Episode #128 - Born in Nazi-occupied Hungary, Katherine MK Mitchell’s life began in the shadow of war and loss. After fleeing Budapest with little more than courage and determination, she arrived in New York and eventually made her way to Hollywood, where she built a career in film and television.

Inspired by her late husband, Katherine first became an agent—famously discovering Nick Nolte before he became a household name- before stepping into her own creative path as a screenwriter and story analyst.

Her career includes work on productions such as General Hospital, The Bionic Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, Fantasy Island, and the ABC movie Hitchhike.

She later became a proud member of the Writers Guild of America West. Beyond Hollywood, Katherine authored three romantic adventure novels—Yours Forever…Maybe, Wasted…Maybe, and Shelby’s Way…Maybe—as well as her powerful memoir From Budapest to Hollywood: Searching for the Promised Land (2023), chronicling her harrowing escape, resilience, and reinvention.

In this soulful conversation, Katherine shares her extraordinary journey—from childhood survival in war-torn Europe to creative triumph in America. We explore themes of trauma, resilience, creative passion, and the power of storytelling to transform lives.

Today, Katherine continues to inspire as both an author and speaker, encouraging audiences to persevere, embrace their true selves, and live with authenticity.

Takeaways

• The journey from Budapest was fraught with challenges.
• The Red Cross played a crucial role in aiding refugees.
• Katherine's mother struggled under the weight of their escape.
• Katherine had to take on adult responsibilities at a young age.
• The experience was both traumatic and formative for Katherine.
• Writing a memoir helps in processing past emotions.
• The moment of crossing the border marked a significant change.
• Katherine's perspective on her mother's struggles evolved over time.
• Survival often requires immense physical and emotional strength.
• The experience shaped Katherine's understanding of adulthood.

Connect with Katherine

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Keywords

Budapest, refugee, Red Cross, memoir, trauma, coming of age, responsibility, family, survival, history

In this episode #127 - of the Awakened Heart Podcast, Phyllis Okun shares her extraordinary journey of reinvention, resilience, and spiritual awakening. From her beginnings as a teacher to co-founding BLS Limo with her late husband and growing it into an international business, Phyllis has continually embraced new chapters of life.

Following the profound loss of her husband, she discovered her natural gifts as a medium-work that has been endorsed by Thomas John, the “Seatbelt Psychic.”

Beyond her spiritual work, Phyllis is also an award-winning, bestselling author with over 83 books published under the names Carole P. Roman and Brit Lunden, including The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids and the young adult novel Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex, which has been optioned for a screenplay.

Known today as Lady Phyllis, she works as a professional medium with a steady clientele and has created courses to demystify mediumship for new generations.

Together we explore her path of transformation, the role of intuition and family in her journey, the misconceptions around mediumship, and the beauty of embracing reinvention at any age with an awakened heart.

Takeaways

• Phyllis transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship while maintaining her passion for writing.
• Her family's involvement in mediumship showcases a unique dynamic of shared spiritual abilities.
• Mediumship is not a gift but an ability that anyone can develop with practice.
• Evidential mediumship focuses on providing specific information that validates connections with the deceased.
• Misconceptions about mediumship often stem from a lack of understanding of its true nature.
• Reinvention is a vital part of life, and change should be embraced as an opportunity for growth.
• Phyllis's journey into mediumship began after personal loss, leading her to explore her abilities.
• Trusting one's intuition and spirit guides is essential in the practice of mediumship.
• Life is a smorgasbord of experiences, and trying new things can lead to unexpected joys.
• Living with an awakened heart means being of service to others and finding fulfillment in one's journey.

Sound Bites

"It's not a gift, it's an ability."

"Life's a smorgasbord."

"I feel privileged to be of service."

Connect with Phyllis

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Keywords

mediumship, entrepreneurship, personal growth, family dynamics, teaching, spirituality, reinvention, evidential mediumship, Phyllis Okon, Awaken Heart Podcast

Episode #126 - In this episode of the Awakened Heart Podcast, Nancy Walters sits down with Victoria Pippo, a former child actor turned spiritual disruptor whose personal healing journey ignited her psychic gifts and a mission to help others reclaim their power.

She’s a living embodiment of energy mastery. From child actor to addiction survivor, queer woman to soul strategist, Victoria has walked through it all. Now, as a psychic gatekeeper and disruptor of the spiritual norm, she teaches high-level entrepreneurs, healers, and public figures how to protect their energy and reclaim their divine power.

As the founder of the world’s leading psychic development school, her teachings go beyond surface-level spirituality. Victoria helps her clients develop true discernment, dismantle New Age illusions, and connect with their soul in a real, raw way. No fluff. No fakery.

This conversation is a deep dive into what it really means to live with spiritual sovereignty in a world full of noise and distortion. Victoria shares how her awakening sharpened her vision, what it takes to lead with integrity, and how to cut through spiritual performance to stay rooted in truth.

Together, we explore the importance of discernment, energy protection, and the role of self-love and intuition in a grounded spiritual practice.

We also touch on “The Great Merge,” a collective healing initiative Victoria is part of, and reflect on the importance of maintaining childlike wonder as we navigate adulthood.

Victoria’s work isn’t just about spiritual mastery—it’s about survival, embodiment, and truth. She’s not here to entertain you. She’s here to wake you up.

Takeaways

• Grounded spirituality is essential in today's chaotic world.
• Sovereignty and discernment are crucial for spiritual seekers.
• Meditation can unlock psychic abilities and connect with spirit guides.
• Addiction can stem from a lack of understanding of one's gifts.
• The Great Merge is a movement for collective healing and support.
• Cleansing your energy is vital for maintaining spiritual health.
• Intuition should guide decisions, not impulse or emotion.
• Childlike wonder can coexist with adult responsibilities.
• Living with an awakened heart means embracing life fully.
• Soul-led leadership requires blind faith and trust in the process.

Sound Bites

"Trust your intuition."

"You can grow up and grow in."

"I'm dying to live."

Connect with Victoria

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Keywords

spirituality, psychic gifts, meditation, energy healing, discernment, sovereignty, awakened heart, soul-led leadership, intuition, collective healing

From Menstruation to Moonpause: The Spiritual Rite of Passage No One Talks About

Episode #125 - In this soul-stirring episode, I sit down with Tanishka, also known as The Moon Woman - a global leader in the women’s spirituality movement. For nearly three decades, Tanishka has empowered women to reclaim their birthright of ancient mystic traditions.

She’s the author of 6 transformative books, including Goddess Wisdom (Hay House), which explores the power of archetypes, emotional healing, and relationship dynamics. Her lunar guidance blog was followed by over 500,000 people for 11 years, and she has trained women in 44 countries to lead Red Tent circles that offer support during the darkest lunar phase - menstruation and emotional descent.

In this conversation, we explore the rising voice of midlife women, the spiritual opportunity of perimenopause, and how honoring the moon’s wisdom reconnects us with our feminine essence. Tanishka also shares a glimpse into her upcoming book Metaphysical Moonpause and retreats in Bali and Morocco designed to initiate women into this sacred new chapter.

This episode is a call to remember, reclaim, and rise.

Takeaways

• The understanding of life and woman as mysteries is crucial.
• Viewing women through a rational lens is a disservice.
• Reinstating the lost aspects of the feminine is essential.
• The sacred feminine helps make sense of life's mysteries.
• Observing natural cycles aids in understanding transitions.
• Historical contexts have impacted the perception of femininity.
• The role of the sacred feminine is to guide through change.
• Astrological ages influence our understanding of cycles.
• Connection to nature is vital for feminine wisdom.
• Embracing the mystery of womanhood enriches our lives.

Sound Bites

"Life is a mystery and woman is a mystery."

"We do that through observing the cycles of the sun."

Connect with Tanishka:

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In this episode of the Awakened Heart Podcast, I sit down with author and mindfulness coach April Dávila to explore the profound connection between creativity and conscious living.

April shares how her writing journey transformed when she began meditating regularly in 2016 - leading to the publication of her award-winning novel, the growth of her blog, and a newfound sense of purpose.

We discuss how mindfulness can ease the emotional rollercoaster of the writing process, why fiction still matters in a noisy world, and how writers can face rejection and inner criticism with greater self-compassion.

April also opens up about her two-year training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, the upcoming release of her nonfiction book Scribbling Buddha, and how meditation can help anyone—not just writers—live more intuitively and authentically.

April’s journey is an inspiring reminder that turning inward and getting honest with ourselves can unlock creative flow and a more fulfilling life.

Whether you're a writer or someone navigating your own personal transformation, this conversation offers practical insight and soulful encouragement to support your path.

Takeaways

• Meditation can significantly enhance a writer's perspective and practice.
• Rejection in writing is not personal; persistence is key.
• Mindfulness helps in managing the inner critic and perfectionism.
• Creating a supportive writing community can alleviate self-doubt.
• Fiction plays a crucial role in building empathy and understanding.
• Establishing a writing ritual can enhance focus and creativity.
• The publishing landscape is evolving, and writers should explore various options.
• Self-publishing can be challenging for fiction, but traditional publishing offers valuable support.
• Mindfulness practices can help writers navigate burnout and creative blocks.
• Living with an awakened heart means prioritizing meaningful connections.

Sound Bites

"It's about where your focus is."

"Isolation just breeds self-doubt."

"Rejection is not personal."

Connect with April:Website

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Insight Timer

Scribbing Buddha (coming soon)

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Keywords

mindfulness, writing, meditation, creativity, community, publishing, inner critic, fiction, personal growth, self-discovery

Episode #123 -In this episode of the Awakened Heart Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maurice Turmel—a retired therapist, former rock musician, author, and spiritual teacher—to explore his profound journey of healing religious trauma and reclaiming his authentic self.

We talk about the impact of rigid religious conditioning on self-worth, the emotional toll of suppressing feelings, and how the journey toward spiritual awakening often requires facing grief and nurturing our inner child.

Dr. Turmel has authored numerous books including Breaking the Spell of Religion & Healing the Trauma, The Voice: A Spiritual Sci-Fi Adventure, Conscious Evolution: Mythology in Action, and When Angels Call: Coping with Grief and Loss. His most recent work offers readers a front-row seat on his own Hero’s Journey—a deeply personal exploration of trauma recovery, spiritual liberation, and emotional resilience.

Maurice offers practical tools like journaling for trauma recovery and shares how the hero’s journey mirrors our own paths of transformation. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—a reminder that living with an awakened heart means embracing your full humanity, including the messy, tender parts.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma often stems from rigid religious teachings.
• Self-discovery is a journey that requires unpacking layers of trauma.
• Spirituality plays a crucial role in healing and personal growth.
• Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and healing.
• The hero's journey is an inward exploration of self and healing.
• Living from the heart is essential for emotional well-being.
• Self-acceptance and self-love are key to overcoming trauma.
• Embracing feelings can lead to a healthier, longer life.
• There is always room for more love in our lives.
• Connecting with our inner child is vital for healing.

Connect with Maurice:

BOOK LINKS at AMAZON: "Breaking the Spell of Religion & Healing the Trauma"

When Angels Call - Coping wth Grief & Loss

Maurice Turmel PhD ( Music )

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Keywords

trauma, religion, self-discovery, spirituality, healing, childhood experiences, journaling, hero's journey, emotional growth, self-acceptance religious trauma, narcissistic wounds, emotional healing

Episode #122 - Why Men Pull Away: Unpacking Fear, Intimacy & Masculine Conditioning

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Avrum Weiss, psychotherapist and award-winning author of Hidden in Plain Sight: How Men’s Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships. This conversation dives into the emotional landscape that many men carry but rarely talk about—fears that can profoundly affect the way they connect with women and show up in intimate relationships. We explore fears of being controlled, overwhelmed by emotion, not being enough, or being left. While these fears are often hidden, they quietly influence so many relational dynamics.

Avrum and I discuss how traditional socialization teaches boys to shut down emotionally, how that creates barriers to true intimacy, and what’s needed for men to feel emotionally safe and seen. We also touch on how these patterns shift across generations, and why creating space for emotional literacy and community support is essential—not just for men, but for all of us.

Whether you're in a relationship, raising boys, or simply seeking to understand the masculine emotional experience more deeply, this episode offers a compassionate and eye-opening perspective on what’s really going on beneath the surface—and how we can all relate with more awareness and heart.

Sound Bites

"Men fear being controlled by women."

"Men are often emotionally unavailable."

"We all suffer under the same system."

Takeaways

• Many men fear being controlled by women in relationships.
• Men are often socialized to suppress their emotions.
• Understanding men's fears can improve relationship dynamics.
• Women often misinterpret men's withdrawal as disinterest.
• Men's emotional needs are often overlooked in society.
• The importance of emotional literacy for both genders.
• Community support is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Generational changes are leading to more emotionally aware men.
• Men benefit significantly from close relationships and marriage.

• Awareness of emotional dynamics can lead to healthier relationships.

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