The Karuna Life Podcast

13 October 2025

Beyond the Gatekeepers: Lisa Umina on Elevating Self-Published Books

In this inspiring episode of The Karuna Life, Gina sits down with Lisa Michelle Umina—award-winning author, publisher, and founder/CEO of Halo Publishing International and the Elite Voices imprint. With 20+ years in the industry and over 3,000 titles launched, Lisa shares why she chose the self-publishing path, the gap she set out to fill, and the core values that guide her team’s partnerships with authors. You’ll learn how to make an indie book stand shoulder-to-shoulder with traditionally published titles, where new authors tend to underestimate the work (no shame—just truth and a good checklist), and what Halo’s process looks like from first inquiry to launch day. Lisa also tells the story of an author who nearly quit—and the pivotal shift that brought the book to its readers. If you feel called to write but overwhelmed, this conversation offers your next right step… and the one sticky note Lisa would leave on every author’s desk.

Learn more about Lisa's work with Halo Publishing and Elite Voices: www.halopublishing.com • Instagram @halopublishing | @elite_voices

Explore Gina’s work: www.thekarunalife.com • Instagram @thekarunalife • Reiki Training: www.trimatrihealing.com • Soul Walk book in all formats on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hkdvSq0 email comments or show ideas: gina@thekarunalife.com

00:00

36:22

09 October 2025

When Pets Speak: Grief, Guidance & Animal Communication — with Catherine Hinkle

Animal communicator Catherine Hinkle joins me on The Karuna Life Podcast to demystify what it means to be a “pet intuitive.” We talk about the first moment it clicked that animals were responding, what a typical reading looks like (and how to prepare), and how messages come through—images, sensations, words—and the validating details that confirm connection. Catherine shares gentle support for fresh grief and families navigating euthanasia decisions—what often eases guilt and second-guessing, what pets most want their people to know after they’ve crossed, the signs and synchronicities to watch for, and simple rituals (including kid-friendly ones) to honor the bond.

Listener Takeaways

What pets most want you to know after they’ve crossed
Gentle guidance around euthanasia decisions and releasing guilt
Simple rituals + one at-home practice to feel closer to a pet in spirit
Kid-friendly ways to include children in the grieving process

Guest Bio — Catherine Hinkle

Air Force veteran and OSU-trained Family Nurse Practitioner, Catherine Hinkle blends integrative medicine with intuitive healing. Her personal wellness journey—including a 100-lb transformation—inspires her whole-person approach. She’s a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach/Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Counselor, Practical Reiki Master/Instructor, and a 200-hour Mindful Resilience Yoga Teacher with the Veterans Yoga Project. You can learn more about her work: Here is the website link: https://infinitesoulflame.com/ Instagram/FB: @infinitesoulflame

Find Gina & The Karuna Life®

Website: www.TheKarunaLife.com
Instagram: @thekarunalife
Mentorship & sessions: www.TheKarunaLife.com/mentorship
Trimatri Reiki™: www.trimatrihealing.com
Book: Soul Walk: The Unexpected Gifts of Grief and Connection to Those in Spirit — Amazon

00:00

46:18

09 September 2025

Intuition, Spinal Flow, and the Mind-Body Connection with Jennifer Andrade

In this episode of The Karuna Life Podcast, Gina Kitzmiller sits down with Jennifer Andrade, Certified Spinal Flow Practitioner, Reiki Master, Sound Healing Therapist and founder of Blue Lotus - A Bridge to Wellness.

Jennifer shares how Spinal Flow—a gentle, holistic approach to working with the nervous system—helps release tension patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of stress, pain, or disconnection. Together, we explore:

Intuition and the dream world
The vital role of the nervous system in healing
What is Spinal Flow and how it can be helpful
The deep connection between body, mind, and spirit
Practical ways to honor your intuition and support your own well-being

This conversation is an invitation to trust the wisdom within your body and to see healing as a bridge—connecting you back to yourself, your intuition, and the flow of life.

Whether you’re curious about Spinal Flow, seeking new ways to regulate stress, or simply wanting to deepen your mind-body connection, Jennifer’s insights will inspire you.

💜 Tune in and discover how listening inward can change everything.

📌 Connect with Us

Gina Kitzmiller | The Karuna Life™

🌐 thekarunalife.com

📧 gina@thekarunalife.com / Social: @TheKarunaLife

🌟Reiki Training: www.trimatrihealing.com

Jennifer Andrade | Blue Lotus - A Bridge to Wellness

🌐 bluelotusbridge.com

📧 info@bluelotusbridge.com / Social: @BlueLotusBridge

00:00

30:12

06 August 2025

Wine Down Wednesday: Reiki, Mediumship & Real Talk with Lori Vynalek

💫 Episode Summary:

In this Wine Down Wednesday episode of The Karuna Life Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Lori Vynalek—Reiki Master, intuitive, artist, and kindred spirit—for a glass of wine and an open-hearted conversation.

We dive into the real magic of Reiki, the unexpected moments of mediumship, and what it’s like to live a life guided by Spirit. It’s unfiltered, soulful, and filled with laughter, stories, and insights that will inspire you to trust your own intuitive path.

Whether you’re just beginning your spiritual awakening, curious about energy healing, or looking to deepen your connection with Spirit, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported.

✨ Topics We Explore:

The healing power of Reiki and how it transforms lives

The realities (and surprises) of mediumship

Medical Reiki and energetic support during medical care

Recognizing signs from Spirit and trusting your gifts

Want to Learn Reiki?

If you’re feeling called to explore energy healing, I offer Trimatri Reiki™ training and certifications. Visit www.trimatrihealing.com or email me directly at gina@thekarunalife.com to learn more.

Explore Gina's Work: For private sessions, life path consultations, retreats, classes and more, visit:

👉 www.thekarunalife.com

Connect with Lori Vynalek: 📧 lorivynalek@gmail.com

🙏 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving it a 5-star rating, leaving a review, and following The Karuna Life Podcast. Your support helps the show reach more souls who need it.

00:00

27:45

22 July 2025

Holding Space: How to Show Up for the Grieving with Alice Foeller

In this heartfelt episode of The Karuna Life Podcast, Gina sits down with author and community leader Alice Foeller to explore what it truly means to support someone who is grieving. Drawing from her book The Art of Compassion: Supporting Friends Through Dark Times, Alice offers grounded, spirit-led wisdom for showing up in meaningful ways—without fixing, rescuing, or offering clichés.

Together, they discuss:

Why presence matters more than perfect words
The difference between holding space and trying to "make it better"
Common mistakes well-meaning supporters make—and how to avoid them
How grief invites us into deeper compassion, connection, and humility
The sacred art of simply being with someone in their sorrow

Whether you’re walking through grief yourself or wondering how to support a loved one, this episode is a gentle guide back to the heart.

✨ Connect with Alice Foeller

Instagram: @alicefoeller

www.alicefoeller.com / Tedx Talk: https://youtu.be/mZHb8FJ_O2Y?feature=shared

Learn more about The Art of Compassion: Supporting Friends Through Dark Times https://a.co/d/gOXT8jW

📖 Mentioned in this episode:

The Art of Compassion by Alice Foeller
Grief support tips and stories from real-life experience

🕊️ If this episode touched your heart, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review. It’s a simple way to help others discover these healing conversations—and it truly means the world to us.

🎧 Subscribe to The Karuna Life Podcast for more soul-centered episodes on healing, intuition, and spiritual connection.

00:00

44:21

24 June 2025

Soul Walk: Navigating Grief, Intuition, and Motherhood After Loss with Gina Kitzmiller

In this episode of the Karuna Life Podcast, host Gina Kitzmiller opens up about her personal journey of grief following her husband's suicide. Interviewed by friend and colleague Meredith Beardmore, Gina shares the profound impact of this tragic event on her life, her intuition, and her role as a single mother. Gina's memoir, Soul Walk, chronicles her path through the unexpected challenges posed by alcoholism and loss, offering solace and guidance to others navigating similar experiences. The discussion delves into how Gina learned to trust her own intuition and embrace her own truth amidst the tragedy. To learn more about Meredith's work, go to www.mendwithmere.com / socials: @MendwithMere. To learn more about Gina's work or her upcoming memoir, please visit www.thekarunalife.com / socials: @theKarunaLife. Both books will be available this July on Amazon!

00:00

31:54

The Karuna Life Podcast

Latest episodes

Beyond the Gatekeepers: Lisa Umina on Elevating Self-Published Books

When Pets Speak: Grief, Guidance & Animal Communication — with Catherine Hinkle

Listener Takeaways

Intuition, Spinal Flow, and the Mind-Body Connection with Jennifer Andrade

📌 Connect with Us

Wine Down Wednesday: Reiki, Mediumship & Real Talk with Lori Vynalek

Holding Space: How to Show Up for the Grieving with Alice Foeller

Soul Walk: Navigating Grief, Intuition, and Motherhood After Loss with Gina Kitzmiller