We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gianni Neiviller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gianni , appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

My defining moment wasn’t just a singular event; it unfolded over the span of a decade, shaping the trajectory of my career and life. From a young age, music was my driving force, and in my twenties, I lived out my childhood dreams by touring and making music across the United States. However, despite this apparent success, I felt a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. Music was my passion, but it lacked a deeper purpose.

In my late thirties and early forties, while still juggling music and working at my family’s Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, my unhappiness began to manifest. I turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, but it only exacerbated my sense of being stuck. My family, especially my daughters and wife, noticed the change in me, prompting a moment of reckoning.

In 2011, I made the pivotal decision to quit drinking. Yet, despite this initial step towards change, I still felt directionless. It wasn’t until 2018, after relapsing and quitting drinking for the second time, that I stumbled upon a podcast about biohacking, introduced to me by a good friend. Instantly captivated by the concept, I delved into podcasts about health and wellness, eventually discovering the transformative power of Breathwork.

This journey of self-discovery and transformation, marked by moments of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, finding my true calling, has been the defining chapter of my professional career. Whether it was the decision to quit drinking or the serendipitous encounter with the biohacking podcast, each step along the way has contributed to shaping my path. Through this experience, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and embracing new opportunities for growth. It’s not just about overcoming challenges but also about finding purpose and fulfillment in every aspect of life.

Gianni , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those unfamiliar with my journey, let me give you a glimpse into my path and what I offer. As I mentioned before, it all began with a personal reckoning—I grappled with issues like substance abuse and unhealthy habits, prompting a deep desire for change.

Turning to resources like podcasts, I immersed myself in the world of biohacking and wellness, drawing inspiration from notable figures such as Luke Storey, Shawn Stevenson, Dave Asprey, Aubrey Marcus, Rich Roll, Lacey Phillips, Ben Greenfield, and so many others. Their insights sparked a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

As I delved into optimizing various aspects of my life—sleep hygiene, nutrition, and more—I encountered a pivotal moment when my wife faced anxiety following an incident in an elevator at her workplace. This led me to explore alternative therapies, eventually landing me in the realm of hypnotherapy. Meeting Carmela Tunzi, founder of Mind Flow Hypnosis and Sherman Oaks Hypnosis, was a turning point. Her expertise not only helped me break free from smoking addiction (which was the last bad habit that I knew I had to stop but I just couldn’t shake) but also unveiled the profound potential of the mind-body connection.

From there, I found myself on a journey of exploration; Carmela invited me to attend a transformative NLP seminar with her mentor, Scott McFall. But the real game-changer? Breathwork. Under the guidance of Alex Tsuk, founder of Breathing Cold Bali, I underwent Breathwork teacher training, delving into the science of breath and the very important art of holding space for others.

Armed with qualifications as a registered alcohol and drug technician (RADT-1) recognized by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), I now facilitate groups in recovery centers across Los Angeles, notably NOHO Recovery and Rise In Glendale, offering support to individuals on their own paths to sobriety and holistic wellness. What sets me apart isn’t just my expertise and qualifications—it’s the authenticity of my journey and the safe space I create for others to explore their inner worlds. Interestingly, I’ve realized that my ability to create this welcoming and nonjudgmental environment traces back to my teenage years when friends and acquaintances naturally gravitated toward me for advice and support during challenging times. Little did I know, those early formative years unknowingly laid the groundwork for my future endeavors. And with my wife, Kiki, a skilled sound healer by my side, we combine Breathwork and sound therapy to offer transformative experiences to our clients.

So that’s a bit about me and what I do. My journey has been one of growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others find their path to wellness.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This is a tough one to unpack because it requires some uncomfortable honesty. I’ve had to confront and unlearn lessons ingrained in me from my upbringing, particularly those centered around playing it safe. You see, my parents, immigrants from Italy who lived through the hardships of World War II, came to this country with little more than hope and determination to forge a new life.

Growing up, I harbored dreams of becoming a professional musician, but my parents, understandably concerned about stability, urged me towards a more conventional path—an education or working in the family business. Despite their reservations, I pursued music, but their well-intentioned warnings about the risks instilled a fear of taking chances within me.

Their caution inadvertently cultivated self-doubt and a slew of limiting beliefs. It’s a complex interplay—on the one hand, their guidance likely steered me towards eventual entrepreneurship and embracing career changes later in life. On the other hand, it also planted seeds of resentment and a struggle to break free from the shackles of their well-meaning but stifling advice.

Yet, even as I grapple with these conflicting emotions, I recognize the value in what they imparted. Their emphasis on family bonds and resilience has undoubtedly shaped the person, father, and husband I am today. I’m immensely grateful for the lessons they taught me, even as I strive to shed the weight of their fears and limitations.

In sharing this journey, I draw upon my experiences not only to unlearn but also to teach others through my practice of Breathwork. It’s a process of overcoming limiting beliefs and negative self-perceptions—a journey I continue to navigate, fueled by gratitude for my parents’ sacrifices and determination to forge my own path.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I love this question, and I love telling this story! Let’s see, where do I begin?

Back in the early to mid-1960s, my Italian immigrant parents were part of a tight-knit Italian community in Hollywood. It was the time when pretty much every Italian knew each other. Here’s where the magic starts: My wife’s grandfather, also hailing from Naples, Italy, crossed paths with my father one fateful day at LAX.

The story goes that my father and godfather were having a bit of banter, poking fun at her grandfather, when suddenly he chimed in—in their native Neapolitan dialect, no less—and let them know he understood every word they said. Talk about a plot twist! From that moment on, they became best of friends.

Fast forward a few years, and I came into the picture, followed by my future wife four years later. Our families were quite close in the early ’70s, but as life goes, they eventually drifted apart. We would see them sporadically over the next decade or so, but nothing too consistent.

Now, the real story begins in the late 1990s, when fate decided to give us a nudge. My sister happened to be a student in my wife’s kindergarten class. Naturally, my mother and sister, being the matchmakers they were, started poking and prodding me to give her a call. Little did I know, they were telling her to call me too; my sister was in her ear saying stuff: to her like, “Hey Kiki, you should call my brother; he’s single.” and “he needs to settle down and get married, and so do you.” HAHA!

At the time, I was living the musician life, touring with my band ‘1000 Mona Lisas,’ always on the road. I kept brushing off their attempts, saying I wasn’t ready for anything serious and enjoying the single life. But eventually, something told me to listen to them, and I decided to make that call.

And boy, am I glad I did. From the moment we started talking, it was clear—we had a strong connection. Our bond deepened quickly, and within 18 months, we were married. She’s not just my business partner; she’s my soulmate, best friend, confidant, and mentor. I could go on and on. Not only do I love her, but I also adore her entire family, which is now mine, too!

That’s the story of how I met my business partner and so much more.

Contact Info:

• Website: respirospace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respirospace/
• Other: My wife and biz partner Kiki’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unseen.sound/

Image Credits
Nikiya Jade, Kiki Neiviller