Embracing Creativity and Healing Through Art with Julius Jooste

Embracing Creativity and Healing Through Art with Julius Jooste

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel! In this engaging conversation, we welcomed Julius Jooste, a globally celebrated digital content creator whose art beautifully captures cosmopolitan culture and personal transformation.

Julius was born in Roodepoort, South Africa, during a pivotal era marking the end of Apartheid. He shared deeply personal insights into how his upbringing amidst these profound social changes shaped his artistic vision and worldview. His unique background in motion picture, music, information technology, and electrical engineering has allowed him to seamlessly blend technical expertise with creative innovation.

One of the highlights of our conversation was Julius's inspiring journey of using art as a therapeutic outlet. Julius candidly opened up about his struggles with stress-related health issues, revealing how embracing creative expression allowed him to heal and transform adversity into powerful artistic statements.

In 2016, Julius gained international acclaim when his artwork for the IMS Gala Dinner in Ibiza raised significant funds. This demonstrated the profound impact his creations can have on community initiatives like the Bridges Academy in Langa, South Africa. Throughout our discussion, Julius emphasized the power of art to heal both the artist and the audience, suggesting that true artistic value lies in its capacity to foster emotional connections and transformation.

We also explored Julius's insights into building a sustainable career in the arts. He shared valuable advice for artists looking to expand their reach globally, stressing the importance of authenticity, community-building, and embracing digital platforms and technology, including NFTs.

Julius believes the future of art lies in its intersection with technology, which offers unprecedented opportunities for artists worldwide. His perspective on digital art and the creative industry's evolution provided a hopeful and exciting glimpse into what lies ahead.

Listen, Follow, and Get Inspired!

To dive deeper into Julius Jooste's captivating world of creativity, visit his fine art website at fineart.juliusjooste.com and explore more of his diverse projects on juliusjooste.com. Make sure to follow him on social media for updates and inspiration.

Don't miss out on more enlightening conversations! Subscribe to Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel YouTube today and continue your growth, healing, and creativity journey. For more information, you can listen to the full episode here.

Finding the Courage to Trust Yourself: Insights with Anik Malenfant

 

Finding the Courage to Trust Yourself: Insights with Anik Malenfant

Courage often seems like an elusive trait—something innate that you either have or don't. But in a recent inspiring episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel, Anik Malenfant shared profound insights about courage, intuition, and transformation, illustrating how we cultivate courage within ourselves.

Anik Malenfant's story is nothing short of remarkable. Having overcome domestic abuse, codependency, self-destructive behaviors, and chronic health issues while excelling in a demanding finance career, she now dedicates her life to empowering individuals to embrace prosperity and intuitive discernment through deep inner work.

Courage as a Daily Choice

During the podcast, Anik highlighted that courage isn't just for monumental challenges; everyday choices often require the most courage. She emphasized that courage is built through self-confidence, intuitive discernment, and consistent, conscious effort. Anik's transformation came when she shifted her motivators from fear of failure and unworthiness to passion, desire, and self-love, fundamentally changing her life's trajectory.

The Power of Intuition

Anik also delved into the importance of trusting our intuition, differentiating it from instinct. Instinct, she explains, often arises from our fears and past wounds, while accurate intuition is guided by higher wisdom and genuine inner knowledge. By learning to distinguish between the two, individuals can make empowered decisions that lead to authentic growth and transformation.

Alchemy of the Self

In her "Alchemy of the Self" masterclass, Anik guides individuals through transforming their emotions into personal power, helping participants quickly experience noticeable emotional and physical well-being improvements. She advocates for simple, cumulative changes that integrate seamlessly into everyday life, proving that transformation does not require extensive hours but rather consistent, small actions.

Take the First Step

If you're inspired to start trusting your intuition and cultivating your courage, consider joining Anik's transformative programs. Her methods have helped countless individuals improve their health, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life, with many experiencing remarkable shifts such as relief from chronic pain, improved sleep, and renewed confidence.

For those ready to step into a life of authenticity and intuitive decision-making, Anik invites you to explore her offerings on her website, MasteringAscension.com.

Stay Connected and Inspired

Subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel for insightful conversations and inspiring journeys. You can watch the full episode here on YouTube

Follow Anik on social media to continue embracing your courageous journey:

• Facebook: Mastering Ascension
• Instagram: Mastering Ascension
• YouTube: Mastering Ascension

Embrace your courage today—your best life awaits!

Scaling Heights: Laura Clark's Inspiring Journey

 

Scaling Heights: Laura Clark's Inspiring Journey

Adventure, resilience, and empowerment—these are the words that best describe Laura Clark's remarkable journey. In a recent heartfelt conversation on the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel, Laura Clark shared the profound experiences and challenges she encountered on her path to becoming the first woman to solo summit all of Colorado's "Fourteeners" and the state's 200 highest peaks an achievement detailed in her book, Wild Wanderer: Summiting Colorado's 200 Highest Peaks.

Growing up in urban Southern California, Laura discovered early that her form of rebellion was the tranquility of nature and hiking. Her move to Colorado marked the turning point, transforming a hobby into an obsession. Here, she discovered the Colorado Fourteeners—peaks rising above 14,000 feet—and realized she had found her calling. This calling would not only test her physical limits but also shape her character and resilience through the transformative power of nature.

First Peaks and Lasting Lessons

Laura's first summit, Pikes Peak, wasn't just physically demanding—it became a catalyst for her future. Leading a group of Girl Scouts, Laura encountered a freak snowstorm that tested their survival skills and camaraderie. It taught her the profound lesson that mountains often have unpredictable weather and that preparedness and teamwork are crucial for survival. This experience fueled her passion and ignited her determination to climb even more challenging mountains.

The Solo Journey

Laura's journey to solo summiting over 600 peaks above 13,000 feet wasn't planned initially. It was born out of necessity due to the difficulty of finding partners willing to tackle such challenging ascents. She recounted that solo hiking taught her valuable lessons in self-reliance, mental resilience, and overcoming fear. She discovered that the most significant obstacles were often mental, not physical. Laura learned to navigate exhaustion, false summits, harsh weather, and even a life-threatening incident involving falling into icy waters. Each challenge reinforced her belief in her capabilities and the importance of mental fortitude.

Trailblazing Challenges

Being the first woman to solo summit the Fourteeners and Centennial peaks brought Laura unexpected challenges. She faced skepticism and criticism, particularly from a male-dominated mountaineering community. However, the female community's support and inner resolve enabled her to overcome these external and internal barriers. Her mantra became, "Don't live your life through someone else's fears."

Lessons Beyond the Mountains

Laura's experiences extend beyond climbing mountains, profoundly impacting her approach to life and relationships. Solo hiking provided a therapeutic space for introspection and emotional healing, allowing her to process life's challenges in solitude and clarity. Additionally, her longstanding involvement with Girl Scouts as both a scout and leader helped instill values of environmental stewardship, survival skills, and leadership skills she passionately passes on to younger generations.

Advice for Aspiring Adventurers

Laura emphasizes the importance of preparedness for those considering their adventures. Her top recommendations include taking first aid and wilderness survival courses, always informing someone about your hiking plans, and carrying a trekking pole for safety. She encourages beginners to start with familiar, popular trails to build confidence before attempting solo hikes or more challenging climbs, providing a roadmap for those who seek to follow in her footsteps.

A Life of Adventure

Laura continues to embrace new challenges, planning future adventures in South America and constantly updating her extensive bucket list. Her enthusiasm extends into other passions, including homesteading, hiking nearly 150 days a year, and balancing a full-time job. She is a living testament to the fact that a life of adventure is not just a phase, but a way of life.

Her book, Wild Wanderer, isn't just a record of her achievements; it's an inspiration for anyone looking to find courage and self-discovery through the transformative power of nature.

Laura Clark's journey is a testament to human resilience and the extraordinary things we can achieve when we venture beyond our comfort zones. Laura's story reminds us that no dream is too high and no challenge is too great.

You can purchase a copy of Laura's book here: Buy 

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeunscriptedwithrosabel?sub _confirmation=1

Office Space: Laughing Through the Workday Blues

 

Courtesy of Google Images 2025

Office Space: Laughing Through the Workday Blues

In a recent episode of my Life Unscripted Podcast, my husband and co-host Reid joined me for an entertaining and insightful conversation about the timeless movie, "Office Space." We explored why this comedic classic resonates so strongly with working professionals.

A Dose of Workplace Reality

"Office Space" humorously but realistically showcases the absurdities many encounter in typical nine-to-five office environments. From passive-aggressive managers like Bill Lumbergh, with his notorious weekend work requests, to the monotonous paperwork symbolized by the infamous TPS reports, the movie mirrors many people's workday frustrations.

Reid humorously noted that the film's relatability comes from characters representing familiar workplace archetypes. There's always that lazy coworker, the micromanaging boss, and a group of colleagues dreaming of quitting but never quite doing it. "

The Iconic Flair and Red Stapler

An amusing theme from our discussion was "flair," which references the movie's humorous requirement that restaurant workers wear a minimum number of decorative pins. Reid joked about his minimal flair, limited strictly to his badge, while I confessed my lack of flair. Yet flair symbolically represents the quirky individuality that can lighten an otherwise monotonous workplace.

The red stapler, fiercely guarded by Milton in the movie, became another humorous touchstone of our conversation. Reid revealed he uses Milton as a backdrop for team meetings, occasionally startling coworkers unfamiliar with the film.

Cubicles and Remote Work in 2025

The conversation turned reflective as we pondered how "Office Space" would play out today, especially post-pandemic. Reid pointed out humorously modern issues, such as frustration over unavailable soy macchiatos at Starbucks or Gen Z anxieties amplified by social media dramas.

We discussed how remote work has changed the office landscape. Would cubicles still be relevant? Reid suggested that today's version of the movie would undoubtedly feature Zoom meetings, Slack messages, and a viral moment when someone mistakenly leaves their microphone unmuted while reprimanding their children.

Finding Meaning Amidst the Mundane

Beneath the film's humor lies a profound message about seeking meaning and autonomy in our professional lives. Reid reflected deeply on this theme, mentioning that Peter's existential dissatisfaction reflects the everyday struggle of feeling trapped in unfulfilling jobs. "It's about direction and the courage to take a leap of faith," Reid explained, linking this to personal experiences, including his time in the Army and my journey from Colombia to the U.S.

Lessons on Work-Life Balance

Ultimately, "Office Space" humorously underscores the importance of work-life balance and personal fulfillment. Reid emphasized the value of personal relationships outside the workplace, reminding us, "When you retire, your coworkers aren't going to be at home with you—your family is." Despite advocating for healthy professional relationships, he warned humorously against vacationing with coworkers due to potential awkwardness.

Closing Thoughts

"Office Space" endures because of its comedic brilliance and because it speaks truth to the universal desire for meaningful work and a balanced life. Suppose you've dreamt of escaping the Lumbergh, smashing a malfunctioning printer, or finding purpose and joy in your everyday tasks. In that case, this film and our podcast conversation might provide just the therapeutic laughter you need.

So grab your flair—or at least a coffee cup—settle into your cubicle (real or virtual), and maybe, just maybe, you'll find a way to laugh through your own workday blues.

Stay bold, stay curious, and remember—life is much more fun unscripted.

Enjoyed this conversation about Office Space and laughing through the workday blues? Head over to my Spotify here: Spotify to listen, follow, and never miss an episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast!

You can also visit my website, www.rosabelunscripted.com, and, click on Podcast to access all episodes of the Life Unscripted Podcast!

Harold Phifer: Finding Peace Amidst Chaos

Harold Phifer: Finding Peace Amidst Chaos

Welcome back to the Life Unscripted podcast with Rosabel! Today, I spoke with Harold Pfeiffer, a man whose life story is a testament to resilience and the human spirit. From surviving difficult childhood experiences to navigating war zones, Harold's journey has shaped him into a remarkable storyteller and author.

From Mississippi to Afghanistan: A Journey of Resilience

Harold's journey began in the rebellious streets of Columbus, Mississippi, where he navigated a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty, family dysfunction, and the challenges of growing up with a schizophrenic mother and an abusive aunt. Despite these hardships, Harold's spirit remained unbroken, fueled by a relentless curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

His career path led him from air traffic control in Memphis to becoming an international contractor in some of the world's most volatile regions, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Harold faced unimaginable challenges in war zones, surviving Taliban bombings and military drawdowns that tested his resolve time and again.

Surviving Chaos and Finding Peace: Harold's Memoirs

Harold's experiences inspired him to share his story through his books, including Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at a Beach Bar and his latest work, My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift. These memoirs delve into his turbulent upbringing, offering insights into how he used humor and resilience to overcome adversity.

Humor as a Coping Mechanism

Throughout our conversation, Harold emphasized the role of humor in his life. He and his younger brother found solace in joking with each other, even in the darkest of times. This humor became a lifeline, helping them navigate the chaos of their surroundings and find moments of lightness amidst the turmoil.

Grief, Love, and Forgiveness: The Lessons of Loss

Harold’s reflections on grief, love, and forgiveness came to the forefront during the loss of his aunt, Kathy. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Harold was pulled into a position where he had to deliver her eulogy. Initially resisting, he shared how he used humor as a coping mechanism during the eulogy. In fact, he even arranged to switch out her casket for a wooden one, allowing him to beat on it while the pastor spoke, a method of survival through humor.

It was in hindsight, after her death, that Harold found a new understanding of grief. "It either makes you more angry or leaves a big hole in you," he explained. However, Harold’s perspective ultimately led him to believe that, when faced with loss, one must find the positive rather than letting the anger consume them.

Reflections on Survival and Hope

In adversity, Harold learned to survive by believing in better days ahead. When asked what advice he would give to those dealing with similar challenges, especially in the context of living with family members who suffer from mental illness or experiencing bullying, Harold emphasized the importance of seeking help. “You have to get them help,” he said, acknowledging that, while it's difficult, showing compassion is essential. His own experience with bullying as a child taught him the value of finding support, even when it felt elusive.

As for his relationship with his father, Harold admitted that it remained a painful topic. Growing up without a supportive father figure, he learned to navigate life without expecting others to fix his problems. "Not having a dad was the least of my problems," he shared, yet he acknowledged how different his life might have been if he had received the paternal guidance he lacked.

A Life of Resilience and Humor

Harold’s story is one of survival, humor, and resilience. He recounted his time working at a grill as a young boy, where he faced racism and prejudice, but found solace in his friends and athletic abilities. The traumatic moments from his childhood, including his mother’s schizophrenia and the bullying he endured, were powerful reminders of how far he has come.

Harold's unique ability to blend humor with deep pain makes his memoirs cathartic. Writing about his complicated past allowed him to revisit those memories with a sense of humor; in doing so, he could heal and find peace.

A Lasting Message of Hope

Harold’s memoirs convey a powerful message of resilience and hope. He encourages readers to find the humor in life, even in the darkest times, and to lean on supportive people when necessary. Through his writing, Harold wants to remind everyone that there is always a better day ahead, no matter the obstacles.

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For more insights into Harold’s incredible journey, check out his books: Surviving Chaos and My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift. His works are available on Amazon, and you can follow him on social media at Harold Phifer2024.

Read Harold's website at Rise and Read for more about his journey and upcoming works.

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One More Step: How Small Changes Can Lead to Big Transformation

By Rosabel V. Zohfeld

Have you ever felt the tug between who you were and who you’re becoming?

On a recent episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with podcast producer Alex Moore, creator of the immersive narrative podcast One More! Our conversation centered around transformation, letting go of old habits, and how small, intentional changes can powerfully reshape our lives.

Alex’s story resonated deeply—not just with me but with the many listeners navigating the complex transition from their 20s to their 30s and beyond. The freedom and spontaneity of youth often collide with a quiet longing for deeper meaning, wellness, and sustainable joy.

“There’s the old me and the new me,” Alex shared. “In between is fear—fear of letting go, fear of being left out, fear of not becoming who I truly want to be.”

This insight became the foundation for One More, a podcast that blends fiction and reality to explore the identity crisis many of us face. Alex recorded real audio from a party with his friends and wove it into a fictional narrative that reflects his inner transformation.

What struck me most was his honesty about the fear of change. He worried about losing friends, missing out, and not being invited to social events anymore. But instead of giving in, he chose a different path. He began walking, going to the gym, drinking less, and giving himself grace.

“People want to change, and they think they have to go all in,” he said. “But real change happens slowly—one step, one decision, one more mindful choice at a time.”

As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen how these habits affect our bodies, minds, and hearts. The frontal lobe—the part of our brain that governs decision-making and delayed gratification—doesn’t fully develop until our mid-20s. So, when we begin to rewire ourselves in our 30s, it’s not just personal growth; it’s neurological progress.

Alex’s story reminded me that transformation doesn’t begin with a dramatic gesture. It starts with a walk in the rain. A moment of reflection. A and the decision is to be slightly better than we were yesterday.

“Just give it 15 minutes,” Alex encouraged. “You don’t need to commit to a huge change today. Just take a step.”

His words stayed with me—and I hope they stay with you, too.

Because the truth is, transformation doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be honest.

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Takeaway Tips from the Episode

• Choose your “hard.” Every decision comes with challenges—decide which struggle is worth it for your growth.
• Start small. You don’t need to overhaul your life. A walk, a workout, a glass of water—it all counts.
• Give yourself grace. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
• Redefine connection. True friends will walk with you, even if you’re no longer going to the same places.
• Get creative. Your voice matters, whether it’s storytelling, writing, or any form of expression.

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Connect with Alex Moore

🎧 Listen to One More on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you stream.
📱 Follow Alex on Instagram & BlueSky: @mooreofalex

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If Alex’s story inspired you as much as it inspired me, I encourage you to check out One More—a beautiful mix of sound, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

And remember, your transformation doesn’t have to begin tomorrow.

It can start today—with just one more step.

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Unpacking the Power of Gaming: A Conversation with Convince Me Gaming with Ryan & Darrin

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🎮 Unpacking the Power of Gaming: A Conversation with Convince Me Gaming
By Rosabel V. Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Blog

In a recent episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I enjoyed sitting with Ryan White and Darrin, co-hosts of Convince Me Gaming. These two longtime friends brought an incredible mix of passion, humor, and insight as we explored the evolving world of video games—from nostalgic childhood memories to the growing presence of indie developers and the emotional impact gaming can have on our lives.

Why Start a Gaming Podcast?

Ryan and Darrin manage full-time jobs and family life, yet they’ve carved out space to create a podcast centered on their lifelong love for gaming. Their mission? To open people’s eyes to video games' depth, creativity, and emotional power and “convince” others to give them a chance.

As Darrin put it, “We’ve been playing games our whole lives, but only recently has it become socially acceptable. We want to share that joy and passion with others, especially those who may not consider themselves gamers.”

The Netflix of Gaming: Xbox Game Pass

One interesting topic weiscussed was Xbox Game Pass, which Ryan described as “Netflix for games.” With this subscription service, players get access to a library of downloadable games—,, manyf which are from smaller studios that otherwise wouldn’t grreceive widespreadttention.

“It removes the financial barrier,” Ryan explained. “You're more likely to try something new when you don’t have to spend $70 upfront.”

From creative indie gems to massive titles, Game Pass encourages exploration and has introduced players to unforgettable experiences like Lies of P. This dark and challenging game exceeded all expectations.

What Makes a Game Stand Out?

Asking lifelong gamers what makes a game special is like asking a writer what makes a book suitable—it’s layered. For Ryan and Darrin, it comes down to:

• 🎵 Music & Sound Design: A powerful soundtrack creates deep emotional resonance. “We’ve had entire episodes about game music,” said Darrin.
• 🕹️ Gameplay Style: Whether you love single-player immersion or multiplayer fun, the variety of experiences matters.
• 🎨 Art & Design: From hyper-realistic graphics to whimsical animation, visual style sets the tone.
• 🎭 Storytelling: Great games don’t just entertain—they move you. Ryan shared how the ending of Kingdom Hearts brought him to tears at age 12—and still does.

Gaming as Emotional Catharsis

Games are more than a hobby. For many, they’re a source of emotional support and healing. Darrin spoke about how The Witcher 3 helped him through a tough breakup and the stress of grad school. I shared how Candy Crush helped me decompress during my early nursing days—and even helped my 80-year-old friend stay sharp and engaged.

“Gaming is for everyone,” Ryan emphasized. “It doesn’t have to be violent or competitive. It can be calm, cozy, and healing.”

The Beauty of Indie Games

One of the most refreshing parts of our conversation was exploring the world of indie game developers. Unlike large studios driven by profits, indie devs often create games purely out of love for the craft. With limited resources, they still produce some of the most innovative and heartfelt experiences.

“These are passion projects,” Darrin said. “It’s not about chasing money—it’s about expressing creativity and sharing a vision.”

Their recommendation for beginners? Unpacking—a peaceful game where you simply unpack a woman’s belongings through different stages of her life. No stress, no timer—just storytelling through everyday objects.

Gaming Builds Community

Beyond the screens and storylines, Ryan and Darrin shared how games have helped build lasting relationships. They’ve been friends for over 2twenty years, and their inside jokes, memories, and shared passions are rooted in gaming. Darrin even formed friendships through online gaming communities—, ome of which led to real-life weddings and travel.

Gaming, they emphasized, is more than a pastime. It’s a platform for connection, growth, and healing.

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🎧 What’s Next for Convince Me Gaming?

Ryan and Darrin have big plans for future episodes, including:

• Convince Me to Go Back – Revisiting older games they missed as kids.
• Nostalgia Episodes – Revisiting childhood favorites to see if they still hold up.
• Convince Me Versus – A friendly showdown where each host plays a game and tries to convince a guest to choose theirs. (I may be a future guest—stay tuned!)

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Final Thoughts: Everyone Deserves a Voice (and a Controller)

As someone who once thought she wasn’t a “gamer,” I came away from this conversation inspired. Whether you're into fast-paced shooters, emotional RPGs, or cozy puzzle games like Candy Crush, there’s space for everyone in the gaming world.

Reflecting on this episode, I’m reminded of the power of unscripted connection, the beauty of doing what you love, and the creativity that blooms when no one’s telling you what to say or create.

So go ahead—pick up that controller, download that game, or enjoy the stories told through pixels and soundtracks. You might be surprised at the emotional journey waiting for you.

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🎙️ You can find Ryan and Darrin on Spotify at Convince Me Gaming, Instagram, and YouTube under Convince Me Media.

💬 Did this episode inspire you to try a new game? Share your thoughts in the comments below—and don’t forget to subscribe to Life Unscripted for more conversations that explore every corner of the human experience.

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