My Crunchy Zen Era
Welcome to My Crunchy Zen Era — we're not exactly sure what it means, but we're figuring it out.
It started when I asked my friends: How do you create a life you love? Then it turned into a podcast full of a little fun, a little humor, and a whole lot of curiosity. Each week we dive into a fresh topic with a guest, exploring everything from everyday joys to life’s bigger questions. Whether we’re laughing, learning, or just letting things unfold, this show is your weekly dose of lighthearted inspiration.
Hosted by Nicole Swisher.
Episodes
13 episodes
Scotland by Train: A Travel Adventure with my Mom and a Traumatic Brain Injury
We Finally Made It to Scotland – After 3 Years, a Pandemic, and a Traumatic Brain Injury?!After three years of delays (thanks, global chaos and a traumatic brain injury), my mom, Heidi, and I finally ticked off our bucket list dr...
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Episode 12
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57:12
Lights, Camera, Laughter: A Cinematographer's Journey with Brinn Daniels
Stubbornness, talent, and occasionally rapping all 14 minutes of "Rapper's Delight" are just a few traits that helped Brinn Daniels in her cinematography career. On this episode Brinn and Nicole chat about:Internships at Comed...
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Episode 11
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58:57
Finding Calm Through Connection: Horse-Assisted Wellness with Dr. Ashley Dial
Can a horse take the place of your therapist? Well, perhaps we shouldn't go that far since we're a big fan of therapy over here... In this episode, Nicole is joined by Dr. Ashley Dial who shares how horses serve as powerful therapeutic partners...
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Episode 10
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58:06
Government Watchlists, Creativity, and Cozy Mystery Novels with Ashley Weaver
Has her google history landed her on a government watchlist? Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver ponders the occupational hazards of being an author as she joins host, Nicole Swisher, this week as they discuss:The ...
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Episode 9
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50:30
Mentorship, Gamified Learning, and Saying No with Dr. Stephanie Moore-Lotridge
What would happen if we all approached learning with more creativity, collaboration, and genuine curiosity? Dr. Stephanie Moore-Lotridge takes us inside her work as an educator where she's pioneering approaches that could trans...
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Episode 8
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52:49
Mindfulness Trends, AI Dating, and Dead Bodies with Phillip Headrick
Is silent walking the mindfulness trend we all need now? Who can really say... But Phillip Headrick might try in his return to My Crunchy Zen Era with host, Nicole Swisher. In this attempt at a reflective episode, N...
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Episode 7
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47:52
Standup Comedy, Wellness and Cat People with Paula Kosienski
What happens when your dream career collides with your physical limitations? When external validation no longer sustains you? Join standup comedian, Paula Kosienski, and host, Nicole Swisher, as they discuss:Is clean come...
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Episode 6
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47:24
Quitting Your Job, Writing a Romance Novel, and Enneagram Struggles with Sara Holifield
I had this fear that I would die without having written a book because I was too scared.... Sara Holifield aka Avalon Griffin admits as she shares about quitting her job to write a paranormal romance novel. Join Sara and Nicole...
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Episode 5
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55:45
Improv, Building Confidence, and Getting Rid of Fish Smells with Zeta Graves
I feel like I've designed my life to be a very stress-free experience... Zeta Graves shares on this episode with host, Nicole Swisher. Join Zeta and Nicole as they chat about: Mental health benefits from improv (sooo...
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Episode 4
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59:15
Therapist or Hairstylist, Ghosts, and Being Uncomfortable with Brittany Otto
It was a karmic lesson for us to be uncomfortable... Brittany Otto shares in this week's episode. Join us this week as we discuss:Brittany's Akashic readingSpying on neighborsGhosts and hauntingsThe challe...
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Episode 3
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53:47
Barbecue, Primitive Camping, and Trying New Things with Phillip Headrick
Say yes to everything unless it gets you killed... is Phillip Headrick's life philosophy that he shares on this episode with host, Nicole Swisher. Join Nicole and Phillip as we chat about:• Daily affirmations and meditat...
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Episode 2
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56:07
Goat Milk, Shower Curtain Killers, and Some Crunchy Zen Stuff with Marianna Barksdale
What does "crunchy zen" actually mean? That's exactly what host Nicole Swisher and her guest Marianna Barksdale are figuring out together in this warm, funny, and not so insightful debut episode. Join us to:De...
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Episode 1
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46:51