Bounce Back Stronger with Donna Ferris

Why Speaking Up Matters with Peggy Moss

“Are you a bully, a bystander, or a target?
We’re all of those things on different days and different times in our lives.”
In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, Donna Ferris sits down with Peggy Moss—Vice Chair of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, former Maine Assistant Attorney General, Associate Director of the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence, and award-winning children’s book author of Say Something, Our Friendship Rules, and One of Us.
We discuss a wide array of topics, including:
Why saying something matters in the face of bullying
Rethinking the myth that “girls are mean”
How mindfulness and impermanence help with anxiety
What she learned from moving her family to Sri Lanka during a civil war
How improv helped her find balance and courage after leaving the workforce
Peggy’s wisdom will inspire you to speak up, rethink your story, and remember—it’s never too late to begin again.
To learn more about Peggy and her books, visit peggymoss.com. To read her recent article on the care economy, click here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to episodes with other children’s book authors, including Episode 42 with Eric Koester, Episode 29 with Mira Bartok, and Episode 21 with Shawn Elizabeth George. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To learn about Donna’s coaching services and events, visit donnayferris.com.
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube @donnayferris, or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline is 1-877-330-6366.
#BounceBackStronger #StopBullying #EndHateSpeech #FindYourVoice #SafeSpaces #InclusiveCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #CourageToSpeak #ChildrensBooks #TeachKindness #ResilienceMatters #EmpowerOthers #anxiety

Penguins, Turtles & the Power of Presence with Dr. Claire McManus

“I don’t want to fix people anymore. I want to be with them.”
Need a dose of pure joy?
Join host Donna Ferris as she chats with internationally recognized acupuncturist Dr. Claire McManus—a healer whose patients range from people to penguins. Claire’s incredible journey has taken her from organic farming to acupuncture research at Harvard, to working with warthogs, sea turtles, and yes… penguins at the New England Aquarium.
In this heartwarming conversation, Claire shares:
How organic farming led her to healing
How she got into providing acupuncture for sea turtles & penguins
The joy animals bring to our lives
Why presence is the most powerful medicine
This feel-good conversation is a respite from today’s news, full of stories to make you smile.
To learn more about Claire and her services, visit mcmanusacupuncture.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #34 - Fred Rogers & The Healing Power of Fatherhood with Art Carey and Episode #18 - The Healing Power of Wonder with Micha Archer. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our free weekly centering and yoga group or our email list, email donna@donnayferris.com. You can also follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here, or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#BounceBackStronger #SelfEmpowerment #DonnaFerris #PodcastDrop #HappyEpisode #Penguins #turtles #Healing #JoyfulLiving #Acupuncture

Why Happiness is a Revolutionary Act with Sharon Salzberg

“So many people are taught compassion is stupid. Gratitude is really stupid. And I got to talk to researchers, and it was so interesting 'cause they said, well, actually it's the opposite.
These researchers said to me, if you practice gratitude, you have a kind of energy. You don't feel so bereft, so exhausted, so that you can seek change with some energy.
And not only that, people who practice gratitude want to pay it forward. They want to see other people get a break, have something good happen for them. So we get to see these myths. And if we can see through them, then we can orient ourselves toward a more true happiness.”
In this best-of-episode from 2023, Donna sits down with renowned meditation teacher, bestselling author, and mindfulness pioneer Sharon Salzberg to explore why choosing happiness is one of the most revolutionary acts we can take in today's chaotic world.
Sharon shares her deeply personal story of healing, her early experiences with LovingKindness (metta) meditation, and the inspiration behind her bestselling books including Faith, Real Happiness, and Finding Your Way. She explains how practices like mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude aren’t soft or passive — they are acts of strength, resistance, and spiritual empowerment.
Together, they unpack:
Why true happiness is an ability, not a fleeting feeling
How small acts of good can combat helplessness and burnout
Why loving your enemies isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom
The power of gratitude to recharge your inner resilience
Whether you're struggling, healing, or simply seeking more meaning, this conversation will remind you that joy isn't frivolous — it's radical.
If you would like to learn more about Sharon, please visit her website www.sharonsalzberg.com
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 27 - “Coming Home to Ourselves with Stephen Cope.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our newsletter email list or get a list of upcoming events visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline is 1-877-330-6366.
#HappinessIsRevolutionary #BounceBackStronger #SharonSalzberg #MindfulnessPodcast #CompassionIsStrength #RadicalJoy #LovingKindness #RealHappiness #GratitudePractice #EmotionalResilience #HealingJourney #MeditationMatters #FaithOverFear #InnerPeace

Raising Awareness & Hope: A Trans Parent Conversation

 ”I feel privileged that I went through this journey because you don't know what you can handle until something comes along. And we made mistakes like anybody would, and we had hiccups like anybody would, but I feel privileged that we were able to go through this with her and try to make her life as comfortable as possible.”
Curious about how to support transgender rights and the LGBTQ+ community in today’s complex climate? On this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris speaks with two inspiring mothers and advocates, Andrea Rashbaum and Maureen Ross Gemme. Together, they share powerful, personal stories about raising transgender children, garnering insights that resonate with any parent. And they explore ways to foster understanding, break down barriers, and navigate today’s cultural and policy challenges with compassion and hope.
If you want to learn more about Advocates for Trans Equality, visit transequality.org. If you would like to learn more about Maureen’s coaching services, visit emergeleadershipacademy.com
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #27 “Coming Home to Ourselves” with Stephen Cope and Episode #11 “Finding Your Way to Peace and Happiness” with Sharon Salzberg.
Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list or get a list of upcoming events visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or on Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#BounceBackStronger #Podcast #transmom #transgender #parenting #CopingWithChange #ResilienceAndMindfulness #NavigatingChallenges #LGBTQSupport #TransgenderRights #ParentAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #trans #pride

Staying Informed Without Losing Your Mind with Aruni Futuronsky

 ” I need to know what's happening. I can't not know. But I can't over know. It cannot take over my day.”
In this needed conversation, Donna Ferris sits down with beloved Kripalu faculty member and mindfulness coach Aruni Futuronsky to share deep, actionable wisdom on how to stay grounded, compassionate, and present—even when the world feels largely unmoored.
They dive into:
How to navigate anxiety and news overwhelm
Mantras that work (even on the freeway or in the grocery store)
Mindful communication and the gift of being heard
Insights from Aruni’s transformative Inner Quest Intensive retreat
Whether you're battling anxiety, craving clarity, or simply seeking a way to reconnect with yourself in turbulent times, this conversation is your gentle reminder that you are not alone and there is a way through.
To learn more about Coach Aruni’s books, upcoming events, and weekly newsletter (highly recommend), please visit coacharuni.com. To learn more about the Kripalu Inner Quest Intensive which Aruni leads, click here. The 2025 dates are June 26-29 and October 17-20.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to other Kripalu speaker episodes including Episode 27 - “Coming Home to Ourselves with Stephen Cope” and Episode 11 - “Finding Your Way to Peace and Happiness with Sharon Salzberg.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our newsletter email list or get a list of upcoming events visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#SpiritualHealing #WritingAsTherapy #BounceBackStronger #PodcastEpisode #Mindfulness #connection #YogaOffTheMat #PodcastLove #InnerHealing #SpiritualPractice #Kripalu #CoachAruni #DonnaFerris #PresenceOverPerfection #Yoga #Compassion #12Step #Healing #Podcast #NewEpisode #MindfulLiving

Breaking the Silence: Parenting Kids with Mental Health Needs w/ Shelley Karpaty

“I look at pictures of my child when he was young, and I remember his young, innocent light, and he's still in there.”
In this heartfelt episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris speaks with writer, mindfulness teacher, and mental health advocate Shelley Karpaty, also known as “Spicy Soul Mama.” Together, they explore the complex intersection of motherhood, mental health advocacy, neurodiversity, and spiritual healing.
Shelley opens up about her personal journey parenting a neurodivergent child, navigating the mental health system, and how mindfulness and writing became essential tools for survival and growth.
Topics covered:
Parenting through mental health crises
Embracing neurodiversity without stigma
The healing power of writing and spiritual practice
Finding hope and connection in the face of isolation
Whether you're a parent navigating a child's mental health journey, a writer looking for healing, or a seeker on a spiritual path, this episode is for you.
Here is information on Shelley’s Substack and upcoming events:
Fridays - Mindful Parents at 4 pm PT - for all Spicy Soul Mama subscribers - Soulful supportive sessions for parents, meditation, conversation and some magic. You are not alone. 
Special Partnership with HerStories Project - Workshop: Creative Soul Revival - Friday, June 6 at 9am PT- Find your creativity again with some free-writing combined with mindfulness, uncensored writing and active listening. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to other mental health episodes, including Episode #52 – “3 Ways to Lift Yourself Out of Depression with Garry Cosnett” and Resilience in Full Color” or Episode #50 “Why Talking About Mental Health Builds Stronger Kids with Sandra Lau.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our newsletter email list or get a list of upcoming events visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#MotherhoodUnfiltered #MentalHealthAwareness #MindfulParenting #Neurodiversity #SpiritualHealing #WritingAsTherapy #BounceBackStronger #PodcastEpisode #ShelleyKarpaty #SpicySoulMama #Mindfulness #ParentingJourney #ResilientMoms #MentalHealthMatters #schizophrenia #bipolar #autism #connection

Choosing Happiness in Hard Times

"Life isn’t meant to be endured—it’s meant to be enjoyed."
In today’s new episode, Donna Ferris offers a centering practice to help you find peace even when everything feels tough. With the world feeling heavy, we are reminded that happiness is a choice—one we can make even in the middle of chaos. This episode includes:
Breathwork to reduce stress
Powerful affirmations like “I am safe” and “I choose to be happy”
Tips to detach from digital overload and reconnect with your inner peace
Whether you’re struggling or just seeking stillness, this centering practice is your gentle invitation to choose peace, joy, and love—starting now.
If you are interested in other episodes and guided meditations or want to join a future centering group, please visit donnayferris.com. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list or get a list of upcoming events, visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here, or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#Mindfulness #GuidedMeditation #MentalHealthAwareness #ChooseHappiness #centeringpractice #Affirmations #DonnaFerris #SelfCare #Centering #PodcastRelease #LetGoAndLive #bouncebackstronger

How ADHD Helped Jamie McMillan Find a Kick Ass Career

"When you have things like ADHD and autism and you struggle, hey, try a skilled trade because man, it turns your disability into a superpower."
What if the traits that made you feel like a misfit were actually your biggest assets? In this powerful episode, ironworker and ADHD advocate Jamie McMillan shares how growing up with undiagnosed ADHD—and being one of the few women in the skilled trades—shaped her into a force for change. Jamie opens up about how neurodiversity gave her the edge in a career she never knew existed. Today, through her organization Kick Ass Careers, she’s inspiring thousands to reimagine what success looks like—especially for women and youth who don’t fit the mold. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, this conversation is for you.
To learn more about Jamie and her Kick Ass Careers organization visit www.kickasscareers.ca.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 57 – Nevertheless She Persisted with Jenny Lisk or Episode 36 – Resilience in Full Color with Judith Bigham.
Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our newsletter email list or get a list of upcoming events visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#SkilledTrades #WomenInTrades #JamieMcMillan #KickAssCareers #Podcast #STEMCareers #TradeJobs #ADHDStrengths #adhd #CareerInspiration #BounceBackStronger #Podcast #NewEpisode

Breaking the Trance of Unworthiness

Feeling off lately? You’re not alone. In this episode, recorded from a recent centering group, we explore the healing power of Tonglen meditation, the truth behind Tara Brach’s “Trance of Unworthiness,” and practical ways to take care of ourselves during tough moments. Learn how to:
Breathe through discomfort
Calm your mind to get back to sleep
Reconnect with your true, good self
Create an emergency self-care list you’ll actually use
If you're interested in other episodes and guided meditations or would like to join a future centering group, please visit donnayferris.com. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list or get a list of upcoming events, visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here, or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#Mindfulness #SelfCare #Meditation #TaraBrach #Tonglen #MentalHealthMatters #WellnessTools #SpiritualGrowth #InnerPeace #MindfulLiving #InnerPeace #CenteringPractice #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Overwhelm #Guidedmeditation #Connection #sleep

The Healing Power of Sound: Reggie Hubbard on Rising in Hard Times

"To manage outrage with loving kindness has been the richest lesson of my spiritual practice.”
In this episode, spiritual leader Reggie Hubbard shares his remarkable journey from high-powered political strategist to sound healer and advocate for mindfulness and social justice. After facing extreme professional adversity and surviving a life-changing stroke, Reggie used yoga and sound healing practices to transform his life and reconnect with a higher purpose. Today, he combines activism, wellness, and spirituality to help others navigate high-pressure environments with peace and resilience.
This episode closes with Reggie sharing a soothing sound-healing practice.
To learn more about Reggie’s events, trainings, and classes, click here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 24 - Six Secrets for Navigating Tough Times with Dr. Stephen S. Tang or Episode 64 - Finding Calm in a Polarized World.
Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list or get a list of upcoming events visit donnayferris.com
Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.
#BounceBackStronger #Podcast #YogaForChange #MindfulnessMatters #soundhealing #ActivismAndSpirituality #BounceBackStronger #stroke #strokehealing