Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast
Welcome to the Heart Open Wide Wellness Podcast! A space where we explore how to keep our hearts and souls open to growth, healing, and new opportunities—even when life’s challenges make it tempting to shut down.
I’m Hannah Zackney—therapist, yogi, life coach, and creator of Heart Wide Open Wellness, a hub for transformative programs, retreats, and community support.
Each episode, we dive into powerful conversations with inspiring guests from diverse backgrounds—healers, thought leaders, wellness experts, and everyday people who have embraced joy, health, and abundance unapologetically.
Join us as we uncover insights, tools, and personal stories to help you cultivate resilience, embrace change, and live with an open heart.
Let’s journey together!
Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast
10. Approach Every Story & Conversation with Curiosity, Empathy & Purpose with Cristina Mendonsa
🎙️ Heart Wide Open Wellness Podcast – with Hannah Zackney & Cristina Mendonsa
In this episode, Emmy-award-winning journalist Cristina Mendonsa joins Hannah Zackney for an inspiring conversation about storytelling, purpose, and balance. Cristina shares her journey through the ever-changing world of journalism, from the rise of independent media to the evolving demands on young reporters. She opens up about her passion for “production with a purpose,” crafting impactful documentaries like Sacred Texts of War—which helps veterans heal through narrative therapy—and Hope Rising, shedding light on human trafficking in Sacramento.
Hannah and Cristina also dive into the art of storytelling, the power of analogies in making complex topics accessible, and the emotional weight of telling stories that truly matter. Beyond work, Cristina gets real about her “productivity addiction,” the struggle to find balance, and the importance of having a strong support system. Plus, she shares advice for aspiring storytellers on building their own platforms and leaning into creativity.
It’s an insightful and heartfelt discussion on journalism, storytelling, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Tune in and join the conversation!
Follow her on Instagram @cmendonsa
Find Peace & Healing with Heart Wide Open Wellness
Meet the Team – Led by MFTi Supervisor & CEU Provider Hannah Zackney, our skilled therapists specialize in EMDR, couples counseling, music therapy, and holistic healing. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join our team!
Discover personalized psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our expert therapists offer EMDR, music therapy, and other evidence-based techniques to support individuals and couples on their healing journey.
Women’s Membership – Connect with like-minded women in a supportive community. Join weekly virtual sessions featuring meditation, kundalini yoga, psychology, somatic experiencing, and deep self-care rituals.
Offerings & Events – Explore transformative wellness experiences, including women’s retreats, book clubs, yoga, and psychology-based guidance. Manifest abundance, build confidence, and overcome anxiety with expert support.
Kundalini Yoga – Experience the power of Kundalini Yoga for inner peace, self-improvement, and spiritual awakening. Join us in person or virtually for guided practices that uplift and transform.