The Jen Z Podcast

Who better than a Pro Body-Builder, Jiu-Jitsu athlete and all-around empowering female bad-ass to talk about lifting? Exactly! Stephanie Trevino joins the conversation from Houston, Texas, to share some of her insight and experience as an athlete and coach. Stephanie's social media feed is so inspiring and motivational. She is very open and real about life and you can see her passion for empowerin...

Stephanie Garrity, Executive Director of the international NPO "Rainbows for all Children", joins the conversation to talk about how this wonderful organization started, the services it offers and how it's been helping kids since 1983. They focus on all areas of grief and loss such as significant illness, death, deployment, deportation, incarceration, separation & divorce and any other life trauma...

Who doesn't love chocolate? I know that dark chocolate is part of my self-care and zen! Shannon Sudduth, executive chef and owner of Noir d'Ebene Chocolat et Patisserie, gives us a glimpse into the world of chocolate. We discuss the process of bean to bar, different levels of chocolate and some healthy options! Also some other interesting and wonderful ways to enjoy it!! Shannon's motto is to "cho...

Kinal Patel, owner of Highland Park Physical Medicine & Chiropractic, shares her unique chiropractic career of treating not only humans, but animals as well! Kinal specializes in the care for dogs and horses, making house calls to help treat them which allows for a calm, comfortable environment. She talks about her passion for helping and healing others along with all the benefits of chiropractic...

Comedian, lawyer, podcaster and living singles expert, Paul Faravhar, joins me to discuss his unique career and how he's achieved the balance of a happy lifestyle while pursuing his passion! We also discuss Paul's choice of living the single life versus societies "traditional" expectation. Paul hosts and produces the comedy shows, "Drink, Date, Laugh" and "Everyone's A Lawyer". Also, check out his...

All I wanted to do was float away after this conversation. Dr. Howard Weissman, Clinical Psychologist and Director & Founder of The Chicago Stress Relief Center In Northbrook, joins the conversation to explain the world of float therapy, the history of floating, the benefits to the mind, body and soul and how to get the most out of each float session! So fascinating! Learn more about all the servi...

The wonderful Sheila Kennedy, founder & CEO of The Athlete's Sports Bag and Sounds from Source, joins us over the phone lines from Australia to share her life's journey and how she was introduced to sound therapy. She explains how we can utilize different sounds to help the body heal itself and how she has created over 1,500 sounds, and counting, as a tool to help others. She has a sound for any t...

Dr. John Duffy joins the conversation to share his expertise on the topic of teenage anxiety/depression and the different pressures children and teenagers experience today. We touch on topics such as workload, social media, athletics, suicide, bullying and the importance of taking time out. This is Dr. Duffy's specialty as a Clinical Psychologist, plus he's experienced it as a parent himself. He s...

I mean…I thought it was time to discuss something that truly makes almost everyone happy…and that's COFFEE!!! Thanks to Keith Lilja, co-owner of Tala Coffee Roasters in Highwood, for coming in to educate us on all things in the coffee department and Tala's mission of connecting people through coffee. The complete Tala team is made up of Keith, Ryan Hickman and Stefan & Joanna Tong. We discuss the...

My dear friend and Brown Belt Jiu-Jitsu Athlete, Jasmine Bienvenue, opens up and shares her story about her struggle with food/exercise, her diagnosis of Anorexia & Bulimia and the process through recovery. She gives a very real and authentic viewpoint, being honest about her emotions and struggles, along with tips and support on how she continues to get through it! Jasmine is also a fabulous Yoga...

Facing your fears and finding the courage to do so is probably an emotion everyone deals with at some point or another in their life. Big or small, fear exists and we should learn to embrace and "high-five" it, as Kristin Robinson would say. Kristin joins the conversation to share her perspective on the topic and tips & tools she offers her clients. This is a must listen! Kristin has a Masters in...

So amazing to have my good friend, Mellysa Sherony-Kaniok, in studio to share our business stories and backgrounds. We both became female entrepreneurs, choosing the path of what we were most passionate about, even when the struggle was very real. We open up about being vulnerable, self-doubt and the motivation that keeps us going. Mellysa owns the eclectic boutique, Closet Traders, in Grayslake....

Mary Latham, recently given the title "tourist of humanity", joins me over the phone lines to share how she began the "More Good Today" project, a 50 state road trip to compile stories of acts of human kindness to create a book to donate to hospital waiting rooms. You do not want to miss hearing this incredible story and what inspired her to start this adventure, that has lasted 2 1/2 years, 39/50...

Jiu-Jitsu Black belt, instructor and teammate, Scott Gave, joins the conversation to share his insight on becoming a better coach & teacher in any area of life or profession. He has years of experience in martial arts and is owner and head instructor of Fit 2 Defend Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We talk about the importance of the teacher role, motivation, empowering others and the qualities necessary to s...

Ali Goodman is a Chicago based actress, writer, podcaster, wife and mom of two. We talk about how she juggles her passion for acting, podcasting and being a mom. Ali is so real and authentic when it comes to opening up about her life, especially when talking about her kids, the youngest being on the Autism spectrum. She spreads so much awareness of the topic and the realities of special needs pare...

I sit down and chat with Chicago based artist and designer, Matthew Hoffman, creator of the "You Are Beautiful" project. I absolutely love meeting people who make it a mission to share so much positivity, inspiration & love. It's so amazing to know how a simple idea of spreading the "YAB" stickers all over the city in 2002, can turn into a huge movement and over 35 permanent installations and fixt...

Dr. Eve Feinberg, Medical Director of Northwestern Fertility & Reproductive Medicine, joins the conversation to share her expertise on the topic of infertility. She walks us through the process of making these tiny miracles happen, breaking down the stigma around the topic of infertility and her passion around family planning! Eve is also the founder of the "Kevin J. Lederer LIFE Foundation", who...

Alaina Bos joins me to discuss her passion for photography and a special project she created to share the struggles women have with infertility. She opens up about her own personal journey and started this project in hopes to start a conversation and diminish the stigma surrounding the topic. She partnered with the KJL LIFE Foundation (www.lifefindsaway.org), donating 10% of all profits to support...

"Plan for Death, Live Your Life" is the motto of Kathy Miller, Certified Death Midwife and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and her business http://www.beforeim6feetunder.com . You may think that planning for end of life & death is completely morbid and maybe even a negative topic. I definitely had some doubts, but then I spoke with Kathy and all that changed. She is such a comforting, po...

Sitting down with the fabulous Victoria Baggio, co-founder/owner of Ethos Training Systems in Chicago, and also the "Getting Zen with Jen Z' official podcast sponsor! We discuss how truly important it is to strength train and incorporate movement & mobility to feel great and live a healthier life!

If you don't already know her, you need to! Elise Swopes is a mobile artist, creative director, graphic designer & visual storyteller from Chicago. If that wasn't enough, she is an all-around gem! She has an amazing energy and soul! She is completely transparent as we speak on the power of positivity and how she built her Instagram following to 300,000! You definitely want to tune in and learn mor...

Jimmy Choi, aka "The Fox Ninja", shares his story of living life with Parkinson's Disease. Jimmy is a motivational speaker, ultra marathoner, endurance athlete and was on American Ninja Warrior Seasons 9 & 10. He has dedicated his life to fundraising for Parkinson's, spreading awareness and motivating others to believe they are stronger than they think! Such an amazing and genuine guy! Learn more...

My dear friend and client, Allison Fink, joins the conversation to discuss how she is utilizing the practice of mindfulness & meditation in the classroom. Allison is a Health teacher at Lake Bluff Middle School, Volleyball Coach at LB and Stevenson High School, author of the book "Navigating Middle School: A Guide for Teens & Parents" and owner of CIC Strategies where she helps teachers, schools a...

Nutrition Guru, Cooking Enthusiast and fitness junkie, Abby Marie, joins the conversation!  We talk about food, healthy living, bodybuilding and how our similar, yet different, athletic goals & passions, have changed us for the better, especially once we stopped allowing judgment of others to get in the way.  Life is short baby! Check out Abby's website http://www.thebalancedblend.com to learn how...

Executive Director of Awakenings NPO, Laura Kinter, shares how their art gallery blends art, creativity & healing in one.  Awakenings features artistic expressions of rape and sexual abuse survivors. They have workshops, exhibits, a magazine & blog that serve as tools for survivors to heal and start on the path of finding peace.  Learn more about the gallery events at http://www.awakeningsart.org...