Real Chat with Kat

How to Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind After Trauma & Abuse w/ Dana Diaz

Real Chat with Kat

Show Notes

In this episode:We dive deep into the journey of healing from abuse and reclaiming personal power. Dana Diaz shares how trauma and subconscious beliefs—formed as early as age 7—can shape your reality and keep you stuck in unhealthy patterns long after the abuse has ended. Together, we explore the science of neuroplasticity and the brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS), which filters experiences to reinforce familiar beliefs. This episode provides actionable insights on how to consciously interrupt old patterns, reprogram limiting beliefs, and create new pathways for growth and empowerment.

Meet my guest:Joining me is Dana Diaz, a bestselling author, global speaker, and entrepreneur who transformed her life after 25 years of abuse and a stress-induced autoimmune diagnosis. Dana shares her personal story of overcoming systemic failures, breaking free from trauma, and intentionally rebuilding her life. She offers practical strategies for using subconscious reprogramming and neuroscience to reclaim power, heal, and thrive. Her journey from survivor to empowered leader is a testament to the possibility of transformation, and her insights will inspire anyone looking to change the trajectory of their own life.

Quote/Piece of Advice: You don’t see change if we don’t make people uncomfortable.

Connect with Dana:Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, WebsiteTo connect with your host Kat: @TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli

My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

More from Real Chat with Kat

Oct 23, 2026

In this episode The words we use matter more than we might realize! In this episode of Real Chat with Kat, Lonnee Rey and I explore the power of language, storytelling, and how our words shape the way we see ourselves and others. We discuss ghostwriting, turning ideas into powerful books, and the difference between courage and strength and between good judgment and being judgmental. We also challenge listeners to pay attention to the words that sting, question what they really mean, and find language that better reflects their experiences. Sometimes, a simple shift in words can change our perspective and deepen our connections with others. Meet my guest Lonnee Rey is a 2023 BIBA Award-winning editor, ghostwriter, and two-time #1 international bestselling author. She has helped hundreds of authors discover their message, write compelling stories, and bring their dreams of becoming coaches, speakers, and authors to life. She's also the creator of the Rattled Awake series, featuring 16 bestselling anthologies published in just 18 months. As a story architect and book producer, Lonnee helps people transform their ideas into compelling narratives. Her passion for words goes beyond writing—she understands how language influences our thoughts, experiences, and relationships. This conversation is a reminder that the words we choose matter, and sometimes, finding the right ones can change everything. Quote/Piece of Advice: You don't have to stick around and make other people feel better for being what, whoever, however they are. Connect with Lonnee: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonnee/Website: https://yourbookdoctor.com/ To connect with your host Kat:@KatPolsinelliMy Website: www.the-lotus-effect.comSubscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

Oct 9, 2026

In this episode Dani Lynn Robison and I dive into money mindset, the beliefs we develop around money from an early age, and how those beliefs can continue influencing our decisions as adults. We talk about moving from scarcity to abundance, challenging the stories our brains tell us, and finding new evidence that can help us create different possibilities. We also explore passive real estate investing, creating a “Return on Life,” and why financial freedom doesn’t have to mean taking on another job. Dani shares her approach to simplifying investing while we discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people whose strengths and expertise complement your own.Meet my guest Dani Lynn Robison is the co-founder of Freedom Family Investments, a vertically integrated real estate investment company overseeing more than $1 billion in collective assets with a 100% on-time distribution record. Dani is passionate about helping people create greater financial freedom through simplified, strategic investing. Her own journey from growing up “rich in love, but poor in money” to developing an abundance mindset gives her a deeply personal perspective on the beliefs, fears, and decisions that can shape our financial lives. Quote/Piece of Advice: Don't let fear stand in your way. Never give up. Take action. Those three things. Life is going to work out in your favor. You just have to believe it will. Connect with Dani: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danirobisonInstagram: www.instagram.com/danilynnrobisonLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danilynnrobisonTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dani.lynn.robisonFree Copy to Dani's book >> https://realchatwithfreedom.com/ To connect with your host Kat:@KatPolsinelliMy Website: www.the-lotus-effect.comSubscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

Oct 2, 2026

In this episode What does it look like to stop living on autopilot and start living with intention? In this episode of Real Chat with Kat, Kat Polsinelli sits down with Toni Vallenius for a thought-provoking conversation about self-awareness, intentional living, identity, and creating a life that you genuinely want to live. Kat and Toni explore why we can become so focused on reaching the next goal that we forget to enjoy the process along the way. They also challenge the idea that we have to fit ourselves into one career, one path, or one identity. From practical ways to become more aware throughout the day to the simple question, “Am I aware?”, this conversation offers plenty to think about—and even more to put into practice. Meet my guest Toni Vallenius is a lifestyle investor and future innovator, founder of Life Oracle, author of The Intention Game, and creator of the 4LOC Method. A former clinical hypnotherapist and NLP trainer, Toni has spent years exploring beliefs, identity, and human behavior. Today, his work focuses on what he calls internal intelligence—helping people better understand who they are, recognize the patterns shaping their lives, and intentionally create a life they genuinely want to live. Quote/Piece of Advice: The most important thing in any human being is to become a self-aware. Connect with Toni: The Intention Game & Life Oracle: https://www.theintentiongame.comLife Oracle: https://www.theintentiongame.com/lifeoracleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonivallenius-theintentiongameFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToniKristianVallenius To connect with your host Kat:@KatPolsinelliMy Website: www.the-lotus-effect.comSubscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

Sep 25, 2026

In this episode What if your relationship with money has less to do with the numbers and more to do with what you believe, feel, and do with money? In this episode of Real Chat with Kat, Jeannie Dougherty and I dive into the emotional and behavioral side of money. We talk about rewiring money mindsets, moving from scarcity to “plenty,” creating healthier financial boundaries, and how our relationship with money can impact our relationships, decisions, and everyday lives. We also discuss financial scams, shared financial responsibility, and why simply knowing the numbers isn't always enough to create meaningful change. Meet my guest Jeannie Dougherty is a money coach whose clients call her the Money Whisperer. She works with entrepreneurs and couples who want to make their money work for them rather than feel like it’s working against them. Jeannie's own experience with family, grief, and the loss of a $1 million estate opened her eyes to a gap in the financial industry and ultimately led her to emotional behavioral money coaching. Today, she helps people move beyond scarcity, confusion, and stress toward greater clarity, confidence, and healthier financial choices. Quote/Piece of Advice: What you think, what you speak, and how you feel about money will lead you to your actions. Connect with Jeannie: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, PodcastTo connect with your host Kat:@KatPolsinelliMy Website: www.the-lotus-effect.comSubscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

Sep 18, 2026

In this episode What happens when survival becomes purpose? In Part 1 of my conversation with Greg Pihs, we talk about childhood trauma, resilience, military service, healing, and the journey of discovering who you are when survival is no longer the only option.Greg opens up about surviving unimaginable childhood trauma, serving three combat deployments in Iraq, and the challenges he faced after leaving the military. We talk about the impact of trauma, the difference between surviving and truly living, how self-development helped change the way he viewed himself and his future, and how our experiences can become part of a much bigger purpose.Meet my guestGreg Pihs is a Marine Corps veteran, bestselling author, and founder of GP Mind Growth Academy. His passion for helping others comes from his own journey of overcoming extreme childhood abuse and three combat deployments. Today, Greg is committed to helping others break cycles of unconscious suffering and transform their experiences into growth and purpose. His mission is to end childhood trauma within three generations — creating a future where the pain passed down through families doesn't have to continue. Quote/Piece of Advice: Life doesn't magically get better. But the things that I'm experimenting with, I'm seeing positive results from. Connect with Greg: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.pihs.3/Website: https://gpmindgrowthacademy.com/ To connect with your host Kat:@KatPolsinelliMy Website: www.the-lotus-effect.comSubscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

See all episodes →