Épisodes

  • Healing Through Hardship: Victoria Burmeister on Living Victoriously and Sharing Her Wisdom
    Feb 12 2026

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    In this powerful episode of Happiness Unscripted, Kristin DeSouza continues her conversation with Victoria Burmeister, a resilience advocate who overcame a devastating car accident at 19 that left her paralyzed. Victoria shares her journey of defying the odds, focusing on a positive mindset, and living without regrets. They discuss the importance of reclaiming joy, sensuality, and strength, as well as Victoria's experiences with love, parenting from a wheelchair, and her upcoming memoir, 'Whiplash but Not Broken.' This episode highlights the significance of a supportive mindset, embracing life's challenges, and the power of love and communication in overcoming hardships.

    **Note: This episode touches on some triggering or sensitive topics, including suicide and intimate relationships.**

    Chapter Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction to Happiness Unscripted
    00:20 Victoria's Journey of Resilience
    01:09 Mindset and Overcoming Negativity
    03:01 Surviving a Stroke
    06:24 Living with No Regrets
    08:05 Advocacy for Joy, Sensuality, and Strength
    11:09 Challenges in Relationships
    17:51 Navigating Emotional Conversations
    19:03 The Importance of Communication
    19:59 Overcoming Public Scrutiny
    20:52 Humor in Adversity
    23:43 Reflecting on Relationships
    27:51 Raising Children as a Single Parent
    29:13 Finding Support in Hard Times
    32:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    Connect with Victoria Burmeister, author of Whiplash but Not Broken:

    🌐: https://lifewave.com/victoriaalen

    (For more information on X39)

    📱 Social Media:

    • https://www.facebook.com/VAllen5
    • https://www.instagram.com/life_possitively_rolls_on/

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    40 min
  • From Paralysis to Purpose: Victoria Burmeister's Journey of Strength and Faith
    Feb 5 2026

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    In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza welcomes Victoria Burmeister, a passionate advocate for holistic healing, along side traditional medicine, and empowerment. Victoria shares her inspiring story of surviving a car accident that left her paralyzed at the age of 19. Despite the devastating news, she defied medical expectations, regained some physical abilities, and dedicated her life to helping others reclaim their joy and strength. Through her personal experiences, writing, and advocacy work, Victoria illustrates the power of a positive mindset, relentless determination, and faith. She discusses the importance of holistic wellness, the life-changing impact of alternatives like the X39 patch, and the philosophy of not being broken but constantly becoming. This powerful conversation reveals the heart of resilience and the ongoing journey of creating joy and purpose in life's toughest moments.

    00:00 Welcome to Happiness Unscripted

    00:13 Introducing Victoria Burmeister

    02:26 Victoria's Life Before the Accident

    07:21 The Life-Changing Accident

    10:25 Rehabilitation and Resilience

    19:22 Mindset and Personal Growth

    25:40 Physical Recovery and Independence

    29:06 Spiritual Journey and Realizations

    30:30 The Burden Lifted

    30:51 A Call to Write a Book

    31:45 Healing her Relationship with God

    34:01 Discovering the X39 Patch

    35:59 Experiencing the Benefits

    49:09 Mind-Body Wellness

    49:47 Conclusion and Reflection

    Connect with Victoria Burmeister, author of Whiplash but Not Broken:

    🌐: https://lifewave.com/victoriaalen

    (For more information on X39)

    📱 Social Media:

    • https://www.facebook.com/VAllen5
    • https://www.instagram.com/life_possitively_rolls_on/

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    52 min
  • Beyond Symptoms: Dr. Ashley Woyak's Insights to Women's Midlife Health
    Jan 30 2026

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    In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza continues her enlightening conversation with Dr. Ashley Woyak, a naturopathic and chiropractic physician at Forward Natural Medicine in Madison, Wisconsin. The focus is on women's health in midlife, delving into common challenges such as hormonal imbalances, poor sleep, and emotional well-being. Dr. Woyak emphasizes the importance of a personalized, root-cause approach in functional medicine that looks beyond symptoms. She shares valuable insights on the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, highlighting how even small changes can lead to significant improvements. The episode underscores the idea that health and wellness are not about perfection but making consistent, manageable progress.

    00:00 Welcome to Happiness Unscripted: Returning with Dr. Ashley Woyak

    00:54 When Your Midlife Body Changes the Rules

    21:01 Pushing Through vs. Listening to Your Body

    23:55 From Burnout to Balance: Building Total Wellbeing

    27:05 It's Never Too Late to Change

    29:42 Health & Wellness is Not Perfection

    31:35 Your Next Step on the Happiness Path: Rate, Review, & Rewrite Your Story!

    Connect with Dr. Ashley Woyak of Forward Natural Medicine:

    🌐: https://www.forwardnaturalmed.com/

    📱 Social Media:

    • https://www.facebook.com/forwardnaturalmed/
    • https://www.instagram.com/forwardnaturalmed/
    • https://www.youtube.com/@forwardnaturalmedicine6219/videos

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    33 min
  • Pathways to Health: Dr. Ashley Woyak Explores Functional and Naturopathic Medicine
    Jan 22 2026

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    In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza welcomes Dr. Ashley Woyak, an expert in Functional, Naturopathic, and Chiropractic medicine. Dr. Woyak shares insights into her extensive educational journey and how her unique approach to healthcare addresses the underlying causes of chronic conditions, particularly for women in midlife. The episode delves into the differences between conventional and naturopathic medicine, emphasizing the importance of root cause analysis, personalized care, and a holistic approach to health, as well as the value of functional medicine. Dr. Woyak also discusses the benefits of collaborating with a diverse team of specialists for optimal patient care, highlighting the growing acceptance and effectiveness of naturopathic medicine in her practice in Madison, Wisconsin.

    00:00 Introduction to Happiness Unscripted

    00:13 Meet Dr. Ashley Woyak

    01:19 Ashley's Journey into Functional Medicine

    06:19 Understanding Functional and Naturopathic Medicine

    10:39 Examples of Integrated Medicine

    17:42 Cost-Effective Healthcare Solutions

    20:54 Signs You Might Benefit From a Functional Medicine Practitioner

    21:29 The Spectrum of Patients in Functional Medicine

    22:53 Personalized Lab Work

    26:23 The Initial Consultation Experience

    31:32 Empowering Patients in Their Wellness Journey

    35:46 Outro and Next Episode Teaser

    Connect with Dr. Ashley Woyak of Forward Natural Medicine:

    🌐: https://www.forwardnaturalmed.com/

    📱 Social Media:

    • https://www.facebook.com/forwardnaturalmed/
    • https://www.instagram.com/forwardnaturalmed/
    • https://www.youtube.com/@forwardnaturalmedicine6219/videos

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    37 min
  • The Story of The Full Plate: Aimee Gindin's Vision to Embrace Food Freedom and Ourselves
    Jan 15 2026

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    In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza welcomes back Aimee Gindin, the founder of The Full Plate, for an insightful conversation about intuitive eating and reclaiming one's relationship with food. Aimee shares her personal struggles with food, from early dieting influenced by societal pressures to her moment of epiphany that led her to a healthier, more intuitive approach to eating. Aimee discusses how The Full Plate provides holistic nutrition counseling, community support, and corporate wellness programs to help others break free from diet culture. The conversation delves into the psychological, social, and biological aspects of eating, highlighting the importance of listening to one’s own body and adopting a flexible approach to nutrition. Kristin and Aimee explore the transformative power of setting down rigid food rules and embracing a more fulfilling and authentic life.

    00:00 Intro: Happiness Unscripted

    01:45 Introduction to Aimee Gindin's Journey to The Full Plate

    03:13 Aimee's Personal Struggles with Food - She Knows the Path She Helps You Walk

    08:14 The Turning Point: Embracing Intuitive Eating

    12:21 Impact of Family and Personal Challenges - Understanding Can Help You Walk in Freedom

    18:50 The Vision Behind Full Plate

    24:25 The Importance of Food Freedom

    30:39 Practical Steps to Heal Your Relationship with Food

    39:39 How to Connect with Full Plate

    42:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement - The Journey is the Reward

    46:13 Outro: Own Your Story, Take the Lead, Let's Get Happy

    Connect with Aimee Gindin of The Full Plate:

    ✉️: hello@news.full-plate-nutrition.com

    🌐: www.full-plate-nutrition.com

    📱 Social Media:

    • https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-plate-community/

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    48 min
  • Embracing Career Change with Aimee Gindin: From Psychology to Corporate to Entrepreneur
    Jan 8 2026

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    In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza converses with Amy Gindin, the founder of Full Plate, about her remarkable professional journey and personal transformation. Amy describes her transition from a mental health clinician dealing with high-stress situations to a corporate marketing executive and finally to an intuitive eating counselor. Her path was marked by overcoming personal struggles and career dissatisfaction, combined with a quest for authentic living and fulfillment. Amy shares insights into the importance of following one's energy, rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, and the challenges of making significant life changes. Her story underscores that true happiness comes from aligning one's life with personal values and what genuinely nourishes the soul.

    00:00 Intro: Happiness Unscripted

    01:52 Introduction to Amy Gindin's Journey

    03:16 Early Career and Shifts in Psychology

    07:01 Transition to Marketing Executive

    14:31 Climbing the Corporate Ladder

    19:13 Pursuing Passion and Intuitive Eating

    23:52 Reflections on Career and Happiness

    28:45 Outro: Happiness Unscripted

    Connect with Aimee Gindin of The Full Plate:

    ✉️: hello@news.full-plate-nutrition.com

    🌐: www.full-plate-nutrition.com

    📱 Social Media:

    • https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-plate-community/

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    31 min
  • Choosing Growth Over Comfort: Reflections from Kristin's Conversation with Kena Siu
    Dec 31 2025

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    In the final episode of Season One of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza reflects on her impactful conversation with Kena Siu, the Empowerment Guide behind Midlife Butterfly and the host of Midlife Butterfly Podcast. Kristin discusses the key lessons she learned from Kena about self-love, radical acceptance, and the courage to grow beyond comfort. Key takeaways include the importance of accepting all parts of ourselves, becoming our own best friend, and the never-ending journey of personal evolution. Kena's journey through multiple personal transformations, including her reflections on self-compassion, somatic awareness, and the sacred nature of midlife, provides a rich source of inspiration for listeners.

    00:00 Welcome

    01:54 The Impact of Kena Siu's Journey

    03:01 Self-Love and Acceptance

    05:34 Becoming Your Own Best Friend

    10:16 The Comfort Zone and Growth

    18:13 Living Alone and Self-Discovery

    24:15 Practical Self-Care Tips: Building habits one at a time

    31:51 The Butterfly Metaphor and Transformation

    38:03 Closing: Thank you and Season Two Preview

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    39 min
  • From Unclear to Purpose- Kristin's Lessons from Ashley Iduda's Journey
    Dec 11 2025

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    In this episode of Happiness Unscripted, host Kristin DeSouza reflects on the inspiring journey of Ashley Iduda, who transitioned from a stay-at-home mom about to embark on a teaching career to her unscripted life filled with podcasting, makeup workshops, and coaching programs. Ashley's story emphasizes trusting oneself and taking the first step without seeing the entire path ahead. Kristin reflects on how her conversation with Ashley highlighted how embracing imperfections allows for authentic living and deeper fulfillment. By sharing her own experience, Ashley encouraged listeners to pursue their passions courageously and authentically.

    00:00 Intro

    00:54 Reflections from Ashley - First Steps

    02:09 You can handle the challenge

    03:13 You don't need to have it all figured out to begin

    06:59 An Unexpected Outcome - Giving others permission to be themselves

    09:56 Kristin's Self Reflection

    12:47 Kristin's Wrap Up

    15:08 Closing

    15:55 Outro

    Connect with Happiness Unscripted:

    ✉️: happinessunscriptedpodcast@gmail.com

    🎙️: https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

    On Spotify

    https://open.spotify.com/show/61RuOPMxtnkZaGKtQTO1pm?si=e7bfd270bb7f489a

    On Apple Podcast

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happiness-unscripted/id1837486744

    • Also where you normally listen 👂 to podcasts!

    📱 Social Media:

    • facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted
    • instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

    Hey there friends! Just a friendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person exploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!

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    16 min