In this deeply human episode of Healing Horizons, host Saima sits down with empowerment coach and author Melinda Lee Schmitt to explore the transformative power of hugs and connection. After navigating a painful divorce during the pandemic, Melinda began hugging strangers as a way to heal and reconnect with humanity. She shares how this practice revealed the importance of self-love, the courage it takes to stay soft in a disconnected world, and why vulnerability is essential to emotional well-being. Together, Sima and Melinda unpack how touch, energy healing, and nature can help us break through emotional barriers and rediscover our authentic selves.
This episode is perfect for anyone seeking healing, struggling with loneliness, or wanting to reconnect with their heart in simple yet profound ways.
About the Guest
Melinda Lee Schmitt is an empowerment coach, speaker, and author of Rebel Hugger, a memoir born from her courageous act of hugging thousands of strangers. She helps individuals reclaim self-love, release emotional blocks, and find connection through vulnerability, nature, and energy healing.
Key Takeaways
Hugs and physical connection can be a bridge between pain and purpose, releasing oxytocin and healing both body and mind.
Vulnerability is a powerful form of rebellion in a world that often discourages tenderness.
Healing begins with self-love; connecting with others authentically is only possible when we accept ourselves.
Emotional blocks can impact our ability to receive or give touch, but small steps like softening with a safe person or pet can begin the healing process.
Nature and animals can mirror authenticity and support our return to self.
Connection doesn’t always require grand gestures—small, genuine acts like a smile or a hand on the heart can restore hope and belonging.
Connect with the Guest
Website: www.melindaleeschmitt.com
Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?
DM on PM - Send me a message 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!
Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.