19 Days and Beyond: How Paul Meese Turned Grief into a Legacy of Kindness | Conversations with a Chiropractor

What happens when the person you built your life with is gone in less than three weeks?

In this deeply human episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier talks with Paul Meese, author of 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief, about the sudden loss of his wife Ruth, the chaos of hospital systems, and what grief actually looks like when you stop trying to be "strong" and start being honest.

Paul walks through the 19 days from Ruth's stroke to her passing, the conversations no one wants to have with doctors, and why power of attorney, clear wishes, and real advocacy matter long before crisis hits. He also shares how anger, exhaustion, and loneliness eventually gave way to road trips, counseling, writing, and a choice to keep giving in Ruth's name.

From scholarships for women in machining to senior dog rescue and donating airline miles so families can say goodbye in person, Paul shows how grief can grow into something active, grounded, and quietly powerful.

If you've lost someone, love someone, or know you'll someday have to step into that advocate role, this conversation will stay with you.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• How 19 days in the hospital changed everything for Paul and Ruth

• Why power of attorney, clear medical directives, and asking blunt questions can literally shape someone's final days

• What grief really looked like for Paul in the first year, including anger at "normal problems" and walking away from his HR career

• How a solo back-roads road trip and a counselor's suggestion turned into the book 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief

• How book sales now help fund scholarships in Ruth's honor at Front Range Community College and Lakeland University

• Why Paul supports causes like Give A Mile and Albert's Dog Lounge, and how small acts of generosity became part of his healing

• The simple phrase Paul carries forward from Ruth's life and his own journey: "Please be kind."

Stay Connected & Explore:

Learn More About Paul & 19 Days:

• Paul's Website – 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief: https://20daysandbeyond.com

Support Ruth's Legacy:

• Ruth M. Meese Memorial Scholarship – Front Range Community College (info via Paul's site): https://20daysandbeyond.com/scholarship/

• Paul M. Meese '82 Music Endowed Scholarship – Lakeland University (gifts via Lakeland's giving page): https://lakeland.edu/give PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO GIVE DIRECTLY TO PAUL'S SCHOLARSHIP (on the linked page above) click the *GIVE NOW* button, fill out the information. for the *Please direct my gift to:* section be sure to select "Endowed/Specific Scholarship (Specify in Comments)", continue to fill out the information, and then at the bottom where you find the COMMENTS box, please specifiy the "Paul M. Meese '82 Music Endowed Scholarship" as your chosen endowment/scholarship.

Organizations Paul Cares About:

• Give A Mile – Donate miles to help families see loved ones in critical or palliative care: https://giveamile.org

• Albert's Dog Lounge – Senior & special-needs dog rescue: https://www.albertsdoglounge.org

Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor:

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Meet Paul Meese: A Multifaceted Life 01:06 The Tragic Passing of Ruth 01:43 Medical Struggles and Advocacy 05:45 The Final Days and Power of Attorney 11:03 Navigating Grief and Retirement 19:18 A Love Story: From Neighbors to Life Partners 23:31 Ruth's Career and Legacy 25:36 Crafts and Playgroups in Delaware 25:55 Moving to California and Colorado 26:49 Ruth's Role in the Machining Program 28:40 Establishing a Scholarship in Ruth's Honor 29:43 Writing and Publishing the Book 31:22 Supporting Grieving Men 33:20 Charitable Contributions and Volunteering 47:43 Final Thoughts and Legacy

"You Are Welcome": One Woman's Experience with Solo Travel, Food Adventures, and the Kindness of Strangers | Conversations with a Chiropractor

Episode Description What actually happens when you travel the world alone—on purpose? In this warm, high-signal episode, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with a dear friend, a seasoned solo traveler who's collected stories from San Francisco to Morocco, Palau, Vietnam, and Greece. You'll hear how one spontaneous weekend changed everything, why a great meal can open doors, and how culture, safety, and serendipity weave together when you give yourself permission to go.

She shares her simple starter plan for first-time solo travelers, the "prop" that makes dining alone easier, and the mindset that turns awkward moments into invitations. From sharing a table with strangers who became friends to a full picnic waiting atop an Atlas Mountain summit, this conversation is a reminder that most people, most places, are better than the headlines. As one Moroccan shopkeeper told her: "You are welcome."

🎧 In This Episode, Discover

• The four-day San Francisco trip that set a lifelong travel rhythm

• How food became a passport to conversation—and unexpected invitations

• Why many countries treat meals as time, not a task

• Scuba in Palau, giant clams, and ocean awe moments

• A practical playbook for solo women: micro-adventures, simple itineraries, and social "props"

• Getting locked inside a Greek castle—and rescued by strangers

• The line between freedom and fear, and how to stay on the right side of it

Stay Connected & Explore

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Meet our Guest: The Solo Traveler 01:10 The First Solo Trip to San Francisco 04:24 Memorable Moments in San Francisco 08:30 Dining Adventures Around the World 19:55 Cultural Differences in Dining 21:28 Scuba Diving Adventures in Palau 22:10 Advice for Solo Female Travelers 24:14 Embracing Solo Travel 25:01 Unexpected Encounters While Traveling 30:35 Travel Bucket List and Future Plans 32:00 Locked in a Castle in Greece 36:17 The Beauty of Human Kindness 38:18 Final Thoughts on Solo Travel

Breast Phluffing, Lymph, and Self-Love: A Gentle Guide to Breast Care | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Dr. Stephanie is going tender and practical. This solo episode isn't medical advice—it's a heartfelt walk through our relationship with our breasts, how the lymphatic system supports breast health, and a simple self-care practice you can start today: breast "phluffing."

Stephanie unpacks cultural pressure and self-talk, then shifts into clear, accessible basics on lymph flow (what it is, where it goes, why movement, hydration, posture, and deep breathing matter). She also introduces PHLUFF—Personal Hand Lymphatic Undulation Flow Facilitation—a light, loving technique popularized by nurse-educator Cheryl Chapman. You'll learn gentle tapping under the armpit and soft circular motions upward toward the axilla—no digging, no pain—just mindful care.

This one's about kindness, body literacy, and giving your chest the love it deserves. Long live the tatas. 💗

🎧 In This Episode, Discover

• Why so many women link confidence to breast appearance—and how to soften the inner critic

• Lymph 101: vessels, nodes, and the role of movement, water, posture, and breath

• Why raising your arms overhead and regular walking help lymph flow

• Breast phluffing (PHLUFF): what it means, where it came from, and how to do it gently

• A compassionate reminder: awareness and self-care matter, and grief is part of the story for many

🔗 Stay Connected & Explore

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

🎙️ Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:51 Breast Cancer Awareness Month 01:08 Self-Esteem and Breast Size 02:26 Breast Care and Self-Love 05:49 Understanding the Lymphatic System 10:07 Breast Fluffing Explained 12:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Manifesting a Life You Love: Britta Carlson on Gratitude, Early Childhood Tools, and the Sharing Economy | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description:

Gratitude pages. Miracle Mornings. A dream lake home closed three days before giving birth. In this energizing conversation, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with Britta Carlson—pediatric OT, founder, and community builder—whose work spans early childhood development, practical tools for parents and educators, and creative, family-first entrepreneurship.

Britta shares how journaling and visualization helped her move through divorce, single motherhood, and a high-stakes home purchase—then breaks down the mindset tools she still uses daily ("cancel, cancel" to stop negative loops). From EPIC Kids Development milestone resources and checklists to Med Pros Share tools for therapists and families—and even BabyQuip rentals for travel and minimalist homes—Britta's through-line is simple: make life easier for families and help kids thrive by five. BabyQuip.com+3Epic Kids Development+3Epic Kids Development+3

You'll also hear how she's designing "experience-first" homes and workshops (Sip & Schedule, Life Flow), using OT models and gentle habit systems to help women reclaim time, space, and autonomy. Her story is equal parts resilience, practicality, and permission to build a life that actually fits.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• The gratitude + visualization stack Britta used to manifest her "forever" home in 80 days

• "Cancel, cancel": a simple way to interrupt doubt and self-talk spirals

• Why authenticity can be a higher frequency than "positivity"—and how to model it for kids

• EPIC tools for parents, caregivers, and educators (zero–five milestones, posters, screeners)

• Sharing-economy ideas that buy back time (car/home rentals, BabyQuip toy & gear rentals)

• Workshops, playlists, and design ideas that turn houses into calming, sensory-smart spaces

• How to help kids (and ourselves) name non-negotiables, choose partners well, and protect peace

🔗 Stay Connected & Explore (Britta's Work):

• EPIC Kids Development – About: https://www.epickidsdevelopment.org/about Epic Kids Development

• EPIC Kids Development – Digital Downloads (checklists, posters, screeners): https://www.epickidsdevelopment.org/digitaldownloads-Sttfa Epic Kids Development

• Med Pros Share – Home: https://www.medprosshare.com/ Med Pros Share

• Med Pros Share – About: https://www.medprosshare.com/about Med Pros Share

• BabyQuip – Britta C.'s Rental Shop (Marquette): https://www.babyquip.com/p/62149 BabyQuip.com

• Feature: Michigan Business / MEDC – Med Pros Share Success Story: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/reports-data/success-stories/med-pros-share/ Michigan EDC

• Innovate Marquette SmartZone – Women Entrepreneurs profile: https://innovatemarquette.org/women-entrepreneurs-who-should-be-on-your-radar/ Innovate Marquette SmartZone

• NMU News – WomenUP Pitch Finalist (Med Pros Share): https://news.nmu.edu/alumna-finalist-business-pitch-competition news.nmu.edu

• UPword Magazine – EPIC childcare concept (background): https://upwordmichigan.com/marquettechildcare-2/ UPword

• WLUC TV6 – EPIC program coverage: https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/06/07/new-early-childhood-program-starts-up-marquette-area/ https://www.uppermichiganssource.com

• LinkedIn – Britta Carlson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittacarlson LinkedIn

🔗 Stay Connected (Show):

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

🎙️ Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 01:02 Meet Britta Carlson: OT, Founder, Mom 02:45 Gratitude Journaling, Miracle Morning & Visualization 05:50 "Cancel, Cancel": Rewriting Negative Loops 08:40 Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Modeling Resilience for Kids 12:10 EPIC Kids Development: Milestones, Posters & Readiness Tools 16:20 What Daycare & Caregivers Need (Zero–Five Window) 19:15 Sharing Economy: Cars, Homes, and Buying Back Time 22:05 BabyQuip Rentals for Travel & Minimalist Homes 24:30 Women-Led Solutions: Experience-First Home Design & AI Moodboards 27:10 Workshops: Sip & Schedule, Life Flow (OT "Kawa" Model) 31:00 Writing Children's Books: Girls in Tech & Seeing Themselves in the Story 34:25 Non-Negotiables, Choosing Partners, and Protecting Your Peace 38:10 Final Reflections & Legacy

The Power of Words: Dr. Stephanie Wautier on Healing, Self-Forgiveness, and Bouncing Back | Conversations with a Chiropractor (Crosspost with The Bouncing Back Podcast) Episode Description:

What happens when resilience, faith, and chiropractic come together in one conversation? In this special cross-posted episode from The Bouncing Back Podcast with Dr. Stem, Dr. Stephanie Wautier opens up about her journey from nursing to chiropractic, the power of words in shaping our lives, and how she's navigated parenting, guilt, forgiveness, and personal growth.

With raw honesty and deep reflection, Dr. Stephanie shares the lessons she's learned about overcoming self-sabotage, building a healthier relationship with yourself, and finding strength in both hardship and healing. Together with Dr. Stem, she dives into the Bounce Back movement — a message of resilience and empowerment for anyone looking to face fears, forgive, and move forward.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• Dr. Stephanie's journey from nursing to chiropractic and why she took the leap

• How words — from teachers, parents, or even ourselves — shape identity and self-worth

• Parenting lessons and how children reflect back our deepest growth opportunities

• The struggle of guilt as a working mother and the freedom of self-forgiveness

• How to face fears with courage and faith

• The Bounce Back movement: why resilience matters now more than ever

• The interconnection of mind, body, and mental health

🔗 Stay Connected & Explore:

• Dr. Stem Mahlatini Website: http://www.drstemmie.com

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Join the My Best Life Tribe 01:05 Welcome to the Bouncing Back Podcast 01:35 Meet Dr. Stephanie 02:38 Dr. Stephanie's Journey from Nursing to Chiropractic 06:11 The Power of Words and Overcoming Self-Sabotage 10:55 Building a Relationship with Yourself 15:33 Parenting Lessons and the Power of Words 25:42 Personal Insights and Living a Fulfilling Life 27:20 Overcoming Guilt as a Working Mother 28:19 The Power of Words and Self-Forgiveness 31:34 Facing and Conquering Fears 35:52 The Bounce Back Movement 37:59 The Importance of Forgiveness 41:28 Mental Health and Therapy 46:26 The Interconnection of Mind and Body 50:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

From the Great Depression to 94 Years of Wisdom: Edna's Story of Farm Life, Family, and Resilience | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description:

What does nearly a century of life teach you about hardship, family, and the power of resilience? In this extraordinary episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with Edna, who was born in 1931 during the Great Depression and has lived through some of the most defining moments of the 20th century.

Edna takes us on a vivid journey through her childhood on a Michigan farm, memories of one-room schoolhouses, the arrival of electricity, and the everyday realities of growing up without modern conveniences. She shares powerful reflections on World War II, working through adversity, raising a family, and her long career in nursing—all told with honesty, humor, and perspective that only comes from a life well lived.

From potato harvests and moonshine stories to reflections on technology and what truly matters in life, this is more than just history—it's living wisdom.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• What it was like to grow up on a small farm during the Great Depression

• The daily realities of rural life: straw mattresses, outhouses, and long hours of farm chores

• How the arrival of electricity and modern conveniences transformed family life

• The impact of World War II, rationing, and victory gardens on everyday people

• Lessons from nursing school, raising children, and balancing work and family

• Edna's reflections on aging, Parkinson's, and the joys and challenges of retirement

• Advice for younger generations on resilience, gratitude, and keeping perspective

🔗 Stay Connected & Explore:

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 01:00 Born in the Great Depression: A 1931 Childhood 03:10 Life on a Small Michigan Farm 06:05 Hardship, Loss, and Family Resilience 10:05 Danish Roots and French-Canadian Connections 13:05 Education and Becoming a Country School Teacher 16:00 Farm Life: Straw Mattresses, Chores, and Milking Cows 20:00 Potato Harvests and Childhood Labor 24:00 Bathing, Outhouses, and Daily Farm Realities 28:00 Electricity Arrives: A Defining Memory 32:00 One-Room Schoolhouse and Early Education 36:00 Christmas Memories and Simple Gifts 40:00 High School Years and Adjusting to Change 42:00 World War II: Fear, Rationing, and Victory Gardens 46:00 Carrot Farms, Odd Jobs, and Making Money 50:00 Family Roles, Gender Expectations, and Workhorses 52:00 Dating, Courtship, and Marriage 56:00 Nursing School: Dorm Life and Training 01:00:00 A Career in Nursing and Raising a Family 01:04:00 Retirement, Florida Winters, and Life with Parkinson's 01:08:00 Reflections on Technology, Connection, and Modern Life 01:12:00 Lessons Learned: Advice for Younger Generations 01:16:00 Memories of Parents, Moonshine, and Family Legacy 01:24:00 Looking Back at 94: Wisdom, Resilience, and Gratitude

Strings, Stories, and Staying Humble: Troy Graham on Music, Family, and Faith | Conversations with a Chiropractor

What does it look like to live a life shaped by music, faith, and community? In this heartfelt episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with Troy Graham, a beloved Marquette musician and storyteller, whose blend of folk, gospel, and original songwriting has touched hearts across the U.P. and beyond.

Troy shares the story of his early musical beginnings, the struggles and triumphs along the way, and the importance of community in sustaining both music and life. From raising a musical family to publishing poetry during the pandemic, his story highlights resilience, humility, and the healing power of creativity.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• How Troy's early life experiences shaped his love for music

• The challenges and triumphs of being a working musician in Marquette

• The balance between family life and artistic passion

• Insights into publishing poetry and leading writing workshops

• A powerful story of survival, inspiration, and the freshwater mermaids that came after

• Why unity and love remain at the center of Troy's message

Stay Connected & Explore:

• Connect with Troy Graham's Music: https://www.facebook.com/troygrahammusic

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Meet Troy Graham: A Local Marquette Musician 01:05 Troy's Early Life and Musical Beginnings 03:19 The Journey of a Musician: Challenges and Triumphs 05:40 The Importance of Community and Unity 14:07 Balancing Music and Family Life 19:39 Althea's Musical Journey Begins 20:54 The Importance of Staying Humble 23:13 Publishing Poetry During the Pandemic 23:57 A Near-Death Experience and Freshwater Mermaids 29:18 Connecting Through Music and Writing Workshops 38:49 The Power of Unity and Love

Stepping Into the Spotlight: Dr. Danielle on Boundaries, Visibility, and Personal Transformation | Conversations with a Chiropractor

Episode Description: In this deeply personal and empowering episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie welcomes Dr. Danielle Angela — chiropractor, hypnotherapist, coach, and speaker — for a conversation that moves far beyond clinical practice. Dr. Danielle shares her unconventional journey into chiropractic, the winding academic path that shaped her, and the powerful life experiences that taught her about setting boundaries, embracing visibility, and guiding others to step outside their comfort zones.

From launching the Aligned Women program to navigating divorce, motherhood, and a health scare that transformed her outlook, Dr. Danielle opens up about the lessons she's learned on resilience, authenticity, and building a life that aligns with personal values. Listeners will find both practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement in her story.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• How diverse educational and professional experiences shaped Dr. Danielle's career

• The importance of setting — and keeping — boundaries in both business and personal life

• Why visibility is a vital (and often challenging) step for small business owners and practitioners

• Lessons from launching the Aligned Women program and helping others grow

• How personal hardships can lead to powerful clarity and renewed purpose

• A simple three-step process for handling criticism without losing momentum

🔗 Stay Connected & Explore:

Connect with Dr. Danielle:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdanielleangela

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdanielleangela/

Follow Us:

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WautierWellness

• Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Meet Dr. Danielle: Chiropractor and More 01:04 Dr. Danielle's Journey to Chiropractic 01:55 The Value of Diverse Educational Backgrounds 05:33 Launching the Visibility Vault 07:43 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Public Speaking 10:56 First Major Speaking Engagements 14:55 Balancing Career and Motherhood 16:50 Setting Boundaries in Practice 20:37 Understanding Boundaries in Professional Relationships 21:20 The Aligned Women Program: A Journey of Growth 23:22 Personal Challenges and Intuitive Decisions 25:09 A Health Scare and Its Transformative Impact 28:09 Embracing Visibility and Overcoming Self-Judgment 37:09 Guiding Others Out of Their Comfort Zones 38:18 Podcasting and Sharing Knowledge 39:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Top 5 Headache Hacks: Simple, Natural Relief Tips That Actually Work | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description:

Ever get blindsided by a headache and wish you had a quick, natural fix?

In this solo episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier shares her top five most effective tips for managing everyday headaches—without reaching for the medicine cabinet. Inspired by conversations with patients and past podcast guests, Dr. Stephanie breaks down why hydration, posture, chiropractic care, and even essential oils might be the keys you're missing.

Whether you're struggling with stress tension, screen time fatigue, or poor hydration habits, this episode offers real solutions you can start using today.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• The surprising connection between dehydration, magnesium, and your aching head

• How chiropractic adjustments ease tension and restore alignment

• Why peppermint and lavender oils are more than just nice smells—they're science-backed headache relievers

• How tech neck and screen time contribute to tension headaches (and what to do about it)

• Nervous system regulation tips: from breathwork to grounding techniques that really work

Perfect for anyone who wants natural solutions, actionable advice, and a deeper understanding of how their body works.

🔗 Stay Connected & Explore:

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

🎙️ Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:49 Understanding Headaches and Chiropractic Care 01:37 Tip 1: Hydration and Magnesium 03:54 Tip 2: Chiropractic Adjustments 06:19 Tip 3: Aromatherapy for Headaches 08:28 Tip 4: Reducing Screen Time 10:34 Tip 5: Nervous System Regulation 12:38 Recap and Final Thoughts 13:57 Closing Remarks and Social Media

The German Girl and the American Soldier: Lee's Story of War, Family, and Finding Home | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description:

What happens when a little girl grows up under the shadow of war—and later crosses continents to start over with an American soldier?

In this deeply moving episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with Lee, whose life began in Nazi Germany, shaped by wartime uncertainty, personal loss, and a mother's unshakable resilience. Lee shares powerful reflections of her childhood during World War II, her family's escape to Switzerland, and the extraordinary journey that led her to love, motherhood, and a life between two very different worlds.

From narrowly escaping air raids to navigating culture shock in post-war America, Lee's memories are filled with grace, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. This episode is a rare opportunity to hear a first-hand account of history—not from the headlines, but from the heart.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• What it was like growing up in Nazi Germany as a young girl

• The trauma and loss Lee experienced—and how her family found safety in Switzerland

• The story of meeting her American soldier husband and beginning life in the U.S.

• The culture shock, language barriers, and traditions that shaped her as a wife and mother

• Beautiful memories of her father's world travels and the keepsakes he brought home

• Reflections on war, love, faith, and the quiet strength it takes to build a new life from the ground up

🔗 Stay Connected & Explore:

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]

🎙️ Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 A Childhood in Nazi Germany 02:02 Family and Loss 05:29 Life in Switzerland 18:45 Meeting My Husband 28:40 Adjusting to Life in the US 45:04 Life as a Stay-at-Home Mom 45:26 Memories of Dad's Travels 46:06 Treasured Gifts from Abroad 47:13 Life in California and Germany 51:55 Settling in New England 55:03 Finding the Dream Home 01:05:47 Cultural Differences and Traditions 01:09:06 Reflections on Hardships and Resilience 01:18:01 Cherished Memories and Final Thoughts