Conversations with Joan - podcast cover

Conversations with Joan

Joan Herrmann delves into the minds of some of the most inspirational and influential people in the world. From health and wellness, to professional development, to personal well-being, changemakers share their insights, tips and strategies to provide the tools needed for personal and professional growth, improved health and well-being, and self-empowerment. Conversations with Joan connects the dots between mind, body, soul and spirit. For more information visit cyacyl.com.
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Episodes

When the Odds Are Against You

We all have limitations - it’s what you do with them that matters. Jim Abbott was born without a right hand but that did not stop him from fulfilling his dream of becoming a major league baseball pitcher. Jim was an All-America hurler at Michigan; won the Sullivan Award in 1987; was the pitcher for the Gold Medal Olympic Team in 1988; and threw a 4-0 no-hitter for the New York Yankees. He played for 10 seasons and ended his big league playing career in 1999. Jim has worked with The Department of...

May 26, 202633 minEp. 341

Proving A Miracle

Healing, faith, and the mysteries of the mind-body connection are questions that challenge both science and belief. Can the human body and spirit recover in ways that defy conventional medicine? What role do faith, prayer, and mindset play in actual physical healing? Dr. Joshua Brown shares his journey from a life-threatening cancer diagnosis to a remarkable recovery that defied conventional scientific explanation. Dr. Brown is a neuroscientist, former director of the graduate program in neurosc...

May 18, 202639 minEp. 340

When A Loved One is Dying

Death is one of the few experiences every one of us will face, yet it remains one of the most difficult to talk about. When someone we love is dying, we’re often left navigating not only grief, but uncertainty—unsure of what to say, what to expect, or how to provide comfort in a moment that feels anything but clear. And yet, within that space, there can also be profound connection, meaning, and even moments of unexpected peace. Maureen Groden talks about care and coping at the end of life. Maure...

May 11, 202630 minEp. 339

Making the Shift to A Divinely Guided Life

Suzanne Giesemann knew how to live in a left-brained world as a Navy commander and aide to the head of the US military, but the death of her pregnant stepdaughter catapulted her on a journey leading to a very different destination. Suzanne believes that seeing from the eyes of the soul is the key to a joy-filled life. She discusses how we live from the soul’s perspective where she contends the highest answers lie. Suzanne is a spiritual teacher and author who was recognized on the Watkins list o...

May 04, 202625 minEp. 338

Reigniting Intimacy

With constant demands on your time and attention it’s easy to neglect your romantic relationship. The spark may be gone and you may feel disconnected from each other. Carolyn Sharp offers a solution for relationships that are struggling, feeling stale, or just in need of a little extra care. Carolyn is a couples therapist who helps people build vital, vibrant, and secure functioning relationships. She is the author of the book, Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Rela...

Apr 27, 202636 minEp. 337

Reclaiming Your Voice

High-control religion can shape identity, silence intuition, and leave lasting trauma—especially when faith, purity culture, and authority collide during adolescence. Darls Centola is a trauma therapist who explores how navigating faith under intense control shaped her path out of religious trauma and into healing. Darls shared a teenage friendship with Michael Jackson inside the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her new book, Finding Truth with Michael: A Memoir of Friendship, Faith, and First Love , offers...

Apr 20, 202620 minEp. 336

Reclaiming Your Self Worth

Feeling invisible can quietly erode our sense of worth, but being seen is often where healing begins. Oneika Mays is a meditation teacher who’s helped people from yoga studios to Rikers Island find compassion and resilience through mindfulness . She discusses how mindfulness and meditation can help us manage stress, build self-worth, and create healing spaces for those who feel forgotten. Oneika is the author of Sit With Me , A No BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation ....

Apr 13, 202617 minEp. 335

Reclaiming Your Voice

When a woman decides to choose herself, everything changes. It’s a moment that invites her to reclaim her voice, her truth, and her life after years of living according to expectations that no longer fit. Deborah Santana’ s journey goes from a life shaped by heritage, to marriage to legendary musician Carlos Santana , to a spiritual and personal rebirth. She discusses why the fire meant to consume us can become the source of freedom. Deborah is an author, activist, and author of the book, Loving...

Apr 06, 202622 minEp. 334

Healing from Shame and Unresolved Trauma

Some stories really challenge how we think about justice, silence, and the courage it takes to finally speak your truth. Darlene Lekowski was sexually assaulted by her two oldest brothers. She kept that secret for decades, building a successful life while carrying the heavy weight of shame and unresolved trauma until she finally began to heal and reclaim her voice. She talks about what happens when those long-buried secrets come to light, and how healing can start when a survivor finally tells h...

Mar 30, 202626 minEp. 333

Making the Decision to Rise for Change

Some voices have shaped history by speaking truth to power and fighting for equality. In this episode, we’re joined by two extraordinary women whose lifelong activism has touched lives around the world. Gloria Steinem, pioneering feminist organizer, writer, and advocate, and Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize-winning peace activist and women’s rights leader from Liberia, discuss their powerful collaboration. Together, they co-wrote RISE, GIRL, RISE: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All , a ...

Mar 23, 202626 minEp. 332

Creating A Secure Relationship

In a culture where love is often romanticized but rarely taught, many people find themselves repeating relationship patterns they don’t fully understand. We long for closeness and safety, yet struggle when conflict arises or connection feels threatened. The good news is that secure relationships aren’t reserved for the lucky few—they can be learned. Julie Menanno talks about what secure love really is, how it’s built over time, and the small but powerful shifts that help couples move from surviv...

Mar 16, 202619 minEp. 331

Avoiding Hidden Traps That Limit Growth

In a world where growth is often forced, over-managed, or prematurely pruned, some companies manage to scale with strength, longevity, and purpose. What separates the organizations that thrive for decades from those that stay small — or break under pressure — often comes down to how leaders think about growth, technology, and decision-making. Nicolas Darveau-Garneau has been at the center of the biggest digital transformations shaping business as we know it. He talks about what the top 5 percent...

Mar 09, 202628 minEp. 330

A Journey of Survival

Some stories don’t just recount history, they help us understand who we become in the aftermath of trauma. Today’s conversation. Mimi Nichter was just 20 years old when her flight from Israel to New York was hijacked and diverted to the Jordanian desert. It took Mimi more than 50 years to find the courage to tell this story. She invites us to reflect not only on trauma, but on the resilience required to survive it and the ways the past continues to shape who we are today. Mimi is the author of H...

Mar 02, 202635 minEp. 329

The Healing Power of Pain

With one-fifth of Americans living in chronic pain - and countless others carrying pain that is temporary, emotional, or unseen - Darcy Steinke invites us to reconsider something most of us try to avoid. She shares why she believes pain shapes not only the body, but the soul. Darcy has taught at Columbia University, NYU, Princeton, and the American University of Paris, and is the author of nine books, including This Is the Door: The Body, Pain, and Faith .

Feb 23, 202629 minEp. 328

Building Healthy Relationships

Relationship conflict can feel frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes impossible to resolve. But what if the path to real connection didn’t require complicated strategies but rather, just one simple, powerful question? Annmarie Chereso explores how even the most challenging relationship dynamics can shift from reactivity to understanding. AnnMarie, is a #1 International Best-Selling author, conscious relationship coach, and parenting expert who has spent the last two decades helping couples and ...

Feb 16, 202620 minEp. 327

Life After Death

Near-death experiences exist at the meeting point of mystery and spirituality, offering powerful insight into consciousness beyond the physical body. For many, they awaken a deeper understanding of meaning, purpose, and connection that continues long after the experience itself. Jacob Cooper’s life was forever changed by a near-death experience at just three years old. He talks about his profound encounter beyond breath, the spiritual insights it revealed, and how those early moments shaped his ...

Feb 09, 202624 minEp. 326

Healing Through Wonder

In grief, trauma, and life’s darkest moments, a single experience of awe can spark resilience, hope, and connection. Val Walker shares a deeply personal story showing how awe grounds us, renews our spirit, and breaks the isolation of trauma. As a rehabilitation counselor, group facilitator, and survivor of complex trauma, Val illuminates the path from darkness to light through the contagious power of wonder. She is the author of the book, Healing Through Wonder ....

Feb 02, 202624 minEp. 325

How to Futureproof Your Brain

Changes to your body and brain are normal as you age. And while it may feel like it’s out of your control, research shows that there are things you can do to help slow any decline in memory and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other brain issues. Dr. Tommy Wood discusses how you can improve focus and cognition at any age. Dr. Wood is an assistant professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington and the author of the book, The Stimulated Mind: Future-Pr...

Jan 26, 202632 minEp. 324

Surviving A Hijacking

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us — some we expect, and others that completely upend everything we know. How we choose to navigate those moments often defines who we become. Jackie Pflug knows this truth more than most. Jackie survived the 1985 hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 648, an event that forced her to confront trauma, resilience, and reinvention in the deepest sense. Now, with her new book Wake Up , she invites us into her story of courage, healing, and the powerful decision to say...

Jan 19, 202630 minEp. 323

The Science of Living Longer

In a time when so many of us are searching for ways to feel better, stay stronger, and add more healthy years to our lives, the importance of clear, reliable, science-based information has never been greater. We’re surrounded by conflicting advice, quick fixes, and wellness trends that come and go — but what truly makes a difference is understanding the evidence behind how our daily choices shape our long-term health. In his groundbreaking book, How Not to Die , Dr. Michael Greger transformed ho...

Jan 12, 202622 minEp. 322

Why You Are Not Designed for Constant Happiness

Despite having more comfort and knowledge than ever before, many people struggle with mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Dr. Anders Hansen contends that understanding our brain’s design, which is built for survival and not constant happiness, is key to addressing today’s mental health challenges. Dr. Hansen talks about the brain and offers actionable strategies to cultivate genuine happiness and well-being. Dr. Hansen is a Swedish psychiatrist, speaker and international bes...

Jan 05, 202628 minEp. 321

The Potency of Love and Forgiveness

Wm Paul Young, author of The Shack , was raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of what was Netherlands New Guinea. Paul has suffered tremendous loss in his life and he has struggled to live with an underlying shame that ran so deep that it threatened his sense of sanity. He discusses the potency of love and forgiveness, the road of reconciliation, the surprises of transformational healing, and the unexpected emergence of joy....

Dec 29, 202531 minEp. 320

Angel Guidance

Anyone who has watched the Holiday Classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, can fondly recall Clarence, the guardian angel sent to earth to aid George Bailey in his time of need. Clarence helped George see the value in his life, and George helped Clarence earn his wings. This touching story has led many to wonder if there really are angels by our side and what their role may be in our lives. Lorna Byrne has been seeing and talking to angels since she was a baby. As a young child, she assumed everyone cou...

Dec 21, 202542 minEp. 319

The Art of Manifesting

Manifestation isn’t just about wishing for what you want, it’s about aligning your energy, mindset, and actions to bring your dreams into reality. Colette Barron-Reed helps people turn intention into inspired action and step into lives of clarity, purpose, and fulfillment. Colette is a spiritual teacher, transformational coach, and intuitive guide. She is the author of the new book, The Art of Manifesting.

Dec 14, 202523 minEp. 318

Following Your Dream with David Baldacci

David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, He published his first novel, Absolute Power , in 1996 and it was adapted into a feature film with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. Today. David is an award-winning #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. He discusses his new book, Nash Falls.

Dec 08, 202513 minEp. 317

Finding Love After Trauma

One in six women will experience sexual violence in her lifetime. Behind that number are countless untold stories of trauma, survival, and the difficult journey toward reclaiming intimacy. Dr. Vanessa Carlisle helps us understand what that means and how healing is possible. Dr. Carlisle is a renowned expert in sex, sexuality, gender, addiction, and trauma, and the author of Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma. She brings a wealth of knowledge and ...

Dec 01, 202526 minEp. 315

Navigating the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us. For many it can be the most wonderful time of the year, but for others, it can be the loneliest. If you have lost a loved one or suffered a breakup with a spouse/significant other or friend, the holiday season is a constant reminder of the loss. Grief at any time of the year is painful, but it feels especially traumatic during the holidays. Dr. Pilar Jennings talks about how we can navigate loss during the holidays. Dr. Jennings is a psychoanalyst in private practi...

Nov 24, 202526 minEp. 316

Tapping Into Your Potential

Many people hunger for success but struggle to balance what they pursue on the outside with what they need on the inside. According to Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, we can learn how to have our outer success reflect our inner core. He teaches how our five core energies can create outer impact from a place of inner mastery. Dr. Wadhwa is a professor at Columbia Business School and the founder of the Mentora Institute and Mentora Foundation. His work has been covered by Fortune , CNN, Financial Times , The...

Nov 17, 202528 minEp. 313

Finding Meaning in Life

Mitch Albom has written books that have made a difference in the lives of millions around the world. He is an internationally renowned and best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, broadcaster and musician. Mitch’s books, which include Tuesdays with Morrie , The Five People You Meet in Heaven , and For One More Day , and have collectively sold more than 40 million copies worldwide; have been published in 49 territories and in 47 languages around the world. His work has been made...

Nov 10, 202521 minEp. 314

Cultivating Love, Resilience, and Harmony

In a world that feels more anxious, divided, and uncertain than ever, many of us are searching for a way to find calm, clarity, and inner peace. Dr. Stephen Post offers a science-based roadmap to cultivating love, resilience, and harmony. He draws on decades of research, real-world examples, and practical exercises, to show how embracing the power of unconditional love —. toward ourselves and others — can transform not just our hearts, but our communities and the world. Dr. Post is a researcher,...

Nov 03, 202532 minEp. 312
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