LIFE Podcast with Dr. C

Feeling that constant hum of anxiety, background stress, or a racing mind you just can’t seem to turn off? You’re not alone—and the secret to instant relief is already hardwired into your body. In this episode of the LIFE Podcast, Dr. C demystifies the vagus nerve—the body's ultimate anti-anxiety superhighway. This isn't just a wellness trend; it is a scientifically proven pathway to rec...

In this special "Hanging with the Coopers" edition of the LIFE Podcast, Dr. C is joined by her husband, Rod Cooper. Together, they dive into the critical dimension of social wellness and explore how it actively combats relationship burnout. You do not need a lavish, week-long vacation to reconnect; instead, discover how intentional date nights, local staycations, and everyday boundary-se...

In a world that feels increasingly overwhelming, it is incredibly easy to get caught on the hamster wheel of managing everyday stress and doom scrolling through negative news cycles. But what if the ultimate antidote to toxic environments isn't a massive lifestyle overhaul, but a simple, five-minute daily practice? In this episode of the LIFE Podcast, Dr. C sits down with Judi Swanson , a lic...

In this powerful episode, Dr. C sits down with Marcia Earhart , the founder of Sterling Rose Sanctuary , a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals "breathe again" and "live again" after profound trauma and loss. Marcia shares her deeply personal journey of losing two sons and how those experiences redefined her life. This conversation dives into the biological and emotional...

In this episode, we are so excited to be joined by Kay Woods, a respected entrepreneur, co-author, and parenting advocate with nearly 40 years of experience in childcare. When the pandemic unexpectedly shut down her 24/7 childcare centers, Kay identified a critical communication gap for parents. To solve this, she founded Ask Miss Kay, an AI-powered, judgment-free parental support service backed b...

What does it truly mean to honor the vow "in sickness and in health"?. In this powerful episode Dr. C sits down with Kareem and Brandi Hayes to explore their harrowing yet miraculous journey through a sudden medical crisis, emergency open-heart surgery, and a five-day coma. Through the lens of the LIFE Blueprint (Learn, Inspire, Flourish, Evolve), the Hayes family shares how they navigat...

Are you a high-functioning leader who feels secretly exhausted? You might be suffering from "Leaky Energy." In this episode, Dr. C sits down with Mary Petto, a Vibrational Energy Coach and Rapid Turmoil Resolution™ Specialist. A former executive at Merrill Lynch and DLJ Asset Management, Mary pivoted from the high-pressure boardroom to become a "transformation ninja," helping h...

Are you a high-achiever who feels like you’re driving with the parking brake on? In this episode of the LIFE Podcast, Dr. C sits down with Tim Shurr, a world-renowned Mind Architect and High-Performance Hypnotist. Tim reveals how "mental malware" from our past creates the invisible ceilings of executive burnout and self-sabotage. Using the One Belief Away™ (OBA) Method, Tim explains how...

How do we help young people move from transactional living to transformational success? In this episode of the LIFE Podcast, Dr. C sits down with Shawn “GEE” Goburn, a strategist, educator, and the founder of the nonprofit Alive + Well. Shawn shares his powerful blueprint for youth development, explaining why you can't build a successful "house" (life and career) without a solid fou...

Struggling to switch off at night? Feeling stuck in a loop of anxiety? In this episode of the LIFE Podcast, Dr. C sits down with Helen Dugdale, known as "The Brain Coach," to reveal how we can train our brains just like we train our bodies. Helen specializes in helping clients break free from chronic insomnia and anxiety by utilizing methodologies like WingWave and EMDR to create lasting...

Stop viewing life transitions as a crisis and start seeing them as a skill. In this episode of the LIFE Podcast, Dr. C sits down with career and life transition expert María Tomás-Keegan to dismantle the myth that change is a sign of failure. Whether you are facing a career shift, a personal loss, or an inner restlessness, navigating the unknown can feel paralyzing. Together, they explore The Ripp...

What happens when you face a diagnosis that changes your entire world? Rod Spratling Sr. joins Dr. C to share his raw, vulnerable, and inspiring story of surviving prostate cancer. This isn't just a medical story; it's a human story about facing fear, building resilience, and finding a new definition of strength. Rod provides an honest look at the journey, offering powerful education for...

We often think of success as a straight line—top grades, a high-powered career, and constant achievement. But what happens when your soul calls you in a completely different direction? In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Keaveney, a Stanford graduate who left the traditional path of corporate success to study at the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore, India. Now the Director of Di...

He hijacked the mic! 🇵🇷🎙️ We are supposed to be offline in Puerto Rico, but the "Environmental Wellness" here was too good not to share. So, I let my husband interview ME. We clipped on the mics (yes, I brought them to the beach 😂) to have a raw conversation about: 🏖️ Why Day 3 of vacation is my favorite day ❤️ The one wellness dimension I succeeded in and failed at this year. 🧠 The &q...

Today represents a major milestone for our community—this is our Season One Finale. Throughout this journey, we have explored everything from the biology of loneliness to the science of deep sleep, but today I want to address a feeling many of us know all too well: the "Whac-A-Mole" life. It is that exhausting cycle where fixing your sleep schedule means your social life falls apart, or...

Is your daily life stuck on autopilot? Mindfulness often feels abstract or intimidating, but today’s guest proves it can be both decadent and simple. Dr. C sits down with Melissa Mueller-Douglas , a Licensed Master Social Worker and CEO of MYRetreat Inc., to explore her award-winning framework: Chocolate Mindfulness™. Melissa shares how she transforms a simple piece of chocolate into a powerful an...

Do you ever feel a pang of loneliness, even when you're surrounded by people? You're not alone. In a world that's more digitally connected than ever, many of us are missing a deep sense of meaningful connection. This isn't just a feeling—it's a critical part of your health. Groundbreaking research shows that long-term loneliness can be as damaging to our health as smoking...

What happens when you leave a high-powered career and the phone stops ringing? Join Dr. C for a profound conversation with Luis Burgos , the former Commissioner of Recreation and Human Services for the City of Rochester. After a distinguished 32-year career revitalizing city parks and programs, Luis shares his candid journey through the "emotional void" of retirement and how he successfu...

Join Dr. C for a powerful conversation with Daisy Rivera Algarin , a true community change maker and the co-founder of Latinas Unidas. Daisy recently retired from her role as Manager of Special Projects for the City of Rochester, where she dedicated her career to revitalizing neighborhoods and businesses. After a career defined by service—including leading a pandemic program that delivered over 12...

Have you ever felt that wave of guilt wash over you at the thought of canceling plans, even when you’re feeling completely run down? I’ve been there. Just a couple weeks ago, I was faced with a full schedule while my body was begging for rest, and I had to confront the powerful, conditioned belief that prioritizing my wellness was somehow letting people down. It’s a struggle I know many people fac...

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by your own emotions? I have. It feels like a storm just comes in and takes over your inner world, leaving you tossed around by waves of anxiety, frustration, or sadness. If you’ve ever felt that way, you are in the right place. This episode is our guide to moving beyond just "calming down" and into the practical, powerful world of mindfulness ....

Are you feeling disconnected? In a world struggling with an epidemic of loneliness, building a strong social network is no longer a "nice-to-have"—it's essential for your health. Science shows that deep social bonds can lower stress, improve your immune system, and even help you live longer. But how do you build friendships that last, especially when life gets busy? In this powerful...

In a world filled with digital noise, how do we protect our peace and find the truth? The rise of artificial intelligence brings incredible tools, but it also amplifies misinformation, impacting our mental and emotional wellness. In this episode, Dr. C welcomes back the brilliant Dr. Jerry Washington to continue their vital conversation from "Lies, Scams, and Bad Advice." They explore th...

Ever wake up tired after a full 8 hours? You’re not alone. The key to boundless energy isn’t just how long you sleep, but how deep you sleep. In this episode, I reveal why the popular idea of “catching up on sleep” is the single biggest myth sabotaging your well-being and keeping you in a cycle of fatigue. Forget generic advice. This episode delivers the neuroscience-backed truth about restorative...

Are you feeling the classic signs of burnout—the extreme fatigue, the anxiety, the constant sense of being overwhelmed? You’re not just tired; you're experiencing the physical and psychological impact of unmanaged, chronic stress.  In this episode, Dr. C moves you from knowledge to action, providing a step-by-step guide to designing your personal wellness plan. Learn why the World Health Orga...