri discusses their “placemat exercise” for co-creating with the universe. Saint Shoutouts – St. Anthony (lost things), St. Christopher (travel), St. Joseph (home-selling), and Mother Mary all get love as go-to helpers. Mother Teresa’s Take – Asking for help should be enough reason to offer support—no justifications needed. Anne Lamott’s Book – Help, Thanks, Wow is quoted as a spiritual trifecta for approaching the divine. The Love Tuner – A calming whistle that helps induce meditation; Cheri offers a promo code for it (just “Cheri” for 5% off). Funny Business Fail – Cheri once tried rebranding for moms (complete with “yourearockstarmom.com”) and learned the hard way that moms don’t always want to admit they need help. Cheri’s Aura – It’s golden yellow! (Not pink as she hoped.) https://www.heartwood-retreats.com : location for Cheri’s Georgia Mountain Retreats https://www.jekyllisland.comhttps://www.jekyllisland.com: Location for Cheri’s seaside retreat The Host for this podcast: Cheri Augustine Flake, LCSW The Stress Therapist and Author Join Cheri Flake on her Next Meditation And Yoga Retreat!https://thestresstherapist.com/retreats/or https://thestresstherapist.com/beach-retreats/ Love the show? Please rate and review us! Send some love bucks to the show:Paypal: cheri@thestresstherapist.comVenmo: @cheri-flakeThank you! https://thestresstherapist.com/contact/ and be a part of the Stress Therapy Community! Twitter: @stresstherapy Instagram: @thestresstherapist https://www.facebook.com/cheriaugustineflake https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-augustine-flake-719b044 https://thestresstherapist.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/thestresstherapist Join Cheri Flake on herhttps://thestresstherapist.com/retreats/ https://thestresstherapist.com/retreats/ in the gorgeous Georgia Mountains and walk away with a new, solid daily meditation practice with benefits that last a lifetime!ORhttps://thestresstherapist.com/beach-retreats/ on Jekyll Island seaside right off the coast of Georgia. Want Cheri Flake to be your therapist? If you live in Georgia gohttps://thestresstherapist.com/contact/ to schedule a free 15 minute...

In this heartfelt and humor-filled episode, The Stress Therapist dives deep into the concept of living as your authentic self. Through personal stories, client examples, and some unexpected Bachelor commentary, she explores what it really means to be yourself, why it matters for your happiness and connection with others, and how being fake can actually block you from true love and belonging. The episode closes with a meditation on the sacred sound Om, guiding listeners into stillness and self-acceptance. ~Authenticity is magnetic. When you show up as your real self—quirks, passions, weirdness and all—you attract the right people and create true connection. ~Faking it is exhausting and unsustainable. Pretending to be someone you’re not might win temporary approval, but it never leads to lasting love or fulfillment. ~Your gifts are part of your karmic path. Embracing your interests and natural tendencies is not only freeing but also aligned with your purpose. ~Meditation Music byhttp://sonicyogi.com https://open.spotify.com/track/7lpLx4vtoQusvoqidRY6vN?si=0db8efd9082c40ebhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0Qotx90teY3iZ00PgUCwty?si=44a1c18c52e24e1f Listen to Sonic Yogi on: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xJT8mRbrqa7rTY6d4y5Fq?si=q2YYpPSzQOmu4R8-W4jkpw https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sonic-yogi/722350162https://amazon.com/music/player/artists/B00FQMVVIC/sonic-yogi?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_Y5q68A8LSQQGzl01PQC7Uaw6chttps://youtu.be/p2jtMEkdh6g?si=rVq-Q8o85mI75S4_ INTERESTING MENTIONS: Shout-out to Jackie (her sister-in-law) for the Bachelor franchise t-shirt and for taking her to a Bachelor Live event. The Bachelor (current season with Grant) – used to explore themes of love, hope, and being chosen. Client story about pretending to like fishing to connect—a metaphor for the struggle with authenticity. Jen the Animal Lover – a sweet story of someone unapologetically themselves (catios, pet mouse surgery, pool ladders for critters!). Violet (her daughter) – praised for her early wisdom in not forcing friendships and understanding mutual dislike doesn’t need to be dramatic. https://www.heartwood-retreats.com : location for Cheri’s Georgia Mountain Retreatshttps://www.jekyllisland.com: Location for Cheri’s seaside retreat The Host for this podcast: Cheri Augustine Flake, LCSW The Stress Therapist and Author Join Cheri Flake on her Next Meditation And Yoga Retreat!https://thestresstherapist.com/retreats/or https://thestresstherapist.com/beach-retreats/ Love the show? Please rate and review us! Send some love bucks to the show:Paypal: cheri@thestresstherapist.comVenmo: @cheri-flakeThank you! https://thestresstherapist.com/contact/ and be a part of the Stress Therapy Community! Twitter: @stresstherapy Instagram: @thestresstherapist https://www.facebook.com/cheriaugustineflake https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-augustine-flake-719b044 https://thestresstherapist.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/thestresstherapist Join Cheri Flake on herhttps://thestresstherapist.com/retreats/ https://thestresstherapist.com/retreats/ in the gorgeous Georgia Mountains and walk away with a new, solid daily meditation practice with benefits that last a lifetime!ORhttps://thestresstherapist.com/beach-retreats/ on Jekyll Island seaside right off the coast of Georgia. Want Cheri Flake to be your therapist? If you live in Georgia gohttps://thestresstherapist.com/contact/ to schedule a free 15 minute consultation https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15903117.Cheri_Augustine_Flake https://www.amazon.com/Honey-DONE-Productive-Household-Absolutely/dp/0997950919/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8: Honey Do To Honey DONE! A Simple System For A Productive And Happy Household With Absolutely No More Nagging! A word from your host, Cheri Flake, LCSW: Feeling good after our Stress Therapy session? Awesome. Check out the show notes to connect with me, The Stress Therapist on social media or go...