In Part 2 of this conversation on Rise + Rebel, Aya sits back down with hypnotist Rusty Diamond—and what starts with humor and playful banter quickly unfolds into something deeper, stranger, and unexpectedly grounding.

From hypnosis and memory retrieval to past life regression and even alien encounters, this episode explores the edge of what we think we know… and what might exist just beyond it. But more than that, it asks a powerful question:

What do we choose to believe—and how does that shape our reality?

Through stories, patterns, and raw reflections, Rusty shares what he’s witnessed working with clients who genuinely believe in their experiences—whether explainable or not. And Aya brings it back to what matters most: awareness, choice, and the way we consciously create our lives.

This conversation isn’t about proving what’s real.
It’s about expanding your perspective enough to ask better questions.

You’ll also hear honest moments on:

• Navigating leadership and making difficult decisions
• The power of daily affirmations and self-perception
• Breaking patterns of distraction, doubt, and self-sabotage
• Why “everything matters—and nothing does” might be the most freeing truth of all.
  

At its core, this episode is a reminder:
You are not stuck. You are creating—whether you realize it or not.

So the real question is…
What are you choosing today?

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Watch more conversations like this on Rise + Rebel
Ready to go deeper? Join the Inner Circle for more insights, tools, and real conversations:
risewithaya.com

What does it really take to reinvent yourself when life forces you to slow down?

In this episode of Rise + Rebel, you sit down with Rusty Diamond for a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

From pro wrestling to hypnosis, Rusty shares the unexpected journey that led him to completely shift his path—and how one life-changing moment pushed him into a new purpose.

Together, we explore:
- The truth about hypnosis—and the myths people still believe
- The difference between influence, healing, and ethical responsibility.
- How life’s setbacks can become your biggest turning points
- Why not all “social anxiety” is what it seems
- And how creativity, energy, and environment shape who we become

This episode is filled with humor, real talk, and those unplanned moments that make conversations truly powerful.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the detours in life lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

And of course… you might just find yourself getting lost in the sauce along the way.

If you’re navigating change, curious about mindset work, or ready to see things from a new perspective—this one’s for you.

Watch more episodes of the Rise + Rebel Podcast
Connect with Aya & join the Inner Circle: risewithaya.com

In this episode of Rise + Rebel, Aya Hojadova sits down with Jeff Pareja, VP and SBA Commercial Loan Officer, for a powerful conversation on SBA lending, business growth, risk, and the psychology behind financial decision-making.

What made this conversation especially meaningful was Jeff’s transparency. This was not just a conversation about loan products or lending mechanics. It was a deeper look at the human side of business financing: how entrepreneurs think, what fear can do to decision-making, and why mindset matters just as much as numbers when it comes to growth.

Together, Aya and Jeff explore the mindset shifts that happen when someone moves from employee thinking into owner or investor thinking, how to view SBA loans as tools within a broader business strategy, and the difference between emotional readiness and financial readiness. They also unpack the tension between fear and expansion, what healthy risk-taking actually looks like, and how alignment, intuition, and purpose can shape the way entrepreneurs approach money and opportunity.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, investors, small business owners, and anyone navigating growth who wants a more honest conversation about SBA lending, commercial loans, business mindset, money psychology, and expansion strategy.

If you have ever wondered whether you are truly ready for your next level in business, this episode offers more than lending insight. It offers a real conversation about the internal and external factors that shape how we grow.

Topics covered:

SBA lending, commercial lending, small business financing, entrepreneur mindset, business growth, expansion strategy, emotional readiness, financial readiness, money psychology, healthy risk-taking, and aligned decision-making.

Connect with Jeff Pareja

Jeff Pareja

VP | SBA Commercial Loan Officer

135 N. Meramec Ave. | Clayton, MO 63105

8712 Lindholm Dr. | Huntersville, NC 28078

Serving the Greater Charleston, SC Market

Website: www.mwrbank.com

Office: 980-391-2859

Mobile: 512-966-9285

Email: jpareja@mwregionalbank.com