{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F1610a9f1-a575-47c0-9f9d-cd9c4898b405","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Healing Through Hugs: Radical Softness, Connection, and Self-Love with Melinda Schmitt\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/1610a9f1-a575-47c0-9f9d-cd9c4898b405\"></iframe>","title":"Healing Through Hugs: Radical Softness, Connection, and Self-Love with Melinda Schmitt","description":"In this powerful episode of Mind Over Matter, we dive into the transformative power of physical connection with empowerment coach and author of Rebel Hugger, Melinda Schmitt. Melinda shares how her year-long journey of hugging strangers became a path to healing, self-love, and radical softness. She opens up about the challenges of post-divorce isolation, the lessons animals and nature have taught her about authenticity, and how gentleness can be a form of resistance in a world that often rewards hardness. Listeners will walk away inspired to embrace vulnerability, compassion, and connection in everyday life\u2014whether through hugging others, connecting with animals, or learning to hold themselves with love.\n\nAbout the Guest:Melinda Schmitt is an empowerment coach, author of Rebel Hugger, and a passionate advocate for authentic connection. Her work focuses on helping individuals break down barriers of fear and isolation, using physical and emotional vulnerability as tools for healing.\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nHugging is a universal language of connection that transcends words and cultural boundaries.\n\n\nRadical softness\u2014choosing vulnerability and compassion\u2014is a powerful act of resistance in an often guarded world.\n\n\nHealing begins with self-compassion; placing a hand on your heart or self-hugging can be grounding and restorative.\n\n\nAnimals and nature teach us how to show up authentically, and can provide a safe bridge back to human connection for those struggling.\n\n\nPhysical connection can\u2019t always be replaced, but emotional and spiritual vulnerability can deepen relationships even when touch isn\u2019t possible.\n\n\nOpening up after grief or heartbreak takes courage and patience, and starting with small acts of connection can rebuild trust in others and ourselves.\n\n\n\nConnect with Melinda Schmitt:Website: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/Book: Rebel Hugger available wherever books are sold\n\nWant to be a guest on Mind Over Matter? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nCHECK PODCAST SHOWS &amp; BE A GUEST:\n\n\nTune to all our 19 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik\n\n\nSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/\n\n\nJoin Community: https://nas.io/healthymind\n\n\nOUR SERVICES\n\n\nBusiness Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/\n\n\nIndividual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/\n\n\nShare Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory\n\n\nSTAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!\u2022 Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik\u2022 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik\u2022 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/\u2022 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind\u2022 Linkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik\u2022 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/\u2022 Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub\u2022 Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/\nSHARE YOUR REVIEW\n\n\nShare your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/\n\n\nShare a video Testimonial and it will be displayed on our website - https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/\n\n\n#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness #StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podcastepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motiv","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/f5e0dd22-67b6-47ee-9cda-03355850cb4a/zdjkyi5qcgc.jpg"}