Living in the Sandwich Zone

My foray into the world of goat yoga delighted me so much I was inspired to find out how such a unique wellness practice came into being. So, after reminiscing with my friends who joined me for my goat yoga outing last February, I decided to reach out to Michelle Trittenthe founder of Hello Critter and the host of our fun-filled goat yoga extravaganza to learn more about how she embarked on her en...

For over a year, the prospect of going to goat yoga has been on my radar. In fact, I shared about my goat yoga dreams in one of my very early episodes after launching this podcast in an episode called, Goat Yoga: The Importance of Scheduling in Joy. ( You can listen to that episode here .) After persevering through my initial challenges getting my adventure off the ground, I finally, just a few mo...

In this episode, Part 2 of my conversation with Kuniko Vroman, we talk about how she started Helping Hoof⁠⁠ , her non-profit, equine-assisted therapeutic services organization. Then, we talk more about the therapeutic experiences Kuniko facilitated for me as I worked with the horses. If you haven't listened to Part 1 of our conversation you might want to go back and start there. Through workin...

In keeping with the theme of mental health awareness this month, this week I'm sharing with you about yet another outside-the-box therapy modality. This one involves horses.   I first became curious about equine therapy (aka “horse therapy”) when Linny was in residential mental health treatment. In the programming at “res” (as it’s often called), each week the treatment facility would take par...

As a society, we are facing a growing mental health crisis. Finding the right treatment for mental health conditions can often be challenging—especially for those for whom medication has not been effect and people suffering from complex post-traumatic stress and trauma. For some, traditional therapy and psychotropic medications doesn’t provide relief. Thankfully, other therapeutic options are avai...

The last several weeks have been pretty tough on me. A variety of situations have flared up and they've taken a significant toll on my energy, health and mental well-being. Since it's Mental Health Awareness Month, it seemed timely to dive right in and talk about it all. A couple weeks ago, I shared about the story of the big epiphany I had after an interaction with Linny. I originally rec...

It’s hard to believe that May is upon us and that means it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. In all candor, life has been pretty intense and challenging for me lately. I’ve been navigating some pretty hard stuff. As a result, my well-being and mental health have taken a hit.  One of the things that I’ve learned to do when things get rough is to reach out and talk to someone. Sometimes it’s just to...

Though I have lots more to share about my African adventure, this week I'm sharing an important lesson I learned from one of my greatest teachers--my youngest child. In this episode, I share about an interaction with Linny that really shined a light on what I have been asking and expecting from my children and led to a big epiphany for me about self-care. You can follow me on Instagram at:  ⁠⁠...

At this stage of my life, I am realizing more and more how important it is to have people in my life who are willing not only come along for the fun rides but who also stay close and ride the waves with me when things get stormy. ACE is a shining example of one of those people. Last week, ACE and I reminisced about our adventures in Africa and talked about some of the takeaway moments from our saf...

It's been just over a month since I returned from Africa. My safari experience was so transformative--on so many levels--I just haven't been able to compose a podcast about it. Immediately upon returning home, I landed right back in the thick of life having to juggle lots of tough stuff. But taking some time to travel on my African adventure definitely helped expand my bandwidth to handle...

It's become a tradition that each time we gather Lupe, Ariel, Renae and I do a whole host of mindful-based activities. This year at our retreat we spent a lot of time in nature, did a mindful walk at Whiskey Point and created multiple vision boards depicting the feelings and things we want to create and experience this year. In this episode you get to vicariously accompany us through that proc...

Having people in your life who can show up, be present and stay by your side through good times and bad is an essential part of any Sandwich Zone support system. In the past several years, I’ve been supremely fortunate to find a crew of phenomenal friends.  My LARK friends (Lupe, Ariel and Renae) have been with me through some of my darkest days in the past 2 years and have been an invaluable sour...

In Part 2 of LARK Fest 2023, we get serious. In this part of our conversation, Lupe shares her emotional journey after getting an abnormal mammogram result. She opens up about her search for the right doctor, learning more about her family history and preparing for and going through surgery. Here links for the podcast and book Lupe found helpful: Peter Attia’s podcast on Hormone Replacement Therap...

In the first quarter of 2023, I have traveled a lot! This week you'll hear about my first solo international trip that paved the way for my African adventure. Although this trip was initially born out of my scheme to get my Global Entry card activated in advance of my Africa trip. When I pitched the idea to Renae (LARK #3), who lives on Victoria Island in British Columbia, it quickly blossomed...

It feels like there have been so many times since launching this podcast that I have started episodes acknowledging the devastatingly brutal and senseless loss of life due to rampages of gun violence. In light of the tragic events in Nashville, this week I ask you to take action. Below are links for organizations dedicated to ending gun violence. Please donate and contact your Congress members and...

In this week’s episode I’m sharing my conversation with Christy Byrne Yates: caregiving advocate, coach, author and overall Sandwich Zone expert.  Christy’s Sandwich Zone journey taught her a lot! For six years she experienced the sandwich zone squeeze caring for her parents (both of whom had dementia) while also raising her children, nurturing her marriage and working full-time as a school psycho...

I'm back from Africa and mixing things up! While I take some time to settle back in and let my jet lag dissipate, I'm sharing with you an episode of my first ever podcast interview with my friend Lesley McShane from her podcast Redesigning Midlife. Lesley is yet another extraordinary human that I crossed paths with during my (so frequently mentioned) podcast class.  In her podcast, Lesley off...

Are you curious to find out who I'm traveling to Africa with? Well, wait no more! In today's episode you get to meet my friend, ACE--the person who inspired me to take the plunge and book my safari.  Alicia “ACE” Easter is a yoga and meditation instructor, brand ambassador, and master Reiki practitioner on a mission to empower others by helping them work through emotions physically. It’s a jo...

If you've been following me on Instagram or listening to here, you know that I am going on safari to Africa. In today's episode I share with you why, for me, this is the exact right time to go to take this trip and what doing so means to me.  You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich

This is Week 2 of my scrumptious conversation with my friend Sheila Tully. Sheila is a wife, mom, entrepreneur, behavior change specialist, coach and overall fantabulous person! If you haven’t listened to the first part of our conversation—definitely go back and check it out. It’s a must listen! You'll hear us catching each other up on what's been going on in our lives, our kids, work and a lot mo...

NEWSFLASH!!! For the first time ever I’m airing back-to-back weeks with the same guest. My guest for the next two weeks is Sheila Tully. Sheila spent over 25 years in corporate America before venturing into the world of entrepreneurism.  After leaving her corporate joy in 2018, she redirected her life toward helping women end unnecessary suffering that arises from our relationship with our bo...

WIth all that's been going on in the world, this week I just couldn't go with the flow and put out the episode I'd intended. Instead, I'm sharing a little bit of what's been going on in my heart.  If you'd like to make a contribution to the fund for my friend Kory O'Rourke   CLICK TO DONATE HERE . You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwic...

First of all, I want to profoundly apologize to Dr. Pollak for my extreme delay in airing this episode. I recorded this interview almost an entire year ago. I had just launched my podcast and had a ginormous case of imposter syndrome. As a result, I put this interview in the "vault" to save for when I had more experience with podcasting, had built some sort of audience and gained some traction wit...

My car is one of the few places I can be completely alone. When I record for the podcast in the car, it generally means I'm processing something heavy--which is the case this week.  In this first month of 2023, I have had some high highs and some very low lows. I unpack some of those lows this week from the safety and solitude of my car.  Please be mindful of what is best for you and you...

In this episode I share about Day 1 of 2023 and how my year got off to a rather bumpy start. I recorded this on January 3, 2023, my first day back to work after the New Year's holiday weekend.  You can follow me on Instagram at: @karen.e.osborne Click on this link to join Club Sandwich (the LITSZ Private Facebook Group): LITSZ_Club_Sandwich