In this powerful episode of the Optimizing Me Podcast, host JJ Ruescas sits down with Cesar Marin—a former CNN journalist turned thought leader in the psychedelic wellness space. Cesar shares his remarkable journey from high-stakes media to helping people over 50 reconnect with their purpose through microdosing, mindfulness, and intentional living.

Together, they explore the origins of Cultivating Wisdom and Microdosing Over 50, and how psychedelics—when used with care and clarity—can support mental clarity, emotional healing, and late-in-life reinvention.

Whether you're new to psychedelics or looking to deepen your personal growth journey, this episode is packed with grounded insights and practical tools.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

🔸 How Cesar transitioned from CNN to plant medicine advocacy
🔸 The purpose behind Cultivating Wisdom and Microdosing Over 50
🔸 Microdosing protocols and how to find your personal “sweet spot”
🔸 Why intention, integration, and community are essential
🔸 Real-life stories of transformation and healing
🔸 Practical advice for exploring psychedelics responsibly
🔸 The role of mindfulness in optimizing life after 50

Tune in now and share this episode with someone ready to rediscover their purpose.

Healing Attachment Wounds with Heidi Priebe: From Insecurity to Authentic Connection.

In this powerful episode of Optimizing Me, host JJ Ruescas sits down with author and attachment theory expert Heidi Priebe to explore how our early experiences shape the way we connect—and how we can transform those patterns for deeper, more authentic relationships.

Together, they unpack the four core attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful avoidant—and discuss how early caregiving environments can wire us for emotional connection or disconnection. Heidi shares her own journey moving from insecurity toward secure attachment, and offers practical tools to help listeners do the same.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

🔸 How to identify your attachment style

🔸 The role of childhood experiences in shaping adult relationships

🔸 Tools for healing and moving toward secure attachment

🔸 Why presence, authenticity, and open communication are key to connection

Whether you're in a relationship, healing from one, or exploring your inner world, this episode offers deep insight and real-life strategies to support your personal evolution.

🌐 Learn more about Heidi’s work: https://www.heidipriebe.com/

📺 Follow her on

- YouTube: @heidipriebe1

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidipriebe

In this special episode, I decided to share what I found in the recesses of my mind during the 10-Day Silent Vipassana Meditation I attended in January 2025. The topics I cover: 🔸 Some of my unhealthy ways of relating to people 🔸 The struggles created by my mind for years 🔸 Identity Dysmorphia 🔸 My Framework to Tame the Mind (The 4 Quadrants) Pick what resonates with you. Discard the rest! But always....Keep Learning. Keep Optimizing!