What if healing was less about doing more—and more about remembering what truly matters?

In a world full of distractions, survivors of trauma and injury are bombarded by messages telling us we’re not enough, not strong enough, not healed enough. In this episode, Michael explores the power of Sati, the Sanskrit concept of “remembering to remember,” and how it can transform your recovery, mindfulness practice, and even your relationship with your phone.

Takeaways:

• Learn how frequent, bite-sized mindfulness moments can reshape your healing journey
• Discover why “remembering” may be the most radical self-care you can practice
• Try one bold digital health tip that will reset your nervous system and your habits

Take a full breath in and slow releasing breath out and rediscover your strength through one tiny practice that will help you scroll less and live more.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:58 Gratitude and Acknowledgment

01:37 The Power of Mindfulness

03:09 Understanding Sati

05:48 Practical Mindfulness Tips

06:46 Digital Health Tip

08:37 Conclusion and Resources

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi,...

Can a luxury resort drama actually teach you how to heal after trauma?

In this episode, Michael breaks down White Lotus Season 3 and its unexpected lessons on identity, pain, and the illusion of resolution—all core themes survivors face during recovery. These pop culture moments aren’t just for entertainment; they reflect our shared struggles and can guide us back to wholeness.

Takeaways:

• Learn why clinging to old identities may be holding back your healing
• Understand how running toward pain (not away from it) brings long-term peace
• Discover the freedom that comes with letting go of the need for perfect closure

Take a full breath in and slow releasing breath out and discover how White Lotus can inspire your next steps in healing—no spoilers, just real insight.

00:00 Introduction to Healing with White Lotus

00:50 Thank You for Being Here

01:42 Diving into White Lotus

05:17 Understanding Identity as a Prison

09:10 Facing Pain Head-On

12:35 The Illusion of Resolution

15:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of...

Ever feel like your body is speaking to you, but you’re not sure how to listen?

For survivors of physical injury or trauma, rebuilding a connection with the body can feel overwhelming or even impossible. In this episode, you’ll be guided through a gentle, microdose meditation designed to help you reconnect with your body without judgment—no matter where you are in your healing journey.

Learnings:

• Learn how to tune into physical sensations with compassion and curiosity.
• Discover a foundational body scan practice you can make your own.
• Experience a calming, accessible moment of mindfulness to ground your day.

Take a few minutes for yourself—press play and begin reconnecting with your body in a way that supports real healing.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

What if the first thing you say in the morning could shape every conversation you have for the rest of your day?

For survivors of physical injury or trauma, our inner dialogue can either become a source of empowerment—or deepen our wounds. In this episode, Michael shares 5 morning affirmations and one powerful sentence to say before you open your next app that can completely reframe your day and support your digital wellness.

Learning:

• Learn 5 honest, healing statements to start your day with clarity and compassion
• Discover the single most important conversation you have each day—and how to improve it
• Get a powerful digital health tip that helps reduce mindless scrolling and increase intention

Press play to discover how a few spoken words can help you take control of your day—and your healing journey.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and...

Can preparing for the worst actually lead to healing, strength, and resilience?

In this episode, Michael explores a powerful mindset shift rooted in Stoic philosophy — Premeditatio Malorum, or the premeditation of evils — and why it's a surprisingly effective tool for survivors of trauma and injury. Rather than falling into fear, this ancient practice helps you meet challenges head-on with clarity and calm.

Learnings:

• Learn how visualizing setbacks can train your nervous system to respond, not react
• Discover how “thinking negative” can give you more control, not less
• Use this tool to stay grounded at work, during recovery, and in everyday life

Press play to discover how a surprising mindset shift can help you handle life’s unexpected moments with strength and grace.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and...

Are you living with pain that feels all-consuming? What if you could shift your relationship with it—starting with just one breath?

Many survivors of physical injury or emotional trauma struggle with the constant presence of pain. In this short yet powerful meditation, you'll learn how to acknowledge your discomfort without letting it define you, helping you reclaim a sense of self beyond the suffering.

Takeaways:

• Experience a guided breathing practice designed to ground you in the present moment.
• Learn a gentle mantra that helps reframe your experience of pain.
• Discover how to create space between your identity and your discomfort through mindfulness.

Take a couple of minutes to explore this micro dose meditation and start reshaping your relationship with pain today.

00:00 Introduction to Whole Again

00:21 Guided Meditation Setup

00:58 Deep Breathing and Grounding

01:25 Acknowledging Discomfort

01:52 Mantra for Pain

02:58 Closing the Meditation

03:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from...

Do you ever feel like you're falling behind in your healing because things aren't going perfectly?

In a world that filters everything to look flawless, survivors of trauma and injury often feel pressure to “get better” without setbacks. In this episode, Michael challenges the perfection myth and shares a powerful mindset shift to help you stay consistent, make meaningful progress, and honor your journey—scars and all.

Takeaways:

• Discover the mindset that helped Michael move forward when recovery felt slow and messy
• Learn how the wisdom of Kintsugi and stoicism can help you embrace your imperfections
• Get a practical digital wellness tip to set boundaries, protect your energy, and reduce screen time

Take a full breath in and a release breath out and learn how to make real progress—without the pressure of perfection—so you can heal and grow with purpose.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:43 Understanding Perfectionism

01:29 Embracing Imperfections

01:58 Stoicism and Effort

02:36 Recovery and Progress

05:11 Digital Health Tips

07:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Wisdom, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the...

What if the key to your healing journey was hidden in a mindset you’ve been avoiding—one that actually welcomes emotions instead of suppressing them?

In a world that often praises toughness and emotional restraint, many trauma and injury survivors feel isolated trying to “stay strong.” This episode challenges that narrative by introducing a fresh, emotionally intelligent take on Stoicism—one that might be exactly what your recovery needs right now.

Featuring guest Becky Schmooke, author of 'Choose the Handle That Holds,' the discussion delves into the stoic philosophy, how it embraces all emotions, and the concept of 'amor fati' — loving one's fate. Becky introduces her practical framework, STOA, for achieving success and resilience, which she uses even with NFL teams. The episode highlights the importance of practical tools in personal growth and recovery, offering insights into integrating stoic principles in everyday life.

00:00 Introduction to Whole Again

00:53 Meet Becky Schmooke

04:42 The Stoic Philosophy

08:12 Becky's Journey to Stoicism

14:53 Practical Applications of Stoicism

19:32 Embracing Latin and Stoicism

20:30 Understanding Amor Fati

22:01 Personal Recovery and Acceptance

24:16 The Power of Amor Fati in Daily Life

26:14 Introducing the STOA Framework

29:40 Practical Applications of STOA

31:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Discover more about Becky and her book: Choose The Handle That Holds.

Take a deep breath and begin to reclaim your strength starts with embracing every part of your story—and learning the mindset shift that could transform your recovery.

If this episode sparked something within you, please download it and share it with a friend.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. It embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and teaches that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history, making it more valuable rather than less. Metaphorically, Kintsugi reminds us that our challenges, scars, and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of but can be embraced as a source of strength and transformation.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. This is a good place to start. If you have a question or comment, please reach out to Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com.

With Whole Again: A Fresh...