In this episode of Connected for Iva, I talk about the exhaustion of overthinking everything — relationships, decisions, timing, identity, and the constant pressure to get life 'right.' May left me feeling emotionally unsettled, caught between intuition and anxiety, certainty and doubt, and wondering why trusting myself suddenly felt so difficult.

We live in a world full of endless possibilities and constant comparison, where every choice can begin to feel existential. This conversation is about the paralysis that comes from trying to optimize your entire life, the fear of making the wrong decision, and learning that peace might not come from finding the perfect path, but from finally allowing yourself to live the one you’re already on.

The Paralysis of Choice: Why Overthinking Is Destroying Your Peace

Change is terrifying — but staying the same hurts more. Pearl Botts joins me for a conversation about healing, reinvention, creativity, faith, burnout, relationships, emotional growth, and trusting life when everything feels uncertain. If you’re navigating transformation, this episode will resonate.

Why Change Feels So Painful | Healing, Growth & Letting Go With Pearl Botts

Need a quick reset? This short guided meditation with Dani Luna [https://www.danilunayoga.com/] uses deep breathing and calming humming to help you relax, slow down, and reconnect with yourself in just a few minutes.

Perfect for stress, overwhelm, anxiety, or anytime you need a moment of calm.

Mini: Quick Nervous System Reset With Dani Luna

'What if happiness isn’t a feeling?'

Today I sit down with Irena Tyshyna, founder of CODA:GENE [https://www.coda-gene.com/], to explore the stories we inherit from our families, the emotional patterns that shape our relationships, and the hidden beliefs that influence how we live, love, and see ourselves.

We talk about intergenerational trauma, identity, healing, feminine and masculine energy, and what it really means to stop surviving and start consciously participating in your own life.

A conversation for anyone trying to break old cycles, understand themselves more deeply, and create a more meaningful life.

The Stories We Inherit: Breaking Generational Patterns With Irena Tyshyna

Matthew Monaghan was told he would never walk, but his life went in a very different direction. Today he is a pilot and the author of The Weight of Progress, a book about living with a rare condition, rebuilding independence, and learning who you become through life.

In this conversation, we talk about feeling stuck, the moments that change you, and how your sense of self can grow over time. We also talk about fear, connection, and how the right people can help you move forward when things feel uncertain.

If you’ve ever felt like you are in a space between where you were and where you are going, this one is for you.

What Happens When You Question Your Limits With Matthew Monaghan

Close your eyes for a moment. Breathe in. What if the bloating, the fatigue, the brain fog… isn't about food? In this episode, I’m joined by Dani Luna [https://www.danilunayoga.com/] — ex-investment banker turned yoga teacher, breathwork and detox guide — as we explore the deeper connection between your nervous system, your gut, and your energy. From breathwork to detoxing, this is about releasing what your body has been holding onto — physically, mentally, and emotionally — and returning to a state that actually feels like you.

What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You: Gut Health, Stress & Healing With Dani Luna

In today's episode, discover how embracing life as play can lead to greater confidence, growth, and joy. Through mindfulness, daily brave actions, and a people-centred approach, explore how courage, curiosity, and small steps outside your comfort zone can transform your mindset and unlock personal expansion.

The Secret to Confidence? One Brave Act a Day

In today’s episode of Connected with Iva, I’m joined by Nidhi Uppal to explore colour, confidence and self-expression through the timeless sari. We talk about identity, creativity, cultural connection and how what we wear can shape how we feel. This is a conversation about joy, openness and reconnecting with yourself in a more playful and expressive way.

The Power of Colour, Confidence and Connection: Rediscovering Identity Through the Sari with Nidhi Uppal

Today I'm speaking with Masha Del Bono [https://www.mashadelbono.com/] about shadow work, the subconscious mind, and why we keep repeating the same patterns in our lives.

We explore how childhood conditioning, triggers, and unresolved emotions shape the way we think, feel, and show up in relationships. Masha shares her journey from modeling into deeper inner work, and how practices like meditation, breathwork, and Jungian-based coaching helped her reconnect with herself.

We also talk about dreams, anxiety, feeling stuck, and the constant chase for “something more.” This is a conversation about learning to be present, breaking old cycles, and understanding that you’re not your past or your patterns.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still feel stuck, this episode will give you a different way to look at it.

What Your Subconscious Is Trying to Show You with Masha Del Bono

In this episode, I’m joined by Jacqui Ponde, the voice behind Instagram account My Incomplete Wardrobe, [https://www.instagram.com/myincompletewardrobe/] who shares her life after a life-altering C4/5 spinal cord injury. A former primary school teacher, Jacqui’s life changed in an instant after a fall that left her paralysed from the neck down, forcing her to reimagine everything she thought she knew about identity, motherhood and purpose.

We talk about what it really means to lose the “before” version of yourself and the often unseen work of building a life again from scratch. Jacqui reflects on the power of community, from the army wife network that carried her family through crisis to the small, human moments of connection that can change a day, or even a life.

This is a conversation about resilience, yes, but also about loneliness, identity, and the unexpected beauty that can exist alongside loss.

Jacqui is committed to supporting charities that help people living with spinal cord injuries. If you’d like to support her work, you can find out more or donate at Spinal Injuries Association [https://www.spinal.co.uk/] and Flying Scholarships for Disabled People [https://fsdp.co.uk/], both of which provide vital support, community and opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after injury.

How To Rebuild A Life When Everything Changes With Jacqui Ponde

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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