Can writing truly heal a broken heart? In this profoundly moving episode of The Enlightened Life Podcast, Scott Allan sits down with John DeDakis—former CNN journalist, acclaimed author, and grief survivor—to explore how writing for healing became his lifeline through unimaginable tragedy. After coping with loss of a loved one—both his sister and son—John discovered that therapeutic writing techniques weren't just cathartic—they were essential for survival. This honest conversation about grief and loss recovery reveals the transformative power of putting pain into words. What You'll Discover ✍️ How to process grief through writing when emotions feel overwhelming 💔 Why grief journaling benefits extend far beyond the page into lasting healing 🕊️ The healing power of storytelling and mental health in navigating bereavement 🤝 How empathy in difficult times and vulnerability transform both writer and reader 📰 The impact of media consumption on our emotional well-being during grief 🌱 Practical cathartic writing exercises to start your healing journey—even if no one ever reads it 🎯 How journalism and empathy shaped John's approach to writing through bereavement 💡 Transforming pain into purpose through creative expression LINKS: johndedakis.com JOHN'S BOOKS:  https://johndedakis.com/books/

In this episode of The Enlightened Life Podcast, Scott Allan sits down with Alicia Farricielli, founder of Frequency of Her, for a conversation that’s as soul-stirring as it is practical. If you’ve ever wondered how spirituality and leadership intersect—or how mindfulness can change the way you lead, love, and live—this one’s for you. Alicia’s story is a testament to personal growth and the power of spiritual awakening. From pre-dawn to-do lists and the invisible labor of single motherhood, to the relentless drive that led to spiritual burnout, Alicia’s journey is both deeply personal and universally relatable. She describes how the constant hustle eventually became a cage, one that stifled her inner peace and left her restless for true transformation. What changed? Alicia chose to step off the hamster wheel and embark on a spiritual journey—one that prioritized consciousness, inner peace, and authentic presence over performance. Through mindfulness practices like breathwork, nervous system regulation, and honest self-inquiry, she found not just stress relief, but a new way of being. Her awakening didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual return to herself, a process of healing her inner child and balancing the masculine and feminine energies within. Throughout their conversation, Scott and Alicia explore how spirituality and emotional intelligence go hand-in-hand in leadership. They discuss the importance of tuning into your own needs, recognizing when you’re leading from survival mode, and how the path to sustainable success starts with self-worth and inner alignment. Alicia shares practical tools for stress relief and encourages listeners to honor their own spiritual journey—reminding us that transformation is possible when we’re willing to do the inner work. Alicia’s message is clear: The real revolution in women’s leadership isn’t about working harder or carrying more. It’s about awakening to your own consciousness, finding your flow, and leading from a place of embodied mindfulness and spiritual authenticity. Whether you’re navigating spiritual burnout or simply seeking more meaning in your life and work, Alicia’s wisdom will inspire you to follow your soul’s calling and embrace your own transformation. Takeaways: - Burnout is often a sign that your spiritual and emotional needs are unmet. - Mindfulness and nervous system regulation are key to stress relief and inner peace. - Personal growth and spiritual awakening go hand-in-hand; your spiritual journey is unique to you. - Emotional intelligence and consciousness are essential for authentic leadership. - Healing your inner child is foundational for true transformation. - Sustainable success is about aligning with your values, not just external achievement. - Authenticity—online and offline—is magnetic and deeply needed in today’s world. - Your worth is not measured by how much you carry, but by your presence and willingness to grow. Sound Bites: - “Burnout is everywhere, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable.” —Alicia Farricielli - “What did you not get as a child? That question can change your life.” —Alicia Farricielli - “Emotions drive decisions—whether we acknowledge them or not.” —Alicia Farricielli Chapters: - 00:00 The Invisible Labor of High Achieving Women - 06:46 Breaking the Cycle of Burnout & Spiritual Burnout - 11:33 Mindfulness, Nervous System Regulation, and Leadership - 17:23 The Inner Child and the Spiritual Journey - 20:42 Consciousness and the Shift in Leadership Style - 23:48 Emotional Intelligence, Spirituality, and Leadership - 25:36 A New Era of Feminine, Mindful Leadership Final Thought: If you’re ready to step out of burnout and into a new paradigm of mindful, spiritually aligned leadership, this episode is your invitation. Transformation begins the moment you choose to come home to yourself.  Connect with Alicia https://frequencyofher.com/