Stories and Stanza
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
Jamie Hughes is a passionate advocate for mental well-being and the author of insightful works on resilience and self-care. Drawing from a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in trauma, resilience, and self-care, Jamie brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to his coaching and writing. His expertise is further solidified by years of dedicated service in non-profit program development and management, where he honed his skills in victim advocacy, as well as social and forensic psychology. Jamie's commitment to empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges shines through in his writing, offering readers a blend of compassionate guidance and evidence-based strategies for cultivating inner strength. Bachelor's Degree in Applied Psychology, Master's Degree in Social Psychology with a specialization in trauma, Member of the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology, Certified Professional Life Coach, Member of the National Association for Poetry Therapy, and Certified Therapeutic Writing Instructor.
His website is linked here.
In this episode of Stories and Stanza's 'Fail With Me' series, host Abhra delves into the concept of failure and its often misunderstood impact on our lives, joined by social psychologist and author Jamie Hughes, the discussion covers the importance of accepting failure as a learning opportunity, the profound impact of trauma on mental health, and practical tools for healing and self-care. Jamie shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma and how writing and journaling have played a crucial role in his healing process. This enlightening conversation underscores the significance of understanding and addressing mental health issues, both for individuals and their loved ones. Tune in to explore these topics and gain insights from Jamie's extensive expertise and personal experiences.

Friday Jun 20, 2025
Are you trapped in imposter syndrome?
Friday Jun 20, 2025
Friday Jun 20, 2025
In this episode of "Stories and Stanza," the host, Abhra discusses the origins and impact of imposter syndrome with guest Manicaa, a self-development coach and mind and body practitioner. They explore how acknowledging and embracing failures can lead to significant personal growth. The discussion delves into the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the need for a balanced life. They also touch on the difference between coaching and therapy, and strategies like mindfulness and journaling to address imposter syndrome. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by diverse communities and emphasizes the power of authentic living.
Connect with Manikaa here:
Web
Social Media

Saturday Jun 14, 2025
The Power of Mind-Body Awareness
Saturday Jun 14, 2025
Saturday Jun 14, 2025
In this episode of Stories in Stanza, we dive into the realm of failure and resilience with Trent Miles, a former ESL teacher turned health advocate from Melbourne, Australia. We discuss his Brain and Body Warrior Project, designed to aid individuals in navigating personal issues through a better understanding of brain function, body wellness, and the 'warrior mindset.' Join us as we explore emotional intelligence, failure, nutrition, mindfulness, and the powerful connection between the brain and body. Don't miss this insightful conversation aimed at transforming your approach to mental and physical well-being.
Follow Trent's Work on Mind and Body Warrior Project here: https://substack.com/@thebrainandbodywarrior

Friday May 09, 2025
The Power of Shadow Work and Journaling
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra is joined by Oliver to explore the transformative power of shadow work and journaling in addressing mental health concerns, particularly among men. The conversation delves into the significance of being vulnerable, understanding one's emotions, and using deep journaling techniques for personal growth. Oliver shares his journey from casual journaling to teaching shadow journaling, providing insights into how embracing and integrating all emotions can lead to healing. The episode also discusses the importance of community in journaling and how shared experiences can validate and support individuals on their mental health journey.
About OliverOliver Mann is a journaling mentor and teacher, with a passion for Shadow Journaling. Diving into Shadow work was a pivotal moment in Oliver’s life, after which writing and journaling took on completely new powers. By opening up to the process of delving into the psyche through writing, he discovered the power of curiosity and acceptance of the complete self.
Through his work, Oliver is now inviting others to take gentle steps into the shadow. With the bright lights we shine, we can soon become friends with what once scared us.
Oliver is also the co-founder of the Barcelona Journaling Festival, an annual writing event attracting a global audience.
He is a council member of the International Association of Journal Writers, and is a certified JTTS instructor.
Get 50% off on Oliver's Course

Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Embracing Failure and Healing from Trauma and Burnout with Rosemary
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Welcome to a new episode of Stories and Stanza with your host Abhra. In this episode, Abhra speaks with special guest Rosemary, a poet, novelist, and doctor. Together, they delve into the importance of embracing failure as a path to success and how our relationship with failure can impact our growth. Rosemary shares her personal journey of healing from trauma, the significance of acknowledging past experiences, and the practical strategies she employed to overcome them, such as play and social support. They also discuss burnout, its effects, and coping mechanisms. Rosemary reads a poignant poem from her upcoming memoir, 'Out of the Cocoon, the Journey to Becoming,' offering a glimpse into her intimate reflections. Join us for an insightful conversation on resilience, self-love, and the power of storytelling.
Rosemary Esehagu is a Nigerian-American writer and poet. Her works have been featured in different media, both print and electronic. Her writing focuses on intersections of gender, identity formation, society’s roles, trauma, and healing. Her latest book, a memoir, is called Out of the Cocoon: The Journey to Becoming, and it is about how she healed from trauma and used it as a stepping stone to a stronger and more mature self.
Ways to connect:
Website: www.rosemaryesehagu.com
FB: facebook.com/rosemaryesehagu
IG: instagram.com/rosemaryesehagu

Saturday Apr 05, 2025
Overcoming Workplace Trauma and Burnout with Carolina Bakker
Saturday Apr 05, 2025
Saturday Apr 05, 2025
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra sits down with Carolina Bakker, the Rat Race recovery coach, to discuss the impacts of workplace trauma, burnout, and how to reclaim control over your professional life. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Fail With Me', strategies for setting boundaries, and methods of mindfulness and community for overcoming repetitive negative cycles. Carolina shares her personal experiences in toxic work environments and valuable insights on healing and moving forward. Tune in for an empowering discussion on transforming workplace struggles into personal growth and resilience.
00:00 Introduction to Workplace Wellness
02:43 Meet Carolina Bucker: The Rat Race Recovery Coach
03:33 The Birth of 'Fail With Me'
06:01 Carolina's Personal Journey Through Corporate Struggles
08:55 Understanding Workplace Trauma and Taking Back Power
23:22 Strategies for Handling Workplace Fear and Pressure
37:27 Healing from Past Workplace Trauma
49:09 Breaking the Cycle of Burnout and Addiction
57:10 Conclusion and How to Connect with Carolina
Carolina helps people break free from the stress and burnout of toxic work environments. She knows that leaving a job isn’t enough - many people still feel trapped in fear, self-doubt, and exhaustion long after they quit. They left physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually they are still connected.
Through her coaching, she helps her clients stop this cycle, heal deeply and find clarity for the road ahead. Her approach is holistic, empowering, and solution-oriented. She combines her spiritual abilities with down-to-earth practical tools to help her clients to make real, lasting change towards balance, joy, and real success - on their own terms.
Connect with Carolina:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rat_Race_Recovery?sub_confirmation=1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinabakker/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rat_race_recovery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachingByCarolinaBakker
A gift for your audience:
90 days access to my Imposter Syndrome Success Kit!hppts://courses.coachingbycarolina.com

Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Dr. Saroj Dubey's Secrets to Building RESILIENCE!
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Dr. Saroj Dubey shares his wisdom to building resilience and overcoming failure. Learn how to transform yourself and develop emotional intelligence with mindfulness.
In this insightful episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra sits down with Dr. Saroj Dube, an esteemed gastroenterologist and author, to discuss the profound lessons we can learn from failure. Dr. Dube shares her personal journey of overcoming a professional setback, which led to an exploration of mindfulness and emotional well-being. The episode delves into practical tips for processing negative emotions, the importance of mindfulness in daily life, and the transformative power of meditation. Through heartfelt dialogue, we explore how acknowledging and accepting our emotions can lead to personal growth and resilience. Tune in to discover the power of being present and turning life's challenges into opportunities for profound self-awareness and healing.
00:00 Embracing Failure: A Path to Growth
01:50 Introduction to Stories and Stanza
02:34 Guest Introduction: Dr. Saroj Dube
03:35 The Concept of 'Fail With Me'
07:02 A Personal Story of Failure and Transformation
16:44 Processing Negative Emotions
23:25 The Neuroscience of Emotional Healing
30:02 The Hidden Sugar in Our Diets
30:56 Emotional Intelligence and Awareness
31:34 The RAIN Method for Emotional Healing
32:45 Mindfulness and Physical Health
34:12 Personal Journey with Meditation
36:53 Practical Tips for Meditation
45:53 Building Self-Awareness in a Busy World
51:28 The Importance of Taking Time for Yourself
57:44 Embracing Life's Challenges
Please find the details of Dr Saroj's book here:
Rx for Resilience (International Edition) : https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Physicians-Perspective-Embracing-Discovering/dp/8119554361
Rx for Resilience (India Edition) : https://amzn.in/d/flFmmgq
Ted X Talk: https://youtu.be/R9cwcFe8Jps?si=-o4I8NbwpgX2joB0

Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Finding Purpose Again After Experiencing Profound Grief
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
If you're struggling to find purpose after experiencing profound grief, this video offers guidance on healing and finding meaning again.
In this heartfelt episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Ruth Hephzibah, founder of Grift of Grace International and Echoes of Life. Ruth shares her journey as a grief coach and fresh start advocate, offering profound insights on understanding and navigating grief. She discusses the various forms of grief beyond the loss of a loved one, societal misconceptions, and her unique three-step model to move from being stuck to starting afresh. Ruth also highlights the importance of self-care, community, and small achievable goals in the healing process. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and offers a message of hope and resilience for anyone dealing with grief.