Wake Up With Monika Zands

Today is officially the relaunch of my podcast WAKE UP!   Each week I talk to people about the moment in their life that caused them to Wake UP and start living life to their highest and fullest potential; a life aligned to their purpose and passion.  After a near death accident in 2002, I woke up to discover that my life path was forever altered.  I left nearly 20 years of building my production company and corporate training business and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, healing and making a massive impact in a completely different way. I learned that I was not given a second chance just to leave a legacy, I was given the opportunity to create a dynasty.  Working with incredible leaders in their lives, businesses and communities, Wake Up! is a call to all people to wake up to their unique one-of-a-kind gifts and pay it forward.   In this brand new episode, I have the pleasure and privilege to share my mind-expanding conversation with  none other than the great and mighty Mike Michalowicz, author of P

Jesse Gros is an extraordinary husband, father, and life coach, whose office is a yurt in the middle of Santa Monica. He has written two books. His latest, My Life Coach Wears a Tutu and Your Wild & Precious Life, were inspired by his life of adventure. During today’s episode, Jesse candidly shares his newly found ability to say no, his philosophy about what success truly is, and how he plans to uplift humanity’s consciousness one person at a time.   Key Takeaways: [03:53] Every 10 years or so, Jesse receives a signal that it's time to make a transition in his life. [13:12] Our society has mastered self-gratification, but Jesse craves authentic freedom. [17:35] Pain and suffering are healed with total surrender and compassion for yourself. [23:39] Playing 'the beauty I see in you is... ' game at Burning Man. [27:57] Recognizing your mission, and becoming a beacon. [32:05] Getting into alignment about what is clear to you. [36:52] The tutu is free expression without judgment from others. [38:44] Take the c

Taylor Clark is a 22-year-old entrepreneur and fashion designer dedicated to changing the world – one shirt at a time. Growing up with her parent’s bridal gown business, Taylor was exposed to the fashion and business industry at a young age. Her infatuation for bridal gowns led her to travel across the country to Los Angeles, CA to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and pursue her dreams of being a fashion designer. While Taylor’s main goal within FIDM was to be accepted into their 3rd year program, a full debut runway show that attracts 10,000+ industry professionals, she sadly just missed the mark. Little did she know, this would be a turning point on her mission to change the world.  Taylor’s endearing vulnerability in sharing her downfalls, as well as her triumphs, makes her not only a pinnacle of humility, but an incredibly relatable human being to anyone who’s ever felt lost at some point in their life. After a year of feeling stuck, Taylor made it on the Gary Vaynerchuk sho

Guest Alexa Rose Carlin is a speaker, business coach, author, and entrepreneur, who started her first business at 17. An autoimmune deficiency almost kept her from graduating college and working in the fashion industry designing jewelry. Alexa shares the story of how she turned a near-death experience and a debilitating disease into her personal brand by authentically sharing her ordeal on Periscope. Her goal is to empower people to believe in themselves, so they can accomplish their dreams and make a difference in the world. Alexa’s All-In-One (Authenticity, Inspiration and Optimism) philosophy has earned her paid speaking engagements and a reputation as a confidant for people who need to feel like someone is listening.   Key Takeaways: [1:39] Alexa volunteered to be put into a coma when a medical team was needed to save her life from Sepsis. [10:34] After moving to NYC to start her career in the fashion industry, Alexa got sick again. [12:46] Alexa adopted a healthier lifestyle and wrote a cookbook. [14:26]

Alex Khan has been called the second most loved person on the Periscope platform. His wickedly intriguing German accent and his genuine persona earned him 200,000 followers and 50 million hearts in his first year of streaming. Alex is a serial entrepreneur, a keynote speaker and social media strategist. In the social media game since 2006, Alex has been able to gain insights about the most successful incentives and strategies that foster communication and activity among his members. He joins Monika on today’s podcast to discuss how his early upbringing has shaped his life, how to sell any product, and the importance of knowing your audience.   Key Takeaways: [3:36] Alex appreciates social media’s ability to bring together people that he knows, likes, and trusts. [5:27] Live streaming is the next big thing, because it is an intimate, authentic way to see who someone really is. [12:01] If you have KLT in marketing, you can sell any product or any service. [14:28] Alex explains why it is important to know who an

Monika welcomes the lady who kicked her spiritual butt, Siddiqui Soul Ray. Siddiqui is an Intuitive Coach who provides her clients intuitive, clear direction, confidence, and hope. She is an energetic and playful certified health and wellness coach, and her 5 Archetypes help clients identify their blind spots. Siddiqui's genius channeled through in the form of photography. It was through this medium she realized she was healing her wound of needing to be seen.   Key Takeaways: [2:48] Siddiqui’s new book, Fire Your Guru, highlights emotive intuition and egoic logic making their way through the world together. [11:05] Yearning to be truly seen, guided Siddiqui to her genius. [18:54] Five Archetypes to identify blind spots. [22:29] The soul is a person’s unique, energetic DNA. [27:23] The intuition muscle is our innate, animalistic sense of knowing. [31:24] Channeling intuition is where genius is born. [32:27] Monika shares her breakthrough journey. [41:30] If you are listening to this podcast you are being call

The funny, raw, and authentic Isabel Foxen Duke joins Monika to share the inspirational journey of how she stopped fighting food. As a body positive advocate. Isabelle graduated with a BA in Sociology from Tufts, and received her health coaching certificate from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Isabel created StopFightingFood.com. It is there she offers a free video training series for women who want to stop feeling crazy around food.   Key Takeaways: [2:08] Isabel’s obsessive diet cycle started when she was a three-year-old after a doctor put her on a special diet. [9:58] Isabel skidded along the bottom for a while before she realized dieting was no longer an option for her. [14:54] Isabel’s work addresses changing the way clients relate to food at a deeper level than intuitive eating. [16:15] When Isabel stopped fighting food she had room for more things in her life. [21:11] As a wellness professional, Isabel is here to serve a social justice mission. [26:21] Isabel’s wake up tip — Identify what ‘you-

Monika welcomes Ruby Fremon to the podcast today. Ruby is a transformational life coach, an energy healer, and a self-love advocate. Ruby helps women boost their self-worth, and put an end to self-destructive behaviors, so they can experience happiness, gain confidence, and attract love. Ruby combines her love for the metaphysical with her passion for coaching. Ruby was willing to do whatever it took to have the life she was intended to live. She values loyalty, authenticity, and integrity.   Key Takeaways: [2:14] Ruby hit rock bottom before her waking up and getting healthy in her mind, body, and soul. [5:45] Ruby describes how she works with individuals and groups. [11:14] Fitting in and feeling understood was one of the biggest challenges Ruby had growing up. [15:07] Ruby came across a spiritual group of women who helped her harness her powers. [18:14] Ruby offers guidance for those who want to step into their light. [20:10] Ruby’s work ignites people to be the person they have always wanted to be. [22:08]

Katie Dalebout is a life coach, author, speaker, yoga teacher, and host of the Let It Out podcast.  Katie spreads positivity and authenticity wherever she goes and to whomever she touches. She intends to use her body image experiences to start a movement about what beauty means in our society. Katie encourages people to journal, and shares her own unique journey in her book, Let It Out: A Journey Through Journaling. Katie and Monika share personal stories of how their relationships with their mothers have changed since reaching adulthood, and what it means to be present in this life.   Key Takeaways: [2:00] Katie is living her astronomical dreams. [7:50] Nostalgia is a time you long to have again, because you were not present for it the first time. [14:12] Having an adult relationship with our mother can be enlightening to a woman. [20:24] Katie has experienced the thin privilege that exists in our society. [28:45] Egos are beneficial when we have a message to share. [32:01] Katie’s Wake Up Tip — Get to know

Monika’s guest, Asha Dahya is the Editor-in-Chief of Girl Talk HQ. Asha started Girl Talk HQ as a positive outlet for millennial women who are looking for inspiring content. After a decade-long career in the traditional entertainment industry, working for Disney, Fox, and MTV to name a few, Asha noticed women were represented differently than men in the media. So, she created a community where women could share and be understood without media bias. Today, Asha describes the female role models in her life, her passion to provide a middle ground solution pertaining to reproductive and abortion rights and how she balances her traditions with her feministic values.   Key Takeaways: [2:42] Asha had powerful, positive, female influences in her life. [6:34] How Asha honored traditions while preserving her individual values. [10:20] The conscious decision to overcome barriers no matter how high they are. [13:38] Asha is able to separate the truth from non-productive criticism. [18:43] Finding a middle ground between

Heather Regan is a soul-centered psychotherapist whose message has been featured in the Huffington Post, Women for One and Yahoo. She broke out of the mold of traditional psychotherapy by fusing modern psychology with spirituality and intellect with intuition. She leads her sessions with a spirit-driven approach. And in doing so, she helps women to break free of patterns of filling voids with food, shopping, body shame and relationship drama. Heather is committed to filling people's spirits with God and living authentically. She acknowledges that she needed to first stop the chatter in her mind before she could truly listen to God.   Key Takeaways: [1:45] When did Heather’s spiritual journey truly start? [8:01] What are some of the wonderful aspects that make Heather who she is? [12:30] How Heather stays in the energy of gratitude. [15:23] It’s not about what you say or do it’s about being the light. [17:11] Heather’s client-centered approach includes meeting the client where they are on their spiritual journ

As a child, Emily Aubé was free to explore and find her truth. Her mother, a medium, allowed her to observe healing and connection at a deep level. While her family went through a rough divorce when she was 12, Emily was rife with anxiety. She was diagnosed with six anxiety disorders and during a panic attack she believed she was dying. She was able to recover by owning her issues and by removing fear from her life. Instead of keeping such an amazing talent to herself, Emily lives as a change angel. She is a transformational coach for spiritual entrepreneurs, an intuitive writer, a healer, a speaker and founder of the Anxiety Free Community, a mental health organization. She developed the Anxiety Free Toolbox and will soon be hosting a Ladies and Gents Mastermind through which she will help spiritual entrepreneurs find a balance between their spiritual, emotional and financial endeavors.   Key Takeaways: [1:46] How panic attacks and anxiety inspired Emily to create the Anxiety Free Community. [7:36] Connectio

In this episode, Monika interviews Rachel Elizabeth Murray, a celebrity fitness personality, certified trainer and nutrition coach, speaker, author, professional sports model, and actor. She teaches people to live by the motto that fitness is more than just physical. She shares that through her brand. She's here to help people get confidence back, reach for their potential, and live fitter, healthier, more awake lives. Monika asks Rachel Elizabeth to rediscover her journey to wake up from the trauma  of rape, to a rebirth of faith and purpose. Monika and Rachel Elizabeth explore the steps taken, from running to escape her pain, to fitness training, starting a fitness lifestyle center, and leading others to heal. Rachel Elizabeth encourages all to dream bigger, and live healthy, fit lives, to get to the next level of their dream.   Key Takeaways: [2:03] The only way Rachel Elizabeth could find to get out of her pain has been a combination of faith and fitness. Her relationship with God helped her heal from the

It is safe to say that most teenagers are not founding companies, like social entrepreneur, Joshua Davidson. He founded his first company, Chop Dawg, at age 16 and his second company, Subtle, at age 19. Now, Joshua utilizes his skills to assist startups and grow businesses to make a positive impact, while also developing his own businesses at the same time. Joshua’s company, Chop Dawg, is a full service startup catapult that takes entrepreneur’s ideas from concept to reality by utilizing leading designers and developers. Chop Dawg provides entrepreneurs with a wide range of services including web and mobile development, wearable technology, and branding and marketing strategies. Through this process, entrepreneurs are able to build successful brands that design, plan and implement their objectives. As CEO and founder of Chop Dawg, Joshua spends his days being innovative and spends his nights networking and brainstorming with fellow entrepreneurs. This inspiring young man plans to apply his skills to make a po

Our guest today is Madelyn Moon, a young woman who had once been consumed by her need to have the “perfect” body. After years of intensive training for modeling photo shoots and fitness competitions, she came to the realization that she was obsessing over food and her body and not pursuing her passion. Now, Life Coach Maddy Moon is helping women and men learn how to take control of their relationship with food while enjoying their life and newfound freedom. Maddy Moon is the author of the guide 10 Proven Steps for Ending Any Diet Obsession and host of the Mind Body Musings Podcast. Her inspiration work has been featured in The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, Paleo Magazine and Breaking Muscle. She graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and currently resides in Colorado. You can find Maddy coaching clients online on her website, maddymoon.com.   Discussion Questions: -What caused you to “wake up” from the unhealthy lifestyle you were living? -How did you fi

You’d never think Jay Howard was only 26 years old.  When I watched him on Periscope, I was blown away by his passion for life and the authentic way in which he shared. Jay Howard is an LA based television host who can be found on Periscope, his blog, and other social media where he aims to create content that engages and entertains his growing audience. He loves encouraging others to pursue “the art of living and loving well”. His topics include travel, relationships, adventure, food, health, motivation, and family. Get ready for Episode 6 with Jay Howard!   Discussion Topics: -How would you describe “the art of living and loving well” and how do you encourage others to do this? -How do you stay positive in an industry where there’s so much rejection? -What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to find their unique gifts?

In Episode 5 of Wake Up, Monika dives deep into the power of story telling with blogger, with Allison Volk. Allison Volk, actress, playwright, and also known as “The Blog Babe”, talks about the importance of sharing your story and validates that everyone has an important story and frame of reference to share their life from.  Listen and learn how important it is to WAKE UP to the value the story of your life brings to the world. Get excited for Episode 5 with Allison Volk!   Discussion Topics: -What brought you into the business of blogging? -What lessons have you learned along the way to help elevate your business and your impact as a business owner? -How do you go about having conversations with clients to capture their voice or whatever qualities they may be looking for? -What advice would you give to someone who has a story to tell but hasn’t recognized the value of their message? Connect with Allison at: http://www.theblogbabe.com

As a published author, public speaker, guest lecturer, TV Sports Analyst and NFL Player Engagement Ambassador, Thomas R. Williams is a “Professional Reminder.” Known for his engaging presentations, Thomas’ passion is to remind companies, organizations and individuals that you don’t have to look for “GREATNESS”; “Greatness” is already inside of you. “Everyone has everything they need, to get everything they want.” As a small town kid with BIG time dreams, he wants everyone to know that just as fears are created in the mind, so are dreams. He challenges every audience to DREAM, DARE, DO. Thomas R. Williams represents possibilities that anyone, anytime, anywhere, can become anything they want to be. Thomas graduated from the University of Southern California and won two National Championships and four Rose Bowls as a linebacker for the USC Trojans. Thomas went on to play five years in the NFL and is now a full-time student at LIFE University where he never plans to graduate. For Thomas, life is about knowledge a

Equipped with her Business and Finance degree from the University of North Carolina, Lauren Welter had everything a young, optimistic career woman could want. She had been offered a position as an investment banking analyst on Wall Street, and was eager to take on NYC and begin her climb to the top. Little did she know at the time, the generous salary, fancy weekend soirees and new-found status, would not provide the fulfillment she had expected. In this episode of Wake Up!, Lauren shares about taking a giant leap of faith, packing up her things up and moving back to her hometown of Iowa City to complete a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. It’s a story of finding joy in the simple life experiences, choosing to make a difference for others… and knowing when to take the leap. Get excited for Episode 3 with Lauren Welter!   Discussion Topics: • How did you ‘wake up’ to your true calling in life after a career in investment banking on Wall Street? • What kind of support were you given to pursue your new a

Mia Banducci is a healer and a dedicated world changer. Her background and education are in international business, and after traveling the world she fell so in love with the communal culture of food in every country she visited that she transitioned her focus to the culinary realm. She has worked in wellness from the physical capacity as a personal chef and evolved into the power of healing mind, body, and soul energetically. At 16, a horrific car accident nearly took her left arm, and battling insecurity and fear consumed her life for many years. After working tirelessly to heal her wounds internally, she overcame the physical scars and her entire life transformed. She is on a mission to shift the image of female role models in the modern world so young girls can look up to intelligent, empowered, awakened women as opposed to individuals who don’t use their influence for creating a better planet and future. She teaches meditation, holds workshops for overcoming fear and stepping into personal power, and coa