In this episode, I had a thoughtful conversation with Ingrid Hu Dahl  about authentic leadership, grief, and the courage it takes to keep growing through life’s transitions. Ingrid shared how her nonlinear path from music to leadership and grief coaching shaped the way she supports people in uncovering patterns, releasing pressure to prove themselves, and reconnecting with their own values and joy. We talked about the difference between simply “getting through” grief and gently integrating it, as well as the importance of regulation, restoration, and self-awareness in both work and life. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to fit into rigid systems or navigate change alone. There are compassionate, practical ways to move forward with more clarity and connection. Connect with Ingrid: Website: IngridHuDahl.comMemoir: sunshiningonmorningsnow.comEmail: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Gyani Richards agreed to chat more with me. We explored the complex journey of grief, healing, and transformation. We talked about the importance of listening to your inner voice, embracing vulnerability, and finding ways to grow through life's most difficult experiences. Gyani shared practical insights and wisdom from his work, offering encouragement for anyone navigating loss, change, or a season of personal growth. Original Chat: Connect with Gyani:  www.ourgriefpath.comEmail: [email protected]: https://gyanirichards.substack.com/ Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I had a fascinating conversation with Elena Sophia Ruiz about her journey from being deeply influenced by mentorship in childhood to becoming a coach dedicated to supporting men's well-being. She shared her insights on human behavior, biotypes, gender dynamics, and the importance of developing authentic self-awareness. We explored how understanding ourselves more deeply can improve our relationships, personal growth, and overall well-being. Connect with Elena: https://www.intimateconversationswithmen.comEmail:l [email protected]: 858-833-5025  Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Meghann Dawson about her journey from childhood trauma and chronic illness to becoming a healing coach and author. She shared how her experiences shaped her path and led her to develop a unique framework centered on self-love, authenticity, and healing. We talked about overcoming life's challenges, embracing vulnerability, and the powerful role community can play in personal transformation and growth. Connect with Meghann: Website: https://www.meghanndawson.com/Book: Becoming is Messy Presale begins August 21st, Preorders available December 15thPodcast: Becoming is Messy https://open.spotify.com/show/0i0w4GBDsTGSwSFn1YcARe Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I had a meaningful conversation with Gyani Richards about his personal journey through grief and the role mindfulness has played in his healing. He shared practical tools for building resilience and how he integrates spiritual practices with grief counseling to support individuals navigating loss. We talked about healing, growth, and ways to cultivate greater presence and strength in the midst of life's most difficult challenges. Connect with Gyani: www.ourgriefpath.comEmail: [email protected]: https://gyanirichards.substack.com/ Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Jenn Rapkin about grief, embodiment, and learning how to be present with difficult emotions. She shared her own journey of grief after losing her parents 15 years apart. She also shared how her work as a naturopathic physician and bodyworker has shaped the way she supports others through loss and healing. We talked about emotional awareness, the wisdom of the body, and how creating space for hard feelings can help us move through grief with greater presence and compassion. Connect with Dr. Jenn: www.drjennrapkin.comDr. Jenn’s Book: The Feeling Muscle: How Felt Emotion Can Help You Sit with and Outlast Hard Feelings    https://a.co/d/07lWmZ7OOriginal Chat with Dr. Jenn: https://www.soundoff.network/show/forward-to-joy/dr-jenn-rapkin/ Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had an inspiring conversation with John Trautwein about his journey from personal tragedy to creating a foundation focused on youth mental health and community support. He shared how his story shaped his mission, and the proactive steps he’s taken to help prevent future tragedies. We talked about the importance of awareness, connection, and what it really takes to support young people in meaningful ways.John’s website:  www.johntrautwein.comAnd the Will To Live Foundation website: www.willtolive.comJohn’s book : The Will To Live: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Will-to-Live/John-Trautwein/9780757326141 Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a deeply personal conversation with Michelle Bray about her journey after losing her husband to suicide. She shared openly about the emotional trauma, the systemic challenges she faced, and even the ways she’s experienced ongoing connection. We talked about grief, mental health, and what it can look like to find purpose in the aftermath of such a profound loss. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a profound conversation with Sarah Hanson about her journey through grief, loss, and finding meaning in the face of death. She shared what it was like to lose three friends in a short period of time, and the experience of walking alongside one of her best friends at the end of her life. We talked about how those losses both tested and deepened the bond within her close circle of friends in such a meaningful way. This conversation explores how we can navigate grief with humor, community, and a sense of acceptance, and what that can look like when you’re in it. Connect with Sarah: https://www.sarahhansonwrites.com/Instagram: @sarahhansonwritesOrder Sarah’s book: Conjuring the Hurricane: The Best Way to Save Your Life is Any Way You Can     https://a.co/d/01OCAZI8 Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a deeply meaningful conversation with Rhonda Kelly about her journey through grief after losing her daughter to suicide. She shared how she’s turned that loss into advocacy—working to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and push for better mental health resources in her community. We talked about the role of education, the power of community, and what healing and prevention can look like in the wake of such profound loss. Connect with Rhonda: https://www.facebook.com/AddisonKellyButterfly5kInstagram - @honouringaddikellyWebsite - https://alexpantonfoundation.ky/addison-kelly-mental-health-education-fund/ Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices