12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast

As this season of 12 Degrees comes to a close, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna reflect on the small wins, navigating challenges, and lessons learned from their own wellness journeys. From hydration hacks and birdwatching adventures to boundary-setting and the battle against inner critics, this episode is a celebration of progress, not perfection. Packed with laughter, insight, and encouragement, it...

From piles of unopened mail to digital subscriptions you forgot you were paying for, financial clutter can quietly drain your wallet and your mental energy. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Julie Heaton, director of the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center, to talk about how tidying up your financial life can bring relief, clarity, and e...

When it comes to financial wellness, how you relate to money can be just as important as how you spend it. In this episode of 12 Degrees , Christina, Deshna, and Lindsey unpack what it really means to feel in control of your money without the shame-spiral or perfection pressure. They talk through how to handle awkward moments when the dinner bill comes, the importance of recognizing when you're bu...

Our work shapes so much of who we are, which is why our relationship to it matters for our overall wellness. In this episode of 12 Degrees , Dr. Jessica Henry, a teaching professor in Penn State’s College of Education and licensed mental health counselor, joins host Lindsey Whissel Fenton to talk about what it really means to be “career well.” Dr. Jess shares her framework for the Six P’s of Caree...

Career wellness isn’t just about dream jobs or fancy titles. It’s about alignment between your work, your values, and your season of life. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna get real about career plot twists, toxic team dynamics, protecting your time, and redefining success on your terms. They’ll also break down why passion isn’t everything, how purpose can evolve, and w...

Digital wellness isn’t just about screen time or blue light glasses, it’s about how we show up online, keep ourselves safe, and treat others with respect. In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Joseph Squillace, an associate teaching professor of cybersecurity at Penn State, about a groundbreaking project that uses virtual reality to let students safely experience bullyi...

We often think of digital wellness in terms of screen time or social media habits, but tech shapes us physically, too. Sometimes it’s subtle, like slouching through a scroll session. Other times, it’s more serious: disrupted sleep, chronic pain, or even nerve sensitivity. In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore how our digital lives impact multiple dimensions of well...

You don’t need incense, chanting, or a passport stamp to tap into something sacred. In this episode, 12 Degrees' Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with somatic therapist, ritualist, and Penn State faculty member Elisha Tichelle about practical, embodied ways to tap into meaning, connection, and creativity—without the fluff. From heart coherence to moon cycles to the underrated power of fuzzy socks, we...

Spiritual wellness isn’t just for monks or mystics. It’s for anyone craving meaning, connection, or a little peace in a noisy world. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore how everyday moments—like snuggling a pet, coloring a mandala, or journaling with intention—can become portals to something deeper. You’ll hear about the power of personal ritual, the comfort of se...

It can be difficult to find time for service, but what if there was something you could do from your own backyard that had the potential to change the world? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Connie Schmotzer, coordinator of Penn State’s Pollinator Habitat Certification Program, about how caring for pollinators can be a simple, flexible way to give back. Connie expla...

You don’t need a sign-up form to make a difference. In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna invite you to rethink what it means to serve. From smiling at a stranger to writing a review, donating blood, or letting someone cry without trying to fix it, they explore how small, everyday acts can nurture both personal and community wellness. You’ll get heartfelt stories, research...

What if your strongest source of support was right outside your back door? In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Penn State researcher Dr. Erica Husser about how everyday connections to nature shape identity, resilience, and emotional well-being. Drawing on Erica’s research interviews with older rural women, they explore nature as a quiet but powerful wellness tool. The...

Wellness isn’t just about what’s going on inside you, it’s also about what’s around you. In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore the environmental degree of wellness, from air quality and cozy décor to third spaces and time in nature. Whether you’re a plant-murdering maximalist or a master of organized chaos, you’ll find practical tips, science-backed insights, and a...

When we think about cultural identity, we often think about things like race, religion, or language. But what about neurodivergence? In this episode of 12 Degrees , Deshna Nagar talks with Cailyn Ann Teague, an autistic attorney and alumna of Penn State Law, about how autism shapes not just how she thinks but who she is. They explore what it means to see neurodivergence as a culture, not a conditi...

Whether it’s the language(s) we speak or the candy we crave, we all carry culture with us. In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore the Cultural Degree of Wellness, diving into everything from emoji etiquette and generational slang to disability pride, holiday obsessions, and spicy family recipes. You'll hear personal stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and practical str...

Could better sex mean a better memory? In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Marty Sliwinski, director of the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State, about surprising research that links sexual satisfaction, heart health, and cognitive sharpness as we get older. They unpack what’s really happening behind the sheets and why connection, conversation, and even hearing...

Intellectual wellness isn’t just about formal education—it’s about staying curious, challenging your mind, and finding joy in the process. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore everyday ways to support intellectual wellness, from aligning with your natural chronotype to reframing negative self-talk and embracing playful learning. Whether you're navigating burnout, l...

We know that stress takes a toll—but what happens when we face it alone? In this episode of 12 Degrees, host Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Jee eun Kang, a Penn State researcher whose work explores the connection between loneliness, emotional resilience, and long-term health. Dr. Kang shares insights from her research on how loneliness can extend the impact of everyday stress and offers pra...

Social wellness goes beyond close friendships—it includes the daily interactions, community moments, and even weak ties that help us feel seen and supported. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore practical ways to build and maintain meaningful social connections, whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between. From redefining community and nurturing...

Is AI here to take over our creativity…or help us grow it? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Penn State researcher Paul DiStefano about what human–AI collaborations really mean for our creative wellness. They explore why true creativity is more than just generating ideas, how our expertise keeps the human spark alive, and how we can keep our creativity healthy and re...

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s an everyday practice that anyone can incorporate into their life, and it’s great for your wellness! In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore easy ways to boost creative wellness, from upcycling to improv games—even chili cook-offs. They share simple, fun strategies for sparking creativity on your own and in your community, plus t...

What we say to ourselves can shape how we handle stress, setbacks, and everyday life. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Dr. Christina Lightner joins Lindsey Whissel Fenton to talk about MINDSTRONG, an evidence-based program developed at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. From reframing negative thoughts to practicing emotional regulation, learn simple strategies that support long-te...

Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore the power of small, intentional acts of self-care and their impact on mental and emotional well-being. From creative expression to moments of mindfulness, they discuss how simple practices can offer comfort, connection, and resilience in everyday life. The hosts share personal stories of finding unexpected encouragement and reflect on how these seemingly smal...

In this episode of 12 Degrees , Lindsey Whissel Fenton explores the surprising health benefits of cocoa with Penn State food science professor Joshua Lambert. Much to Lindsey’s delight, research suggests this delicious treat may help reduce inflammation, support metabolic health, and even influence fat digestion. They also discuss Lambert’s USDA-funded study on how cocoa’s effects differ by gender...

Small changes can make a big impact on your physical wellness. In this episode, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna share doable, evidence-informed strategies to support your body in everyday life—even on your busiest days. From breathwork to creative hydration tips to easy ways to add movement, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you feel and function your best. Check it out for r...