~ About This Life ~
Welcome to About This Life! Here, we celebrate the journey of renewal and transformation. Our mission is to help you break free from limiting mindsets and heal emotional wounds, empowering your mind, body, and spirit to thrive. Every content features powerful stories and heartfelt conversations that reveal how simple shifts in thought and belief can lead to profound changes in your life. Tune in for practical insights and inspiration designed to motivate you to take action and transform your life—one day at a time.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
Menopause, mindset, wellness, and power. In this deeply honest and transformative conversation, Heather Williams — creator of Journey 24Ever Fit — breaks down what women really need to know about menopause, hysterectomy, hormonal shifts, emotional eating, strength training, ancestry, and reclaiming wellness on your own terms. From hot flashes to hysterectomy myths, from body confidence to bone health, Heather reveals how to create a healthy, aligned, abundant life — no matter your age. We also explore the power of our ancestors, cultural stories, emotional patterns, and how they shape our health today. ✨ This episode will inspire you to move differently, think differently, and LIVE differently. ✨ Get ready for truth, laughter, wisdom, and real talk.
📌 In This Episode: 🔥 How menopause really works (and why your journey is unique) 🔥 Hysterectomy truths no one talks about 🔥 How to advocate for yourself with doctors 🔥 Strength training after 40 (and why it's non-negotiable) 🔥 Ancestry as a blueprint for wellness 🔥 The “cup & saucer” method — PURE GOLD If you're navigating wellness, aging, health, stress, or body changes — this is the conversation you need. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, & SHARE this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. #MenopauseWellness #WomensHealthMatters #MidlifeMagic #HysterectomyJourney #MenopauseSupport #HolisticHealthTips #WomenOver40 #PerimenopauseHelp #MindsetShift #EmotionalHealingJourney #StrengthTrainingForWomen #HealthyLifestyleTips #SelfAdvocacy #AncestralWisdom #BodyConfidenceMovement #WellnessJourney #HealthyAging #HormoneHealth #AboutThisLife #EmpoweredWomen #AboutThisLifePodcast #becomingenoughbecomingyou

Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
How a CNN Reporter Found Healing Through Fiction with John DeDakis
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
What if storytelling could heal your heart? In this conversation, John DeDakis — former editor of CNN’s Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and former White House correspondent — opens up about grief, courage, and how writing became his path to healing after his sister’s suicide and his son’s heroine overdose. Host Ann-Marie explores how writing connects pain to purpose, why creativity is therapeutic, and how DeDakis uses his fiction to process real-life emotions. From “Bullet in the Chamber”, to “Enemies Domestic”, his six part Lark Chadwick mystery/ suspense/ thriller series teaches lessons on writing heart-stopping and heart- breaking storylines. A manuscript editor, Dedakis serves a masterclass in turning adversity into art. 👉 In this episode:
healing power of writing and storytelling
processing grief through creativity
facing fear and finding courage
creating authentic characters
writing heart-stopping storylines including drugs, drones, corruption and politics.
sharing insights into the Lark Chadwick mystery-thriller series 📘 Learn more: https://johndedakis.com 🎧 Listen to more episodes of About This Life — conversations that shift mindsets, challenge beliefs, and inspire transformation.
#JohnDeDakis #CNNNews #formerjournalist #SituationRoom with WolfBlitzer #NY Times Bestseller List #suspense #thriller #mystery #LarkChadwick series #GriefJourney #CreativeHealing #AuthorInterview #CNNJournalist #HealingThroughWriting #MindsetShift #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #Creativity #suicide #drugs #Transformation#PodMatch #AnnMariePodcast #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

Thursday Nov 06, 2025
“From Marine to Mentorship” with Olaolu Ogunyemi
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
US Marine Ogunyemi takes us through the paces of servant leadership. Known for his infectious energy and creativity, Ogunyemi teaches us how to make meaningful family connections and turn disappointment into invaluable life lessons.
The author of “Lessons from a Deployed Father,” “Crow from Shadow “ and other children’s books captures what it it means to be a father and serve your family.
Listen to the conversation and find out how Ogunyemi connects with children.
✨ Topics include:
📖 Teaching children to see their own worth🤝 The strength of community and mentorship🕊 Servant leadership: leading through humility💞 Building love and connection in family and faith
#YouVersion #FaithBasedPodcast #ServantLeadership #USMarines #MindsetShift #PurposeDrivenLife #InspirationDaily #OvercomingFear #PersonalGrowthJourney #LeadWithLove #FaithAndLeadership #ParentingWithPurpose #SpiritualGrowth #SelfWorthMatters #PositiveMindset #EmpowermentTalk #LifeLessons #AboutThisLifePodcast #becomingenoughbecomingyou

Friday Oct 24, 2025
“Healing the Inner Child Within”
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
If education’s purpose is to prepare us for life, what grade would you give yours? 🎓 In this powerful episode of About This Life, Ann-Marie reflects on what it truly means to unlearn, listen, and heal from within. Drawing from her years as an educator and coach, she explores how childhood experiences shape who we become — and how reconnecting with your inner child can unlock transformation.
✨ Topics Covered: The purpose of education beyond academics Understanding the “inner child” in adult behavior The power of discernment and active listening Why empowerment isn’t something we give — it’s something we uncover How to become enough and truly become you This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover who you were always meant to be. 🌱
🎧 Listen. Learn. Unlearn. Transform. Hosted by Ann-Marie | About This Life Podcast
#AboutThisLifePodcast #AnnMarieSpeaks #BecomingEnough #InnerChildHealing #MindsetShift #LifeCoaching #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #TransformationJourney #EmotionalHealing #PurposeDrivenLife #SpiritualGrowth #BecomingYou #UnlearnToGrow #HealingJourney #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

Thursday Oct 23, 2025
“Shifting Energy to Realign Your Life” with Laura Hoorweg
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Why do you ignore your intuition?
Listen as Ann-Marie has an otherworldly conversation with Laura Hoorweg — a gifted spiritual counselor, intuitive coach and psychic medium. Laura helps those who are stuck, overwhelmed or trying to reconnect with purpose, to release their energetic baggage. Part grounded, part mystic - Laura sees root wounds and hidden beliefs. “You are safe— but we’re going deep.”
✨ In this episode, you’ll explore:
🌙 Light and shadow 🧘🏽♂ How to connect with your intuition and spiritual guides 🔥 How to heal from past conditioning and rediscover your soul’s mission 💫 How to understand the power of energy, purpose, and divine timing 🌻 How to embrace your shadow self and become whole
This isn’t just a conversation — it’s an awakening of the spirit within. 🌠
#SelfDiscovery #SpiritualAwakening #Intuition #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #InnerPeace #Mindfulness #SoulPurpose #ConsciousLiving #EnergyHealing #ShadowWork #AuthenticSelf #SpiritualJourney #Transformation #Empowerment #DivineTiming #Meditation #HigherSelf #HealingEnergy #NewEarth #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
"The Memory Paradox" with Frank Healy
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
In this powerful conversation, Frank Healy, a Licensed Professional Counselor and life coach with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), shares how remembering every day of his life since childhood shaped his understanding of trauma, growth, and the human spirit. At 65, Frank has turned his rare gift into a source of wisdom and compassion, helping people heal their memories, release stress, and find peace in the present. As the author of over 20 transformative books, including “Heal Your Memories, Change Your Life,” and “Stress Free Success,” he offers practical insights into turning pain into purpose. ✨ Themes explored: 🧠 The power and burden of memory — what it means to remember everything 💫 Healing emotional wounds and transforming past pain 🧘♀ Stress resilience, mindfulness, and self-compassion 📚 Writing as therapy: using stories to heal and connect 💬 The intersection of memory, identity, and personal growth If you’ve ever wondered how your past shapes your peace — or how to rewrite the story it left behind — this conversation with Frank Healy will open your heart and mind. #FrankHealy #HSAM #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #Mindfulness #StressFreeSuccess #Memory #Neuroscience #HealingYourPast #SelfAwareness #Counseling #Therapy #PersonalDevelopment #LifeCoaching #Resilience #EmotionalIntelligence #PsychologyPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfGrowth #AboutThisLifePodcast

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
"Rooted in Resilience" with Stephanie Harris
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
A powerful conversation on how mindset, self-talk, and daily habits can rewrite a life. From cycling 150 miles a week and skiing since childhood to navigating COVID, caregiving, genetics, and boundaries, this episode shows how science + soul = sustainable change. Meet Stephanie on the next Capital Jazzfest Cruise featuring talented artists and hand dance classes. The first 5 listeners who book with Stephanie will receive a special credit for the cruise.
✨ Themes explored:
🧠 Mindset, self-talk & the neuroscience of change
🧰 Boundaries, self-care basics & habit stacking
🩺 Functional medicine, genetics, hormones & gut health
🚴♀ Movement as medicine: cycling, skiing, nature therapy
If you’re ready to stop living on empty and start leading from a full cup, this conversation is your roadmap.
#CapitalJazzFestCruise #AnthonyHamilton #Najee #LalaHathaway #dopamine #functionalmedicine #cancerscreen #MindsetMatters #PositivePsychology #Resilience #Neuroscience #SelfEfficacy #BoundarySetting #FunctionalMedicine #GutHealth #HormoneHealth #CaregiverSupport #WomenOver50 #HealthyAging #ProstrateScreen #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
“Brain Injury: The Greatest Gift I Never Wanted“ with Cheri Carandanis
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
The neurologist said her brain was rewiring itself- what emerged would be something whole. Something wild. Something wonderfully unexpected.
Cheri, a former Air Force Critical Care Nurse, knows a thing or two about surviving injury. But after a traumatic brain injury ended her 25 year career, she turned to art as a lifeline.
She creates art that is raw, emotionally layered to hold space for what’s been broken, unraveled, and rebuilt.
The injury that stole her nursing career gave her back her soul. Now Cheri stands before a canvas, paintbrush in hand, creating magic.
✨ Themes explored: 🌿 Healing from trauma 🎨 Finding creativity through art and self-expression 🌌 Traumatic brain injury 🧘♀ The connection between body, mind, and spirit
If you’ve ever felt stuck, defeated or depressed, this story will inspire you to step into your own power and become new again.
#HealingJourney #LifeAfterTrauma #Resilience #CreativityHeals #ArtAsTherapy #Neural Pathways #Starting Over #Air Force Nurse #Abstract Painter #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #MindBodySpirit #AuthenticLiving #TransformationStory #SelfDiscovery #InspirationDaily #OvercomingObstacles #SpiritualGrowth #ChaosToClarity #AboutThisLifePodcast #BecomingEnoughBecomingYou

About Ann Marie
Ann Marie is an experienced wellness advocate and educator with a diverse background in teaching, speaking, and writing. Passionate about connecting mind, body, and soul, she utilizes activities such as dance and strength conditioning to promote holistic well-being. A skilled writer and poet, Ann Marie has been featured in various publications and events, including the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s Restorying Project and the Smithsonian Institution's Poetry Slam 2024.
As a facilitator, she has designed impactful workshops for teens and launched the "About This Life" podcast, along with the "Becoming Enough" online community. With a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction and National Board Certification, Ann Marie mentors both students and educators, fostering creativity and resilience through arts integration.
Her extensive experience includes managing significant budgets for health campaigns, developing public information and educational programs, and securing grants for student enrichment. In 2014, she was honored as Teacher of the Year in her district. Ann Marie is dedicated to promoting healing through poetry, supporting individuals in overcoming life challenges, and helping them find their voice.







