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Friday, May 9, 2025

Embrace Your Journey: A Conversation with Trisha Sexton

 


Embrace Your Journey: A Conversation with Trisha Sexton

On the latest episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, host Rosabel Zohfeld sits down with Tricia Sexton, founder of Rooted Retreats & Coaching, to explore her journey from trauma to empowerment through fitness, travel, and healing work.

Tricia’s healing journey began in childhood when relentless bullying left her struggling with self-worth and coping through substances and toxic relationships. A pivotal turning point came when she stepped into a gym thanks to her mother’s insistence, where physical strength fostered newfound mental resilience and confidence.

Fueled by that spark of empowerment, Tricia embarked on a decade-long adventure living in countries such as Tanzania, Nepal, and Costa Rica, immersing herself in diverse cultures and discovering the joy of living outside her comfort zone. Yet despite these adventures, she found herself caught in old patterns until life coaching catalyzed a profound shift in her mindset and self-belief.

Today, Rooted Retreats & Coaching blends life coaching, fitness training, and immersive travel experiences in off-the-beaten-path locations to support deep healing and personal growth. From trekking Mount Kilimanjaro with daily breathwork sessions to exploring ancient Mayan ceremonies in Guatemala, each retreat is carefully crafted to foster transformation through nature, culture, and community.

Tricia also incorporates powerful tools like breathwork and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), guiding participants to release stored trauma by tapping meridian points while processing emotional memories. These techniques provide on-the-spot relief during stressful moments, empowering individuals to face daily challenges with calm and clarity.

Her core message is simple yet profound: rejection is protection, and every obstacle can serve as a gateway to self-discovery and empowerment. By reframing setbacks as blessings, Tricia encourages us to embrace our stories, cultivate self-compassion, and uplift others with our resilience.


— Don’t miss the next episode! Subscribe to Life Unscripted Podcast on your favorite platform.

Cultivating a Bigger Heart: Insights from Dr. Ron Schneebaum

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Cultivating a Bigger Heart: Insights from Dr. Ron Schneebaum

Published May 9, 2025 by Rosabel Zohfeld

Life’s most meaningful moments often come not from grand achievements, but from simple, heart‐to‐heart connections. In a recent episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ron Schneebaum, a retired pediatrician and author of Bigger Hearted: A Retired Pediatrician’s Prescriptions for Living a Happier Life. Below are some of the key takeaways from our conversation—along with ways you can connect with Ron, order his book, and grab a copy of my own.

Healing Childhood Hurts Without Reopening Wounds

Dr. Ron describes our unprocessed childhood traumas like a splinter in a lion’s paw—“it makes walking incredibly uncomfortable…we’re not ourselves until we learn to pull it out and let it heal.” Acknowledging the hurt, recognizing it wasn’t our fault, and cultivating self-compassion allows true healing without reliving every painful detail.

“It makes walking incredibly uncomfortable…we’re not ourselves until we learn to pull it out and let it heal.”

Balancing Head and Heart

We often think exclusively with our intellect—or with our hearts. Ron likens these to the two blades of a pair of scissors: if we only use our intellect, we become cold and calculating; if we only follow our heart, we risk being overwhelmed by emotion. True fulfillment emerges when intellect guides our actions and heart guides our intentions.

Rediscovering Your Inner Child

“Children at six months have the most wonderful smiles…we were all that child,” Ron reminds us. Beneath layers of adult responsibilities, we can tap back into that natural openness and curiosity. Embracing moments of playfulness and wonder—even amid life’s chaos—helps us reconnect with the essence of who we are.

The Transformative Power of Listening

Dr. Ron compares empathetic listening to a boat passing through a canal lock: when you listen, you close the doors, level the water, and let love carry the boat through. Simply giving someone your undivided attention—without judgment or the urge to fix—can be the most healing act of all.



Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Restoring Vitality to You and the Planet: Insights from Martin Pytela

Restoring Vitality to You and the Planet: Insights from Martin Pytela

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us struggle with unexplained health issues—from chronic pain and allergies to brain fog and fatigue—yet conventional medicine often focuses on masking symptoms rather than addressing root causes. On a recent episode of The Life Unscripted with Rosabel, I had the privilege of speaking with Martin Pytela—functional medicine expert, Metabolic Typing coach, and founder of Life Enthusiast—whose own journey through mercury toxicity inspired him to help over 12,000 clients and 60,000 students reclaim their health.

From Czechoslovakia to Canada: A Life Changed by Mercury

At age 24, Martin uprooted his life in Czechoslovakia and landed in Canada. A routine dental visit in 1977 led to a dozen mercury amalgam fillings that triggered a decade of chronic pain and neurological decline—back pain so severe he had to crawl, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, brain fog, and depressive episodes.

After typical treatments offered only temporary relief, Martin’s systems analyst mind discovered sky-high mercury levels via hair mineral analysis. Through zeolite, humic and fulvic acids, amino acids, and targeted supplementation, he reversed his ailments over five to ten years and founded Life Enthusiast to share these methods.

Metabolic Typing: Personalized Nutrition

Martin’s Metabolic Typing quiz reveals your endocrine and metabolic dominance via questions on complexion, pupil size, and how you feel after a high-protein breakfast. Examples:

  • Thyroid-dominant types: Thrive on higher-fat, low-starch (ketogenic) diets.
  • Adrenal-dominant types: Prefer balanced macronutrients to avoid agitation on high-fat.

Eating according to your metabolic type can stabilize energy, mood, and weight.

Detoxification: Navigating the "Invisible Ocean"

Our bodies exist in an invisible ocean of toxins—heavy metals, VOCs, microplastics, and EMFs. Martin’s non-toxic detox protocol includes:

  1. Zeolite to bind metals and plastics in the gut.
  2. Humic & fulvic acids, chlorella, spirulina for microbiome support.
  3. Filtered air/water, indoor plants, and reducing nighttime 4G/5G exposure.

Mindset & Trauma Healing

Martin’s four pillars of illness—toxicity, malnutrition, stagnation, trauma—guide healing. To calm stress and trauma responses:

  • Magnesium baths or topical sprays.
  • Chlorophyll-rich green drinks.
  • Breathwork: box breathing or extended exhalations.
  • EFT, BodyTalk, NLP for deeper trauma release.

Beyond Organic: Voting with Your Wallet

Organic is good, but trace contaminants remain. Martin advises prioritizing fresh, local, minimally processed foods and supporting regenerative farms whenever possible.

Ready to Start Restoring Your Vitality?

Explore Martin’s Resources

Connect with Rosabel

Follow Martin on social media:

Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

Stay connected with me—Rosabel Zohfeld—on Instagram or visit rosabelzohfeld.com

Share this post and drop your experiences in the comments below!

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Turning Pain Into Purpose: How Olivia Shears Built a Business—and a Movement—From Heartbreak

 


Turning Pain Into Purpose: How Olivia Shears Built a Business—and a Movement—From Heartbreak

By Rosabel Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Blog

In a world that often highlights only the polished moments of success, it’s refreshing—and powerful—to hear stories that honor the struggle, the grief, and the quiet resilience it takes to rebuild your life after loss. On a recent episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Olivia Shears, founder of Social Bean, a thriving social media agency based in Miami.

But behind the branding strategy and digital success lies a deeper, more personal story—one rooted in loss, growth, and the unwavering courage to start over.

From Loss to Leadership

In 2017, Olivia lost one of her closest friends to suicide. At just 17 years old, the weight of such a tragedy could have easily silenced her. And for a while, it did. For three years, Olivia kept her grief tucked away, trying to navigate life without letting it show. But as she shared with me, “Those feelings didn’t go away—they just boiled over harder.”

Then in 2020, something shifted. Rather than carry the pain alone, she took her first steps toward healing by getting involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). What began as a walk participant role quickly evolved into something much larger. Olivia now serves as the Chair of the Miami AFSP Walk, helping organize events that not only raise awareness but build community around shared experiences of loss and hope.

"Using my voice to raise awareness, create community, and honor the people we’ve lost—that's been one of the most meaningful parts of my life," Olivia shared.

A New Path Through Entrepreneurship

At the same time her healing journey began, Olivia found herself reassessing her career. She had started a luxury picnic business during the pandemic—fun and creative at first, but physically exhausting and increasingly unfeasible. Then came a new opportunity: friends who had noticed her talent with marketing asked her to manage their social media accounts.

One thing led to another, and by 2023, Olivia launched Social Bean, helping brands and businesses connect with their audience through authentic, heart-led content. Whether she’s working with mental health professionals, nonprofits, or even DJs, Olivia brings a human-first approach to everything she touches.

"I believe social media is about building community. It’s not just about content—it’s about connection," she explained.

The Reality of Working Alone

Like many entrepreneurs, Olivia works from home—a dream for some, but also an incredibly isolating experience. “People think working from home is a luxury, but it can be lonely,” she said candidly. That’s why she’s made it a priority to get involved through AFSP, local co-working groups, and networking communities.

Even when anxiety kicks in, she pushes herself to show up.

“Ten out of ten times, it’s been worth it. I’ve never regretted going.”

A Message for Anyone Struggling

As we closed our conversation, I asked Olivia what message she would offer to someone facing a tough season.

“It’s okay to feel your feelings. Let yourself be sad. But know this: better days are coming. Even if you can’t see it yet.”

And if you're looking for a place to begin, Olivia encourages everyone to get involved in something that matters to them. Whether it's suicide prevention, mental health, or any cause close to your heart, “you might be surprised how much it helps you too.”


✨ Connect With Olivia

📣 Connect With Me, Rosabel

If Olivia’s story inspired you, I invite you to follow along and subscribe for more powerful, real conversations on The Life Unscripted Podcast.

🔗 Subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel on YouTube: Click here to subscribe

Your pain doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be the beginning of something new. Olivia’s journey is proof of that—and yours can be too.

Monday, May 5, 2025

The Hidden Secret to Healing: A Conversation with Bob Ross, EMT-D

 


The Hidden Secret to Healing: A Conversation with Bob Ross, EMT-D

By Rosabel Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Podcast

When science meets soul, and medicine collides with intuition, magic can happen. That’s exactly what unfolded in my latest episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast, where I had the privilege of sitting down with Bob Ross, EMT-D—a physicist, healer, trauma specialist, and medical trailblazer.

Bob’s story isn’t just one of accomplishments—it’s one of courage, controversy, compassion, and curiosity. From walking away from Harvard to volunteering with the Pasadena Fire Department for over 37 years, his journey challenges the status quo of modern medicine and invites us to rethink what healing really means.

From Physics to Healing: A Life Reimagined

Bob began his career studying nuclear physics, graduating with a 4.0 and being one of only three accepted into a prestigious Harvard doctoral program in medical physics. But instead of staying in the lab, he chose to pivot—toward people.

While working on innovative cancer research, Bob made a major discovery: heating cancer cells (a process known as hyperthermia) could weaken them, allowing for dramatically lower doses of chemotherapy and radiation. Despite being peer-reviewed and published, the findings were suppressed in the U.S.

“I got into medicine to help people,” Bob said. “But I was told—it’s not health care, it’s the business of medicine.”

Healing Through Stories, Laughter, and Brainwork

As a set medic on shows like American Ninja WarriorSEAL TeamJackass 4, and Star Wars, Bob applied emergency medicine with empathy and improvisation. But over the years, he noticed a recurring pattern in people—including himself: self-sabotage rooted in unresolved trauma.

This discovery led to the creation of his Hidden Secret Brain Technique, a tool for releasing trauma and reprogramming limiting beliefs.

The Power of Tapping (EFT) and Emotional Healing

Bob shared how he uses Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, to treat trauma as an “emotional tumor.” By stimulating nerves and focusing on specific memories, many patients have released phobias and chronic emotional pain in a single session.

“When we release trauma from the nervous system,” Bob said, “the body begins to heal—physically, emotionally, even spiritually.”

Final Thoughts: Use Your Mind. Heal Your Body.

“Use your mind. It's not just a part of your body—it’s the pilot.”

📌 Resources & How to Connect

💬 Connect with Rosabel

Let’s keep the conversation going—because healing is possible, transformation is real, and your story is not over.

Sparkle Through the Storm: Andrea Woolf on Resilience, Advocacy, and Choosing Joy

 


Sparkle Through the Storm: Andrea Woolf on Resilience, Advocacy, and Choosing Joy

By Rosabel Zohfeld – Life Unscripted Podcast

What happens when a life coach with over three decades of experience is faced with her toughest client—herself?

That’s exactly what happened to Andrea Woolf, bestselling author, speaker, and coach of 35+ years, when she was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer. In our recent Life Unscripted Podcast conversation, Andrea opened up about her diagnosis, her mindset shift, and how she turned one of life’s harshest storms into a journey of resilience, positivity, and empowerment.

“Sparkle Every Day”: Finding Strength in the Unexpected

When Andrea received her diagnosis, she found herself doing what she’d spent decades coaching women not to do—spiraling into worry, fear, and self-doubt. But instead of letting those feelings consume her, she stood in front of a mirror and asked, “How am I going to handle this?” The answer that came was unexpected—sparkle every day.

And she did. Every single day, Andrea wore something that sparkled as a symbol of choosing light and joy. It became a daily ritual and a form of self-anchoring—reminding her that, even in the face of cancer, she had the power to choose how she faced her day.

Writing Through Chemo: Birth of a Book

Armed with notebooks during chemo treatments, Andrea began jotting down wisdom and reflections—thoughts that would become her book: Simple Wisdom for Super Smart Women Making It Through Cancer and Other Life Challenges. As she received treatment, Andrea also connected with fellow patients, offering encouragement and seeking—if possible—a giggle. Her gift? Not just surviving cancer, but elevating others while in the thick of it.

“I couldn’t help myself,” she said. “This is what I’m here to do—make a difference.”

The Power of Advocacy in Healthcare

One of the key messages Andrea champions is being your own best advocate, especially in healthcare. She shared the powerful story of a former client with pancreatic cancer who was stuck with a dismissive doctor. With Andrea’s support and insistence, the woman found a new physician who listened—and more importantly, cared. That shift may have saved her life.

The takeaway? Don’t settle for care that doesn’t serve you. Whether it means switching doctors or insurance plans, your life is worth the effort.

Life Lessons and Leadership

Beyond her cancer journey, Andrea has coached business leaders and everyday individuals toward transformation. Whether helping two feuding team members reconnect for the sake of company success, or guiding a woman to set an intention for a marriage proposal (which happened the very next day), Andrea lives her belief: “Where you choose to focus determines your experience of life.”

She reminds us that leadership and personal growth aren’t always about bold, sweeping moves. Sometimes it’s in choosing to let go of fear, choosing to listen, and yes—choosing to sparkle.

You Always Have a Choice

Andrea’s philosophy can be summed up in one simple but powerful truth: You always have a choice. Even when circumstances seem to offer none, even in grief, loss, or trauma, we can choose where to place our focus. “That choice,” Andrea says, “is the foundation for a life you love.”

Free Gift: A Book That Heals

Andrea is generously offering a free download of her short book Making It Through Cancer and Other Life Challenges—a 12-chapter gem of wisdom and emotional clarity.

👉 Get the free book here

Please share it with anyone who is navigating the cancer journey. It’s not just a book—it’s a companion, a mirror, and a spark of hope.


💬 Connect with Rosabel Zohfeld

If this episode inspired you, stay connected with Life Unscripted Podcast and all things Rosabel:


Subscribe, share, and stay tuned. Life is unscripted—but that doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. 💛

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Burnout, Boundaries, and the Courage to Change: A Conversation with David Rust

 


Burnout, Boundaries, and the Courage to Change: A Conversation with David Rust

On this episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel, I had the privilege of talking with David Rust, a licensed clinical social worker, certified case manager, and founder of Rust Wellness Group. With over 15 years of experience in mental health, David brings a deep well of professional insight, but perhaps even more powerful is his willingness to share his own lived experiences with burnout, emotional fatigue, and healing.

From the start, David reminded us that stress and burnout are different. While stress is temporary and often tied to specific events, burnout is chronic, insidious, and deeply rooted in environments with blurred boundaries and relentless expectations.

“Burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a warning sign,” David explained. And in that one sentence, he shattered the illusion that overworking is a symbol of success.

The Myth of the Hustle

David opened up about working in organ transplant evaluations, a field filled with emotional weight and intensity. Eventually, the emotional toll of helping people in crisis eroded his passion. He described the moment he realized that continuing at this pace wasn’t sustainable.

And even when he transitioned into entrepreneurship by starting his own practice, burnout followed. Why? As David said, "Social work school doesn’t teach you how to be a business owner." He found himself working 70-hour weeks, managing clients, onboarding therapists, handling referrals, and losing himself in the process.

Why Boundaries Matter More Than Ever

So many of us have been conditioned to put others first, to hustle for approval, or to attach our worth to how much we produce. But David urged listeners to redefine boundaries—not as walls to keep others out, but as commitments we make to protect our well-being.

“A boundary isn’t a rule for other people. It’s how you take care of yourself,” he said.

He shared practical strategies for building boundaries in our daily lives:

  • Designate separate spaces for work and rest (especially when working from home)

  • Use phone features like “Do Not Disturb” to reduce tech burnout

  • Schedule meals, breaks, and morning routines that ground you

  • Before saying “yes,” ask yourself: Will this nourish or drain me?

Healing Isn’t Passive—It’s Intentional

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode was that healing from burnout isn’t something a vacation can fix. Burnout requires structural changes—emotional, behavioral, and sometimes environmental. A week off won’t reset a nervous system that’s been chronically overwhelmed for months. But small, intentional actions each day can.

David also reminded us that therapy isn’t about someone else changing you—it’s about empowering you to make changes that align with your values and truth. “You’re the bus driver,” he said. “I’m just the passenger helping you navigate.”

Let’s Normalize the Need for Support

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or simply trying to keep it all together, this conversation is for you. You don’t have to wait until you crash to make a change. Listening to your body and your intuition isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.


🎧 Tune In, Reflect, and Reclaim Your Energy

If this conversation resonated with you, here’s how to take the next step:

🔗 Connect with David Rust

  • Website: rustwellnessgroup.com

  • Instagram & Facebook: @rustwellnessgroup

  • Reach out for referrals or support via his website

📚 Grab a Copy of My Book
My book, The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream, shares my own journey of growth, perseverance, and embracing authenticity. It's a heartfelt companion to the topics we explore on this podcast.

🌐 Connect with Me


If you’re stuck in survival mode, overwhelmed, or ready for a reset, remember: you are not alone. You don’t need to carry it all. Start by taking a breath, setting a boundary, and making one small choice today that your future self will thank you for.

Stay Unscripted,
Rosabel Zohfeld


Life Unscripted with Rosabel

7 Powerful Finance Lessons from Angela Tipton’s Journey to Freedom

  Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. On this compelling episode of the Rosabel Unscripted Podcast , host Rosabel Zohfeld...