Grounded in Wisdom with Annalyn Cruz:

“Out of the Rubble, Into the Light”

Season 1

Welcome to the Grounded In Wisdom podcast, where we dive deep into our personal stories that have transformed us, and discovered the unexpected journeys we take along the way. This season is focused on “rubble moments”—the monumental, extra-challenging life experiences where our worlds feel as though they’ve come crashing down, and we can’t come back up for air. It’s the moments that humble us, may make us feel isolated, with no playbook or way out. It’s the time in our lives where we may be called to reach within, call in support to see and feel the light around us…and that there is a way out and through.

Hey, you…I have a question.

Have you ever felt stuck in life or had such a profound life challenge, that it completely turned your world upside down and you didn’t know how you would get through to the other side? You’re not alone. Join me, Annalyn Cruz, a Dream-Life and Leadership Coach, space holder, and storyteller, as I interview and talk story with some phenomenal guests and amazing humans who discovered how brave they really were and became the leader of their own life.

You’ll learn about their rubble moments, and how they dug deep within themselves to fully embody what it means to step into their light and access their inner wisdom...to then rEvolutionize their lives.

Get ready to be inspired…if you’ve endured rubble moments or are currently struggling, know that you are not alone in your experience.

We’re all in this together.

Out of the Rubble, Into the Light

  • Annalyn Cruz shares her rubble moment

    Episode 1: Sharing My Rubble Moment...A Look Back with Host Annalyn Cruz

    Annalyn reflects on her own Rubble Moment and what she has learned since the time in 2014 when her world came crashing down...and how she continues to practice so much gratitude to the authentic life she is fully living now, vs. being a shell of herself from the past.

  • Pema Rocker shares how she was lifted out of the grief well

    Episode 2: Being Lifted Out of the Grief Well...A Conversation with Pema Rocker

    This episode focuses on Pema Rocker, a Creativity Coach and author who shares one of her profound and life-changing rubble moment...when her dear brother David passed away from a car accident when Pema was 17 and how her well of grief and trauma transformed once again during the 9/11 attacks in NY. Pema courageously offers how she navigated her process over the years, the speed (or the slowness rather) of how grief lives within us, and how we can allow ourselves to be reached by others when we really need it.

  • Dr. Glenn DeGuzman discusses the power of emotional release

    Episode 3: The Power of the Emotional Release and Getting the Support You Need with Dr. Glenn DeGuzman

    In this episode, Annalyn chats with her long-time close friend, Dr. Glenn DeGuzman. Glenn shares how he found comfort in sharing his struggle with a professional therapist and letting his loved ones know about trying to find balance during the time of his multiple rubble moments--which included when his wife and mother both suffered from severe health issues.

    Glenn also shares the importance of getting the support you need, particularly if one is used to being completely independent, and may also come from a culture that generally does not openly share about mental health struggles. Glenn authentically shares how he learned from initially thinking he had face his rubble moments alone, to now understanding the power of releasing the emotional valve.

  • Episode 4: Letting the Light Win with Nancy Tran

    Annalyn welcomes Nancy Tran, a fierce advocate for both burn survivors and domestic violence victims and/or survivors. Nancy’s goal and life purpose is to help others overcome their hurdle of negative self-esteem and encourage them to fulfill what makes them blissful by supporting them along the way. Nancy is also a motivational speaker, where she focuses on experiences as a survivor and living the life she wants.

    Nancy shares about her rubble moment of becoming a burn survivor at the hands of an ex, and how her life completely changed in one night...and yet, she continues to focus on letting the Light win instead by continuing to embody a blissful and fulfilling life, while being in service to others.

  • Episode 5: Dancing Towards the Radiant Light of Acceptance and Self-Love with Heather Alaine

    Join Annalyn Cruz in a heartfelt conversation with the remarkable Heather Alaine, a true advocate of love, movement, and self-discovery. Heather's journey takes us through the highs and lows of her life, including her profound "rubble moment" marked by a heart-wrenching experience of infidelity and the healing that happens between mind, body, and soul.

    Heather's story is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the capacity to find our light. Tune in to be inspired by her incredible resilience, and learn how she emerged from the rubble of heartbreak to dance once more in the radiant light of self-acceptance and self-love.

    Learn more about Heather on website, https://www.heatheralaine.com/ or find her on IG at ready_heatheralaine and FB at heatheralaine.

  • Episode 6: From Rubble Season to Radiant Strength: A Conversation with Zenisha Gibson

    Annalyn Cruz sits down with the inspiring Zenisha Gibson–a coach, consultant, and true beacon of resilience. Zenisha's life story reads like chapters of triumph over multiple "rubble seasons," marked by job losses, heart-wrenching accidents, and deep personal tragedies. Drawing strength from her past, including the harrowing experience of losing her brother and witnessing her grandmother's grief, Zenisha shares how she transformed her pain into power.

    In their conversation, Zenisha opens up about her journey, reminding listeners that life's trials aren't just events to passively endure - they're lessons to actively grow from. Reflecting on her "rubble seasons," she emphasizes the importance of showing up in a way that honors our life and the lives of those we've lost.

    This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of perspective, and the beauty of turning pain into purpose. It's a compelling reminder that we don't just go through life's challenges, we grow through them. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will inspire, uplift, and ignite a passion for honoring the journey of life.

  • Episode 7: Navigating through Life's Detours: A Conversation with Jeff Scardina

    In the latest episode, Annalyn welcomes the multifaceted Jeff Scardina. Jeff's impressive career journey spans from starting out in the consulting space, and branching out to hone his craft in Talent & Learning development; he’s served as leader at Electronic Arts (EA), Taco Bell, to most recently at Calendly.

    However, it's not just the successes that shape a person, but the hurdles they've overcome. In 2008, when the world's economy crashed, Jeff faced one of his most challenging 'rubble moments.' He navigated the uncertainty and pain of unemployment during the financial crisis, and grappled with feelings of being adrift - both in his career and emotional world. This episode dives deep into that transformative period by uncovering how Jeff saw a way out of the rubble, realigned his career compass, and discovered a new profound purpose in life.

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation that’s a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the magic that emerges when you stitch purpose into adversity. Jeff’s story is for anyone who's ever felt lost in life, and seeks a roadmap to find their way back.

  • Episode 8: From Navigating Burnout to Leading a Flourishing Life with Rachel Irvine-Halliday

    Join Annalyn Cruz in a compelling conversation with Rachel Irvine-Halliday, a seasoned servant leader and DEI expert. With over 25 years of experience in crafting high-performing and inclusive teams, Rachel brings a wealth of insights focused on the employee experience, organizational culture, and team performance.

    In this episode, Rachel opens up about her personal "rubble moment" when burnout and workplace bullying led her to take a medical leave. During this period, she was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, a transformative journey that reshaped her approach to life. Rachel shares valuable insights into recognizing signs of burnout, the importance of therapy, effective time management, and the empowerment found in self-advocacy.

    Tune in to discover how Rachel's resilience and commitment to self-discovery have not only helped her cope with challenges, but also allowed for her to shift into living a more purposeful and flourishing life. 

    Grounded in Wisdom is proud to present this episode that offers valuable insights into building resilience, fostering inclusion, and finding empowerment in the face of adversity. Listen and be inspired to create positive change in your own life.