Well Balanced

Leah's neighborhood dog recently had puppies in her home, and she's feeling all the puppy love. She talks with Ofosu about the lessons in unconditional love, mindfulness, and contentment that we can learn from animals. They also discuss ways we can perceive the world more like our four-legged friends. 📣 We want to hear from you! What do you like, not like, and want more of on the Well Bal...

Vulnerability can be scary—even for meditation coaches. So Ofosu and Leah talk about how they've overcome that fear and why being vulnerable is important to grow. They also share their tips to help you embrace vulnerability and confidently ask for what you need. 📣 We want to hear from you! What do you like, not like, and want more of on the Well Balanced podcast? Share your feedback here: htt...

Financial anxiety, just like all forms of anxiety, can affect anyone. So, Ofosu and Leah talk with Alexa von Tobel, the founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital and a Certified Financial Planner™ about how to overcome mental barriers around money and take the fear out of finances. She also shares her three key steps to successful money management and how to have better conversations about...

What does it mean to #dateyourselfinstead? Ofosu and Leah talk about their experiences of taking themselves out on solo dates and why they're important, even if you're in a relationship. They also discuss tips to help you prioritize dating yourself, push against your comfort zone, and nurture your independence. 📣 We want to hear from you! What do you like, not like, and want more of on th...

Ofosu and Leah talk about what really matters at the end of our days—and lives. They discuss how death can remind us to celebrate the life and connections we have, and they share tips that'll help you shift your focus toward what matters most. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/0YSN1i8Ej6Q 🎧 What's in this episode: (00:46) - The Tibetan death meditation...

Ofosu and Leah talk with certified coach and clinician María-Victoria Albina about the signs and symptoms of workaholism and what we can do to break the cycle of burnout. They also discuss how to incorporate more intention throughout your workday to help alleviate stress. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/SDnV4WmPZQU 📚 More about María-Victoria: María-Victoria...

Ofosu and Leah talk with Ofosu's mentor and teacher Ayesha Ali about her deliberate choice to pursue joy in the midst of growing older and going through difficult times. She shares her wisdom about how to embrace aging and feel more empowered from within, including the role meditation has played in shaping her perspective. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/X...

Ofosu and Leah talk with Olivia Johnson, Senior Employee Success Manager at Elevate Labs, the company that created the Balance app. She's the expert planner behind the company meetup that's brought everyone together—even Ofosu and Leah—in Los Cabos, Mexico. They discuss how to plan big events with introverts and extroverts in mind, and they share expert tips for providing comfort to both personali...

Ofosu's had a lot on his mind since the release of the video footage of Tyre Nichols being brutally beaten. So he and psychologist Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi check in with each other and discuss the impact that race-related stress and trauma has on our mental and physical well-being. They also share practical tips for taking care of yourself after experiencing (or witnessing) a traumatic event. ▶️...

Ofosu and Leah are together in Los Cabos, Mexico, and take advantage of this face-to-face time to check in with their emotions. They discuss what it means to be able to express exactly how we’re feeling and why we don’t give ourselves permission to do it all the time. They also share their tips for embracing more joy, and why leaning into sadness can actually make us happier. ▶️ You can watch the...

Can you be disciplined and nice to yourself? Ofosu and Leah believe it’s possible. Actually, they say self-compassion is essential to reaching your goals. They also discuss their experiences of putting intense pressure on themselves to improve (and why this didn’t work in the long term) and share practical tips for incorporating more compassion into the ways you stay motivated. ▶️ You can watch th...

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is proof that our words have power. So to honor MLK today, Ofosu and Leah look back on their conversation from MLK Day 2022 and discuss what his impact means to them in 2023. They listen to some of Dr. King’s moving words, reflect on what we can learn from them, and share ways to use our own words for good. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: ht...

Ofosu talks with photographer Thosh Collins about what we can learn about wellness from an Indigenous perspective. They also discuss the toxicity of mainstream wellness culture, the interconnectedness of your body, mind, and spirit, and how to take inspiration from others without appropriating their culture. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/F4DoK-71fHo 📚 ...

So you found your word of the year in last week's episode, instead of making New Year's resolutions. Now what? Ofosu and Leah share practical tips for incorporating your word into everyday life, and they reveal theirs for 2023. Plus, hear Well Balanced listeners' words of the year, in case you need some last-minute inspiration. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/...

Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, author Susannah Conway chooses a word to represent the intention she wants to bring into the new year. She talks with Ofosu and Leah about how to find your word for 2023, shares the questions to ask yourself as you reflect on 2022, and helps them choose contenders for their words of the year. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://you...

The holidays can be a time of happiness and cheer, but not everyone experiences them this way. Ofosu and Leah talk all about the holiday blues and how they've coped with them in the past. They also share practical tips to help support you if you're managing difficult emotions, depression, or anxiety this time of year. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/WgJytEalfN...

Leah's been spending a lot of time with family during the holidays, and she's finding it difficult to balance being around so many people (and opinions) and making space for her "me time." She and Ofosu talk with psychologist Todd Kashdan about the importance of alone time, how to set expectations with others, and how to mentally prepare yourself for the influx of holiday gatherings. 📣 Share your...

Ofosu and Leah reflect on their first year of recording the podcast. They discuss their favorite moments and guests from the show, and share what's next for Well Balanced. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/9QPOCTe4nEQ 📣 Leave Ofosu and Leah a voice message: https://sayhi.chat/wellbalanced Other episodes mentioned by Leah, Ofosu, and listeners:  Working thr...

Many of us are quick to notice the good qualities in our family and friends, but acknowledging what we like about ourselves might not come as naturally. Ofosu and Leah discuss why, and how positive affirmations can be a tool to help improve your self-esteem. They also share their tips for turning self-kindness into an everyday habit. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https:...

Leah and Ofosu reflect on some big leaps of faith they've taken, from quitting their jobs to pursue their passions to having another child. They share their advice to help you take your own leap of faith, including the questions you should ask yourself before diving into the unknown. ▶️ You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/VaOsV-fcXeA 🧘  About Balance: Well...

You can choose your friends, but can you choose your family? Ofosu and Leah think so. They discuss their experiences choosing friends that have become family, the challenges of forming and maintaining these close bonds, and why it's important for your overall well-being. This discussion comes just in time for the US Thanksgiving—and Friendsgiving—celebrations. But its message extends far beyond th...

Ofosu talks with Leah about the lessons he learned leading a mindfulness workshop with a group of formerly incarcerated persons. They discuss his biggest takeaway from the experience—that meditation should be a safe and adaptable life tool—and share tips to help you embrace meditating in your own unique way. You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/rATK-JtVdpA We want to...

Fear and anxiety can be unlikely allies, according to Tara Brach, a psychologist and leading mindfulness meditation teacher. Ofosu and Leah talk with her about how to get to the root of these difficult emotions and discover tools to come out on the other side with a sense of clarity and a desire to live more fully. You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/hRwvu3P5ukk &nbs...

In celebration of Halloween, Ofosu and Leah discuss the origins of the holiday and how it can be an opportunity to acknowledge what you're afraid of. They also open up about how they're facing their own fears and share practical tips for the next time your thoughts come trick-or-treating. You can watch the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/q2yYv-zxIV4  About Balance: Well Balanced is...

What does it mean to be close to someone? Ofosu and Leah talk with neuroscientist Alie Caldwell to answer this question and learn how our close relationships actually change our brain chemistry. They also discuss how we can use this knowledge to help strengthen our relationships and navigate conflicts. You can watch the latest episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ooprTTa5cL4 More about Alie:...