Conversations with Joan

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.

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 the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom.

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 her story. Darlene is an author, speaker, and advocate, and she wrote Shattering Silence: A Story of Survival, Justice & the Power of Telling the Truth.

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 beautifully illustrated picture book that shares their stories of courage, sisterhood, and activism with young readers. From vastly different backgrounds but united by a shared commitment to justice, Gloria and Leymah explore the unifying power of sisterhood, the importance of speaking out, and what it means to inspire the next generation to rise for equality and change.

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 surviving conflict to feeling truly secure together. Julie is the expert couples therapist behind the popular Instagram account TheSecureRelationship, and the author of the national bestselling book Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime.

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 of companies do differently, how leaders can avoid the hidden traps that limit growth, and what it really takes to build organizations designed to thrive in the age of AI. Nick is the former chief evangelist at Google, a founding member of MSN.com at Microsoft, and a serial entrepreneur who has co-founded four internet companies. He is also the author of the new book Be a Sequoia, Not a Bonsai: The Seven Growth Secrets of the World’s Most Successful Companies.

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 Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience.

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.

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 parents break free from destructive patterns.

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 life and work. Kacob is the best-selling author of Life After Breath and The Wisdom of Jacob’s Ladder, a Near-Death Experiencer, and sought-after speaker on mental health, spirituality, and consciousness.

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.

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-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age.

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 yes to life again and again.

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 how millions think about health, and now, with his newly revised and updated edition, he’s giving us the latest research on how we can prevent disease and extend our healthspan. Dr. Greger is a nutrition expert physician and founder of nutritionfacts.org

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 bestselling author with his own TV series exploring the human brain. His books have sold millions of copies globally and topped bestseller lists around the world. His latest book is, The Happiness Cure: Why You're Not Built for Constant Happiness, and How to Enjoy the Journey.

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.

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 could see the beings who always accompanied her. Today, sick and troubled people from around the world are drawn to her for comfort and healing, and even theologians of different faiths seek her guidance. Lorna offers us a unique insight into the angelic help that is around us and available to us all the time. As Lorna says, "All you have to do is ask." Lorna is a spiritual teacher, international bestselling author, and philanthropist. She has dedicated her life to reminding humanity of the spiritual potential within us all. She is the author of seven best-selling books, including Angels in My Hair, A Message of Hope from the Angels. She is founder of the Lorna Byrne Children’s Foundation, and the Seraph Foundation. Lorna has been featured worldwide by CNN, NBC Today, BBC, The London Times, The Economist, and many others.

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.

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.

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 compassion to the conversation, guiding survivors toward connection, empowerment, and renewed intimacy.