Conversations with Joan

We live in a world where we are increasingly confronted with the realities of aging, caregiving, and diseases like Alzheimer’s. We often focus on what these experiences take from us. But what if there is another way to look at the journey? What if, even in the midst of profound loss, there are lessons about presence, connection, identity, and what it truly means to be human? For Payson Stevens, caring for his mother through Alzheimer’s became an unexpected and deeply transformative experience. What began as a journey through the challenges of caregiving ultimately led to what he describes as a profound spiritual awakening—and a new understanding of what his mother, and the disease itself, had to teach him. Payson explores the unexpected wisdom that can emerge from one of life’s most difficult journeys. Payson is a science communicator, artist, U.S. Presidential Design Award recipient, early TED speaker, and author of The Wisdom of the Alzheimer’s Sage.

We live in a culture that places enormous value on achievement. We measure success by titles, income, productivity, accomplishments and how much we can accomplish. But somewhere along the way, it’s easy to confuse what we do with who we are. And when our sense of worth becomes tied to performance, what happens when we slow down, change careers, retire, or simply realize the life we’ve built no longer feels like our own? John Miles, host of the globally ranked Passion Struck podcast and author of the book The Mattering Effect: Creating a Life of Meaning and Worth, talks about why so many people lose themselves beneath achievement and expectations and how we can reconnect with a sense of meaning, worth and purpose that isn’t dependent on what we accomplish.

We live in a world that often tells us success is measured by how much we build, how fast we move, and how hard we push. But somewhere along the way, many people discover that the real challenge isn’t building something — it’s staying grounded, staying connected, and staying true to yourself while you do it. Peter Finn talks about  what it really takes to create lasting success without losing your values in the process. Peter is the CEO of FINN Partners and author of Driven to Build, Guided by Values. 

Numbers are all around us—from the dates we’re born and the names we’re given to our home addresses, phone numbers, and the important dates that shape our lives. But could these numbers reveal patterns about who we are, the choices we make, and even the relationships and opportunities that come into our lives? Jesse Kalsi explores the fascinating world of astro-numerology and the ways numbers and astrology may offer insight into our relationships, careers, homes, businesses, and major life decisions. Jesse is a world-renowned astro-numerologist and author  of the book All About Numbers.

Finding peace and freedom often begins with examining the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what has happened to us, and what’s possible for our future. But what if some of those stories are actually keeping us stuck? Nancy Colier discusses how we can recognize and let go of the narratives that shape our lives and keep us from fully experiencing the present moment.  Nancy is a psychotherapist and the author of the book Narratives: Let Go of the Stories that Keep You Stuck.

Finding peace in a world filled with conflict, division, and constant noise can seem almost impossible. But what if peace isn’t about changing what’s happening around us, but changing the way we relate to ourselves, our experiences, and the people around us? Michael Schauch talks about finding greater peace and connection by letting go of our attachment to the stories and identities we hold on to. Michael is a mountaineer, storyteller, and author of the upcoming book Anattā: Heart of Wisdom.

Personal growth isn’t about becoming someone else — it’s about becoming more aware of who we are, learning from our experiences, and making choices that help us become the person we want to be. Change doesn’t happen all at once; it happens through small, intentional decisions that shape our lives over time. Norm Rieger isn’t someone who spent his life chasing perfection or searching for a magic formula for success. He lived a normal life - building businesses, managing responsibilities, enjoying the good times, and navigating the challenges we all face - but along the way, he learned that real change doesn’t come from becoming someone else; it comes from becoming more honest about who you are and who you want to become. He talks about why it’s never too late to grow, evolve, and transform your life. Norm is the author of The New Norm: Train Your Mind. Build Your Body. Transform Your Life.

Holistic psychiatry is an emerging approach to mental healthcare that focuses on the biological, psychological, spiritual, and social factors that contribute to mental health issues. Dr. Judy Tsafrir shifted from a conventional practice of psychiatry to one that treats the whole person.  She discusses the limitations of conventional psychiatry and why it’s important to integrate the spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions of health. Dr. Tsafrir is a holistic healer with a private psychiatry and psychoanalysis practice. She is on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, and is the author of the book, Sacred Psychiatry — Bridging the Personal and Transpersonal to Transform Health and Consciousness.    

Our lives are often shaped by forces we can’t always see—intuition, synchronicities, and the subtle guidance that can lead us toward healing, clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose. Exploring our spiritual heritage can offer powerful insight into who we are and why we’re here. Alisha Das talks about angels, divine guidance, spiritual ancestry, and how reconnecting with our higher selves can help us better understand our life’s purpose and path. Alisha is a spiritual teacher, angel expert, and intuitive communicator who helps people reconnect with their divine lineage. She is the author of Your Angelic Ancestry, A Guide to Discovering Your Archangelic Name, Heritage, and Higher Purpose.

Dr. Laura Copley believes that at the core of most toxic relationships is a painful trauma wound desperate to be healed. She contends that trauma survivors try to navigate romantic relationships in the only way they know how – fearfully and painfully. She discusses how to untangle trauma bonds and transmute toxic patterns into healing opportunities for intimacy and connection. Dr. Copley is a licensed professional counselor and trauma researcher. She is the author of, Loving You Is Hurting Me: A New Approach to Healing Trauma Bonds and Creating Authentic Connection.