Ep 163 In this episode of Journey to Your Best Self, Brian and Tara O’Neil sit down with Drew Hanson, a licensed teacher in the Urasenke tradition and founder of Boka Kuan Japanese Tea House and Garden. Together, they explore the timeless practice of chado—the Japanese tea ceremony—and how it offers a path toward mindfulness, presence, and self-discovery. Drew shares how intention, ritual, and simplicity can deepen our daily lives, and why the tea house is more than just a space—it's a sanctuary.

Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to the art of stillness, this episode invites you to slow down, tune in, and experience the profound tranquility that lives within each cup of tea.

Takeaways

• The Japanese tea ceremony is a meditative ritual rooted in intention and presence.

• Every aspect of the tea experience is designed to awaken the senses and quiet the mind.

• Creating tranquil, intentional spaces can promote inner harmony.

• The principles of chado—harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility—can transform how we live.

• Personal growth often begins in stillness and service to others.

  
  

Timestamps(00:00) – Introduction to the Art of Tea(04:00) – Understanding the Japanese Tea Ceremony(12:48) – The Experience of Presence and Mindfulness(19:16) – Intentionality in Everyday Life(24:49) – The Role of the Teacher in Tea Practice(34:42) – The Structure and Hierarchy of Tea Practice(46:34) – The Cultural Significance of Tea in Japan(49:59) – The Essence of Matcha and Its Benefits(56:16) – The Energy Exchange in Tea Ceremonies(01:01:56) – Finding Harmony and Tranquility Through Tea

Guest LinksVisit Drew Hanson’s tea house at njgreentea.com

Connect With UsYour One Self: linktr.ee/youroneselfTara O'Neil: taraoneil.com | @taraoneil.chtInstagram: @youroneself

Ep 162 In this peaceful and enlightening episode of Journey to Your Best Self, hosts Brian and Tara O’Neil welcome Tania Ho, intuitive soul guide and founder of Museflower Retreat & Spa in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Tania shares her powerful journey from Hong Kong to Thailand, guided by intuition and a desire to create a sanctuary for healing, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Together, they explore the true essence of meditation—beyond myths and expectations—and how connecting with nature can enhance presence and emotional balance. Tania breaks down the basics of energy healing and Reiki, how to start a meditation practice that actually sticks, and the transformative potential of immersive retreats. Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or deepening your spiritual path, this conversation offers timeless tools for aligning with your highest self.

Takeaways:

• Meditation is about awareness, not perfection.
• Nature co-regulates the nervous system and deepens mindfulness.
• Energy healing reconnects us to universal life force and clarity.
• Intuition can be cultivated through consistent practices.
• Retreats offer space for deep personal transformation.

Chapters:(00:00) Meditation, Energy & Spiritual Growth
(03:07) Tania’s Journey from Hong Kong to Thailand
(09:06) Debunking Meditation Myths
(15:02) Nature’s Role in Mindfulness
(22:36) What Is Reiki & How It Heals
(30:04) Building a Lasting Meditation Habit
(40:53) Favorite Book for Creativity & Intuition
(42:58) Meditation’s Impact on the Body
(49:40) Tania’s Daily Rituals for Well-Being
(51:38) Sacred Rest Retreat Preview (Dec 2025)

Further Info & Connections:

🌸 Learn more about Tania’s work: museflowerretreat.com
📲 Follow Tania on IG: @museflowerretreat
🌿 More from Tara: taraoneil.com
✨ Explore Your One Self: linktr.ee/youroneself
📷 Follow us on IG: @youroneself
📺 Watch on YouTube: @YourOneSelf

Ep 161 In this episode, Brian and Tara O'Neil welcome hypnotherapy and manifestation expert Victoria Gallagher to discuss the power of the subconscious mind, goal setting, and the law of attraction. Victoria shares her journey into podcasting and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of specificity in manifestation and overcoming limiting beliefs. The conversation explores how hypnosis can help reprogram the subconscious, the evolution of manifestation practices, and how daily habits like meditation, visualization, and color therapy can shape success. If you've ever wanted to harness the power of the mind to achieve your dreams, this episode is for you!

Takeaways

• Manifestation requires more than just positive thinking—it’s about aligning thoughts, emotions, and actions.
• Hypnosis can help reprogram the subconscious mind for lasting transformation.
• Specificity in goal-setting is key to achieving success.
• Daily habits like meditation and journaling create a foundation for personal growth.
• Mentorship accelerates progress by revealing blind spots and guiding self-improvement.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Hypnotherapy and Manifestation
(06:08) The Evolution of Victoria's Podcasting Journey
(11:59) Understanding the Law of Attraction & Manifestation
(17:54) Aligning Thoughts, Emotions & Actions for Success
(23:59) The Power of Specificity in Goal-Setting
(33:00) How Hypnosis Rewires the Subconscious Mind
(44:47) Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Mental Blocks
(52:56) The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth
(59:59) The Power of Color Therapy in Healing

✨ Connect with Victoria Gallagher:
🔗 Website:Believe Hypnosis
📸 Instagram:@VictoriaMGallagher

🌎 More from Your One Self:
🔗 Website & Blog:YourOneSelf.com
📲 Instagram:@YourOneSelf
📺 YouTube:Your One Self
🔗 All Links:Your One Self Linktree

🌿 Work with Tara O’Neil:
🔗 Website:TaraO’Neil.com
📸 Instagram:@TaraONeil.CHT

Ep 160 In this episode of Journey to Your Best Self, Brian and Tara O’Neil welcome Matthew Smith, founder of Northern NJ's fastest growing "third space", The Sanctuary, to discuss the transformative power of community, connection, and holistic well-being in recovery. Matthew shares his personal journey of resilience, highlighting how third spaces—community hubs beyond home and work—can be vital for social connection and healing. The conversation explores the role of mental health support groups, the impact of social media on real-life relationships, and why addiction is often rooted in trauma and disconnection rather than just personal failing. Matthew also shares how breathwork, honesty, and emotional release play essential roles in mental health and addiction recovery. This powerful discussion challenges societal norms and offers hope, encouragement, and actionable strategies for those seeking growth, healing, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Takeaways

• Connection is essential for mental health, recovery, and overall well-being.
• Third spaces foster community and provide an alternative to bars or isolating habits.
• Addiction is often a bonding issue, not just a personal failing—healing requires support, not just willpower.
• Breathwork and emotional release are powerful tools for healing trauma.
• Vulnerability fosters deeper relationships, allowing people to feel seen and supported.

Timestamps

(00:00) The Journey to Community and Connection
(08:01) Matthew’s Personal Recovery Story
(18:00) The Role of Third Spaces in Healing
(23:51) The Impact of Social Media on Connection
(30:04) Understanding Addiction and Community Support
(42:47) The Role of Willpower in Recovery
(49:12) The Power of Honesty and Emotional Release
(55:02) The Science and Spirituality of Breathwork
(01:03:14) Recommended Reads for Recovery and Growth
(01:08:19) Where to Find Matthew & The Sanctuary

Find out more about The Sanctuary at thesanctuarynj.com and follow on Instagram @thesanctuarynj.

Follow Tara & Your One Self:
🌿 Website: TaraONeil.com
📲 Instagram: @TaraONeil.CHT
📺 YouTube: Your One Self
📖 Blog: youroneself.com/blog

Ep 159 In this episode of Journey to Your Best Self, Brian and Tara O’Neil sit down with Alexander Moller, founder of Enso Meditation, to discuss the transformative power of meditation in managing anxiety, fostering mental clarity, and unlocking hidden strengths. Alex shares his personal journey of overcoming paralyzing anxiety through a 30-day meditation challenge, revealing how mindfulness reshaped his life. The conversation explores Vipassana meditation, the stigma around mental health, and how meditation can serve as a powerful tool for emotional regulation, productivity, and self-discovery. Whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this episode provides valuable insights into making mindfulness a daily habit.

Takeaways

• Meditation is a powerful tool for managing anxiety and improving mental health.
• Vipassana meditation enhances emotional regulation and self-awareness.
• The stigma around mental health prevents many men from seeking support.
• Building a consistent meditation habit is key to long-term benefits.
• Meditation can unlock personal strengths and superpowers.

• 
  

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Meditation and Personal Transformation
(03:29) The Journey from Anxiety to Clarity
(06:20) Building a Meditation Habit
(09:18) The Stigma of Mental Health and Seeking Help
(12:06) Exploring Vipassana and the Eight-Hour Challenge
(18:16) Unlocking Superpowers through Meditation
(29:16) Motivation and Confidence through Mindfulness
(37:08) Influential Books on Personal Growth
(47:43) Finding Your Tribe and Community
(50:47) Advice from Brian

Connect with Alex

🌿 Website: Enso Meditation
📺 YouTube: Enso Meditation
📷 Instagram: @EnsoMeditation
🧘 Insight Timer: Alex Moeller

Connect with Us

🌎 Website: YourOneSelf.com
🧘 Tara’s Website: TaraONeil.com
📷 Instagram: @YourOneSelf
📷 Tara’s IG: @TaraONeil.CHT

🎧 Listen Now on:
🎙 Spotify: Journey to Your Best Self
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Journey to Your Best Self
📺 YouTube: Your One Self

Ep 158 In this episode of Journey to Your Best Self, hosts Brian and Tara O’Neil sit down with Hunter Chynoweth, known as The Gen Z Mentor, to discuss personal growth, discipline, and the impact of mentorship. Hunter shares his transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement, authenticity, and the evolving societal norms shaping Gen Z. They explore how YouTube serves as a modern mentorship tool, the role of physical fitness in mental clarity, and how daily rituals and affirmations can rewire limiting beliefs. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to build discipline, strengthen their mindset, and take control of their life.

• Discipline and self-improvement are essential for long-term success.
• Mentorship can come from unexpected places, including YouTube and books.
• Balancing mind, body, and spirit leads to a more fulfilling life.
• Daily rituals and affirmations can reshape mindset and unlock potential.
• Authenticity in communication fosters deeper relationships and opportunities.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to Personal Growth and Discipline
(06:05) Navigating the Digital Age: Learning from YouTube
(09:07) Overcoming Shiny Object Syndrome
(15:03) The Role of Physical Fitness in Mental Clarity
(30:09) Authenticity and Communication in the Digital World
(41:30) Gen Z Perspectives on Self-Improvement
(47:44) Book Recommendations for Growth
(51:03) The Power of Affirmations and Daily Rituals
(57:10) Creating Structure to Unlock Your Best Self
(01:07:20) Advice from Brian

Follow us on Instagram:@youroneself
Watch on YouTube:Your One Self
Visit Tara’s Website:taraoneil.com
Explore More on Our Blog:youroneself.com/blog
Follow Hunter:@hunterchynoweth

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential!

Ep 157 In this episode of Journey to Your Best Self, Brian and Tara O'Neil sit down with Jonathon Aslay, one of America’s leading midlife dating coaches, to explore the modern dating landscape, self-love, and emotional health. Jonathon shares his personal journey through online dating, his experience navigating relationships after divorce, and how he transformed his life through personal growth and self-discovery. They discuss how dating has evolved over the years, the importance of intentionality in relationships, and why self-worth is the foundation of love. The conversation also covers practical strategies for finding closure, maintaining gratitude in relationships, and avoiding self-sabotage in dating.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Online dating has changed the way we meet, but self-awareness is key to success.
✅ Emotional maturity improves relationship dynamics and decision-making.
✅ Gratitude strengthens connections and helps relationships thrive.
✅ Intentionality in dating leads to stronger, lasting partnerships.
✅ Every relationship teaches valuable lessons about ourselves.

Timestamps:

⏳ (00:00) Introduction to Self-Love and Relationships
⏳ (06:01) The Evolution of Online Dating
⏳ (12:10) Overcoming Fear in Online Dating
⏳ (17:38) Self-Love and Emotional Health in Dating
⏳ (22:55) Finding Alignment and Relationship Compatibility
⏳ (30:31) Gratitude and Strengthening Relationship Bonds
⏳ (37:24) The Power of Personal Growth in Love
⏳ (47:52) The Role of Closure in Moving Forward
⏳ (51:27) Community and Connection

✨ Follow Us for More Content!
📸 Instagram: @youroneself
📢 Threads: @youroneself

🔗 Connect with Jonathon Aslay
🌎 Website: Jonathon Aslay
📺 YouTube: Jonathon Aslay

#SelfDiscovery #DatingAdvice #Relationships #SelfLove #PersonalGrowth #OnlineDating #Gratitude #MindfulDating #EmotionalHealth #JourneyToYourBestSelf

Summary:

Ep 156 In this episode, Brian and Tara sit down with Jeff Patterson, founder of The Yielding Warrior Method, to explore the integration of meditation, martial arts, and self-discovery. Jeff shares his journey from boxing to the meditative arts of Tai Chi and Qigong, redefining what it means to yield—not as a sign of weakness, but as a powerful strategy for personal growth and performance.

The conversation dives deep into how meditation can be a way of life, the importance of consistency, and how the Five Regulations of Meditation create a foundation for success. Jeff also shares practical insights on getting started with meditation and how to tap into the energetic power of locations around the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Yielding is not about surrendering—it’s about strategically using energy for greater efficiency and performance.
• Meditation should be integrated into daily life, not just as an occasional practice.
• Consistency and having a strong "why" are key to deepening meditation practice.
• Tai Chi and Qigong enhance both mental and physical performance.
• High-energy locations can amplify meditation and personal growth.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Jeff Patterson and The Yielding Warrior Method
(07:25) Understanding meditation beyond traditional seated practices
(13:09) The role of consistency and discipline in personal growth
(19:12) Finding your “why” in meditation
(26:39) The transformative mindset shift through meditation
(30:48) The Five Regulations of Meditation explained
(40:19) How to get started with meditation
(46:14) How energetic locations impact mindfulness and healing
(47:29) Jeff’s personal daily meditation ritual
(48:53) Where to find Jeff’s work and resources

📌 The Yielding Warrior – https://www.theyieldingwarrior.com/
📌 Your One Self Website – youroneself.com
📌 Your One Self Instagram – @youroneself
📌 Tara O’Neil’s Instagram – @taraoneil.cht
📌 Your One Self Linktree – https://linktr.ee/youroneself