Healthy Illness

Ep. 135 Ever stop and ask yourself why you do things the way you do? From how you fold your laundry to how you handle your relationships—so much of what we do is inherited thinking. In this episode of Healthy Illness, host Coach Kelly Marie dives into the question we all need to ask more often: “Who said that?” Through a heartfelt story about a family recipe passed down through generations, Kelly...

Ep. 134 When depression hits, even simple tasks feel impossible. In this episode of Healthy Illness, I reveal my go-to strategy for turning breakdowns into breakthroughs: the “Why or How” tool. It’s how I’ve learned to bank small wins, rebuild confidence, and actually start feeling better. If you’ve ever wondered: ✨ How can I manage my mental health when I’m struggling to function? ✨ What’s one...

Ep. 133 September 3, 2013 will always be a date etched in my heart. It was the day I tried to end my life. At the time, I wasn’t grateful to still be here—I was angry, confused, and hurting. Recovery didn’t look like joy at first. It looked like surviving one day at a time, learning to breathe through the pain, and slowly discovering that life could hold meaning again. In this episode of the Healt...

Ep.132 Kelly Marie provides updates on her journey post-back surgery and the challenges of accessing physical therapy. She highlights the barriers of time and cost, emphasizing healthcare system inequities. Reflecting on her privilege to undergo therapy, she advocates for systemic change toward preventative health care. Additionally, Kelly discusses her postpartum doula certification and shares in...

Ep. 131 Kelly Marie, a mindfulness advocate, doula, and host of the Healthy Illness Podcast on the JazzCast Pros Network, is known for guiding individuals toward healthier relationships and culturally rooted mindfulness practices. In this episode, she’ll break down how to: 🌱 Integrate mindfulness into your daily workflow🌱 Use culturally relevant practices to stay grounded🌱 Protect your mental h...

Ep.130 In Part 2 Sara Passamonte, CEO of Compeer Rochester—opens up about her path from intern to leader, what it was like guiding Compeer through the pandemic, and how personal passions like music keep her grounded. She shares how long-term peer relationships have not only shaped Compeer’s mission but also her own healing journey. This episode is a reminder that behind every program is a person w...

Ep. 129 I can’t help but wonder—how different would my journey have been if I’d had a Companion Peer when I was struggling? When I was at the peak of my own mental health challenges, what I needed most wasn’t another prescription or appointment—it was a person. Someone to sit with me, listen without judgment, and remind me that I wasn’t alone. That’s exactly what Compeer offers. In this week’s epi...

Ep. 128 If you live with chronic pain, you may have convinced yourself that pain is your forever companion. But what if—just for a moment—you woke up and it was gone? In this reflective solo episode, Kelly Marie shares the unforgettable day she experienced zero pain for the first time in years, and how mindfulness helped her not only recognize the moment but fully live in it. Tune in as she unpack...

Ep. 127 Kelly Marie delves into the challenges of maintaining personal boundaries while dealing with mental health conditions on the Healthy Illness Podcast. She shares a poignant story about setting boundaries with her godmother during a significant family gathering. The episode explores the complexities of navigating personal limits, the importance of self-care, and the impact of mental health o...

Ep. 126 So you saw a TikTok about doulas and thought, “That looks fun”? Before you order your business cards, press play on this episode. Doulas Kelly Marie and Shannon Johns reveal the reality of doula care, birth education, and fighting for maternal health equity. In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Shannon —founder of Calming Nature Doula Services—demystifies what it actually means to be a...

Ep. 125 You’ve heard me hint at her. You’ve heard me talk about how she walks the halls like a birth superhero. And today—she's finally here. Shannon Johns, the heart and soul behind Calming Nature Doula Services, joins the Healthy Illness Podcast for a deep and raw conversation about what it really takes to care, to show up, and to reclaim our power—especially as Black women navigating motherhood...

Ep. 124 As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Kelly Marie leans deeply into her faith—offering a timely reflection on love, compassion, and the power of spiritual recommitment in the face of national uncertainty. “We say we believe in families… but our policies don’t match our prayers.” Kelly shares her decision to be baptized again—an act of public faith rooted not in doctrine, but i...

Ep 122: Have you ever felt like if you don't hold everything together, it will all fall apart? If so, you're not alone — and it's time to set yourself free. After giving a keynote speech with the Buffalo Chapter of The Links, Kelly Marie continues the conversation about the Superwoman Schema — the invisible weight you may be carrying. In this episode, you'll explore how the pressure to be strong a...

Ep. 121 This Black Maternal Health Week Kelly Marie explores essential questions to ask when choosing a doula, focusing on training, services, compatibility, availability during labor, and backup plans. Drawing on her experience as a doula, Kelly emphasizes the importance of establishing clear communication and understanding individual needs. She also briefly touches on the impact of doulas in mat...

Ep. 120 Hiring a doula? Don’t do it until you hear this! As a certified doula in New York State, I know firsthand how choosing the right support for your birth journey can shape your entire experience. In today’s episode of the Healthy Illness Podcast, I’m sharing what I wish every expecting parent knew before hiring a doula—from the questions you should ask during interviews to how to spot a red...

Ep. 119 👶🏾Your voice matters in the delivery room. But is anyone truly listening? The reality is, Black women face higher risks during childbirth—but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. A doula can be your advocate, your guide, and your support system, ensuring that your birth plan is heard and honored. In this episode of Healthy Illness, Kelly Marie breaks down the difference between...

Ep. 118 ​Are you striving for a more organized and balanced mental state in your daily life? In this episode, we unveil the transformative power of establishing daily routines and mindfulness practices to enhance your mental well-being.​ By integrating structured routines and mindfulness into your life, you can experience reduced stress, improved focus, and a heightened sense of control. Are you r...

Ep. 117 After six months away from the mic, I’m finally back. In this episode of Healthy Illness, I’m opening up about where I’ve been, what’s changed, and how my journey has led me to become a birth doula. I also reflect on the power of community, and how my support system—including JazzCast Pros and my closest friends—helped me navigate these challenging times. The weight of the election, the re...

Ep. 116 Struggling with anxiety? Feeling trapped in your own mind? Minista Jazz knows that battle firsthand. She shares her journey with agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that made it nearly impossible to leave her home. Unable to find a therapist who truly understood her experience, she built her own support system—D-Nana, a digital AI guide inspired by the wisdom and comfort of a Black grandmothe...

Ep. 95 Planning a Trip with Friends? Don’t Miss This Episode! Picture this: an upcoming wedding in India with your closest friend. It sounds like a dream, but how do you ensure that dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare? In this episode, I share my approach to navigating the delicate balance of friendship, self-care, and smart planning while prepping for this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Together, we...

If the thought of giving away something of sentimental value gives you anxiety, try this simple trick to keeping precious moments while creating your Oasis Space. In this episode the Declutter Empress Daria Murphy joins Coach Kelly Marie to share her process of deciding what to keep and what has to go. Declutter your mental and physical space and start focusing on things that bring value to your l...

Ep. 115 Kelly Marie hosts Mary Beth Scott, a certified run coach, to discuss the intersection of mental health and physical movement on the Healthy Illness podcast. They explore the importance of finding joyful, accessible movement and persevering through injury and recovery. Mary Beth shares insights on building resilience, setting realistic fitness goals, and balancing life commitments with pers...

Ep. 114 As we continue our Season of Movement; Kelly Marie Shares Top Five Tips for Stress-Free Moving while managing your mental health. Throughout the episode, Kelly Marie emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and organized environment amidst the chaos of moving. She offers five essential tips, such as prioritizing setting up your bed, creating a designated home space, and the significanc...

Ep. 113 In part 2 of our enlightening conversation with the esteemed Detra Trueheart, we unpack the significance of initiating and sustaining personal change and the link between physical movement, mental health, and a life led with intention. Kelly and Detra delve into the common pitfalls of a hectic lifestyle, differentiating between being busy and intentional movement. They provide a compelling...

Ep. 112 In this episode of the Healthy Illness podcast, host Kelly Marie sits down with Detra Trueheart for an engaging conversation on the intersection between movement and mental health. As someone who lives with purpose, Detra shares her personal journey of integrating physical activity into her lifestyle when it wasn't occurring naturally. This first installment of a two-part series with Detra...