Stories and Stanza
Stories and Stanza delivers authentic storytelling through two distinct series:
- Between The Lines : Intimate conversations with writers revealing their craft, process, and struggles.
- Fail With Me: Transformative explorations of emotional intelligence, mental health, and resilience with wellness experts.
Episodes

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Discovering the SECRET to Self-Awareness
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Understanding Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence with Preeta
In this enlightening episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra from Melbourne talks with Preeta, a wholeness coach from India, about the crucial role self-awareness and emotional intelligence play in our lives. They delve into how emotions are just energy, the importance of validating ourselves, and strategies for building emotional intelligence. Preeta shares her personal journey from the corporate world to becoming a coach and the radical life choices she has made, such as moving to Goa at the age of 62. The discussion also highlights the concept of failure, self-validation, and why gratitude is essential for healing. Preeta concludes by sharing how her spiritual practices, especially Advaita Vedanta, aid in her coaching and personal growth. This episode is packed with wisdom on managing relationships, emotional health, and self-awareness.
00:00 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence01:59 Meet the Guest: Preeta's Journey07:57 The Concept of 'Fail with Me'09:59 Exploring Failure and Success15:14 Self-Worth and Relationships30:33 Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness31:17 Understanding Heavier and Lighter Emotions31:42 Dealing with Heavy Emotions32:21 Emotional Intelligence and Patterns33:22 Processing Emotions in the Body33:51 Techniques for Emotional Release35:23 Choosing Your Response41:10 Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System48:34 Gratitude and the Healing Journey53:14 Spiritual Awareness and Self-Understanding59:05 Conclusion and Contact Information
If you wish to work with Preeta, feel free to reach her on social media or whatsapp.
https://www.facebook.com/wholenesscoachpreeta
https://www.instagram.com/wholenesscoachpreeta/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emotionalwellnesscoachpreetapradhan
https://wa.me/919205369296

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Embracing Failure: The Key to Success in Health and Fitness
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
In this enlightening episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Kristen Carter, an experienced exercise physiologist and wellness coach, to discuss the importance of embracing failure and the realistic strategies for achieving long-term health and fitness goals. Drawing on years of experience and extensive certifications, Kristen sheds light on why most diets fail and how shifting focus from blaming oneself to improving strategies can lead to better outcomes. The discussion also covers crucial topics like emotional eating, the impact of processed foods, the significance of self-compassion, and practical tips for setting realistic health goals. Whether you're on a weight loss journey or simply seeking a healthier lifestyle, this episode provides valuable insights and resources, including Kristen's books and coaching services. Tune in to discover how small, mindful changes can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing.

Friday Dec 27, 2024
Mastering Mindful Weight Loss: Beyond Diets and Exercise
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Learn how to master mindful weight loss beyond diets and exercise in this video. Discover the key to sustainable weight loss through mindful eating and healthy habits. Say goodbye to crash diets and hello to lasting results!
In this episode of 'Stories in Stanza,' host Abhra chats with health coach and meal planner Megan about the holistic approach to weight loss. They discuss how realistic goals, self-awareness, and incremental objectives are essential for sustainable weight loss. Megan shares valuable insights on managing daily calorie intake, understanding basal metabolic rate (BMR), and navigating the challenges posed by unhealthy food environments. Viewers will also learn useful tips on meal planning, portion control, and the mental and emotional aspects of the weight loss journey. Tune in to gain practical strategies for improving your relationship with food while setting achievable health goals.

Monday Dec 23, 2024
The Story Behind 'Ocean Song'
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Join us on CW Rose's author journey as she discusses her debut fantasy novel 'Ocean Song' in this exclusive author interview. Get inspired by her story and learn more about the process behind creating a captivating fantasy book!
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Christine, known by her pen name C W Rose, a fantasy and romance author who shares her journey of writing her debut novel 'Ocean Song.' Christine, also a healthcare professional, discusses the inspiration behind her book, her writing process, research, and the themes of feminism, environmentalism, and sustainability that are woven into her tale. The conversation delves into the challenges of publishing, the importance of persistence, and how her experiences as a certified scuba diver influenced her storytelling. Join us for an engaging discussion on creativity, determination, and the power of storytelling.

Monday Dec 16, 2024
Fail With Me: Mastering Emotional Intelligence and Overcoming Failure
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Fail With Me: Mastering Emotional Intelligence and Overcoming Failure
Unlock the secret to a happier, healthier you! Emotional intelligence is the ultimate superpower that can transform your life. In this video, we'll dive into the world of emotional intelligence, exploring what it means to be emotionally aware, and how it can be the key to healing and personal development. From understanding the feeling wheel to mastering your emotions, we'll show you how to tap into your emotional intelligence and unlock your full potential. Get ready to discover the incredible benefits of emotional intelligence and start your journey to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
In this episode of 'Fail With Me' from the 'Stories and Stanza' podcast, host Abhra introduces the concept of emotional intelligence (EQ) and its role in handling failures. Joined by guest Sara, they explore how EQ helps in identifying and managing emotions effectively, leading to better self-awareness and understanding. They discuss tools like the Feeling Wheel and the difference between reacting and responding to emotions. The episode also touches on the importance of mindfulness, coping versus healing, and the pivotal role of EQ in enhancing professional and personal life. This video is a recap of their previous discussions and aims to provide valuable insights for those new to the series.
Access the Fail With Me resources here.

Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Ghost Train : A Journey Through History and Fantasy of Japan
Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Embark on a journey through history and fantasy with the Ghost Train in Japan. Explore the eerie world of Japanese Folk Horror in this immersive experience!
Join host Abhra on Stories and Stanza as he interviews Natalie Jacobsen, an award-winning writer, journalist, and marketer in nonprofit/government. She published her first article at age 13, and has been writing ever since. After growing up in Oregon and spending years in Japan and Virginia as a reporter, she now lives in Washington, DC, and shares her Japan knowledge on weekly Folklore Friday episodes. In this episode, Natalie discusses her new historical fantasy novel 'Ghost Train,' which intertwines Japanese folklore with paranormal elements. Learn about her 14-year writing journey, her detailed research process, and the challenges she faced. Natalie also shares insights into her dual role as a writer and photojournalist and the importance of untold stories. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about the art of world-building and the rich history of Japan.
You can find the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Train-Natalie-Jacobsen/dp/1590795644
00:00 Introduction: Untold Stories
01:03 Welcome to Stories and Stanza
01:45 Meet Natalie Jacobson
03:12 Natalie's Writing Journey
05:41 Exploring Japanese Culture
09:28 About the Book: Ghost Train
12:02 Reading from Ghost Train
13:41 Historical Context and Research
23:30 Challenges and Language Barriers
30:55 Publication Journey
34:31 Early Reviews and Testimonials
36:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Find her across social media as @natalieannaj and here are the links:
https://najacobsen.com
https://instagram.com/natalieannaj
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206295789-ghost-train
https://a.co/d/eJX9tfl

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Living with Hemiplegic Migraine
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra converses with Natasha, who shares her profound journey of living with hemiplegic migraine, a rare and debilitating condition. Natasha discusses the invisible and excruciating pain of her migraines, the symptoms that mimic strokes, and the struggles of raising awareness for this often misunderstood disorder. They delve into the emotional and psychological challenges faced, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, and the support she receives from her family. Natasha's resilience and dedication to spreading awareness are highlighted as she reads an excerpt from her memoir, 'The Silent Paralyzer.' This episode sheds light on the battles faced by those with invisible disabilities and the strength required to overcome them.
Link to Natasha's Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Paralyzer-decade-life-disrupted/dp/B0CW1HL2B8/

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Andrea Barton on her book The Killer Among Friends
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Stories and Stanza Podcast In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes back author and editor Andrea Barton to discuss her new mystery novel, A Killer Among Friends, the sequel to her debut, The Godfather of Dance. They delve into the themes of grief, family, and personal growth woven into Barton's stories, as well as the unique challenges of writing mystery in today's information-rich world. Barton shares her practical experiences, such as firing a gun in Texas, to bring authenticity to her work. Tune in to hear excerpts from her latest book, insights into her writing process, and the emotional depth she brings to her characters.
Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/aw/d/B0DNB1CCL8/

About This Podcast
I am a software engineer with a creative spree and the heart to make a difference. I live in Melbourne with my family and enjoy photography and creative writing.
Inspired by the quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, "If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it — blame yourself for not being poet enough to call forth its riches." I created this podcast to bring out the real stories that make life as beautiful as poetry. I'll take you on a journey through the human experience, sharing stories and conversations to uplift your spirit. Here are the key 3 areas on this podcast.:
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In Author's chair: where I talk to writers about their journey. or upcoming publication
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Fail With Me: Where I explore what failure truly is and link it with emotional intelligence.
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Oh! Past, speak out: Where I talk about forgotten chapters of history.
If you are interested in my poetry, this is my Amazon author page. Follow my newsletter here.








