Lean into Love

Episode DescriptionIn this deeply moving episode of Lean into Love, Gina sits down with Kristin Hennenfent—a soon-to-be mama, radiant human, and powerful example of what it means to choose love in a world that often invites fear.Kristin has lived through profound and life-altering experiences, including surviving the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting. Rather than allowing trauma to harden her heart, she has committed to living with intentional positivity, grounded perspective, and open-hearted courage.This conversation isn’t about bypassing pain. It’s about acknowledging darkness while refusing to let it define you. It’s about multiplicity—the grief and the gratitude, the fear and the faith, the heartbreak and the hope—coexisting in one human life.And now, as Kristin prepares to step into motherhood, she shares what it means to bring a child into the world with clarity, compassion, and a fierce commitment to love.In This Episode, We Explore:What it means to consciously choose love after traumaThe long arc of healing and perspectiveLiving with both grief and gratitudeHow motherhood deepens our commitment to hopeThe power of mindset—not as denial, but as devotionShowing up as love when fear would be easierContent NoteThis episode includes discussion of the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting. Please listen with care and tend to yourself as needed.Work With GinaIf this episode resonated and you’re seeking deeper support, Gina is currently accepting therapy clients in California as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and offers coaching for those outside the state. Please visit www.ginavelezwellness.com for more information.

Natalie is one compassionate, quick-witted, funny gal who gives so much thought and care to her community, and I am so grateful she agreed to be on the pod! Listen as Natalie discusses her work at CAPC, Community Advocates for People’s Choice, a non-profit capitalizing on capabilities. They seek to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live and work on their own, gain employment, and find living arrangements if they need. This incredible organization provides a community of inclusion and advocacy, often providing transportation to improve these individuals’ relationships and lives. If you would like to partner or donate to CAPC, please visit https://www.capcinc.org/or follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/capcincFollow Natalie on LinkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-saenz-2632a521/Remember, you, too, can make a difference in your community like Natalie. All you have to do is begin!

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Bella Casperson, a dynamic young actor who is making a difference through her art, one performance at a time. Bella’s talent and passion shine both on and off the stage as she uses her creativity to spark change and tell meaningful stories. In addition to her acting career, Bella is a dedicated yoga instructor who integrates mindfulness, self-compassion, and faith into her practice. In this episode, she shares insights on balancing her artistic pursuits with her commitment to helping others grow through yoga. Don’t miss this uplifting episode with a truly multifaceted talent! Resources: The Four Agreements by don Miguel RuizDopamine Nation by Dr. Anna LembkeThe Actor at Work by Robert BenedettiStation Eleven by Emily St. John MandelAlternate Nostril Breathing

Teaching both the Play and the Pause, Jen Trevor’s Thoughtful Theater is a youth performing arts program in Newport Beach, CA, that skillfully integrates theater arts curriculum with sensory mindfulness activities. This innovative approach blends self-expression with self-awareness, creating a unique and enriching experience for young performers. Jen's company intentionally channels children's talents and energy into local and global community projects, promoting awareness and compassion on a broader scale. Join us as we talk about the power of mindfulness in the arts, spirituality, and so much more. Learn more about Thoughtful Theatre and the amazing work Jen and her students are doing: https://www.thoughtfultheater.com/Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealthoughtfultheater and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfultheaterprogramGet involved with Nourish Every Child: https://www.nourisheverychild.org/

In this episode, Tim Cherry shares his near-death experience and how this occurance impacted him. We talk about the events leading up to his NDE, what happened during it, and everything he learned afterward as a result. NDEs have always been a reminder for me that life exists beyond the one we're experiencing and how to stay connected to a higher power. I hope this helps you on your spiritual, self-compassion journey, as well. Interested in a great pickleball podcast? Check out Tim's sister's podcast all about the sport that's taking the world by storm:

This is an eyes-open, present-moment awareness meditation centered around the concept of "Let Them." As always, make sure you are in a safe environment and making good decisions when participating in a meditation. Feel free to let me know how this might have helped you. Follow me on IG: www.instagram.com/theyoginaVisit my website: www.theyogina.com Email me: [email protected]

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Chris Hoff, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the Executive Director of the California Family Institute (CFI). In our conversation, Dr. Hoff shares profound philosophical insights and therapeutic wisdom, making this episode a must-listen. Whether you’re a mental health professional, a therapy seeker, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode offers valuable wisdom.Key Topics:- Dr. Chris Hoff's diverse career path and achievements- The mission and services of the California Family Institute- An introduction to narrative theory in therapy- Insights into counseling, coaching, and organizational consulting- The role of Zen Buddhism and meditation in Dr. Hoff's practiceConnect with Dr. Chris Hoff:Website: https://www.drchrishoff.comhttps://www.instagram.com/drchrishoff/CFI Website: https://www.californiafamilyinstitute.org/https://www.facebook.com/people/California-Family-Institute/100063789540570/Radical Therapist Podcast: https://www.theradicaltherapist.com/https://www.instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/Empty Moon Zen: https://www.emptymoonzen.org/https://www.instagram.com/emptymoonzen/https://www.instagram.com/zenandrecovery/

We're baaaack! It's summertime, and this podcast is back in action, lovers! Now, I'm dropping an episode every two weeks because I'm in grad school and have limited time, but I still want to share stories of hope, courage, and choosing to lean into love, even in the face of fear!Cheers!Gina

In this episode, we welcome Pat Moran, a Philadelphia-based Vedic Meditation teacher. Pat is pursuing a master's in social work, aiming to integrate meditation and spirituality into his therapeutic practice.In our conversation, we explore:The principles of Vedic MeditationThe intersection of spirituality and personal growthTranscendent experiences in meditationPat's vision for holistic mental health therapyWhether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for your spiritual journey.Check out his Insight Timer page: https://insighttimer.com/patrickrmoranVeda Center: https://www.thevedacenter.com/Ziva Meditation: https://zivameditation.com/

Elise Arndt is a multidisciplinary artist whose talents run the gambit from acting, singing, and dancing, to teaching and coaching. We discuss her navigating the winding road of life as a performer in NYC and now LA, being a teacher and mentor, and her journey with sobriety (or, rather, sober curiosity). Elise continues to make a positive difference in the lives of her students and colleagues as she consistently practices what she preaches.Book recommendations:Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinAtomic Habits by James ClearMile High by Liz TomfordeFive Star Weekend by Elin HildenbrandSober Curious Book Recommendations:Quit Like a Woman by Holly WhitakerBlackout by Sarah HepolaA Happier Hour by Rebecca WellerSober Curious by Ruby WarringtonThe Sober Curious Reset by Ruby WarringtonGirl Walks Out of a Bar by Lisa SmithThe Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine GrayThe Sober Diaries by Clare PooleyDrinking Games by Sarah LevySober on a Drunk Planet by Sean AlexanderThis Naked Mind: Control Alcohol by Annie GraceSober Curious Social Media Recommendations:@sobergirlsociety@noboozebabes@rubywarringtonFollow Elise on social media:https://www.instagram.com/elise_arndt/TikTok: @miss_elise3490www.elisearndt.comSelf-Love Club:Interested in some Self-Love Coaching where you can learn how to be a bit kinder to yourself? Sign up for a free, 30-minute Discovery Call, where we will create a roadmap for you today! www.theyogina.comFollow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theyogina/

Join me as I chat with the remarkable Elisha Cleaver.Elisha is an extraordinary individual, she is truly the embodiment of strength. I met Elisha this past summer during a Reiki training course, and the more I learned about Elisha’s story, the more I admired her. She views everything optimistically, has the most positive energy, and makes everyone feel considered in her presence. To know she has overcome significant challenges in her life and continues to transform her fear into faith is even more incredible. She is a true trailblazer.I hope you find this episode as inspirational as I did. Enjoy!Interested in some Self-Love Coaching where you can learn how to be a bit kinder to yourself? Sign up for a free, 30-minute Discovery Call, where we will create a roadmap for you today! www.theyogina.comFollow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theyogina/

On this episode, I have the honor of interviewing the fabulous Jessica Hayes. A musical theatre performer, voice teacher extraordinaire, yogi, and massage therapist, Jessica truly embodies what it means to live a life leading from love. Jessica shares her journey of healing by listening to her body's innate wisdom and being inspired to help others do the same.Interested in working with Jessica? Book a massage or hone your singing skills! DM her at https://www.instagram.com/jessica_makes_music/Check out her acapella group, Velocity Acapella: https://www.instagram.com/velocityacapella/Want some self-lovin' in your life? Join #TheSelfLoveClub and work with me! 1:1 coaching to cultivate greater self-compassion through mindfulness-based practices. Visit www.theyogina.com to book a free, 30-minute discovery call today!Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theyogina/

Why should we meditate? What does it do for us? How can it help improve our lives? Join me as we explore the benefits of meditation a little more thoroughly. Interested in learning how to meditate? I can teach you! Visit www.theyogina.com to begin your journey towards greater self-compassion through meditation today!

Brandi Healy is a Human Design guide and wellness entrepreneur who shares her knowledge on how this system of self-knowledge can help you live your life with greater ease and trust.In today's episode, we discuss Human Design types, authorities, and strategies, as well as signatures and centers. Want more clarity on all of those terms? Head over to the Well Designed Podcast: A Human Design Podcast, where Brandi and her co-host Kyle Wood break down the nuances of it all.Well Designed Podcast: A Human Design Podcast https://welldesignedhd.transistor.fm/If you're interested in working with Brandi or learning about your type, check out https://linktr.ee/modernredheadFollow her on IG https://www.instagram.com/modernredhead/Follow me on IG https://www.instagram.com/theyogina/As always, if you want to learn more self-compassion practices through holistic and integrative practices, visit www.theyogina.com to join me inside #TheSelfLoveClub a 1:1 Coaching program designed to help YOU live a life leading from love.Namaste!

Join me in exploring the connection between "nowhere" and "now here." "Nowhere" is a non-existent void, whereas "Now Here" is being fully present in this moment. Mindfulness helps us transform "nowhere" into "now here," and it is a beautiful, soul-nourishing journey within. Interested in learning how to be here now through mindfulness tools? 1:1 Coaching slots are available just for you. Visit my website www.theyogina.com to schedule your first 30-minute call for FREE! If you haven't already, follow me on IG @theyogina.comBe well!

Learn more about Reiki and the transformative power of energy healing.Learn about parallels between self-holding and hands on Reiki.Understand why Reiki is a form of co-regulation practice as well as ways in which you can heal your energy by working with a practitioner.Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a short, guided, self-Reiki meditation. Enjoy!Interested in learning more self-compassionate practices? Work with me inside The Self Love Club - a coaching program designed to help you learn how to love all parts of you. Visit www.theyogina.com and schedule a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call to begin today!Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/theyogina

In this episode, I share my experience of cutting processed and refined sugar out of my diet only to experience dun dun dun: SUGAR WITHDRAWALS! It was not an easy time and leaning into love was hard but I learned so much in the process and want to share the insights that I gained with you. Interested in joining the Self Love Club, a virtual 1:1 Coaching program? Visit www.theyogina.com to book a FREE 30-minute Discovery call where we'll create a game plan to help you achieve your goals today! Follow me on social media: https://www.instagram.com/theyogina/

Maya Rain is one of the most authentic and integrated souls you will ever meet! It was an honor to have her share her embodied wisdom on all things spirituality, coaching, life, and so much more on this episode.Maya is a trained psychotherapist, Life Coach and Spiritual Guide who helps people "know their soul, love themselves, and enjoy life." Through offerings such as Private Life Coaching, to virtual Moon Magick groups, retreats, and other events, Maya has cultivated a beautiful community of loving, like-minded individuals. On this episode, she shares an exciting upcoming project that will debut in the fall of 2024 so follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop!https://www.instagram.com/mayarain/https://www.instagram.com/medicinemoons/