In this episode, Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Erica Bonham to explore polyvagal theory and the vital role of the vagus nerve in emotional regulation and mental health. Together, they break down the different states of the nervous system, how co-regulation supports healing, and practical tools that can calm and reset the body. The conversation touches on the impact of collective trauma, the power of mindfulness, and the importance of finding personal practices that truly resonate. Erica also shares accessible exercises for toning the vagus nerve and emphasizes that healing requires both addressing trauma and cultivating joy.

Erica Bonham, LPC, MA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, certified yoga instructor, speaker, and trainer who blends counseling psychology with somatic and social justice perspectives. She has worked in diverse clinical and community settings, from outpatient mental health teams to teaching yoga in prisons and leading groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Erica is committed to dismantling systems of oppression in her work and to helping people find safety, freedom, and connection. A proud mom of two, she draws inspiration from nature, family, and her belief that every person deserves a life of laughter, love, and gratitude.

Takeaways:

• Polyvagal theory explains our nervous system's response to stress.
• The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in emotional regulation.
• Understanding our nervous system can help us manage anxiety and stress.
• Techniques like the Butterfly Hug can aid in calming the nervous system.
• Co-regulation is essential for emotional healing and connection.
• Practicing mindfulness can enhance our awareness of our emotional states.
• Collective trauma affects our ability to connect with others.
• Simple exercises can help tone the vagus nerve and improve well-being.
• It's important to find personal techniques that resonate with you.
• Healing involves both addressing trauma and cultivating positive experiences.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory

04:17 Understanding the Vagus Nerve

07:03 The Importance of Nervous System Regulation

09:55 Techniques for Calming the Nervous System

12:46 Exercises for Vagus Nerve Reset

14:47 The Role of Co-Regulation in Nervous System Health

17:41 Collective Nervous System and Community Support

20:36 Navigating Emotional Responses and Regulation

23:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

26:31 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

27:31 The Butterfly Hug Technique

30:44 Grounding Techniques: 5-4-3-2-1

35:54 Physical Techniques for Regulation

40:40 The Importance of Twisting and Peripheral Awareness

41:56 Finding Your Own Medicine

46:49 The Balance of Internal and External Support

48:48 Embracing Both-and Thinking

49:59 Exploring the Depths of Healing

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

nickynamaste@gmail.com

Connect with Erica:

https://www.avoscounseling.com/coaching-packages

https://www.avoscounseling.com/freebie

https://www.instagram.com/avoscounseling/

Keywords: polyvagal theory, vagus nerve, nervous system regulation, mental health, trauma, co-regulation, mindfulness, emotional well-being, self-care, healing techniques

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck is joined by Kate Evans, a psychologist and life and home decluttering coach, to explore the deeper emotional and psychological layers of decluttering. Together, they unpack why letting go of possessions can feel overwhelming and why clutter is rarely just about the physical items piling up.

Kate shares how decluttering is intimately tied to mental health, values, and personal history, highlighting the role of anxiety, depression, relationships, and even upbringing in shaping our attachment to things. She explains how sentimental value, the sunk cost fallacy, and the weight of family heirlooms often stand in the way of creating clear, intentional spaces. The conversation distinguishes between clutter and organization, emphasizing that true decluttering isn’t about perfect systems but about aligning one’s environment with one’s life and personality.

Kate also introduces her upcoming book, Ditch Your Sht: Decluttering Your Mindset to Declutter Your Home*, due out this October. Drawing from her own experiences, she encourages listeners to approach decluttering with compassion, understanding that they are not broken or failing if they struggle with it. Instead, the process is about acknowledging emotional barriers, facing fears, and creating sustainable systems that genuinely support well-being and joyful living

Takeaways

• Decluttering is not just about physical items; it's deeply emotional.
• Items can symbolize our beliefs and memories, making it hard to let go.
• The sunk cost fallacy can trap us into keeping unnecessary items.
• Finding sustainable ways to let go of items is crucial.
• Family heirlooms can carry emotional weight that complicates decluttering.
• Most adult children do not want the items their parents hold onto for them.
• Keeping multiples of items often stems from a fear of scarcity.
• Clutter and organization are not the same; true decluttering removes excess.
• The one in, one out rule helps maintain a clutter-free space.
• Awareness and intentionality are key to successful decluttering.

Chapters:

00:00 The Emotional Weight of Decluttering

04:01 Understanding Sentimental Attachments

06:47 The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Decluttering

09:44 Navigating Guilt and Responsibility

11:58 The Challenge of Family Heirlooms

14:32 Letting Go of Expectations for Future Generations

16:00 The Burden of Multiples and Unused Items

22:26 Decluttering Electronics and Boxes

23:34 The Dangers of Excess: Kitchen Tools and Gadgets

24:42 Mindset Around Scarcity and Abundance

26:36 Understanding Emotional Attachments to Items

28:19 Managing Linens and Towels Effectively

29:43 Clutter vs. Organization: The Tetris Master

32:09 One In, One Out: Maintaining Decluttered Spaces

35:27 The Motivation Behind Decluttering

39:52 Introducing 'Ditch Your Shit': A New Approach to Decluttering

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

nickynamaste@gmail.com

Connect with Kate:

https://www.soulfulspacecoaching.com/

@katesevans.coaching

Keywords: decluttering, psychology, emotional attachments, sentimental value, sunk cost fallacy, family heirlooms, organization, clutter, mental health

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck talks with Lisa Fitzpatrick, a pelvic and sexual health educator and physiotherapist with more than 30 years in women’s health. Lisa is the founder of the Sexy Menopause movement and Womankind Pelvic Care. After becoming a mother in 2000, she focused her clinical work on pelvic floor health and later broadened it to include sexual well-being and midlife care. Her approach combines physiotherapy with yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and practical empowerment skills.

The conversation looks at what actually changes in perimenopause and menopause and how those shifts show up in daily life physically, emotionally, and in relationships. Lisa explains how pelvic floor function connects to continence, comfort with sex, and core stability, and how hormonal changes affect tissues, lubrication, desire, and mood. She and Nicky discuss the value of clear communication with partners and care providers, and why many women feel unseen or rushed in medical settings. Lisa offers straightforward steps for building support: learning basic pelvic floor awareness, using breath and gentle movement to regulate the nervous system, and making self-care a regular, realistic practice rather than a project.

Lisa also shares how mind–body tools can sit alongside evidence-informed physiotherapy. She describes simple ways to reduce shame and increase body confidence, including getting accurate information about estrogen and testosterone, tracking symptoms over time, and normalizing conversations about pleasure and pain. Throughout, she emphasizes that midlife is not a decline but a phase that can bring clarity about values, boundaries, and sexual expression when women have useful education and a supportive community.

Beyond her clinical work, Lisa has taught and presented nationally and internationally for two decades, creating anatomy manuals and wellness programs for yoga schools and workplaces, and contributing to pre- and postnatal, menopause, yin, and Iyengar curricula. She has given keynotes at Uplift Festival, International Women’s Day events, the Ausmumpreneur Conference, and The Artful Business Conference. She closes the episode with themes from her forthcoming book, Sexy Menopause (February 2026), which lays out a practical pathway for women to understand their bodies, reclaim sexuality and confidence, and make informed choices in midlife and beyond.

Takeaways:

• Menopause is often not discussed enough among women.
• Many women feel lonely during their menopausal journey.
• Physical changes during menopause can impact relationships.
• Estrogen withdrawal affects tissue resilience and libido.
• Foreplay is essential for comfort during intimacy.
• Communication with partners is crucial during this transition.
• Post-menopause can lead to a new beginning for many women.
• Self-care and lifestyle changes are vital during menopause.
• Therapeutic support can help address intimacy issues.
• Women can experience post-traumatic growth during this time.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

nickynamaste@gmail.com

Connect with Lisa:

https://www.lisafitzpatrick.com.au

https://www.sexymenopause.com

https://www.instagram.com/sexy.menopause

https://femininebodyspeaks.substack.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@thelisafitzpatrick

Keywords: menopause, perimenopause, sexual health, estrogen, progesterone, intimacy, self-care, weight gain, sleep issues, relationships, women's health, pelvic floor, pelvic health, midlife, intimacy, self-pleasure

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck talks with Christie Sears Thompson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado, about the Gottman Method, which is a leading approach to couples therapy. Together, they explore how this method equips partners with tools to repair, strengthen, and deepen their relationships.

Christie explains the core principle of treating the relationship itself as the client and outlines the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. These are the four patterns that often predict relationship breakdown. She shares practical antidotes to these destructive dynamics, highlighting the power of gentle startups, appreciation, and specific communication strategies.

The discussion emphasizes the role of self-soothing and emotional intelligence in resolving conflict, showing how couples can pause, regulate their emotions, and return to difficult conversations with greater empathy and clarity. Christie also explores common pursuing–distancing patterns, ways to prevent escalation, and the value of building a culture of appreciation.

While praising the Gottman Method’s strengths, Christie acknowledges its limits, particularly in addressing infidelity and domestic violence, which require additional training and sensitivity. Throughout, she reinforces the idea that lasting change depends on both partners’ willingness to grow and practice new skills.

The conversation concludes with encouragement for couples to access resources like the Partnerhood Workbook and Gottman tools, reminding listeners that with intention, communication, and emotional awareness, it’s possible to transform conflict into deeper connection.

Takeaways:

• The Gottman Method is a popular approach to couples therapy.
• Couples therapy requires treating the relationship as the client.
• The Four Horsemen of conflict are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.
• Antidotes to the Four Horsemen can help repair relationships.
• Building a culture of appreciation is essential for relationship health.
• Self-soothing techniques can prevent escalation during conflicts.
• Communication is the primary concern for couples seeking therapy.
• Understanding triggers can lead to personal growth in relationships.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

nickynamaste@gmail.com

Connect with Christie:

christie@tradewindstherapy.com

https://www.facebook.com/tradewindstherapy

https://www.facebook.com/thepartnerhood

tradewindstherapy@gmail.com

https://www.amazon.com/Partnerhood-Workbook-resources-knowledge-successful/dp/B08QBPSBDF

Keywords: Gottman Method, couples therapy, relationship dynamics, Four Horsemen, conflict resolution, communication skills, emotional intelligence, therapy techniques, relationship advice, self-soothing, couples counseling

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Andrea Schwieger, a certified registered nurse anesthetist who has journeyed from the high-intensity world of critical care and anesthesia to the cutting edge of mental health treatment. Andrea graduated from a top-ranked anesthesia school in the United States and served as an intensive care nurse early in her career before becoming board-certified to lead surgical teams in the safe anesthetic care of patients. Drawing from her extensive medical background and personal healing journey, Andrea has become a leading voice in the safe and effective use of ketamine-assisted therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and chronic pain.

Their conversation unpacks how ketamine differs from traditional antidepressants, why preparation and integration are vital for lasting results, and what patients can expect during sessions. Andrea highlights the importance of a supportive environment, the role of music in shaping the inner experience, and the unique physical and emotional sensations that often arise during infusions.

Together, Nicky and Andrea also explore common misconceptions about ketamine, the distinctions between ketamine and esketamine, and the various methods of administration. They discuss ketamine’s ability to act as a powerful “pattern interrupt” for entrenched emotional responses, its compatibility with existing mental health medications, and its potential to provide relief when other treatments have failed.

This insightful dialogue offers listeners a comprehensive look at the healing potential of ketamine therapy, underscoring its safety, its depth, and the profound impact it can have when delivered with skilled guidance in a supportive setting.

Takeaways:

• • Ketamine therapy is a shift from physical to mental health.
  • Ketamine is legal and FDA-approved for anesthesia since the 1970s.
  • It works through the glutamate pathway, unlike traditional antidepressants.
  • Preparation and integration are crucial for lasting results.
  • Patients often struggle to articulate their experiences post-infusion.
  • Ketamine is safe for those on SSRIs and other mental health medications.
  • Ketamine is not suitable for individuals with a history of psychiatric breaks.
  • The experience can vary widely among individuals.
  • Patients often need guidance to integrate their experiences.
  • The session environment is designed to be comfortable and introspective.
  • Music significantly influences the ketamine experience.
  • Choosing the right playlist can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
  • Post-session recovery is crucial for integration.
  • Physical sensations during ketamine can include floating and expansion.
  • Ketamine addiction is primarily associated with street use, not clinical settings.
  • IV ketamine allows for more precise dosing during sessions.
  • Ketamine acts as a pattern interrupt for emotional responses.
  • Support from professionals is essential for safe ketamine experiences.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

support@nickyYyoga.com

Connect with Andrea:

https://www.thewellbeingcompany.com/

Andrea@thewellbeingcompany.com

Keywords: ketamine therapy, ketamine infusion, IV ketamine, mental health, anesthesia, IV clinic, psychedelics, integration, mental health medications, healing process, ketamine, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, psychedelic therapy, recovery, trauma, IV infusion, psychedelic safety

In this powerful episode of The Connected Community, host Nicky Yazbeck is joined by Devon Kerns,visionary leader, entrepreneur, and plant medicine facilitator, to explore psychedelics, integration, and authentic self-discovery. With over 100 psychedelic experiences, more than 100,000 minutes of meditation, and having supported over 100 people through their integration journeys in the past year alone, Devon brings a wealth of lived experience to the conversation.

Together, they explore the sacred role of plant medicine in lifting the veil on who we truly are, the symbolic messages of animal allies like the owl, and how allowing ourselves to feel leads to grace and transformation. Devon shares personal stories from his journeys with ayahuasca and other psychedelics, emphasizing the importance of intention, integration, and embracing both shadow and light as part of the healing process.

In addition to his deep spiritual and healing work, Devon has spent 25 years in business development, founding companies across industries like investment, wellness, and education. He has worked with political leaders, Fortune 500 executives, and nonprofit boards, and currently leads initiatives in sustainable development, remote living, and land conservation.

This episode is a call to deeper authenticity, personal responsibility, and radical self-acceptance. If you’ve ever been curious about the healing potential of psychedelics or how to walk the integration path with clarity and courage, this conversation is for you.

Takeaways:

• Plant medicine helps reveal who we are behind the veil.
• Experiences with plant medicine can lead to profound insights.
• Integration is crucial for lasting change after psychedelic experiences.
• We are responsible for our own integration process.
• Intention is key when entering plant medicine ceremonies.
• Embracing the shadow can lead to personal growth.
• Allowing oneself to feel emotions is essential for healing.
• Self-forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal transformation.
• Authenticity is a high vibration that fosters connection.
• We are all mirrors reflecting back the light in each other.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

support@nickyYyoga.com

Connect with Devon:

https://www.devonkkerns.com/about-devon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWc__VYiYErR_ViEoH2IMg

https://www.facebook.com/DevonKerns/

https://www.instagram.com/devonkerns/

Keywords: plant medicine, psychedelics, integration, personal growth, self-forgiveness, authenticity, collective consciousness, healing, shadow work, intention, ayahuasca, psilocybin, mushroom journey

As a highly empathic and intuitive child, Melissa Kim Corter was captivated by the dark corners of basements and the unseen aspects of the psyche. That early fascination laid the foundation for decades of work exploring the shadow side of human experience. In this rich and layered conversation, Melissa joins host Nicky Yazbeck to discuss how to approach shadow work and how it can be reframed not as something negative, but as a powerful portal for healing and integration.

Melissa shares her unique lens on shadow work, rooted in traditional Jungian studies and brought to life through her book Apothecary for the Afflicted: Shadow Work for Invisible Wounds. Together, we explore the role of avoidance and disassociation, how nightmares and fairy tales can offer symbolic insight, and how tools like the darkness journal create a safe space to give voice to intense and untamed emotions.

We also talk about the duality of light and dark, how to stop pushing the shadow away, and why engaging it directly is key to no longer being ruled by it. Whether you’re a therapist, seeker, or simply curious, this episode offers creative, symbolic, and grounded ways to explore the parts of yourself often left in the dark.

Takeaways:

• Shadow work involves confronting uncomfortable truths about ourselves.
• Disassociation can manifest in seemingly positive behaviors.
• Curiosity is essential for understanding our shadows.
• The darkness journal allows for safe expression of difficult emotions.
• Fairy tales can help articulate and process our experiences.
• Personal stories have the power to heal and connect us.
• The transformation of trauma can lead to empowerment.
• Engaging with our shadows can illuminate our true selves.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Grief and Mortality

20:36 Understanding Shadow Work

23:47 Avoidance and Disassociation

26:41 Tools for Shadow Work

29:42 The Darkness Journal

32:24 Transforming Darkness into Light

35:28 The Role of Fairy Tales

38:24 Dreams and Nightmares

41:30 The Impact of Personal Stories

44:18 Conclusion and Resources

57:46 OUTRO

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

support@nickyYyoga.com

Connect with Melissa:

https://www.melissacorter.com

https://www.instagram.com/melissakimcorter/

https://www.facebook.com/melissakcorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/MelissaKimCorter

https://melissakimcorter.substack.com/

Keywords: shadow work, disassociation, fairy tales, personal stories, emotional healing, journaling, self-discovery, mental health, darkness journal, Jungian, Depth Psychology, grief, mortality, dreams, nightmares, transformation, self help

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck speaks with Patrick Fishley, a seasoned trauma nurse and transformational recovery coach, about the powerful healing potential of Iboga. Patrick brings over 30 years of clinical experience as a registered nurse specializing in Intensive Care Units, Emergency Rooms, and Trauma Bays, as well as extensive work in addictions and psychiatry.

Certified through Being True To You as an Addiction Recovery Psycho-Spiritual Integration Coach, Patrick began working with plant medicines in 2012, focusing primarily on Iboga and Ibogaine. Since then, he has served as medical director, lead facilitator, and teacher in retreats across the world, offering medical support, counseling, prescreening, and integration for those journeying with this potent medicine. He and his wife Michele co-founded Soul Reflections, an online Iboga/Ibogaine community offering education, preparation, and integration support—including annual immersive trips to Gabon, Africa, where Patrick has undergone multiple traditional initiations.

Patrick is a Missoko Bwiti initiate who has completed numerous rites of passage and initiations in Gabon, where he was given his Bwiti name: DIBADI Mabunza Mukuku a Kandja, meaning “warrior/fighter who is the Bwete force; Creator’s spirit of fire with flames of truth from the mouth.” Ordained by elders as a Nganga (seer and healer), he is also a member of Maghanga Ma Nzambé, Gabon’s national association committed to the good practice of Bwété and Iboga.

In this episode, Patrick shares insights from his work bridging Western medical systems and ancestral healing traditions, discussing the science behind Iboga, its role in disrupting addiction patterns, and the importance of integration, intention, and community in long-term transformation.

Patrick has been featured in:

• Dosed – dosedmovie.com

• CityTV VeraCity: The Psychedelic Frontier – Watch here

Chapters

Introduction to Iboga and Its Significance

04:21

Personal Journey with Iboga: Healing and Transformation

06:53

The Science Behind Iboga: How It Works

09:37

Case Studies: Transformative Experiences with Iboga

12:15

Integration: The Key to Lasting Change

14:50

Understanding Addiction and Neuroplasticity

17:29

The Role of Intentions in Healing

19:56

Preparation for Plant Medicine Journeys

28:23

The Journey of Integration

31:09

Building Community and Support

33:31

Understanding the Iboga Ceremony

40:19

Contraindications and Safety Measures

47:27

The Role of Self-Healing

49:57

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

support@nickyYyoga.com

Connect with Patrick:

https://soulreflections.net/

https://www.instagram.com/soulreflectionsiboga/?hl=en

RN BScN CCRN,ACLS, TNCC certified

BTTY certified Addiction Recovery Psycho-Spiritual Integration & Transformational Recovery Coaching.

Keywords

Iboga, healing, psychedelics, addiction, transformation, community, integration, mental health, personal growth, ceremony, Ibogaine