Episode 1: This Wasn’t the Plan
In the inaugural episode of the ThriveMind Studio Podcast, host Courtney Finstad opens the series with a conversation rooted in honesty, reflection, and lived experience.
In the first half of the episode, Courtney sits down with author Mark Shelley Kenzer to explore the themes of his book, My Miserable Search for Enlightenment. Together, they reflect on a lifelong search for meaning, identity, and spiritual truth—touching on meditation, silence, suffering, and the unraveling of ego and expectation. Rather than offering easy answers, the conversation invites curiosity, humility, and deeper awareness of what it means to live fully when life doesn’t follow the plan we imagined.
👉 You can find Mark’s book on Amazon.
The episode also features ThriveMind Studio’s Voices of Impact nonprofit spotlight, highlighting Bishop’s Mission and its founder, Kate Klasen. Kate shares how Bishop’s Mission supports first responders navigating the aftermath of critical incidents through peer connection, lived experience, and trained PTS canines. The conversation sheds light on gaps in traditional wellness systems—particularly the often-overlooked care of therapy and service dogs that departments rely on—setting the tone for ThriveMind’s commitment to practical, human-centered support.
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What is ThriveMind Studio Podcast ?
The ThriveMind Podcast, hosted by Courtney Finstad, offers a calming space for reflection and personal growth. With a blend of mindfulness, somatic wisdom, and neuroscience, Courtney and guests explore health, fitness, and intentional living, helping listeners embrace their journey without pressure. The podcast aligns with the ThriveMind app, a self-care tool designed to support self-discovery through guided journaling and thoughtful prompts. Each episode also features a nonprofit spotlight to amplify causes that promote well-being and community support.
Key Points:
Hosted by Courtney Finstad, blending mindfulness, and somatic wisdom
Focus on health, fitness, and intentional living through reflective, pressure-free conversations.
Tied to the ThriveMind app, offering journaling and self-care tools for personal growth.
Each episode includes a nonprofit spotlight to highlight meaningful causes.