I’m back with another edition of my “In the Spotlight” series. Today, I’m interviewing podcast host Iryna Wood, Host of STARS ABOUT STARS® Podcast to listen to her show before reading our Q&A.
I’m so excited to chat with her about her podcast. Everyone, let’s welcome Iryna!
Nicole: How did you come by your podcast name?
Iryna: The name reflects a dual meaning. When we think about a “star,” we usually imagine either a celestial body in the sky or a celebrity. To me, it represents both the human journey and the cosmic influences that shape it. In a physical world, stars don’t create constellations, but humans create constellations by connecting stars visually. I believe in the power of energy and connection among people.
We are all “stars” in our own lives, navigating pivotal moments, challenges, and transformations. At the same time, there are larger forces such as timing, patterns and cycles that influence how our lives unfold.
STARS ABOUT STARS® became a natural expression of my passion for powerful biographies, combined with numerology and astrology as structured, these are almost mathematical tools for understanding human potential.
At its core, the show is about exploring the relationship between who we are and the forces that guide our growth.
Nicole: That’s awesome! Why did you decide to start your podcast?
Iryna: The story really begins with a belief I’ve always carried: that our childhood dreams are clues to who we’re meant to become, a kind of inner compass guiding us toward our calling.
From a very young age, I dreamed of being a TV host. However, my first master’s degree at a diplomatic university was shaped more by family expectations, so I initially followed a different path. Still, that original passion never left me. Eventually, I returned to it and completed a television program.
After studying international economic relations for five years, I developed a strong understanding of numbers, and I began to see how I could combine my interests such as storytelling, psychology, spirituality, and broadcasting.
The idea for the podcast didn’t come all at once. It evolved over time.
Since I was 23, I’ve been studying numerology and astrology as structured tools for self-discovery. I saw firsthand how much clarity they can bring in helping people understand their patterns, challenges, strengths, and ultimately, their purpose.
At a certain point, I realized I didn’t just want to host someone else’s project, I wanted to create something of my own. I’ve always been drawn to powerful human stories, especially love stories and transformational journeys.
So I brought everything together. My passion for storytelling, my background in media, and my knowledge of numerology, astrology and psychology. That’s how STARS ABOUT STARS® was born.
Nicole: What have you learned about yourself (and/or others) through your podcast?
Iryna: This has been the most meaningful part of the entire experience.
Many celebrity interviews tend to follow a familiar pattern, the same questions, the same answers, the same carefully maintained image. Over time, they naturally develop a kind of “mask” that protects them.
My approach is different. I ask deeply personalized questions based on each guest’s birth data, using numerology and astrology as a framework. The questions are often unexpected, very specific, and sometimes quite personal. However, I’m always mindful of boundaries, allowing guests to go only as deep as they feel comfortable.
And that’s when something shifts. People begin to open up. They reflect. They feel. Sometimes, they even discover something about themselves in the moment.
For many of my guests, it’s the first time they’re not being asked about red carpets or achievements, but instead about their fears, their childhood, their struggles; the real story behind who they are.
For the audience, this creates a powerful connection. It reminds them that even the most successful people are human, and that they’ve experienced doubt, pain, and transformation. For me, it’s a profound exchange of energy. It continually reinforces my belief that we are all unique for a reason, and that understanding and accepting ourselves is essential.
I’ve also learned that people already carry deep awareness within them. They simply need the right questions to access it. My role is simply to guide that process.
Nicole: How has your podcast evolved since you first started?
Iryna: The podcast has gone through several distinct stages of growth.
I began by interviewing celebrities in my home country, Ukraine, which became a very important foundation for me. Later, I moved to the South of France, where I continued working with notable individuals across Monaco, Great Britain, and other parts of Europe.
After COVID, I made a bold decision to move to California, where many global celebrities are based.
There was also a period when I explored different types of conversations, including topics around relationships and personal potential. Plus for two years my attention, time and energy sources were directed to GEMINI NEAR ME®, an emotional intelligence platform and app I was developing. But over time, I felt a strong pull to return to my original podcast concept.
Today, STARS ABOUT STARS® is fully aligned with its initial vision and interviewing notable personalities worldwide, especially in the United States.
The conversations have become more structured and intentional. They focus on transformation, patterns, and personal growth – very much in line with the methodology I use in the GEMINI NEAR ME® app.
Nicole: What’s been the biggest surprise or challenge you’ve experienced while podcasting?
Iryna: The biggest surprise has been the level of honesty people are willing to share.
In my private sessions, I often hear very deep, personal stories. But seeing that same level of openness on camera, especially from public figures is incredibly powerful.
When a guest is not afraid to speak about something they might once have felt shame or guilt about, I feel deeply proud of them.
Because that’s what this space is about; honesty, courage, and liberation from pain.
Nicole: What has been your most memorable episode(s) and why?
Iryna: One of the most meaningful episodes for me was my interview with Ivana Chubbuck.
My father was one of the greatest supporters of my creative work. Whether it was my podcast, book publishing, or producing short films based on my novels in Ukraine. In many ways, the concept of STARS ABOUT STARS® was inspired by the deep conversations I had with him. At one point, he told me, “If you’re already in Los Angeles, you must study at Ivana Chubbuck’s school.”
Although he had once guided me toward a very different academic path, I believe he always understood who I truly was at my core.
When I arrived in Los Angeles, I found myself surrounded by incredible talent — including actors I later had the opportunity to interview, such as Gloria El-Achkar and Logan Martin.
For me, Ivana is a living legend. Her techniques are rooted in truth and emotional depth, and I approached her with both admiration and a certain level of fear; not only as a student in her classes, but also before interviewing her. She became one of my very first guests in the United States. And when she said yes, it felt like a powerful confirmation that I was on the right path — creating something meaningful and sharing it with the world.
Nicole: How do you prepare for each episode?
Iryna: My preparation is both structured and intuitive.
Before each recording, I study the guest’s birth data through numerology and astrology. I also look into their life path, profession, and personal journey.
Then I create a set of highly personalized questions designed specifically for them. The goal is not just to ask questions, but to open something within them and to invite reflection and deeper awareness.
Whether through the podcast, personal sessions, or my app GEMINI NEAR ME®, my work is always based on thoughtful, question-led guidance.
I come into each conversation with a clear emotional framework, but I also allow space for spontaneity. The most powerful moments are often the ones you don’t plan.
Nicole: If you could have a dream guest on your podcast, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Iryna: I truly believe in manifestation, so I actually keep a long list of dream guests.
I’m drawn to individuals who have not only achieved success, but who have also done deep inner work. I’m less interested in what they’ve built, and more interested in how they built themselves.
If I had to choose one man and one woman, I would say Sting and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Sting fascinates me because of his spiritual journey and personal transformation. He’s explored paths like ayahuasca, something I’ve experienced myself and I understand how much emotional depth and readiness that kind of journey requires. It’s not for everyone, and I would love to have a conversation with him about how those experiences have shaped him, both as an artist and as a person.
Sarah Jessica Parker, on the other hand, represents something very different but equally powerful. I would love to explore what it takes to create a character like Carrie Bradshaw, someone who has become a symbol of belief in fate, hope, love, and emotional resilience for so many women. There’s something timeless about that character; the ability to remain graceful, expressive, and even beautiful through vulnerability.
It reminds me of a quote by Coco Chanel: “If you are sad, add more lipstick and attack.”
Nicole: What major accomplishment or milestone have you been most proud of through your podcast?
Iryna: One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is bringing the podcast back to its original vision.
There was a period when I stepped away to focus on developing my app, GEMINI NEAR ME®, a platform designed to support people in a different, more accessible way through a 24/7 “pocket counselor,” IRYNA AI. Building something that is both emotionally meaningful and technically advanced for my clients and future community of users was a significant milestone.
At the same time, that experience gave me the freedom to return fully to what I love most, creating meaningful conversations and exploring real human stories.
But more than anything, I’m proud of my guests.
Their courage, their honesty, and their willingness to be vulnerable are what truly make this project powerful. That authenticity is the heart of everything I do.
Everyone, make sure to listen to her podcast and website for additional resources.
