What if your deepest pain held the key to your highest potential? In this powerful episode, JJ Ruescas sits down with transformation coach and author David Gilbert to explore The Alchemical Journey—a unique synthesis of ancient alchemy, modern psychology, and peak performance science.From breathwork and shadow work to archetypes and emotional excavation, this conversation is a deep dive into what it really means to transform. They discuss how life’s darkest moments can ignite lasting metamorphosis, how to decode limiting beliefs, and what it takes to embody your most aligned self—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.⚗️ Prepare to question what performance, presence, and transformation mean for you—and why the real gold is found within.💡 This one isn’t just a conversation—it’s a journey. Are you ready to take the first step?📚 Grab the first chapters of David’s book: goldenlife.com🌐 More about David: davidgilbert.com

In this episode, we sit down with ‪@sunnystrasburglmft‬ , creator of the Theradelic Approach—a powerful and integrative framework that combines psychedelic-assisted therapy, trauma-informed care, archetypal psychology, and creative expression to support deep and lasting healing.

Sunny shares her personal evolution from artist and psychonaut to trauma-specialized therapist trained in EMDR, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and other advanced modalities.

She introduces the PANTHER Method:Preparation, Attunement, Needs of Protectors, Trauma Mapping, Holding Space, Empathy/Engagement, and Resolution/Integration—a structured yet flexible roadmap for safe and transformational psychedelic work.🌱

We explore:

🔸 Why psychedelics aren’t a quick fix and require skillful integration

🔸 How art, myth, and symbolic language enrich therapy

🔸 The importance of therapist self-work and countertransference awareness

🔸 Healing trauma in leaders to catalyze collective change

🔸 Tools for emotional regulation and self-inquiry like: “What part is speaking now?”

Sunny also opens up about her daily performance habits—nature, breathwork, meditation, and supportive relationships—and honors the mentors who shaped her path, including Dick Schwartz, James Hollis, and indigenous plant medicine teachers.

This is a deep dive into how modern therapy and ancient wisdom meet to optimize human potential. Whether you’re a therapist, seeker, or curious explorer—this conversation offers practical tools, insight, and inspiration.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations on healing, consciousness, and integration.

🔗 Connect with Sunny Strasburg: https://www.sunnystrasburg.com/

🔗 Learn more about the Theradelic Approach: https://amzn.to/3UhRM8d

In this powerful episode of the Optimizing Me Podcast, host JJ Ruescas sits down with Cesar Marin—a former CNN journalist turned thought leader in the psychedelic wellness space. Cesar shares his remarkable journey from high-stakes media to helping people over 50 reconnect with their purpose through microdosing, mindfulness, and intentional living.

Together, they explore the origins of Cultivating Wisdom and Microdosing Over 50, and how psychedelics—when used with care and clarity—can support mental clarity, emotional healing, and late-in-life reinvention.

Whether you're new to psychedelics or looking to deepen your personal growth journey, this episode is packed with grounded insights and practical tools.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

🔸 How Cesar transitioned from CNN to plant medicine advocacy
🔸 The purpose behind Cultivating Wisdom and Microdosing Over 50
🔸 Microdosing protocols and how to find your personal “sweet spot”
🔸 Why intention, integration, and community are essential
🔸 Real-life stories of transformation and healing
🔸 Practical advice for exploring psychedelics responsibly
🔸 The role of mindfulness in optimizing life after 50

Tune in now and share this episode with someone ready to rediscover their purpose.

Healing Attachment Wounds with Heidi Priebe: From Insecurity to Authentic Connection.

In this powerful episode of Optimizing Me, host JJ Ruescas sits down with author and attachment theory expert Heidi Priebe to explore how our early experiences shape the way we connect—and how we can transform those patterns for deeper, more authentic relationships.

Together, they unpack the four core attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful avoidant—and discuss how early caregiving environments can wire us for emotional connection or disconnection. Heidi shares her own journey moving from insecurity toward secure attachment, and offers practical tools to help listeners do the same.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

🔸 How to identify your attachment style

🔸 The role of childhood experiences in shaping adult relationships

🔸 Tools for healing and moving toward secure attachment

🔸 Why presence, authenticity, and open communication are key to connection

Whether you're in a relationship, healing from one, or exploring your inner world, this episode offers deep insight and real-life strategies to support your personal evolution.

🌐 Learn more about Heidi’s work: https://www.heidipriebe.com/

📺 Follow her on

- YouTube: @heidipriebe1

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidipriebe

In this special episode, I decided to share what I found in the recesses of my mind during the 10-Day Silent Vipassana Meditation I attended in January 2025. The topics I cover: 🔸 Some of my unhealthy ways of relating to people 🔸 The struggles created by my mind for years 🔸 Identity Dysmorphia 🔸 My Framework to Tame the Mind (The 4 Quadrants) Pick what resonates with you. Discard the rest! But always....Keep Learning. Keep Optimizing!

In this special podcast episode, my friends Hannah Fish (@hannahfish) and Marina Kay (@sumofallpositive) join me to share and reflect on our experiences from a 10-day Silent Vipassana Meditation Retreat we attended in January 2025. We dive into several key topics, including: 🔸 The format of the retreat 🔸 The day-to-day schedule 🔸 The teachings 🔸 Our individual experiences 🔸 The pros and cons we discovered through the experience We're curious to know what resonates with you. Leave a comment and share this episode with your friends! 🙌🏼 Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are solely our own and reflect our personal experiences and interpretations. They are not representative of the teachings, policies, or official stance of Vipassana or its affiliated organizations. Please approach the content with an open mind, and remember that individual experiences with Vipassana may vary.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew B. James, Owner of Empowerment, Inc. and an expert in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) & personal transformation, shares his insights on purpose-driven actions, self-discovery, and the vital role of human connection for achieving lasting success and fulfillment.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Matt trains thousands of students each year in mastering the four bodies of empowerment, weaving modern technologies with the timeless wisdom of ancient spiritual paths. He emphasizes that true success is about impacting individuals rather than merely certifying them, highlighting the transformative power of mindset and meaningful service.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• What is NLP and how it benefits leaders?
• The importance of aligning actions with a higher purpose for motivation and resilience.
• How self-discovery forms the foundation of personal growth and effective leadership.
• Daily habits like gratitude and connecting with nature to enhance mental well-being.
• The significance of mentorship in shaping our paths and inspiring potential.
• The value of human connection in a technology-driven world.
• Upcoming initiatives including workshops, online learning, and a new book aimed at fostering growth.

Connect and learn more about Dr. Matt James here! https://www.drmatt.com/

Keep Learning, Keep Optimizing!

⬇️ Don't forget to subscribe to my Podcast Stay connected with us on social media:

https://www.jjruescas.com

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https://www.instagram.com/jjruescas/

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In this episode, JJ interviews Stacia Butterfield, an expert in Holotropic Breathwork with over 20 years of experience in personal healing and exploration. She emphasizes the power of accelerated breathing and music to facilitate deep self-exploration and emotional release. Stacia highlights the significance of community during group sessions, fostering connections and shared healing experiences. In this episode, you'll learn about: 🔸 The origins and practices of Holotropic Breathwork 🔸 How music enhances emotional release and alters consciousness 🔸 The importance of community in the healing process 🔸 How to prepare for sessions to maximize their benefits Connect and learn more about Stacia Butterfield Here! https://staciabutterfield.com/ Keep Learning, Keep Optimizing! ⬇️ Don't forget to subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jjruescasofficial Stay connected with us on social media: Web: https://www.jjruescas.com Spotify: https://www.jjruescas.com/spotify Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjruescas/ LinkedIn: https://www.jjruescas.com/linkedin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisisjjruescas X: https://www.jjruescas.com/x