Bounce Back Stronger with Donna Ferris

Why Talking About Mental Health Builds Stronger Kids

"We need more resources for families, not just the patients. The whole family is affected when mental illness strikes."
This is a must-listen for anyone affected by a loved one’s mental illness.
In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris interviews Sandra Lau, founder of the YouTube channel and Facebook page I Hear You, which is dedicated to supporting children of parents with mental health challenges.
Sandra tells her personal story of growing up with a schizophrenic mother and details the isolation and trauma she experienced. She shares how open conversations about her mother’s condition and readily available support would have made her journey easier. Sandra also speaks candidly about her path to healing and how she now helps others facing similar challenges. Finally, we discuss how music, writing, and little daily breaks (like trips to Target or HomeGoods) can lighten our healing journey.
To learn more about Sandra Lau visit @SandraLau27 or @ihearyou-sandralau on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 29 – “Moms, Memoirs and Mental Health” with Mira Bartok and Episode 5 – “Leave Guilt Behind” with Erin Byron. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna's latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To learn about Donna's coaching services and events, please visit donnayferris.com.
Follow Donna on Instagram 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).
#MentalHealth #BounceBackStronger #Schizophrenia #TraumaRecovery #worldmentalhealthday #depression #mentalhealth #Resilience #SupportSystem #ChildhoodTrauma #HealingThroughArt #Podcast #target #homegoods #artistsway

Empowering Women: Dipa Ma’s Lighthouse of Love with Amita Schmidt

“Dipa Ma was the most loving person I ever met.” ~Sharon Salzberg
“A modern Buddhist saint.” ~Jack Kornfield
“Her impact on Buddhism in America has been profound.” ~Joseph Goldstein
In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris sits down with Amita Schmidt, a renowned meditation teacher and author of Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master. Amita shares the story of Dipa Ma, who broke through the male-dominated world of Buddhism and became one of its most beloved masters.
Her teachings have deeply influenced mindfulness leaders like Sharon Salzberg, Joseph Goldstein, and Jack Kornfield.
Discover how Dipa Ma’s simple yet profound practice of mindfulness and love empowered countless people, especially women, to find inner strength and peace. Learn the practices she inspired, including:
Five-minute meditation miracles
Love baths
How to be Buddha now
To learn more about Dipa Ma and Amita’s books, events, and services, please visit amitaschmidt.com.  
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 11 – “Finding Your Way to Peace and Happiness” with Sharon Salzberg, or Episode 43 – “Mindful Living: Finding Balance in a Chaotic World” with Coach Aruni. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
My latest book called Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To learn more about my coaching services, books, and events, please visit donnayferris.com.
Follow me on Instagram 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).
#BounceBackStronger #DipaMa #Mindfulness #Meditation #AmitaSchmidt #empowerwomen #BuddhistWisdom #SelfCare #Podcast #breakingbarriers

This One’s for the Women Who Do Too Much with Pete Sidley

“The best-adjusted person in this society is a robot. Someone that isn't dead but isn't alive either.”
Join host Donna Ferris in this episode of Bounce Back Stronger as she welcomes Pete Sidley, a leading expert in healing and wellness. Donna reached out to Pete to discuss the groundbreaking healing work he co-facilitated with author Dr. Anne Wilson Schaef, who sadly passed away in 2020. She was the author of “Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much.” In this episode, we explore her ideas, including:
The ways society causes us to become workaholics and how to break free
How to reconnect with our innate spiritual wisdom in a chaotic world
Why Anne believed women would usher in a thousand years of peace and prosperity
Whether you’re on a journey of recovery, spiritual awakening, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable tools to help you heal and thrive in today’s messy world.
To learn more about Pete’s Living in Process work and Dr. Anne Wilson Schaef’s books, visit annewilsonschaef.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 27 – “Coming Home to Ourselves with Stephen Cope” or Episode 21 – “ Heart-Centered Advice That’ll Change Your Life” with Shawn Elizabeth George. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
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).
#BounceBackStronger #HealingJourney #LivingInProcess #EmotionalHealing #AddictionRecovery #SpiritualAwakening #Podcast #addiction #personalgrowth #dealingwithchaos #workaholic
 

5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Toxic Behavior

"We don't have to be the ones who stand up to someone mean. If their behavior is difficult for you, they are likely difficult for everyone. Karma is real, and sometimes we need to let it play out."
In this solo episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris delves into a topic we all struggle with—dealing with mean people. Drawing from personal experiences, Buddhist teachings, and mindfulness practices, Donna shares five life-changing strategies to help you navigate bullies, difficult colleagues, and toxic personalities with grace and compassion.
Learn how to set mindful boundaries, embrace compassion, and stop wasting energy on people you can’t change. If you’ve ever been drained by the negativity of others, this episode will provide the tools to reclaim your peace.
To learn more about Donna, her Bounce Back Stronger book, and coaching services, visit donnayferris.com. You can also follow her on Instagram or YouTube @donnayferris or on Facebook @donnayatesferris.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #3 – “Mindfulness for the Difficult Days” or 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.
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).
#BounceBackStronger #Mindfulness #Compassion #DealingWithMeanPeople #ToxicBehavior #InnerPeace #Podcast #sharonsalzberg #mettameditation #lovingkindness #toxicpeople #energy

The Art of Being Enough with Jennifer Schelter

“You can’t beat yourself up to create something beautiful.”
In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris explores strategies and practices to feel like we are enough with Jennifer Schelter, an award-winning actress, artist, author, and yoga teacher. Jennifer shares:
How art helped her overcome long-undiagnosed dyslexia
How mindfulness has played a pivotal role in her creative journey and how she integrates this practice into everyday life
Strategies for feeling "enough" and cultivating self-acceptance
The essential role of community in supporting sustained personal growth and healing
To learn more about Jennifer and her writing, classes, and retreats, please visit jenniferschelter.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 27, “Coming Home to Ourselves with Stephen Cope,” or Episode 4, “A Short Mindfulness Practice.” 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 and receive our weekly newsletter, which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow Donna on Instagram 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).
#Podcast #NewEpisode #Resilience #Mindfulness #Creativity #ArtAsHealing #Podcast #BounceBackStronger #SelfAcceptance #RetreatLife

The Power of Grit with Cindy Ross and Todd Gladfelter

“I'm glad I didn't wait until I retired to do the things that I wanted to do…cause now that we've been in rehab, we see people way younger, little kids, people in their twenties that are in worse shape. And it's like, man, at least I had 60 years of doing what I wanted to do.”
In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris sits down with Cindy Ross, a seasoned adventurer and writer, and her husband, Todd Gladfelter, whose life took a dramatic turn after a severe spinal cord injury. Together, they share their incredible journey, from hiking the Appalachian Trail and building a log home to navigating the challenges of Todd's recovery. Cindy and Todd open up about the mindset, determination, and grit that has carried them through, drawing parallels between their outdoor adventures and daily battles. They also discuss the importance of community, the benefits of the simple life, the healing power of hiking in nature, and their upcoming cross-country bike trip to raise awareness for accessible nature trails.
To learn more about Cindy and Todd, and Cindy’s books and writing, please visit cindyrosstraveler.com
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 15 “Breaking Broadway Barriers with Madison Ferris” or Episode 34 “Fred Rogers and the Healing Power of Fatherhood with Art Carey.” 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 and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow Donna on Instagram 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).
#BounceBackStronger #Healing #Podcast #NewEpisode #Resilience #Inspiration #Recovery #spinalcordinjury #veteran #hiking

Mindset Matters: How Tami Adams Turned Job Loss into Success

"If there's something that you want to do, stop getting in your own way. I am a big example of someone who still, at times, gets in her way with certain things. But if we can figure out that we are the ones preventing us from achieving what we want to achieve, we will."
Ever been laid off or had a major career disappointment and wondered, "What now?" Meet Tami Adams, who turned a career setback into a thriving business. In this week’s episode of Bounce Back Stronger, Tami shares her journey from losing her job during COVID-19 to founding her agency, TA Speakers Management.
Whether you're navigating a career setback or just love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you. Tune in to hear about the power of mindset, the importance of self-care, and how failing first can lead to incredible success. Also, Tami shares the most important thing she's learned after listening to thousands of keynote speeches.
To learn more about Tami Adams and TA Speakers Management, visit taspeakersmanagement.com. 
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 30 – “You’ve Done Your Best – It’s Time to Let Life Flow.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
To learn more about Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens or to receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow Donna on Instagram 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).
#BounceBackStronger #MindsetMatters #Entrepreneurship #SelfCare #FailureToSuccess #Podcast #NewEpisode #

Mindful Living: Finding Balance in a Chaotic World with Coach Aruni

“Compassion is a profound doorway - especially now with all the shifting and whirling around us. Can we give ourselves permission to be human, permission to try, permission to practice, permission to do our best?”
In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris sits down with Coach Aruni Funtaransky, a mindfulness coach, writer, and senior faculty member at the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. With over five decades of experience, Coach Aruni shares her deep insights on living yoga off the mat, the power of compassion and gratitude, and the importance of embracing life's obstacles as opportunities for growth. They explore the parallels between 12-step principles and yoga, discuss the challenges of slowing down, and highlight the transformative power of humor in healing.
To learn more about Coach Aruni’s books, upcoming events, and weekly newsletter (highly recommend), please visit coacharuni.com. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #33 – “Feeling Stuck & Frustrated? This Walking Meditation’s For You,” or Episode #13 – “Find Happiness After Loss with Maria Sirois.” 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 and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow Donna on Instagram 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).
#BounceBackStronger #Mindfulness #Yoga #Compassion #Retirement #12Step #Healing #Podcast #NewEpisode #MindfulLiving #kripalu

3 Ways to Unlock Opportunity and Get Unstuck with Eric Koester

"And so if you find yourself stuck, a lot of people say, I need a mentor. My answer is you need a project, and you use that project to attract people who will help unstuck ya."
In this episode, Donna sits down with Eric Koester, founder and CEO of the Creator Institute and a celebrated entrepreneurship professor at Georgetown University.
Eric has transformed the lives of over 2,200 authors and shares insights from his award-winning book Super Mentors: The Ordinary Person’s Guide to Asking Extraordinary People for Help.  During our conversation, he shares how he's helped followers bounce back from career challenges by:
Attracting and engaging powerful super mentors
Developing important and collaborative projects
Finding happiness in their "third place" 
To learn more about Eric’s creator programs and books (including the middle-grade novel The Pennymores & The Curse of the Invisible Quill), visit erickoester.com.
If you like this episode you may also want to check out Episode #24 "Six Secrets for Navigating Tough Times with Dr. Stephen S. Tang or Episode #25 "From Stress to Success - Three Ways Mindfulness Ugraded My Life."
I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others. Thank you.
To learn more about my latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, or to join our email list, visit donnayferris.com.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
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).
#BounceBackStronger #Podcast #Mentorship #EricKoester #SuperMentors #jobloss #findajob #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #GetUnstuck #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Opportunity #careeradvice
 

Finding Peace and Purpose: Live from the Book Launch of "Bounce Back Stronger"

"What I realized is it's not enough to survive. We've got to bounce back - and we've got to thrive. And so here I am, publishing this book, knowing that loss is one of life's biggest teachers. And it never stops giving."
In this special episode recorded live from the launch of host Donna Y. Ferris's new book, Bounce Back Stronger - Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, we dive deep into the science of resilience and explore how our brains can adapt and heal after trauma. Donna also shares three key takeaways from the book, including the importance of making small investments in our healing each day, the value of connection, and the fact that, intuitively, we already know the best path to our own healing. 
If this episode is helpful to you, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with others. Thank you.
Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list and receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life, book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow Donna on Instagram @donnayferris or join her Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging her @donnayatesferris or emailing her at donna@donnayferris.com.
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).
#BounceBackStronger #Podcast #booklaunch #SpiritualJourney #Literature #WritingCommunity #Mindfulness #Gratitude #Inspiration #NewEpisode #resilience #connection #Neuroplasticity #Healing #MentalHealth #Wellness #OvercomingAdversity