The Mindful Journey

Intentional Living: Unlocking Holistic Success with Rob Tracz

In this inspiring episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sushmitha Sai dives into the transformative world of intentional living with performance coach Rob Tracz. Rob shares actionable insights on consuming mindfully, balancing productivity with self-care, and fostering meaningful relationships. From the concept of intentional consumption to practical tips for overcoming burnout, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for entrepreneurs and anyone striving for a fulfilling life.
About the Guest:
Rob Tracz is a renowned performance coach specializing in helping entrepreneurs break through stagnation and achieve holistic success. With a focus on personal growth and productivity, Rob emphasizes intentional living as the foundation for achieving long-term goals. He equips his clients with the tools to balance ambition with well-being, making him a sought-after mentor for driven individuals seeking sustainable success.
Reach - https://robtracz.com/
Key Takeaways:
Intentional Consumption: Balance nutrition, digital media, and leisure by choosing consciously based on your goals and life season.
Distinguishing Needs vs. Wants: Align what you consume with your current objectives and recognize when it's time to indulge or stay disciplined.
Maximizing Productivity: Use critical task lists to focus on 3–5 essential priorities daily, ensuring consistent progress.
Self-Care Importance: Prioritize activities that recharge you—whether it's a relaxing vacation or a simple TV show—to avoid burnout and maintain energy.
Networking Strategies: Apply the “Triple A Treatment”—attention, affirmation, and appreciation—to deepen connections quickly.
Supportive Environments: Structure your relationships like a triangle: coaches at the top for guidance, captains in the middle for mutual support, and the crowd at the base for broader connections.
One Key Learning:
Mindful Awareness Fuels GrowthSuccess and fulfillment stem from consistently aligning your actions, consumption, and relationships with your goals and well-being. Regularly reassessing your life’s “season” ensures you remain energized, purposeful, and connected.

Meditation vs. Muscle: Building Strength Inside and Out - Dan Storey

In this episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sushmitha Sai dives into the timeless debate of "Meditation vs. Muscle" with special guest Dan Storey, a top natural bodybuilder and mindset master. Together, they explore how mindfulness practices, like meditation, intersect with physical fitness and strength training. From tackling internal voices of doubt to finding mental clarity during physical challenges, Dan shares actionable insights on harmonizing mental and physical strength to achieve holistic well-being.
About the Guest:
Dan Storey is an accomplished natural bodybuilder and a master of mindset development. With years of experience in the fitness world, Dan has not only built a strong physique but also a resilient mind. He integrates meditation and mindfulness into his routine to overcome challenges and unlock deeper levels of performance. Dan is also an author and an advocate for blending mental and physical practices to cultivate a balanced life.
Reach - https://danstorey.com/
Key Takeaways:
Meditation in Motion: Meditation doesn’t have to be confined to sitting still. Physical activities like running can be meditative, helping clear mental noise and foster focus.
The Inner Voices: The persistent, doubting voices in your head often surface during challenges but can be quieted through consistency and action.
The 30-Minute Rule: During endurance activities like running, mental clarity often emerges after overcoming initial resistance, typically around the 30-minute mark.
Mindset for Bodybuilders: Building muscle isn’t just physical—mastering the mind is equally crucial for overcoming physical and mental barriers.
Incorporating Mindfulness: Small moments of mindfulness can be integrated into any routine, blending meditation and physical activity seamlessly.
One Key Learning:
Mental clarity often follows persistence through initial discomfort. Whether in meditation or physical activity, pushing past the first wave of resistance can unlock profound focus and insight.

Mindful Connections: Building Resilience and Self-Compassion in a Busy World with Denise G. Lee

In this soul-nourishing episode, we journey into the heart of mindful relationships, resilience, and self-compassion with Denise G. Lee, a renowned healing and leadership coach. Together, we explore how to create deeper, meaningful connections, cultivate inner strength to bounce back from setbacks, and embrace self-compassion amidst life’s demands. Dennis shares his wisdom on navigating today’s high-paced world without losing touch with ourselves and the people who matter. Whether you’re a leader, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking a more mindful life, this episode offers valuable insights for personal and relational growth.
About the Guest:
Denise G. Lee is a dedicated healing and leadership coach who empowers individuals and businesses to create authentic, growth-focused relationships and navigate life's challenges with resilience. Drawing on years of experience, Dennis specializes in helping people connect deeply with themselves and others, all while fostering self-compassion and a holistic approach to leadership and personal development. Reach: https://info.deniseglee.com/connect
Key Takeaways:
Intentional Connections: Building mindful relationships means moving beyond transactional interactions to ones that encourage mutual inner growth and support.
Resilience through Self-Care: Resilience is akin to a flexible rubber band—it needs nurturing to prevent snapping under pressure. Dennis highlights the importance of downtime to restore mind, body, and soul.
Breaking the Multitasking Myth: Multitasking can drain mental energy and impede true productivity. Instead, Dennis encourages focusing on one task at a time for optimal effectiveness.
Self-Compassion as a Growth Tool: Personal growth isn’t solely about external achievements. Self-compassion allows us to forgive mistakes, embrace imperfections, and focus on what truly aligns with our well-being.
Redefining Success: True success isn’t measured in numbers or accolades but by waking up each day with pride, clarity, and a sense of purpose.
One Key Learning:
To foster meaningful relationships and personal growth, prioritize intentional, quality connections with yourself and others over productivity-driven multitasking. Mindful presence builds resilience and enriches the connections that truly matter.

The Mindful Awakening: Breaking Meditation Myths and Finding Inner Peace with - Bob Martin

In this episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sushmitha Sai dives into the essence of meditation with Bob Martin, a former criminal lawyer turned mindfulness master. Together, they explore what meditation truly is—and what it’s not—while uncovering common myths and misconceptions that often hinder beginners. Bob shares the fundamentals of insight meditation, including how to get started and why stepping back from our thoughts is so powerful. Listeners will discover practical ways to integrate mindfulness into their lives and learn how meditation can transform the way we engage with our thoughts and emotions.
About the Guest:Bob Martin is a seasoned mindfulness instructor who, after years in the legal field, shifted his focus toward helping others achieve inner peace through meditation. His approach to mindfulness is grounded in simplicity and self-compassion, emphasizing breath awareness and insight. Now, as a meditation teacher, Bob dedicates his work to guiding others in overcoming the mental clutter that holds them back from true peace.
Reach Him: https://awiseandhappylife.com/
Key Takeaways:
Meditation is not about achieving a perfectly blank mind; rather, it’s about observing thoughts without judgment and learning to disengage from automatic reactions.
Beginners can start with simple breath awareness, noticing physical sensations, and gently returning to the breath whenever the mind wanders.
Overcoming initial frustrations and misconceptions about meditation can lead to greater self-awareness and inner clarity.
One Key Learning:Meditation is a practice of awareness—of catching yourself when the mind wanders, gently returning to the breath, and experiencing those "mindful moments" where we awaken to the present. This process strengthens our ability to witness our thoughts, rather than be controlled by them.

Unlocking Your Full Potential: The Power of Self-Belief & Self-Worth with Alan Lazaros

In this inspiring episode of The Mindful Journey, we are joined by motivational speaker, coach, and soon-to-be author, Alan Lazaros, who shares his transformative journey of overcoming adversity and unlocking his true potential. Alan takes us through the importance of self-belief and self-worth, how they shape our lives, and practical strategies to cultivate them, even when facing difficult moments. Drawing from his personal experiences and insights as a coach, Alan offers valuable tips to help you build unwavering confidence and achieve your dreams, no matter the circumstances.
About the Guest:Alan Lazaros is a motivational speaker, coach, and advocate for self-improvement. With a story rooted in resilience, Alan has faced numerous life challenges and used them as stepping stones toward personal and professional growth. Passionate about empowering others, he helps individuals tap into their potential by fostering a deep belief in themselves and their abilities. Although not yet a published author, Alan’s blog and podcast continue to inspire thousands on their journey to self-discovery and success.
Key Takeaways:
The Difference Between Self-Belief & Self-Worth:Self-belief is about trusting your ability to achieve goals, while self-worth is about valuing and protecting yourself. Both are essential to unlocking your true potential.
The Formula for Building Self-Belief:Alan shares his powerful 3-step formula: State, Prove, Self-Assign. State your intention, prove to yourself that you can achieve it, and self-assign the success to reinforce your belief in your capabilities.
The Role of Mindset in Overcoming Adversity:Alan discusses how shifting your mindset can transform challenges into opportunities, allowing you to grow stronger with each hurdle.
Practical Tips for Building Confidence:Even on tough days, self-confidence can be built through small, intentional actions. Learn how to navigate ups and downs while maintaining belief in yourself.
The Power of Consistency & Accountability:Alan highlights how keeping promises to yourself and staying accountable are key elements in building lasting self-belief.
Tune in to gain deeper insights on how you can unlock your full potential and step into your power!

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence: A Journey from Rock Bottom with Kevin Palmieri

In this episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sushmita Sai sits down with Kevin Palmieri, founder and host of Next Level University, a top self-improvement podcast. Kevin opens up about his transformative journey from hitting rock bottom to building a life filled with purpose and confidence. He shares his experiences with overcoming imposter syndrome, managing anxiety, and how making internal changes can lead to lasting external success. Kevin’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of mentorship, therapy, and personal growth. Join us for an inspiring conversation on harnessing self-belief and resilience to create a life you truly love.
About the GuestKevin Palmieri is the founder and host of Next Level University, a podcast dedicated to helping listeners unlock their potential and build a more fulfilling life. Kevin's path wasn’t always clear: despite having a high-paying job and outwardly successful life, he struggled with deep-seated insecurity and low self-confidence. His journey took him from feeling lost and unfulfilled to creating one of the top self-improvement platforms worldwide. Kevin is passionate about mentoring others on how to overcome self-doubt, embrace growth, and build confidence through both internal and external practices.
Reach Kevin - https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/
Key Takeaways
The Power of Mentorship: Finding a mentor with aligned values and aspirations can accelerate personal growth and provide crucial support.
Navigating Rock Bottom: Kevin shares that his true turning point came not from external success but from the internal work he began after seeking help and reassessing his priorities.
Therapy as a Tool: Therapy played a significant role in Kevin’s journey, helping him better understand and manage his depression and anxiety.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset allows you to see mistakes as learning opportunities, fostering resilience and self-confidence.
Building Confidence: Through continuous self-improvement and daily check-ins with mental health, Kevin emphasizes the importance of developing competence, both internally and externally, to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
Tune in for an insightful episode that offers actionable advice on self-confidence, resilience, and turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth.

From Soccer Dreams to Real Estate Success: Building Resilience and Wealth with Jacopo Iasiello

In this inspiring episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sushmita welcomes Jacopo Iasiello, CEO of Luxury and Wealth Group, to explore his journey from a career-ending injury in professional soccer to becoming a real estate mogul. With a wealth of experience, Jacopo shares how his MPB (Mindset, Purpose, Balance) method transformed his life, enabling him to build a successful real estate empire. Jacopo provides insights on resilience, strategic mindset-building, and how we can all find health, wealth, and happiness through his unique approach.
About the Guest:Jacopo Iasiello is a former professional soccer player turned successful real estate entrepreneur and CEO of Luxury and Wealth Group. Following a life-changing sports injury, Jacopo pivoted his dreams from the field to business. He established himself in Italy’s real estate sector and eventually expanded to the United States, flipping hundreds of properties and creating a prosperous rental portfolio. Jacopo credits his success to his unwavering resilience, strategic learning, and a commitment to his MPB method, which prioritizes mindset, purpose, and balance.
Reach - https://healthyrichandhappy.com/
Key Takeaways:
Mindset Transformation: Learn how Jacopo used resilience and personal growth to pivot from sports to business, establishing a foundation for success.
MPB Method: Discover Jacopo's MPB method, which integrates mindset, purpose, and balance for holistic success.
Building Wealth with Purpose: Gain insights into real estate investment and how setting clear intentions can lead to sustainable growth.
Learning from Failure: Jacopo emphasizes the importance of learning from setbacks and maintaining a growth-oriented mindset.
Daily Practices for Success: Practical advice on meditation, exercise, and reflection to generate consistent motivation and energy.
Tune in to be inspired by Jacopo’s journey and discover practical steps to cultivate resilience, wealth, and a fulfilling life!

The Power of Mentorship: Transforming Lives with Dr. Deborah Heiser

Join Sushmita on The Mindful Journey as she dives into the profound impact of mentorship with Dr. Deborah Heiser, a distinguished applied developmental psychologist, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Mentor Project. Together, they explore how mentorship fosters personal growth, longevity, and a sense of purpose, particularly in the later stages of life. Dr. Heiser shares her journey from researching aging to discovering the pivotal role mentorship plays in our well-being, and how generativity, the desire to give back, enhances both mentors and mentees.
About the Guest:
Dr. Deborah Heiser is an expert in applied developmental psychology, renowned for her work in aging and mentorship. Through her organization, The Mentor Project, Dr. Heiser connects seasoned mentors with those seeking guidance and inspiration, championing the positive influence of mentorship on both personal and professional levels. Her research and passion for building meaningful connections have positioned her as a leading voice on how mentorship can transform lives.
Reach - https://deborahheiser.com/
Key Takeaways:
Generativity and Purpose: Midlife often brings a natural shift toward generativity—a deep-rooted desire to give back without expectation. Mentorship provides a platform to fulfill this desire, enhancing the mentor's purpose and sense of legacy.
Impact on Personal Well-being: Engaging in mentorship can lead to a longer, happier life, giving mentors a fulfilling sense of belonging and value in society.
Successful Mentor-Mentee Dynamics: For mentorship to thrive, it requires genuine willingness to share from the mentor and openness to learn from the mentee, forming a connection based on intrinsic motivation.
Building Meaningful Connections: True mentorship goes beyond transactional knowledge exchange. It is deeply rooted in a mutual, authentic bond that enriches both mentor and mentee, fostering personal and emotional growth.

Building an Unforgettable Thought Leader Brand with -Nicky Billou

In this episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sai Sushmita welcomes Nikki Billou, famously known as “The World’s Greatest Podcast Guest,” with over 600 guest appearances to his name. Together, they explore the transformative journey from being an expert to becoming a thought leader. Nikki shares actionable insights on brand specialization, the power of authenticity, and creating a unique market position. Through storytelling and real-world examples, Nikki reveals how focusing on a specific audience and problem can turn expertise into an impactful and profitable brand. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, Nikki's wisdom will inspire you to refine your message and stand out in your field.
About the GuestNikki Billou is an accomplished thought leader, author, and podcast guest who has earned a reputation for delivering value-driven advice on entrepreneurship and personal branding. With extensive experience in thought leadership, Nikki has helped numerous clients worldwide scale their businesses by positioning themselves as leaders rather than just experts. His passion lies in guiding individuals to find and focus on their core message, helping them build powerful brands and make a lasting impact.
Reach-https://www.ecircleacademy.com/
Key Takeaways
Difference Between Expert and Thought Leader: An expert knows something well, while a thought leader is recognized for their unique insights in that area.
The Power of Specialization: Narrowing your focus to a specific audience or problem enhances credibility and makes your message more resonant.
Authenticity as a Non-Negotiable: In today’s market, authenticity is essential for establishing trust and achieving commercial success.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Aspiring thought leaders often make the mistake of being too broad. Success lies in being specific about who you help and how.
Balancing Personal Values and Commercial Goals: By staying true to your values, you naturally attract your ideal audience without compromising your message.

Exploring the Hidden Realms of Connection: A Journey with Max Carey

In this compelling episode of The Mindful Journey, host Saisha Shmita welcomes filmmaker Max Carey, director of the eye-opening documentary Touch King. Max shares his transformative journey into the world of kink and alternative subcultures, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand complex human dynamics. Together, Saisha and Max dive into the importance of mindfulness, the value of travel, and the lessons we can learn by shedding preconceived judgments and embracing diverse perspectives. Through Max’s stories and insights, listeners are invited to view human connection through a fresh, open-minded lens.
About the Guest:
Todd "Max" Carey is an acclaimed filmmaker known for his insightful explorations of lesser-known subcultures. His latest documentary, Touch King, investigates the world of kink, aiming to dispel stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding of the people within these communities. Max's rich background in travel and cultural immersion has shaped his compassionate and open approach to filmmaking, allowing him to uncover layers of human experience that often go unnoticed.
Reach: https://touchkink.com/
Key Takeaways:
The Power of Open-Minded Exploration: Max emphasizes the value of experiencing diverse cultures and subcultures as a way to break down prejudices and expand our understanding of human connection.
Mindfulness Beyond Meditation: Max shares how mindfulness can enhance empathy and open-mindedness in unexpected spaces, helping us truly see and understand others without judgment.
Challenging Cultural Stereotypes: Through his journey into kink communities, Max discovered the importance of setting aside societal clichés to appreciate the rich, authentic lives people lead beyond stereotypes.
Travel as a Teacher: By embracing different cultures and engaging in genuine conversations, travel teaches us to approach life with curiosity and humility, reshaping how we relate to the world and each other.
The Intersection of Mindfulness and Communication: Max reveals how mindfulness practices like attentive listening and presence can deepen communication and connections within any community.