Join hosts Emma G and Dinah Simpson for Episode 2 of REAL TALK: Raising the Vibration — where grounded conversation meets creative healing, neuroscience meets storytelling, and everyday people become catalysts for change.

This week, we’re joined by REAL TALK | Season 3 : Episode , educator, consultant, and creator of the HEART Framework — Habits, Engagement, Awareness, Resilience, and Telling Stories. Through Weisler Works, Joey helps teachers and students build safer, stronger, more emotionally intelligent classrooms using trauma-informed practices and intentional storytelling.

His mission is simple and profound: give educators the tools to reduce burnout and give students the confidence to use their voices for change.

In this conversation, we explore: - How the HEART Framework transforms school culture, teacher well-being, and student engagement - Why trauma-informed storytelling helps young people turn pain into purpose - What educators can do today to reduce burnout and reconnect with their “why” - How small, consistent habits translate into measurable gains — from attendance to graduation rates - The power of reframing stories inside classrooms, families, and communities - How Joey helps schools move from crisis to connection

If you’re a parent, educator, therapist, administrator — or simply someone who believes in the healing power of story — this episode will resonate deeply. Joey’s work is both practical and transformational, offering a roadmap toward safer classrooms, stronger relationships, and more resilient young people.

ABOUT THE HOSTS About Emma G Emma G is a singer-songwriter, empowerment coach, TEDx speaker, and #1 bestselling author. Having survived 10 brain surgeries for hydrocephalus, she transformed her lived experience into a mission: helping others reclaim their voice, rewrite their stories, and build emotional and mental resilience through music, somatic expression, and trauma-informed coaching. Website: https://emmagmusic.com

About Dinah Simpson Dinah Simpson is the founder of High Ki Living, a mindfulness and energy-healing practice helping busy minds find calm, clarity, and balance. Through breathwork, meditation, sound healing, Reiki, and grounding lifestyle practices, Dinah supports individuals and organizations in overcoming burnout and reconnecting with their inner wisdom. Website: https://dinahsimpson.com

Welcome to Episode 1 of REAL TALK Season 3: This is High Ki Living — where healing, resilience, and personal transformation meet real stories from extraordinary people.

In our season premiere, hosts Emma G and Dinah Simpson are joined by two powerhouse motivators whose missions, methods, and lived experiences remind us that movement — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual — is medicine.

Meet Laurent Amzallag Fitness expert, motivational speaker, and creator of the YALA movement, Laurent is known across the DMV for his high-energy inspiration and joyful approach to wellness. After surviving a medical crisis with a 50/50 chance of recovery, Laurent discovered firsthand the healing power of movement — and dedicated his life to helping others tap into their own vitality, humor, and strength.

Meet Doug Byrd Pilot, youth mentor, and founder of Byrd Inspiration Airshows, Doug uses aviation as a tool to uplift and empower young people. Raised in an environment of positivity, encouragement, and possibility, Doug believes every child deserves to know what’s possible for them. His mission: breathe life and purpose into the next generation by giving them access to aviation, mindset tools, and an unstoppable belief in themselves.

In this powerful episode, we explore: - How movement, mindset, and discipline shape mental and emotional well-being - The healing connection between the body, breath, confidence, and action - How aviation becomes a vehicle for possibility, courage, and identity for young people - The importance of joy, humility, humor, and community in personal transformation - What it means to raise your vibration — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually

If you’re ready for an episode that will leave you inspired, energized, and reminded of your own power to rise, this is the perfect way to launch Season 3.

Connect with Laurent Amzallag Website: https://laurentamzallag.com Instagram: @laurentamzallag Facebook: Laurent Amzallag LinkedIn: Laurent Amzallag

Connect with Doug Byrd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougiebyrd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byrdinspirationairshows/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-byrd-227a8a225 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@byrdinspirationairshows

ABOUT THE HOSTS About Emma G Emma G is a singer-songwriter, empowerment coach, TEDx speaker, and #1 bestselling author. Having survived 10 brain surgeries for hydrocephalus, she transformed her lived experience into a mission: helping others reclaim their voice, rewrite their stories, and build emotional and mental resilience through music, somatic expression, and trauma-informed coaching. Website: https://emmagmusic.com

About Dinah Simpson Dinah Simpson is the founder of High Ki Living, a mindfulness and energy-healing practice helping busy minds find calm, clarity, and balance. Through breathwork, meditation, sound healing, Reiki, and grounding lifestyle practices, Dinah supports individuals and organizations in overcoming burnout and reconnecting with their inner wisdom. Website: https://dinahsimpson.com

Join us as we chat with Kari Swenson – multi-business owner, leader of 480 employees, and passionate advocate for people-first leadership – for Episode 16 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.

Kari’s career spans decades in both the retail and restaurant industries, including her role as Owner/Operator of 12 McDonald’s restaurants across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. She also owns a thriving e-commerce and retail business importing Polish Pottery from Bolesławiec, Poland.

Her leadership philosophy is simple: treat people well, connect with them, help them grow—and they’ll stick around. She has seen team members go from working the front counter to managing entire stores, living out her personal motto: “As you look to the stars, always try to turn around and bring someone with you.”

In this episode, we explore:

Why people-first leadership is the secret to her business success

How she creates growth opportunities for her team

The importance of focusing on what you can control

How Krav Maga taught her to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”

The connection between creativity, resilience, and leadership

Plus: why process matters more than outcome in both business and life

If you believe great leadership is about empowering people and building community, you’ll love this conversation.

Connect with Kari Swenson Instagram: @kariswenson Facebook (Personal): facebook.com/kari.swenson1 Facebook (Business): facebook.com/ThePolishPotteryOutlet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kariswenson

Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.

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