Shows
Connected with IvaGrowth, Mindfulness & Matcha with Saraya, Founder Of Awaken By SarayaToday I’m speaking with Saraya about stepping out of our safe bubble, uncovering the roots of limiting beliefs, and noticing how we grow when we move beyond what feels comfortable. We were introduced through Elles Ottens, who Saraya worked with for a year before starting her brand, which played an important role in her personal journey. We talk about supporting friends as they evolve, her journey creating Awaken by SVD, discovering what makes matcha truly mindful, and how rituals can bring us into the present moment. We also reflect on social media, meaningful connections, and finding space for st...
2026-02-1725 minConnected with IvaThe Art of Preserving What We Love With Juliana Van Den BoogaardJoin me as I speak with Juliana van den Boogaard about how curiosity creates connection and inspires us to protect heritage. We explore the importance of hidden artisans, preserving cultural identity, and keeping traditions alive through her incredible projects and journey.
2026-02-1044 minConnected with IvaThere Is Enough for Everyone: Abundance, Fear & Why Women Open Doors for Each Other With Lori MichelleThere Is Enough for Everyone is a conversation about connection, fear, and what happens when women choose abundance over competition.I’m joined by Lori, a jewellery designer I was introduced to by someone we both know — and felt instantly connected to. We talk about her move from America to the UK, how fear shows up when you’re evolving, and why fear doesn’t always mean stop — sometimes it means grow.We explore why women who work for themselves are often the ones opening doors, bringing someone’s name into the room, and creating space for ot...
2026-02-0329 minConnected with IvaWhen Life Doesn't Go to Plan With Anja Joy BontIn this episode of Connected with Iva, I’m joined by Anja Joy Bont for a conversation about what happens when life takes a turn you didn’t plan for — and how to stay with it instead of fighting it.This conversation was inspired by an Instagram post Anja shared — her 2025 recap — where she openly talked about how things didn’t unfold the way she expected. That honesty became the starting point for a deeper discussion about trusting life when it feels uncomfortable, confusing, or simply harder than we imagined.We talk about how much the way we s...
2026-01-2739 minConnected with IvaHow Yoga Nidra Transformed My Sleep | With Alicia BerkvensMy first guest of 2026 is Alicia Berkvens, a deep rest facilitator and systems microbiology PhD researcher who brings together science, rest, and the wisdom of the body.In this episode, we explore the practice of Yoga Nidra and the powerful, life-changing effects it can have on sleep, dreams, and the nervous system. Over the past year, I have been experiencing recurring nightmares, but since starting the practice of Yoga Nidra, my dreams have shifted into a space I actually look forward to entering. We talk about why this shift can happen — how Yoga Nidra helps the...
2026-01-2035 minConnected with IvaChanges Over the Last 2.5 YearsThis episode is a look back at the last 2.5 years.I share a few thoughts on how my mindset changed, how my priorities shifted, and how alone time went from something uncomfortable to something I really needed. I also talk about creating space — not to do more, but to let ideas and clarity show up naturally.
2026-01-1308 minConnected with IvaThe Magic Of Whimsy: The Brain-Rewiring Power of Playful ThinkingJanuary often arrives with long lists of expectations, so today's episode offers a resolution that’s actually helpful. The magic of whimsy lies in its ability to gently rewire the brain, opening us to creativity, flexibility, and new ways of seeing the world. Playful thinking loosens rigid patterns, eases stress, and helps us meet the year with curiosity instead of pressure. I invite you to choose whimsy as a way to think more lightly, see more clearly, and let possibility back in.
2026-01-0608 minConnected with IvaRankin on AI — Most-Played ThrowbackAs the year ends, I return to my most-played episode — a throwback chat with Rankin on AI, creativity, and the power to take charge of what comes next.
2025-12-3039 minConnected with IvaThe Moments That Shape Us — Nostalgia, Creativity & Choice With Chloe BondIn today's cosy catch-up episode, I’m joined by makeup artist Chloe Bond, who I met on a shoot about a year and a half ago. We talk about everything from old memories (hello first computers and everyone's original favourite Solitaire), to creativity overload, comfort zones, and choosing change — even when it feels scary.We chat about what it’s really like working in the bridal industry, the December feeling of asking 'have I done enough?', and the important realisation that what you’re not changing is actually what you’re choosing.
2025-12-2335 minConnected with IvaSlowing Down In DecemberToday's episode is about slowing down in December — enjoying the little things, protecting downtime, and still keeping up with life at a pace that feels right for the season. If December ever feels a little rushed, this is your reminder that it’s okay to do less and really enjoy the season.
2025-12-1607 minConnected with IvaThe Illusion of Doing More: The Truth Behind What We See OnlineIn this solo episode, I break down the illusion that people online are always doing more than us — and why what we see on social media rarely reflects reality. Inspired by a message I received, I dive into how curated posts shape our perception, why we assume others are constantly achieving, and what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
2025-12-0911 minConnected with IvaThe Frenemy Mindset: How To Break Up With Bad Self-Talk And Build Inner Safety With Nikki HeyderIn this episode, Nikki Heyder and I unpack the Frenemy — the bad self-talk that feels protective but quietly shapes the limits of our lives. We explore how this voice keeps us stuck, how inner safety shifts everything, and why recognising it is key to genuine self-awareness. We also dive into the ripple effect of our energy — the impact we create far beyond what we can see — and how changing our inner dialogue transforms the world around us.
2025-12-0229 minConnected with IvaThe Power of Healthy Delusion: How to Stretch, Grow & Own Your Reality With Lauren RayIn today’s episode, Lauren Ray from Never Just Fine dives into how a healthy kind of delusion can help you move through fear, rethink anxiety, and step into possibilities you’ve been too hesitant to claim. We explore why imposter syndrome might actually be a sign of growth, how to feel safer in the unknown, and how small shifts in what you imagine — and what you consume — can reshape your entire reality.
2025-11-2534 minConnected with IvaReconnecting Through Flowers: The Subtle Power They Hold With Stella from @theflowerhabitwithstellaIn today’s episode, I sit down with Stella from @theflowerhabitwithstella to explore purpose, meaning, and the quiet wisdom of flowers. We discuss why reinvention doesn’t have to wait, how the brain responds to the colours, shapes, and scents of flowers, and the symbolic messages flowers have carried throughout history. Stella shares how different blooms shift our emotions, support our happiness hormones, and the language of flowers that conveys meaning across time. We also talk about facing fear, taking brave steps, and connecting with flowers in a more spiritual, intuitive way—a conversation about courage and the beauty that h...
2025-11-1825 minConnected with IvaHealing After Heartbreak: Boundaries, Safety & Self-Support with Lydia MaeIn today's episode, I sit down with Lydia Mae, intuitive coach and Reiki healer, to explore what it truly means to heal after heartbreak. We talk about feeling safe in your body, setting boundaries, releasing emotional blockages, and learning to be your own support.Lydia shares wisdom on nervous system regulation, intention, and why affirmations often fail — plus how to make them actually work. This conversation is your reminder that you are your own healer, and safety begins within.
2025-11-1136 minConnected with IvaWhy You Don't Have to Choose Just One Path – Finding Balance, Self-Worth & Growth with George KakasIn today's episode, I'm joined by George Kakas to explore what it really means to live a balanced, multifaceted life. Why limit ourselves to one thing when we’re meant to grow, play, and evolve?We talk about work-life harmony, sustained growth, and how to keep showing up even when things don’t go as planned. Together, we dive deep into self-worth, the importance of community, and the truth behind the phrase 'what you put out, you get back.'From embracing your inner child to finding healing through therapy and purpose through passion, this conv...
2025-11-0429 minConnected with IvaThe Real Reason You're Not 'Over It Yet' — And What Resilience Really MeansResilience is how quickly you get back to feeling safe after life shakes you — whether it’s a breakup, setback, or a difficult moment. In this solo episode, I explore what that really means and share simple ways to find your centre again.
2025-10-2810 minConnected with IvaWhat We Get Wrong About Dating: Why The 'Ick' Isn't the Problem — With Kaily NathanDating today feels more complicated than ever — but maybe the problem isn’t dating itself. In today's episode, I’m joined by Kaily Nathan to explore what we get wrong about dating and why the 'ick' isn’t really the problem.We talk about why dating feels harder than it used to, how to manage overwhelm and self-doubt, and the truth about the 'ick' and what it actually says about you. Kaily shares how perfectionism can block real connection and offers simple ways to use dating apps more efficiently and mindfully.Together, we explore how unrealis...
2025-10-2133 minConnected with IvaFive Minutes to Calm: The Simplest Journaling Practice You'll Ever NeedEnd your day with calm. This solo episode shares an easy five-minute journaling method to reflect, reset, and plan for tomorrow — perfect for busy minds who want peace, not pressure.
2025-10-1408 minConnected with Iva5 Self-Recognition Exercises That You'll Actually Want To DoYou’re great at celebrating others — but what about celebrating you? In today's solo episode, I’ll walk you through 5 self-recognition exercises to help you boost your confidence, build self-worth, and speak about yourself with genuine kindness. These simple practices will help you see yourself the way others already do — empathetic, capable, and full of light. A gentle guide to feeling grounded, confident, and connected to who you truly are.
2025-10-0711 minConnected with IvaHow Collective Peace & Ancestral Healing Can Transform Your Life With Ceren OcalJoin me and Ceren Ocal in a deep conversation about how collective peace and ancestral healing can transform the way we live. We explore reconnecting with our roots, understanding the subtle ways ancestral trauma shapes us, and finding clarity by stepping away from life’s constant noise. This episode invites you to embrace stillness, nurture meaningful connections, and cultivate a life rooted in quiet purpose and shared humanity. A guide for anyone seeking calm, reflection, and a deeper understanding of how we carry—and can release—the past to create a more peaceful present.
2025-09-3030 minConnected with IvaWhy You're Still Tired: Breaking Sleep Myths with Dr. Andrea MatsumuraWhy do we really need sleep, and why is it so hard to get right? Dr. Andrea Matsumura reveals the overlooked causes of poor rest, the myths we’ve been told, and the actionable strategies to reset your nights—and your life.
2025-09-2335 minConnected with IvaUps & Downs Aren't Failures: How to See Challenges DifferentlyYou’ve done the mindset work, raised your frequency, and started living with more awareness — but then life throws a curveball. Why do challenges still show up even when you’re growing? In this solo episode, I explore what it means when downs happen during your ups, how old unhelpful loops can be triggered, and the mindset shifts that help you see setbacks differently. If you’re on a self-development journey, this conversation will remind you that growth isn’t about avoiding the downs, but about how you move through them.
2025-09-1607 minConnected with IvaOvercoming Limiting Beliefs with Rashina, CEO of Amplify StudioToday I’m speaking with Rashina of Amplify Studio about the power of our beliefs, how limiting narratives hold us back, and the constant, never-ending nature of growth. We dive into how to break free from limits and fully step into your true potential.
2025-09-0940 minConnected with IvaBreeze Social with Marsha Goei: The Dating App That Cuts to the ChaseWhat if your dating app skipped the endless chat and sent you straight to the date? That’s exactly what Breeze does. In this episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with co-founder Marsha Goei to talk about the bold app that’s cutting out small talk and helping singles meet in real life, faster.We dive into how Breeze works, why removing the chat makes dating more intentional, and how this fresh approach is changing the way people connect.If you’ve ever been stuck in conversations that go nowhere or matches that never...
2025-09-0229 minConnected with IvaRankin on AI: On the Brink of the FutureRankin on AI, creativity & the future of human connection. AI promises limitless possibility—suddenly, anything feels within reach. But does this push us toward an artistic revolution, or a loss of our humanity? In a world starved for authentic interaction, this is the conversation we can’t afford to miss.
2025-08-2639 minConnected with IvaStepping Into Possibility: Entrepreneurship, Purposeful Hustle & Change with Lindsay DavisIn this episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with Lindsay Davis — Consultant, Award-Winning Founder of FemTech Association Asia, and global advisor with the UN and Milken Institute. We talk about the fearless side of entrepreneurship, the power of stepping beyond your comfort zone, and what it really means to embrace a purposeful hustle. Lindsay’s insights on action, intention, and creating meaningful change will leave you rethinking how you move through the world, and inspire you to start now.
2025-08-1939 minConnected with IvaBirthday Reflections: Some Truths I'm Finally Ready to Say Out LoudIn this special birthday episode, I’m reflecting on the year I chose to follow my passion and finally launch my podcast.I share the ups, downs, and everything in between — from the excitement of starting something new, to the challenges of finding my authentic voice, and the growth that came from putting myself out there.If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something meaningful or wondered what it really takes to start a podcast, this episode is for you.Join me as I talk about:– Taking the leap into podcasting– Finding my...
2025-08-1211 minConnected with IvaThe Cost of Waiting to ActClarity lives in action. Confidence does too.If you’ve been feeling stuck, paused, or unsure — this short episode is for you.You’ll hear why thought has a limit, why movement matters, and why some opportunities don’t come back.A 6-minute wake-up call to commit to your goals — and your becoming.
2025-08-0506 minConnected with IvaModelling Exposed: Our Untold Truths and Journey Forward with Rebecca PearsonIn this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Pearson, who has spent nearly 25 years in the modelling industry. Together, we explore what it truly means to grow up in a world obsessed with image, beauty, and perfection. We share honest reflections on the burnout, the pressure, and the hidden costs that come with being constantly in the spotlight. From Rebecca’s early days to her decision to speak out through her blog Modeltypeface, we dig into the realities most models don’t talk about openly. Our conversation reveals how the industry has—or hasn’t—changed, and what it takes to r...
2025-07-2925 minConnected with IvaWhat If One Serendipitous Moment Changed Everything? Tamta Mosulishvili on Storytelling, Friendship & Quintet LondonIn this heartwarming episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with Tamta Mosulishvili, the founder of the poetic and emotionally rich brand Quintet London. Our conversation unfolds like the story behind her brand—deeply personal, beautifully crafted, and grounded in meaning.We reflect on serendipity—how it brought us together and how it continues to shape the friendships and possibilities in our lives. Tamta shares the message behind Quintet, how each gift is more than an object—it's a vessel for storytelling, evoking emotion, and creating meaningful connections.Together, we explore: The power of cre...
2025-07-2229 minConnected with IvaAfraid to Begin? That's Exactly When You ShouldWhat if the fear you feel isn't a stop sign, but the doorway to your purpose?In this solo episode, I get honest about my own journey with loneliness and that unsettling feeling of not knowing what I’m here for. I talk about how fear almost kept me from stepping into the work that lights me up — and how I learned that clarity doesn’t come before action. It comes because of it.If you’ve ever waited to feel “ready,” or thought everyone else knows what they’re doing but you — I made this one for you...
2025-07-1511 minConnected with IvaNot This Anymore: Choosing Identity on Your Terms with Noemi GuneaIn this expansive episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with the multi-talented Noemi Gunea to explore the layered theme of identity, especially through our shared Eastern European roots. We dive into what it means to unlearn inherited cultural conditioning, how to gamify life to reconnect with joy, and why putting your desires on a pedestal can distance you from your power.Together, we reflect on the energetics of manifestation, navigating the tension between scarcity and safety, and how most of us live stretched across time — carrying old wounds, chasing future dreams, and forgetting the quiet st...
2025-07-0827 minConnected with IvaBetween Boundaries, Beauty & Becoming with Melise WilliamsIn this episode, I catch up with the wonderful Melise (@melise_w) for a real, relaxed conversation that goes deeper than the surface. From the highs and heartbreaks of the modelling world to quiet shifts in how we relate, date, and create — nothing’s off-limits. We explore boundaries, life in front of a camera, and how AI is changing the way we express and protect ourselves online.It’s part catch-up, part therapy, and completely unfiltered.
2025-07-0131 minConnected with IvaNo Moment Is Secondary: Ella Eiveren on Modelling, Movement, and Making it CountWhat does it mean to live like no moment is secondary? Model and founder Ella Eiveren shares her journey through modelling, entrepreneurship, and self-trust—with practical wisdom on building something real while staying deeply present.
2025-06-2427 minConnected with IvaFrom Loops to Alignment: Let's Be Excellent with Aziza RansomeToday I'm joined by Aziza Ransome, host of Psychology Of The Heart, for a heart-centered talk on breaking loops, realigning with your truth, and why “let’s be excellent” beats chasing perfection—every time.
2025-06-1717 minConnected with IvaWearing Meaning: Serendipity, Social Media & Slow Fashion with Harriet from SaywoodClothes can spark connection—and in this episode with Harriet, founder of Saywood, we explore the serendipity of style. From slow fashion to sustainability, we talk about how what we wear shapes conversations, inspires community, and reflects conscious living. We also chat about social media, shared ambition, and why success is sweeter when it’s collective.Don’t miss Saywood’s limited-time pop-up events:📍 50 Cross Street, Islington: 4–29 June📍 The Hair Shop, Hitchin: 14 June📍 Avantelier, Notting Hill: 2–13 JulyTune in for stories, inspiration, and the magic of fashion that means something.
2025-06-1027 minConnected with IvaRedefining Success: Identity, Career Pivots & the Reality of Modelling with Janice SommerJanice has crafted a fascinating career journey - from working as a model to becoming a communications consultant focusing on venture capital funds in Berlin. In this episode, we explore reinvention, learning from failures (or the lessons that help us grow), and trusting your instincts. She reveals what modelling really teaches you (hint: it's not just about photos) and how those skills translate to the business world. We also discuss industry pressures, AI's growing role, and how to define success on your own terms.
2025-06-0337 min
Connected with IvaWhy Not Be Happy? Healing People Pleasing, Real Talk and Connection with Em-J SmithIn this episode I chat with Em-J Smith, who I met on a film set a year ago, about healing, authenticity, dating, and the messy joy of human connection. Recorded in our pyjamas (because why not?), we explore:People-pleasing - How to undo it, even if it costs us relationships.Dating's perfection myth - Why apps feel fake and real life flirting is oddly hard.Trauma and resilience - Smiling as armor, and why feeling down is human. Authenticity starvation - Craving real talk in a world of small talk.
2025-05-2736 minConnected with IvaConversation Costs Nothing: Fashion, Community & Passion with Sarah SoulsbyWhat starts with fashion becomes so much more. In this episode, Sarah Soulsby shares how her love for style sparked a growing community—where brands, inspiring women, and everyday passion come together. From lockdown beginnings to meaningful connections, this is a story of how self-expression can bring people closer, one outfit (and conversation) at a time.
2025-05-2025 minConnected with IvaThe Power of Reconnecting with Your Body: Angelica Merritt on Self-Connection, Womb Wisdom & Inner HealingIn this episode of Connected with Iva, I speak with author and herbalist Angelica Merritt about the importance of reconnecting with the body—beginning with the often-overlooked wisdom of the womb space. Drawing from her book, Womb Witch: Herbal Magick for Reproductive Health, Angelica offers practical and intuitive ways to cultivate inner awareness, support healing, and deepen self-connection.We also dive into topics that are often seen as taboo or embarrassing—but are completely natural and vital to understand. This episode invites you to tune into your body with curiosity and care, and to embrace what’s real r...
2025-05-1334 min
Connected with IvaConnection Isn't Always Comfortable: My Night in a Room of 100 StrangersWhat happens when you step into a room with 100 strangers, all seeking connection? In this episode, I unpack the beauty and discomfort of being surrounded by people—but still navigating your own emotions. If you’ve ever craved belonging yet felt overwhelmed by social spaces, this one’s for you.
2025-05-0611 minConnected with IvaWhen Anxiety Falls Apart + Guided Meditation for CalmIn this episode of Connected with Iva, I open up about my personal journey with a cavernoma — a health condition that shook my world but also brought deep clarity. I reflect on how, in moments of real crisis, the wall of made-up worries we often build through anxiety tends to collapse, revealing what truly matters.To close the episode, I guide you through a calming meditation, accompanied by beautiful music from @francisfauxmusic. You can connect with Francis and explore more of his work at www.francisfaux.co.uk.Take a deep breath, and let's connect.
2025-04-2911 minConnected with IvaMindfulness Through The Lens - A Conversation With @anasta_fotoIn this episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with the wonderfully thoughtful @anasta_foto to explore the rich intersection of mindfulness, embodiment, and photography. Together, we dive into the quiet presence required to truly capture a moment, the link between inner stillness and visual storytelling, and how photography can become a moving form of meditation and self-connection.Anasta opens up about her journey as a photographer and how she’s found grounding and inspiration through practices that invite slowness and presence—including ecstatic dance, contact improvisation, and 5Rhythms. We also touch on the importance of safe...
2025-04-2237 minConnected with IvaLonely or Lost? Why Purpose Might Be the AnswerIn this episode of Connected with Iva, I open up about a time in my life when I felt deeply lost — constantly seeking connection, yet nothing felt truly meaningful. I was surrounded by people, but inside, I felt empty. It wasn’t until I began to explore my deeper purpose that something shifted. The loneliness didn’t magically disappear, but the void I once felt slowly began to fade.We dive into the powerful connection between purpose and loneliness, and why chasing external connection without inner meaning can leave us feeling more isolated than ever. If you’ve ever...
2025-04-1509 minConnected with IvaWhy Human Connections Are Key to Happiness and Well-beingIn this episode of Connected with Iva, we explore the essential role human connections play in our happiness and survival. Why do we need connection, and how does it impact our mental well-being? Tune in as I dive into the science behind human bonds, featuring insights from Johann Hari’s Lost Connections, and discuss how social disconnection leads to depression and anxiety. Learn why strong, meaningful relationships are vital for thriving in today's world.We’ll also uncover how connections release the "love hormone" oxytocin, reduce stress, and improve resilience. Plus, we’ll reflect on the challenges of lon...
2025-04-0814 minConnected with IvaFear Isn't The EnemySomeone asked me recently what my biggest fear in life is—and that simple question sent me on a journey inward. In this first episode, I reflect on fear itself: where it comes from, how it shows up in our lives, and why so many of our fears are rooted in childhood experiences or unmet emotional needs. From the fear of failure to the fear of loneliness, I explore how these invisible threads can quietly shape our choices, relationships, and sense of self. This episode is an invitation to get curious about your own fears—not to judge them, but...
2025-03-3014 min