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, mental health, and healing.

This is not your typical “how I became a doula” story. Shannon shares her truth—from becoming a mother at 14, to redefining strength, to stepping into her divine calling as a full-time doula changing lives across New York and beyond.

Her voice? Unapologetic. Her journey? Unshakable. Her lessons? Universal.

Contact Shannon

[email protected]

223 Grant St Buffalo, NY 14213

Calming Nature Doula Website

https://www.calmingnaturedoula.com/

⚠️ WARNING: You will want to take notes. And you’ll definitely want to be back next week for Part 2.

👑 Tap in, tune in, and tell a friend.

🎤 Hosted by Kelly Marie | Produced by JazzCast Pros

00:00 - The Guest You've All Been Waiting For: Shannon Johns is HERE

01:12 - Welcome to the Healthy Illness Podcast

02:12 - Why I Admire Shannon So Much

03:04 - How Calming Nature Doula Services Was Born

07:04 - Becoming a Teen Mom at 14: A Life-Altering Start

09:51 - What We Were Taught About Birth is All Wrong

11:28 - Why They Didn't Want Me to Speak: Telling the Truth About Teen Motherhood

13:56 - Setting a Schedule, Owning the Responsibility

17:27 - A Doctor Who Believed in Me at 13 Years Old

20:02 - Youth Empowerment and Body Ownership

22:48 - The Power of “Knowing” in the Black Community

23:06 - Teaching People to Trust Themselves

24:59 - Why Birth Trauma Repeats Across Generations

25:53 - A Deep Admiration—and We’re Not Done Yet!

26:44 - Crisis Help is Available: Call or Text 988

27:10 - Come Back Next Week for Part 2 of Shannon’s Story!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Kelly shares her decision to be baptized again—an act of public faith rooted not in doctrine, but in divine love. She reminds us that Christian values are not political tools, but spiritual principles grounded in mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

✨ Whether you're questioning your own walk, feeling anxious about the state of the world, or simply seeking reassurance that you're not alone—this episode offers a moment of mindfulness, grounded in truth and filled with hope.

📖 “No matter who you are, no matter where you are, you can rededicate yourself to love—right now, in this moment.” — Kelly Marie

If you're in crisis or need someone to talk to, call or text 988 for 24/7 mental health support.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 123 What does it really mean to embrace your soft girl era? This week, Kelly Marie explores how softness isn’t weakness—it’s a powerful act of self-love. 💅🏾✨

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother’s Day, Kelly shares how a simple beauty treatment sparked a deeper reflection on mindfulness, self-care, and breaking free from grind culture. 🌸💆🏾‍♀️

💬 “It’s not about the look—it’s about the healing.”

Tune in for:

#HealthyIllnessPodcast #SoftGirlEra #MentalHealthAwareness #BlackMentalHealth #SelfCareIsntSelfish #FrontSeatLife #KellyMarie #HealingOutLoud #MindfulLiving #PodcastForHealing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 at all costs impacts your mental and physical health, contributing to issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and untreated depression.

You'll be encouraged to rethink the roles you’ve accepted, set healthier boundaries, and embrace the truth that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you've ever felt like you have to do it all, Kelly reminds you: your wellness matters just as much as your willingness to serve others.

🌟 You are human. You deserve care. You don't have to carry it all alone.

🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC

📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife

Email [email protected]

🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros

🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts

🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify

🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora.

💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal

Resources:

988 - Suicide Prevention Hotline

211 - Local Services Helpline

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 maternal health and offers resources for finding support services. Stay tuned for insights from upcoming guests, Shannon Johns and other doulas, who are transforming the maternal health landscape.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

4:57 Please tell me about your training and experience as a doula

5:57 Understanding Doula Certification and Medicaid Coverage in New York

10:54 What services do you provide and how much do they cost?

11:25 Do you work with people like me?

12:38 When do you show up once labor begins?

14:07 What happens if you're not available for my labor?

21:16 Mental Health Support and Resources for Challenging Times

Crisis helpline phone numbers:

🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC

📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife

Email [email protected]

🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros

🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts

🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify

🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora.

💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 flag.

🗣️ “This is your birth journey, and I want you to feel empowered to own this part of your experience and ask the questions without shame, without apology.” – Kelly Marie

We’ll talk about everything from doula philosophies and training to emotional support, communication styles, and even payment plans. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or something in between, this episode will empower you to advocate for your needs and build a birth team that truly supports you.

🧘🏾‍♀️ Your birth. Your voice. Your power. Let’s talk doulas.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✨ Interview more than one doula—this is a personal decision, and finding the right fit matters.

✨ Ask about training, experience, and familiarity with local hospital or birthing center policies.

✨ Doulas aren’t regulated—so trust, communication, and clear expectations are everything.

✨ Emotional support is just as important as physical support during labor.

✨ Clarify logistics upfront: payment, availability, communication style, and backup plans.

🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC

📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife, Email [email protected]

🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros

🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts

🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify

🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora.

💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal

Chapters:

00:00 – Importance of interviewing doulas.

04:01 – General Background Questions

06:01 – Philosophy and Approach

07:09 – Services and Availability

09:08 – Collaboration and Hospital Interaction

10:48 – Support Techniques

13:32 – Emotional and Mental Health Support

16:02 – Logistics and Payment

18:08 – Fit and Communication

20:11 – Backup Plan

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 doulas and midwives, why holistic birth support is more important than ever, and how you can take control of your birthing experience.

Plus, she’s offering a FREE session to help you create a birth plan tailored to your needs.

🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life

📲 Instagram @thefrontseatlife FB @thefrontseatlife, Email [email protected]

🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros

🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts

🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify

🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora.

💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal

🎧 Tap in now—because your safety, your peace of mind, and your birth experience matter.

#HealthyIllnessPodcast #BlackMaternalHealth #DoulasVsMidwives

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 ready to embark on this journey toward a more harmonious and peaceful mindset?​

In this episode, you will:

Join Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC, as she guides you through these insights.​

Connect with us:

Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros

Support the Show:

Resources Mentioned:

Podcast Like a Pro!

Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Importance of Routine​

00:03:31 - Incorporating Mindfulness​

00:09:15 - Creating Personal Structure​

00:11:22 - Utilizing DBT Tools​

00:14:31 - Implementing Structure and Stability​

00:15:56 - The Importance of Creating Routine​

00:17:08 - Unintentional Matching​

00:18:31 - The Role of Fails​

00:19:55 - Building Routine​

#Mindfulness #MentalHealth #DailyRoutine #PersonalGrowth #HealthyHabits

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 reality that America still isn’t ready for a woman President, and the painful cuts to programs that support Black and Brown communities hit me hard. I needed time to process, to heal, and to figure out my next steps.

If you’re feeling the weight of the world, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about healing, resilience, and the importance of leaning on those who uplift us. 💛

Mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 116 Coding AI for the Culture: Minista Jazz on Anxiety & Representation

🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC

📲 Instagram @thefrontseatlife FB @thefrontseatlife, Email [email protected]

🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros

🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts

🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora.

💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal

#MentalHealth #BlackMentalHealth #BirthDoula #Healing #Community #HealthyIllnessPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #BetheLight

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 grandmother.

In this powerful conversation, Minista Jazz + host Kelly Marie dive into:

✨ Mental Health & AI – How AI characters like Jerome and D-Nana provide culturally relevant support for anxiety and emotional wellness.

✨ Representation in Tech – Why Black voices in AI are crucial to breaking systemic barriers

🔥 "Code is the new cotton. We need to take that and make it our own." 🔥

✨ Courage & Healing – Turning fear into fuel to create spaces where we feel seen, heard, and valued.

✨ Community & Ancestral Wisdom – The importance of honoring our roots in the digital age.

If you’ve ever felt unheard, unseen, or unsupported in your mental health journey, this episode is for you. Tap in for a raw, transformative conversation on AI, anxiety, and reclaiming digital spaces for our healing. 🎙️✨

#BlackHistoryMonth #AIForTheCulture #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyIllness

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices