SEASON 1 | PREMIER EPISODE | SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT

EPISODE TITLE: First Season's Premier: Introduction to ASK Trio, Productivity and the Nine Dimensions of Wellness

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. http://creativecommon.org/licenses/by/3.0
2. “Brittle Rille” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. http://creativecommon.org/licenses/by/3.0
3. “Meditating Beat” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons 0 International License. http://creativecommon.org/licenses/by/0

Co-Sponsors

Zarina Noor, Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Guest Speaker

Zarina Noor

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production by ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on these topics.

All Rights Reserved ©ASKtrioWello LLC 2021.

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Hello! Hola! Marhaba! 

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time. 

SEGMENT I | Introduction To ASK Trio and Productivity

PART I

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

[Syazana] HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! Hi! I’m Syazana, your show host and founder of ASK Trio About Wellness podcast and ASKtrioWello.com. You’re listening to the first episode of the first season of this new podcast in the year 2021. The Astro Duo are my son and daughter. They are like my teen superheroes. They can be trusted to “rescue” mom and dad from tasks like spring cleaning, laundry, and shoveling away piles of snow after a snowstorm. (Sometimes, my teens would even give me a good foot massage! At Saratoga County, New York, we do get hit by strong winds, snow storms or blizzards at times.)

HOW do families strive to be productive? In the case of a snowstorm, you need to find a solution to remove the piles of snow quickly. Let’s say you know what type of winter clothes to wear (winter jackets, gloves, hats and boots). And you also know the right tools to use like shovels, snow brushes and snow scrapers. In this case, the task of clearing the snow can be done efficiently and effectively. When you do something efficiently, it means that you are doing things RIGHT and when you do a task effectively, it means that you are doing the RIGHT things. So, you can achieve the goal of optimal productivity if you strive to be BOTH efficient AND effective at the same time. Now is there a formula for productivity? Yes! Efficiency plus Effectiveness equals Productivity (Efficiency + Effectiveness = Productivity). 

DO YOU really want to know what inspired the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast? WHO should listen to this podcast and WHY? Yes, I hear you...so, here’s my story…

It was a cold, “brutal” winter in January 2015 when my family landed at Albany International Airport in New York’s Capital Region. We were from Dresden, Germany, and had also traveled to Munich, Berlin, Prague and Austria, when we were there for a month due to my husband’s work commitment and relocation from Singapore (Singapura) to the Empire State office.  

When my family made the decision to move to New York, many sacrifices were made. The three significant ones were leaving our families behind; saying goodbye to our circle of friends, even when we didn’t want to; and for me, pressing the pause button, putting my career on hold. (I had to shut down my small business firm which offered tutoring services, character development programs, motivational talks and a book club for students.) Over twenty years, I had also worked as a senior executive officer, an associate consultant, a trainer, a premarital counselor and facilitator. Like many other good Muslims out there, I prayed to Almighty God for His protection, blessings, guidance and wisdom (for my family and those we left behind). I had prepared myself mentally and emotionally to tread this new journey to America with an open heart and mind. Within a few months, I met many amazing people, both young and old, and from different nationalities, faiths and colors of the skin in New York, Vermont and beyond. With God’s will, they made my family feel welcomed and loved by being there and extending a helping hand when we needed a lifeline of support to adapt to this new environment. I met several families with special needs children (mainly through my special needs daughter who was the second reason for the family’s move to New York). Each special needs family has their own inspirational story with valuable lessons for my family to learn. 

Two years later, when my family had fully adjusted to the new lifestyle, I thought to myself: “Hey! It’s time to explore a new career.” So, I explored writing as a new career option, (and kept my mind intellectually challenged) doing book projects, writing and editing eNewsletters and conducted volunteer and teacher training workshops. Five years passed and as we all try to survive and thrive in this unpredictable world, I was inspired to focus on starting an online business from home. (Being an Asian with Indonesian-Singaporean heritage, I’ve also experienced discrimination first hand.) Finding a space to build a community where every voice matters becomes a priority. With the current global health pandemic, everyone (including my family) can benefit from productivity and wellness education in a fun, lighthearted yet productive way. My daughter loves to chat (she also dreams of becoming an actress so she’s excited that she’s a co-host and a voice actress on this podcast!) and she loves everything about people, culture and history. So, when trending research findings showed me that there is a rapid growth in the health and wellness industry and that there’s a steady increase in the number of people who love listening to podcasts (like you and me), I knew that it is the right time to start this podcast-centered business from home. 

DO YOU need a listening ear or an avenue to express your inner most thoughts, your pent-up feelings or emotions that could be on a roller coaster right now? DO YOU care about people and culture, multicultural families and an inclusive world where special needs communities have a space in this world too? Maybe you’ve learned something new and would like to share this skill or knowledge with others because you care? If your answer is “Yes!”, then ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is the right podcast for you and your family. 

IF YOU were to ask me to name three things that could make a big difference in your life now and in the future, I would say: the people you meet; the books you read; and how you plan and spend your day every day to achieve productivity and overall wellness in your life. So, stay tuned and let’s get to know someone special and what friendship means to her…

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PART II

[Azimah] Hello! I’m Azimah.

Today I want to talk about my friendship with my BFF. That’s right—my best friend forever. Her name is Jules. We have been friends for four years! We’re both special needs kids.

What I like about Jules is that she makes me feel comfortable, accepted and loved. I get invited to her birthday outings every year in the summer. I’ve been to her house (and) she’s been to my house for our play dates. I love her so much!

Our last play date was at Sky Zone early this year (and) we had a fun time together. We both get along. We don’t quarrel. We missed each other! We both loved going on school field trips together. Jules and I used to see each other in class and enjoyed lunch time. We played games together, we waved goodbye when it was time to go home. 

Now, we’ve missed seeing each other since the COVID-19 in March because she attends school in-person but I’m on remote (learning). I hope we’ll see each other again soon…

~ End of Segment I ~

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SEGMENT II | Introduction To The Nine Dimensions Of Wellness

PART I

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness--physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world. This week, you’ll get tips and strategies on how to embark on your wellness journey through physical wellness with Coach Zarina from New York City.

[Azfar] Tell us more about who you are and what you love to do in your personal life.

[Zarina] Hello, everyone! First and foremost, I would like to thank (the) ASK Trio About Wellness podcast for having me. My name is Zarina. I’m from Singapore and have been living in New York City for 20 years with my husband and our 16-year old daughter. I’m a Group Fitness Instructor with Shape Up NYC and also a Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor.

Besides leading classes and working out at the gym, I also love going to the museums with my family. I’ve been to the British Museum and The Louvre (In Paris) but my favorite is the Metropolitan Museum of Art right here in New York City. As a member, I would frequent the MET not only to enjoy the exhibits but also to participate in the family workshops and attend the cultural performances.

[Azfar] What motivated you to become a Group Fitness Instructor with Shape Up NYC, a Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor and pursue a Personal Trainer program with the American Council on Exercise?

I found great joy after incorporating exercise in my lifestyle. I feel stronger, happier and energized after every session. However, I realized that not everyone has a gym membership. Shape Up NYC is a free city-wide fitness program supported by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. I like the idea that Shape Up NYC offers free classes--breaking down common barriers that prevent community members from engaging in regular physical activity. So, I started the 12-week Group Fitness Instructor training (program), and shortly after, taught my first class in Spring 2019. The positive feedback I received from my Total Body Conditioning participants highlighted everyone’s unique physical ability.

In order to cater to individual goals, I decided to pursue a Personal Trainer certification course with ACE, the American Council on Exercise. My passion for indoor cycling started when I had to restrict myself to low impact exercises due to injury in 2016. From a once a week newbie, I became an avid cyclist over the years. Riding three times a week, I would occasionally treat myself to boutique studios around the city. I’ve also rode in Barcelona, Paris, and yes, Singapore. It’s one of those classes, given a good instructor and a pumped up playlist, one can have loads of fun while burning hundreds of calories. In 2019, I rose to the challenge and became a Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor. After a few auditions and demos, I was offered a position at the gym. My class is geared towards the beginner, emphasizing on bike set up, riding technique, and building up stamina and confidence for an enjoyable ride.

[Azfar] What is your wellness advice for listeners of ASK Trio About Wellness podcast?

[Zarina] To all listeners out there, I encourage you to include exercise in your lifestyle. Set a realistic goal and get your family involved. One of the benefits of exercise as a family is that it enhances emotional wellbeing and self-esteem. And if you are planning to include physical wellness in your 2021 list, I invite you to tune in and follow (the) ASK Trio About Wellness podcast starting this January (2021). I will be sharing tips and strategies for you and your family.

PART II

[Azfar] Hello, everyone! My name is Azfar and today I’m going to be touching upon one of the nine dimensions of wellness and that is mental wellness. It is very important to be aware of our mental wellbeing as it is the leading factor to how we conduct our daily activities. 

If we are happy and feeling good about ourselves, it is very easy for us to accomplish all the goals and tasks that we have planned out. However, if we are down and depressed, we often find it difficult to perform those same tasks because our minds are not well conditioned. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to understand our feelings and emotions so we can live a healthy lifestyle full of productivity. 

In order to achieve this healthy lifestyle and state of mental wellbeing, it is very important to stay happy and always look on the bright side of things no matter what you face in life. One of the hormones in our body that is released when we are in a state of happiness is dopamine. There are a lot of ways to achieve this state of happiness and for your body to release this dopamine such as listening to music or engaging in your favorite hobbies, exercising, going outdoors and getting enough sunlight for our body especially when the cold weather is coming up. It is very important to get enough vitamins and minerals so that we can be lively, vibrant and energetic. All of these and other new habits that you can start doing in your lives will improve your overall mental health. 

For me personally, at the end of each day, I like to spend some time alone by myself to reflect upon what I’ve done throughout the day. Have I achieved all my goals for the day? Did I help out with my family? Did I go outside and get enough exercise? Did I get enough sunlight? Did I feel good about myself today? Now that most of us are confined to our homes because of the current situation with the Coronavirus, it is very crucial to take care of our own mental health as well as those around us in our homes. After all, love begins at home. 

~ End of Segment II ~ 

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We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to [email protected]. 

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as at June 2021.

~ End of Episode~

*A preview of this episode was played "on air" on January 1st, 2021 at 9:00 PM EST during the LIVE cast via Podbean Podcast App & Player as part I of the podcast official launch.

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