Choose Your S.O.U.L.

Choose Your S.O.U.L.

by Hakeem & Alysia
Self-ImprovementMental Health
Season 2
Heart Coherence, Boundaries, and the Discipline of Self-Love with Kasia Sitarz
In this episode, we sit down with Kasia Sitarz, a transformational wellness architect, author, and speaker who helps people reconnect with their hearts and bodies through science-based emotional regulation and spiritual wisdom. Kasia shares her journey from professional athlete and clinic owner to heart coherence specialist, revealing how grief, injury, and burnout forced her to pause and rediscover who she truly was beneath the performance and perfection. This episode explores: What heart coherence really means and how it rewires your nervous system How your body communicates through emotion, intuition, and energetic alignment The balance between masculine structure and feminine flow in business and healing Why unprocessed emotion leads to “dis-ease” in the body The difference between judgment and discernment Healing trauma through both solitude and relationships How purpose, self-discipline, and compassion coexist in true self-mastery You’ll hear real talk about choosing yourself, releasing old stories, and building resilience through spiritual and physical practice. Kasia reminds us that our hearts are not broken, only buried—and returning to them is the key to authentic power. Follow Kasia on Instagram: @kasia_sitarz Listen if you’ve ever: Outgrown old spiritual or self-help methods Felt “aligned on paper” but heavy in your heart Needed a reminder that healing doesn’t mean fixing—it means remembering We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E13
Oct 5, 2025
55:38
Comedy, Cancel Culture, and Connection with Teresa DeGaetano
In this episode of The Choose Your S.O.U.L. Show takes you behind the mic with Teresa, a comedian whose path into stand-up is as raw as it is inspiring. She opens up about how humor became both a survival tool and a craft, and why authenticity isn’t optional—it’s the heartbeat of comedy and life. The conversation dives into the hustle most audiences never see: the late nights, endless practice, and the balancing act of building relationships while chasing laughs. Teresa also gets candid about the shifting landscape of comedy post-COVID, the weight of cancel culture, and why showing up online is as critical as showing up on stage. What stands out is her perspective on laughter as medicine and how pain, when mined with honesty, can turn into material that connects deeply with people. The episode closes with her vision for the future and a reminder that comedy, at its best, is about connection—between performer, audience, and community. One of the biggest themes from this episode is how laughter acts like medicine, not only for the audience but for the comedian too. Teresa shows how authenticity is at the center of both comedy and personal growth—people connect most when you’re real. She also talks about taking painful experiences and flipping them into material that feels relatable, which is part of what makes comedy so healing. We get into how success in this field comes down to consistency and practice, the kind of grind that doesn’t always get seen but makes all the difference. Teresa highlights how the comedy world itself is both competitive and supportive, and how relationships within it can be tricky to navigate. The conversation also touches on the way COVID changed live performances, the growing importance of social media as a platform for comedians, and the tightrope of cancel culture that keeps comics mindful of their material. Through it all, Teresa reminds us that comedy is a long-term journey, one that demands dedication, resilience, and a real love for the craft. Connect with Teresa: Instagram: @teresadegaetano Podcast: @twostandupgalspod Upcoming Shows & Other Events We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E12
Sep 27, 2025
52:25
Lessons From Love, Loss, and Revolution with Haddie Djemal
In this episode of the Choose Your S.O.U.L. show, we sit down with Haddie Djemal. a Media Trainer & PR Consultant, Emcee, Speaker and Brand Spokesperson. Haddie grew up between worlds. With a Tunisian father and Sudanese mother, her identity never fit neatly into a box—too light for some spaces, too different for others. In Texas, where you were expected to be either Black, white, or Mexican, she constantly felt the pressure to shrink, code-switch, or stay silent. Even when she pursued journalism, she was told neutrality made her credible, which meant watering herself down to be accepted. Haddie always knew she was meant for the spotlight. From five years old she dreamed of television, stories, and connection. That dream clashed with the immigrant script of “doctor, lawyer, engineer... or disgrace.” She tried law, but it didn’t stick. Acting and media did. Yet just as things started flowing, self-sabotage crept in. She packed her life into bags, moved to Tunisia for love, and found herself in the middle of a revolution with no safety net. Coming back broken and lost, Haddie hit a deep depression until her father asked her the question that changed everything: “Why can’t you be as fearless for yourself as you were for someone else?” That was the spark that shifted her from surviving to choosing herself. Her journey is messy, bold, and deeply human. Perfect for anyone ready to stop conforming and write their own story. What We Cover: Trading law school for acting and media, despite cultural pressure to conform Moving to Tunisia, only to face a revolution and a painful wake-up call about love and self-sabotage Returning home in depression until her father’s challenge reframed courage and choice Redefining “identity crisis” as “identity obsession,” freeing herself from labels Spiritual awakening that reshaped how she views story, community, and growth This conversation dives into identity, belonging, fear, and freedom and why your story, raw and unfiltered, is your power. Connect with Haddie: Instagram: @haddiethehost Podcast: The Growth Game (coming soon) Coaching & Consulting: Storytelling, brand amplification, and media strategy We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E11
Sep 5, 2025
54:39
From Rock Bottom to Peak Performance: Tanya Oliver on Rewiring Your Mind, Mastering Your Emotions & Becoming Extraordinary
In this powerful episode of the Choose Your Soul Show, hosts Hakeem and Alysia sit down with Tanya Oliver — executive coach, speaker, author, and founder of the Ultimate Achievers Academy — to explore what it really takes to become the best version of yourself from the inside out. Tanya’s life today is a testament to what’s possible when you decide to stop numbing, stop performing, and start transforming. But it hasn’t always been success and fulfillment for her. Years ago, Tanya was 60 pounds overweight, battling addiction, crippling anxiety, and depression. She was stuck in self-sabotaging cycles and searching for happiness in all the wrong places. One day, faced with a breaking point, Tanya realized she had two choices — to end her suffering for good or to live on purpose. Choosing the latter, she began the relentless journey of building an extraordinary self through self-mastery, emotional intelligence, and daily non-negotiable habits. In this episode, Tanya shares: Her personal transformation from rock bottom to coaching elite performers How to retrain your nervous system and break free from addictive patterns The difference between peak performance and being stuck in overdrive Why “grace and freedom within structure” is essential for sustainable success How brainwave states like theta can help you reprogram limiting beliefs The role of faith, intuition, and daily spiritual practices in building resilience Practical tools for creating unshakable mental, physical, and emotional health Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a high achiever, or someone ready to take full ownership of your life, this conversation will equip you with the mindset shifts, emotional tools, and proven strategies to elevate your entire way of being. Resources & Links Mentioned: Free Gift from Tanya: 10 Steps to Build Mental Strength & Reclaim Your Personal Power — Download at 10 Steps to Build Mental Strength and Personal Power Connect with Tanya on Instagram: @tanyacoliver Learn more about the Ultimate Achievers Academy We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E10
Aug 13, 2025
51:39
You're Not Broken, You're Breaking Through with Ashley Maland
In this emotionally rich and soul-shifting episode, hosts Hakeem and Alysia welcome the magnetic and deeply wise Ashley Maland—a woman who didn't just survive trauma, she alchemized it into fuel for her purpose. From the age of 15, Ashley found herself in the grips of abusive relationships—cycles of gaslighting, manipulation, emotional suppression, and even physical violence that became her definition of love far too early. What began as early conditioning turned into a series of repeated patterns that kept her in survival mode for years. But rock bottom wasn’t the end for Ashley, it became the turning point. After one devastating breakup that triggered a complete collapse, she realized: “This isn’t who I am, and this isn’t what I deserve.” That moment sparked her soul’s awakening. She chose to go inward. She got radically honest with herself. And instead of clinging to brokenness, she broke free & has since become a voice for thousands of women reclaiming their power. Ashley is now a mother, mentor, and mirror to others, creating content that holds a sacred mirror up to the unspoken wounds so many carry. She’s known for her emotionally honest videos, raw car confessions, and the kind of wisdom that feels like a lifeline. Through her story, she reminds us all: your past doesn’t disqualify you—it qualifies you. 💥 In this episode, we unpack: How Ashley broke free from generational patterns of trauma and abuse What it really looks like to go from survival mode to soul work The subtle signs of emotional abuse most people ignore How to stop romanticizing dysfunction and redefine what love actually is Nervous system healing + breaking the addiction to chaos Why the “alone season” is the most sacred season of your life How to parent with emotional integrity and protect your children from repeating cycles Attachment styles, boundaries, and becoming a safe space for yourself first Creating authentic content and being seen even when it’s uncomfortable Letting go of people-pleasing and societal expectations so you can finally choose yourself Ashley’s story is more than inspiring—it’s a roadmap for anyone who’s ready to walk away from patterns that no longer serve them and step into a future built on truth, alignment, and self-worth. ✨ Connect with Ashley Maland: 📲 Instagram: @ashleymaland 🎤Podcast, Newsletter & Coaching: https://linktr.ee/theashleytaylorco We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E9
Aug 1, 2025
1:08:25
The Gut, The Glory & The Greater Truth with Melissa McAllister
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Melissa McAllister, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), Functional Nutrition Coach (FNC), and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), who went from Pepsi-loving French fry fanatic to one of the most respected gut health experts in the game. Melissa is a mother, truth-teller, fitness lover, and the creator of the M.A.D.E. Diet Program — and she’s here to break down how your gut is influencing everything: your mood, your metabolism, your mindset, and even your relationships. Whether you’re bloated, burned out, or craving balance, this episode is for you. 💬 What We Talk About: Melissa’s personal gut health awakening & how motherhood sparked her health transformation The #1 sign your gut is screaming for help — and why most women ignore it What’s hiding in your “healthy” protein bar and why it’s wrecking your gut The missing link between your hormones, mood swings, and gut health Why “quick fixes” are sabotaging long-term wellness Gut health and menstrual cycles: what every woman should know How to reset your dopamine, ditch dependency, and reclaim true energy Melissa’s M.A.D.E. Method and the truth about therapeutic fasting Her take on protein obsession, intermittent fasting myths, and social media confusion around women’s wellness The power of structure with flexibility — and why you don’t need to be perfect to be healthy 🧬 About Melissa McAllister: Melissa is a certified FNTP, FNC, RWP, and Therapeutic Fasting & Gut Health Expert. She’s the creator of the M.A.D.E. Diet, co-host of The Made Fitz Podcast, and passionate about helping people heal from the inside out. She believes in real food, real science, and real results — and that wellness should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Connect with Melissa: 🌿 Website: melissamadeonline.com 🌿 Instagram: @MelissaMade 🌿 Podcast: The Made Fitz Podcast We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E8
Jul 13, 2025
52:58
Juneteenth Special: Black Liberation, Ancestral Alignment & Building Something Bigger with Tyler Phillips
In this episode, we honor the history of Juneteenth and sit down with entrepreneur, wellness leader, and community builder Tyler Phillips — a man who has turned pain into purpose, systems into soul work, and youth programs into million-dollar movements. From football fields to federal funding, Tyler has made it his mission to equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. We dive deep into identity, ancestral trauma, financial literacy, and the cultural dynamics of being biracial in America. Tyler keeps it raw and real about the challenges of starting grassroots initiatives, leading as a father of three, and holding space for both wellness and rebellion. This isn’t just a conversation about freedom — it’s a masterclass in soul-led leadership, generational healing, and what it really means to be totally committed to your vision. What We Cover: Why Juneteenth is more than history — it’s a mirror Navigating identity as a biracial leader in Black spaces The impact of sports on purpose, resilience & business What to do when no one shows up — and how to keep going Building community centers and suicide prevention initiatives Creating alternatives to sports for youth: art, music, mental health Healing the nervous system and expanding your capacity to receive How to move from poverty programming to financial empowerment Balancing family, purpose, and legacy as a father and entrepreneur Connect with Tyler on Instagram and follow his journey: @totallycommittedty Learn more about Tyler's fitness services at https://www.totallycommittedfitness.com/ Tap here to read his feature on MSN.com: 10 Entrepreneurs Leading the Business Frontier We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E7
Jun 19, 2025
54:46
Healing Beyond Labels: Alana Joy’s Path to Embodied Sovereignty
This week on the Choose Your Soul Show, we welcome a powerful guest: Alana Joy Newton — a body-based truth-teller, psychotherapist, and soul guide who helps people come back home to themselves through storytelling, somatic healing, and radical self-reclamation. Alana’s journey from chronic disconnection, medical gaslighting, and a rare connective tissue diagnosis to spiritual awakening and embodied sovereignty is one of raw power and deep remembrance. She shares how she went from living as a “floating head” to reconnecting with her soul, healing through shadow work, and rejecting labels that once defined her. 💫 Inside This Episode: Alana’s powerful origin story of soul disconnection at age six Her journey through Western medicine and eventual diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Why she stopped identifying with her diagnosis and began a deep path of healing through embodiment The difference between clinical psychology and spiritual guidance Her first spiritual “download” and the moment she realized she was Pleiadean How storytelling, psychedelics, and shadow work helped her reclaim her truth The importance of memento mori and the gifts of death, ego death, and rebirth Why nervous system regulation and gentle somatic practices are key to sustainable healing The trap of labels, masks, and the journey toward personal sovereignty 🛠️ Alana’s Offerings: 1:1 Mentorship & Therapy - book a call through Alana's website Beneath the Surface: A group program for people ready to reconnect with emotions, body, and intuition The Masks We Wear: A signature workshop exploring identity, conditioning, and self-expression 📘 Upcoming Book Contribution: “The Sovereign” – a multi-author collaboration featuring stories of reclaiming personal power 🔗 Connect with Alana: Website: alanajoynewton.com Instagram: @alana_joy_newton We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E6
Jun 5, 2025
51:21
Choosing Yourself Through the Darkness: A Journey into Emotional Healing with Brett Cotter
In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Brett Cotter to unpack the emotional, energetic, & spiritual layers of suicide, grief, and healing. This conversation is about raising consciousness—and learning how to witness pain with presence and compassion. Brett shares insights from his 25+ years of guiding others through trauma, anxiety, & grief. He has brought his signature method to Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, schools, military bases, and retreat centers across the country. He is the author of The Stress Is Gone Method, The Suicide Prevention Family Handbook, and 3 Keys to Managing PTSD. If you or someone you love is silently suffering, this episode offers understanding, validation, & tools for profound transformation. 🧭 What We Explore: Why suicide is misunderstood. We often shift blame and miss warning signs when someone dies by suicide. Brett challenges the stigma and reveals how real compassion means taking the time to truly listen. Patterns, pain & spiritual awakening. Brett shares how his jealousy and relationship sabotage were rooted in childhood trauma—and how energy work helped him release those patterns from the body and soul. Healing stored trauma through the body. Emotions often live in places like the heart, colon, or kidneys. Brett explains how identifying and releasing this pain with breath, touch, and spiritual guidance can change lives instantly. Reconnecting with loved ones beyond the veil. Grief doesn’t have to end in disconnection. Brett offers a dream ritual to connect with passed loved ones, proving that love—and consciousness—transcends the physical. How to help someone in crisis. Learn Brett’s 5-prompt technique to support someone struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s not about fixing—it’s about listening, co-regulating, and being a safe space. Soul contracts, grief & letting go. We discuss how every soul has its own path—even if it ends in tragedy. Instead of blame, can we choose presence, gratitude, and spiritual growth? 🛠️ Resources Mentioned: Brett’s Stress Is Gone Membership: 25 live classes a month for just $15 Suicide Prevention and Family Recovery Handbook by Brett Cotter Daily self-regulation rituals and energetic healing tools Techniques for contacting passed loved ones in dreams 5-step dialogue process to support someone with suicidal thoughts Click Here to Follow Brett on Instagram Click here to work with Brett through coaching, retreats & more 📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on instagram 📰Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E5
May 24, 2025
1:16:07
Trauma, Art & Awakening: Reclaiming the Soul Behind the Mask with David Dayan Fisher
Explicit
In this powerful episode of the Choose Your Soul Show, we sit down with the multi-talented David Dayan Fisher—former Hollywood actor, conscious creator, artist, and author of over 15 books on Amazon—to unpack the deep emotional roots of rejection, anger, and transformation. David shares his inspiring story of going from playing violent "bad guy" roles in film for 25 years to walking a path of healing, consciousness, and love. What began with a simple moment disciplining his dog became a mirror into his own childhood trauma—and the catalyst for a life-altering journey into self-awareness and soul work. 🧠 What we explore in this episode: David’s awakening moment The legacy of childhood trauma and how it subtly shapes our adult behaviors How playing angry characters on screen mirrored unresolved pain in his life Breaking generational cycles through somatic awareness and inner work Why true transformation starts with taking responsibility for your projections If you’re on a journey to: Heal emotional wounds rooted in childhood Reclaim your inner power and self-expression Use past pain as fuel for conscious creation and leadership ...then this episode is a must-listen. 📚 Explore David’s Work: Check out his books and art on his website 🎥Tap here to book an evolutionist call with David 📲 Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daviddayanfisher/ We hope we can inspire you on this journey with us 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽📲If you liked this episode, leave us a review! Subscribe to our show and share it to your socials, and make sure you follow @chooseyoursoulshow on Instagram 📰 Subscribe & Sign up for the newsletter to never miss a show https://chooseyoursoul.show/ Follow the hosts on Instagram at @bigdreamhakeem & @thesourcejunkie
S2 · E4
Apr 23, 2025
1:01:47
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