The Daring Well Podcast - Holistic Health & Wellness, Mindset, and Personal Growth

What if the stress you're trying so hard to avoid is actually your body trying to get your attention?

In this episode of the Daring Well Podcast, Rita sits down with former elite athlete and movement coach Katia Sereno for a powerful conversation about stress, anxiety, resilience, self-trust, and the wisdom of the body.

Katia shares her journey from years of performing, training, and pushing her body beyond its limits to discovering ...

Are you facing adversity?  Are you ready to quit and throw in the towel?  Don't throw in the towel yet.  What if adversity isn't just something we have to survive—but something that can help us discover who we truly are, what matters most, and why we're here?

In this powerful conversation, Rita sits down with Terry Tucker, author, speaker, former SWAT hostage negotiator, business owner, hospital administrator, N...

What if becoming your best self requires you to let go of the person you used to be?

In this replay episode of The Daring Well Podcast, we explore the grief that comes with growth—the people, places, situations, habits, and beliefs we sometimes have to release as we step into a new season of life.

Growth isn't always exciting or comfortable. Sometimes it requires courage, difficult goodbyes, and the willingness to leave behind ...

You don’t have to postpone joy.  Choose Joy today!

What if, before the demands of the day begin, you gave yourself permission to pause, breathe, and intentionally choose how you want to show up?

In this gentle guided morning meditation, Rita invites you to slow down, release tension, and create space for hope, peace, gratitude, self-compassion, joy, and happiness.

This episode is a reminder that you may not be able to contr...

What if the answers you've been searching for aren't outside of you—but already living within you?

In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita sits down with Jen Aks, TEDx speaker, bestselling author of Your Body Is Speaking, somatic educator, and creator of The Power of Gesture®, for a powerful conversation about the intelligence of the body and why mindset alone isn't always enough.

Jen shares her personal journey from f...

What happens when your mind knows what to do, but your body still says, “Not yet”?

In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita sits down with Veronique Ory, an intuitive movement and mindfulness guide, author of Shine On and Off the Mat, and founder of the Shine Collective, for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked connection between the mind and body.

We talk about what it means to actually feel safe in...

What comes to mind when you hear the words self-love?

For some, it may feel empowering and uplifting. For others, it may bring up guilt, discomfort, feelings of unworthiness, or the belief that putting yourself first is somehow selfish.

In this replay episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer takes a deeper look at what self-love really means—and what it doesn't.

Self-love isn't about being perfect, selfish, overly confide...

How would your life change if you knew you only had 700 Mondays left?

Most of us greet Monday with a sigh, counting down until the weekend. But what if Monday wasn't something to survive—it was a reminder that our time is precious?

In this heartfelt solo episode, Rita shares a powerful perspective inspired by attending her uncle's funeral and the realization that 700 Mondays equals just over 13 years. Through honest reflection,...

What if the choices you're making today are shaping a future version of yourself that's either grateful...or wishing you had chosen differently?

In this reflective solo episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer explores the powerful inner conversations we all have with our past, present, and future selves. Through an everyday story about something as simple as putting up a windshield sunshade, she reveals how our smallest dail...

What happens when God calls you to step into something you've never done before?

In this inspiring conversation, Rita sits down with Candice Paolino to discuss what it looks like to trust God's direction even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Candice shares her personal journey of stepping out in faith, navigating fear, and creating My Wellness Wallet—a resource designed to help individuals and families access trusted menta...

What if the greatest gift we could give our teens wasn't more pressure to succeed—but the emotional tools to truly thrive?

In this inspiring episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita welcomes Dr. Carla Caturia, elite peak performance coach, speaker, educator, and founder of House of Rise, for a meaningful conversation about helping high-achieving teens excel without sacrificing their emotional well-being.

With more than 20 years...

Are you running on empty? Do you ever feel emotionally exhausted before your day has even begun? Like you're constantly pouring into everyone else while your own emotional battery feels like it's completely drained.

In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, we're exploring what emotional capacity really is, why it matters, and how to recognize when your mind, body, and spirit are asking for rest instead of more resilience.

We'll di...

Did you know...how you begin your morning has the power to shape your mindset, influence your emotions, and set the tone for your entire day?

In this replay episode, Rita Mercer guides you through a calming morning meditation designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and intentionally step into the day with hope, gratitude, confidence, and peace.

Whether you're navigating stress, recovering from burnout, experiencing a...

What if true success isn’t about pushing harder, achieving more, or constantly striving for the next milestone?

In this powerful conversation, Rita Mercer sits down with performance consultant, coach, and founder of The Inner Life of Sport, Benjamin Smith, to explore what it means to achieve sustainable success without sacrificing your well-being, identity, and sense of purpose.

Together, they unpack why so many high achievers,...

What happens when grief changes not only your heart, but also your brain, body, and sense of safety in the world?

In this deeply moving episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita welcomes Sylvia Wolfer, a neuroscience-informed grief educator, writer, speaker, and advocate who combines personal experience with cutting-edge grief research to help others navigate loss with greater understanding and compassion.

After experiencing the sudde...

What happens when success comes at the expense of your health, energy, and peace of mind?

In this powerful episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer sits down with veteran strength and conditioning coach Jim Laird, founder of Vitality Brotherhood and Vitality Sisterhood, to discuss how high achievers can recover from burnout, rebuild their health, and create lasting vitality.

Drawing from nearly 30 years of coaching experience&...

Have you ever stayed in a relationship where you were pouring into someone who wasn't pouring back into you?

In this powerful episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer sits down with therapist, author, and storyteller Johnzelle Anderson to explore the hidden cost of unreciprocated relationships and the impact they have on our identity, peace, and emotional well-being.

Johnzelle shares the inspiration behind his debut memoir Mix...

What if one powerful story could completely transform the way you lead, communicate, and connect with others?

In this inspiring and high-energy episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer sits down with keynote speaker, story coach, and author Dr. Danny Brassell to explore the art and science of storytelling, leadership communication, and authentic connection.

Dr. Brassell—co-founder of Well Crafted Story and author of 20+ ...

In this powerful episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer sits down with Stephen McConnell — CEO, speaker, NLP coach, and author of the upcoming book The 7 Laws of Personal Mastery. Together, they explore how to redefine success, overcome limiting beliefs, and create sustainable growth without burnout.

Stephen shares his deeply personal journey through addiction recovery, emotional healing, and discovering purpose. He e...