

Calm Your Nervous System in Minutes
What if the peace you've been searching for isn't somethingyou have to find—but something you can remember? In this episode, host Leann Herron speaks with Andrew Keaveney, a Stanford graduate, meditation teacher, filmmaker, and spiritual educator, about how breath work, meditation, and Eastern philosophy can help people build resilience, calm, and clarity in a chaotic world. Their conversation is especially practical for anyone who feels overwhelmed, stuck in stress, or unsure how to begin a meditation practice. They cover Andrew’s path from Ireland to India and back into wellness education, plus Leann’s own healing journey through trauma, nervous system regulation, and self-care. Together they explore common myths about meditation, the science of breath work, the role of community, and why inner work changes not just individuals but families and larger communities too. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:15 Andrew's journey from Stanford to India 04:40 The limitations of book learning and the need for practice 06:42 How meditation and breath work help surface happiness 08:33 The importance of action in healing and growth 09:51 Teaching children and young adults mindfulness skills 10:45 The connection between breath work and meditation 14:30 Managing the mind and negative thoughts 17:10 The relevance of Eastern philosophy today 18:13 Exploring spiritual diversity and curiosity 22:39 Overcoming myths about meditation 28:38 What happens in the body during breath work 31:14 The nervous system and stress response 33:46 Developing soft skills and emotional resilience 36:15 The impact of retreats and community support 48:24 The collective power of group meditation 1:00:45 The significance of World Culture Festival 01:06:51 Practical tips for starting a daily meditation practice 01:11:27 Connecting with Andrew Keaveney and resources Episode Resources: About your host: Leann Herron is a Certified Life and Holistic Health Coach who is a passionate advocate for women’s health and empowerment, devoted to helping midlife women break free from cycles of over-giving and the stories that keep them stuck. Leann guides women to release stress, reclaim their energy, and create lives that truly fulfill them body, mind, and spirit. Leann combines extensive professional training, evidence-based coaching principles, and lived experience into a compassionate, trauma-informed framework that empowers women to create meaningful, sustainable change. Connect with Leann: Finding Resilience with Leann Website: https://findingresiliencewithleann.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannherron/ Schedule a FREE Discovery call with me: https://findingresiliencewithleann.com/coaching-services/ola/services/discovery-session-consultation About Andrew Keaveney: Andrew Keaveney is a Stanford University graduate who studied Film and Eastern Philosophy, blending his academic insights with a deep personal commitment to spirituality. Raised between Ireland and Tennessee, Andrew’s global perspective has been shaped by his four years spent in an ashram in India, where he immersed himself in yoga, meditation, and Sanskrit. His dedication to spiritual practices has been a lifelong journey, having started meditation at 16, and later helping to launch the Art of Living Retreat Center, helping transform it into one of the leading wellness destinations in the U.S. For over 17 years, Andrew has taught breathwork and meditation in both the U.S. and India, sharing the profound wisdom of these traditions. He learned Sanskrit to connect more deeply with the philosophical foundations of yoga, which he now conveys through teaching, video and writing. Connect with Andrew: Instagram: @artoflivingusa Instagram & Substack: @andrew.keaveney #mindfulness #personalgrowth #meditation #mentalhealth #selfdiscovery #stressrelief #breathwork #nervoussystem


















