The Ultimate Journey of Self-Care

Alison sits down with Alex Crowther, the CEO of Pain Academy, who shares his profound journey of navigating chronic pain and the lessons he's learned along the way. As they embark on this enlightening discussion, they focus on the myriad ways that our perceptions and narratives shape our experiences with pain, especially at a time when many of you are contemplating your goals for the New Year.Alex's story is one of resilience, overcoming despair, and ultimately discovering a new path through pain coaching. Throughout their conversation, they examine the emotional and psychological dimensions of chronic pain, emphasizing the often-overlooked aspect of how our mental narratives can contribute to our physical experiences.Understanding the mechanics of pain is crucial, Alex explains. He shares insights into how our brains process pain signals and how acknowledging our experiences can trigger a path to healing. Alex highlights the importance of reframing the language we use about our pain, shifting our mindset from one of suffering to one of safety and empowerment. He provides practical strategies that he has adopted, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing techniques, and recognizing triggers that exacerbate pain, to illustrate how small changes can lead to significant improvements in one's quality of life.Their conversation also touches on the inherent isolation that accompanies chronic pain. Alex discusses the power of feeling seen and heard, especially in a medical context where patients often find their voices dismissed. He recounts his experience with a pain coach who validated his struggles, offering the compassionate support that was pivotal in his healing journey. In doing so, Alex encourages listeners to consider seeking out a pain coach or a supportive community to navigate their own pain experiences.HIGHLIGHTS:20:38 Meditation Insights and Techniques33:15 Connecting with Pain Coaching34:06 Final Thoughts on Self-Care Journeyconnect with Alex:website: https://paincoachacademy.comfind a coach: https://paincoachacademy.com/pca-alumniSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024 ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this episode of the Ultimate Journey of Self-Care, Alison had the privilege of speaking with Steve Gallegos, a multi-faceted guide who wears many hats: an attorney, author, speaker, and consultant. With his newly published book, Unshackled, they delved deep into how individuals can redefine their self-care practices by reevaluating their core beliefs and narratives that shape their lives. Steve’s journey from overcoming a troubled youth to thriving in various professional roles exemplifies that personal transformation is possible through conscious choice and awareness.Steve shared his personal journey including the pivotal moment during his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he discovered the power of looking beyond himself to help others. This experience served as a cornerstone for his understanding of self-worth and value, leading him to advocate for a mindset shift in how we perceive our lives and the stories we tell ourselves. They explored how many of us often unconsciously act out scripts written by societal norms and past experiences. With insights from his book, he provides a framework to help people rewrite those scripts and take charge of their narratives.Steve shared profound insights about overcoming feelings of unworthiness and imposter syndrome, which can hold individuals back from pursuing their true potential. Common themes emerged regarding why people seek guidance: many grapple with the belief that they are not deserving of happiness or success. He encourages listeners to recognize that these beliefs are often rooted in childhood experiences, and he advocates for awareness as a key first step towards transformation.Moreover, they touched on how societal pressures and the pursuit of happiness can lead to a sense of competition rather than collaboration. By creating an environment of support, individuals can thrive instead of just surviving. Throughout their conversation, Steve reiterated the importance of envisioning what a fulfilled life looks like and the necessity of taking small, actionable steps towards achieving it.Listeners will gain valuable takeaways from this episode, including the message that change does not always require massive leaps but can often begin with a simple yes or no to opportunities that come our way. Steve's heartfelt commitment to helping others through his work and community initiatives reflects a genuine desire to empower individuals to take ownership of their lives.HIGHLIGHTS:16:06 Unshackled: The Book24:13 The Pursuit of Happiness26:14 Tips for Transformationconnect with Steve:website: https://www.steviegsuccess.comfree resources: https://www.steviegsuccess.com/learning-loungeUnshackled (book): https://a.co/d/aYHhbsWSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024 ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this episode, Alison welcomes Courtney Koenig, a dynamic coach who has recently rebranded her business under the theme "The ROI of Peace." With the start of a new year, their conversation delves deep into the concept of human design, a growing trend among entrepreneurs and those seeking personal growth. They explore how human design isn't just a fad; it offers valuable insights into how individuals can harness their innate strengths for better alignment in their personal and professional lives.Courtney shares her journey toward the rebranding of her podcast and coaching practice, emphasizing that true success should be measured by the amount of peace we cultivate rather than just traditional markers like income or productivity. She articulates that many of us overlook the vital importance of inner peace in evaluating the health of our lives and businesses.Alison and Courtney dive into the science of human design, unraveling its complexities and how it connects to our personal identities. Courtney enlightens listeners on what human design entails, how it resembles personality tests like the Enneagram, but with greater depth and specifics tied to one’s birth details. She addresses the skepticism that surrounds it and shares insights drawn from her experiences, providing evidence of its accuracy and usefulness.They also recognize the challenges that modern entrepreneurs face, from external societal pressures to the internal struggles of self-doubt and burnout. Courtney offers practical advice about creating pockets of peace in our daily lives through mindfulness and small, intentional practices rather than overwhelming elaborations. This encouragement to treat peace as an investment rather than an occasional luxury forms a recurrent theme in our dialogue.Courtney emphasizes how important it is not to let external chaos dictate our internal peace. She reminds us that we possess the power to choose our reactions and states of mind, regardless of external circumstances. Her personal anecdotes, including coping with MS and harnessing her skills to remain positive, highlight the universal nature of our struggles and the potential for inner resilience and growth.To wrap up the episode, Courtney shares her easy-to-implement tips for evaluating our daily lives and incorporating practices that promote a sense of peace and fulfillment. She encourages creating a “peace list,” developed from personal revelations about what rejuvenates and uplifts us. This list becomes a foundational tool for navigating life’s ups and downs with grace and intention.HIGHLIGHTS:2:49 Understanding Human Design6:13 The Science Behind Human Design8:35 The Power of Self-Awareness15:00 Tools for Peace16:36 Navigating Life's Challenges17:54 Finding Your Peace Practices20:38 Creating Consistent Peace26:16 The Return on Investment of Peace31:52 Believing in Possibilities33:05 Connecting with Communityconnect with Courtney:website: https://roiofpeace.comHuman Design chart: https://roiofpeace.com/humandesignchartSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024 ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this final episode of 2025, Alison reflects on her transformative experiences and personal growth throughout 2025. She shares insights on the essential role of reflection in her self-care routine, emphasizing the need to prioritize self-care beyond mere tasks.She outlines three key changes she's made this year: scheduling weekly appointments with herself to focus on fitness and downtime, establishing a morning ritual for reflection and creativity, and implementing a quarterly evaluation process for goals.As we approach 2026, you're encouraged to consider these practices and remain open to change on your self-care journeys.HIGHLIGHTS:1:59 Insights on Self-Care4:14 The Importance of Scheduling7:09 Morning Quiet Time12:05 Evaluating Progress Regularly19:24 Embracing Change and Growth25:10 The Power of Consistency31:05 Looking Ahead to 2026SPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024 ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Just in time for the holidays, Alison brings you a candid conversation with Tricia Nelson, delving into the complexities of emotional eating. Tricia shares her personal experiences with binge eating and the emotional ties that lead many individuals to use food as a coping mechanism for stress and unresolved issues.They explore the PEP test—Painkiller, Escape, and Punishment—as a tool to help listeners identify their motivations for eating. Tricia emphasizes the importance of internal healing and self-awareness over restrictive diets, discussing how personal traits like people-pleasing can influence eating patterns.She provides actionable tips for establishing a morning self-care routine, fostering emotional resilience, and ultimately creating a healthier relationship with food. This episode offers valuable insights and strategies for overcoming the emotional cycles tied to eating.HIGHLIGHTS:3:15 Journey of Healing5:38 The Challenge of Commitment6:53 Understanding Your "Until"9:32 The Role of Food in Emotions10:59 Introducing the PEP Test16:25 The Anatomy of Emotional Eating19:26 The Living Problem vs. Eating Problem23:33 Tips for Easy Winsconnect with Tricia:website: https://healyourhunger.comSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024 ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this episode, Alison chats with David Allred, wellness entrepreneur and founder of Dry Farm Wines, about the complexities of eating clean. They discuss the evolution of the food system, the importance of quality ingredients, and his latest project, Slacka—a snack replacement beverage designed to promote fullness and clean energy.David shares insights on navigating unhealthy marketing practices and offers practical tips for improving one's relationship with food through mindfulness. This episode is packed with valuable strategies for health-conscious listeners.HIGHLIGHTS:14:55 The Importance of Snack Alternatives15:04 Evolution of Food Choices19:02 Spotlight on Slacka Beverage20:07 Tips for Overcoming Overwhelmconnect with David:website: drinkslacka.comSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison speaks with Dr. Wayne Baird, a retired chiropractor, about the connection between thoughts and physical health. They discuss how unresolved beliefs and personal conflicts can lead to physical ailments, illustrated by a case where emotional healing resolved severe intestinal issues.Dr. Baird emphasizes the role of conscious awareness in shaping our beliefs and interactions, introduces the "refractory period," and advocates for curiosity as a means to personal transformation. He also presents an AI initiative for anonymously assessing belief systems, promoting community and growth.This conversation is packed with insights for enhancing self-awareness and well-being.HIGHLIGHTS:2:28 The Role of Beliefs in Health4:13 Understanding Freedom and Energy6:41 The Impact of Stress on Health10:23 A Case Study of Healing14:18 Beliefs and Perception16:40 Managing Inner Dialogue18:14 Energy States and Relationships24:54 Tips for Reducing Stress28:04 Understanding Behavior and Beliefs30:23 Generational Healing through Beliefconnect with Dr. Baird:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-baird-1b051424email: drwaynebaird@yahoo.comSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

In this episode, Alison talks with Dr. Jeff Fineman, a veteran in veterinary care and molecular science, who shares his transformative journey toward holistic wellness and energy communication in animal care.Dr. Fineman outlines his BEAM framework—Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood—as crucial metrics for understanding pet well-being. He emphasizes the importance of intuitive interspecies communication and how being attuned to the vibrational exchanges between humans and animals can enhance our relationships.Listeners benefit from practical strategies to improve their interactions with pets and insights into the role of mitochondria in energy balance. They also discuss his upcoming book, "The Path to Pet Wellness," which aims to empower pet owners through a blend of scientific knowledge and compassionate care.Ultimately, Dr. Fineman inspires a deeper understanding of our pets as reflections of our inner states, encouraging a holistic approach to communication and connection.HIGHLIGHTS:11:54 The Impact of Mitochondria14:19 Understanding Mitochondria15:57 The BEAM Communication Framework17:03 Animal Communication Programs18:41 Upcoming Book Release21:08 Final Thoughts and Adviceconnect with Dr. Finemanwebsite: https://www.holisticactions.comSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison chats with Sarah Boes, a nurse practitioner and advocate for congenital heart disease. She shares her journey from personal struggles with mental health during COVID-19 to creating a successful review course for her peers.Sarah discusses the emotional impact of her daughter's diagnosis with multiple heart defects, which fueled her advocacy, particularly her involvement in the Congenital Hearts Future Act. Alison and Sarah explore the importance of mental health care, her ongoing projects with non-profits, and ways listeners can help raise awareness about congenital heart disease.This conversation underscores resilience and the vital connection between health and mental well-being.HIGHLIGHTS:13:10 Embracing Advocacy and Activism16:27 Navigating Exposure Therapy20:20 Becoming an Advocate for Change24:14 Seeing Real Impact in Advocacy26:05 Connecting with Sarah: Next Stepsconnect with Sarah:website: https://sarahmichelleboes.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmichellenpSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution

Alison talks with Michelle Coulson, founder of Remote Rebellion, about the transformative journey into remote work. They explore the significance of breaking free from conventional job structures to prioritize self-care and fulfillment. Michelle shares her transition from recruitment to entrepreneurship, revealing how the pandemic catalyzed her desire for a more meaningful lifestyle.Alison and Michelle discuss the mindset required for success in remote environments, emphasizing commitment over mere interest in change. Michelle underscores that remote work is accessible to everyone, regardless of career stage, and illustrates this with inspiring client success stories.The conversation concludes with Michelle's strategies for guiding individuals through their job searches, highlighting the role of community and accountability in achieving sustainable success. This discussion serves as a powerful reminder that embracing flexibility can lead to profound personal and professional growth.HIGHLIGHTS:14:44 The Importance of Skills18:46 Working with All Ages22:59 Final Thoughts and Resourcesconnect with Michelle:website: https://remoterebellion.comSPONSOR:Cellev8Discount code: THEALISONK2024ALISON'S LINKS:Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramGET MY FREE 4 part Pop-up Podcast SeriesJOIN Borderless Hybrid Innovators FB GroupINNOVATION AVENUE: Fitness and Self-Care Revolution