Episodes

  • When Everyone's Driving You Nuts (Classic Replay)

    When Everyone's Driving You Nuts (Classic Replay)
    Oct 23 2025
    ✨ Episode Summary: Ever have one of those days where it feels like everyone is out to test your patience? In this classic replay, Cheri Flake dives deep into what’s really going on when the world feels extra annoying—and (spoiler!) the answer might not be them. With wisdom from retreats, a powerful teaching by Pema Chödrön, and reminders from A Course in Miracles, Cheri unpacks the empowering truth of owning your inner landscape. This episode includes a deeply grounding "Train Station OM" meditation to help you return to your center and choose peace over reactivity. 🔑 3 Key Learning Points:
    • It’s not them, it’s you: When everyone is getting on your nerves, it's time to look inward, not outward.
    • Replace the loop: Stop affirming negative states (like saying "I’m tired")—your brain listens and responds accordingly.
    • You get to choose: Every moment is an invitation to respond consciously rather than react unconsciously.
    📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
    • 🎭 TV Show: Shrinking — sparked the convo about honesty in therapy
    • 🧘‍♀️ Pema Chödrön — her short retreat video inspired the episode’s key metaphor
    • 📚 A Course in Miracles — quoted for its teaching on inner change sparking outer peace
    • 🧳 Retreat Center: Ignatius House, Atlanta — Cheri’s pre-recording getaway
    • 🏔️ Upcoming Retreats:
      • Blue Ridge, GA (June & Oct) – Mountain meditation & yoga escape
      • Jekyll Island (Aug) – Beach retreat with sunrise yoga & bonfire bliss
        👉 Reserve Your Spot
    • 👩‍🏫 Yoga with Cindy Dollar – returning favorite teacher from Asheville
    • 🥗 Chef Christina Law – farm-to-table meals + Thai massage
    • 💌 Mailing List Perk: Jump on Cheri’s mailer to stay stress-free and in the loop!
    • 🛠️ Producer Credit: Huge thanks to Owen Flake for producing this classic replay 🙌
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    31 mins
  • Classic Replay: Davidji on Making Meditation Stick

    Classic Replay: Davidji on Making Meditation Stick
    Sep 24 2025
    ✨ Episode Summary: This classic replay episode is one of those golden ones that deserves a second (or third!) listen. In this heartfelt and high-energy convo, Cheri welcomes the legendary Davidji—named one of USA Today's top five meditation teachers to follow—to wrap up her 12-week series with a deep dive on making meditation a lifelong habit. From his iconic "RPM" method to the science behind morning rituals and his game-changing 16 Seconds to Bliss technique, Davidji offers wisdom that's wildly practical and deeply soulful. Plus, there’s a beautiful guided meditation and a few tender moments about Peaches (yes, the Buddha-princess pup). A must-revisit for anyone ready to recommit to stillness—one breath at a time. 🎧 Originally aired thanks to our dear friend Owen—this is a lovingly handpicked replay. Enjoy the magic all over again. 🧘 Key Learning Points:
    • Ritual beats willpower. Davidji’s "RPM" formula—Rise, Pee, Meditate—makes your practice as natural as brushing your teeth.
    • Subtle wins are still wins. Meditation changes your brain and your life, but the signs might whisper, not shout—so stay tuned in.
    • 16 Seconds to Bliss works—even if you know the trick. A simple breath technique can stop stress in its tracks and bring you back to the now, anywhere, anytime.
    📚 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
    • 🧔‍♂️ Davidji – Meditation master, author, and founder of the Masters of Wisdom & Meditation Teacher Training
    • 🐶 Peaches – Davidji’s mindful Morkie and tiny teacher of unconditional love
    • 📖 Books by Davidji:
      • Secrets of Meditation – the OG foundation (and all proceeds go to charity!)
      • Destressifying – Cheri’s favorite, packed with real-world tools like SODA and SQUEEZE
      • Sacred Powers – a deep dive into transformation through powerful inner questions
    • 🧪 Study Mention: Broadcasting Happiness by Michelle Gielan – research showing how your first 30 minutes shape your entire day
    • Special thanks to Owen Flake – For helping bring this classic episode back to the feed through producing and editing. We love you!
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Back to the Basics, Baby

    Back to the Basics, Baby
    Sep 3 2025
    ✨ Episode Summary: Welcome to Season 2! In this warm and witty kickoff, your favorite stress therapist brings us back to what matters: stillness, consciousness, and the radical magic of not saying “I’m tired.” Through heartfelt stories (including a rainy river trip that turned into a core memory), this episode reminds us why meditation matters and how we can reclaim our peace—one breath at a time. It all leads to a gentle guided breath meditation to help you get grounded, get quiet, and just be. Whether you're new or returning, this episode is your loving nudge to start again—with humor, honesty, and heart. 🧘‍♀️ 3 Key Learning Points:
    • Tired is a choice—stop saying it! You create your reality with your words. Saying “I’m tired” only fuels the fatigue.
    • Complaining makes things worse. Every. Single. Time. Even in miserable moments, keeping humor and presence can transform the experience.
    • Meditation is not about nothing. It’s training your mind to focus on one thing—your breath, a mantra, or stillness—and taking custody of your consciousness.
    💫 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
    • 🛶 Rainy canoe trip with Andre – a core memory filled with laughter and no complaints.
    • 📿 "You create your reality" – inspired by Parmahansa Yogananda.
    • 🧠 Quote nod to Michael A. Singer – on the mind being separate from the self.
    • 📵 The Brick – a real gadget the host uses to remove distractions from her phone.
    • 💬 Classic quote reimagined: "All of man’s problems stem from his inability to sit quietly in a room alone for 15 minutes."
    • 🧘‍♂️ Guided Meditation Included – a back-to-basics breath-focused meditation with gentle grounding.
    • 📩 Special Love for Owen Flake – for producing the show with care and clarity!
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Pickleball Energy for Your Soul: The Secret to True Motivation

    Pickleball Energy for Your Soul: The Secret to True Motivation
    Aug 19 2025
    🪷 Show Notes: Ever wonder why you just can't seem to get motivated — even for the stuff you actually want to do? In this soul-sparking episode, Cheri breaks down the true nature of motivation and why it's not what you think. Spoiler: it doesn't magically show up before the action... it comes after. From her early days working with people living with schizophrenia to her own personal spiral of stress and transformation, Cheri shares raw stories, real science, and hilarious truth bombs that will make you want to lace up your sneakers (or at least drink some water). We unpack the little-by-little mentality, the “Pickleball Principle,” and the magic of doing less so you can feel more. Plus, a peaceful guided meditation using the powerful mantra “Om” awaits at the end — perfect if you’re ready to start showing up for yourself with love, not pressure. ✨ 3 Key Takeaways:
    • Motivation follows action, not the other way around. If you're waiting to feel motivated before you start, you'll wait forever.
    • Do less, feel better. Start small and stop on a high note — your brain and habits will thank you.
    • Feel good first. When a behavior feels good, you’re far more likely to stick with it (hello, pickleball people!).
    🙌 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
    • 🧠 Volition vs. Motivation — insight from psychiatric work
    • 🧘‍♂️ Davidji – Cheri’s beloved meditation teacher & voice of “RPM: Rise, Pee, Meditate”
    • 🎾 Pickleball People – the ultimate metaphor for effortless motivation
    • 🐾 Cheri’s Retreats – beachy, mountainy, dog-friendly, magical (come along!)
    • 🎵 Sonic Yogi – musical support for the guided Om meditation
    • 🛠️ Cheri’s garage – a hot mess, but metaphor gold
    • 💧 Hydration struggles & spousal water-bragging rights 😂
    • 🚘 Shout-out to her “CHEROKEE” license plate — and the evolving school of “Cheri Flake School”
    🧘‍♀️ Guided Meditation Included: Yes! A short, centering mantra-based meditation using “Om” to bring you back to center and energize your mind. Produced & edited with heart by 🎧 Owen Flake.
    Hosted by Cheri Flake, The Stress Therapist.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • No One Is Coming to Save You....And that's GOOD News!

    No One Is Coming to Save You....And that's GOOD News!
    Jul 30 2025
    ✨ Episode Summary: In this fiercely empowering episode, Cheri Flake dives deep into the illusion of control and the ultimate truth: you are the master of your life. Through reflections on Lucinda Williams' haunting lyrics and personal stories from her therapy practice, Cheri explores how we give our power away—and how to take it back. She challenges us to stop waiting for permission, resolution, or the perfect moment, and instead embrace radical responsibility for our healing and joy. The episode wraps with a powerful guided chakra meditation to help you turn inward and reconnect with your innate light. 🧠 Three Key Learning Points:
    • 🌪️ Control is an Inside Job: Real empowerment begins the moment you take 100% responsibility for your life—no exceptions, no blame.
    • 💡 Joy Isn’t Lost, It’s Buried: Stop searching “out there”—happiness lives within, waiting to be uncovered through stillness and silence.
    • 🔥 Unresolved Isn’t Always Unfinished: What you can’t fix might be sacred. Acceptance can be the most divine protection of all.
    📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
    • 🎸 Lucinda Williams – Her song “Joy” is a soulful metaphor for the search we all do outside of ourselves.
    • 📚 Wayne Dyer – His teachings on radical responsibility helped shape this episode’s core message.
    • 🧘‍♀️ Silent Retreats – Cheri shares insights from her mountain retreats and upcoming offerings.
    • 📍 Georgia Retreats – 🍂 September 2025 in the Blue Ridge Mountains & 🏖️ Jekyll Island retreats: meditation, yoga, and transformation in stunning locations.
    • 💌 Join the mailing list at ilovetherapy.com so you don’t miss a thing!
    • 📲 Instagram: @thestresstherapist
    • 🐦 Twitter/X: @estresstherapy
    🎧 Production Credit: Big love and thanks to 🎧 Owen Flake for producing and editing this episode with care and clarity.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Manifesting Without the Ick

    Manifesting Without the Ick
    Jul 16 2025
    🌀 Episode Summary: In this delightfully candid and mind-opening episode, Cheri Flake (a.k.a. your friendly neighborhood Stress Therapist) dives into the often-cringey concept of manifestation—but from a place of authenticity, clarity, and spiritual alignment. With a touch of skepticism and a whole lot of soul, Cheri shares real-life stories about manifesting the impossible: from her dream house (hello, Zillow magic and Ganesh chants!) to her new car (cue divine dealership intervention). The episode wraps with a heart-centered “Peace In, Peace Out” meditation that helps you become a magnet for the calm and clarity you're seeking. 🧘‍♀️✨ 🔑 Three Key Learning Points:
    • Specificity is Power: Get crystal clear on exactly what you want—not what you “should” want. Manifestation only works when you're aligned with your true desires.
    • Feel It to Believe It: Emotions fuel manifestation. Pair your intentions with genuine, heightened feelings to convince your brain (and the universe) that it matters.
    • Divine Timing Loves a Listener: You’ve got to show up, pay attention, and be open to nudges, signs, and sacred coincidences—even if they arrive disguised as a grocery cart exchange.
    💫 Mention & Shout-Out Section:
    • 📚 The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer – Sheri says, “Don’t read the back. Just read the book. Trust me.”
    • 🧘‍♂️ Paramahansa Yogananda – On how money can be sacred and surrender is strength.
    • 🧠 Wayne Dyer – His advice on focusing your thoughts with emotion and intention.
    • 🎶 Cheri's new band! (Yup, she’s singing and her heart is wide open.)
    • 🏡 Andrew “Gilby” Gilbert – Rock star real estate agent in Atlanta (Keller Williams).
    • 🐘 Ganesh – Remover of obstacles, featured in Sheri and Violet’s adorable manifesting chant.
    • 🚗 Kia Sorento SX Prestige Plug-In Hybrid – Her new dream car (times three!).
    • 🔮 Guided Meditation: Peace In, Peace Out – A gentle, grounding practice to help you receive and radiate peace.
    🎙️ Credits: Produced & edited with love and skill by Owen Flake 💻🎧 Want more magic like this?
    👉 Follow @stresstherapist on Instagram
    👉 Follow @stresstherapy on Twitter
    💌 Visit ilovetherapy.com to join Cheri's mailing list, book retreats, or (if you're in Georgia) schedule a therapy session. Until next season…
    You got this. 💖
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Stop Ghosting Yourself!

    Stop Ghosting Yourself!
    Jul 2 2025
    📝 Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, Cheri unpacks the sneaky habit of putting everyone else first—even strangers—and what it really means when we constantly flake on ourselves. She calls it Southern Hospitality Syndrome: a charming but toxic blend of kindness and chronic self-abandonment. With her signature warmth and wit, Cheri shares personal stories, including a hilarious tale of 20 years of polite miscommunication, and offers real-world tips on how to finally treat yourself like someone you actually care about. Stick around for a guided chakra meditation focused on the heart, throat, and third eye to help you align with self-love and truth. 🔑 Three Key Learning Points:
    • Self-Abandonment Looks Polite: Being ultra-kind to others while bailing on your own needs is still abandonment—just with a smile.
    • Calendar It Like You Mean It: Treat personal commitments like appointments with someone important (spoiler: that’s you).
    • Confidence = Equality: True confidence isn’t about being better—it's knowing you're just as valuable as anyone else at the table.
    📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
    • 🎵 “Bless Your Heart” by Megan Moroney – for a little Southern passive-aggression education
    • 🏃‍♀️ Peachtree Road Race – Cheri’s one and only running moment (cheers included)
    • 🧘‍♀️ Vista Yoga in Atlanta – Cheri teaches there on Thursday nights
    • 🌐 Website: ilovetherapy.com – retreats, classes & all the good stuff
    • 📧 Join the email list for stress-free updates & surprises
    • 🙌 Producer Credit: Big thanks to Owen Flake, the silent hero behind the scenes!
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • What Do You Want (Your Desires Aren't Going Anywhere)

    What Do You Want (Your Desires Aren't Going Anywhere)
    Jun 18 2025
    ✨ Episode Summary: In this soulful and spirited episode, Cheri explores the powerful pull of desire—how our deepest wants keep whispering to us, no matter how long we've ignored them. Through candid storytelling, humor, and a heartfelt guided meditation, she helps you reconnect with your inner truth and reminds you that joy is a spiritual directive. Whether it’s a creative spark, a childhood dream, or a mysterious calling, your desires aren’t random—they’re sacred. Plus, there’s a writing prompt to help you get clear and real about what you truly want. 📌 Three Key Learning Points:
    • Desires Don’t Expire: Longings that come from your heart will keep nudging you until you pay attention—and that’s a good thing.
    • Flip the Script with “Not This”: Clarity often starts with defining what you don’t want. Let that contrast guide you to truth.
    • Ditch the “How” Trap: You don’t need to figure out the logistics—your job is to dream clearly. Let the universe handle the delivery.
    💫 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
    • 🧘‍♀️ Meditation by Davidji – Guided heart-centered journey into your desires.
    • 🐴 Equine Therapy Story – A powerful reminder that “I don’t know how” is not a reason to quit.
    • ✍️ Writing Prompt – “What do I truly desire?” (Don’t overthink—just write.)
    • 🌄 Retreats in Georgia – Meditation + yoga in dreamy mountain settings: Retreat Info
    • 💌 Join Cheri’s Mailing List – Sign up here so you never miss a retreat, episode, or soulful tip.
    • 📲 Follow Cheri Online – @thestresstherapist on Instagram | @stresstherapy on Twitter
    • 🌟 Rate & Review the Show – It helps so much. Thank you for spreading the calm!
    🎛️ Episode Production: Produced and edited by Owen—a creative force behind the scenes, helping shape the energy and sound of each episode with care and clarity. 🎧✨
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    29 mins