Bounce Back Stronger with Donna Ferris

The Unexpected Joy of Being Single with Crystal Jackson

“I don’t look at being single as a sad thing. I’ve gotten really comfortable with it, and I think it’s beautiful.”
This week we delve deep into the heart of author and therapist Crystal Jackson's journey. With candor, humor, and authenticity, Crystal shares her experiences of love, divorce, and the unexpected joys of singlehood. But it's not just about navigating life solo; Crystal opens up about the profound friendships and newfound confidence that have blossomed along the way. 
From navigating life's twists and turns to fostering a sense of community through her writing, Crystal has become a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere (including me). Her words resonate deeply, offering comfort, understanding, and a sense of belonging in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain.
As Valentine's Day approaches, Crystal reminds us that love isn't limited to romantic relationships; it begins with self-love and acceptance. Whether you're single, coupled, or somewhere in between, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired, entertained, and empowered.
I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others.
To follow Crystal’s writing click here. To learn more about her Heart of Madison book series click here. She can also be followed on Instagram & Facebook @crystaljackson.writer
To learn more about our upcoming Soak Up the Sun Retreat in Duck, NC May 22-26 please visit our information page here
To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com.
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).

Breaking Broadway Barriers with Madison Ferris

"Ultimately, you don't really have a choice of what you like to do...I find if I say yes to the opportunities that do come along it makes me a whole lot happier."
I'm so excited to share this interview with Broadway actress Madison Ferris.
At just 25 years old, Madison Ferris left an indelible mark on Broadway history by becoming the first actress in a wheelchair to play a leading role. In Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, she took on the challenging part of Laura Wingfield, the reclusive daughter, opposite the legendary Sally Field. Madison's interpretation of Laura shattered traditional stereotypes, presenting her as a headstrong teenager navigating life with muscular dystrophy, rather than conforming to the morbidly shy archetype.
During our delightful and inspiring interview, she shares her journey from Schuylkill Haven to realizing her Broadway dream - and she describes her "Yes, and..." outlook on life - which is precisely what I (and maybe all of us) need to hear.
And...she's about to take the New York City stage again this April in the play All of Me, a story crafted with Madison in mind for the lead. Described as a hilarious and candid portrayal of class and disability in modern America, this promises to be another milestone in Madison's already stellar career.
I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others.
For information about Madison’s upcoming play All of Me click here. To read more about her click here.
To learn more about our upcoming Soak Up the Sun Retreat in Duck, NC May 22-26 please visit our information page here
To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris.
If you are 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).

Women and Heart Health – Surprising Facts You Need to Know

"It's important that we put ourselves at the top of the to-do list. We don't need to be number one, or two or three, but come on - let's be in the top five."
This week’s guest has a story that is nothing short of remarkable—Leigh Pechillo survived a widow-maker heart attack and overcame not one but four sudden cardiac arrests. Rather than letting these challenges define her, she has emerged as a passionate advocate for women and heart health as well as a staunch supporter of Hands-Only CPR awareness (a link to a video that teaches this life-giving practice can be found below).
I invited Leigh to the show this week because Friday is Go Red For Women's Day and February is American Heart Disease Month—both highlight the importance of knowing your risk factors for heart disease as well as what to do if someone around you shows signs of having a heart attack.
In this episode, Leigh shares some surprising facts about at-home heart attacks - and her candid recounting of her own experiences and the lessons she learned is truly inspiring. Her resilience through the toughest times is a powerful testament to the strength derived from perspective, gratitude, and the belief that even the smallest efforts can make a significant difference.
I hope you will listen in and share this episode as it has life-giving information and showcases the incredible journey of someone who successfully turned adversity into advocacy.
The heart-related links Leigh mentions can be found below, and her Instagram handle is @wholeheartedleigh.
Hands-Only CPR
Go Red for Women Resources
Leigh Pechillo Huffington Post Articles
I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others.
To learn more about our upcoming Soak Up the Sun Retreat in Duck, NC May 22-26 please visit our information page here
To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.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).

Find Happiness After Loss with Maria Sirois

Five years ago, I attended a retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health with this week's podcast guest, Maria Sirois. It was the first anniversary of a dear one's passing and even though I thought I was making progress in my healing journey, the anniversary dragged up the loss as if it was new. 
After three days with Maria, I understood what was happening to me, had the tools to move forward, and was able to get back on the healing path.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to interview her for this podcast.
She did not disappoint.
A little about Maria - She has over three decades of expertise, in empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge, tools, and narratives essential for fostering resilience, well-being, wisdom, and effective leadership—particularly in the face of life's adversities.
Renowned for her wisdom, compassion, and honesty, Maria's brilliance lies in sharing vital lessons on discovering grounded optimism amidst heartbreak. As the author of impactful books like "A Short Course in Happiness After Loss (And Other Dark, Difficult Times)" and "Every Day Counts," her influence extends beyond the written word to encompass speaking engagements, workshops, and global consulting.
In this episode, Maria shares profound insights into navigating the intricacies of grief and uncovering happiness after loss. She explores the significance of optimism, the normalcy within the grieving process, and universal practices to facilitate the journey. These practices include the benefits of connection, communion with nature, and the art of quieting the mind. 
If after listening you would like to learn more about her work, a link to her website can be found here. She will also be conducting a retreat program titled "Finding Happiness in Difficult Times" at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health from Feb. 2-4, 2024. I highly recommend this experience for anyone on the path to overcoming loss or difficulty. 
I hope this episode is helpful to you. If it is, please spread the word about this podcast by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you so much for your help.
To learn more about our upcoming Soak Up the Sun Retreat in Duck, NC May 22-26 please visit the information page here
To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
You can also follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or on Facebook @donnayatesferris.
If you are 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).

The Best Gift for Our Kids with Laura Ward

Join us for this heartfelt conversation with sobriety coach Laura Ward, who shares the many reasons why she broke free from alcohol. Top of the list?
Her children. 
In this candid discussion, Laura openly shares the tools she provides to her clients - which are valuable for anyone on a personal growth journey - whether dealing with a complicated medical diagnosis, guiding teenagers through challenging moments, confronting unforeseen job loss, or grieving significant losses.
I learned so much from this episode, and hope it's helpful for you too.  If so, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others.
To learn more about Laura’s coaching services, please visit her website www.laurapward.com
Are you interested in learning how to tap into your intuition and energetic wisdom to improve your life? Join us for our February 18, 2024, in-person (West Chester, PA) Reiki 1 / Spiritual Energy 101 Class. Click here for the details.
To learn about our life and career coaching services, please click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or on Facebook @donnayatesferris.
If you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or contact 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).

Finding Your Way to Peace and Happiness with Sharon Salzberg

In this transformative episode of Bounce Back Stronger, we have the privilege of sitting down with a true pioneer in the world of meditation, Sharon Salzberg. As a world-renowned teacher, bestselling author, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, Sharon has been at the forefront of bringing mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture for nearly five decades.
Join us as we delve into Sharon's incredible journey, exploring how she came to write her new book Finding Your Way and earlier works, including Loving Kindness – The Revolutionary Art of Happiness, Faith – Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, and Love Your Enemies – How to Break the Anger Habit and Be a Whole Lot Happier. She also talks about the difficulties she overcame as a child and how one of her mentors insisted she would become a well-known meditation teacher when she doubted it was possible.  
This episode is a masterclass in finding a path to peace and happiness. Whether new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, Sharon Salzberg's timeless wisdom will inspire you to tap into the power of this practice to bounce back stronger and cultivate a more resilient, happy life.
I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. 
If you would like to learn more about Sharon, please visit her website www.sharonsalzberg.com
For information on my in-person (West Chester, PA) Reiki 1 / Spiritual Energy 101 Class click here.
To learn about our life, grief, and career coaching services, please click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or on Facebook @donnayatesferris.
If you are 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).

2024 Astrology Predictions and the Saturn Return with CosmiColleen

This week, we have CosmiColleen, the amazing host of The Weekly Awakening Podcast as our guest.  Listen in to this fun and enlightening conversation to hear how understanding our horoscopes has helped us both navigate difficult times (and people).
Colleen's story is pure inspiration – she got into podcasting as a creative outlet to get through relationship drama and now, she helps her clients navigate their lives and loves with astrology.
In this episode, Colleen also spills the cosmic tea on what the stars have in store for us in 2024 and we discuss our Saturn Returns.
Finally, Colleen explains how astrology is not just about planetary movements; it's about making sense of our lives amidst interplanetary chaos. So, grab your cozy blanket, snuggle into your favorite chair, and join us as we dive into the perks of tuning into astrological intuition.
I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. 
If you would like to listen to Colleen’s podcast, click here. Some of the other astrology resources she mentioned include:
The Nightlight Astrology Podcast
The Astrology Podcast
Moonology
For birth charts visit here
The Hellenistic Astrology Book
Liz Greene, Demetra George are other authors
For information on my in-person (West Chester, PA) Reiki 1 / Spiritual Energy 101 Class click here.
To learn about our life, grief, and career coaching services, please click here.
To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com.
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).
(The music used in this episode is Only the Brave Run Wild by Sounds Like Sander)

Leave People Pleasing Behind and Live a Life You Love with Susie Pettit

Join us for a transformative episode of Bounce Back Stronger featuring our special guest, Susie Pettit – a certified Parent, Life + Wellness Coach, and mother of five sons aged 18-26. As the host of the Love Your Life podcast, Susie brings a wealth of experience and invaluable insights to guide us in moving beyond our "good enough” lives to embrace our extraordinary potential.
In this conversation, Susie shares her personal journey of transformation following the loss of a dear friend. This catalyst led her to break free of people pleasing to create a life she loves which includes sharing her wisdom with the students of her Love Your Life School.
Our conversation covers a wide range of important topics including co-dependency in parent/child and partner relationships, dealing with narcissists, over-functioning behaviors, and the growing "failure to launch" trend.
Tune in to hear Susie’s essential insights on how we can all lead independent, fulfilling lives we truly love.
If you would like to learn more about Susie Pettit’s offerings or take her co-dependency quiz, the links are below:
Codependency Quiz: https://smbwell.com/bounce
Http://theLoveYourLifeSchool.com
And https://Instagram.com/smb.wellness
I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing to the Bounce Back Stronger podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others.
To sign up for our in-person Reiki 1 Spiritual 101 Energy class on February 18th click here.
To purchase my 4.6-star book about overcoming loss to find true love - "We've Got to Stop Meeting Like This" click here. 
To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter, which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, and updates on upcoming books and events, click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com.
If you are 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).

Building Lasting Connections with Maureen Ross Gemme

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build and maintain thriving decades-long relationships?
In this episode, Maureen Ross Gemme, CEO of Emerge Leadership Academy, will share how she’s managed to do this while navigating not a little bit of home life chaos.
🌟 Episode Highlights:
The Art of Building Lasting Relationships: Maureen opens up about the ways she builds enduring relationships (hint: go to retreats).
Tools for Transformation: As the author of "Emerge: 7 Steps to Transformation (No Matter What Life Throws At You!)," Maureen unveils the key self-care tools that have empowered her and countless others to navigate life's challenges. 
Recovery at Work: Dive into Maureen's innovative "Recovery at Work" program, where she applies the lessons learned in recovery to help others be their best at work and life.
Holiday Tips and Tricks: Maureen and Donna share tips we can use to navigate work or social events while maintaining our health and commitment to self-care.
To connect with Maureen visit her website here, follow her on LinkedIn as maureenrossgemme, on Facebook as @emergentleadership, and on Instagram as @emergeleadership. You can also email her at  Maureen@EmergeLeadershipAcademy.com
I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others.
To sign up for my in-person Reiki 1 Spiritual 101 Energy class on February 18th click here.
To purchase my book about overcoming loss to find true love - "We've Got to Stop Meeting Like This" click here. 
To join the email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life and book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com. I love to connect with listeners.
If you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or contact 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).

Growing into Your Spiritual Britches with Psychic Cristina Leeson

Embark on a captivating journey with International Psychic Medium Cristina Leeson in this week's podcast episode as she unveils the fascinating story of her evolution into a spiritual leader. Join us as Cristina shares her unique perspective on spirituality and imparts her empowering guidance for the transformative year ahead, 2024.
With an impressive background spanning over two decades, Cristina has dedicated herself to teaching, conducting readings, and guiding individuals on a quest to rediscover their life's purpose. Her remarkable journey includes facilitating spiritual expos, speaking engagements at the prestigious Edgar Cayce Institute, hosting impactful spiritual conferences and retreats, and even helming a radio show that resonated with audiences across the entire US East coast.
Discover the heart and soul of Cristina's mission at the Inner Light Holistic Center, a thriving community she established over seventeen years ago. Through this sacred space, Cristina provides a diverse array of healing and spiritual classes, steadily working towards her vision of creating a lightworker army, one person at a time. Get access to Cristina's weekly email, a beacon of guidance featuring supportive messages, links to enriching YouTube videos, and free meditations by visiting her website innerlighthc.com, where you can also access complimentary meditations and explore recorded lessons at Cristina's Clairvoyant Cafe.
Cristina is currently immersed in crafting a spellbinding book, recounting her ghostly experiences and offering profound insights on navigating the mystical realm. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will enlighten and uplift your spirit!
I hope this episode is helpful for you. If it is, please join us on this journey toward peace and purpose by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others.
To sign up for my in-person Reiki 1 Spiritual 101 Energy class on February 18th click here.
To purchase my book about overcoming loss to find true love - "We've Got to Stop Meeting Like This" click here. Or if you want to listen to it for free as part of Spotify’s audiobook free 15-hour feature click here.
To join our email list to receive our monthly newsletter which includes monthly essays on living a peaceful and purposeful life as well as book reviews, TV and movie reviews, funny memes, and inspirational quotes, click here.
Follow me on Instagram @donnayferris or join my Bounce Back Stronger Facebook group by messaging me @donnayatesferris or emailing me at donnayferris@minichangeyoga.com.
If you are 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).