by Lara Land | Oct 12, 2025 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a connector, and, as it turns out, a fascinating entry point into conversations about health, culture, and even ethics.
In Episode 91 of Beyond Trauma, I sit down with coffee scientist and author Shawn Steiman, Ph.D. to dive into the surprising ways coffee shapes our lives and well-being. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a coffee devotee, this conversation will help you see your daily cup in an entirely new light.
Coffee as Ritual and Relationship
For many of us, coffee marks the beginning of the day—a small but steady anchor in the midst of life’s chaos. Shawn and I discuss how morning routines involving coffee can provide grounding, comfort, and even a sense of connection. Across the world, coffee also plays a role in community and spiritual life, from religious rituals to neighborhood cafés where friendships are formed.
At its core, coffee is more than caffeine—it’s a shared experience.
The Mental Health Side of Coffee
We also explore the science behind coffee and the brain:
Shawn encourages listeners to approach coffee studies critically, reminding us that sensational headlines don’t always tell the whole story. Instead, understanding context, methodology, and individual differences is key.
The Ethics in Your Cup
Every sip of coffee carries a global story. Shawn pulls back the curtain on the complex world of coffee ethics, asking important questions:
- Does fair trade actually benefit farmers?
- Should you prioritize organic beans?
- Which regions are producing truly sustainable coffee?
As consumers, we hold power in the choices we make. This episode offers guidance on how to navigate those choices thoughtfully.
Taste as Healing
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was Shawn’s perspective on taste as a benefit in itself. Slowing down to savor flavor isn’t frivolous—it’s an act of presence. For those of us navigating stress, trauma, or simply the demands of modern life, the mindful enjoyment of something as simple as a cup of coffee can become an act of healing.
About Shawn Steiman
Known as “Dr. Coffee,” Shawn is a scientist, consultant, and entrepreneur whose work spans from coffee production and ecology to brewing methods and flavor. He’s the founder of Coffea Consulting and Grok Coffee, co-founder of Daylight Mind Coffee Company, and the author of multiple books including The Hawai‘i Coffee Book and The Little Coffee Know-It-All. His passion lies in helping people experience coffee more deeply and consciously.
Listen Now
If you’re ready to rethink your relationship with coffee—from the health impacts to the cultural traditions that make it meaningful—tune in to Episode 91 of Beyond Trauma:
Coffee, Culture & Mental Health | Shawn Steiman
Grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a cup, and join us.
by Lara Land | Oct 17, 2023 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT
In a world that’s increasingly interconnected, our mental health is more important than ever.
Group therapy, a therapeutic approach that brings individuals together to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, has gained recognition for its numerous benefits. In this blog, we’ll delve into the advantages of group therapy, why it’s a valuable resource for those seeking help, and how it can contribute to personal growth and healing. Let’s explore why group therapy is more than just a form of treatment – it’s a lifeline.
The Benefits of Group Therapy:
Emotional Support:
- Group therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can express themselves without fear of stigma. Sharing your struggles with others who can relate can be incredibly comforting.
Shared Experiences:
- In a group setting, you’ll discover that you’re not alone in your journey. Others have experienced similar challenges, and their insights can offer hope and inspiration.
Diverse Perspectives:
- Group therapy exposes you to different backgrounds, perspectives, and coping strategies. This diversity can broaden your understanding and help you find solutions you might not have considered on your own.
Improved Communication Skills:
- Participating in group therapy enhances your ability to communicate effectively. You learn to express your feelings, listen actively, and give and receive constructive feedback.
Increased Self-Awareness:
- Group therapy encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. As you hear others share their stories, you may discover insights about yourself and your own experiences.
Learning and Growth:
- Group members often provide each other with valuable advice and tools for managing their challenges, facilitating personal growth and development.
Reduced Isolation:
- Many individuals dealing with mental health issues experience isolation. Group therapy offers a supportive community, breaking the cycle of loneliness.
Cost-Effective:
- Group therapy is often more cost-effective than individual therapy, making it a more accessible option for those on a budget.
Long-Lasting Relationships:
- Group therapy can lead to meaningful, long-lasting relationships. The bonds formed in these sessions often extend beyond therapy, providing a strong support system.
Supportive Environment:
- Therapists leading group sessions create a safe, structured, and supportive Group therapy benefits
Group therapy is an invaluable resource for those seeking to improve their mental well-being. It offers emotional support, shared experiences, and a diverse perspective that can lead to personal growth and development. By participating in group therapy, individuals can enhance their communication skills, reduce isolation, and find cost-effective solutions to their mental health needs. Group therapy isn’t just a form of treatment; it’s a community of healing and hope, fostering positive change in the lives of its participants.
by Lara Land | Aug 27, 2023 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Are you ready to make your mental health a priority? If you are hoping for better professional, relationship, or physical health outcomes, taking care of your mental health is the first step to getting there.
Most of us want better mental health and yet we don’t always have access to the tools, strategies, techniques, and practices to face the stressors and challenges of today’s fast-paced way of life! Step by step, however, we can develop the resilience and psychological flexibility to help you live life with greater hope, optimism, and positivity and truly thrive.
Simple, learnable concepts and practices can make all the difference in our experience of daily life and in helping us understand why we are always stressed, anxious, or depressed. By understanding our history and exposure to trauma we can start to see its impact on our daily lives and begin the journey of finally letting it go.
There is such a craving for more solutions for the chronic mental health issues we are all facing which is why I decided to join with 72 other world-renowned mental wellness experts, therapists, and healers to share with you the strategies, tools, and practices for you to have the mental resilience and psychological flexibility to truly thrive. This twelve-day, 100% virtual, on-demand event brings together the world’s leading mental health experts – psychologists, therapists, scientists, researchers, and healers to share the most current research and insights on healing from and preventing mental illness.
Right now, you can hear from me, Steven Hayes, Ph.D., MD, Maria Sirois Psy.D, MD, Deborah Rozman, Ph.D., Suzy Green, D. Psyc. Ph.D., Lucy Hone, Ph.D., Dan Tomasulo, Ph.D., Kathryn Goetzke, Dr. Patrick Porter, and many more leading experts.
All speakers will be sharing tons of practical information to help you feel empowered to take care of your mental health. And you can get access to this all, from August 28th to September 7th.
See the speaker lineup and register for the Happy Minds Summit, right here.
But not only will you get access to some amazing tools, practices, and strategies from the 73 interviews you will also have access to:
- 10 wellness sessions including daily yoga, meditation, tapping, and breathwork classes.
- 9 Happy Minds Stories – stories of those who have overcome mental Illness and are now thriving.
Plus you will have the opportunity to experience the healing power of giving by joining the Summit’s, Pure Water for Everyone fundraiser and helping raise funds to help clean and safe drinking water projects in developing countries.
Click the link to join in and listen to all the life-changing interviews and sessions. But hurry, this is only available for a limited time.
>> Register for the Happy Minds Summit, right here.
Get ready to take the first and most important step towards personal healing and building the mental fitness to fully show up in your life.
Topics covered in the summit include:
Anxiety and Depression, Healing from Trauma, Stress and Burnout, Nervous System Regulation, Mindfulness and Breathwork, Grief and Loss, Psychological Flexibility, Happiness and Human Flourishing
Stress Management, Insomnia and Sleep Issues, Somatic Practices
Resilience And Mental Fitness, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Men’s Mental Wellness, Forgiveness and Self-Compassion, Laughter and Positivity, Psychedelics, And much more…
The Happy Minds Summit is set to inspire and empower thousands of people around the globe to find the Happy Mind to truly thrive. It is set to be 2023’s most significant mental wellness event.
It’s 100% free — sign up here.
