About this episode

Joni Caldwell Lerner and Marisa Handler discuss the transformative power of trauma and creativity during uncertain times.

What if the obstacle isn't blocking your path — but revealing it? In this deeply nourishing and soul-expanding conversation, Joni sits down with award-winning author, coach, singer, and teacher Marisa Handler to explore what it means to become your own sanctuary in times of uncertainty. Together, they unpack the relationship between trauma, creativity, nervous system healing, purpose, and personal transformation — and why the very things that break us open may actually be initiating us into who we came here to become. Marisa shares her powerful personal story of navigating a profound Dark Night of the Soul after what looked like external success, and how that unraveling became a doorway into deeper compassion, spiritual trust, and authentic power. You'll also hear an honest and grounded conversation about collective awakening, energetic sensitivity, nervous system regulation, creativity as a birthright, and how to move through life's upheavals without losing yourself. If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or quietly sensing that something deeper is calling you forward — this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore: ✨ The Dark Night of the Soul —…

People in this episode

Host: Joni Caldwell Lerner

Guest: Marisa Handler

Topics covered

• Dark Night of the Soul
• creativity
• nervous system healing
• personal transformation
• trauma
• collective awakening

Keywords

• Dark Night of the Soul
• creativity
• nervous system
• personal transformation
• trauma
• spiritual trust
• authentic power
• collective awakening

More episodes of WAKE UP! with Joni

• Stop Proving Yourself: The Freedom of Being Fully You | Dr. Liz DuBois Erskine · July 16, 2026 · 33 min
• When Fear Gets Loud: Reclaiming Your Inner Voice with Martina Tisljar · July 9, 2026 · 52 min
• From Head to Heart: The Frequency of an Authentic Life with Sigmar Berg · June 23, 2026 · 24 min
• The Wake-Up Hidden Inside Heartbreak, Trauma & Toxic Relationships with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards · June 2, 2026 · 42 min
• The Inner Work Behind Success | Drew Norton on Identity, Discipline & Leadership · May 21, 2026 · 49 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the WAKE UP! with Joni podcast page.