There are so many different types of therapy—and finding the right one for you can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Holly, Kelly, and Emma are joined by somatic therapist, educator, and embodiment guide Molly Bienstock for a powerful conversation about somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), body-based healing, and how to better understand the language of your internal parts.

We explore:

• What somatic therapy is and how it differs from traditional talk therapy
• How IFS and parts work helps us connect
• Why curiosity over judgment is a powerful healing tool
• The connection between trauma, the nervous system, and body responses
• How somatic therapy mirrors shamanic and ancestral wisdom

Plus, Molly shares their deeply personal journey of healing after a traumatic injury and how that experience shaped their work in Somatics, embodiment, and therapeutic support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in deepening their connection to the body, building internal safety, and exploring healing through the lens of Somatics and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

Topics Covered:

• What is Somatic Therapy?
• Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS) and “parts work”
• Connecting with the Self and reparenting wounded parts
• Trauma and body-based responses
• Reframing judgment into curiosity
• Boundary-setting and “spicy containers” for your inner parts
• Orienting Practices for grounding and safety
• Humor, boundaries, and curiosity in healing work
• Daily ways to tune into your body’s language

Connect with Our Guest: Molly Bienstock (Magic with Molly) @rabbischmooly

Resources:

• Creative Wellness E-Workbook – Use code KEEPCREATING for 15% off
• Waves of Creativity Retreat in Costa Rica – Nov 9–14, 2025
• Episode 74: Shamanism & Animism
• Episode 115: Creative Wellness
• @artofloving

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Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

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Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

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Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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In this follow-up to our most popular episode on the decision to have kids or remain childfree, we expand the conversation to explore the culture, politics, and personal experience of care with award-winning journalist and author Elissa Strauss.

Elissa is the author of When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others and a writer for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Glamour, and more. In this episode, she shares deep insights into why care is undervalued in society—from parenting and caregiving to the structural changes needed to support those who provide care.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✅ What care really means (beyond parenthood and childfree choices)

✅ How culture and politics shape our views on caregiving

✅ Why care work is undervalued—and how we can change that

✅ The emotional and financial toll of caregiving

✅ How we can build a society that truly supports caregivers

About Our Guest: Elissa Strauss

Elissa Strauss is a journalist, essayist, and opinion writer covering parenthood, caregiving, feminism, and social change. She has contributed to The New York Times, The Atlantic, Glamour, Slate, and was a CNN contributing writer. Her book, When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others, examines the transformative power of care and why we must rethink how we support caregivers in modern society.

📖 Get her book here

🧡 Support care advocacy: Caring Across Generations

Related Episodes:

🎧 Episode 102: The Decision to Have Kids or Remain Childfree with Keltie Maguire (Part 1)

Support the Show & Stay Connected

📸 Follow on Instagram: @howthewiseonegrows @hollyzajur

🌿 Join the Community

⭐ Leave a Review (It helps so much!)

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Fair play Method— Eve Rodsky

Support the show

Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coaching

Join the FREE *Creative Wellness Collective* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!

Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.

Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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What is creative wellness? How do creativity and wellness intersect, and why is this so important—especially now? In this episode of How the Wise One Grows, Holly Zajur and Kelly Eberle sit down with guest Preston Slaughter to explore how creative wellness is a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and reimagining the world we need today.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, we discuss:

• What is creativity, and when did it first show up in our lives?
• What blocks creativity? Unpacking perfectionism, societal expectations, & fear
• What is creative wellness? How creativity supports mental, emotional, & physical well-being
• Why creative wellness is a necessary antidote to today’s challenges
• The impact of play, imagination, and intuition in reclaiming creative expression
• How creativity extends beyond art—into how we build our lives and communities
• Our upcoming Creative Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica!

Creative wellness isn’t just about making art—it’s about living creatively, embracing play, and using imagination as a tool for growth. In this episode, we talk about how creative expression can help process emotions, cultivate resilience, and reimagine new possibilities—whether through movement, storytelling, mindfulness, or daily rituals. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not creative”—this episode is for you. 🎧

Join Us in Costa Rica for the Creative Wellness Retreat!

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, November 9-14, 2025

• Daily yoga, meditation, and movement
• Hands-on creative workshops (ceramics, watercolor, collage, and more!)
• Connection with nature, yourself, and a like-minded community
• Space to rest, explore, and reignite your creative spark
• No experience necessary—everyone is creative!
• Early Bird Pricing Ends March 31st!

🔗 Sign up & bring a friend for a special buddy discount: Waves of Creativity retreat in Costa Rica

🎧 Listen Now & Reignite Your Creative Spark!

28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Waves of Creativity retreat in Costa Rica

Songwriting course with Brian Eno

@howthewiseonegrows |

Support the show

Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coaching

Join the FREE *Creative Wellness Collective* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!

Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.

Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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In this episode, Kelly and I get real about what it means to navigate the wild ride that is 2025. We dive into the tools, practices, and mindset shifts tucked into our "emotional go-bags"—the essentials we lean on to make it through these times.

This conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how How the Wise One Grows is evolving, including our vision to make this podcast not just a place for inspiration but a true community—a sanctuary to help us all feel a little less alone in these challenging times. So let us know what you think by leaving a review or sending us a message!

Expect a mix of deep reflection, laughter, and the kind of levity we all need to navigate life one day at a time. Whether you’re looking for practical tools to ground yourself, inspiration to keep going, or just a good laugh, this episode will leave you feeling more connected and supported.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The concept of "emotional go-bags" and what’s inside ours.
• Why building community through the podcast matters now more than ever.
• A glimpse into the evolution of How the Wise One Grows to meet the moment.
• Moments of joy, humor, and levity to brighten your day.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!
• Creative Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica
• Emotional Go-Bag, Go-To's: Box Breath & Yoga Nidra
• Follow us on Instagram for updates and conversations: @howthewiseonegrows @hollyzajur

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

What’s in your emotional go-bag and what was your shake break song? Share with us on Instagram HOWTHEWISEONEGROWS or in the comments below—your ideas could inspire someone else!

Support the show

Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coaching

Join the FREE *Creative Wellness Collective* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!

Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.

Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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In this episode, we’re wrapping up the year with heart, humor, and a whole lot of reflection (and laughter). This episode is your reminder to pause, reflect, and celebrate the little things that make life (and growth) so special.

You’ll hear Holly, Emma, and Kelly giggling over life’s quirks and diving deep into how the biggest moments of growth often arise from life’s seemingly mundane moments. We talk about everything from girl dinner walks to the hilariously practical wisdom of keeping cheese in your pocket (yes, you read that right).

But it’s not just about the laughs—we’ve also created something special for you. We have a free PDF download packed with:

• Year in Review Game Show Questions to reflect on 2024 with your favorite people.
• Journal Prompts to set heartfelt intentions for the year ahead.
• A playful 2025 Bingo Card to keep you inspired as you step into the new year.

Here’s where you come in: We want to know what you added to your 2025 bingo card! What’s lighting you up for the year ahead? Is it something quirky, heartfelt, or totally unexpected? Share your bingo squares with us—tag me on Instagram @howthewiseonegrows or send us a message or voice memo. We might even share your ideas in a future episode!

Grab your journal, cozy up with your favorite snack (cheese in your pocket optional), and tune in for a joyful and reflective ride.

Download the PDF

Listen to the Episode Now!

Let’s laugh, grow, and make 2025 our most authentic year yet. 🌟

Year-end reflection, setting intentions for the new year, personal growth podcast, New Year’s resolutions, creative journaling prompts, mindfulness and reflection, year in review questions, personal growth and creativity, Holly Zajur podcast, How the Wise One Grows podcast, intentional living tips, reflective journaling, end-of-year reflection activities, creative goal-setting, laughter and growth podcast, inspiring podcast episodes, reflect and grow podcast, New Year intention setting.

Episode 33: Rethink Your Resolution: Intention Setting with Tara Eschenroeder

Support the show

Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coaching

Join the FREE *Creative Wellness Collective* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!

Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.

Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring challenges, especially for those grieving the loss of a loved one. In this episode, we are joined by grief therapist Litsa Williams to explore practical and meaningful ways to navigate grief during the holidays. Whether you’re struggling to uphold traditions, finding ways to talk to your children during hard moments, or just trying to make it through the “most wonderful time of the year,” this episode offers heartfelt support, actionable tips, and all the things surrounding grief during the holiday season.

You’ll Learn:

• Why the holidays can feel heavier after a loss and how to acknowledge and honor those feelings.
• How to talk to kids about grief and the holidays
• How to break free from the cookie-cutter holiday template: Redefining traditions and making space for what matters.
• Identifying your “why” for the season to align your values with how you approach the holidays.
• Preparing for tough conversations and communicating your needs to family and friends.
• Three essential pillars to help you move through grief during the holidays.

About Our Guest:
Litsa Williams is a grief therapist and co-founder of the online grief community What’s Your Grief. Litsa met Eleanor, What's Your Grief's co-founder while supporting families who had lost loved ones to unexpected deaths in Baltimore, MD. Drawing on their personal and professional experience with grief, WYG was built as a resource offering concrete, practical, creative, down-to-earth, and relatable support, founded on the values of psychoeducation and creative coping. She has been interviewed as a grief expert for the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and New York Times. She is co-author of the book What's Your Grief: Lists to Help You Through Any Loss.

Episodes Referenced:
Experiencing Grief: Episode 43

Get $30 off Nuuly! Click here and treat yourself this season.

Support the show

Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coaching

Join the FREE *Creative Wellness Collective* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!

Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.

Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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If you've ever been curious about tarot or even fearful, this episode is for you. Holly Zajur & Kelly Eberle dive into the mystical world of tarot with tarot experts & learn how tarot isn’t about fortune telling, but rather a tool for self-discovery.

Topics Discussed:

What is Tarot? The history, origins, & evolution
Tarot for Personal Growth: How tarot can offer insights into life’s challenges
Debunking Tarot Myths
Personal Tarot Stories: Listeners share how tarot has impacted their lives
Choosing and Using Tarot Cards: Practical tips on selecting the right tarot deck, pulling cards, & interpreting them
Shadow Work and Tarot: How tarot can lead to self-compassion & wholeness

Juliet Sharman Burke has been teaching and supervising for the Centre for Psychological Astrology since 1983, and now runs the Centre’s administration. She is also an analytic psychotherapist with a private practice in London.She is the author of The Complete Book of Tarot, The Mythic Tarot Workbook, Understanding Tarot, Mastering the Tarot, Beginner’s Guide to the Tarot, and co-author of The Mythic Tarot and The Mythic Journey with Liz Greene.

Melanie Grace is an artist and intuitive, working professionally as an intuitive reader and creative wellness practitioner. She specializes in intuitive Tarot, Astrology, and Human Design. Discovering tangible ways to consciously incorporate the metaphysical into grounded physical existence is an important part of her offerings.

Resources:

Support the show

Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coaching

Join the FREE *Creative Wellness Collective* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!

Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.

Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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This podcast is rooted in the intention of creating from a place of ease and balance, and we're taking this time to live by that principle.

Inspired by episode 109 with Cait Donovan on burnout, How the Wise One Grows will pause releasing new episodes in September to stay aligned with those values. During this break, we're recording exciting new content and preparing for what's next for the podcast!

Don't worry, we'll be back in October! In the meantime, explore the 100+ episodes available, starting with the insightful discussion on burnout in episode 109.

Support the show

Join the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!

Get the 28 Day Creative Wellness Challenge E-Workbook- Use the code KEEPCREATING for 15% off!

Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coaching

Join the FREE *Creative Wellness Collective* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!

Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!

Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.

Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.

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