As a young, hip, 30-something professional, Alyssa Hawn is anything but the stereotypical holistic health coach, whatever that might look like in your mind’s eye. She’s whip smart, light-hearted, and exceptionally witty. She’s also gracious, poised and, at times, downright bubbly. In this fascinating interview, we talk about the ways that Alyssa helps her clients achieve optimum health using tools that marry the worlds of science and spirituality. We also discuss her vision for coaching all parts of the human being, and what she’s passionate about that most health experts and coaches aren’t talking about right now. Along the way, she gives us the inside scoop on surprising things she has learned on her intriguing journey, from the craziest idea she’s ever had that paid off and her “$10,000 mistake” to her advice for following our passions and dreams.

If you’re looking for inspiration and a great way to brighten your day, you know the drill. Simply click the <play> button above, then sit back and enjoy the conversation.

The Backstory

True confession. Selfishly, the most exciting part of hosting a podcast is the opportunity to interview inspiring, captivating people whose stories you would love to chat about firsthand. Such is the case with the charming Alyssa Hawn.

I first learned about Alyssa and her amazing work as a holistic health coach from a mutual friend named Caren Libby—who happened to be my and Alyssa’s talented webmaster and professional photographer. Thanks to Caren, I was lucky enough to land an introduction to Alyssa. And that’s where our podcast story began.

The Interview

In this relaxed, upbeat interview, Alyssa and I talk about a wide range of subjects, including the interesting techniques she uses to bridges science and spirituality to serve her clients; the three gifts that have served her best; and the power and importance of embracing “times of pause.”
We also dive into ways she applies the principles that she teaches in her own personal life; how she fuels herself to play at the top of her game; how she balances the roles of coach, mom, entrepreneur, friend, and partner; and the delightful areas in which she has personally stretched and grown.

You’re going to love the parts when she talks about her own guilty pleasure (yes, dear readers, she has one), Cameron Diaz as her spirit animal, and the person she would most love to come back as in her next life. You’ll also enjoy her thoughtful advice for quieting the voice of our Inner Critic, so key to “playing big” and following our dreams.

Fun Facts

• First job out of college: Production assistant on Hulk Hogan’s Micro Championship Wrestling Show in 2011
• Became alcohol-free and a vegan in August 2022 to strengthen her channeling abilities
• Childhood dream: Play in the WNBA
• Lived in Vicenza, Italy, for a year and a half in her mid-20s
• Won second place in a baking competition for her sourdough rye bread recipe

Cool Links

Alyssa’s Coaching Website
Alyssa’s New Business Partner, Chel Benyair
Where Alyssa Runs Her Human Design Charts – Run Yours for Free!
Alyssa’s Favorite Organic Farm
Alyssa’s Favorite Hometown Restaurant in New Hartford, CT
Alyssa’s Favorite Gluten-Free Bakery with a Lot of Vegan Options

Quotes by Alyssa

“A big part of health is the diet. It’s the science. It’s the exercise. But there’s also this intangible piece beyond science that is spiritual—that is so effective for people who are on a healing journey.”

“Imagine when you walk into a room and you just feel instantly attracted to somebody, and you have no idea why. That’s energy. Or conversely, you walk into the same room and you’re deeply repelled by someone, and you have no reason why. That’s energy. It’s important to be in an environment where you feel energetically happy and safe and secure.”

“We’re always healing, and the beginning is always the hard part. You just want to notice change today, but also it takes time. It takes patience. And you can get there. A lot of it is acceptance of where you are in the moment.”

“We’re go, go, go. We constantly stay busy and feel like we always have to be doing something. But really, if we take the time to rest and recover, we can go back to that old task with so much [more] energy and focus and drive because that is the right time to work—when your cup is full.”

In this powerful, uplifting interview, I talk with Katie and Steve Banister, two extraordinary disability educators and co-founders of Access-4-All. We explore their remarkable story of tragedy and triumph, what it takes to follow a passion or dream in the face of adversity, and advice they would offer to anyone who wants to play bigger in their life and career. In the process, we explore the surprising ‘crash’ that sometimes follows a huge success, strategies for getting unstuck, and the incredible, healing power of listening.

Come join us for the delightful stories and stay for the amazing insights. You’re one <play> button away from a wonderful listening experience.

The Backstory

Two degrees of separation. That’s how excruciatingly close (and equally far) I was from securing an interview with the inimitable Katie Banister. What were the chances the beloved speaker, playwright, poet, actor, songwriter, and disability educator would say yes to my invitation for an interview? And what were the chances her equally impressive husband and business partner Steve would join us? Those were two of my many questions as we planned for Season 3.

So, I did what any self-respecting podcaster does when she’s driven to the edge of distraction. I reached out to a dear friend (whom Katie and I shared as a webmaster) and asked for an introduction. At the time, Katie was only days away from opening night of her exciting, new play Roll With It! which is based on her incredible personal story. In classic Katie fashion, she responded immediately to my invitation. And just like that: The gracious Katie and Steve Banister said” Yes!”

The Interview

To say that Katie and Steve are exceptional is an understatement. They’re also refreshingly honest, warm, and witty.

At the age of 25, Katie was critically injured in an SUV rollover accident, which left her a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the waist down. After six months of rehabilitation followed by 15 months of living with her parents, she returned to independent living, built a career in the corporate world, and later launched her work as a disability educator and advocate. Her husband Steve is an equally formidable disability activist. After a chance meeting one day on the steps of the state capitol, their lives and work would change forever.

During our interview, we talk about their incredible lives and work, including the unusual way they met and the kiss that virtually rocked their worlds. One of the most poignant moments of the interview is when Katie talks about her surprising ‘crash’ at the end of her play’s first run. You’ll be touched by her honesty and candor as she shares her experience, and you’ll appreciate her thoughtful advice for navigating those unexpected moments.

Two of my favorite parts of the interview are when Katie and Steve talk about each other’s superpower and kryptonite, and the person with whom they would most love to spend a day on a desert island. You’re going to love their stories, their witty banter, and their thoughtful wisdom.

Fun Facts: Opposites Attract

• Katie used to be cold, and Steve was always hot – now the situation has switched, and it cracks them up.
• Steve is 5’9 and Katie is 4’11, which makes moving her from her bed to wheelchair easier than it would be if their roles were reversed.
• In high school, Katie was voted ‘Most Likely to Win an Oscar’ and Steve, ‘Most Likely Watching’.
• Steve can fall asleep in a minute, and Katie can take hours—yes, she’s jealous!
• Katie’s fast. Steve’s slow. But they’re always together.

Cool Links

Access-4-All

Accessible Gym Where Katie Works Out

Katie + Steve’s Favorite Music Artist, Aurora

Life-Changing Information

Where Katie + Steve Love to Work and Play

Organization Katie + Steve Will Always Be a Part of

Quotes by Katie + Steve

Katie: “Our passion is to educate. And I love it when a child or an adult, when I tell them how I do something…and I can see them go, ‘Oh.’ Either they’ve learned something or ‘Oh, I can apply that.’ That is exactly why I do what I do.”

Steve (on following a dream): “You definitely have to be open to whatever comes your way and go with your gut. As long as things feel right, then it’s the way to go. If you have trepidations about it, then you need to think twice about it.”

Katie (on navigating the highs and lows of big successes): “If you allow yourself some time and be with whatever you’re feeling, don’t deny your feelings, and [if] you take care of your mental health, the next big thing can happen. And that’s how it starts.

Steve: “If you have bad things happening in your life, you need to try to get those out of your head, get counseling, or figure out a way to get yourself in a positive place. And you have to listen to your gut.”

Katie: “Like anybody in the world, I wish I had more money because I would do much more for the culture of disability than I’m able to, but listening costs nothing, and it makes the world a better place.”