In screenwriting, Enneagrams provide a powerful tool for creating well-rounded, complex characters by defining their core motivations, fears, and desires. By understanding an Enneagram type, writers can craft characters with distinct personalities, conflicts, and growth arcs that resonate with audiences. These types not only help establish how a character interacts with others but also guide their emotional journey throughout the story. Whether for a hero, villain, or supporting character, integrating Enneagram traits can add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making the character’s choices and development feel organic and impactful.
Here are the main Enneagram types with brief descriptions:
Type 1 – The Reformer: Driven by a desire for perfection and doing things the right way, often struggling with criticism and guilt.
Type 2 – The Helper: Focused on others’ needs, they seek love and appreciation, sometimes sacrificing their own well-being for others.
Type 3 – The Achiever: Motivated by success, they value productivity and image, often fearing failure or being seen as worthless.
Type 4 – The Individualist: Deeply in touch with their emotions and identity, they crave uniqueness and self-expression but fear being ordinary.
Type 5 – The Investigator: Intellectual and perceptive, they seek knowledge and understanding, often withdrawing from emotional connections to preserve independence.
Type 6 – The Loyalist: Security-oriented and committed, they seek safety and stability, often struggling with anxiety and indecision.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Energetic and adventurous, they seek pleasure and avoid pain, sometimes avoiding discomfort or commitment.
Type 8 – The Challenger: Assertive and strong-willed, they seek control and respect, often challenging authority and resisting vulnerability.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Easygoing and accepting, they value harmony and avoid conflict, often suppressing their own desires to maintain peace.
Each type offers unique possibilities for character development, conflict, and growth within a screenplay.
Just as the spirit was perpetuated by the union of man (Adam and Eve) so to, was the sin of man. We took to sin like fish to water. Removal from the Garden (heaven) was then inevitable. Earth was created to facilitate this expected situation.
Gerald Mackrell Know, Trust, Abandon
In Know, Trust, Abandon, Gerald Mackrell invites readers on a reflective journey that tackles one of humanity’s oldest questions: Is there meaning to life, or are we simply here by chance? Drawing from his Christian faith and personal curiosity, Mackrell explores both scientific and spiritual perspectives on existence, addressing doubts and reaffirming belief. His writing is not just about theological doctrine but about engaging with the complexities of faith in the modern world.
Mackrell, a retired machine tool fitter with a lifelong interest in writing, uses his book to dissect the relationship between knowledge, trust, and surrender in one’s spiritual journey. He examines the intersection of science and religion, questioning whether the universe and human life are the results of mere accident or divine intention. While he acknowledges the plausibility of scientific explanations like the Big Bang, he also argues that life’s intricate design points to a creator. His reflections draw from biblical texts, personal insights, and a deep contemplation of life’s purpose.
At its core, Know, Trust, Abandon is not about preaching but about questioning and seeking understanding. Mackrell encourages readers to explore their own spiritual paths, whether they are steadfast believers or grappling with doubt. Through his honest and thoughtful approach, he provides a space for reflection, urging readers to embrace both knowledge and faith while considering what it truly means to trust and surrender to something greater than oneself.
Biohacking vs. Nature: The Longevity Debate Between High-Tech and Holistic Wellness
From battling chronic illness and addiction to reclaiming her health through the power of plant medicine, The Smile Enthusiast has transformed her life—and now, she’s on a mission to help others do the same. Her book, #FutureCenturionLife, shares the natural tools that reversed her symptoms, eliminated pharmaceuticals, and set her on a path toward record-breaking longevity.
In this interview, we explore the contrast between cutting-edge science and a holistic, plant-based lifestyle—two very different visions for longevity.
Many longevity and wellness experts still prioritize external aesthetics as the hallmark of youth, but this focus extends beyond just the industry—social media has amplified the pressure to look younger, with countless influencers and doctors promoting Botox, fillers, microneedling, and stem cell procedures. I see these interventions as the pharmaceutical side of “anti- aging”, where symptoms are masked rather than addressed at the root.
– The Smile Enthusiast
Bryan Johnson has made headlines for his extreme biohacking methods, from blood transfusions to strict supplement regimens. What are your thoughts on his approach to longevity? Do you think it’s sustainable for the average person?
Bryan Johnson’s approach to longevity stands out because it takes a radically different stance on health and aging—one that is neither accessible nor affordable for the average person. His regimen includes around 90 pills a day, combining supplements and pharmaceuticals, alongside an AI-driven system that not only tracks and adjusts his health metrics in real time but also determines what foods his organs are asking for. Johnson simply follows whatever the AI instructs him to do.
It’s a futuristic and controversial strategy, especially given the staggering cost—$2 million per year just to maintain his longevity blueprint. Beyond the pharmaceuticals and supplement-heavy protocols, Johnson undergoes a range of treatments, including plasma exchange therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, follistatin gene therapy, stem cell injections, high-frequency electromagnetic stimulation, red light therapy, and so much more. All of this is part of his AI-curated regimen intended to reverse the biological age of his organs and slow his signs of aging overall.
I have to admit, I find myself wondering if Johnson’s longevity blueprint is truly intended to benefit humanity’s longevity or if it was more about helping him personally. He’s openly shared that there was a time when he didn’t want to exist in this life or the afterlife, which is a deeply dark place to be. However, he mentions that starting his project blueprint gave him a renewed sense of purpose and helped him regain his zest for life. Ultimately, he found strength and liberation in following the blueprint, particularly when the AI guides his actions, helping him avoid falling into self-destructive patterns. While I’m genuinely happy for him that he found this outlet to heal and transform his life, I cannot ignore the fact that the protocols he follows are unattainable, unsustainable and unaffordable for most people. Given this exclusive approach, it’s difficult for me to see how his methods could translate into practical, sustainable solutions for the wider population. Ultimately, it feels like the most accessible aspects of his longevity blueprint are his branded supplement line and affiliate links tied to his website. I can’t help but wonder if the primary goal of the project is to sell the idea of longevity rather than creating sustainable solutions for the masses.
Your take on longevity is quite different from Johnson’s high-tech, supplement-heavy routine. Why do you believe your natural, plant-based approach is a better and more accessible alternative for people looking to improve their health span?
I wouldn’t say my approach is “better” than Bryan Johnson’s, especially since I don’t have the metrics yet to compare my biomarkers to his—but stay tuned, because I’m working on getting that data, and we’ll let the results speak for themselves. What I can say is that my holistic, grassroots approach to wellness has given me some truly ground-breaking results in my own healing journey, and I believe that’s something worth sharing.
While Johnson’s high-tech routine relies on an outrageous mix of supplements and pharmaceuticals along with an abundance of expensive medical interventions—My approach centers on the tools that God put here for us: medicinal plants. Roots, bark, berries, leaves, weeds, flowers, blossoms, spices and more—plants that have been used for healing for centuries, and over the past decade, I’ve spent countless hours educating myself more deeply about them.
Here’s something you should know: I once practiced a supplement-heavy healing lifestyle, spending $50,000 over five years and seeing little to no improvement in my health. In fact, I began to regress in certain areas, with some of my symptoms worsening. Despite taking 33 different supplements daily, my body didn’t respond the way I expected; some issues even intensified. That experience was a real eye-opener and pushed me to move away from synthetic, processed nutrients, especially since I could no longer afford them. I also transitioned away from the carnivorous lifestyle I had been following, which was not serving my body as it seemed that my digestive system and liver could no longer breakdown and process heavy proteins, meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and all the fats that came with these foods. This launched me into my second healing journey, shifting toward a more medicinal-plant-forward approach to wellness.
To my surprise, within just four years of practicing my grassroots holistic approach to wellness, I reversed all my chronic symptoms and conditions, including my mystery hernia above my belly button—without any medical intervention. Even in 2020 and beyond, when the world was gripped by COVID-19, I didn’t experience so much as a cough, sniffle, runny nose, sore throat, or fever (despite being subjected at times to people who were sick). I have been free of chronic symptoms and illnesses for 6 years and counting! What stands out to me as the most ground-breaking result of my grassroots, holistic approach, is my body’s ability to heal and protect itself simply by using plants found in nature.
While Bryan and I both embrace plant-forward dietary lifestyles, I’ve taken whole, unadulterated herbs to the next level. Herbs are healing tools that God has put on this planet, designed to work in harmony with our bodies. When I switched from high quality synthetic processed supplements to fresh herbal infusions and decoctions, my body began to respond in ways I hadn’t experienced before. Through my healing journey, I learned something crucial: just because we ingest nutrients doesn’t mean our bodies will automatically absorb and use them effectively. When the digestive system and liver aren’t functioning optimally, nutrient absorption is compromised. The liver is essential for processing substances, including nutrients from food and supplements, and when it’s impaired, it can affect how well the body utilizes them. Likewise, if the digestive system isn’t breaking down food and supplements properly, nutrients can pass through without being absorbed. Given my past struggles with compromised gut health and liver function, I suspect this was the reason why the supplements I took weren’t providing the healing results I expected—because my body wasn’t able to properly absorb or utilize them.
That said, I strongly advocate for my grassroots approach to healing and longevity. It doesn’t require millions of dollars annually, nor any cutting-edge technology, and it’s accessible to anyone willing to learn from nature’s abundant wisdom. For those curious about the healing potential of medicinal plants, I published a guidebook in April 2024, titled HERBALICIOUS: The Smile Enthusiast’s Book of Bountiful Botanicals. This book explores over 200 medicinal plants that have been provided by nature to support the human body and our health span.
My holistic, grassroots approach to health and longevity emphasizes a partnership with the earth and our minds, not a battle against them. By embracing the healing power of nature and cultivating a mindset focused on stress management, positive thinking, and letting go of negative programming and self-limiting beliefs, we can restore our overall health and well-being. This approach has given me a deeper sense of self-reliance and alignment with my body’s overall needs. It’s a gentle reminder that we don’t need to outsource our health to algorithms, synthetic compounds, or expensive medical interventions.
Many longevity and wellness experts still focus heavily on appearance—youthful skin, body composition, and aesthetics—rather than strength, resilience, and true health span. Why do you think it’s important to shift the focus from looking young to actually living long and strong?
Many longevity and wellness experts still prioritize external aesthetics as the hallmark of youth, but this focus extends beyond just the industry—social media has amplified the pressure to look younger, with countless influencers and doctors promoting Botox, fillers, microneedling, and stem cell procedures. I see these interventions as the pharmaceutical side of “anti- aging”, where symptoms are masked rather than addressed at the root. The real question is: has this obsession with appearance distracted people from actually building a body that will keep them strong and thriving for life?
The truth is, youthful skin isn’t about erasing every wrinkle, frown line, or smile line—it’s about hydration, radiance, smoothness, and a reflection of internal health. Chronic inflammation, poor liver function, and other signs of imbalance show up on the skin, and no injection, filler, or external procedure can truly fix that. I believe my body naturally rewards me with vibrant, glowing skin when I give it the right tools to thrive.
For me, graceful aging starts from within. I nourish my body daily with medicinal plants packed with antioxidants and bioactive compounds that fight oxidative stress and support cellular repair. I also apply plant extracts (like Herbal Face Food serums and creams) for topical antioxidant support instead of relying on synthetic skincare or invasive procedures. I stay well-hydrated, I avoid alcohol and caffeine beverages, I don’t smoke anything, and I prioritize deep, restorative sleep—averaging 10 hours per night. I manage my stress before it manages me. I train daily—strength and resistance training. I do this to tone my muscles, strengthen my bones, and support my cardiovascular health.
And this is key—I believe our external appearance is often a direct reflection of our internal health. I feel that my skin and physique mirror my biological age, and I’m eager to validate this through comprehensive biomarker testing, which I plan to undergo in the near future. I can confidently say that I feel better now than I ever did in my 20s or 30s, so I’m curious to see what the results will reveal.
This is why the focus needs to shift from merely looking young to actually living vibrantly with resilience and strength for as long as humanly possible. A toned, well-conditioned body isn’t something you can buy—it’s something you earn. You can’t fake sculpted arms, muscular legs, or a powerful back. When you see someone with a strong, well-built physique, you immediately know they put the work, the time and the effort into themselves.
Beyond the aesthetic side of working out daily, exercise stimulates key longevity processes, such as increasing NAD+ (critical for DNA repair and cellular energy), boosting human growth hormone (HGH) (which supports tissue regeneration and metabolism), and releasing myokines—anti-inflammatory proteins that enhance metabolism, brain function, and immune response. Strength training elevates testosterone and DHEA, both of which decline with age but are essential for muscle maintenance, cognitive function, and energy. It also stimulates osteocalcin, which strengthens bones, supports cognitive function, and promotes collagen production for skin elasticity and joint health.
These biological pathways keep us youthful—without artificial interventions. Daily exercise doesn’t just build physical strength; it activates longevity mechanisms that many people aren’t even aware of. This is why we need to change the narrative around aging. The term “anti-aging” itself feels outdated—it aligns with the pharmaceutical model of using external procedures to hide aging rather than embracing a lifestyle that keeps the body truly young from within.
When people focus solely on external anti-aging treatments without addressing their body’s internal needs, they’re missing the bigger picture. True longevity is about giving the body the right support so that it naturally rewards us with the vitality, strength, and youthful glow we desire. A body that thrives on the inside will always reflect that on the outside.
We have to ask about the price. Your newest book, #FutureCenturionLife, is priced at $277, which is quite unconventional. Can you share why you chose that price point and what readers are getting that makes it worth the investment?
Absolutely! I’d love to share more insight into the price with you and your readers. Buckle up, and let me take you on a journey through #FutureCenturionLife which is priced at $277.77—a number intentionally chosen for its powerful vibrational energy. In angelic numerology, 7777 is a profound symbol of divine wisdom, spiritual awakening, and the alignment of mind, body, and soul. It represents being on the right path, guided by intuition and higher consciousness. This textbook is more than just my longevity blueprint—it’s an inspiring and empowering masterclass designed to help you step into your fullest potential and highest quality of life. I wanted the price to reflect and resonate with that elevated frequency.
Beyond symbolism, this is a 712-page, full-color hardcover textbook, which costs $100 just to print one copy. For anyone who’s ever purchased a college or university textbook, you know they aren’t priced like casual self-help books or novels. This isn’t a book you flip through and forget—it’s a comprehensive longevity blueprint that walks you through my entire lifestyle, from nutrition to herbal medicine, detoxification, movement, mindset, and beyond. It’s a true investment in your health and future-self.
Here’s the reality—when something is cheap, it’s often undervalued. How many inexpensive books sit on shelves and never get fully read? When you invest in something meaningful, you commit to using it. This textbook is designed for those who are ready to read the whole book from cover to cover and take action! You wouldn’t buy a university textbook and not read it from cover to cover—because the knowledge inside is meant to be applied. The same applies here: this textbook is a powerful tool for transformation, but only for those who are ready to show up for themselves and apply the information.
So, what are you getting for this investment? More value than any other book on the market today. Inside, you’ll find:
The Platinum Standard Guide to Ingredients – This reference tool includes over 3,000 ingredients, helping you differentiate between what truly meets my platinum level standards (green checkmark) and what doesn’t (red X). While some ingredients listed are found in conventional products, the majority of them are commonly found in organic food, personal care, and home care products. This is especially important because many of these organic products are subject to “greenwashing,” where toxic ingredients are disguised as safe or natural. My co-author, Jenny Diehl, a board-certified holistic nutritionist, created this guide to open our eyes to the reality behind these labels, offering readers a higher level of discernment. Our platinum standard far exceeds the regulatory standards set by agencies like the EWG (Environmental Working Group), ensuring that you are getting the highest level of care and quality when it comes to choosing what you put on and in your body. This guide will forever change the way you view product labels and empower you to make better, more informed choices.
Exclusive Signature Herbal Blends & Recipes – Over the years, I’ve carefully crafted and curated these herbal blends, which are designed to target specific areas of the body, as well as certain health conditions and symptoms I struggled with. These blends are born from my personal healing journey. Given where my health is today, I truly believe that if these herbal combinations worked for me (and continue to work in my favor), they can work for others too. My approach focuses on using the tools that nature has provided for us, rather than relying on pharmaceuticals or supplements. This is a holistic, nature-based approach to wellness and longevity—one that honors the body’s ability to heal through the medicinal plants that God has put on this earth. If you’re ready to explore a more natural, plant-forward way of supporting your health, this is a great first step on your healing journey.
Longevity-Focused Nutrition & Lifestyle – Also inside this textbook, you’ll get detailed pages dedicated to the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients I believe are necessary for sustaining my long-term health span. Each nutrient is explained in terms of how it supports the body, giving you a deeper understanding of what your body truly needs for health and longevity. Additionally, it includes extensive, alphabetically organized charts that showcases my favorite plant food sources for each nutrient, vitamin, and mineral. This chart not only highlights what I personally incorporate into my meals but also gives you a comprehensive reference for plant foods that can help you achieve the nutrients your body craves for a balanced, thriving life.
Zero-waste recipes, and my kitchen tips and hacks —These recipes and hacks are designed to fit into a practical, everyday lifestyle, helping you minimize waste while maximizing nutrition. This approach is the foundation of my holistic, longevity-focused way of living—one that emphasizes simplicity, nourishment, and sustainability.
Alcohol-Free Herbal Hot Toddies – You’ll find 26 alcohol-free herbal hot toddy recipes, each designed to provide targeted support for a wide range of health needs. These recipes focus on supporting various organs and body systems, as well as addressing specific concerns like PMS, menstruation, aches and pains, and a high viral load. You’ll also discover hot toddies that promote bone and brain health, support hair vitality, reduce high levels of unfavourable bacteria, and so much more.
Each recipe begins with a personal explanation of when I would choose to use the herbal hot toddy for myself, helping you understand the connection between your body’s signals and the herbs best suited to support your needs.
The process involves pressing a specific juice blend that’s crafted to support the health focus of the recipe. The juice pulp from this blend is then repurposed to make the herbal hot toddy, while additional complementary herbs are introduced to target the same health need. This unique approach ensures you’re receiving the full benefits of both the juice and the medicinal herbs. I also offer clear, step-by-step guidance on how to prepare these hot toddies, so you can confidently make them at home. One of the standout features of these recipes is the sustainable use of juice pulp—a byproduct that is often discarded but, in this case, is transformed into a healing support tool that nurtures the body’s needs while reducing waste.
Cleansing & Fasting Protocols – This textbook offers my seasonal 5-day juice fasts, specifically designed for both the spring/summer and fall/winter seasons. You’ll receive a blueprint for each. You’ll also find 31 of my favoured longevity-supportive juice recipes and 8 of my signature herbed smoothie recipes aimed at optimizing cellular health, while bolstering immune function and addressing pathogens . The herbed smoothie recipes in this textbook are unlike any you’ve seen before. I use culinary herbs in therapeutic quantities, and through careful combinations of ingredients, I’ve created herbed smoothies that I believe are highly effective at supporting digestive health, and reducing our body’s pathogenic load — while still tasting yummy.
Weekly Meal Breakdown & Daily Blueprint – You’ll find a detailed chart outlining exactly what I eat in a week—offering a transparent look at how I nourish my body to sustain energy and vitality year-round. You’ll see my core staples, the variables that shift depending on the season or my body’s needs, and how I intuitively navigate my daily herbal infusions and decoctions. This section reveals how I structure my meals, when I incorporate my signature herbal blends, and the key foods that are fundamental to my longevity lifestyle.
The Supplement Trap –
I take you on a deep dive into The Supplement Trap—a cycle I personally found myself caught in for five years. During that time, I practiced a supplement-heavy healing lifestyle, investing a total of $50,000. I truly believed these supplements would be the key to my health transformation, but after five years, not only had I failed to improve—I had actually regressed. On top of that, I could no longer afford to keep up with the endless supply of pills, powders, and promises.
This chapter was born out of my own experience and sheds light on just how easy it is to fall into this trap, especially with the overwhelming number of health influencers promoting supplements—whether it’s their own brand or a company they have financial ties to.
With so many bogus studies and clever marketing tactics, supplements are often positioned as must-haves for optimal health, leading people to believe they need to take dozens of them daily. Even Bryan Johnson, with his multi-million-dollar protocol, relies on an outrageous supplement regimen. But are they truly necessary? Are they actually helping, or are they just lining the pockets of health influencers and corporations?
I empower you to use your critical thinking skills, and discernment to navigate the noise and make informed choices that serve your health—not someone else’s bottom line.
Beyond the supplement conversation, this textbook also includes:
My Healing Journey – A transparent look at what I went through, where I was, and how I got to where I am today.
Actionable Steps to Prioritize Yourself – Stop trying to pour from an empty cup! I empower readers to take themselves off the back burner, and reclaim their time, and invest in their well-being. When you prioritize yourself, every aspect of your life benefits.
My Ambitious Goal: Becoming the Guinness World Record Holder for the Oldest Person Ever – A closer look at why I believe this is achievable.
My Keys to Longevity – The guiding principles and daily mantras that form the foundation of my health and vitality.
To be honest, this isn’t just a textbook—it’s a masterclass in self-healing and longevity; it’s unlike anything else available on the market today. If you’re serious about transforming your life using sustainable, attainable, and affordable methods, this is the blueprint for you.
For those who are ready to invest in themselves, $277.77 isn’t expensive—it’s a steal. The value you will receive inside these 712 pages is 100x more than what you’re paying. But this isn’t a textbook for everyone. It’s for those who are truly committed to making real, lasting changes. If that’s you, this textbook will be one of the most powerful investments you ever make in your health and your future-self.
You’ve spoken about healing chronic conditions and addiction through herbalism and natural medicine. What were some of the biggest turning points in your personal health journey, and what lessons can others take from your experience? I would love to share some of my most impactful turning points, but it’s important I share a bit of my past with you, and your readers for context.
For most of my life, I suffered from chronic health issues—sinus infections, bronchitis, respiratory infections, yeast infections, bacterial overgrowths, digestive disorders like SIBO and gastritis, chronic fatigue, painful joints, memory problems, and liver dysfunction, just to name a few. My body was breaking down, but I didn’t realize it at the time because I had grown accustomed to the suffering.
On top of that, I was unknowingly, (and knowingly) destroying my liver. For nearly two decades, I was a high-functioning closet alcoholic, and in my late teens and most of my 20s, I also abused substances. After two back-to-back accidents, my doctor prescribed Fentanyl—an opioid—which led to a full-blown addiction. At the same time, I was put on a cocktail of pharmaceuticals for depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and various other symptoms. I was lost in a medical system that was only interested in treating my symptoms—and making me worse, instead of actually healing me.
Looking back, it was a series of moments, realizations, and hard choices that were all turning points in my life. But at the core of it all, I had to make a decision: Was I going to stay stuck in the cycle of sickness and dependency, or was I going to take full responsibility for my life and reclaim my health?
Taking My Health into My Own Hands
One of my first major steps was getting off opioids—a decision I took into my own hands. My doctor advised that it would take upwards of three months to fully ween off fentanyl, but that wasn’t acceptable to me in that moment. I was sick of how it made me feel and I refused to prolong the process. I took control of my own recovery, determined to break free on my own terms. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most empowering. From that moment on, I started peeling away everything that wasn’t serving me—addictions, pharmaceuticals, toxic relationships, self-limiting beliefs, negative programming, and old patterns that were holding me back. I share the full story in my longevity textbook. I didn’t wake up one day and suddenly know how to heal myself. It was a slow process of trial and error, educating myself, and most importantly, learning how to listen to my body.
Discovering Herbalism & Intuitive Healing
I started studying herbalism—not as a profession, but as a way to heal myself. I devoured books, research papers, documentaries, and any knowledge I could get my hands on. But the real breakthrough came when I stopped following others protocols and instead tuned into my own body’s needs.
Herbs weren’t just an alternative to pharmaceuticals and supplements for me—they were a way to reconnect with nature and myself. Over time, I learned to use plants intuitively, crafting herbal blends that my body responded to. I didn’t just treat symptoms; I supported my body’s ability to heal itself.
Breaking Free from the Supplement Trap
For five years, I spent $50,000 on supplements, convinced they were the key to my healing. But instead of getting better, I regressed. My liver struggled, my digestion worsened, and my energy plummeted. That was another wake-up call: you can’t buy your way to health.
That’s when I shifted my focus to food as medicine, using plants in their whole form rather than isolated extracts. Instead of relying on expensive supplements, I prioritized fresh juices, medicinal herbs, herbed smoothies, homegrown sprouts and microgreens, and real plant food. My health transformed—not overnight, but gradually over 4 years. My body finally started receiving the nourishment it needed in a way it could actually process and utilize.
Healing Beyond the Physical: Emotional & Spiritual Work
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that healing isn’t just about diet, herbs, or quitting bad habits. It’s about who you are on the inside.
I had to let go of emotional baggage—the heartbreak, the betrayals, the self-doubt, the resentment I carried toward others and myself. I realized that no amount of green juice or herbal infusions could heal me if I was still holding onto bitterness, regret, and unresolved pain.
During the 2020 lockdowns, I had one of the most profound breakthroughs in my spiritual journey. With all distractions stripped away, I turned inward. I started talking out loud to myself like I was my own best friend—offering reassurance, comfort, and encouragement. Instead of looking to others to give me validation, support, or comfort, I became the person I needed.
That was a game-changer. It showed me that true healing isn’t about depending on external sources—it’s about building a relationship with yourself so strong that nothing can shake it.
What Others Can Learn from My Journey
If I could sum it up in one message, it would be this: No one is coming to save you!
No doctor, no supplement, no diet plan—you are the one who has to take responsibility for your health. That doesn’t mean you have to do it alone, but it does mean you have to stop waiting for a magic fix. Healing is messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal.
It’s not just about eating right or taking the right herbs—it’s about aligning your mind, body, and spirit. It’s about releasing what no longer serves you, listening to your intuition, and stepping into your own power.
I am living proof that no matter how much damage has been done, your health—and your life—can be completely transformed. But true healing requires deep, intentional work and the courage to reclaim your own story. You are not a victim of your past—you are the author of your future. Choose to be the hero, the one who rises, the one who frees yourself from the weight of stress, trauma, and limitation. You are the gatekeeper of your body, mind, and spirit. You set the standard for what you allow into your life—what you consume, who you surround yourself with, and what energy you accept. The moment you decide to elevate those standards, you step into your power. True healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about freeing yourself from the weight of the past and stepping into the strength, resilience, and wisdom to rise above any challenge, transforming every obstacle into an opportunity for greater growth.
You’re working toward becoming a Guinness World Record holder for longevity. What does that process look like, and what are some of the daily habits or practices you rely on to keep yourself on track toward that goal?
The process of becoming a Guinness World Record holder for longevity starts with the simple belief that I already am one. It’s not a distant dream—it’s a reality I feel deep in my soul. This journey is about claiming what’s already mine. I approach it from a place of abundance, not scarcity. I believe it’s true, and I act from that belief every day. I can see the path ahead of me; it’s just a matter of staying on it.
After years of struggling with chronic symptoms and conditions, alcoholism, addiction, and emotional turmoil, I’ve learned the importance of making better choices. Every day, I ask myself, “Is this choice serving me along my journey?” If the answer is no, I let it go and find something that aligns better. I’ve had this constant conversation with myself—staying true to the path that will get me to my goal.
I live a life that’s designed by me. I’m in control of how my day unfolds. Everything I do is intentional, serving the goal of longevity. It starts with getting a solid 10 hours of sleep each night. I wake up, press my juice, make my herbal infusions, and prepare a hot toddy from the pulp. These are small but powerful rituals that set the tone for my day.
Before I go to the gym, I drink my spirulina beverage. Once I’m at the gym, I consume 20 ounces of watermelon, beetroot, and ginger juice (it’s my natural pre-workout). Over the course of my 2-hour workout, I’ll consume 3 bananas intra-workout, every 30 minutes . I’ll also consume 64 ounces of herbal infusions, which is a blend of adaptogenic herbs. I usually do one hour of strength training and one hour of resistance training, while also incorporating #SmileAerobics into my routine. I created #SmileAerobics nearly a decade ago to help move my lymphatic system, as bouncing on a trampoline wasn’t ideal for my pelvic floor. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned the exercise into an aerobic activity that I do for almost an hour every day. It involves bouncing on a stability ball while pulling on resistance bands in various ways to target different muscle groups. This exercise for me, is about fine tuning my mind-muscle connection. It also helps support my lymphatic system, boosts my neurotransmitter health, and serves as a mood booster. It also supports my pelvic floor, heart health, circulation, and stability, while enhancing mental clarity, stress relief, DNA repair, bone density, coordination, flexibility, endurance, respiratory function, and energy levels. By the end of my session, I feel a natural high, literally bouncing out of the gym with a spring in my step.
I also deeply value the real, meaningful interactions I have with my high vibrational gym acquaintances. The universe is always connecting me with people who find value in my wisdom and insights, so being present in the moment, and sharing these meaningful conversations and interactions is all part of the gym experience for me. After the gym, I run errands, grab any fresh produce I need for the day, and then head home. Once I’m home, I have another spirulina beverage. I follow that up with a turmeric and ginger pineapple juice shot, then enjoy my herbed smoothie. Next, I dive into a fresh sprout salad with a medley of vegetables, microgreens, and leafy greens. My main meal of the day typically consists of fresh steamed artichokes and a medley of vegetables, either steamed or lightly sautéed in veggie broth. Throughout the day, I sip on my herbal infusions and/or herbal decoctions, consuming about 5 to 6 liters of hydrating beverages daily. If I’m still hungry after dinner, I’ll have a handful of raw nuts or home-roasted nuts to avoid any seed oils. Throughout the afternoon and evening, I work on creating content for social media, work with my clients, and spend time with my son (who I homeschool) As my day comes to a close, I make time for kitchen prep, setting myself up for success the next day by preparing what I can the night before. I end my day with a soothing herbal hot toddy, followed by a sacred moment of connection with the Divine. Before I sleep, I pray to Mother and Father God, speaking aloud to them and my angels. I set intentions, surrender to the divine plan, and trust the process unfolding before me. With a heart full of love and gratitude, I give thanks for all of the little blessings which touch my life on any given day. My dreams are just as important as my waking hours. It feels like I’m living a second life while I sleep—learning lessons, having experiences, and sometimes even having premonitions. I keep track of these dreams because they often offer guidance that plays out in my waking life.
Every action I take and every decision I make is rooted in the belief that I’m actively shaping the future I already feel in my soul. With purpose and a deep love for every part of my life, I’m not just creating the future I envision—I’m doing it with intention and joy. It’s a journey, and I embrace it fully, knowing that the choices I make today are laying the foundation for the life I wish to live tomorrow. The mantra that guides me through this journey is simple but powerful: I’m all about making the choices and decisions today that my future self will thank me for.
The Substance has been hailed as a feminist film and a masterpiece. But the modern “feminist” dog whistles in the film add up to mere seconds and don’t interfere with the overall watchability. In fact, the assertion that this is a feminist film is the final unmasking of true feminism and a claim of non compos mentis for women in general.
After countless female-produced, female-directed, and female-led films in the past decade—especially with an unprofitable push in the last five years—one finally stuck! The Substance. Demi Moore still has undeniable star power and is impressively physical in this role. Margaret Qualley actually does a lot of the heavy lifting and dominates much of the screen time, which surprised me given the praise Demi is receiving. Both actresses do a good job acting as dual anchors in an abstract fever dream. The cinematography is stylish, and the special effects blend CGI and practical effects quite nicely.
After watching the film I wondered how is this feminist? So I asked ChatGPT, which towed the party line as always.
The Substance is considered a feminist film because it critiques societal pressures on women, particularly in relation to aging, beauty standards, and the entertainment industry. Starring Demi Moore, the film explores themes of bodily autonomy, identity, and the extremes women are often pushed to in order to maintain youth and relevance. It uses horror as a metaphor for the dehumanizing effects of these pressures, making a powerful statement about the commodification of women’s bodies. The film’s approach aligns with feminist horror traditions that challenge patriarchal structures and expose the anxieties surrounding female agency.
ChatGPT
I’d argue this popular take is exactly wrong.
Liz represents the “everywoman” in her emotional struggles and battles with reality. Reality being a woman’s #1 enemy… I suppose. Of course, Liz isn’t every woman, but she represents a large portion of, let’s say, “secular” women.
The shreds of overt feminist content come from the few men in the movie. Demi’s character, Liz Sparkle, has seconds and minutes with each of them.
Most of these men are oversimplified, shallow stereotypes—except one.
The main male “antagonist,” if you can even call him that, is “sloppy shrimp-eating guy.” He keeps reminding Liz how important it is that a woman is beautiful.
This is a sad reality women face: they get judged on their looks constantly—especially in the media. So getting old and aging out of a job sucks. We can agree that is a truth, even if it’s not the truth.
The second guy is a well-meaning simp. He remembers Liz from grade school and always had a crush on her—before she was a star. She was perfect to him. But he’s a dweeb.
And for a brief moment in the film, there’s a good-looking, well-muscled, normal guy who is nameless. We’ll call him hairy butt guy. Hairy butt guy is eventually scared off when Liz has a meltdown and sounds demonic. He doesn’t even put his pants on and high-tails it out of the movie when he realizes she is messed up.
The only guys mentioned in reviews and “remembered” by feminists are guys one and two. The normal guy (who runs for the hills) is pretty much ignored.
A telling admission and revelation.
There’s also a brief fling with a total asshole who rides a motorcycle. He has very few lines and praises Sue, Liz’s alter ego, for being beautiful.
Throughout the film, Liz’s frustration with the reality of her dwindling relevance drives her deeper and deeper into drug misuse.
This, I suppose, is society’s and sloppy shrimp-eating guy’s fault—at least if you’re a shallow feminist. If that’s what they get out of the film, we have evidence of something they really don’t want to hear. More on that at the end.
Liz focuses her energy on appeasing bike jerk and sloppy shrimp guy while totally ignoring the well-meaning dweeb. This is something critical male thinkers have been pointing out for quite some time online as a major downfall in Gen X, Millennial, and now Gen Z women—or wahmen, as they are sometimes called.
But that isn’t Liz’s fault… or is it?
The film isn’t a horror film. It follows the template of a comedy far more closely, but there are few laughs. It’s more or less a sci-fi fable and a remake of The Nutty Professor—but for women, by women, and it’s much darker and nastier. Because men?
Early on, Liz is taught the method of using this drug called the substance. It has strict rules, and she is warned that if she doesn’t follow the protocol, bad things will happen.
Unflattering reality #1: It doesn’t work out because she does what she wants.
Liz misuses the substance for a couple of reasons. First, she hates and abuses herself. Nobody is as rough on Liz as Liz is. She is her own worst enemy, not the men.
Unflattering reality #2: Women blame men for their own issues.
Liz becomes a childless-spinster shut-in and only goes out as her young, hot alternative identity, Sue.
This is a great allegory for addiction to drugs, which make people more confident and therefore social and desirable. It could also be interpreted as the separation between a highly edited and manipulated social media persona and the sad, lonely woman behind the thot.
However, it can also be seen as the harsh realities career women face when they are left with trophies and mementos, but no husband or children to care for them in their old age. In China they are referred to as “leftover women”.
Of course, with the film being labeled feminist, it’s safe to say most women were too shallow to pick up on that. Instead, they are apparently responding to “Sloppy Shrimp Eating Guy Bad” sentiment. Well… at least they are consistent in not seeing the big picture.
Secondly, Liz isn’t a very disciplined character. This manifests in a scene where she admonishes herself (from the perspective of Sue) for over eating and being a slob at home.
With multiple warnings and early scares, as Sue, she deliberately misuses the substance because she doesn’t want to stop partying. Liz then resents herself as Sue for this transgression.
This speaks to a sad reality that males have pointed out with modern secular women, which could lead to the extinction of Western civilization. A significant portion of modern women doll themselves up with varying degrees of success, party until their eggs are gone, and then hate that they are alone after ignoring everything but their wants and telling everyone else to take good advice and ideas and “shove it.” All while acting as if they know best and that their worldview should be mandatory. They all vote “liberal” and for larger governments because, ultimately, they know deep down they don’t want to be responsible—and basically cannot be—due to poor habits and a lack of self-awareness. They want the government to be their “daddy”.
This reality is showcased in the film, but clearly, women aren’t catching on. Otherwise, I doubt it would be called a feminist masterpiece—because it’s really not.
Throughout the film, Liz fights for her right to party without doing any soul-searching or personal growth. Her character becomes more bitter and angry and grows to hate her young, hot alter ego as much as she hates herself.
No matter how nice the Dweeb is, he is invisible. And no matter how much attention she gets as Sue, she hates herself and doesn’t work to make herself more than what she is—a thot.
Whose fault is that? I guess Sloppy Shrimp Eating Guy, who represents media more than men. Sorry, ladies, but the number of hot, nice guys with dumpy chicks proves Sloppy Shrimp Eating Guy certainly isn’t the everyman—although dishonest feminists would tell you otherwise.
Which brings us to the third dark reality.
#3: You can’t have it both ways.
I guess that’s the horror aspect for women because modern feminist liberal women want it both ways. But that isn’t reality—which is why reality is their #1 enemy. Even though they see Sloppy Shrimp Eating guy as their “Darth Vader”.
Are Feminists really embracing this film as a feminist masterpiece?
Why?
Liz is the most shallow and harmful character in the film. She doesn’t take responsibility for her actions, constantly appeals to the worst men in the film, gives in to her lowest impulses, and shows a total lack of positive self-growth.
By hailing this as a feminist film, feminists are effectively embracing the most shallow elements of the film and taking a very surface-based approach to viewing it: “Sloppy Shrimp Man bad.”
In reality, this film highlights a woman’s shallow decision-making, her inability to connect with decent people, her deadly pursuit of pleasure, and failure to actually solve any of her own problems.
If feminists think this is feminist, then that says more than any right-wing Twitter troll ever could. And if they don’t see the deeper meaning, are they effectively revealing they shouldn’t be in charge of their own lives? If they choose drugs, men that are assholes, and put themselves in dangerous situations without supervision, then aren’t they admitting they need to be supervised?
All in all, the movie is solid. Certainly the best female-made film of the year—or the last five years. I was initially turned off by the feminist praise.
But ultimately, that’s just a meme. They say it’s feminist because there are women in it and it’s made by women.
Thus proving they are as shallow and hopeless as Liz—who they relate to because “Sloppy Shrimp Eating Man bad.”
It’s worth a watch, even if we aren’t all seeing the same film.
After scouring the internet and listening to hours of expert interviews and consultations Mixed Media Magazine has published a list of crypto tokens we think will make the news later.
This is not investment advice. It’s a tech article. If you are interested in investing talk to an expert and do your own research.
In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, innovative projects are constantly reshaping the landscape. Among them, XCN (Chain Token), SHX (Stronghold Token), and TIA (Celestia Token) stand out for their unique roles in blockchain technology. XCN powers Chain’s financial infrastructure, enabling seamless transactions and governance for enterprises. SHX enhances digital payments on the Stellar network, streamlining remittances and liquidity. Meanwhile, TIA fuels Celestia’s modular blockchain approach, revolutionizing scalability and data availability. As these tokens gain traction, understanding their purpose and potential impact is key for investors and blockchain enthusiasts alike.
XCN (Chain Token) – The native token of the Chain blockchain, which focuses on building scalable financial infrastructure for businesses. XCN is used for governance, payments, and access to Chain’s services.
SHX (Stronghold Token) – A utility token for Stronghold, a payments and remittance platform built on Stellar. SHX is used for transaction fees, rewards, and liquidity in digital payments.
TIA (Celestia Token) – The native token of Celestia, a modular blockchain network that separates execution from data availability. TIA is used for staking, governance, and paying for data availability services.
Mixed Media Magazine 