Curious With Sonia

About Curious With Sonia

Curious With Sonia is a long-form exploration of the human experience. Hosted by Sonia Houria Rivas, integrative inner-work guide and cultural bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern life, the podcast brings together thinkers, healers, creators, athletes, and everyday people with extraordinary stories to explore how humans grow, adapt, connect, and heal. Each episode dives into the deeper layers of mind, body, emotion, culture, and nature - the places where meaning, resilience, and identity are shaped. We explore themes such as: • emotional resilience and nervous-system intelligence • breathwork, embodiment, and movement practices • cultural identity, belonging, and ancestral wisdom • nature connection and its impact on wellbeing • spirituality, creativity, fear, and purpose • relationships, community, and collective healing The mission: To help listeners understand themselves more deeply and navigate life with groundedness, clarity, and compassion. This podcast invites you to remember your true nature; to reconnect with your inner intelligence, honour cultural and ecological wisdom, and rediscover the courage already alive within you. No quick fixes. Just honest, spacious conversations that honour complexity and inspire transformation. If you’re seeking meaningful dialogue that reflects the depth of being human, Curious With Sonia is your place to slow down, listen, and explore what truly shapes us.

Publisher

Sonia Houria Rivas

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

17 Dec 2025

Latest episode

12 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Jul 2026

   From hiding to visual activism - How your purpose chooses you | Wayne Campbell

   In this conversation, Sonia Houria Rivas sits down with Wayne Campbell, visual activist and founder of A Celebration of Demonstration, a gallery in the heart of Brixton, London, built as a safe space for protest. They explore how Wayne transformed uncontrollable anger after George Floyd's murder, into art; and how a gallery wall covered in thousands of handwritten messages became a place where strangers cry, hug, and heal. They also go deep into the inner work behind the activism: the emotional toll of documenting protest up close, the choice between fear and love, why we cling to comfort instead of using our voice, and what it costs to overwork when your self-worth is tied to achievement. Wayne shares how he spent 40 years with all the creative tools but no direction, feeling invisible and broke, until focus arrived and everything aligned. If you've ever felt stuck, called to something bigger, or unsure what your purpose is, this episode is a masterclass in staying open, feeling the energy, and letting your calling find you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you can have all the talent and tools and still feel lost How to channel anger and rage into creativity instead of letting it consume you The hidden cost of the happy suit How overworking and tying your worth to achievement leads to burnout Why asking "what is my role?" in the face of injustice matters How to recognise your calling Why connection, communication, and community are the foundation of resilience and change Whether your thing is protesting, creating, or telling stories, this conversation is an invitation to stop looking away, choose your discomfort, and use what you have. Connect with Wayne Campbell Website: https://www.acelebrationdemonstration.com (https://www.acelebrationdemonstration.com) IG: @acelebrationofdemonstration New book: Carnival of Resistance (with fellow visual activist Wayne C) Connect with Sonia 🌊 http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au (http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au) 🔗 http://www.soniahouria.com (http://www.soniahouria.com) 📱 IG: @womenmakewaves_ Listeners' Discounts SuperFeast — 10% off all products with code WMWHEALTH http://www.superfeast.com.au (http://www.superfeast.com.au) Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 10% off with link https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH (https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH) Chapters 00:00 From Brixton to Visual Activism: Meet Wayne Campbell 01:52 Hiding Behind a Camera: How Photography Found Him 04:26 George Floyd, Rage, and Becoming a Visual Activist 06:54 The Emotional Weight of Documenting Protest 09:32 The Gratitude Box: Healing Inside a Brixton Gallery 12:51 Fear vs Comfort: Why We Look Away From Injustice 17:33 How to Process Anger and Heavy Emotions 21:09 Overworking, Self-Worth, and Learning to Rest 24:47 Carnival of Resistance: A First Collaboration 28:10 Trusting Timing, Intuition, and Opportunity 29:18 Fear at Protests and the Courage to Document 32:15 Feeling the Shot: The Craft of Visual Activism 32:55 Performative Activism vs Real Storytelling 34:57 Social Media and Why Every Voice Matters 36:12 What Protests Teach Us About Humanity 38:59 How to Find Your Calling 43:36 Turning Rage Into Purpose and Direction 47:54 A Global Vision: Safe Spaces for Protest Worldwide

2. 

   5 Jul 2026

   You Knew Before You Knew. Why Won't You Listen? (Intuition, Fear & The Voice You've Been Ignoring)

   You knew. Before you had the words for it, before anyone confirmed it, before it made any logical sense, some part of you already knew. The relationship that wasn't right. The move that made no sense on paper. The person you should have trusted less, or more. That quiet knowing was your intuition. And most of us have spent years learning to talk over it. In this solo episode, Sonia Houria Rivas breaks down what intuition actually is, and why it's so easy to miss. Not loud, not urgent, not dramatic. The exact opposite of the fear and mental noise we've been trained to listen to instead. Sonia shares the real, unscripted moments her own intuition led her somewhere illogical and life-changing: a five-minute decision that sent her to the Netherlands after her mother's death, a random pick that became her move to Australia, the pull toward the Sahara that still doesn't have a map. And she walks through the client story of a woman who spent years outsourcing every decision to louder voices, disconnected from her own, until she learned to trust the one inside her. This episode will help you tell the difference between fear and intuition, understand why listening gets harder the longer you ignore it, and walk away with a simple heart-centered practice to start hearing yourself again. In this episode you'll learn ●      What intuition feels like ●      The difference between fear and intuition ●      Why belonging often costs us our own inner voice, and what happens when we stop paying that price ●      What happens in your body when you consistently ignore your own intuition ●      A guided practice to reconnect with your intuition, right now Whether you're standing at a crossroads or just tired of doubting yourself, this episode is a reminder: the voice you're looking for isn't out there. It's already in you. You just have to get quiet enough to hear it. Chapters 00:00  What Intuition Actually Feels Like (And Why It's So Easy to Miss) 06:26  Why You Stopped Trusting Your Own Voice 13:24  The Fear That Shows Up Right After You Listen 20:27  What Happens When You Ignore Your Intuition 26:21  A Guided Practice to Reconnect With Your Intuition Connect with Sonia 🌊  Coaching & community: www.womenmakewaves.com.au (http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au) 🌍  Speaking & the Sahara Project: www.soniahouria.com (http://www.soniahouria.com) IG: @womenmakewaves_ @amazingamazigh_ Ready to reconnect with your own inner authority? The Mentorship is where we do this work together. Rebuilding trust in your own intuition, getting to the roots of your disconnection and inner turmoil & creating solutions, step by step. www.womenmakewaves.com.au (http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au) Useful Links & Discounts 🍄  SuperFeast 10% off all products with code WMWHEALTH https://www.superfeast.com.au/ (https://www.superfeast.com.au/) 🍫  Australian Ceremonial Cacao 10% off with link: https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH (https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH)

3. 

   21 Jun 2026

   She Built a $30M Company, Then Walked Away Because Success Felt Like a Prison | Shiran Faast

   What if the life that looks successful from the outside is the exact thing keeping you stuck? In this episode, Sonia sits down with Shiran Faast, author of Unstoppable Business Growth, business transformation speaker, who built a $30 million company with her husband, won awards, and quietly felt like she was living in "a little prison." Shiran shares how she ignored every signal for nine years. The ways she made herself smaller, the disconnect she felt every time she described what she did, the sense of being choked by an environment she'd outgrown. This is a raw conversation about why we stay in situations that aren't right for us, the fear of change, failure, and loss that keeps us frozen, and what it takes to make the leap when everything in you is terrified. It works on two levels. If you're an employee, it's a guide to reading your own path: how to tell whether a job is a stepping stone toward something bigger or a place of stability you've chosen, and why naming that changes how you show up and what you walk away with. If you're an employer, it's a reframe: when you understand what your people truly want from their lives and careers, you stop losing them, you build trust that makes a team stay through a crisis, and you keep the business healthy instead of waiting for the cracks to show up in the numbers a year too late. If you've been calling yourself comfortable when you're really just scared, this one will mirror exactly where you are. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you stay stuck in a role that looks "fine" on paper The early signs you're on the wrong path Alignment vs misalignment: the difference between successful and unstoppable How to tell if your job is a stepping stone or stability, and why it matters What keeps a business alive The cost of not changing Chapters 00:00 Shiran's Journey of Transformation 04:59 Recognizing Signs of Misalignment 12:11 The Importance of Alignment in Business: Successful vs Unstoppable 18:36 Employee Engagement and Values, or How to Build a Team That Champions Your Company 24:28 Listening to the Cues When You've Outgrown Your Life 27:34 The Importance of Values in Business 29:19 Learning and Growth Through Diverse Experiences 31:39 Understanding Why Your Employee Is There and What Their Exit Strategy Is 35:32 Trust and Communication in the Workplace 40:31 Creating a Healthy Business Environment 46:05 The Fear of Change and Its Implications I'd love to hear from you. What change have you been wanting to make but haven't been able to? What signal have you been ignoring? If you're navigating a big life or career change and want support, explore the Inner Power Mentorship at http://womenmakewaves.com.au (http://womenmakewaves.com.au) Connect with Shiran 🔗 Website: https://www.shiranfaast.com/ (https://www.shiranfaast.com/) 🌊 Connect with Sonia http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au (http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au) http://www.soniahouria.com (http://www.soniahouria.com) 📱 Instagram: @womenmakewaves_ 🔗 Useful Links & Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast, 20% off with code WMWHEALTH 👉 https://www.superfeast.com.au/ (https://www.superfeast.com.au/) 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao, 20% off with link 👉 https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH (https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH)

4. 

   23 May 2026

   Why You Can't Take Action Even When You Know What to Do (Fun Fact: You're Not Lazy)

   What if you're not lazy, not broken, and not self-sabotaging, but frozen? You know what you need to do. You've known for a while. But no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to take action. You feel stuck in life and you can't move forward. That's not weakness. That's your nervous system in survival mode. In this solo episode, Sonia Houria Rivas shares the deeply personal story of buying a plane ticket to Australia and not getting on that plane for two years, all while functioning, going to work, and taking care of everyone around her, but slowly losing herself in the process. From people pleasing and over-functioning to crashing so hard she slept for three months, this episode unpacks what the freeze response actually looks like when you're still showing up on the outside but completely shut down on the inside, and why "feel the fear and do it anyway" doesn't work when your nervous system doesn't feel safe. This is not just a story. It's a powerful breakdown of why you can't take action even when you know what to do, and what actually helps you get unstuck. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you feel stuck and can't take action even when you know exactly what you need to do What the freeze response really is and why it gets mistaken for procrastination or self-sabotage Why "feel the fear and do it anyway" backfires when your nervous system is dysregulated How people pleasing and over-functioning lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and losing yourself What functional freeze looks like, still going through the motions but feeling numb, disconnected, and empty inside Why you can't think your way out of a freeze response and why willpower isn't enough The practical tools that help, breathwork, nervous system regulation, grounding, and reconnecting with joy, so your body feels safe enough to move Why making big life changes feels so scary, especially when it's tied to childhood patterns and fear of the unknown If you feel stuck, if you've been calling yourself lazy or wondering what's wrong with you, if you're scared of making a big life change but you know you can't stay where you are, this episode will change how you see yourself. Your freeze is not the problem. It's information. You're not broken. You just need to feel safe enough to move. Chapters 00:00 I Bought a Plane Ticket and Didn't Get On It for 2 Years 02:30 Why You Can't Take Action Even When You Know What to Do 05:00 Why "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" Doesn't Work 07:30 People Pleasing, Over-Functioning and Losing Yourself 14:00 What Functional Freeze and Burnout Actually Look Like 18:00 Your Freeze Response Is Not Weakness, It's Your Nervous System Protecting You 22:00 How Nervous System Regulation Helped My Client Get Unstuck 26:00 How to Get Out of Freeze: Breathwork, Grounding and Reconnecting with Joy 32:00 Making a Big Life Change from Desire, Not Survival I'd love to hear what change you're navigating right now. What step have you been wanting to take but haven't been able to? If you're navigating this and want support, explore the Inner Power Mentorship at http://womenmakewaves.com.au (http://womenmakewaves.com.au) 🔗 Useful Links & Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 https://www.superfeast.com.au/ (https://www.superfeast.com.au/) 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link: 👉 https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH (https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH)

5. 

   28 Mar 2026

   From Car Accident to Competitive Surfer: Natalia Vindas on Reinventing Happiness

   In seconds, Natalia Vindas went from a 20-year-old civil engineer to a woman who couldn't move her legs. After two years of fighting to walk again, she made a different choice - she let go, moved to the ocean, and learned to surf from a wheelchair. Now she's a competitive para surfer, accessibility consultant, and proof that the ocean doesn't care about your disability. In this conversation, we talk about what it really takes to reinvent your life, why asking for help changed everything, and the visualisation practice she uses before every surf session to leave her stress on the shore. Connect with Natalia: https://nataliavindas.com/ (https://nataliavindas.com/) Connect with Sonia🌊 Website: http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au (http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au) 📱 Instagram: @womenmakewaves_ Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 http://www.superfeast.com.au (http://www.superfeast.com.au) 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link 👉 http://www.australianceremonialcacao (http://www.australianceremonialcacao).... Keywords: adaptive surfing, para surfing, spinal cord injury recovery, wheelchair surfing, disability and travel, accessible travel Costa Rica, reinventing life after injury, women surfers, accessibility consultant, natural health, essential oils for healing, mindset and surfing, asking for help, Barcelona accessibility, nervous system, Women Make Waves, Natalia Vindas, Sonia Houria Chapters 00:00 Reinventing Life After Injury 05:33 Accessibility Challenges in Costa Rica 08:33 The Accident and Its Aftermath 11:33 Finding Freedom in the Ocean 14:17 Competitive Surfing and Achievements 17:24 Mindset and Competition 20:20 The Importance of Asking for Help 23:18 Traveling and Learning About Accessibility 26:16 Impact of Accessibility on Life 29:07 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 30:04 Redefining Design and Accessibility 33:16 Navigating Career Changes and New Paths 34:28 Health Challenges and Resilience 36:19 Embracing Natural Health Practices 38:14 Cultural Perspectives on Natural Remedies 41:43 Adventure and Accessibility in Costa Rica 46:17 Learning from Diverse Abilities 48:05 Life Lessons and Personal Growth

6. 

   21 Mar 2026

   You Can’t Heal in an Environment That’s Making You Sick

   What if your body isn’t broken, but responding to a life that doesn’t feel safe? Most women are trying to heal their nervous system, regulate their emotions, and “do the work” while staying in environments that quietly keep them in stress, anxiety, and burnout. In this solo episode, Sonia Houria Rivas shares the deeply personal story of the two years she spent dealing with extreme fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, panic attacks, and emotional overwhelm without understanding why. From thinking it was perimenopause to uncovering the deeper root cause, this episode explores the powerful link between emotional safety, chronic stress, trauma patterns, and the nervous system. This is not just a story. It’s a powerful breakdown of how your environment, relationships, and unresolved patterns can impact your health and your ability to heal. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why chronic emotional stress can show up as physical symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and hormonal imbalance • The difference between a triggered nervous system and being in a genuinely unsafe environment • Why you can’t regulate your way out of a situation that requires self-abandonment • What external safety means for your nervous system and overall wellbeing • How childhood trauma patterns replay in adult relationships and keep you stuck • Why choosing yourself can feel unsafe, even when it’s the healthiest decision If you’re experiencing anxiety, burnout, emotional overwhelm, or feel disconnected from yourself, this episode will help you understand what your body is trying to tell you. Your symptoms might not be the problem. They might be information. You don’t have to choose between healing yourself and protecting yourself. You can do both. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Discovery Understanding My Body 03:09 The Impact of Stress Unraveling Childhood Trauma 05:56 Navigating Relationships Recognizing Patterns and Triggers 08:49 The Importance of External Safety Recognizing Danger 12:14 Inner Work Healing and Choosing Differently 15:09 The Complexity of Emotional Responses Real vs Triggered Danger 17:48 Choosing Safety The Courage to Let Go 21:06 The Path to Healing Acknowledging Emotions and Needs If this resonates, I’d love to hear what your body has been trying to tell you lately. What are you starting to see more clearly? If you’re navigating this and want support, explore the Inner Power Mentorship at womenmakewaves.com.au (http://womenmakewaves.com.au) ---------------------------------------- 🔗 Useful Links & Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 https://www.superfeast.com.au/ (https://www.superfeast.com.au/) 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link: 👉 https://www.australianceremonialcacao (https://www.australianceremonialcacao)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazI5RXhVWk5qUXRoenpJbmh3Ni10bTU2NXhNZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsQ181V2poRTF5bEVlOXo4aG5NLVZrbDRSZk1hcFBwd2ZrSzlmR0twNk1LUm1DaElLYUxaVURpZzc0NWk0NkloY1VBN2dmTHpTaG1KVlZWUjFHOTVlQWwta1BreENoQzFiOVNIOXNaRlJuVEpRWmRESQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.australianceremonialcacao.com%2F%3Fref%3DWMWHEALTH&v=loaI5pFqYfs)

7. 

   28 Feb 2026

   Don't Be Blindsided by Perimenopause - A Naturopath's Honest Guide with Sulin Sze

   Episode Summary Have you been feeling exhausted, irritable, bloated, or just not yourself — and no one can tell you why? You might be in perimenopause. You're not alone, and you're not crazy. In this episode, Sonia sits down with naturopath, herbalist and women's health specialist Sulin Sze to break down everything you weren't told about perimenopause — what's actually happening in your body, why your symptoms are real, and what you can do about it naturally. In This Episode We Cover: Why perimenopause can start in your late 30s — and the signs most women miss What your bleed is actually telling you about your hormones Belly fat, bloating and why your waistline is changing in your 40s Brain fog, memory loss and ADD-like symptoms — yes, it's hormonal Why ghrelin increases six times in perimenopause The liver-emotion connection and why rage and hot flashes are linked How chronic stress directly lowers progesterone The Mediterranean diet, phytoestrogens and herbs that actually help Connect with Sulin Sze 🌿 Website: www.herbalwell.com.au (http://www.herbalwell.com.au) 📱 Instagram: @perimenopause.naturopath ▶️ YouTube: Sulin Sze Sulin's book: https://herbalwell.com.au/product/wildcraft-guide-botany-herbalism-for-wildcrafters/ (https://herbalwell.com.au/product/wildcraft-guide-botany-herbalism-for-wildcrafters/) Learn herbalism with Sulin: www.wildmedicineacademy.com (http://www.wildmedicineacademy.com) Perimenopause course: https://insighttimer.com/meditation-courses/calm-the-chaos-a-natural-toolkit-for-perimenopause (https://insighttimer.com/meditation-courses/calm-the-chaos-a-natural-toolkit-for-perimenopause) Connect with Sonia 🌊 Website: www.womenmakewaves.com.au (http://www.womenmakewaves.com.au) 📱 Instagram: @womenmakewaves_ Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 www.superfeast.com.au (http://www.superfeast.com.au) 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link 👉 www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH (http://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH) Keywords: perimenopause symptoms, natural remedies, anxiety, insomnia, perimenopause weight gain, estrogen dominance, progesterone decline, insulin resistance Chapters 00:00 Understanding Perimenopause: An Introduction 01:21 Cultural Influences on Perimenopause 06:05 Defining Perimenopause and Menopause 09:27 Symptoms of Perimenopause 14:54 The Role of Hormones in Perimenopause 25:37 Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes for Perimenopause 32:07 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Women 41:38 The Importance of Nutrition and Food Choices 52:38 Navigating Perimenopause: Hormonal Imbalances and Symptoms 56:39 Dietary Recommendations for Hormonal Health 01:01:03 Cultural Influences on Menopause 01:03:29 The Importance of Community and Connection 01:05:29 Nutrition and Herbal Remedies for Hormonal Health 01:10:13 Mental Health and Hormonal Balance 01:15:19 Generational Stress and Its Impact on Women 01:19:41 Emotional Health and Hormonal Well-being 01:24:33 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support

8. 

   20 Feb 2026

   You're Breathing Wrong and It's Making You Anxious: The Truth About Functional Breathing

   Are you breathing wrong right now? Most people are - and it's silently fueling anxiety, brain fog, poor sleep, and chronic stress. In this solo episode, Sonia Houria Rivas takes you on a deeply personal journey - from breaking her back in a surfing accident, to discovering the one tool that changed everything: her breath. But this isn't just a story. It's a masterclass in why how you breathe matters more than you think, and what you can do about it starting today. In this episode you'll learn: The difference between functional and dysfunctional breathing - and how to know which one you're doing Why chest breathing and mouth breathing are keeping your nervous system locked in chronic stress response What CO2 actually does in your body and why over-breathing is making you more anxious, not less The 4 pillars of functional breathing that can improve your sleep, digestion, focus, and emotional regulation How breathwork became the foundation of Sonia's shamanic practice - and why science and spirituality are two sides of the same coin Whether you're dealing with anxiety, burnout, poor sleep, or you simply want to perform better - physically, mentally, emotionally - this episode will show you that the most powerful healing tool you have is already with you. You draw 20,000 breaths a day. It's time to make them work for you. 🎧 Listen to the previous episode with Jason Rice, founder of Apnea Survival, for the science behind breath hold and stress management. Chapters: 00:00 - How a Surfing Accident Forced Me to Stop and Face Myself 01:32 - From Physical Pain to Emotional Healing: My Journey Into Stillness 04:28 - How Breathwork at an Ayahuasca Retreat Changed Everything 10:23 - What Is Dysfunctional Breathing - And Are You Doing It? 14:40 - What Chronic Dysfunctional Breathing Does to Your Body, Mind and Emotions 16:22 - The 4 Pillars of Functional Breathing 19:24 - Breathwork for Athletes, Anxiety and Healing: Real Client Results 23:19 - A Simple Breathing Reset You Can Do Right Now 🔗 Useful Links & Listeners' Discounts 🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 https://www.superfeast.com.au/ (https://www.superfeast.com.au/) 🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link: 👉 https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH (https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH)

9. 

   8 Feb 2026

   Jason Rice - Surf Apnea Founder | The Science of Stress Management through Breathing

   Summary In this conversation, Sonia Houria Rivas interviews Jason Rice, Apnea Survival Founder and expert in performance stress management and breath control. They discuss the importance of breath control in high-pressure situations, the physiological and psychological aspects of breath holding, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Jason shares insights on how proper breathing techniques can enhance athletic performance, manage stress, and build mental resilience. They also explore the role of cold water immersion in teaching discomfort management and emphasize the importance of safety in breath training. The conversation highlights the need for individuals to familiarize themselves with discomfort to navigate stress effectively. In this conversation, Sonia Houria Rivas and Jason explore the profound impact of breathwork on personal healing, the importance of stillness, and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. They discuss how breath can be a tool for regulation and calm, the essence of humanity, and the role of creativity in authentic expression. The dialogue emphasizes the need for individuals to reconnect with nature and their true selves, highlighting the journey towards enlightenment and understanding one's purpose in life. USEFUL LINKS 🔗 Website: https://apneasurvival.com.au/ (https://apneasurvival.com.au/) LISTENERS' DISCOUNTS SuperFeast: * 20% off on all products with Code *WMWHEALTH*at: https://www.superfeast.com.au/ (https://www.superfeast.com.au/) Australian Ceremonial Cacao * _: 20% off with link: https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Breath Control and Performance 02:32 The Journey of Surf Apnea and Stress Management 05:45 Understanding Breath Hold and Stress Response 11:41 Myths and Misconceptions about Breath Holding 14:36 The Importance of Proper Breathing Techniques 17:22 Breath Control for Athletic Performance 20:43 Training Techniques for Surfers 23:28 Mental Resilience and Breath Control 26:40 Safety in Breath Training 29:19 Cold Water Immersion and Adaptation 32:33 Breathing Techniques for Recovery 35:29 Managing Discomfort and Stress in Daily Life 54:48 The Power of Stillness and Calm 01:00:07 Healing Through Breath and Consciousness 01:03:06 Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Breath 01:18:40 Creativity and Authenticity in Expression

10. 

    18 Jan 2026

    If You Don’t Understand This About Yourself, Overwhelm Wins

    Most people think overwhelm means something is wrong with them. That they’re weak, failing, or not organised enough. It usually means none of that. Overwhelm happens when the demand placed on you, by life, work, others, or yourself, is higher than your capacity in that moment. Capacity fluctuates. With your nervous system. With your season of life. With your natural rhythms and relationships. In this episode, I unpack overwhelm through three lenses: the inner world, the natural world, and the relational world, and why understanding how you function matters more than pushing harder. If you’ve been feeling tired, frustrated, or disappointed in yourself lately, this conversation is for you. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Overwhelm 01:36 The 3 Systems: Inner, Natural, Relational 03:12 The Inner World and Nervous System Signals of Overwhelm 05:50 Natural Rhythms: Seasons + Energy 06:52 Practical Strategies for Managing Overwhelm 08:10 Your Personal Data: Track the Pattern 12:21 Relational Intelligence 12:48 The Importance of Healthy Relationships 14:37 Be like the French - Fill Your Champaign Cup First 16:11 The Greatest Hack of All: Honour The Full Human Experience 16:31 Build a Life That Matches Your Rhythms Useful Links - Listeners' Discounts SuperFeast: 20% off on all products with Code WMWHEALTH at: https://www.superfeast.com.au/ Australian Ceremonial Cacao: 20% off with link: https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH

11. 

    3 Jan 2026

    Starting a Mission-Driven Business in Uncertain Times - Circular Meal Delivery, Plastic & Burnout

    In this conversation, Sonia Houria Rivas speaks with Veronica Robin, founder of The Loop Kitchen, about building a sustainable meal delivery service rooted in reuse, community, and conscious choice. They explore the environmental and health impacts of plastic, why reducing waste starts with everyday decisions, and how food systems shape both wellbeing and connection. Veronica shares her personal journey toward sustainable living, the two-year process behind launching The Loop Kitchen, and the challenges of building a mission-driven business while navigating uncertainty and self-doubt. Together, they discuss practical ways to reduce food waste, the importance of flexibility and rest, and how small, consistent changes - made with awareness rather than perfection - can create meaningful impact over time. Chapters 00:00 – A Canadian in Australia: Introduction and Background 02:12 – The Loop Kitchen: Meal Delivery With a Circular Twist 05:58 – The Zero-Waste Pyramid: One Level That Creates Change 07:20 – The Making of an Activist 09:18 – A Sustainable Way to Create Big Change 14:38 – What Plastic Does to Humans 21:59 – How to Reduce Food Waste in Your Own Home 24:37 – Why Purpose Work Can Burn You Out 28:20 – The Internal Blocks No One Sees 32:14 – Rethinking Rest When You’ve Lived in Survival Mode 37:48 – The Hidden Cost of Convenience 40:11 – The Unnatural System of Food Rejects 47:56 – The Lost Art of Connection 50:23 – The Key to Navigating Life Well Useful Links 🔗 Website: https://theloopkitchen.com.au/ (https://theloopkitchen.com.au/) 👉 20% Discount* @ The Loop Kitchen - Code WMW20 *Valid for a Limited time, from 1st Jan 2026 Listeners' Discounts SuperFeast: 20% off on all products with Code WMWHEALTH at: https://www.superfeast.com.au/ (https://www.superfeast.com.au/) Australian Ceremonial Cacao: 20% off with link: https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH (https://www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH)

12. 

    17 Dec 2025

    Episode 000 — For Honest Conversations About Being Human

    What does it really mean to be human, and how do we live a life that feels like ours? In this opening episode of Curious With Sonia, host Sonia Houria Rivas shares why this podcast exists and the questions at its heart. Born from years of working with thoughtful, capable people who still feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck, this podcast explores the inner and outer tools we often forget we have as humans. Through long-form conversations, Curious With Sonia examines the human experience through inner intelligence, nature intelligence, and relational intelligence, supporting deeper clarity, resilience, belonging, and connection. This is not a podcast of quick fixes, but an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Learn more at womenmakewaves.com.au (http://womenmakewaves.com.au)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Curious With Sonia

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.