Stress Therapy with Cheri Flake: Meditation & Stress Relief for Real Life

Okay, y’all. Buckle up for a full-body reminder: there is nothing wrong with you. In this episode, I’m throwing down the truth about judgment (yours and everyone else’s), ego meltdowns, pink hair stereotypes, and what happens when you finally shut up long enough to hear what’s going on in your own head. We get real about red pepper anxiety, the silent retreat that changed me, and the quote that’s been living rent-free in my brain: “No one will ever love you the way you want to be loved… because that’s your job.” Spoiler: there’s also a blue breath meditation to clear out your throat chakra so you can speak your truth without all the noise. It’s part pep talk, part truth bomb, and all heart. Let’s go. 💡 3 Key Learning Points
You’re the only one watching your red pepper game. Everyone else is busy with their own garlic.
If you think others are judging you, check your own mirror. We tend to see in others what we’re doing ourselves.
Let the ego talk—but don’t let it drive. You’re more than your opinions, your comparisons, and your raking style.
📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs
🎬 Wayne’s World – Cheri’s forever favorite (and a reminder that taste doesn’t have to be cool to be true).
🧠 Quote of the day: “No one will ever love you the way you want to be loved… because that’s your job.”
🧘‍♀️ Silent Retreat Stories – Featuring: raking epiphanies, bug goggles, and red pepper enlightenment.
🎙️ Awaken Your Inner Awesomeness by Melissa Oatman – Fellow pink hair goddess and podcaster.
💇‍♀️ Pink Hair as Botox – Cheri’s hairdresser said it best.
🎤 Nancy Wilson from Heart – More pink hair legends.
🎞️ The Incredible Shrinking Woman starring Lily Tomlin – Yes, we went there.
✨ Chakra Talk – Meditation focused on the throat chakra using the “Hum” mantra.
💌 ilovetherapy.com – Info on therapy, retreats, and joining the stress-free crew.
📲 Follow Cheri: @hestresstherapist on Instagram | @stresstherapy on Twitter

✨ Episode Summary In this raw and hilarious episode, Cheri Flake (a.k.a. The Stress Therapist) lays it all out about meditation retreats—why they matter, what actually happens, and why silent retreats are the real game-changer. From ego flare-ups to full-on hornet attacks, Cheri shares stories from the cushion with her signature honesty and wit. She also breaks down why most retreats miss the mark after you leave—and how hers are built to help you make meditation a lifelong habit. There’s even a short guided yes/no body wisdom meditation to help you decide if a retreat is calling your name. 🧘 Three Key Learning PointsSilent retreats aren’t quiet escapes—they’re wake-up calls. They show you your mind, your habits, and how to finally befriend yourself.
Cheri’s retreats focus on what happens after. You’ll learn how to actually keep meditating once you’re home—no guilt, no stress, no BS.
Even imperfect retreats are transformational. Whether it’s a hurricane or a hornet sting, every moment is the practice.
💬 Mentions & Shout-Outs🧘‍♀️ Southern Dharma Retreat Center – Cheri’s favorite silent retreat spot in NC
🔊 Sonic Yogi – Providing sound healing at upcoming retreats
📿 Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, David Chernikoff – Legendary retreat teachers
🧱 The Brick – A digital detox device Cheri swears by
📖 Yogaville – The unexpectedly serious retreat center where it all began
🌀 That Time a Hurricane Hit the Retreat – Chaos + enlightenment
💕 “Boyfriend Monk” Moment – A hilarious silent retreat crush story
💌 Come Retreat With Me – Details at ilovetherapy.com
🎧 Produced & Edited by: Owen Flake
🎙️ Hosted by: Cheri Flake, The Stress Therapist

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt classic, Cheri Flake (aka the Stress Therapist) returns with timeless wisdom to help you rethink New Year’s resolutions—for good. With her signature mix of humor, honesty, and soul, Cheri shares why the January 1st “fresh start” fantasy sets us up to fail—and what to do instead. You'll learn her favorite fill-in-the-blank method for long-term goal setting, how to actually feel good about your goals (so your brain wants to do them), and why the whole year—not just one day—is magical. Bonus? A deeply soothing guided meditation featuring the mantra “Om” to help you embody your desires from the inside out. 💫 🧠 3 Key Learning Points:
January 1st isn’t magical—you are. Sustainable change happens gradually, not in a flash. Stop waiting for a perfect day and start imperfectly now.
Feel good = real change. If you feel bad about your goal, your brain thinks you don’t want it. Learn how to trick it into wanting transformation.
Chunk it down. Use monthly check-ins and micro-goals to build big dreams into your real life without overwhelm or burnout.
📣 Mentions & Shout-Outs:
🧘 Upcoming Workshop: From Resolution to Routine – Jan 17, 2026 at Vista Yoga in Atlanta.
🌴 Beach Retreat: March on beautiful Jekyll Island – sign up at ilovetherapy.com.
🧵 Natural Life: Cheri’s favorite cozy brand – naturallife.com. "You can always change your mind" tee makes a cameo.
🎵 Sonic Yogi: Provides the dreamy music during the meditation segment.
✉️ Email List: Jump on it at ilovetherapy.com so you “don’t stress or miss one thing.”
🎙️ Produced and edited by Owen Flake.
💖 Hosted with heart by Cheri Flake, your Stress Therapist.

The holidays don’t magically create more time — but they do give us an opportunity to choose how we spend our energy. In this episode, Cheri Flake shares practical, compassionate ways to reduce holiday stress by setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and intentionally choosing joy. Drawing from her 25+ years as a psychotherapist, Cheri explores why over-scheduling leads to burnout, how mindfulness can transform even the most dreaded holiday tasks, and why presence — not perfection — is the real gift of the season. This episode also includes a guided loving-kindness meditation to help you reconnect with peace, abundance, and love during a busy time of year. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:How to decide what to say yes and no to during the holidays
Why complaining increases stress — and what to do instead
Simple mindfulness practices for shopping, gifting, and family gatherings
Creative, thoughtful gift-giving ideas (even if it’s not your love language)
How being present can reduce anxiety, irritability, and overwhelm
A short, heart-centered meditation to reset your nervous system
🧘‍♀️ Mentioned in this episode:Weekly Meditate & Restore Yoga with Cheri at Vista Yoga (Atlanta)
Upcoming Beach Retreat at Jekyll Island
September meditation & yoga retreat (perfect gift idea!)
📬 Stay Connected:Email Cheri to receive the Holiday Gift Guide & join the mailing list:
[email protected]
Website: thestresstherapist.com
Instagram: @thestresstherapist
Twitter/X: @stresstherapy
🎧 Credits Host: Cheri Flake
Produced & Edited by: Owen Flake

✨ Episode Summary:
In this heartwarming holiday episode, Cheri pops out of her retreat-mode to drop a cozy, candid Thanksgiving chat straight from her pink treehouse. Inspired by a silent meditation retreat and a real-talk moment with a client, she gets real about why gratitude sometimes feels forced—and how to gently shift into a more loving, ease-filled practice. With stories of chapstick, cranky teens, and making lunches with love, Cheri invites us to stop overthinking gratitude and start living it. This episode ends with a beautiful, breath-centered guided meditation on love and thankfulness.

🔑 Key Learning Points:
Gratitude doesn't need a journal. You don’t have to write it down to feel it—just find the good in everyday moments and let the thankfulness naturally flow.
Resentment vs. Reverence. The way we frame our daily “chores” can turn obligation into a sacred act of service—and that shift changes everything.
Love makes life taste better. Whether you're cooking, cleaning, or just breathing, doing it with love transforms your entire experience (and maybe even the flavor).

💌 Mentions & Shout-Outs:

🧘 Self-Realization Fellowship – Cheri’s recent silent meditation retreat that inspired this soulful drop-in.
📚 Gratitude Journals – The pros, cons, and Cheri’s “just live it” alternative.
💖 "It's Easy and I Like It" Tattoos – Cheri’s go-to mantra and mini gift from her talks.
📺 NewRealityTV.com + URView TV – Where you can find Cheri’s video meditations.
📬 Cheri’s Gift Guide & Retreat Newsletter – Sign up at TheStressTherapist.com
 to get it!
📧 Email her anytime: [email protected]
💕 Follow Cheri:
Instagram: @thestresstherapist
Twitter/X: @stresstherapy

🎧 Produced by Owen Flake – Mixing the vibes and polishing the magic, thank you for making it all sound so good!