In this episode, I’m joined by my sweet friend Garrett Paknis, an amazing music artist, founder of Creative Life School, and visionary of nervous system-led manifestation. We reunite (after first recording back in 2018!) for a very real, very raw conversation about what it actually takes to create the life you desire.

We explore:

• The energetics of manifestation most people overlook
• Why confusion is often a nervous system issue, not a mindset problem
• How social media overstimulates our system and keeps us stuck
• The importance of intentional living: food, home, body, and energy
• Letting your pivots be divine assignments, not escapes
• Garrett’s personal move from Europe back to Los Angeles
• Why Summer Solstice is such a powerful time for energetic reset

This is a conversation about gentle discipline, devotion to self, and why your next breakthrough is closer than you think — if you're willing to slow down enough to receive it.

Connect with Garrett:

• Creative Life School: creativelifeschool.com

• Abundance Activation Solstice Workshop: Join here

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www.daniellemercurio.com

In this episode, I get raw about the emotional weight of sharing sacred work on social media in the midst of collective crisis and digital chaos.

We were promised connection but what we’re getting is constant exposure, nervous system whiplash, and subtle shame for not being ‘loud enough.’ Whether it’s breaking news, performative activism, or just the sheer mess of everything from grocery store vlogs to breakups and celebrity scandals on one scroll... it’s become a lot.

I talk about:

• The psychic toll of sharing a platform with trauma content

• Why I don’t always post about the news and why that’s not avoidance

• Remembering your role: Are you here to yell… or to weave?

• Instagram as a hall of mirrors (and how to opt out of the distortion)

• What I do in the mornings to protect my channel

• The importance of platform boundaries and algorithm hygiene

• How to reclaim your voice without collapsing into guilt or comparison

• The myth that you owe the world a repost, reaction, or explanation

If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, guilted, or like your light is getting lost in the scroll… this one’s for you.

Let’s talk about what it means to lead with creative frequency (not reactivity) and to design a future that isn’t built on fear.

Drop a review + share if this is the sort of thing your feed needs.

• Website & Offerings → www.daniellemercurio.com

• IG → @daniellemercurio

Danielle sits down with Jonathan Mast, founder of White Beard Strategies and that white-bearded AI guy... for a refreshingly real talk on what it means to use AI with integrity, clarity, and creativity.

Together, they explore:

• The origin story of “White Beard”

• Why AI isn’t going anywhere and how to use that to your advantage

• Practical ways to integrate ChatGPT and AI tools into your daily life (yes, even for breakups and SOPs)

• The myth of “AI ethics” and why ethics start with us

• How AI can enhance team culture, not threaten it

• What’s coming next: AI agents, automation, and your freedom

• Why your humanness is the best asset you have

This isn’t about fearing the future. It’s about designing it...one thoughtful, powerful prompt at a time.

As the founder of White Beard Strategies, Jonathan focuses on helping businesses and their teams leverage AI to save time, increase profits, and deliver more value to their audiences. His philosophy emphasizes AI as a tool that amplifies skill and experience rather than replacing human creativity and judgment.

Jonathan’s dynamic speaking style breaks down complex AI concepts into actionable steps that audiences can implement immediately. His international speaking engagements across North America, Asia, and Australia are packed with practical takeaways, and his 100+ podcast appearances demonstrate his ability to connect with and educate diverse audiences.

Learn more: https://whitebeardstrategies.com

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https://daniellemercurio.com/

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@daniellemercurio