In this powerful episode of The Mapuana Reed Show, Mapuana sits down with her best friend Naomi Masina to talk about grief, friendship, and starting over after trauma. They reflect on how one life-changing year included a medical emergency, personal loss, and the courage to step into a new chapter. Together, they explore the healing power of female friendships, the importance of regulating your nervous system after trauma, and how rituals and small steps lead to big transformation.
Mapuana also shares her personal journey of leaving behind a 15-year photography career to launch her podcast, host sold-out women’s events, and create an 8-week online course for women ready to rewrite their next chapter.
If you’re navigating life transitions, feeling stuck in the messy middle, or longing to connect with women who truly see you—this episode is for you.
From surviving personal tragedy to launching dream events and businesses, they open up about:
✨Healing after grief and trauma
✨Female friendship and emotional support
✨Nervous system regulation and self-care rituals
✨Personal growth in midlife
✨Overcoming fear and limiting beliefs
✨Stepping into your purpose
✨Building community and starting over
✨ Navigating grief and trauma
✨ The life-changing impact of friendship and community
✨ Creating a life rooted in pleasure, not just survival
✨ Morning and evening rituals that support nervous system regulation
📍Perfect for women navigating life transitions, entrepreneurship, or personal healing.
If you've ever been in the messy middle, unsure what’s next but feeling the pull for more—this conversation is for you.
Let this episode remind you that your next chapter can start today. All it takes is one “What if I…”
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Opening reflections on strength and survival
01:11 – Naomi’s journey: from medical crisis to healing
03:00 – Mapuana's path: pausing photography to build a new dream
08:00 – How trauma reshaped Naomi’s motherhood and identity
12:00 – The reality of being a stepmom and finding your place
15:00 – From darkness to light: how one trip changed everything
20:00 – Why wanting more is brave
23:00 – Nervous system capacity and dream overwhelm
30:00 – The healing power of rituals and baths
35:00 – From surviving to thriving: reclaiming joy and ambition
41:00 – The roadmap: how Mapuana built her podcast and events
44:00 – The Blueprint: 8-week course details
48:00 – Grandma wisdom, unconditional love, and legacy
51:00 – Why we’re always becoming
🔥 CONNECT WITH MAPUANA 🔥
🌐 Website: https://mapuanareed.com
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/mapuanareed
CONNECT WITH NAOMI MASINA
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/omiphoto
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bochabaths/
