Conversations with Joan

Latest Episodes:

A Journey of Survival Mar 02, 2026

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Some stories don’t just recount history, they help us understand who we become in the aftermath of trauma. Today’s conversation. Mimi Nichter was just 20 years old when her flight from Israel to New York was hijacked and diverted to the Jordanian desert. It took Mimi more than 50 years to find the courage to tell this story. She invites us to reflect not only on trauma, but on the resilience required to survive it and the ways the past continues to shape who we are today. Mimi is the author of Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience.

The Healing Power of Pain Feb 23, 2026

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With one-fifth of Americans living in chronic pain - and countless others carrying pain that is temporary, emotional, or unseen - Darcy Steinke invites us to reconsider something most of us try to avoid. She shares why she believes pain shapes not only the body, but the soul. Darcy has taught at Columbia University, NYU, Princeton, and the American University of Paris, and is the author of nine books, including This Is the Door: The Body, Pain, and Faith.

Building Healthy Relationships Feb 16, 2026

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Relationship conflict can feel frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes impossible to resolve. But what if the path to real connection didn’t require complicated strategies but rather, just one simple, powerful question? Annmarie Chereso explores how even the most challenging relationship dynamics can shift from reactivity to understanding. AnnMarie, is a #1 International Best-Selling author, conscious relationship coach, and parenting expert who has spent the last two decades helping couples and parents break free from destructive patterns.

Life After Death Feb 09, 2026

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Near-death experiences exist at the meeting point of mystery and spirituality, offering powerful insight into consciousness beyond the physical body. For many, they awaken a deeper understanding of meaning, purpose, and connection that continues long after the experience itself. Jacob Cooper’s life was forever changed by a near-death experience at just three years old. He talks about his profound encounter beyond breath, the spiritual insights it revealed, and how those early moments shaped his life and work. Kacob is the best-selling author of Life After Breath and The Wisdom of Jacob’s Ladder, a Near-Death Experiencer, and sought-after speaker on mental health, spirituality, and consciousness.

Healing Through Wonder Feb 02, 2026

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In grief, trauma, and life’s darkest moments, a single experience of awe can spark resilience, hope, and connection. Val Walker shares a deeply personal story showing how awe grounds us, renews our spirit, and breaks the isolation of trauma. As a rehabilitation counselor, group facilitator, and survivor of complex trauma, Val illuminates the path from darkness to light through the contagious power of wonder. She is the author of the book, Healing Through Wonder.

How to Futureproof Your Brain Jan 26, 2026

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Changes to your body and brain are normal as you age. And while it may feel like it’s out of your control, research shows that there are things you can do to help slow any decline in memory and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other brain issues. Dr. Tommy Wood discusses how you can improve focus and cognition at any age. Dr. Wood is an assistant professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington and the author of the book, The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age.

Surviving A Hijacking Jan 19, 2026

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Life has a way of throwing challenges at us — some we expect, and others that completely upend everything we know. How we choose to navigate those moments often defines who we become. Jackie Pflug knows this truth more than most. Jackie survived the 1985 hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 648, an event that forced her to confront trauma, resilience, and reinvention in the deepest sense. Now, with her new book Wake Up, she invites us into her story of courage, healing, and the powerful decision to say yes to life again and again.

The Science of Living Longer Jan 12, 2026

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In a time when so many of us are searching for ways to feel better, stay stronger, and add more healthy years to our lives, the importance of clear, reliable, science-based information has never been greater. We’re surrounded by conflicting advice, quick fixes, and wellness trends that come and go — but what truly makes a difference is understanding the evidence behind how our daily choices shape our long-term health. In his groundbreaking book, How Not to Die, Dr. Michael Greger transformed how millions think about health, and now, with his newly revised and updated edition, he’s giving us the latest research on how we can prevent disease and extend our healthspan. Dr. Greger is a nutrition expert physician and founder of nutritionfacts.org

Why You Are Not Designed for Constant Happiness Jan 05, 2026

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Despite having more comfort and knowledge than ever before, many people struggle with mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Dr. Anders Hansen contends that understanding our brain’s design, which is built for survival and not constant happiness, is key to addressing today’s mental health challenges. Dr. Hansen talks about the brain and offers actionable strategies to cultivate genuine happiness and well-being. Dr. Hansen is a Swedish psychiatrist, speaker and international bestselling author with his own TV series exploring the human brain. His books have sold millions of copies globally and topped bestseller lists around the world. His latest book is, The Happiness Cure: Why You're Not Built for Constant Happiness, and How to Enjoy the Journey.

The Potency of Love and Forgiveness Dec 29, 2025

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Wm Paul Young, author of The Shack, was raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of what was Netherlands New Guinea. Paul has suffered tremendous loss in his life and he has struggled to live with an underlying shame that ran so deep that it threatened his sense of sanity. He discusses the potency of love and forgiveness, the road of reconciliation, the surprises of transformational healing, and the unexpected emergence of joy.

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