In this intimate episode, we delve into the intricate world of storytelling, guided by the insightful and multi-talented Kristen McGuiness. From her early days at Shakespeare & Co. in New York to becoming a revered author, editor, and publisher, Kristen's journey is a testament to the power of narrative in our lives.

The Power of Story:
Kristen shares her deep-seated passion for storytelling, tracing it back to her childhood love for books and the profound impact they've had on her life's trajectory. Her work at Storyboxing and Rise Books, providing content, coaching, and courses, reflects her commitment to nurturing and fostering the stories within each of us.

A Journey Through Publishing:
As a co-founder of Row House and founder of Rise Books, Kristen is at the helm of publishing imprints that merge wellness with social justice, offering a platform where stories ignite change. With over two decades of experience, she has collaborated with renowned authors and shaped compelling narratives, wielding her expertise in book development and editing.

Rise Books is a boutique literary publisher, which curates the best of the Rise Writers community, publishing 6 to 10 books a year in the genres of cultural disruption, mysticism, ethical business, radical birthing, collective liberation, political fiction, literary memoir, motherhood, recovery, and other works that explore what it means to be radically inspired.

Vulnerability and Real Connections:
The interview takes a personal turn as Kristen candidly shares anecdotes about her relationship with her father, grief, and relief- that invite listeners into her world of "real life." The conversation resonates deeply as personal stories about fatherhood emerge, fostering a raw and genuine connection between Kristen and myself. I get very personal and share a story with Kristen- THAT I HAVE NEVER TOLD ANYONE!

Navigating Life's Chapters:
Kristen's openness extends beyond her professional journey, offering glimpses into her marriage, her current life situation, and the genesis of her upcoming works, THE RADICAL HOPE OF SPECTACULAR FAILURE. Her candor and warmth infuse the conversation with authenticity, creating a space for genuine moments and revelations.

A Tapestry of Hope and Resilience:
Throughout the interview, Kristen's warmth and wisdom shine, inspiring a narrative woven with hope, resilience, and the transformative power of vulnerability. As she highlights the back story behind her debut novel, Live Through This, and explores various film and TV projects, Kristen embodies the essence of storytelling as a vehicle for healing and understanding.

Join us in this captivating episode, where Kristen McGuiness invites us into the profound world of storytelling and the remarkable journey of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in crafting life's narratives.

FOLLOW KRISTEN MCGUINESS :
https://www.risebooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenmcguiness/https://www.instagram.com/kristenmcguiness/

Are you or someone you know struggling with OCD or anxiety?

In this episode, I sit down with Madina Alam, M.A., LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor and certified yoga instructor, who specializes in treating OCD and anxiety.

Madina is also the Director of Operations at NOCD, a company dedicated to treating individuals with OCD using exposure response prevention (ERP), a research-backed type of treatment.

Madina shares her expertise on how to effectively treat OCD and anxiety, including:

• What is OCD and anxiety and how do they affect people?
• The different types of OCD and anxiety and how to identify them
• How exposure response prevention (ERP) works as a treatment option
• The role of mindfulness and yoga in managing symptoms
• Practical tips for living with discomfort and managing symptoms

Madina's approach to treatment focuses on helping individuals learn to live with discomfort and become comfortable with the uncertainty of life.

She believes that everyone has the ability to overcome their struggles and live a fulfilling life.

My favorite part of this episode, is when Madina shares a profound story of how she overcame a deep fear by approaching the things that she was sacred of. Madina shares how she did not down grade the traumatic experience that had happened to her regarding her personal trainer and spoke up for herself.

Madina shares how she was the therapist to herself and followed her own advice:
"Pick to the choice that is alignment with your values, not with what you're scared of."

I hope this episode inspires you as much as it did for me.

xo,
Dr. Sylvia

You can follow Madina Alam on Instagram: @mentalhealth_madina_

It's been a roller coaster of emotions for me since I've last posted a podcast episode.
When they say "Life happens," it’s no joke- there's been a lot of life and death that has happened in my world.

From moving homes and offices in Miami of 2022, to suddenly loosing my mother-in-law in February of 2023, to then moving continents from the US to Switzerland with my family in July of 2023- let’s say it’s been a whirlwind for me. Hence the huge hiatus from my podcast.

But no more delays. I’m back and ready to embrace the incredible stories of growth, life, and loneliness that land on the Dr. Sylvia K show.

I have a couple of raw and real stories saved in the pipeline for you.

In today’s episode- You will meet Luna Battalia, a Leadership Mentor and Brand Cohesion Strategist.

I recorded this interview last year on September 14, 2022.

You will hear some thunder in the background which is a great metaphor for Luna’s passion about rites of passage and growth for leaders. In this episode, Luna is going to speak about her own rites of passages as well as how we can honor the Self when we are going through change, loss, or grief.

I am so grateful for Luna and her work, because learning how to honor the Self, in those moments of big and small changes, has helped me SOOOO much.

I hope Luna's voice and stories can help you feel just a little less alone in this world.

You can find more info about Luna and her incredible work at:
www.lunaloveleadership.com
or on instagram: @lunabattalia

xo,
Dr. Sylvia K