Podcast
My Crunchy Zen Era
Hosted by Nicole Swisher · EN
Just your average millennial with a traumatic brain injury trying to simplify life in a chaotic world. Since I don't remember half of what I hear, the best option was obviously to record smart or interesting people (sometimes… they’re even both!!) answering my questions about life. And it'd just be downright awkward if I didn't share it on a podcast.
Welcome to My Crunchy Zen Era... we're not exactly sure what it is but we're figuring it out!
Hosted by Nicole Swisher.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Imposter Syndrome: Constant Fear You Don't Belong with Melissa Rabell
3w ago00:56:07Tap to summarizeNicole sits down with mental health counselor, trauma therapist, public speaker & CEO Melissa Rabell this episode! Melissa specializes in trauma recovery, nervous system regulation and helping people reclaim their sense of self.This former musician who loves a good farmer's market did not see the point of therapy at first... but after doing the work on herself, she thinks everyone can benefit from it.▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:Overcoming the Imposter by Kris KelsoMindset by Carol DweckConnect with Melissa:Her WebsiteConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →Biblical Archaeology: The Gap Between Scripture & Artifacts with Amanda Hope Haley
Jun 1800:57:18Tap to summarizeNicole sits down the Red-Haired Archaeologist Amanda Hope Haley! Amanda went to Harvard, but that's the least interesting thing she shares on this episode.Was Goliath actually a giant? Do you know the truth about Mary Magdalene? Amanda is a wealth of knowledge ready to bridge the gap between academia and us. Amanda helps us understand what archaeology is and what it is not.Have you secretly wanted to be Indiana Jones? Turns out, you can go on an archological dig for your next vacation. You're gonna have to listen to find out how (don't google it).▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric ClineThe Gilded Age TV ShowConnect with Amanda:Her WebsiteConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →Adoption Advocate: Hearing Your Calling at a Young Age with Elizabeth McGlathery
Jun 400:42:46Tap to summarizeNicole is joined this episode by Elizabeth McGlathery, a marketing wiz, photographer and adoption advocate. Elizabeth knew from a young age that she wanted to adopt children, she was so sure about this calling that she even started a savings account to help with her future endeavors.Along with her husband, she has now adopted three boys. Elizabeth shares their journey navigating the ups and downs of the adoption process and the great joy that came with building their a family.▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler StatonBreath as Prayer by Jennifer TuckerThe Life That You've Always Wanted by John OrtbergBreath by James NestorConnect with Elizabeth:InstagramConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →Son of a Seeker: A Documentary of a Spiritual Journey with Kai Balin
May 2100:48:45Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to be Jewish? Kai Balin explored this question and his spiritual journey in his documentary film, Son of a Seeker. Kai has always been a seeker, point in fact, he's attempted to start a dance crew in Jerusalem... you'll have to listen to find out more about that tidbit.Don't miss this thought provoking conversation about fitting in and seeking acceptance while never forgetting where you come from.▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoWAGOS PodcastBurnout by Emily NagoskiConnect with Kai:InstagramDocumentary ScreeningConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →A Cult Enthusiast's Warning Signs... That You're in a Cult with Teresa Morrison
May 700:42:47Tap to summarizeAre you in a cult? Not sure? Nicole and her guest, Teresa Morrison, are here to help you figure it out and escape. On top of being a comedian, improviser and actress, Teresa has become quite the cult enthusiast... and may have converted Nicole too.The duo watched the documentary Escaping Twin Flames and they dissect the documentary as they delve into the psychological manipulation behind cults. With the rise of influencers, company cultures, and our own vulnerabilities, we are all susceptible to wanting to find our people and our purpose in community. Unfortunately some people take advantage of that, but Nicole and Teresa will provide you with the red flags you need to be aware of to steer clear of cults and maybe join theirs.▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:Escaping Twin Flames DocumentaryConnect with Teresa:InstagramConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →Do We Define Pop Culture.. or the Other Way Around with Nikki Denton
Apr 3000:47:17Tap to summarizeNikki Denton has always been fascinated with 'The Business'. This improviser and Executive Assistant to the Executive Producer for live network TV productions turned her obsession into a life long calling to preserve the integrity of a fading art. She admittedly stumbled into a few positions that elevated her career and now hopes to parlay that mix of luck and experience into a new adventurous life in New York! But.. before she heads out on her next journey she drops in to talk pop culture and entertainment with Nicole! They discuss the state of the entertainment industry and what or who defines pop culture... do books count?▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:Zachary the SwiftologistBrent Hull the AntiflipperConnect with Nikki:InstagramBlogConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →Your Hormones Aren't the Enemy (Here's Why) with Abbie Stasior
Apr 2300:51:32Tap to summarizeCycle syncing: when women's cycles sync up because they're spending too much time gossiping together. Uh... not quite. Nicole is joined this episode by Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Abbie Stasior to answer her questions about eating to support your hormones, diet culture, and women's health.Nicole and Abbie talk about aligning your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and self-care practices, with the natural hormonal fluctuations throughout a menstrual cycle. Delving into how living in harmony with a woman's natural rhythms rather than working against them, promotes better hormone balance and overall womens health. So many women struggle with feeling like my body hates me! But this podcast dives into why that's just not true.▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:Modern Wisdom Podcast Episode #1047In the Flo by Alisa VittiConnect with Abbie:InstagramConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →Happy Employees = Bigger Profits? Here's What Leaders Get Wrong with Nadian Zak
Apr 1600:44:49Tap to summarizeFresh off a three day silent retreat, Nadian Zak, founder and CEO of Zak Human Solutions, joins Nicole on the first episode back from spring break! Nadian's company began in response to her frustration with the CEOs she worked with in her day job. Their inability to understand the importance of people and culture to profitability (and just being a good human being) led her to take matters into her own hands and become the CEO she never had. In its initial two years, Zak Human Solutions grew exponentially by putting a focus on people and culture, while making HR more accessible and affordable for small businesses.Nicole and Nadian delve into how culture is a trickle down effect from leadership, signs of a toxic work environment, and the importance of creating a culture of belonging... feeling like you can have opposing viewpoints while still being welcomed and accepted.▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:Uno FlipSchool of Greatness PodcastConnect with Nadian:InstagramConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →Painting as Meditation? Here's What Happened with Drew Harrison
Mar 1900:40:17Tap to summarizeThis week Nicole sits down with standup comedian, podcaster and artist (and editor of the pod!) Drew Harrison... Drew has rediscovered his love of art as he gets older and has used it to help deal with everyday stress and the roller coaster of emotions that comes with being professional standup comedian. Drew is also one of many comedians with a deep, abiding love of professional wrestling.Drew started watching Bob Ross as a form of clearing his mind but soon found himself picking up a brush to follow along. Nicole and Drew share a history of brain injuries and discuss how they face it each and every day.They might have even uncovered a Reese's holiday conspiracy!!▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:Nicole's Amazon StoreStumbleOh Hey Guys with Drew HarrisonCreatine*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases you buy through this link.Connect with Drew:InstagramDrew's Wrestling PodcastConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
Transcribe →A Recovering People Pleaser Achieving a Renaissance Life with Sydney Dozier
Mar 1200:44:19Tap to summarizeLife integration not work life balance leads to a Renaissance Life. Nicole is joined by Sydney Dozier this week and they discuss how high achieving women can love their lives and thrive despite the hustle. While juggling a business and a family, Sydney realized that although you need to work hard, it's how you learn to integrate your work and personal that helps you thrive.The pair delve into having an inner circle and people around you that know you so well, they can speak into your life and have your back. From embracing CEO energy this year to setting up boundaries to avoid social media hangovers, Sydney brings insight and joy to this week's episode.▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile.Recommendations:The Other Significant Others by Raina Cohen (find it in: Nicole's Amazon Store)JunoWomen Connect*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases you buy through this link.Connect with Sydney:InstagramRenaissance Marketing Group InstagramConnect with Nicole:InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook
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