In this episode of The Blueprint Podcast, Jason welcomes Ciara Devereux, a licensed psychotherapist, trauma, grief, and loss specialist, and public speaker based in San Francisco. With a background spanning addiction recovery, post-incarceration rehabilitation, and relationship counseling, Ciara brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. She shares how her own personal journey led her into the mental health space, emphasizing the importance of radical self-ownership and the power of rewriting the stories we tell ourselves.

Together, Jason and Ciara dive deep into why people-pleasing keeps so many stuck in cycles of external validation and self-sacrifice. They explore the hidden cost of avoiding conflict, the role of shame in shaping identity, and how unprocessed emotions often manifest as anger, anxiety, and avoidance. Ciara introduces the concept of “if you spot it, you got it,” explaining how our triggers reveal deep-seated wounds and offer opportunities for growth.

The discussion shifts to relationships and attachment, breaking down the anxious-avoidant cycle and why so many people mistake familiarity for love. Ciara challenges the narrative of waiting for external validation and explains why true transformation begins with internal work. She also provides insight into why boundary-setting is difficult and how men, in particular, struggle to advocate for their own needs due to societal conditioning.

As the conversation unfolds, Jason and Ciara examine grief, trauma, and the misconceptions surrounding healing. They discuss why grief is often misunderstood, how to recognize its presence in everyday life, and why people unknowingly carry unresolved loss into relationships and decision-making. Ciara shares strategies for self-regulation, including how shifting internal narratives can create a foundation for lasting change.

The episode concludes with an exploration of the future of mental health and the shift toward self-healing. Ciara emphasizes the need for emotional literacy, particularly for men, and highlights the importance of building real-life community and mentorship. She challenges the traditional approach to therapy, advocating for a more holistic and empowering model that places individuals in control of their own healing.

For those looking to connect with Ciara, she can be found on TikTok and Instagram under RealTalkTherapy. She also offers coaching for individuals navigating relational distress and personal transformation. To join Jason’s free men’s community, The Antares Society, or explore his coaching programs, visit the link in his bio.

This episode is packed with insight, practical tools, and hard-hitting truths about self-awareness, relationships, and overcoming past conditioning. If you found value in this conversation, consider sharing it with someone who needs it and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.

Connect with Ciara!

To connect with Jason and sign up for The Ultimate Self-Love and Secure Attachment Program click the link below! https://stan.store/Jbirdfit

Disclaimer: The training is intended for informational and educational purposes, it is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment. Please consult your medical professional before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, medical regimen, lifestyle, and/or mental health care.

Your background, education, experience, and work ethic may differ. There is no guarantee of success. Individuals do not track the typicality of its student's experiences. Your results may vary.

https://988lifeline.org/

In this episode of The Blueprint Podcast, Jason Smith welcomes back Paola Michelle for an inspiring conversation about self-discovery, healing, and authenticity. Paola shares her transformative journey of moving to California, where she faced solitude, overcame challenges, and discovered deeper truths about herself. She reflects on the lessons learned, including the importance of embracing loneliness as a gift, releasing codependency, and building a foundation of independence. Together, Jason and Paola explore the power of integration, reframing healing as a process of self-acceptance and growth rather than a linear journey.

Paola discusses her approach to authenticity in content creation, sharing how she stays true to herself while navigating judgment and embracing the creative process. She candidly addresses the commercialization of spirituality, the need for discernment when choosing guides and practices, and the importance of grounding oneself in real-life experiences. Humor also plays a vital role in her life and content, providing balance and connection during challenging times.

This episode highlights key insights about living in alignment, making intentional choices, and showing up as the most integrated version of yourself. Paola and Jason also dive into the transformative power of mindfulness, the impact of what we consume, and the importance of being present in the moment. Paola shares her future aspirations for content creation, focusing on real-life struggles, relationships, and creating a deeper connection with her audience.

Whether you're navigating your own journey of self-discovery or looking for inspiration to embrace authenticity, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice. Tune in to learn how to cultivate resilience, embrace solitude, and create a life rooted in purpose and self-awareness.

Key Takeaway: You’re always in a state of becoming, and the choices you make each day shape who you are and who you will become. It’s time to align with your highest self and take steps toward living authentically.

Connect with Paola!

To connect with Jason and sign up for The Ultimate Self-Love and Secure Attachment Program click the link below! https://stan.store/Jbirdfit

Disclaimer: The training is intended for informational and educational purposes, it is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment. Please consult your medical professional before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, medical regimen, lifestyle, and/or mental health care.

Your background, education, experience, and work ethic may differ. There is no guarantee of success. Individuals do not track the typicality of its student's experiences. Your results may vary.

https://988lifeline.org/

In Episode 95 of The Blueprint Podcast, Jason sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Talia Bombola for an honest, raw, and empowering conversation about personal growth, healing, and transformation. As the year comes to a close, many people set big goals for the new year, often aiming to “fix” everything at once. But Talia offers a refreshing perspective — it’s not about healing from being broken, it’s about learning to adapt and grow.

They discuss the power of radical accountability, how to navigate life’s inevitable challenges, and why "doing the work" doesn’t mean overhauling your entire life overnight. Talia breaks down the stages of conscious change, the concept of self-sabotage, and the need to stop viewing ourselves as "broken." Instead, she encourages us to see ourselves as people who are always adapting, always evolving, and always capable of more than we realize.

This episode will leave you with a powerful message: You are not broken. You are becoming.

If you’re stepping into a season of change, preparing for 2025, or simply want to understand yourself on a deeper level, this episode is filled with practical tools and thought-provoking insights. Listen now to learn how to:

• Shift from "healing" to "adapting"
• Navigate the tricky terrain of relationships when you grow but others don’t
• Recognize and break free from the victim mentality
• Develop radical self-accountability and personal agency
• Understand how childhood programming impacts adult decisions

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone ready to rewrite their narrative, drop the victim label, and step into their authentic, most powerful self.

Connect with Us:

• Host: Jason Smith
• Guest: Talia Bombola, LMFT

Social Media Links:

• Follow The Blueprint Podcast on Instagram, and Facebook.

Contact Us: Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Reach out through my Stan Store!

Disclaimer:

The training is intended for informational and educational purposes, it is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment. Please consult your medical professional before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, medical regimen, lifestyle, and/or mental health care.

Your background, education, experience, and work ethic may differ. There is no guarantee of success. Individuals do not track the typicality of its student's experiences. Your results may vary.

https://988lifeline.org/