Épisodes

  • The Eyes Never Lie: Vision, Trauma & the Path to Inner Seeing

    The Eyes Never Lie: Vision, Trauma & the Path to Inner Seeing
    Nov 10 2025
    For even more from Dr. Sam, check out his new exclusive membership where you get access to my content and resources, new information, articles, videos, webinars: https://drsambernesmembership.com/ And his upcoming workshops: https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/ Learn more about his pracititioner's program "Your eyes are more than visual organs. They are emotional and neurological pathways that reflect your **life history**, your **nervous system**, your **relationships**, and the ways you’ve learned to protect yourself. In this presentation, Dr. Sam Berne shares his personal journey of healing his own vision, and what he discovered about the connection between **trauma, grief, stress, and visual function**. You’ll learn how the eyes adapt to emotional overwhelm, how vision changes during loss and transition, and why restoring visual clarity often begins with restoring **safety** in the body and nervous system. We will also explore the rapidly emerging world of **virtual and augmented reality**, how these technologies influence the visual brain, and how you can stay grounded in your natural vision system as digital environments become more immersive. This is a conversation about **healing**, **self-connection**, and reclaiming your **innate ability to see clearly**—inside and out. Opening Remarks “Welcome everyone. I’m really grateful that you’re here today. The theme of this retreat is *The Eyes Never Lie,* and that comes directly from my own experience healing my own vision. When I was younger, I had significant myopia and astigmatism. I was told that my eyes were defective—that I was simply born this way, and there was nothing I could do except wear stronger glasses over time. But that didn’t feel true. Something in me sensed that my eyes were responding to my **life**—to stress, to pressure, to trying to see more than I felt safe to see, or sometimes, not wanting to see what was in front of me. As I began to study the eyes—not just anatomically, but emotionally—I learned that **vision is not just optical. It’s neurological. It’s systemic. It’s somatic. And it’s deeply connected to our lived experience.** Trauma, grief, chronic stress, early attachment patterns—these don’t just affect our posture or our mood. They reorganize how the **visual system** functions. The eyes tighten. The focus narrows. The world becomes harder to take in. And when we soften the eyes, when we reconnect them to breath, to safety, to the body—our perception expands again. Light returns. Color returns. Presence returns. Today we are living in a world where our vision is being challenged in new ways. Virtual and augmented reality are asking the brain to process space, depth, and meaning in environments that don’t exist physically. And while these technologies are powerful, they can also disconnect the eyes from the body—and the body from the world. So today, we’re going to explore: * How **your emotional life shows up in your vision** * How I personally reversed my own prescription by working with the **nervous system**, not just the eyeball * How to gently unwind the visual patterns that come from grief, stress, or past trauma * And how to stay **centered and embodied** in a world increasingly mediated by screens and simulation. Your eyes are not broken. They are **communicating.** They are telling your story. And today, we begin to listen.” Keep Up with Dr. Sam Website: https://www.drsamberne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamBerneOD/?fref=ts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samberneod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drsamberne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsamberne/ Dr. Sam Berne has been in private practice in New Mexico for over 25 years and where he works with patients to improve their vision and overall wellness through holistic methods. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University, Doctor of Optometry from Pennsylvania College,
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    25 min
  • Eyes That Work Together: A Functional Vision Approach to Strabismus

    Eyes That Work Together: A Functional Vision Approach to Strabismus
    Nov 2 2025
    If you’re ready to deepen your journey, I invite you to join one of my upcoming programs designed to help you *see differently*: In-person workshop with Dr. Berne, November 8th: The Eyes Never Lie: https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/t... 2 Spots remaining. 👁️ *5-Week Online Course: From Diagnosis to Direction* Begins *November 12th* | Includes a *free 30-minute private session* with me. Learn holistic tools to reduce visual stress, support regeneration, and reawaken your visual potential. 👉 [Learn More & Register](https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/f...) 🌿 *Essential Oils for Eye Health – Master Class* *November 22nd* | Explore the science and art of using natural oils to support eye tissue and clarity. 👉 [Join the Master Class](https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/o...) ☁️ *Membership Course: Clearing the Cloud — Reducing Cataracts Naturally* Exclusive to my membership site, this *8-week journey* teaches natural approaches to support lens clarity and light transmission. 👉 [Join the Membership](https://drsambernesmembership.com/cat...) Dr. Berne’s Kauai Retreat, February 19-24th: Link: https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/a... Keep Up with Dr. Sam Website: https://www.drsamberne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamBerneOD/?... Instagram: / samberneod Twitter: / drsamberne LinkedIn: / drsamberne Keywords children, patching, trauma, stress, mechanical symptom management, eye coordination Summary The conversation delves into the psychological and emotional effects of patching on children, highlighting how it can be perceived as punishment and the limitations of traditional mechanical approaches to symptom management. Takeaways Children have no context on why they're being patched. Patching can feel like a punishment to children. Long periods of patching may not be effective. Patching can add trauma and stress to children. Mechanical symptom management does not address underlying issues. Understanding eye coordination is crucial for effective treatment. Emotional support is essential during treatment. Parents should be educated about the process. Alternative approaches may be more beneficial. The focus should be on holistic treatment rather than just symptoms. Sound bites "Patching becomes like a punishment." "It adds more trauma and stress." "It has nothing to do with how to use your eyes together." Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Impact of Patching on Children 00:17 The Limitations of Mechanical Symptom Management Sam Berne (00:03.732) Okay, well, my first question is, how did you find me? Online, honestly, yes. Looking at lot of alternative methods for my daughter, and I found you. And what was it that resonated with you, with me? Sam Berne (00:29.454) Um, mostly, but I mean, there was a few things. First, I noticed you didn't wear glasses. So I thought that was, or at least most of your videos. So I thought that was already something that was different. Sam Berne (00:45.454) Yeah, you just had alternatives. And even the way you talk about some people like trying to I think you'd mentioned that prescriptions can, you know, be like a drug, and you can lean off of it. Yes. And I really like that idea. Because I think sometimes we jump a little bit too quick to to glasses. And sometimes, yeah, they just need more and more. Okay. Yeah. So What I read about your history is that in your daughter, you first noticed the eye turning at about 10 months. Is that right? And when did you actually either go to your pediatrician or ophthalmologist to have it checked out? Yeah. So I think it was like her one year appointment that the doctor, I had mentioned it and then he had said to go to an ophthalmologist. went there. It was so interesting. She had said that she didn't notice any eye turn, which is fine because it doesn't happen that often. So she didn't notice it in the appointment. she said that she's like, I don't know.
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    56 min
  • Rewiring Vision

    Rewiring Vision
    Oct 27 2025
    Bio: Dr. Sam Berne, OD, BF (Behavioral Optometry)** brings over 40 years of pioneering work at the intersection of vision science, neuroplasticity, and whole-person wellness. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he is both a clinician and thought-leader in holistic and integrative eye care. Qualifications & Training * B.S., Pennsylvania State University * Doctor of Optometry, Pennsylvania College of Optometry * Post-doctoral fellowship at the Gesell Institute, affiliated with Yale University, focusing on infant/child development. ([Dr. Sam Berne][1]) *Certified in Iridology by Dr. Ellen Jensen * Licensure in multiple states (including New Mexico and Hawaiʻi), with advanced training in behavioral/neuro-developmental optometry. ([Dr. Sam Berne Professional Focus Dr. Berne’s approach goes beyond traditional eye exams. He treats vision as a dynamic system of eye-brain-body interaction, using modalities such as vision therapy, color/light therapy, somatic movement, craniosacral work, and nutritional support. Career Highlights * Founded a private practice in Santa Fe that has served children and adults with vision difficulties, learning disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neuro-sensory challenges for over three decades. * Authored multiple books and educational resources, including *Creating Your Personal Vision* and *Vital Vision*, bridging clinical practice with holistic perspective. * International presenter and retreat leader in holistic vision, teaching in locations such as Hawaiʻi, Mexico, Europe and Russia. * Faculty member of the Esalen Institute (Big Sur, CA), leading retreats in whole-health, vision, color therapy and subtle energy. Signature Programs & Innovations * **Functional Vision Integrative Body™ Certification**: a practitioner training program integrating functional vision, somatic movement and holistic eye-brain protocols. * Holistic retreat offerings (e.g., multi-day vision & transformation retreats) grounded in his belief that vision healing is as much about the nervous system, body processes and energy as it is about lenses. * A dedicated focus on conditions often underserved in conventional optometry such as cataracts, macular degeneration, post-viral vision dysfunction, and neuro-plastic enhancement of vision. Mission & Philosophy Dr. Berne’s mission is to empower people to **see clearer, feel better and live brighter**. He challenges the default model of “prescribe-and-manage” by addressing root causes, leveraging neuroplasticity and designing personalized pathways for vision improvement. He states: “Vision is not only about the eyes—it is the organ of light, tied to how the brain, body and spirit work together.” Why People Seek Him Out Individuals come to Dr. Berne when they are ready to: * Explore alternatives to surgery or stronger prescriptions * Reconnect vision with systemic health, brain function and lifestyle * Navigate complex cases (learning-related vision issues, brain injury, progressive ocular conditions) with integrative and functional tools * Participate in immersive experiences (retreats/workshops) that shift not just their vision but their entire visual system and life patterns Contact & Offerings * Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico * Clinic: Holistic Eye Care & Vision Therapy * Online: Tele-medicine, practitioner training, membership portals and global reach * Workshops: In-person retreats and online deep-dives in vision, neuroplasticity and whole-system health **Dr. Sam Berne** stands at the nexus of vision science, holistic health and transformational coaching, offering a unique pathway for those who refuse to live by limits in their eyesight—or in their lives. Join Dr. Sam Berne for These Upcoming Events: 🌀 In-Person Workshop – November 8 A full-day immersion in holistic vision and neuroplastic healing. 💻 5-Week Online Workshop – Begins November 12 Experience Dr. Berne’s Functional Vision methods from anywhere in the ...
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    10 min
  • Macular Health Q&A: Reducing Risk, Repairing, and Restoring Vision

    Macular Health Q&A: Reducing Risk, Repairing, and Restoring Vision
    Oct 21 2025
    For even more from Dr. Sam, check out his new exclusive membership where you get access to my content and resources, new information, articles, videos, webinars: https://drsambernesmembership.com/ Check out his new documentary here: https://www.drsamberne.com/dr-bernes-documentary/ And his upcoming November 8th workshop at the Geodome His 5 week online course starting November 12th Or his Kauai Retreat February 19th-24th, 2026 https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/ Keywords macula bleed, eye health, nutrition, functional medicine, angiogenesis, retinal health, dietary absorption, blue light, antioxidants, vision improvement Summary In this episode of the iClarity podcast, Dr. Sam Berne discusses a listener's question about macula bleed, a serious eye condition. He explains the importance of the macula, the implications of bleeding, and the role of nutrition in maintaining eye health. Dr. Berne emphasizes the need for a holistic approach, including dietary changes and potential treatments, to improve retinal health and manage conditions like macular degeneration. Takeaways The macula is crucial for detail and color vision. Macula bleed can lead to serious complications if untreated. Angiogenesis occurs when the macula is starved for nutrients. Nutrition plays a significant role in eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for retinal health. Monitoring glucose levels is important for eye conditions. A ketogenic diet may benefit those with macular issues. Antioxidants like saffron and curcumin support eye health. Blue light exposure can harm the retina. Avoiding progressive lenses can help with macular problems. Sound bites "The macula is bleeding." "Check your glucose levels." "I wish you the very best." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:29 Understanding Macula Bleed and Its Implications 02:51 The Importance of Nutrition for Eye Health 04:30 Systemic and Metabolic Factors Affecting Macular Health 06:55 Practical Tips for Managing Macular Health Keep Up with Dr. Sam Website: https://www.drsamberne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamBerneOD/?fref=ts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samberneod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drsamberne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsamberne/ Dr. Sam Berne has been in private practice in New Mexico for over 25 years and where he works with patients to improve their vision and overall wellness through holistic methods. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University, Doctor of Optometry from Pennsylvania College, and did his postdoctoral work at the Gesell Institute in collaboration with Yale University. He has been awarded The Special Awards for Service from the Behavioral Optometrists in Mexico for his innovative and holistic work with children. His protocols take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to health and wellness. He understands and treats the body as one integrated system rather than a collection of independent organs in order to identify and address the root causes of disease. His whole health protocols improve vision and wellness by healing the mind-body-spirit through nutritional protocols, vision therapy, and self-care techniques. This views each person as genetically and biochemically unique and enables the individual to make lifelong improvements to their well-being.
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    9 min
  • Beyond Sight: A Masterclass in Holistic Vision Healing

    Beyond Sight: A Masterclass in Holistic Vision Healing
    Oct 12 2025
    Step inside a rare live recording with Dr. Sam Berne, internationally recognized holistic optometrist, as he works one-on-one with participants in an intimate masterclass setting. In this special session, you’ll witness insightful techniques and personalized prescriptions, hear practical guidance for dry eye relief, and discover powerful exercises to improve visual coordination and whole-body integration. More than a lecture, this podcast captures the energy of real-time healing and transformation—showing how vision connects to brain, body, and nervous system. Whether you’re looking for fresh solutions to eye challenges or inspiration for your own journey to clear, vibrant sight, this masterclass offers both education and empowerment. 🎬 New Documentary: Beyond Sight – A Journey into Holistic Vision Healing Experience Dr. Berne’s groundbreaking film that blends science, healing, and patient stories into a powerful exploration of how holistic vision care transforms lives. Beyond Sight takes you inside his unique Functional Vision Integrative Body™ method, featuring live workshops, case studies, and inspiring journeys of people reclaiming their eyesight and health.👉 https://www.drsamberne.com/dr-bernes-documentary/ 💻 Online Workshop – November 12th “The Eyes Never Lie: What Your Vision Reveals About Your Health”Join Dr. Berne for a 5-week online immersion beginning November 12th. This interactive course explores functional eye anatomy, iridology, dry eye solutions, light and color therapy, functional nutrition, and somatic practices to reset the nervous system. Each week includes practical tools you can use immediately to improve your vision and overall vitality.https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/from-diagnosis-to-direction-5-weeks-of-eye-health-guidance/ 🌴 Holistic Vision Retreat – Kauai, Hawaii February 2026 | 8-Day ImmersionImagine learning holistic vision care surrounded by the beauty of Kauai. This exclusive retreat combines Dr. Berne’s hands-on training in functional vision therapy with somatic movement, vagus nerve reset practices, advanced color therapy, and practical techniques to reduce eye strain and improve clarity. Participants will also enjoy rejuvenating nature excursions and deep relaxation on the Garden Island. Spaces are limited to ensure personal attention.👉 Apply for the Kauai Retreat ✨ Whether you join from home through the November 12th online course, immerse yourself in the documentary, or experience the transformational retreat in Kauai, Dr. Berne invites you to go beyond the lens and discover what your vision truly reveals about your health and potential. And to access Dr. Berne's deeper information, join his membership: https://drsambernesmembership.com Sam Berne (00:00.182) recorded. Okay, great. All right. So Roberta, I've read over your history form. also have your prescription. I want to give you some advice on that. But what would be in your words, maybe a sentence or two, what your the things that are bothering you the most and what would be your goals and objectives? One thing about that prescription, was very recent. was not the prescription that I'm not using the lenses that that optometrist gave me. Because I asked him to make the same type of glasses that you had given me 20 years ago that I still use at night to drive with. But he added a stigmatism correction without my permission. see. I see that. Yeah, and a lot of a stigma, a lot of astigmatism. And well, you know, you get that prescription, it's gonna really, you know, lock down your eyes. I got it. And I put them on. I had them on for like, less than a minute. And I was dizzy, disassociated, nauseous, I had to actually go get bodywork to try to fix what those glasses to me. It was amazing. Anyway, we won't go into that. Yeah, that's why I'm here at the vision therapy. Okay, I was very excited to see it. Real quick. Say more, say more. Well, I just in October,
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    50 min
  • Before You Say Yes to Glasses or Surgery: A Holistic Path to Your Child’s Vision

    Before You Say Yes to Glasses or Surgery: A Holistic Path to Your Child’s Vision
    Oct 6 2025
    Check out my upcoming workshops: https://www.drsamberne.com And my new documentary: https://www.drsamberne.com/dr-bernes-documentary/ For even more from Dr. Sam, check out his new exclusive membership where you get access to my content and resources, new information, articles, videos, webinars: https://drsambernesmembership.com/ Keywords vision, farsightedness, child development, alternative therapies, eye exercises, motor skills, visual development, prescription glasses, pediatric eye care, holistic approach Summary In this conversation, the speaker discusses a child's vision issues, specifically focusing on high farsightedness and its implications for development. The conversation explores the connection between visual development and motor skills, emphasizing the importance of movement in early childhood. The speaker suggests alternative therapies and exercises to help improve the child's vision and overall development, while also addressing the potential downsides of strong prescriptions. The discussion concludes with recommendations for exercises and a plan for reducing the child's prescription glasses. Takeaways The child has a high prescription of plus seven for farsightedness. Farsightedness can be linked to developmental delays in motor skills. Movement is crucial for visual and motor development in children. Strong prescriptions can interfere with a child's visual development. Alternative therapies and exercises can help improve vision and motor skills. The connection between the eyes, brain, and body is significant. Primitive reflexes play a role in visual and motor development. Regular eye exercises can aid in reducing prescription strength. Children may experience reversals in letters as a normal part of development. Holistic approaches to eye care consider the whole child, not just their eyesight. Sound bites "That's a really high prescription." "I want to give you some exercises." "I think we can come down 50%." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background on Vision Issues 14:23 Understanding Farsightedness and Its Implications 23:32 Exploring Alternative Therapies and Exercises 40:00 Implementing Exercises and Next Steps Keep Up with Dr. Sam Website: https://www.drsamberne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamBerneOD/?fref=ts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samberneod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drsamberne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsamberne/ Dr. Sam Berne has been in private practice in New Mexico for over 25 years and where he works with patients to improve their vision and overall wellness through holistic methods. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University, Doctor of Optometry from Pennsylvania College, and did his postdoctoral work at the Gesell Institute in collaboration with Yale University. He has been awarded The Special Awards for Service from the Behavioral Optometrists in Mexico for his innovative and holistic work with children. His protocols take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to health and wellness. He understands and treats the body as one integrated system rather than a collection of independent organs in order to identify and address the root causes of disease. His whole health protocols improve vision and wellness by healing the mind-body-spirit through nutritional protocols, vision therapy, and self-care techniques. This views each person as genetically and biochemically unique and enables the individual to make lifelong improvements to their well-being.
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    54 min
  • Reversing Myopia Naturally: A Master class in Functional Vision

    Reversing Myopia Naturally: A Master class in Functional Vision
    Sep 28 2025
    Step into a groundbreaking journey that reveals how vision is more than just seeing — it’s healing. Beyond Sight: A Journey into Holistic Visual Healing uncovers stories of transformation, blending science, spirit, and somatic intelligence to revolutionize how we think about the eyes. 🎥 Watch the trailer now and experience the shift. 🌐 Stream it here: https://www.drsamberne.com/dr-bernes-documentary/ Join Dr. Berne's Pracitioner's training: https://www.drsamberne.com/practitioners-training/ And his upcoming workshops: https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/from-diagnosis-to-direction-5-weeks-of-eye-health-guidance/ For even more from Dr. Sam, check out his new exclusive membership where you get access to my content and resources, new information, articles, videos, webinars: https://drsambernesmembership.com/ Keywords vision therapy, visual habits, prescription glasses, eye health, presbyopia, visual clarity, optometry, personal insights, emotional perception, intuitive insights Summary In this conversation, Sam Berne discusses the importance of visual habits and therapy, sharing personal experiences with vision issues and the impact of different prescriptions on perception and emotional well-being. The dialogue explores how adjustments in lenses can influence not only visual clarity but also personal relationships and intuitive insights in professional practice. Takeaways I started wearing glasses when I was in fifth grade. I learned about good visual habits in optometry school. I'm feeling like I'm getting early presbyopic symptoms. Definitely more clarity with the new prescription. I would cut that by half and try. It feels shaky almost like my ground is so shaky. I feel like I identify more with my type A side. This is more of my relaxed side of it. You might get more intuitive insights with different lenses. I love the way I was trained in optometry. Sound bites "Definitely more clarity." "I would cut that by half and try." "I love the way I was trained." Chapters 00:00 Vision and Personal History 02:48 Exploring Visual Habits and Therapy 04:50 Understanding Prescription Adjustments 07:05 The Impact of Lenses on Perception and Relationships Sam Berne (00:00.463) And Justine, you're the last one. tell me a little bit about your vision and how you became Nearsighted and what's your history? Yeah, so I started wearing glasses when I was in fifth grade and my optometrist prescribed me very strong minus lenses. and didn't tell me anything about visual habits. So I used to color and write really close to the page and I used to watch TV, you know, from the distance of this computer screen. And so my prescription just continued to climb and climb and climb throughout school. And it wasn't until optometry school that I learned about good visual habits, about, you know, relaxing your vision, going outside. you know, not being so glued to the screens, but you know, with COVID and technology nowadays, we're always on our screens. And so I do vision therapy with patients. And so I'm actively doing the exercises with them, especially the diverging activities. And what I'm finding is I'm approaching 36 now, and I'm feeling like I'm getting early presbyopic kind of symptoms where long-term near work, it's starting to give me strain and headaches and I even put a little bit of basin prism in my glasses just to help with that. But I'm still finding that my eyes get really tired by the end of the day. Okay, well one thing I can say right off the bat that could really help you is have you ever thought about one of these prescriptions? Yes, and that is what I I would love to strive to do that. So the way we should do this is if you've got some flippers and you can get them, then what will happen is I'm going to have you wear them over this. Yeah. Sam Berne (02:08.429) Okay, I've got it. I've done so this is a plus 50 I just want you to wear it over.
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    13 min
  • Astigmatism Uncovered: Treating the Root Cause, Not the Symptom

    Astigmatism Uncovered: Treating the Root Cause, Not the Symptom
    Sep 24 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Sam Berne explores astigmatism—what it really is, how it develops, and why simply prescribing glasses to children may reinforce the problem instead of resolving it. Drawing from decades of experience in holistic optometry, Dr. Berne shares his philosophy of treating the root causes of astigmatism with integrative methods that support healthier vision development. Step into a groundbreaking journey that reveals how vision is more than just seeing — it’s healing. Beyond Sight: A Journey into Holistic Visual Healing uncovers stories of transformation, blending science, spirit, and somatic intelligence to revolutionize how we think about the eyes. 🎥 Watch the trailer now and experience the shift. 🌐 Stream it here: https://www.drsamberne.com/dr-bernes-documentary/ Check out my upcoming workshops Next up: My November 8th Workshop at the Geodome Link: https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop. My Kauai Retreat: https://www.drsamberne.com/workshop/ My new book Beyond the Lens: The AI Visionary Playbook for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders. This isn’t just another tech manual. It’s a guide to reclaiming your purpose in the age of AI. To using automation without losing your intuition. To scaling your business without sacrificing your soul. Whether you’re a creative, a coach, or a CEO—this playbook will show you how to partner with AI in a way that’s ethical, embodied, and visionary. ⚡️The future isn’t coming. It’s here. And it’s human-led. Link to Buy: https://amzn.to/45kptwt
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    21 min