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

In this 7 minute guided meditation, you’re invited to slow down, breathe, and notice how you’re feeling.

Instead of trying to change or fix your emotions, this mindfulness practice helps you to simply allow them to be present. Emotions naturally rise and fall like waves, and when we give them space, they often begin to subside on their own.

Take a few minutes to relax your body, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with the present moment.

Whatever you're feeling today is welcome here.

7 Minute Guided Meditation for Emotional Awareness & Inner Calm

In this episode of Connected With Iva, I’m joined by photographer and creative storyteller Laura from Seek Happy Days [https://www.seekhappydays.com/] for a conversation about finding your creative path.

We dive into Laura’s journey through photography and the modelling world, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from early test shoots, unexpected lessons from creative projects, and the moments that helped shape her perspective on confidence, image, and self-expression. It’s a conversation about creativity, growth, and learning to trust your own path.

If you’re interested in creativity, photography, modelling, and personal growth, this episode is a reminder that every story evolves—and learning to own it can be the most powerful part of the journey.

Finding Your Creative Path With Laura from Seek Happy Days

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

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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