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From Disruption to Direction: Identity, Connection & Growth with David Aferiat & Melinda Lee

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Manage episode 504641794 series 3467087
Content provided by Avik Chakraborty. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Avik Chakraborty or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this powerful episode of Healthy Waves, we explore the raw and transformative nature of life’s disruptions. Avik is joined by two incredible guests—David Aferiat, FinTech entrepreneur turned growth coach, and Melinda Lee, author of Rebel Hugger. Together, they unpack the real meaning behind life transitions, identity shifts, and emotional vulnerability.

David shares how stepping away from a 20-year leadership role challenged his identity and pushed him into a values-driven future. Melinda opens up about her year of hugging strangers—a bold act that revealed unexpected loneliness and a deeper need for self-love. This is a conversation about moving beyond resistance, reframing discomfort, and finding resilience in unexpected places.

Whether you're navigating uncertainty, recovering from burnout, or questioning your next move—this episode is your call to reconnect, realign, and rise.

About the Guests:
David Aferiat is a former FinTech founder, now a growth coach helping CEOs and leadership teams navigate transformation using the Hero’s Journey framework. He also runs Avid Vines, an artisanal champagne venture.
Melinda Lee is the author of Rebel Hugger, a healing coach, and energy practitioner. Her work focuses on vulnerability, boundaries, and true belonging through emotional connection.

Key Takeaways:

  • Disruption isn’t always dramatic; it often begins as a quiet misalignment before a major shift. David shared how walking away from a company he co-founded became an opportunity to build a life aligned with his core values: self-care, learning, and showing up fully.

  • Melinda’s hug experiment, while externally full of warmth, revealed internal disconnection. Her transformation came not from others, but from the journey back to herself. Her biggest realization: self-love is foundational for real connection.

  • Both guests highlighted that surrender is not defeat. True surrender comes from trust, not fear.

  • Morning rituals and routines were key tools both guests use to stay grounded amidst change—whether it’s Melinda’s tea-on-the-porch ritual or David’s structured routine rooted in nourishment, movement, and gratitude.

  • Disruption can be a gift—if we choose to see it that way. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about evolving into a more authentic, values-led version of ourselves.

Connect with the Guests:
David Aferiat:

Melinda Lee:

Website: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/
Book: Rebel Hugger available on her website and Amazon.Want to be a guest on

Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PodMatch:
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:
Tune to all our 19 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik
Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/
Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind

OUR SERVICES
Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/
Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/
Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory

STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind
LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/
Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik

SHARE YOUR REVIEW
Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/
Video Testimonial - https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/

#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #mentalhealth #wellness #growthmindset #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalresilience #selflove #hugtherapy #disruption #podcastshow #storytellingasmedicine #rebelhugger #avidvines #purposefulliving #healingjourney #mindfulnessmatters #mentalhealthpodcast #selfcare #resilience #personaltransformation #growthcoach #connectionmatters #healingjourney #mentalhealthawareness #foryou #youtube #linkedin #instagram #facebook #trending

  continue reading

1005 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 504641794 series 3467087
Content provided by Avik Chakraborty. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Avik Chakraborty or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this powerful episode of Healthy Waves, we explore the raw and transformative nature of life’s disruptions. Avik is joined by two incredible guests—David Aferiat, FinTech entrepreneur turned growth coach, and Melinda Lee, author of Rebel Hugger. Together, they unpack the real meaning behind life transitions, identity shifts, and emotional vulnerability.

David shares how stepping away from a 20-year leadership role challenged his identity and pushed him into a values-driven future. Melinda opens up about her year of hugging strangers—a bold act that revealed unexpected loneliness and a deeper need for self-love. This is a conversation about moving beyond resistance, reframing discomfort, and finding resilience in unexpected places.

Whether you're navigating uncertainty, recovering from burnout, or questioning your next move—this episode is your call to reconnect, realign, and rise.

About the Guests:
David Aferiat is a former FinTech founder, now a growth coach helping CEOs and leadership teams navigate transformation using the Hero’s Journey framework. He also runs Avid Vines, an artisanal champagne venture.
Melinda Lee is the author of Rebel Hugger, a healing coach, and energy practitioner. Her work focuses on vulnerability, boundaries, and true belonging through emotional connection.

Key Takeaways:

  • Disruption isn’t always dramatic; it often begins as a quiet misalignment before a major shift. David shared how walking away from a company he co-founded became an opportunity to build a life aligned with his core values: self-care, learning, and showing up fully.

  • Melinda’s hug experiment, while externally full of warmth, revealed internal disconnection. Her transformation came not from others, but from the journey back to herself. Her biggest realization: self-love is foundational for real connection.

  • Both guests highlighted that surrender is not defeat. True surrender comes from trust, not fear.

  • Morning rituals and routines were key tools both guests use to stay grounded amidst change—whether it’s Melinda’s tea-on-the-porch ritual or David’s structured routine rooted in nourishment, movement, and gratitude.

  • Disruption can be a gift—if we choose to see it that way. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about evolving into a more authentic, values-led version of ourselves.

Connect with the Guests:
David Aferiat:

Melinda Lee:

Website: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/
Book: Rebel Hugger available on her website and Amazon.Want to be a guest on

Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PodMatch:
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:
Tune to all our 19 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik
Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/
Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind

OUR SERVICES
Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/
Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/
Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory

STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind
LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/
Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik

SHARE YOUR REVIEW
Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/
Video Testimonial - https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/

#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #mentalhealth #wellness #growthmindset #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalresilience #selflove #hugtherapy #disruption #podcastshow #storytellingasmedicine #rebelhugger #avidvines #purposefulliving #healingjourney #mindfulnessmatters #mentalhealthpodcast #selfcare #resilience #personaltransformation #growthcoach #connectionmatters #healingjourney #mentalhealthawareness #foryou #youtube #linkedin #instagram #facebook #trending

  continue reading

1005 episodes

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