The Connected Community: Exploring Possibility
The Connected Community is a place to explore possibility through mindfulness, movement, and self discovery. Our intention is to deliver inspiration, insight, and authenticity, while fostering conversations that are genuine, unfiltered, and deeply human.
Episodes

Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
In this episode, I have the pleasure of introducing Afsheen Ismail-Wey , the CEO of the Phoenix Coaching Company and the host of the Leadership Podcast. With an impressive background working with multinational organizations as an HR leader for over two decades, Afsheen has gained extensive experience working and living in eight countries across three continents.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the core of Afsheen's passion, both in her professional endeavors and in the conversation we have on the podcast today. She delves into her personal and professional journey as a woman of color, sharing her experiences of living and working around the world.
Afsheen's ultimate goal is to become a role model for the next generation, particularly encouraging women of color to embrace their power, persevere in the face of challenges, and view roadblocks as mere speed bumps that can be overcome. Her story is not only inspiring but also unique and captivating.
Born in Pakistan, Afsheen spent her formative years in Saudi Arabia before settling in Switzerland, where she currently resides with her husband and little boy. Through her experiences and insights, Afsheen sheds light on the importance of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment in both personal and professional spheres.
Tune in to this episode as Afsheen shares her remarkable journey, providing valuable lessons and empowering advice for individuals from all walks of life.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Afsheen:
https://www.thephoenixcoachingcompany.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/afsheenismailwey/?originalSubdomain=ch
https://www.thephoenixcoachingcompany.com/podcast

Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
On today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Farrell, a homeopathic doctor who is trained in various modalities such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Matrix Reimprinting, yoga, and more. Stephanie's primary focus is on working with women over the age of 40 who are struggling with eating disorders.
Stephenie opens up about her own complex trauma, both in childhood and adulthood, that led to the development of eating discord that lasted well until her 40’s. She shares her personal journey of recovery and how traditional cognitive and medical models of treatment didn't work for her until she discovered healing through mindfulness, yoga, intuitive eating and EFT, which became the driving force behind her decision to pursue a career in this field. Throughout the episode, we delve into the deep-rooted connection between eating disorders and trauma, as well as the common misconceptions surrounding these disorders.
One of Stephenie's main tools in her practice is EFT, which she utilizes to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, understand the root cause of their eating disorder, and embark on a transformative path towards recovery. This powerful technique addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of eating disorders, providing a means for healing and finding balance. Stephenie's expertise and insights offer valuable guidance for those seeking to understand and overcome eating disorders.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Stephenie:
https://www.instagram.com/stephenie_farrell_/
https://www.facebook.com/FarrellStephenie?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://www.youtube.com/@StephenieFarrell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stepheniefarrell/?originalSubdomain=ca
#edrecovery #eatingdisorderrecovery #anorexiarecovery

Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Welcome to today's podcast episode, where I have the privilege of interviewing Feather Berkower, a licensed clinical social worker with a Master's of Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. Our conversation revolves around one of the most crucial topics for parents: safeguarding our children from sexual abuse.
Feather Berkower has been a prominent figure in child sexual abuse prevention since 1985, dedicating her career to educating and empowering parents, schoolchildren, and youth professionals. Her expertise is exemplified through her highly regarded workshop, Parenting Safe Children, which equips adults with the knowledge and tools to proactively protect children from sexual assault. Additionally, Feather co-authored the remarkable parenting book, "Off Limits," which offers invaluable insights that can revolutionize our approach to child safety.
During our conversation, Feather emphasizes the importance of adults taking responsibility for safeguarding children from sexual assault, rather than burdening children with this responsibility. Drawing from her extensive research on perpetrators and their behaviors, as well as her vast experience and expertise in the field, Feather is an invaluable resource for schools, youth organizations, parenting groups, and businesses worldwide.
This podcast episode is intended for parents who wish to learn about practical measures and strategies to protect their children from sexual abuse. It provides valuable information, guidance, and resources to parents who are concerned about the safety and well-being of their children. Moreover, it is also relevant for professionals working in child protection, educators, or anyone interested in understanding the importance of preventing and addressing child sexual abuse.
Join us as we delve into this critical topic and explore the proactive measures parents can take to create a safe environment for their children. Feather's wealth of knowledge and passion for protecting children will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our listeners.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Feather:
www.ParentingSafeChildren.com
Off Limits: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse
feather@parentingsafechildren.com
www.Facebook.com/ParentingSafeChildren
www.instagram.com/parentingsafechildren/
www.Twitter.com/FeatherBerkower
https://www.linkedin.com/in/feather-berkower-8985a319/
http://blog.parentingsafechildren.com
Tags: #sexualabuse #sexualabuseprevention #preventingsexualabuse #childhoodsexualabuse

Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Please welcome guest, David Moreno, E-RYT 500, YACEP, SFT. Today David and I share how the world of yoga has evolved over the last 30 years from both of our perspectives. David acknowledges that yoga has undergone significant changes since he began teaching. However, he believes that its inclusive heart can always be experienced when we surrender to the field of consciousness that yoga offers.
With his wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of the practice, David continues to inspire and guide students on their yoga journey, inviting them to explore the transformative power of yoga beyond boundaries and labels. His teaching journey has taken him to international yoga conferences, festivals, universities, and teacher training programs across the globe.
David's expertise extends beyond the traditional yoga studio setting. He has worked privately with students in the fashion and entertainment industries, as well as trained world-class athletes, including the coach of the 2004/2008 Olympics U.S. Men’s Swim Team. Furthermore, David is a certified Pilates instructor, Somatic Fitness Trainer, and an ordained minister.
What sets David's teaching apart is his unique approach that combines the principles and styles of Yin, Vinyasa, Anusara, and Bihar schools of yoga. He seamlessly weaves in elements of Qi Gong, somatic fitness, and his dance training to create a holistic and transformative experience on the mat. Rather than adhering to a singular style or discipline, David's teachings reflect his extensive 30 years of study and exploration.By focusing on the details and principles of universal alignment, David believes that the more subtle aspects of the practice reveal themselves. He values direct experience and encourages students to truly feel and connect with their practice, rather than rushing through choreography or becoming attached to preconceived notions of what yoga should be.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-mc44gawLCunGyoY13c2wQ
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with David:
https://moryoga.com/
david@moryoga.com
https://moryoga.com/store/ebooks/

Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Join Ann as she takes you on a deeply personal journey through her son's struggles with anxiety, depression, and drug misuse, which were further complicated by ADHD and led him to psychiatric hospitalization and a residential treatment facility. Through her own experiences, Ann discovered that her attempts to control and fix her son's behavior only made things worse. Motivated to find a better approach, she embarked on a transformative path of self-study, immersing herself in disciplines such as neuroscience and mindfulness.
In her podcast, Ann shares effective strategies and concepts that can help parents build stronger relationships with their teenagers, fostering warmth, respect, and emotional intelligence. From understanding the teenage brain to implementing mindful parenting techniques, "Speaking of Teens" provides a roadmap for parents who may feel overwhelmed and isolated in their journey.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in the fascinating world of parenting teens, Ann offers valuable insights, practical advice, and evidence-based approaches to help you navigate the challenges of raising teenagers. By tuning in, you can embark on a transformative journey towards building healthier connections with your teen, creating a nurturing environment, and promoting their overall well-being.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Ann:
https://speakingofteens.com
Speaking of Teens podcast (on all major platforms)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofteens
https://speakingofteens.com/herewego/ Free parent guides for parenting teens/)tweens
Tags: Parenting strategies, Ann Coleman, Nicky Yazbeck, Parenting, Parenting teenagers, Parenting tweens, Effective communication, Speaking of teens, Parenting tips, Parenting advice, Moms of teens, Mindful parenting, Teenagers, Tweens, Raising teenagers, Parent support, Parenting problems, Parenting skills, Positive parenting, Communicating with teens, Mom life, Daily parenting, Parenting 101, Conscious parenting, Motherhood, Parenting guide, Communication strategies, Communication skills, Parenting hacks

Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
On today's episode, Kim Adams, a seasoned expert in the psychedelic and healing realm, shares her knowledge gained through years of personal and professional exploration of psychedelics.
Join us as we delve into the profound, transformative, and healing powers of Ayahuasca, Iboga, and other plant medicines.
In this episode, I also share my personal Ayahuasca journey that profoundly affected me, leading me to confront my deepest fears, release suppressed emotions and repressed trauma, and embark on a path of profound healing and self-discovery. This intimate conversation allows me to recount my firsthand experience of one of the most intense and transformational moments of my life.
Through the use of Ayahuasca plant medicine, I navigate the depths of anger, resentment, and rage, unearthing buried wounds and finding strength in confronting them head-on. This episode offers a glimpse into the immense potential for personal growth, healing, and transformation that can be found within the sacred realms of Ayahuasca and other plant medicines.
Get ready for an honest and vulnerable exploration of the human psyche and the power of psychedelic experiences. Please feel free to comment if anything in this episode resonates with you, if you would like to share your story, or if you have any questions.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Kim:
lytmarketingllc@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/plant.consort/
Resources from Kim:
https://maps.org
https://www.erowid.org
https://www.dmt-nexus.me
https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthemedicine-holother8341
Tags: Ayahuasca, Ayahuasca retreat, Ayahuasca experience, Iboga, Ibogaine, Kim Adams, Nicky Yazbeck, healing medicine, plant medicine, psychedelic journey, psychedelic experience, psychedelics, spirituality, psychedelic mushrooms, psychedelic therapy, herbal medicine, herbal remedies, Ayahuasca journey, ayahuasca healing, inner peace, self discovery, healing trauma, spiritual transformation, psilocybin, shamanic rituals, sacred ceremony, psychedelic medicine, personal growth, transformation, trauma healing, mental health

Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Step into the extraordinary life of Phillipe, a man who embarked on a quest for spirituality and enlightenment, only to find himself entangled in the clutches of a cult for 25 years. What began as a beautiful and nurturing community slowly transformed into a twisted tale of manipulation and exploitation. Phillipe witnessed the narcissistic cult leader emotionally and financially take advantage of his fellow community members, and later discovered he had been exploiting multiple men in the community for sexual acts, against their wishes.
Join us as we delve into Phillipe’s introspective journey of self-discovery, healing, and resilience, as he moves from a witness, to a survivor; rebuilding his life from the ground up. Through his own healing work and self-discovery, Phillipe finds solace and a renewed sense of purpose in his life as he embarks on a path of personal growth, exploring various avenues of self expression and creativity.
Discover how Phillipe’s journey led him to embrace his true identity and find fulfillment in the world of singing, acting, cabaret and burlesque. Today, he shares his story on stage, while delivering a message of body positivity, sex positivity, body acceptance, and inspiring others to embark on their own paths of self-discovery and acceptance.
Get ready for a gripping and inspiring podcast as we explore the strengths of the human spirit and the triumph of self-discovery.
Tags: Buddhafield, Holy Hell, seeking enlightenment, sex positivity, body positivity, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA, queer, gay, cult, burlesque, cabaret, fringe, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, cult survivor, healing, self-discovery, seeking enlightenment, survivor story, religious cult, Jaime Gomez, mental manipulation, sexual abuse, resilience, spirituality, exploitation, manipulation, body acceptance, life after cult, artistic expression, breaking silence, self love, trauma recovery, inspiring stories, cult following
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Phillipe Andre Coquet
https://www.phillipeandrecoquet.com

Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
In this episode we delve into the captivating story of Paul Honeycutt, a survivor who emerged from the grips of a Jehovah's Witness community and navigated the challenges of being a gay man in a repressive environment. From a tender age, Paul was subjected to strict rules, indoctrination, and a community that dictated every aspect of his life. However, as he matured, Paul's independent thoughts and burgeoning self-identity began to clash with the church's rigid ideals. Through an intimate interview and personal reflection, Paul shares his journey of isolation, self-hatred, and the sudden loss of his entire support system. Discover how Paul turned his intense childhood ordeal into a catalyst for personal growth, empowerment, and the pursuit of a more authentic life, by eventually coming to a place of acceptance, self-love, and the courage to embrace his true identity. This episode explores the complexities of strict religious indoctrination, the impact of shame and guilt, and the transformative power of resilience. Join us on this inspiring and thought-provoking podcast as we explore the depths of Paul's story.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Paul:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-honeycutt-30167158
Tags: cult, Jehovah's Witness, self identity, transformation, resilience, indoctrination, community, freedom, liberation, authenticity, personal growth, breaking free, self-discovery, deviation, LBGTQ+, coming out, sexual orientation, self-acceptance, pride, queer, embracing diversity, personal empowerment, love is love, authentic self, LBGTQ+ rights, LGBTQIA, emotional healing, redefining faith, authentic connections, religious dogma, social isolation, empathy, healing, spiritual exploration, religious cult, religious dogma, personal liberation, redefining faith, trauma, breaking silence

Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with the Jen Wilking, exploring the intricate elements of dignity and how we can foster it within ourselves and others. Dignity, at its essence, encompasses the inherent worth and value that every individual possesses, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. Together, we will unravel the key components that contribute to dignity, examining the delicate balance between honoring one's worth and respecting diverse perspectives. Throughout our discussion, we will explore practical strategies for nurturing dignity in our interactions and relationships. Discover how we can recognize and appreciate the inherent worth of others, even when we may not fully align with their beliefs. By embracing empathy, active listening, and open-mindedness, we can create spaces that honor the dignity of every person we encounter. Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the intricate tapestry of dignity, its resilience, and its susceptibility to injury. We hope you will gain valuable insights into how we can cultivate a culture of dignity, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com https://
www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Jen Wilking:
https://www.jenwilking.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@JenWilking

Monday Jul 31, 2023
Monday Jul 31, 2023
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Al Wadleigh, a highly experienced Feldenkrais practitioner with over 20 years of expertise in the Feldenkrais Method. Al runs a successful practice in Longmont, Colorado, and co-hosts the insightful podcast "Feldenkrais for Life." During our conversation, we delve into the transformative and healing effects of Feldenkrais, exploring its numerous benefits and how it can profoundly impact our lives, our nervous systems, and our overall functioning. Additionally, I share my personal journey of working with Al within this modality.
Connect with me:
https://nickyYyoga.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity
support@nickyYyoga.com
Connect with Al Wadleigh:
https://achievingexcellence.com
https://youtube.com/@Achievingexcellence
https://feldenkraisforlife.com