

Amina Change Your Life
Amina AlTai
Welcome to Amina Change Your Life where high ambition meets higher purpose. Hosted by Amina AlTai, a leading coach for the person who’s done it all and is ready to do things differently. Each week, Amina interviews the world’s top career, entrepreneurship, mindset, and well-being experts to uncover how they transformed their circumstances and built lives they truly love.
Through unfiltered conversations and actionable insights, you’ll learn how to stare down fear, embody your gifts, and design a career and life you’re excited to wake up for every single day. Amina Change Your Life is a masterclass in up-leveling without sacrificing joy—or the people and things that matter most.
If you love Dear Gabby, Hello Seven with Rachel Rodgers, The Goal Digger Podcast, or Farnoosh Torabi’s So Money, this show is your next stop for inspiration, strategy, and transformation. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Through unfiltered conversations and actionable insights, you’ll learn how to stare down fear, embody your gifts, and design a career and life you’re excited to wake up for every single day. Amina Change Your Life is a masterclass in up-leveling without sacrificing joy—or the people and things that matter most.
If you love Dear Gabby, Hello Seven with Rachel Rodgers, The Goal Digger Podcast, or Farnoosh Torabi’s So Money, this show is your next stop for inspiration, strategy, and transformation. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 27, 2024 • 32min
Ep 58: From Favela to Principal Dancer with Ingrid Silva
Ingrid Silva is a prominent professional ballerina, activist, and writer, widely recognized for her contributions to the world of dance. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she commenced her ballet training at a social project in the Mangara slum at the age of eight. Overcoming numerous challenges, Ingrid achieved the esteemed position of principal dancer at the Dance Theater of Harlem, where her hand-painted point shoes were prominently displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. As a co-founder of Blacks in Ballet, she actively advocates for diversity and representation in the ballet industry. Ingrid's remarkable journey and unwavering dedication make her an influential figure, inspiring individuals to confront obstacles and pursue personal growth. In this episode, we discuss: 00:05:04 - Self-Worth and Recognition 00:13:56 - Body Image and Eating Disorders in Dance 00:17:34 - Overcoming Impostor Syndrome 00:27:31 - Overcoming Ageism 00:30:00 - Empowering the Next Generation Connect with Ingrid Silva Website: ingridsilvaballet.com Instagram: @ingridsilva YouTube: @IngridSilvaa Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Feb 20, 2024 • 39min
Ep 57: Navigating Health, Hormones and Hungry Ghosts with Dr. Aviva Romm
Dr. Aviva Romm is a world renowned midwife and herbalist who also happens to be a Yale-trained MD and Board Certified Family Physician with specialties in Integrative Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics. She is deeply committed to patient empowerment and addressing health disparities in women's and maternal health. Dr. Romm is the author of the New York Times bestseller Hormone Intelligence, exploring the intersection of women's hormones and health. Through her podcasts, articles, and books, she has successfully empowered women to take charge of their well-being. Her unique journey, blending clinical practice with scaling and democratizing health information, sets her compassionate approach apart as a leader in the field. In this episode, we discuss: 00:05:19 - Nurturing the Hungry Ghost 00:13:13 - The Pull of Purpose and Career Challenges 00:15:35 - Women and Autoimmune Diseases 00:24:01 - The Impact of Ageism on Health 00:25:56 - Societal Pressures and Choices 00:27:10 - Weathering and Intersectionality 00:35:07 - Cognitive Functioning and Menopause Connect with Dr. Aviva Romm Website: avivaromm.com Instagram: @dr.avivaromm Facebook: Aviva Romm, MD X: @AvivaRomm LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/avivaromm TikTok: @dravivaromm Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Feb 13, 2024 • 30min
Ep 56: The Gut-Brain Connection: How Food Impacts Mental Health with Jessica Cording
Does it sound familiar to want to prioritize your well-being but struggle to find the time and the right approach? Have you been told to follow a strict diet or exercise regimen, but that feels counterintuitive and unsupportive to your body? If you're tired of feeling stuck and ready to make a change, this is for you. Let's break free from ineffective methods and create sustainable habits for a healthier, happier life. Jess Cording is a registered dietitian, health coach, and author with a passion for helping individuals live better lives by building sustainable, healthy habits. Through her extensive experience in writing, consulting, public speaking, and counselling, she has empowered countless individuals, corporations, and media outlets to adopt a drama-free approach to healthy living. Jess is the author of "The Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Health Habits for Managing Stress and Anxiety" and "The Farewell Tour: A Caregiver’s Guide to Stress Management, Sane Nutrition, and Better Sleep." With her unique intersection of nutrition and trauma, Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and a refreshing perspective to the world of health and wellness. In this episode, we discuss: 00:06:12 - The Intersection of Nutrition and Trauma 00:09:21 - Finding Balance and Rebuilding Trust with Food 00:12:34 - The Role of Wellness in Clarity and Stress Management 00:14:01 - Nutrition and Brain Health 00:25:09 - Prioritizing Self-care for Busy Individuals Connect with Jessica Cording Website: jessicacordingnutrition.com/ Instagram: @jesscording Facebook: Jessica Cording Nutrition X: @JessCording Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Feb 6, 2024 • 37min
Ep 55: Shattering Your Upper Limits with Gay Hendricks
Gay Hendricks, PhD, is a renowned leader in relationship transformation and body-mind therapies with over 45 years of experience. As a bestselling author of more than 40 books, including The Big Leap, and Conscious Loving, co-authored with Dr. Kathleen Hendricks, Gay's work has been a catalyst for personal growth and self-acceptance. His expertise has been recognized globally, with appearances on influential platforms like Oprah and CNN, and his commitment to democratizing therapy and personal growth has had a profound impact on the field. Gay's insights on overcoming limitations and finding one's genius zone are invaluable for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being and personal development. Gay Hendricks discovered the power of self-acceptance and the limitations it imposes through his work with brilliant engineers and executives at Stanford University in the 1970s. Observing these high-achieving individuals experience tremendous success at work, only to face conflict and arguments in their personal lives, led him to a profound realization. He recognized a pattern within himself as well, where moments of joy and accomplishment were often followed by self-sabotage. This prompted him to delve deeper into the concept of an "upper limit", which hindered individuals from fully embracing their achievements. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the power of breaking free from self-imposed constraints and embracing your full potential. Are you ready to unlock the key to overcoming personal limitations through the transformative power of self-acceptance? In this episode, we discuss: 00:02:26 - Unveiling the Zone of Genius 00:11:24 - Shattering Upper Limit stories 00:15:48 - Integrating mind and body 00:28:53 - Understanding the connection between physical symptoms and emotional health 00:30:11 - Acceptance and personal growth 00:31:04 - Identifying and resolving internal patterns Connect with Gay Hendricks Website: hendricks.com Instagram: @hendricks.gay Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Jan 30, 2024 • 33min
Ep 54: Integrity in Wellness with Dr. Margarita Russolello
Dr. Margarita Russolello, DACM, L.Ac. is a highly respected doctor of acupuncture in East Asian Medicine, OBGYN, herbalist, and well-established healer. With over a decade of experience in diverse wellness modalities, Dr. Margarita focuses on creating visionary lives and thriving ecosystems in body, mind, and spirit. As a queer, sober, neurodivergent, trauma-informed provider, she specializes in integrative medicine, with a keen focus on fertility, hormonal health, mental health, and chronic pain. Her unique approach blends traditional acupuncture and integrative medicine with psychosomatic healing and spiritual enlightenment, helping thousands of patients achieve balanced and pain-free lives. Dr. Margarita's expertise and compassionate approach make her a valuable voice in the conversation on integrity in wellness. In a world where we need wellness professionals to seek integrity in their practice, Dr. Margarita Russolello takes a community-oriented and socially aware approach shaped by her own experiences as a disabled person with chronic illness, igniting a passion for integrated solutions that consider emotional and spiritual components. In this episode, we discuss: 00:01:16 - Dr. Margarita's Holistic Approach 00:10:14 - Embracing Joy and Presence Through Death Work 00:14:15 - Understanding Codependency 00:18:00 - Relational and Individual Healing 00:19:40 - The Psychospiritual Approach to Wellness 00:24:36 - Liberationist Theology and Honoring Lineages 00:26:32 - Practicing with Integrity and Reverence Connect with Dr. Margarita Russolello Website: margaritarussolello.com Instagram: @margaritarussolello Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Jan 23, 2024 • 13min
Ep 53: Your Big Leap
In this episode, Amina AlTai shares her personal journey of contemplating her next big leap in life, drawing inspiration from Gay Hendricks' book, The Big Leap (EP 55). Amina emphasizes the significance of overcoming fear and resistance, encouraging listeners to take small steps towards their big leap and not wait for the perfect moment. Amina's relatable storytelling and practical advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking greater clarity and purpose in life. Are you ready to take a leap and pursue your dreams? In this episode, we discuss: 00:01:06 - Embracing Change and Taking Big Leaps 00:05:28 - Amina's Big Leap 00:10:21 - Overcoming Fears and Taking Action 00:12:37 - Taking Steps Towards Big Leaps Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Jan 16, 2024 • 35min
Ep 52: Mastering Your Job Hunt: A Hiring Manager's Insider Guide with Lauren McGoodwin
Do you want to enhance your performance in interviews and upgrade your job search strategies? Learn insider methods to elevate your interview game and optimize your job hunt for career advancement with the Career Contessa herself, Lauren McGoodwin. In this episode, we explore the proven techniques for boosting your interview success and refining your job search approach. Elevate your interview skills and job search tactics to secure the career advancement you desire. Lauren McGoodwin, the founder of Career Contessa, brings a wealth of expertise to the table with her background as a former recruiter at Hulu. Her commitment to revolutionizing the career landscape has led to the establishment of Career Contessa, a comprehensive online resource offering practical career advice, job prospects, and a salary database. Lauren's extensive contributions extend to her bestselling book, "Power Moves," which serves as a guide for individuals seeking to pivot and carve out purpose-driven careers. With her strong foothold in career development and her dedication to providing accessible resources, Lauren is a prominent figure in empowering professionals to navigate the intricacies of the job market. Join me as we delve into the invaluable insights that Lauren has to offer on mastering the job hunt and making substantial strides in your professional journey. In this episode, we discuss: 00:07:25 - Crafting an Effective Resume 00:12:22 - Overcoming Bias in Job Search 00:15:10 - Navigating a Competitive Job Market 00:20:50 - Spotting Red and Green Flags in Job Postings 00:23:45 - Interview Coaching 00:29:09 - Addressing Ageism in Job Interviews 00:32:01 - Impact of AI on the Job Market The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out the book Power Moves by Lauren McGoodwin for a bestselling guide on how to pivot, reboot, and build a career of purpose. Jobscan.co — Jobscan helps you optimize your resume for any job, highlighting the key experience and skills recruiters need to see. Resumeworded.com—Designed by top recruiters, our AI-powered platform instantly gives you tailored feedback on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Connect with Lauren McGoodwin Website: careercontessa.com Instagram: @careercontessa LinkedIn: Lauren McGoodwin Podcast: Career Contessa Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Jan 9, 2024 • 34min
Ep 51: Anti-oppressive Spirituality with Harshada David Wagner
Our guest this week is Harshada David Wagner, a highly experienced meditation instructor, author, and wisdom teacher with more than 25 years of teaching experience. Trained in the wisdom traditions of yoga, bhakti, vedanta, and tantra, he is dedicated to helping individuals live more fulfilling, soul-centered, and purpose-driven lives. Emphasizing the importance of ongoing learning and humility, Harshada's teachings are deeply rooted in applied yoga philosophy. With a strong commitment to addressing colonial systems of oppression, he is focused on the liberation of all beings and is actively exploring anti-oppressionist teachings in the current societal climate. In this episode, we discuss: 00:03:39 - Applied Yoga Philosophy 00:06:27 - Recovery Programs and Spirituality 00:11:08 - Anti-Oppressionist Teaching and Spiritual Integrity 00:16:46 - Discerning Authentic Teachers 00:21:17 - Spiritual Bypass and Social Justice 00:24:27 - Nuanced Perspectives and Challenging Conversations Connect with Harshada David Wagner Website: davidhwagner.com Instagram: @harshadawagner Instagram: @torn_and_mended Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Jan 2, 2024 • 27min
Ep 50: Career Ego Death & Rebirth with Jesse Johnson and Amanda Chase
Amanda Chase is the founder and editor in chief of Substance. With a background in psychology and visual communications, Amanda has honed her skills and gained valuable experience working with renowned brands in New York City. Her commitment to authentic and impactful content led her to establish Substance, a platform focused on women's empowerment and holistic well-being. Jesse Johnson is a leader in the art of sales and success coaching. With over a decade of teaching experience and a thriving personal development company, Jesse empowers spiritual leaders to align their true purpose with financial success. All three of us, Amina included, navigated a bit of an ego death this year. In this episode, we share what that means, what it looked like for each of us, and the point of it all. In this episode, we discuss: 00:03:03 - Definition of Ego Death and Rock Bottom 00:09:24 - Deepening into Purpose 00:12:59 - Choosing Happiness and Satisfaction 00:14:09 - Embracing Change and Ego Death 00:22:10 - Embracing Non Attachment Connect with Jesse Johnson Website: jessejohnsoncoaching.com Instagram: @jessejohnsoncoaching Facebook: facebook.com/JesseJohnsonCoaching Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jesse-johnson-299494114 Connect with Amanda Chase Website: wearesubstance.co Instagram: @substanceplatfrom TikTok: @substanceplatform Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Dec 26, 2023 • 14min
Ep 49: A Healthy Dose of Delusion: Bringing the Big Energy for 2024
If you're feeling the constant weight of self-doubt and fear holding you back from taking bold steps towards your goals, then you are not alone! You may be constantly second-guessing your abilities and hesitating to seize opportunities, instead of confidently pursuing your dreams. You might be stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk and limiting beliefs, which is keeping you from reaching your full potential. But it's time to break free from these self-imposed barriers and unlock the confidence and courage within you! In this episode, we discuss: 00:03:39 - Reflecting on Past Achievements 00:10:30 - Taking Bold Action 00:12:01 - Embracing Dululu Actions with Courage and Confidence 00:12:30 - Setting Kind and Aligned Goals 00:13:45 - Overcoming Challenges and Thinking Big Resources: Reflect and Manifest Worksheet Questions for Reflection: Start by acknowledging you have already lived a big and brave life full of brave and bold choices. List 5 examples of brave and bold choices you’ve made over the years. Now, let’s get real with ourselves—where are you playing small and why? The why is such an important question to ask yourself. When I did this exercise, I realized I was afraid of rejection even though I get rejected all day, every day, but those are low stakes areas for me. If I get rejected around high stakes things and feel like no one wants me for those things, it kind of unravels my purpose to a certain degree. And there was a part of me that was terrified to see or feel that. So I had to stare that in the face before I could really get delulu. Now, let’s get delusional and grand. List out 10 BRAVE, BOLD MOVES you haven’t given yourself permission to make. What are some things that would just be audacious? Along the lines of DMing Lady Gaga. What are the stories you tell yourself about why you can’t have these things? Maybe you’re telling yourself there are so many other people that could do the thing better, you’ll never get through to the people you want to, etc. Make a list and then see if you can reframe those stories. If you don’t, we’ll stay in our delulu smallness versus our delulu grandness. Now, let’s get in action. Pick your top 3 brave, bold moves. What actions are you going to take to make them happen, and by when? Put these actions on your calendar, and enlist a friend to hold you accountable if you want to. Personally, I’ve been having delulu brainstorms with friends who are holding me accountable for these big actions. Send them receipts so they can see you made moves. Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai