Uplevel Together with Jasna Burza

Stop letting politics steal your energy

Americans are more involved in global politics than ever. They’re picking sides in international conflicts, debating foreign policies, and staking a moral ground on issues they barely understand. And here’s the hard truth: Most of them have never studied these regions, these cultures, these religions. Many have never even left the United States. But suddenly, because of a 30-second TikTok clip or a viral headline, they feel qualified to take a stance. To tell the world what’s right and what’s wrong. And that’s the problem.

In a world where everyone has a megaphone, no one stops to ask:

📌 Do I actually know enough to have an informed opinion?

📌 Am I adding anything meaningful to this conversation?

📌 Or am I just caught up in the noise?

Because here’s what I believe: If more people focused on their own lives—on their mental health, their families, their businesses, their own personal growth—this world would have far less division and far more peace.

It’s Not the Economy—It’s Your Work Ethic

This shouldn’t be controversial, but here we are. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the hard truth no one wants to hear: If you’re struggling financially, it’s not just the economy, bad luck, or a lack of opportunities—it’s your work ethic. Too many people turn down jobs because they’re “not the right fit” or “below” them, then wonder why they’re stuck.

Work is not a punishment. It’s momentum. It’s opportunity. It’s the foundation for success. Some of the most successful people started by doing what they had to do—not what they wanted to do. And if you’re waiting for the perfect job, the perfect time, or the perfect conditions, you’re not looking for progress—you’re making excuses.

So, if your bank account is empty and your business isn’t taking off, ask yourself: Are you really doing everything you can? Or are you just hoping success will magically show up?

Let’s talk about it.

Should You Trust a Self-Help Guru Who Struggles Just Like You?

Let’s be real—when someone is teaching success, happiness, or personal growth, don’t we expect them to have mastered it themselves?

Yet even the biggest names in self-help struggle with the very things they teach. So, does that make them frauds, or does it actually make them more relatable? More importantly, what should we really expect from our motivational leaders?

In this episode of The Uplevel Together Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the self-help industry. Are we being guided toward real transformation, or just learning to manage our struggles? Should personal development leaders embody mastery, or is authenticity enough? And how do we filter out the noise to find advice that actually leads to change?

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new perspective on who you take advice from—and whether they’re helping you grow or just keeping you stuck in an endless loop of self-improvement.

 

Fall in Love with Your Life Again

This week, love isn’t just about flowers and chocolates—it’s about the way you show up for yourself and the life you truly want. No more waiting. No more postponing joy. You deserve to feel fully alive. Let’s talk about how to break free from expectations, reconnect with your dreams, and create a life you love—starting today.

Redefining beauty with Casie Kindl

Did you know that having a positive outlook on aging can add up to 7.5 years to your life? In this special live episode, recorded at ModernWell during the book launch of Casie Kindl’s Age of Beauty book and workbook, we dive deep into a conversation that will shift how you see yourself at every stage of life.

Casie, founder of the Age of Beauty movement, shares her powerful journey from struggling with aging to fully embracing it. Through honest storytelling and eye-opening insights, she challenges society’s outdated beauty standards and offers a refreshing, empowering perspective on aging with grace, confidence, and authenticity.

We explore:

• Redefining beauty beyond just physical appearance
• The power of self-acceptance and living authentically
• How to break free from perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
• The true meaning of self-care—beyond skincare and spa days
• The science behind positive age beliefs and their impact on longevity

One of the most powerful moments? Casie opens up about a ski accident that left her with a scar—an experience that became a turning point in her journey of self-acceptance. Her story is a reminder that life’s challenges can be the catalyst for growth, transformation, and deeper self-love.

If you're ready to rethink aging and step into a new era of beauty and confidence, this episode is for you.

Connect with Casie Kindl:

Website: Kindl Coaching
Get the Book: Age of Beauty on Amazon
Get the Workbook: Age of Beauty Workbook on Amazon

Healing vs treatment: How Healing Begins Within with Steve Tonsager

Thrilled to share another conversation with my spiritual teacher, Steve Tonsager. Steve is one of the wisest people I know and when I notice things like spiritual bypassing on a mass scale, he is always the person to talk to.

In this episode, we discussed some major topics, all important and timely:

-The pitfalls of relying on external sources for spiritual and mental health

-The difficulties of maintaining balance in a busy world

-The misconceptions surrounding prayer and meditation

-The importance of understanding the context of life

-The role of love and spiritual gifts

-Impacts of the pandemic on mental health

-The concept of Karma and its impact on personal growth and relationships.

Learn more about Steve and his work at www.whisperology.com

00:00 Introduction to the podcast

00:45: Jasna introduces Steve and his impact on her life

06:00: Healing vs. treatment discussion

18:30: Steve’s insights on gratitude and inner resources

24:00: Recognizing inherent purpose to overcome worthlessness

30:00: Pandemic’s impact on mental health and hope for awakening

32:36 Impact of individual consciousness on collective well-being

39:12 Power of intention statements in personal development

42:08 Importance of identity over actions in growth

47:16 Mind as the starting point for healing and transformation

Botox, fillers, body dysmorphia and dangers of fast aesthetics with Leslie Lee

This week, I bring you a thought-provoking conversation with Leslie Lee, a dedicated nurse injector making waves in the beauty industry.  I have known Leslie for a while now and just love her to pieces. Leslie opens up about her personal journey into aesthetics, motivated by a deep interest in helping others look and feel their best as they age gracefully.

We discussed ethical practices in aesthetics, the evolution of beauty standards, and the importance of integrity over profit. Discover the differences between neurotoxins and dermal fillers, the risks of excessive injections, and the impact of seeking cosmetic procedures abroad. Learn about the unique challenges in the aesthetics industry, the need for proper training, and the emphasis on patient safety and self-love. 

We also talked about societal pressures, body dysmorphia, and the significant impact of ethical practice in aesthetics. Leslie shares candid wisdom on the importance of integrity, proper training, and the ethical responsibility.

If you have ever wondered why people look weird, over done or been curious about these practices yourself, check this out. Please note that this was an informative session for me, I am not pro or against any of these practices but they are being overused without caution and I wanted to discuss the dangers and talk about Leslie’s motto: it’s all about loving ourselves. 

Key lessons:

1. Seeking professional advice and moderation in cosmetic procedures are emphasized in the podcast, promoting a cautious approach to beauty enhancements.
2. The importance of prioritizing integrity over profit for injectors is a key focus, highlighting ethical practices in the beauty industry.
3. Risks of excessive fillers are warned against, with an emphasis on inner beauty, self-love, and the need for proper training and ethical standards in aesthetics.

You can connect with Leslie here: https://aestheticcreator.com

Embracing the Journey with Kate Nelson

Another amazing episode folks!!! This week, I introduce you to a dear friend and a woman going places: Kate Nelson. An Alaska Native Tlingit tribal member, Kate Nelson is an award-winning journalist based in Minneapolis who focuses on amplifying important Native American change makers and issues. Her writing has appeared in top publications including ELLE, Esquire, Vanity Fair, Teen Vogue, the BBC, The Guardian, W Magazine, Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, the Cut, The Daily Beast, Bustle, Saveur, Andscape, Thrillist, Romper, Atmos, Civil Eats, C&I, and more. 

In this engaging episode, Kate shares her remarkable journey from a rural Minnesota to becoming a celebrated journalist, shedding light on the detours that led her to embrace a fulfilling career in freelance writing and editorial work.

We talk about the evolution of Artful Living magazine under her leadership, the collaborative process that drives its success, and the impactful stories that have defined her career, including interviews with culture-shapers like Padma Lakshmi and explorations into decolonized cuisine with Chef Sean Sherman.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kate discusses the profound impact of reconnecting with her Alaska Native heritage, the challenges and joys of rediscovering her identity, and her contributions to the Native American renaissance in media.

Learn more about Kate: https://www.kateanelson.com/

 

Turn An Overwhelmed Life Into A Fulfilled Life

This week on the Uplevel Together podcast, we talk to Michael Madaus, a retired thoracic surgeon with an exceptional story to tell. From a turbulent childhood to the height of medical success, and finally finding true fulfillment beyond the operating room, Michael's story is both riveting and thought-provoking.

Michael opens up about achieving professional success as a cardiothoracic surgeon and professor but feeling unfulfilled. He details his battle with burnout, addiction, and the discovery of self-compassion and gratitude practices that led him on a path to helping others find balance and resilience in their lives. It's a tale of overcoming adversity, redefining priorities, and the search for happiness beyond material success.

Discover how balancing work, personal life, and self-awareness can prevent negative impacts on relationships, and why stepping away from societal pressures can lead to a more fulfilling life path. Michael also offers invaluable advice on maintaining resilience, prioritizing mental well-being, and the significance of supportive parenting in navigating societal pressures for success.

Key lessons:

1. Successful careers like cardiothoracic surgery can lead to burnout and addiction, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and resilience to maintain balance and fulfillment.
2. Prioritizing personal well-being and fulfillment over societal pressures for success is crucial for a fulfilling life path, even in high-pressure careers.
3. Self-care and introspection are essential keys to navigating challenging career paths and achieving a sense of balance and fulfillment

Learn more about Michael here: https://michaelmaddaus.com/

Beyond Success: Redefining Leadership with Katy Burke

In this episode of "Uplevel Together," I sat down with Katy Burke, entrepreneur and visionary behind TeamWomen.  Tune in to explore how TeamWomen is reshaping leadership, fostering women's growth in business, and creating a supportive community through mentorship, partnerships, and engaging events. Discover the importance of embracing diversity, living with purpose, and the power of supportive networks post-2020.

Post-2020, there’s been a noticeable shift in how we view success and leadership, leaning more towards authenticity and fulfillment beyond just career achievements. Katy highlighted the importance of overcoming insecurities, stressing that preparation and practice can significantly boost confidence. We discussed the critical role of a strong network in achieving personal and professional growth, something she does so exceptionally well. Katy shared the origins of TeamWomen, born out of a desire to create a space where women can support each other across different industries and age groups. The takeaway? Embrace self-reflection, prepare diligently for challenges, and never underestimate the power of a supportive community.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate leadership, personal growth, and the balance of work and life in these changing times.

 

Connect with Katy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-burke/

Connect with TeamWomen

·      Join and become a member

·      Attend an event as a guest

Website: www.teamwomenmn.org

LinkedIn /teamwomenmn

 

About Katy:

Katy Burke is a serial entrepreneur with a 20 year proven track record of driving consistent revenue growth in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. A strategic visionary, she uses her outstanding ability and extensive network to grow relationships and broaden opportunities with new and existing partners, sponsors and funders.

About TeamWomen:

TeamWomen, is a professional women’s organization committed to developing future generations of women in leadership. Their membership includes 600 women from the C-suite to young professionals who work in a variety of key industries including business, corporate, sports, and civic organizations. They make meaningful connections and rise together through 40 leadership development events, mentoring, and youth empowerment.