Light Within by Aura

Many of us have been told to “just be yourself.” But what does that actually mean?Today, we’re joined by Dr. Serena Chen — a Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and one of the world’s leading researchers on identity, the self, and authenticity.Dr. Chen's core insight is simple and freeing: you don’t have one “real” self. We all show different sides of ourselves— at work, with friends, and at home— and each can be authentic in its own way.And it’s not just theory— Dr. Chen offers practical tools you can use right away:Simple ways to practice self-compassionHow to notice when you’re out of alignment in your values, andSmall shifts that will make it easier to bring your true self to every part of your life.If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to fit one idea of who you “should” be, this episode will help you let go of that myth and embrace the freedom of showing up as all of you.Explore more of Dr. Chen’s work:UC Psych: https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/serena-chenSIR Research Lab: https://serena-chen.squarespace.com/Get 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe📲 Follow us here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1Connect with Steve & Daniel:Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/

This episode will change the way you live your life. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Neha Sangwan— physician, burnout expert, and bestselling author of Powered by Me.Dr. Neha has spent decades helping people break free from burnout and build lives that truly feel like their own. In this conversation, she explains why so many of us chase approval at the cost of health— and how honoring our true feelings can guide us back to a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.You’ll learn simple, proven tools she uses with patients (and in her own life) to reconnect with what matters most. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly seeking approval or just feel out of touch with yourself, this episode is your reminder: it’s never too late to return to your true self.Explore more of Dr. Neha’s work: Website: https://nehasangwan.com/about/Intuitive Intelligence: https://intuitiveintelligenceinc.com/Get 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe📲 Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1Connect with Steve & Daniel:Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/

This episode will change the way you think about your childhood.Today, we’re joined by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s first Surgeon General, pediatrician, and author of The Deepest Well.Her groundbreaking work on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has transformed how millions understand health, trauma, and resilience.She breaks down how childhood experiences can shape your brain, body, and health—and why even subtle moments from the past can leave a lasting mark.You’ll learn simple, proven tools she uses with patients (and in her own life) to heal, manage stress, and break old patterns.By the end, you’ll see your past— and your future— in a whole new way.If you’ve ever wondered why certain challenges keep coming back, this episode is for you.Explore more of Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’s work:The Burke Foundation: https://burkefoundation.org/what-drives-us/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drburkeharris/?hl=enGet 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe📲 Follow us here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1Connect with Steve & Daniel:Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/

This episode will completely change how you understand your brain.We’re joined by Dr. Jeff Karp— a Harvard & MIT professor, world-renowned biomedical engineer, and founder of the Karp Lab, where his medical breakthroughs have led to the launch of over a dozen innovative startups.In this conversation, Dr. Karp opens up about growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and how that experience pushed him to rethink how the brain really works. He shares the science-basked strategies he now uses (and teaches) to help people move through overwhelm, build lasting focus, and reconnect with what truly matters.By the end of this episode, you’ll leave with practical tools to help you bring more clarity, energy, and intention into your daily life.If you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or just ready to reset— this one is for you.Explore more of Dr. Jeff Karp’s work:Website: https://www.jeffkarp.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjeffkarp/?hl=enGet 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe📲 Follow us here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1Connect with Steve & Daniel:Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/

Can spiritual practice rewire your brain? The science says yes.In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Newberg, a physician, neuroscientist, and pioneer in the field of neurotheology — the study of how spiritual practices affect the brain.Dr. Newberg has spent decades studying the brain during spiritual practices like meditation and prayer. His key finding: mindfulness and reflection don’t just feel good— they physically reshape the brain, helping you feel calmer, clearer, and more connected.Whether you’re deeply religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or just curious about the brain’s hidden potential— this episode might change how you see healing forever.In this episode, you’ll learn:🧠 Why 8 billion people perceive reality differently— and what that reveals about truth, belief, and the brain🧬 The four core dimensions of healing: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual🧘‍♀️ What brain scans show during meditation, prayer, and trauma recovery🌊 Why “surrender” is a powerful and measurable brain state linked to transformation💫 How rituals, community, and individualized practices impact your well-being🙏 How people of any faith (or none at all) can access deep healing through spiritual practices🧩 Why your biology, upbringing, and environment may shape your health more than you realizeGet 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.Connect with Dr. Newberg: Website: https://www.andrewnewberg.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.andrewnewberg/?hl=en🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe📲 Follow us here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1Connect with Steve & Daniel:Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/

True healing begins when you stop performing and start listening to yourself.Today, we’re joined by Lisa Bilyeu, co-founder of the billion-dollar brand Quest Nutrition, founder of Impact Theory, and host of the Women of Impact podcast.In this episode, Lisa shares the deeply personal story behind her rise as an entrepreneur— and what it really cost her to chase success without limits.She opens up about the moment she realized she couldn’t even eat the viral product she helped market, why she stayed silent in her marriage for eight years, and what it took to finally reclaim her voice and her health.In this episode, you’ll learn about:💥 The moment Lisa launched a viral product she couldn’t even eat— and what it exposed about her health🤐 Why she stayed silent in her marriage for 8 years and the exact shift that helped her speak up🧭 The one question she asks to know if a habit, job, or goal is helping or hurting her🗑️ Why she ditched the scale and stopped tracking calories— and how it gave her power back❤️‍🔥 What healthy boundaries actually look like inside a long-term relationship📉 How to stop tying your self-worth to your productivity or success✅ The simple mindset hack that allowed her to set boundaries and prioritize healing without guiltIf you want to learn how to take full ownership of your life and truly heal from the inside out, this episode is for you.Explore more of Lisa’s work, voice, and mission:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/?hl=enWomen of Impact: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeuWebsite: https://lisabilyeu.com/Get 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.

Dr. Jeb Hurley, a behavioral scientist and leadership expert, shares transformative insights from his extensive experience coaching leaders. He discusses how self-awareness drives influence and the importance of trust in work environments. Listeners will learn about the power of reframing stress as a growth catalyst and strategies to improve motivation and foster healthy workplace cultures. Hurley also provides actionable tips for approaching tough conversations and recognizing red flags in organizational health. This conversation empowers individuals to thrive at work.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your emotions, been hard on yourself without knowing why, or struggled to make sense of old wounds that still affect you—this conversation will resonate deeply.Dr. Lauren Bochicchio is a therapist, clinician scientist, and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Columbia University. With years of experience working at the intersection of trauma, emotion, and healing, she brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and human warmth. Lauren’s work is grounded in science, but what makes her approach so powerful is how clearly she sees people—especially when they’re struggling to see themselves.In this episode, you’ll learn:🧠 Why trauma isn’t always about what happened, but about how it shaped the way you see yourself💬 How emotions like anger and withdrawal often mask deeper feelings like sadness, shame, or fear🔍 Why so many of us downplay or dismiss our own pain—and how that keeps us stuck🛠️ What effective therapy really looks like, and why learning emotional skills as an adult isn’t a weakness, but a strength💡 A simple shift in perspective that can help you get to the root of an emotional reaction and start to change itThis conversation won’t tell you to “just think positive” or push through. Instead, it offers thoughtful, compassionate guidance for anyone ready to understand themselves better—and feel a little more human in the process.Get 30 Days Free on Aura at: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.Connect with Dr. Lauren Bochicchio:Website: https://www.laurenbochicchio.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empiricalinsights/🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe📲 Follow us here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1Connect with Steve & Daniel:Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/

Dr. Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and professor at Yale, uncovers the real science behind happiness. She reveals how chasing success and status can leave us feeling empty, urging listeners to rethink what truly matters. Santos discusses the phenomenon of 'hedonic adaptation' and the importance of self-compassion in cultivating joy. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of meaningful connections, investing in experiences, and the need to buy back our time to enhance well-being. Tune in for practical, research-backed strategies to shift your perspective on happiness!

If you’ve ever struggled to love yourself— especially in the moments when you feel unworthy, lost, or disconnected— this conversation is for you.Today, we sit down with psychotherapist and spiritual teacher Dorothy Zennuriye Juno to talk about why self-love can feel so far away, especially for those who are always showing up for others, and what it really looks like to return to yourself with honesty and care.Through a blend of therapeutic insight, spiritual wisdom, and everyday tools, Dorothy invites us to stop abandoning ourselves, live in alignment with who we are, and access the peace that comes from honoring ourselves. In this episode, you’ll learn:🧠 Why self-love feels so hard—even when you’ve done the inner work🔄 The hidden reason we lose ourselves in relationships, roles, and routines💗 How to practice radical kindness when you feel unworthy, ashamed, or stuck💡 A reframe that turns “selfish” into self-honoring (and why it changes everything)🛠️ Daily tools to rebuild confidence, peace, and emotional resilience✨ How to access your inner wisdom—so decision-making feels easier and lighter🔮 What real spirituality looks like (even if you don’t identify as “spiritual”)If you’ve forgotten how to love yourself, this episode will remind you how—one honest, heart-led step at a time.Listen to Dorothy’s meditation, affirmations and Life Coaching tracks on Aura with 30-Day Free Guest Pass: https://www.aurahealth.io/podcast30Join 8 million+ using Aura to find peace & transform their lives today. Code auto-applied at checkout.Connect with Dorothy:Aura: https://www.aurahealth.io/coaches/dorothy-zennuriye-junoWebsite: https://dorothyzennuriyejuno.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothyzennuriyejuno/🎧 Listen & Subscribe here!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightwithinpodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/light-within-by-aura/id1817230276Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bagyehVCa2oVxFJwOo16b💌 Want new episode drops, expert mental health tips, and wellness wisdom straight to your inbox? Subscribe to the Light Within newsletter here: https://www.aurahealth.io/lightwithin#subscribe 📲 Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwithinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightwithinpodcast?_t=ZP-8v1c5YXw2il&_r=1Connect with Steve & Daniel:Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewithlight/Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwithaura/