Intuition Over Hustle: The Business Strategy Women Need to Thrive Without Burning Out | Ep 86

Have you ever had that full-body ‘NO’ moment  (the one where every part of you is screaming not to do something) but you overrode it to keep the peace, look “easy,” or avoid being “too much”?So many of us as women have been conditioned to disconnect from our intuition, to downplay our needs, and to override the very guidance that was designed to protect and lead us.In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Abby Miller: holistic business strategist, founder of the Work Womb Podcast, and self-described “yoga teacher turned productivity preacher.” Abby works with visionary women who are building big dreams and teaches them how to follow their intuition, regulate their nervous system, and set the kind of boundaries that create freedom instead of burnout.Inside the episode, we explore:Why intuition is your most underused business and life strategy as well as how to strengthen it in small daily decisionsWhat happens when you override your gut (Abby’s raw stories of trauma, healing, and self-forgiveness)The surprising link between intuition, pleasure, and permission — and how to reclaim all threeHow to shorten the gap between inspiration and action by letting go of permission-seekingThe role of boundaries in creating safety for yourself, your business, your kids, and your relationshipsWhy community is essential for breaking through ceilings and moving past imposter syndromeThis is a conversation about trusting yourself in motherhood, in business, and in the messy, beautiful daily moments of life. Abby’s honesty, humor, and wisdom are such a gift.Resources:•Abby’s podcast Workwomb: https://www.workwomb.com/podcast•Book suggestion: Unbound by Kasia Urbaniak: https://amzn.to/466tKn1Join our community of amazing women reconnecting with ourselves through books and sisterhood:https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook

Have you ever faced something so dark, so overwhelming, that you were sure there was no coming back?Khalil Rafati knows exactly what that feels like. Once homeless, addicted to heroin, and certain his life was beyond repair, Khalil found a way to rebuild — not just to survive, but to create something extraordinary.Today, he’s the founder of SunLife Organics, a bestselling author, and a living example that no situation is truly hopeless.In this powerful episode, Khalil, author of I Forgot to Die, takes us through his journey from rock bottom to a life of deep purpose. He shares the raw truth of addiction and recovery, the unlikely opportunities that opened up when he dared to be unapologetically himself, and the spiritual and practical steps that helped him heal.We dive into:- The exact moment he decided to fight for his life — and what surrender had to do with it- How serving others became the most fulfilling “business plan” he could imagine- The unconventional wellness practices he swears by, from supplements to somatic healing- Lessons from meeting and working with incredible mentors (and how those connections came from simply showing up as himself)- The role of inner child work in releasing deep trauma- Why vision boards, when paired with action, can be a powerful tool for transformation- This conversation is real, unfiltered, and filled with hope. Whether you’ve faced your own rock bottom or just need a reminder that change is always possible, Khalil’s story will stay with you long after the episode ends.Resources:•‘I Forgot to Die’ by Khalil Rafati: https://amzn.to/4mX2duK •Join our community of amazing women reconnecting with ourselves through books and sisterhood: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook

Have you ever faced something so dark, so overwhelming, that you were sure there was no coming back?Khalil Rafati knows exactly what that feels like. Once homeless, addicted to heroin, and certain his life was beyond repair, Khalil found a way to rebuild — not just to survive, but to create something extraordinary.Today, he’s the founder of SunLife Organics, a bestselling author, and a living example that no situation is truly hopeless.In this powerful episode, Khalil, author of I Forgot to Die, takes us through his journey from rock bottom to a life of deep purpose. He shares the raw truth of addiction and recovery, the unlikely opportunities that opened up when he dared to be unapologetically himself, and the spiritual and practical steps that helped him heal.We dive into:- The exact moment he decided to fight for his life — and what surrender had to do with it- How serving others became the most fulfilling “business plan” he could imagine- The unconventional wellness practices he swears by, from supplements to somatic healing- Lessons from meeting and working with incredible mentors (and how those connections came from simply showing up as himself)- The role of inner child work in releasing deep trauma- Why vision boards, when paired with action, can be a powerful tool for transformation- This conversation is real, unfiltered, and filled with hope. Whether you’ve faced your own rock bottom or just need a reminder that change is always possible, Khalil’s story will stay with you long after the episode ends.Resources:•‘I Forgot to Die’ by Khalil Rafati: https://amzn.to/4mX2duK  •Join our community of amazing women reconnecting with ourselves through books and sisterhood: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook

Have you ever thought, “Why am I so tired even when I’m doing everything right?” Or “Why can’t I just feel calm, even when I finally get a break?” If so, don’t miss this.Today’s episode is a recording of my talk at the Return to Nature event hosted by Quantum Lens Wellness in the beautiful hills of Franklin, Tennessee. 🌿I talk about:•Why feeling anxious, reactive, or burnt out isn’t a sign you’re broken. It’s just your nervous system calling for support•How to gently work with your natural rhythm using the 5 key brain waves: Theta, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma•What it actually looks like to regulate your nervous system in real life (no fancy tools or perfect routines required)•How the 5 Ps—Pause, Prepare, Produce, Plan, and Peace—can guide your day without making it feel like another to-do list•Why joy, movement, and even play (yes, I talk about adult gymnastics)If you’ve been craving more ease, flow, and connection in your days, I hope it gives you the soft permission you’ve been needing. 🫶Resources:•Be part of next year’s Return to Nature Event by Quantum Lens Wellness: https://www.quantumlenswellness.com/retreat•Join our community of amazing women reconnecting with ourselves through books and sisterhood: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook•My FREE resource to regulate your body’s own rhythm: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/regulate-your-rhythm•Learn more about Quantum Lens Wellness and their beautiful events: https://www.quantumlenswellness.com

If you’ve been feeling snappy, scattered, or just bone-tired no matter how hard you try to “do it all,” this episode is for you.In this solo episode, I’m sharing something I wish every woman knew: you’re not doing it wrong, and there’s nothing wrong with you.Most of us are just stuck in a rhythm that isn’t built to carry us through the entire day. Our brains and bodies are wired to move through different waves of energy, focus, and rest—but no one ever taught us how.Together, we’ll explore a gentle, science-based system that helps you work with your brain instead of against it. No fancy tools, no rigid routines. Just simple practices you can layer into the life you’re already living.Inside the episode, I’ll walk you through:What each brain wave really does, like the morning dreaminess of theta, the calm flow of alpha, the go-get-it energy of beta, the healing power of delta, and the magic of gammaHow to know when you’re overusing a certain state (hello burnout!) and how to gently shiftLittle ways to reset your nervous system using light, music, movement, and intentional pausesA daily rhythm that feels supportive instead of depletingHow to use the 5 Ps: pause, plan, produce, plan again, and peace—to shape your day with intentionThis isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing things differently. Most importantly, it’s about remembering that your body already knows how to come home to calm, clarity, and flow. You just need the space to listen.Resources:Join our community of amazing women reconnecting with ourselves through books and sisterhood: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/book-nookMy FREE resource to regulate your body’s own rhythm: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/regulate-your-rhythm

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right—eating better, trying to fast, doing the workouts—and yet your energy still crashes, your brain feels foggy, or your sleep just won’t improve?In this powerful conversation with bestselling author and health educator Ben Azadi, we explore what it really means to get your body back on your side. It’s not through more control or more willpower—it’s through listening, pausing and realigning with what your body is already trying to tell you.Ben’s message is one I know so many of us need to hear right now: your body isn’t broken. It’s wise. And when you remove the interference (stress, disconnection, overdoing) it remembers how to heal.Inside the episode, we talk about:•Why the nervous system is the starting point for metabolic health•How Ben recovered from burnout and a panic attack in the middle of his book launch•What fasting looks like when it’s in tune with your hormones (especially during perimenopause)•The surprising connection between cortisol, glucose spikes, and weight plateaus•How to use tools like HRV, CGMs, and body cues to actually listen to your stress response•Why joy, play, and oxytocin are just as important as nutrition when it comes to healingYou’ll also hear Ben share his personal health rock-bottom and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild his body and come back home to himself. This one is about so much more than fasting.Resources:•Metabolic Freedom by Ben Azadi: https://amzn.to/41lWpAZ•Learn more about Ben:https://www.benazadi.com•Follow Ben on Instagram:@‌thebenazadi

If you’ve ever left a doctor’s office feeling dismissed or told “that’s just your hormones”—this episode is for you.Melissa sits down with sisters Renee Belz and Lauren Sambataro (aka the Biohacker Babes) for a real conversation about what it means to take your health back. From brain fog and burnout to restless sleep and stress that never quits, they break down what’s really going on in your body and how to start feeling better with simple, doable tools. No overwhelm. No crazy routines. Just powerful reminders that your body isn’t broken, it’s actually trying to talk to you.In this episode, we break down:-What biohacking really means for women (and why Renee and Lauren prefer bioharmonizing)-How to use HRV (heart rate variability) to track your stress and build resilience-Circadian rhythm basics and why your morning light matters more than your supplements-What “social jetlag” is—and how to get back in sync-Why emotional stress can show up as physical pain (and what to do about it)-The real reason it’s hard to rest—and how to start rewiring your nervous system-How to stop outsourcing your health and rebuild trust in your bodyResources:The DNA Company Genetic Testing: https://thednacompany.com/Optimal HRV App: https://www.optimalhrv.com/Biohacker Babes website: https://thebiohackerbabes.com/The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748?crid=34NO4JATUC806&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-HfwhfcCzO3-23Js48DRcIUPDT7iz1CFqWO55pGBAxyW0-aPGoooPIzM6Vs9Rv5yWwV-zlI6xdxtxabjVbOpIc7qcUsFOHney54P9ciCU4XuRqwbQX6rZ_P2KoLG7RKndwKBPBC6lrTQ06AWXsJ5WAR68DkGfhsJK1oHcJxchjzJdGz22yDsTVjOTVnYzLmbjKt5ZVx46TiqyNPxA38_OXb6euD5aXeHpJltb5VkEaI.dvEVMPj8PSg9g2CTDoCPCLibK9eXUxtVyF-TZel9bbc&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+body+keeps+the+score+book&qid=1749818282&sprefix=the+body+keep,aps,522&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=jasonsonners-20&linkId=177517d449e48bb34ba10fdf8766eac2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tlRed Light Guide: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/red-light-guideFollow The Biohacker Babes: https://www.instagram.com/biohacker_babes https://www.facebook.com/biohackerbabes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/renee-belz-lauren-sambataro/id1470189843

If you’re a woman navigating midlife or even just beginning to ask yourself, “Who am I outside of everything I’ve done for others?”—this episode is going to feel like an exhale.I sat down with the brilliant Dr. Mindy Pelz, fasting expert and author of Fast Like a Girl, to have one of the most real, raw, and freeing conversations I’ve ever had on the podcast. We talked about what it really looks like to come home to yourself as a woman, especially through perimenopause and menopause—not just through protocols or checklists, but through self-trust, nervous system healing, and unlearning all the ways we’ve been trained to abandon ourselves.In this episode, we explore:•Why menopause can be a portal to your most grounded, powerful self•The hormonal hierarchy that governs your body—and how stress affects everything•What happens to the female brain post-menopause (and why it can feel like freedom)•How to stop outsourcing your worth and start honoring your true pace•Mindy’s journey of learning to be alone, heal her inner child, and reclaim her peaceThe anchor tools that helped her regulate her nervous system and reconnect with herself•Why rhythm (not productivity) is the key to female vitalityThis conversation isn’t just about hormones. It’s about becoming the woman you were always meant to be.Resources:•Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz: https://amzn.to/3JuAMW8•Dr. Mindy’s Website:https://drmindypelz.comFollow Dr. Mindy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz

Ever feel like you’re standing at a crossroads: exhausted, overextended, and wondering is this really how I want to keep doing life?In this episode, I’m joined by hormone expert and bestselling author Dr. Mariza Snyder for a conversation that’s part science, part soul, and all heart. We talk about what happens when your body starts saying no for you and what it really means to listen.From motherhood and burnout to perimenopause and book obsessions, this is an honest, funny, and healing conversation about choosing a different path, one that actually feels good in your body.You’ll learn:-Why your hormones aren’t sabotaging you (and what they’re actually trying to tell you)-How to know when your body’s asking for rest—not just more discipline-What the “fork in the road” moment really looks like in everyday life-How books, joy, and nervous system check-ins can be medicine-Why overdoing is often just a trauma pattern in disguise—and how to shift it-The power of asking better questions like: “What would I love today?”-Why community is one of the most underrated hormone-balancing tools we haveYou don’t have to figure this out alone. You’re not broken. And there is a way to feel better, without adding more to your to-do list.Resources:Preorder The Perimenopause Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Perimenopause-...-Dr. Mariza’s hormonal support products: https://store.drmariza.com/?_gl=1*pcs...-Join Book Nook: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/...-Dr. Mariza’s website: www.drmariza.com-Follow:   / drmarizasnyder   and   / drmariza  

You’re doing all the right things: being responsible, showing up, checking the boxes. But deep down, does something still feel off?You’re tired, not just physically, but emotionally. And no matter how many routines or wellness tips you follow, it’s like your light just isn’t shining as brightly anymore. In this video, I talk about the one piece of self-care that’s often overlooked but might just be the key to feeling like you again. Not supplements. Not rest. But PLAY.If you:Feel like you’ve forgotten how to just enjoy something without a purposeCrave a sense of lightness, but don’t know where to beginAre burnt out but too busy to “do rest” the traditional wayMiss the version of yourself who used to laugh, explore, or get lost in something funWant to reconnect with joy but feel awkward, stuck, or unsure howNeed something simple, gentle, and actually doable to help you feel more alive This is your invitation to begin again—with just two minutes a day. Join the community to access the 30-Day Play Challenge and start creating more joy, one small moment at a time: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/...