In this episode of Connected with Iva, I talk to Elles Ottens [https://ellesottens.com/], international model and hypnotherapist, about what hypnotherapy actually is and how it helps rewire the subconscious mind.

We get into anxiety, nervous system regulation, inner child wounds, imposter syndrome and those 'I’m not good enough' beliefs so many of us carry from childhood. Elles breaks down hypnotherapy in a really simple, grounded way and shares practical tools like visualisation and EFT tapping that you can start using straight away.

If you’ve been curious about hypnotherapy, struggling with self-doubt, or trying to grow in a way that feels safer and more aligned, this episode will help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface — and how to start changing it.

Inside the Subconscious: Hypnotherapy & Self-Belief With Elles Ottens

Is that gut feeling anxiety… or intuition? How to tell the difference, trust yourself, and act with clarity.

How To Tell The Difference Between Anxiety and Intuition

Today I’m speaking with Saraya about stepping out of our safe bubble, uncovering the roots of limiting beliefs, and noticing how we grow when we move beyond what feels comfortable. We were introduced through Elles Ottens [https://ellesottens.com/], who Saraya worked with for a year before starting her brand, which played an important role in her personal journey. We talk about supporting friends as they evolve, her journey creating Awaken by SVD [https://awakenbysvd.com/], discovering what makes matcha truly mindful, and how rituals can bring us into the present moment. We also reflect on social media, meaningful connections, and finding space for stillness in a world of endless content.

Growth, Mindfulness & Matcha with Saraya, Founder Of Awaken By Saraya

Join me as I speak with Juliana van den Boogaard [https://julianavandenboogaard.com]about how curiosity creates connection and inspires us to protect heritage. We explore the importance of hidden artisans, preserving cultural identity, and keeping traditions alive through her incredible projects and journey.

The Art of Preserving What We Love With Juliana Van Den Boogaard

There Is Enough for Everyone is a conversation about connection, fear, and what happens when women choose abundance over competition.

I’m joined by Lori [https://www.lovelorimichelle.com/], a jewellery designer I was introduced to by someone we both know — and felt instantly connected to. We talk about her move from America to the UK, how fear shows up when you’re evolving, and why fear doesn’t always mean stop — sometimes it means grow.

We explore why women who work for themselves are often the ones opening doors, bringing someone’s name into the room, and creating space for others. This episode is about trusting that there’s enough to go around, sitting with discomfort when it comes, and taking risks instead of staying still.

It’s a reminder that growth is shared, abundance is contagious, and what goes around really does come around.

There Is Enough for Everyone: Abundance, Fear & Why Women Open Doors for Each Other With Lori Michelle 

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I’m joined by Anja Joy Bont for a conversation about what happens when life takes a turn you didn’t plan for — and how to stay with it instead of fighting it.

This conversation was inspired by an Instagram post Anja shared — her 2025 recap — where she openly talked about how things didn’t unfold the way she expected. That honesty became the starting point for a deeper discussion about trusting life when it feels uncomfortable, confusing, or simply harder than we imagined.

We talk about how much the way we see things shapes how we experience them, and how our conditioning — everything we’ve been told, taught, and absorbed —influences how we interpret challenges, success, and even ourselves. We explore the idea that many of our thoughts and reactions aren’t really us but learned responses we’ve been carrying for years.

We also speak about learning to listen to your deeper self, especially during moments when life feels challenging, uncertain, or out of your control — and what it looks like to allow life to unfold without forcing it to match a plan.

This episode isn’t about bypassing hard moments or pretending everything happens for a reason. It’s about developing a more honest relationship with life as it is, and learning how to meet challenges with awareness, trust, and a little more softness.

When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan With Anja Joy Bont

My first guest of 2026 is Alicia Berkvens [https://aliciaberkvens.com/about-alicia/], a deep rest facilitator and systems microbiology PhD researcher who brings together science, rest, and the wisdom of the body.

In this episode, we explore the practice of Yoga Nidra and the powerful, life-changing effects it can have on sleep, dreams, and the nervous system. Over the past year, I have been experiencing recurring nightmares, but since starting the practice of Yoga Nidra, my dreams have shifted into a space I actually look forward to entering. 

We talk about why this shift can happen — how Yoga Nidra helps the nervous system process stress, how it brings awareness closer to the subconscious mind, and how this can influence the quality of our sleep and dreams. We also talk about intention setting and why deep rest is far more than “doing nothing.”

If you’ve been struggling with sleep, stress, or an overactive mind, this conversation will resonate.

How Yoga Nidra Transformed My Sleep | With Alicia Berkvens

This episode is a look back at the last 2.5 years.

I share a few thoughts on how my mindset changed, how my priorities shifted, and how alone time went from something uncomfortable to something I really needed. I also talk about creating space — not to do more, but to let ideas and clarity show up naturally.

Changes Over the Last 2.5 Years

January often arrives with long lists of expectations, so today's episode offers a resolution that’s actually helpful. The magic of whimsy lies in its ability to gently rewire the brain, opening us to creativity, flexibility, and new ways of seeing the world. Playful thinking loosens rigid patterns, eases stress, and helps us meet the year with curiosity instead of pressure. I invite you to choose whimsy as a way to think more lightly, see more clearly, and let possibility back in.

The Magic Of Whimsy: The Brain-Rewiring Power of Playful Thinking

As the year ends, I return to my most-played episode — a throwback chat with Rankin on AI, creativity, and the power to take charge of what comes next.

Rankin on AI — Most-Played Throwback

Dive into real talks about connection, healing, and finding purpose. Each episode, Iva chats with inspiring guests or shares solo reflections, offering authentic stories and insights that spark growth and remind you you're not alone. If you want a podcast that feels like a heartfelt conversation with a friend, you're in the right place.

Iva Litova

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