Health Raisers

Hello Wise Women! My guest is Sarah Skinner, Director of the Bridgman Public Library (BPL). She completed her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Psychology at Western Michigan University in 2009. She went on to attain her Master's degree in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA. Before joining the BPL team, Sarah was the Adult Services Team Leader at N...

Hello Wise Women! Today, my guest is Kim Davis. Kim is a wife, mother, crafter, retired social worker, and cohost of the podcast Slaycation with her comedy writer husband, Adam "Tex" Davis , and writer-producer Jerry Kolber . Kim brings a wealth of experience to this episode. With a background in domestic violence advocacy and a passion for true crime, Kim shares her powerful perspective on unders...

Hello, Wise Women! Today, my guest is Jen Coate, a certified public health professional. Jen was born and raised in the Midwest but recently moved back from Oregon, where she received her Master's in Public Health from Oregon Health and Science University. She focuses on health promotion and is currently the farm store manager at Granor Farm . When I met Jen at Granor, I was struck by her warmth a...

Hello Wise Women! Today, I’m bringing you a special conversation I had with my friend Steve Heatherington. This conversation has stayed with me, touching on something I've been thinking about a lot lately—growing old with curiosity, dignity, and wonder. I don’t want the privilege of aging to be weighed down by shame or resignation. And that brings me to my guest today, Steve. Curiosity about how t...

Hello Wise Women! Today, my guest is Danielle Todd , Executive Director of  Make Food Not Waste,  a Detroit nonprofit focused on reducing food waste and its environmental impact by transforming surplus food into meals for the community, promoting sustainability and food security. The organization also works on long-term change by supporting cities and institutions. In this episode, Danie...

Welcome to a new year of Health Raisers! This year, we're starting with social health, exploring how contributing to our community enhances the well-being of all. For the first time, I'm bringing on a guest to address our role as stewards of the planet, and I couldn't think of a more fitting person for this essential topic than Tania Marien . Tania and I first connected as podcasters and coaches i...

Hello, Health Raisers! I’m so glad to have you here as we wrap up this year together. In this episode, I want to share some actionable, meaningful takeaways from our incredible guests on the podcast. Think of this episode as a warm reminder to pause, reflect, and let what we’ve learned guide us. For each dimension of health—social, emotional, mental, physical, intellectual, and spiritual—we explor...

💛 In this episode, I am excited to share a conversation with Maureen Murphy, my voice coach, dear friend, and extraordinary professional vocalist based in Nashville. We explore how Maureen has balanced her overall health—social, emotional, mental, physical, intellectual, and spiritual—while navigating the many challenges of her vibrant career. 💛 Maureen is a seasoned live and studio vocal artist...

Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the transformative power of creativity and its profound connection to our well-being. Mary Lou Cook once said, “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” When I spoke with art therapist Kathleen Daly on the YOGI MD Podcast, she highlighted the therapeutic potential of the creative pr...

🌿 Welcome to the latest episode of Health Raisers!  🌿 Our guest is Wise Woman Elaine Fletcher-Janzen, a self-proclaimed "Herbie." In this episode, Elaine shares her inspiring journey from childhood herb-picking in England to becoming a passionate advocate for holistic health. She emphasizes the profound impact of herbs on our emotional, physical, and social well-being. Through her wisdom, w...

💙 Last month, we celebrated the late Dr. Wallace Nichols and his amazing work on the health benefits of water by re-releasing my conversation with him on the YOGI MD podcast. I am so lucky that I got to spend time with him and to share it with you my audience. If you missed that episode, I highly encourage you to check out his inspiring discussion on the transformative power of water. 💙 And I am...

In 2020, I read an article in my husband's boating magazine by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and the author of "Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do." The piece described the incredible benefits of being on the water for one's health and well-being. Intrigued by th...

Ladies, we are the CEOs of our loved ones’ healthcare. In this vital role, there is much information to navigate, decisions to make, and day-to-day caregiving to do. Unfortunately, our contributions often go unrecognized, and we may struggle with feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and isolated.  In this episode, Dr. Sadarangani shares practical tools and resources to empower yourself with the...

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we welcome Sara Stewart, a registered nurse with a Master of Science in nursing and the visionary executive director of Unity Gardens in South Bend, Indiana, to our virtual living room. Sara's journey into creating Unity Gardens, where she orchestrates open free-pick gardens, no-cost classes, and summer programs for kids, is a testament to the power of...

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Anne Roche, who shares her insights on how to discover your inner fire to attain your goals with passion! Anne is a former defense attorney for the poor turned life leadership coach. She uses her fire and light to help clients lead themselves into a life filled with purpose, energy, and intention. You can find links to her blog, podcast,...

Are you wondering how to rethink fitness goals as we get older? Or how to make choices that keep us strong but also acknowledge how our bodies, muscles, and joints will change with age? Or how to develop an ongoing and healthy relationship with food? Then you will want to tune in to this episode featuring Val Schonberg. Val Schonberg is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Board Certified as a Spe...

Are you struggling to come to terms with the limitations that come with aging? Do you feel like your emotional well-being is taking a hit as you face new challenges? You're not alone - many of us experience these same feelings as we grow older. Here to discuss this crucial topic is Karen Nielsen. Karen is a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has been practicing yoga for some 50...

Hello Health Raisers! Happy New Year! Let's start 2024 with a new perspective on self-care. In today's episode, we'll explore the power of investing in ourselves through enjoyable, mindful, and sustainable practices. As we begin a new year filled with adventures, it's the perfect time to prioritize our self-care. By embracing practices that nurture our well-being, we can have a joy-filled, sustain...

🐾 Are you a fellow pet lover who knows the indescribable bond with your four-legged family member? Join us for a heartwarming episode as we pay tribute to our dearest Teddy, the little dog with a heart as big as the world. 🌼 Get ready for a journey filled with love, joy, and endless paw prints. 🤗 Explore how Teddy made our lives brighter. 🩺 Pets make us healthier; it's scientifically proven!...

🌊 Are you feeling the weight of the loneliness epidemic? 🎙️In a classic episode from The Yogi MD Podcast, Dr. Wallace J Nichols discusses the powerful connection between "blue mind" and water, offering insights into how it can combat anxiety and stress. 🚣‍♀️ Join us for a refreshing journey on tranquil waters, guided by a soothing meditation. 💙 Discover the calming sounds of the lake and unlock...

  🔥 Are you ready to ignite your inner fire and embrace a life filled with vitality?  💯 Wise Women, it's high time we make ourselves a priority! Let's embark on a health-raising journey together.  🎙️Listen to my mom's inspiring story of resilience and sacrifice as an immigrant, and learn why prioritizing your health is a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Listen to this sp...

Discover the power of evolution with our latest promotion. Like a plant that outgrows its container, sometimes we need to break free from our limitations and reach new heights. Don't be afraid to take a journey of self-discovery and growth and become the best version of yourself. With the help of our community of Wise Women and inspiring stories like Leah Campbell Badertscher's, you can learn to e...

Looking for ways to challenge your mind and body while embracing imperfection? Try the yoga tree pose! As you stand on one leg and lift your arms like the branches of a tree, you'll strengthen your muscles and improve your balance. And remember, it's not about achieving a perfect pose - it's about accepting where you are and making modifications as needed. Embrace resilience and take up space in t...

Join me in my virtual living room as I chat with Cheryl Johnson, the founder of Box Lunch Lifestyle, a strategy to fuel your body, reclaim your spark, and build a life that'll make you proud! 🌟 Cheryl, author, boxer, and better life enthusiast left her job as a research director to embark on this incredible journey. She shares her wisdom and practical tips to help you become your healthiest self....

🌟 Join me in this incredible conversation with Christi Cassidy as we explore the concept of health and its connection to community, confidence, and personal growth.  Christi Cassidy is the host and producer of Moving Along, a podcast in which her passion for travel comes together with the themes of relocation and life transitions. A longtime radio listener and fan, Christi’s career spans sti...