In this episode of Life Check Yourself, Marni Battista interviews Steven Miyao, an executive coach and entrepreneur, about navigating midlife career changes and personal reinvention. They discuss the challenges faced by midlife professionals, the importance of aligning careers with personal values, and practical strategies for overcoming fear and taking action. Steven shares insights from his coaching practice, including the eulogy exercise to reflect on one's values and the significance of experimentation in making life changes. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional living and the journey of self-discovery in midlife.

Takeaways

Midlife professionals often feel the need for a career change.

Grinding it out is not the solution; intentional living is key.

Many people are stuck in a hamster wheel of work demands.

Reinvention can be an opportunity to align with personal values.

Shifting mindsets can lead to better job performance.

Fear of failure, shame, and success can paralyze decision-making.

The eulogy exercise helps clarify what truly matters in life.

Experimentation is crucial for discovering new paths.

Letting go of past identities can facilitate change.

The journey of self-discovery is as important as the destination.

• The Midlife Hamster Wheel (02:56–04:01)
  Many Gen X professionals built their careers by grinding, but never paused to live intentionally. Stopping to question whether the treadmill is serving you opens the door to reinvention
  Steven Miyao
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  “We are not stopping to question the hamster wheel. Is it true reinvention? It doesn’t have to be, but it can be.”
  
  
  

• Letting Go of Proving Energy (07:59–10:19)
  Old patterns of overwork often stem from childhood experiences of needing to prove worth. Identifying and releasing these habits creates space for a new identity and healthier success
  
  “Once you’ve identified this new self, you can rewire your brain to believe you actually are that person.”
  
  
  

• Eulogy Values vs. Resume Values (20:41–22:27)
  True fulfillment comes when you prioritize the legacy you want to leave over titles, money, or status. The “eulogy exercise” helps clarify what really matters and guides midlife pivots
  
  “The second part of your life is all about eulogy values—what do you want to be remembered for?”
  
  

Connections:

Visit Steven's Site

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In this episode, we explore the power of integrating body, mind, and subconscious to release long-held emotional knots and reclaim wholeness. Our guest, Esin Pinrali, is a holistic psychotherapist and relationship expert specializing in imago therapy, brain spotting, internal family systems, and somatic practices. With her experiential approach, she helps people move beyond anxiety, trauma, and codependency to become fully alive and connected.

1. Labels don’t heal—untangling the root does.
   
   

2. The body stores unresolved trauma and reveals the knots that block freedom.
   
   

3. Regulation is unique—find practices that soothe your nervous system, not someone else’s.
   
   

“You’re not broken and you’re not here to get fixed. You’re here to sort of untangle some of the roadblocks that are holding you back.”

Labels can provide temporary relief, but they can also trap you in false identity. True change happens when the underlying knots are worked through, not when they’re named. This shift creates space for transformation instead of self-limiting beliefs.

“There’s this emotional knot being held in the body… and you can’t talk your way out of it.”

Unprocessed trauma lives in the nervous system and resurfaces as automatic reactions. Bringing the body into the healing process allows old memories and energy to be completed and released. This frees you from subconscious loops and opens the door to different choices.

“It’s not a one size fits all approach. You are a unique individual. You need to try things on for size and see if it works for you.”

Regulation isn’t about copying routines or forcing “the solution du jour.” It’s about discovering practices that genuinely calm your system. Whether it’s nature, music, movement, or meditation, the right fit fosters resilience, flexibility, and authentic joy.

Connections:

Visit Esin’s Website

Visit us: MarniBattista.Com
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Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future
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In this enlightening conversation, Marni Battista and Steffani LeFevour delve into the concept of soul assignments, exploring how our life experiences shape our spiritual journeys. They discuss the importance of recognizing chaos as an opportunity for growth, the power of choice in relationships, and the significance of daily practices for self-awareness. Steffani shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges and the process of writing her upcoming book, emphasizing the need for radical acceptance and conscious creation in our lives.

Takeaways

Soul assignments are experiences our soul desires to have.

Chaos can be viewed as an opportunity for growth.

We have the power to choose how we respond to our experiences.

Radical acceptance of our circumstances empowers us.

Identifying soul assignments can lead to personal growth.

Limiting beliefs can be reframed to serve us better.

Relationships can be seen as soul assignments that require work.

Daily practices can help us connect with our soul assignments.

Writing a book can be a significant soul assignment.

We must consciously create the life we want.

Sound Bites

"Chaos is an opportunity."

"We always have that choice."

"We stand in our power."

“Every external opportunity of chaos is an opportunity for us to learn who we are and show up as who we want to be.”

marni-battistas-studio_podcast-…

Explanation: Chaos doesn’t have to be a trap. When seen as a soul assignment, even the hardest circumstances become moments of radical choice—either to spiral into negativity or to rise into clarity and purpose.

“It’s not the experience, but the meaning that I choose to place on the experience that really matters most.”

marni-battistas-studio_podcast-…

Explanation: Painful experiences don’t determine worth or destiny. What creates transformation is the story that follows. Shifting the meaning from “I’m broken” to “I’m resilient” builds the foundation for growth, love, and empowered living.

“When we identify a soul assignment, we stand in our power. And from that place, we can make decisions going forward that really serve us.”

marni-battistas-studio_podcast-…

Explanation: Accepting a relationship or challenge as a soul assignment doesn’t make you passive—it awakens power. This awareness frees you from old patterns, fuels new choices, and deepens love while creating healthier boundaries.

Connections:
Know More About Steffani

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In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow coach, Jonathan Aslay. Jonathan is one of America’s leading midlife self-love coaches, and together we dive into what it really takes to create lasting love in today’s world. From navigating power dynamics in relationships to building trust, and from self-awareness to the surprising truth about chemistry, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone ready to step into a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.

• Jonathan emphasizes the importance of being present in relationships.

• Self-awareness is crucial for building trust and intimacy.

• Curiosity in conversations can lead to deeper connections.

• Women should not feel the need to downplay their success in relationships.

• Building a friendship first can lead to stronger romantic connections.

• Vulnerability is key to establishing trust in relationships.

• It's important to communicate openly about uncomfortable topics like money.

• People often sabotage their love lives due to unresolved past issues.

• Dating should be approached as a meeting rather than a performance.

• Age should not be a barrier to finding love.

1. Power Dynamics in Relationships (03:33)
"When two equal people show up, you can have more co-creative conversations."
Explanation: Healthy relationships thrive when both people bring their full selves—financially, emotionally, and energetically—to the table. Avoiding silence around uncomfortable topics like money and expectations allows couples to build partnerships rooted in equality and collaboration.

2. Trust and Speaking Your Truth (09:39)
"Speak your truth, just do it from a kind place. If you do it sincerely, you can’t say the wrong thing to the right person."
Explanation: Trust goes beyond fidelity; it’s about knowing the other person has your best interests at heart. Speaking openly and vulnerably—without fear of rejection—creates the safety needed for intimacy and long-term stability.

3. Chemistry and the Friend Zone (22:38)
"I realized later why we didn’t have that chemistry at first… I had no idea what a secure meeting felt like."
Explanation: Many confuse anxiety and butterflies with love, overlooking the steadiness of a secure connection. True intimacy grows from friendship, presence, and appreciation—often blooming where instant “sparks” seem absent. Reframing how chemistry develops can open the door to real, lasting connection.

Connections:
Jonathan Aslay’s Youtube
Visit us: MarniBattista.Com
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Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future
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In this episode, Dr. Sam Shea discusses his work with adults on the autism spectrum, focusing on burnout, resilience, and the importance of self-care for parents. He shares insights on the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals, the significance of proper terminology, and the concept of masking. Dr. Shea emphasizes the need for resources and support for both parents and children, and highlights the role of comedy in advocating for understanding and connection. The conversation also touches on the importance of care in relationships and the impact of coaching on personal development.

1. 1. Dr. Sam Shea helps adults on the spectrum stop burnout.

   2. Masking is a common experience for those on the spectrum.

   3. Self-care is crucial for parents of neurodiverse children.

   4. The term 'high functioning' can be misleading and offensive.

   5. There are many resources available for families today.

   6. Comedy can be a powerful tool for advocacy and connection.

   7. Understanding social dynamics is essential for building relationships.

   8. Coaching can provide valuable support for personal growth.

   9. Parents should prioritize sleep and wellness for their families.

   10. Leading with care is key to connecting with those on the spectrum.

1. Energy Management is Non-Negotiable (06:42)

"You can’t be present, creative, or purposeful if you’re running on fumes every day."

Explanation: Energy is the foundation for every action and decision. Without protecting and restoring it, creativity, focus, and emotional balance erode, making it harder to sustain meaningful work or relationships.

2. The Mind-Body Connection in Healing (14:18)

"Your mindset directly determines how your body responds to stress, recovery, and even food."

Explanation: Beliefs and thoughts influence physical health at a cellular level. Shifting mental patterns can reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, and create the physiological environment needed for optimal performance.

3. Aligning Life with Purpose (28:54)

"When your daily life reflects your values and purpose, burnout becomes nearly impossible."

Explanation: Living in alignment with personal values creates natural motivation and resilience. This alignment makes challenges feel meaningful instead of draining, reducing the risk of chronic stress and burnout.

Connections:
Dr. Sam Shey’s Freebie
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Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future
Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

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In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Corey Allan—husband, father, author, speaker, and seasoned marriage and family therapist—to unpack the truth about long-term love, personal growth, and staying connected through change. We go beyond surface-level advice to talk about what really keeps relationships alive, why personal responsibility is non-negotiable, and how to navigate shifts in yourself and your partner without losing the bond.

1. Face the relationship you have—not the one you wish you had.
   
   

2. Personal growth will shift the relationship—be ready to adapt.
   
   

3. Strong connections are built on presence, self-respect, and shared growth.
   
   

1. Work with Who Your Partner Really Is (05:03)

"I'm fighting for the spouse I wish I had… rather than I'm actually working with who they are."

Explanation: Real progress comes when energy is spent on understanding and relating to the actual person in the relationship—flaws, strengths, and all—instead of chasing an idealized version that only exists in imagination.

2. Change in One Partner Shifts the Entire System (13:25)

"One person makes a change, so it's going to impact the system… The other person is left with a couple of choices."

Explanation: Every change—whether intentional growth, a lifestyle shift, or a new boundary—ripples through the relationship. How each person responds determines whether the bond strengthens, adapts, or drifts apart.

3. Presence Beats Time Quantity (33:25)

"My wife benefits… from 20 minutes of a hundred percent of my presence more than she does of an hour of 50% of my presence."

Explanation: Deep connection is built through focused, intentional engagement rather than simply being in the same space. Quality attention fuels emotional closeness far more than distracted time together.

Connections:
Sexy Marriage Radio

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Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future
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In this episode, we explore how grief—often avoided, misunderstood, and pushed down—can actually become the catalyst for living fully and authentically. Dr. Michelle Petticola shares powerful insights on transforming complex grief into fuel for life’s purpose. You’ll discover why facing your emotions is essential, how reframing loss can shift your experience, and the hidden costs of suppressing what your heart needs to feel.

1. Surrender is the first step to transformation — Allowing emotions to flow opens the door to healing and self-discovery.
   
   

2. Reframe grief as a measure of love — Shifting perspective transforms pain into a lasting, meaningful connection.
   
   

3. Unprocessed grief impacts every area of life — Avoidance drains energy, creates emotional blocks, and can keep you from living true to yourself.
   
   

1. The Power of Surrender (14:01)

"You have to surrender to the experience... There’s no magic pill. There is no quick formula. You have to go through the process. And it’s good because when you go through the process, you transform."

Explanation: Accepting and fully feeling emotions instead of resisting them prevents them from becoming trapped in the body. This openness can lead to personal breakthroughs and deeper self-awareness.

2. Reframing Loss as Love (22:32)

"What if instead of looking at it that way, you look at it as your grief is a measurement of your love for this woman."

Explanation: Changing the meaning you give to grief shifts the emotional experience. Viewing grief as evidence of deep love creates an empowering connection rather than a debilitating wound.

3. The Hidden Impact of Unprocessed Grief (20:24)

"If you don’t grieve, the emotions get stuck in your body… As soon as they start to get that relief… suddenly they have all this energy that they didn’t have because… you’re exhausted."

Explanation: Suppressing emotions requires constant effort, which drains vitality and can manifest as physical or mental health challenges. Releasing them restores energy and emotional clarity.

Connections:

Visit us: MarniBattista.Com
Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me
Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future
Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life
Secrets Of Life and Death
Complex Grief Checklist

In this conversation, Myles Katz—licensed psilocybin facilitator and founder of Confluence Retreats—shares insights from years of experience guiding individuals through legal psychedelic journeys. Drawing on themes of trust, connection, integration, and nature, Myles explores what makes a psilocybin retreat truly transformative. From the importance of nervous system safety to the role of nature as a co-facilitator, this dialogue highlights the ethical and structural foundations needed to support lasting healing with the use of legal psilocybin mushrooms.

1. Healing Can Be Accelerated in the Right Environment – Safety, preparation, and integration are key to lasting breakthroughs.

2. Connection is the Core of Transformation – Deep healing happens when we reconnect with ourselves, others, and nature.

3. Psychedelics Are a Tool, Not a Shortcut – The real work is in integration and living the lessons learned.

• Creating a Safe and Structured Healing Space (04:12)
  "People need to feel safe enough to let go, so the healing process can truly begin."
  When trust and safety are built into the experience, the mind and body can release long-held trauma, making transformation possible.

• Why Connection Heals (12:45)
  "The medicine reminds us we’re part of something larger than ourselves."
  This sense of belonging counteracts isolation, helps dissolve anxiety, and fosters a deep inner calm.

• Integration Is the Real Transformation (18:27)
  "The retreat isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of a new chapter."
  The insights gained must be applied in daily life to create sustainable change and authentic alignment.

• Nature as a Co-Facilitator (25:10)
  "Being in nature accelerates the sense of awe and connection."
  Immersion in natural settings supports nervous system regulation, emotional grounding, and spiritual openness.

• Shaping the Future of Psychedelic Healing (32:02)
  "We’re building a model that prioritizes ethics, accessibility, and long-term impact."
  A vision for making this work safe, legal, and accessible to more people without losing its integrity.

Connections:
Visit us: MarniBattista.Com
Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me
Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future
Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life
Learn More About Myles