It's Your Life Podcast

Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a Pain Scientist, Author, and leading voice in pain science whose work helps people understand that pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. In The Pain Management Workbook, she combines neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and practical self-management strategies to help individuals better understand their pain, calm the nervous system, reduce pain-related distress, and regain a greater sense of control, confidence, and quality of life.

Dr. Rachel Zoffness Biography

Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a pain scientist and thought-leader revolutionizing the way we understand and treat pain. She's an assistant clinical professor at UCSF, lectures at Stanford, and consults on the development of pain management programs around the world. Dr. Zoffness’s new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, is being translated to 27 languages.

Website: Zoffness.com

This timely conversation explores the growing interest in peptides—short chains of amino acids that act as natural messengers, helping cells communicate and supporting important functions such as muscle health, metabolism, sleep, recovery, and healthy aging. The discussion examines how peptides occur naturally in the body and certain foods, how oral peptides move through digestion, how they differ from synthetic or injectable forms, and why peptide science is attracting so much attention. It also highlights the future of peptide research and the passion that ultimately led to the development of MAKE Wellness.

Mimi Allen Biography

Mimi is a San Diego native with a background in pharmaceutical sales, plant-based wellness, and longevity science. She started her career in dermatological pharmaceutical sales, where she developed a strong foundation in skincare, health, and aging, which ultimately sparked her passion for optimizing wellness from the inside out.

She went on to gain hands on experience in the emerging CBD industry, further strengthening her dedication to natural, plant-derived wellness solutions. Today, Mimi is focused on MAKE Wellness, a company transforming the way we think about healthy aging, performance, and vitality through bioactive precision peptides derived from plants and food, designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural systems.

Attracted to MAKE’s science backed innovation and leadership in a fast-growing category, Mimi joined the company after recognizing both the strength of the research and the potential of this new frontier in wellness. MAKE Wellness achieved $117 million in revenue in its first year, highlighting the strong demand for its groundbreaking approach.

As a single mother of two sons, Mimi is deeply committed to supporting health-conscious adults, especially those 40 and older, who want to age well while preserving their energy, strength, mental clarity, appearance, and overall quality of life. She is passionate about sharing natural, science driven solutions that nourish the body from within and help people stay active and thriving for years to come.

It’s all about HEALTHSPAN and not lifespan.

Website: https://makewellness.com/mimi/Shopping/Share?promo=give10

This engaging discussion with Dr. Mark Faries explores how psychology and religion intersect with lifestyle medicine to influence health, behavior, and lasting personal change. Dr. Faries examines why people often struggle to adopt healthier habits, challenges common health and fitness myths, and discusses how faith—particularly through the lens of early Christianity—can provide meaning, motivation, discipline, and spiritual support for healthier living.

 Dr. Mark Faries Biography

Mark D. Faries, PhD is a Professor and Extension Health Specialist in Behavioral Medicine who examines why and how people initiate and maintain healthy behaviors—in short, medication adherence, when lifestyle is the medicine

Websites

Markfaries.com

fitnesspudding.com

This insightful conversation explores the school years as a critical period of neurodevelopment, changing academic expectations, and evolving emotional and social experiences. How a child’s inner world influences learning, relationships, and behavior, while highlighting how school becomes an extension of both the child’s development and the family’s parenting journey.

This inspiring conversation with Linda Roszak Burton, President of DRW Coaching, explores the concept of Human Flourishing and how gratitude can serve as a powerful foundation for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Linda examines four essential elements of flourishing—self-awareness, environmental stability, fundamental beliefs, and purpose and meaning—revealing how gratitude connects and strengthens each one. From helping us become more intentional about what we notice, to building stronger relationships, shaping healthier beliefs, and providing daily evidence of meaning and purpose, this conversation demonstrates how the intentional practice of gratitude can help us grow, connect, become more resilient, and ultimately flourish in both our personal and professional lives.

Linda Roszak Burton, NBC-HWC, ACC, BBC, BS, is President of DRW Coaching. Linda is an executive and a national board-certified health and well-being coach, an academic researcher, an author and a public speaker. As a coach, she is committed to bringing strength-based coaching methodologies to her clients—grounded in cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices in neuroscience, positive psychology, and gratitude—while enhancing a leader's capacity to sustain their skills in high-stakes environments.  

As an academic researcher, her international studies include gratitude interventions to support stress management, mental health, employee engagement and meaningfulness of work.

Linda is a credentialed executive coach through the International Coach Federation, a National Board Certified Health and Well-being Coach (NBC-HWC), a certified Brain-Based Coach through the NeuroLeadership Institute, a certified Positive Psychology-Based Health and Well-Being Coach through the College of Executive Coaching, and a Charter Member of A Loving Organization. A member of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School Affiliate, she holds a B.S. in Health Education from Virginia Tech and has completed coursework pursuing an M.S. in Conflict Management at the University of Baltimore. Linda is the author of Gratitude Heals®- A Journal for Inspiration and Guidance (Available on Amazon). Additionally, her Great Mills TEDx Talk on Gratitude- The Power to Heal the World was released in December 2022. Linda has been a regular contributor to the Wharton Healthcare Quarterly on the science of gratitude since 2017.

Website www.drwcoaching.com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaroszakburton/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_lroszakburton/

View recent videos , Is Gratitude Really Transformational?  Is Gratitude Enough?

Website www.drwcoaching.com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaroszakburton/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_lroszakburton/

X https://x.com/lrburton

https://www.facebook.com/Img4Lburton

Medium https://medium.com/@lburton_32567

This conversation takes an honest and personal look at how our bodies change as we get older and how those changes can affect nearly every aspect of our lives, including exercise, nutrition, sleep, energy, and mental and emotional well-being.  Adjusting physical activities, changing eating habits, managing aches and pains, recognizing new limitations, and dealing with injuries or health conditions that may take longer to heal. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies, adapting our lifestyles, taking preventive health seriously, and making thoughtful choices today that can help us remain active, independent, and healthy throughout every stage of life.

This conversation with Dr. David Lai explores the evolving future of healthcare by examining why modern medicine is highly effective at treating disease yet often falls short in measuring and promoting true health. Drawing on evidence-based functional medicine, global health experience, and advances in precision medicine, Dr. Lai discusses the early biological changes that precede chronic illness, the critical roles of mitochondria, metabolic health, inflammation, and the gut microbiome, and how chronic stress and burnout affect long-term well-being. He also shares insights into healthy aging, the promise of biomarkers and artificial intelligence in clinical practice, and why prevention and building resilience should begin decades before disease becomes clinically apparent.

Dr. David Lai Biography

Dr. David Lai is a Canadian Physician, former World Health Organization medical officer, and Founder of Tao Functional Health. Over the past two decades, he has worked across humanitarian emergencies, public health, and clinical medicine, serving communities in countries including Afghanistan, Palestine, and South Sudan.

Today, his work focuses on bridging evidence-based medicine, systems biology, and personalized care to better understand why chronic diseases often develop long before symptoms appear. Through clinical practice, education, and writing, he advocates for a more proactive model of healthcare that emphasizes prevention, resilience, and healthy aging.

Website & Social Media

Website: https://www.taofunctionalhealth.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lai-1467422ab/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taofunctional

Explore the disconnect between knowing what supports health and actually being able to do it. Discuss how the nervous system, rather than a lack of motivation, often determines whether healthy behaviors feel possible.

Sharon Plaché Biography

Sharon Plaché is a Doctoral Scholar in Lifestyle Medicine Education, health promotion, trauma-informed care, and behavioral change at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. With an MSc in Integrative Health and Lifestyle Medicine from Point Loma Nazarene, Sharon has provided quality, holistic somatic and trauma-informed health education coaching, and bodywork in San Diego since 1989.

Sharon is a Diplomate of ACLM; Certified Health and Wellness Coach/NBC-HWC; SEP - Somatic Experiencing Practitioner; Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach; Havening® & BrainSpotting® Practitioner; HeartMath® Trainer, Mentor & Intervention Practitioner; NARM and Neuro Affective Touch Practitioner and Instructor in NLP, MER® & Hypnosis.

Coming from a background in ballet training and yoga practice, Sharon has a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. In addition, she can support the balance of the muscular system, mind/body integration, and energetic principles that govern health and well-being. Each session is unique and tailored to the individual's current needs. Each session focuses on creating the most beneficial outcome possible by using popular models of lifestyle medicine, health coaching, and somatic therapies.

Her practice aims to continue providing quality therapeutic support to San Diego and its extended communities.

Websites/Social Media

www.SharonPlache.com
www.facebook.com/SharonPlache1

https://www.instagram.com/sharonplache/

www.linkedin.com/in/sharonplache

http://members.nbhwc.org/member/SharonPlache

https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché-1/
www.lifecoachmatch.com/user/sharonplache/
www.youtube.com/user/sharonplache

https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché/
www.sharonplache.yelp.com 
www.profiles.goggle.com/sharonplache

Tina Bernard, founder of Badass Arts, joins us to explore "The Badass Path to Health: Emotional Honesty, Awe, and a More Fully Lived Life." In this inspiring conversation, she shares how embracing emotional honesty, cultivating moments of awe, and expressing ourselves through creativity can lead to deeper healing, resilience, and authentic well-being. Tina discusses how facing our emotions instead of avoiding them allows us to live with greater purpose, stronger relationships, and renewed joy, demonstrating that true health is about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while courageously living a life that is both meaningful and fully alive.

Tina Bernard Biography

Tina Bernard is the founder of The Badass Arts, a platform helping women bridge the gap between what they know and how they live. Through speaking, curated salons, and transformational experiences, she explores emotional honesty, self-trust, purpose, and the patterns that keep women from living fully. Her work blends storytelling, practical insight, and original concepts such as Bigly Feels™ and Radical AWEpreciation. Tina is also an author, speaker, and 2026 Athena Leadership Award Nominee and a 2026 Global Recognition Award recipient.

Website

https://www.thebadassarts.com/

Summary

Explore the disconnect between knowing what supports health and actually being able to do it. Discuss how the nervous system, rather than a lack of motivation, often determines whether healthy behaviors feel possible.

Sharon Plaché Biography

Sharon Plaché is a Doctoral Scholar in Lifestyle Medicine Education, health promotion, trauma-informed care, and behavioral change at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. With an MSc in Integrative Health and Lifestyle Medicine from Point Loma Nazarene, Sharon has provided quality, holistic somatic and trauma-informed health education coaching, and bodywork in San Diego since 1989.

Sharon is a Diplomate of ACLM; Certified Health and Wellness Coach/NBC-HWC; SEP - Somatic Experiencing Practitioner; Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach; Havening® & BrainSpotting® Practitioner; HeartMath® Trainer, Mentor & Intervention Practitioner; NARM and Neuro Affective Touch Practitioner and Instructor in NLP, MER® & Hypnosis.

Coming from a background in ballet training and yoga practice, Sharon has a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. In addition, she can support the balance of the muscular system, mind/body integration, and energetic principles that govern health and well-being. Each session is unique and tailored to the individual's current needs. Each session focuses on creating the most beneficial outcome possible by using popular models of lifestyle medicine, health coaching, and somatic therapies.

Her practice aims to continue providing quality therapeutic support to San Diego and its extended communities.

Websites/Social Media
www.SharonPlache.com
www.facebook.com/SharonPlache1

https://www.instagram.com/sharonplache/

www.linkedin.com/in/sharonplache

http://members.nbhwc.org/member/SharonPlache

https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché-1/
www.lifecoachmatch.com/user/sharonplache/
www.youtube.com/user/sharonplache

https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché/
www.sharonplache.yelp.com 
profiles.goggle.com/sharonplache

This discussion explores how new obesity medications are transforming the landscape of obesity care while highlighting the growing importance of understanding the science behind obesity as a complex, chronic condition. As medical treatments continue to advance, lived experiences remind us that medication alone is not the complete answer; lifestyle medicine, individualized care, and compassion remain essential. By examining the intersection of emerging treatments, scientific knowledge, healthy lifestyle practices, and the real-world experiences of people living with obesity, we can better understand how to create a more effective, supportive, and comprehensive approach to long-term health and well-being.

Ted Kyle

Biography

Ted Kyle is a pharmacist and healthcare innovator living in Pittsburgh. He's also a tireless advocate for people living with obesity. His widely-read daily commentary, published at Conscienhealth.org, reaches a diverse audience of thought leaders in health and obesity. His peer-reviewed publications focus on obesity, weight bias, and health policy.

Websites & Social

· conscienhealth.org/news

· X: conscienhealth

· Facebook: ConscienHealth

· LinkedIn: ConscienHealth

· Instagram: Conscienhealth

· Bluesky: conscienhealth.bsky.social

This conversation explores a fundamental question: are we approaching mental health in the most effective way? It examines what mental health truly means beyond diagnostic labels, the distinction between normal human suffering and mental illness, the influence of life experiences, relationships, and environment on emotional well-being, and the evidence surrounding current treatment approaches. It also considers how cultural, institutional, and economic forces shape mental health care, while challenging listeners to think about resilience, recovery, personal responsibility, and the importance of helping people build meaningful, fulfilling lives—not simply reduce symptoms or acquire diagnoses.

Dr. Roger McFillin Biography

Dr. Roger McFillin is a Board-certified Clinical Psychologist and one of the most prominent independent voices challenging the psychiatric and mental-health industrial complex. As Executive Director of the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health and founder of the nonprofit Conscious Clinician Collective, he has spent two decades building the clinical credibility that makes his public challenge to the system impossible to dismiss. A spiritual awakening in 2020 transformed the way he worked with clients and drew him toward post-materialist science. One of only two psychologists selected as an expert panelist at an FDA forum on SSRIs during pregnancy, he has become a Substack bestseller in health politics and one of the fastest-growing independent voices in the space, trusted precisely because he speaks from inside the field he critiques. He is also the host of the Radically Genuine Podcast, which ranks in the top 0.5% of podcasts globally.

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/radicallygenuine

This conversation explores the powerful connection between financial health and mental well-being, emphasizing that true financial security is about far more than income or investment returns. It examines how mindset, daily habits, emotional decision-making, and financial clarity influence stress, relationships, retirement planning, and overall quality of life. The discussion also highlights the psychological barriers that prevent people from making sound financial choices, the importance of developing healthy money habits across generations, and how practical strategies—such as those outlined in Retirement Saving Success: Three Simple Steps—can help individuals achieve greater confidence, peace of mind, and long-term financial wellness.

Leonard Wright Biography

Leonard has been delivering Retirement Plan Solutions for businesses for 37 years. Over the last 29 years, Leonard has been implementing three layers of the Retirement Plan Cake as a Retirement Plan Specialist at his offices in San Diego with qualified business owners, and other small business retirement plans like SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, and works with the State of California on the important aspects of State Facilitated IRA Programs for employers who don’t currently offer a company sponsored Retirement Plan. 

Leonard's first book for Participants in Retirement Plans will be available on Amazon October 01, 2025, Retirement Saving Success, Three Simple Steps. His second book for business owners, Retirement Plan Success, will be available in the second half of 2026.

Leonard implemented his first 401 (k) plan as a CFO in one of America’s top jewelry companies, which included America's first jeweler established in 1810 in Manhattan, Black Starr & Frost, in 1988, and again in a 31-point health care company in 1992.

Leonard started his firm in 1996, where his practice has been primarily in Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and New York. 

Leonard has served the accounting profession through the Association of International of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), and California Society of CPAs. For the AICPA, Leonard is the current chair of the Personal Financial Planning Executive Committee, the past chair of the Member Retirement Plan committee, and has served on the PFS Credentialling Committee, the PFP Executive Committee, and the Financial Literacy Commission, where he worked on a three-person task force with the American Red Cross and National Endowment for Financial Education to highlight the importance of disaster planning in your community in the creation of the Disasters and Financial Planning - A Guide for Preparedness and Recovery which Leonard co-authored through the AICPA. 

For the California Society of CPAs, Leonard co-chaired the business committee and worked with the California Treasurer's office during the development of the State IRA program for business owners who do not currently offer retirement plans. As part of the communications to the accounting profession, Leonard developed a symposium working with the treasurer's office in Oregon, Illinois, and California, as well as the past head of the PBGC, The Honorable Jonathan Gotbaum, and Angela Antonelli, the CEO of the Center for Retirement Initiatives. 

Leonard's favorite time in Las Vegas is a 7-year period where he and two other CPAs were co-hosts of Financial Fridays, first at KMZQ, broadcasting live on the SWIM show from the Las Vegas Strip for about 2 1/2 years, and then from the second oldest radio station in Las Vegas, for nearly five years at KLAV. The featured guests every Friday were America's top CPAs from California, Nevada, and across the country, as well as North America's top business leaders. Leonard has been quoted in financial media across America and at the BBC, interviewed on radio and television, and is a current freelance journalist at Rethinking65, and has been quoted widely in a variety of financial press in America and for the BBC.

Dr. Eric Shapira highlights how ageism can contribute to loneliness among older adults by fostering stereotypes that diminish their value, independence, and social connections. He emphasizes that compassionate healthcare goes beyond treating medical conditions; it involves listening attentively, respecting each person's dignity, and recognizing the emotional and social challenges that often accompany aging. By practicing empathy, building meaningful relationships with patients, and addressing loneliness as a health concern, healthcare professionals can help improve both the well-being and quality of life of older adults.

Dr. Eric Shapira Biography

Dr. Eric Shapira was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bethany College in West Virginia. Dr. Shapira went to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia and had a medical and dental residency at Mt. Zion Hospital and Medical Center in San Francisco. He met and married Susan and they are still running strong after 45 years of marriage!  He received a master’s degree in clinical Gerontology from Notre Dame de Namur University and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Shapira holds a master’s in general Dentistry as well.

He had his own private practice in Dentistry in Half Moon Bay, CA for 40 years. He now works per diem in dentistry and has a practice in gerontology and geriatrics named Aging Specialists, Inc, for over 20 years. Dr. Shapira teaches geriatric and special needs dentistry. He worked as a volunteer in China from 2007 to 2018 at the behest of the Chinese government, the US Dept of State and Commerce Department through a non-profit agency. Dr. Shapira taught geriatric medicine, dentistry, nursing, and hospital administration. He was presented with the Chinese Friendship award in 2014, the highest award for Humanitarian service they give.

He holds Rotary’s highest Award for Meritorious Service and is many times over a Paul Harris Fellow. Dr.  Shapira has volunteered all over the world in almost 50 years of being a Rotarian. He has published three books: A book on healthy aging named, “A New Wrinkle: What I Learned from Older People Who Never Acted Their Age,” recently after 2 ½ years , A 60-year retrospective titled, “The Art of Eric Z Shapira,” and most recently. A textbook, after almost 4 years of writing and editing, “Geriatric Dentistry: Gateway to Longevity and Life-Long Health.” This book will be printed in 7-8 languages. But his greatest honor in life is to give his “gifts” away….

Website

https://agingmentorservices.com/services

Social Media Channel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-shapira-28769932/

Dr. Rebecca Mannis focuses on the growing challenges facing teens, including anxiety, social media pressures, test anxiety, and the impact of AI and technology on mental health and self-esteem. Dr. Mannis emphasizes that emotional well-being is strengthened when students develop healthy coping strategies, maintain balance between online and offline activities, and focus on self-worth beyond grades, likes, or external validation. She encourages teens to manage stress through organization, realistic expectations, supportive relationships, and self-care practices such as adequate sleep and mindfulness. Her message highlights that staying mentally strong in a fast-paced world is not about avoiding challenges but about building resilience, adaptability, and confidence to navigate them successfully.

Dr. Rebecca Mannis Biography

Dr. Rebecca Mannis is a learning specialist  with expertise both in neuropsychology and instruction / intervention /advocacy who is based in New York and has a global practice. Her program, Ivy Prep Learning Center, bridges neuropsychology or the brain science of learning and tactical support and intervention /enrichment across the lifespan. Masters Harvard Grad School of Education, where she also served as an appointee to the Ed School’s Alumni Council, PhD from Teachers College, Columbia U. Through her nonprofit, The Mannis Foundation, provides advocacy, programming and support for children and adults whose educational needs are not sufficiently met.

Social Media

Facebook: @ivypreplearningcenter

Facebook: Rebecca Mannis  

Twitter: @ivypreplearning

Instagram: @ivypreplearning

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/rebeccamannis

Website:

www.ivy-prep.com

This conversation with Dr. Michael Mantell focused on the connection between mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Dr. Mantell shared insights on the importance of developing a positive mindset, managing stress effectively, and building healthy habits that support both emotional and physical health. He emphasized that personal growth begins with self-awareness and intentional choices, and that resilience can be strengthened through practice and perseverance. The discussion highlighted practical strategies for maintaining balance, overcoming challenges, and living a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Dr.Michael Mantell Biography

Dr. Michael Mantell, a Renowned and Esteemed Mental Health Architect, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976 and his MS in Clinical Psychology in 1972 from Hahnemann Medical College. He guides clients to disturb themselves less, by identifying, challenging, and restructuring irrational beliefs, helping them build a reliable foundation of rational, flexible thinking, and adopt healthier behaviors and attitudes. His expertise bridges the art and science of mental health, empowering clients to disturb themselves less and construct a mindset that enables them to respond to life’s challenges with resilience, acceptance, and self-compassion.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mantell has held various prestigious positions, including Chief Psychologist for Children's Hospital of San Diego, Chief Psychologist of the San Diego Police Department, and Chief Behavior Science Consultant for the American Council on Exercise. He was a co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Plus Size Certified, Inc. and is a member of the Science Advisory Council of the International Council on Active Aging. In addition, he served as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSD Medical School, where he taught the Doctor-Patient Relationship course. He brings a specialty focus on physician wellbeing, physician burnout and elevating the patient experience. He has lectured at Pt. Loma Nazarene University and has provided a yearly 3-day Physician Wellness Studio for the American Society of Hematology. He is an invited guest instructor at Harvard University.

Dr. Mantell is a prolific author with four books to his name, including his recent work, "The Link is What You Think," "Ticking Bombs: Defusing Violence in the Workplace," and his iconic 1988 original "Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff PS: It’s All Small Stuff" and its 25th Anniversary Edition. Dr Mantell has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1981, Chair of its Election Committee and Vice-Chair of the Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee. He was elected to the Board of SAG-AFTRA San Diego in September, 2025. He’s been bringing psychology to the broadcast media for decades including regular appearances on Good Morning, America, Oprah Winfrey and weekly spots on local and nationwide news.

You can follow his free daily “MantellPoints2Ponder” on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis -licensed psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, presenter, writer and adjunct professor at Columbia University and Robin W. Thorburn - Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.

 Show Summary

Today’s show discusses Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, which teaches that emotional suffering is often intensified not only by difficult events themselves but by the beliefs and interpretations we attach to those events. REBT helps lessen emotional pain by identifying irrational thoughts, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and replacing them with more realistic and flexible ways of thinking.

Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis Biography

Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. New York City has been her home base for the past two decades. She is a licensed psychologist (Australia), licensed mental health counselor (New York), presenter, writer and adjunct professor at Columbia University in New York City where she teaches Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Comparative Psychotherapies. For years she worked with her husband, the brilliant and renowned pioneer of modern cognitive therapies: Dr Albert Ellis, giving public presentations and professional trainings in his approach of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), as well as collaborating with him on writing and research projects until his death in 2007. Before his passing he stated and wrote that he entrusted her to continue his work. She is recognized as a world-renowned expert on REBT, and regularly presents, throughout the USA and in countries around the world, to students, academics, practitioners in the helping professions, and to members of the general public. She wrote the second edition of the book Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (published 2019) that she co-wrote with her husband in its first edition. She is also featured in a DVD produced by the American Psychological Association (APA) demonstrating and discussing the REBT approach. She has written chapters for various text books, articles, and has reviewed publications for APA’s PsycCritiques Journal. In 2014 she was named “Legend in Counseling” at the American Counseling Association annual conference, and has received various other awards and acknowledgments for her work. She recently was nominated by former American Psychological Association President, Dr Frank Farley, and renowned psychologist and author, Dr Stanley Krippner, to receive the American Psychological Association's International Division's "Global Citizen Award". She joyfully and passionately continues her mission of informing as many people as possible - through her presentations, teaching, writing, and the ways she strives to ‘walk her talk’ - that each one of us has the power to create our emotional destinies despite and including challenging circumstances, and through teaching the ‘how-to’s’ of doing so!

Website

www.debbiejoffeellis.com

Robin W. Thorburn ADHP (NC) MNRHP FNSHP UKCP (H) Biography

Robin W. Thorburn, the founder of Exclusive Hypnotherapy Edinburgh, is one of the UK’s leading Hypno-Psychotherapists.  He has 33 years verifiable clinical experience and has successfully conducted over 20,000 Hypno-Psychotherapy sessions.

Robin has literally helped thousands of clients who have experienced debilitating panic attacks, phobias, anxiety, stress, insomnia, low self-confidence/esteem/self-worth, unexplained infertility, anger management, depression, imposter syndrome, public speaking and blushing, guilt, irritable bowel syndrome, unexplained infertility, pain control, sports psychology and enhancement of business performance,   He is also remarkably successful working with people who wish to stop smoking/vaping, improve weight loss or require, life coaching,  sexual and relationship problems are also helped with, as is bereavement.

 Website

www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk 

A seated conversation with our royal guests from Ghana about their visit to the United States, receiving honorary doctorate degrees, and sharing their kingdom’s vision, philanthropic efforts, community impact, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to helping others.

Show Summary:

A Royal Week Of Festivities In Dallas Texas Hosted By Black Women Who Want MORE. 

We don't plan events, we create experiences. Starting Wednesday May 20th, The Queens Of 

Black Women Who Want More, will host the Kings Of Ghana at multiple celebrations, a graduation, a book signing and a global "mastermind" with international Thought Leaders.  

Tune In To Find Out How You Can Be A Part Of This Memorable LIVE event which will be streamed online and open to the public.  

Dr. Renee Toppin: Guest

Dr. Renee Toppin the Founder/CEO of Black Women Who Want More Academy is a highly accomplished Whole Life Empowerment Coach with more than 25 years of experience transforming lives through her distinctive coaching and training approach. As a dynamic professional public speaker, she motivates audiences worldwide and maintains a global social media presence exceeding 700,000 followers, with strong engagement across the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.

She has appeared on CNN as a surrogate for a former U.S. President and has been featured on numerous radio, television, and talk shows. Renowned for her powerful communication and impactful delivery, Ms. Toppin attracts women from around the globe to her online programs, classes, and courses.

As a licensed Evangelist, Ms. Toppin integrates biblical principles and the Word of God into her Life Coaching Academy, empowering women to pursue holistic personal growth—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. Through multiple successful business ventures, she has expanded into global markets, ensuring sustainable growth and broad impact. She leads a team of elite coaches specializing in finance, health and wellness, accountability, spiritual awareness, book writing and publishing, and essential life coping skills.

Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Jason Gootman - a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a certified nutritionist and certified exercise physiologist.

Summary:

This conversation explores the complex relationship between wellness, self-acceptance, and personal transformation — examining whether weight is a root cause of health challenges or a reflection of broader physical and emotional wellness. It also looks at how weight-loss medications are reshaping public attitudes toward obesity, treatment, and accountability, while highlighting the deeply empowering effect many people experience when losing weight and reclaiming control over their health and confidence.

Jason Gootman Biography

Jason Gootman is a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a certified nutritionist and certified exercise physiologist. Jason helps people reverse and prevent type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other ailments with evidence-based approaches to nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, holistic wellness, and, most importantly, lasting behavior improvement and positive habit formation. As part of this work, Jason often helps people lose weight and keep it off, in part by helping them overcome the common challenges of yo-yo dieting and emotional eating. Jason helps people go from knowing what to do and having good intentions to consistently taking great care of themselves in ways that help them add years to their lives and life to their years.

Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongootman/

https://www.facebook.com/jasongootman

https://www.instagram.com/jasongootman/

https://x.com/jasongootman