Ep. 131 Kelly Marie, a mindfulness advocate, doula, and host of the Healthy Illness Podcast on the JazzCast Pros Network, is known for guiding individuals toward healthier relationships and culturally rooted mindfulness practices. In this episode, she’ll break down how to:

🌱 Integrate mindfulness into your daily workflow
🌱 Use culturally relevant practices to stay grounded
🌱 Protect your mental health while you grow professionally

🎙️ Key Quote:
"Mindfulness isn't about becoming someone different; it's about coming home to yourself." – Kelly Marie

What if your business could be set up in a way that protects and supports your mental health? 💼🧘🏾‍♀️

📅 Friday, September 27📍 WXXI Studio A, Rochester, NY

📧 Front Seat Life → frontseatlife.com

🎵 Episode 101 : Lil Jon's Mindfulness Album Review → Listen Here

🌸 Shannon Johns’ Calming Nature Doula Services & Center → Visit Website

☎️ Community Support → Dial 211 for therapists & local resources

🚨 Crisis Line → Dial 988 if in danger or need immediate support

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Ep.130 In Part 2 Sara Passamonte, CEO of Compeer Rochester—opens up about her path from intern to leader, what it was like guiding Compeer through the pandemic, and how personal passions like music keep her grounded. She shares how long-term peer relationships have not only shaped Compeer’s mission but also her own healing journey.

This episode is a reminder that behind every program is a person with lived experience—and that recovery is possible when we find connection, purpose, and creativity along the way.

✨ Why listen:

Sara’s journey from psychology student to CEO

The resilience of Compeer through COVID-19

How music and creativity fuel mental wellness

Stories of lasting friendships that change lives

🔗 Resources:

⁠Compeer Rochester Website⁠

⁠Compeer International Website⁠

🎙️ 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

0:00 – Sara’s 20 year career at Compeer and Its Life-Changing Impact

2:13 – Stories of Friendship: Lifelong Bonds That Shaped Sara’s Path

3:34 – From Intern to CEO: Sara Passamonte’s Journey with Compeer

9:52 – Leading Through Crisis: How Sara Guided Compeer in COVID Times

16:12 – Balancing CEO Life, Motherhood & Mental Health Self-Care

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Ep. 129 I can’t help but wonder—how different would my journey have been if I’d had a Companion Peer when I was struggling?

When I was at the peak of my own mental health challenges, what I needed most wasn’t another prescription or appointment—it was a person. Someone to sit with me, listen without judgment, and remind me that I wasn’t alone. That’s exactly what Compeer offers.

In this week’s episode of the Healthy Illness Podcast, I talk with Sara Passamonte, CEO of Compeer Rochester, about the life-changing impact of peer companionship. Since the 1970s, Compeer has been matching volunteers with people living with mental health challenges—building real relationships that foster hope, healing, and growth for both sides.

We dive into Compeer’s inspiring origin story, its programs for youth, families, and veterans, and the ways even an hour a week can transform lives. This is the kind of community-based support I wish I’d known about years ago—and the reason this podcast exists: to let you know that you’re not alone, and recovery is possible.

✨ Key Takeaways:

Peer companionship addresses the human side of mental health recovery—connection, trust, and hope.

Volunteering benefits everyone involved, improving emotional and physical health.

Compeer offers free programs for youth, families, and veterans.

Even a small time commitment can have a huge impact.

Support doesn’t always come from a clinic—sometimes it comes from a friend who’s been there.

🔗 Resources:

Compeer Rochester Website

Compeer International Website

🎙️ 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

This conversation is just the beginning. Next week, Sara returns to share her own mental health journey—the experiences that shaped her, the challenges she’s overcome, and why she’s so passionate about helping others through Compeer.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss Part 2 of Friendship as Medicine.

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Ep. 128 If you live with chronic pain, you may have convinced yourself that pain is your forever companion. But what if—just for a moment—you woke up and it was gone?

In this reflective solo episode, Kelly Marie shares the unforgettable day she experienced zero pain for the first time in years, and how mindfulness helped her not only recognize the moment but fully live in it.

Tune in as she unpacks the power of awareness, the role of physical therapy, and what she’s learning about healing from the inside out.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Key Takeaways:

Why mindfulness is essential in pain management

How one pain-free day sparked hope and reflection

The emotional rollercoaster of chronic illness and healing

00:00 – Living with and managing chronic pain

01:24 – Shoutout to the JazzCast Pros Community

02:41 – When Chronic Pain Becomes Your Normal

05:38 – A Day That Felt Different

06:46 – Mindfulness & Pain: A New Relationship

08:53 – Wait… Is Something Wrong?

10:04 – Sitting in Joy, Not Fear

11:05 – Chronic Pain Doesn’t Cancel Joy

12:26 – Catching the Spiral of What-Ifs

13:42 – Noticing Patterns, Honoring Progress

15:53 – You Are Not Alone

17:35 – Don’t Miss the Moment

18:50 – Final Thoughts & Call to Share

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Ep. 127 Kelly Marie delves into the challenges of maintaining personal boundaries while dealing with mental health conditions on the Healthy Illness Podcast. She shares a poignant story about setting boundaries with her godmother during a significant family gathering.

The episode explores the complexities of navigating personal limits, the importance of self-care, and the impact of mental health on relationships.

Kelly Marie reflects on how these decisions affect her well-being and the delicate balance of honoring both personal needs and familial love.

Episodes You'll Enjoy:

Ep. 95 Traveling with Friends While Managing Anxiety

Ep. 97 I Can't Keep Calm I'm Stuck at the Airport!

Ep. 98 Expectations vs Reality: My First Trip to India

🎙️ 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

The importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries for mental health, even when it involves difficult decisions.

Close relationships can present challenges in boundary-setting, yet understanding and support from loved ones can aid in this process.

Self-awareness and honesty are crucial in recognizing mental limits and making informed decisions about personal well-being.

Healthy relationships with oneself include making choices that prevent mental health decline.

Communication with loved ones about personal boundaries can facilitate understanding and support.

Quotes;

"I knew I could not show up for her and still show up for myself."

"Love doesn't force you into a position of pain that hurts you."

"If I know I don't belong in a space and still allow myself to be in that space, I'm putting myself at risk of increased, further mental decline."

"We don't know until we do the work... until we've done the understanding of who we are."

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Ep. 126 So you saw a TikTok about doulas and thought, “That looks fun”? Before you order your business cards, press play on this episode. Doulas Kelly Marie and Shannon Johns reveal the reality of doula care, birth education, and fighting for maternal health equity.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Shannon —founder of Calming Nature Doula Services—demystifies what it actually means to be a doula and what characteristics she looks for in a potential member of her team.

With over a decade of experience, Shannon brings clarity and compassion to a misunderstood field, sharing why birthing families deserve more than just medical care—they deserve education, advocacy, and emotional support.

You’ll learn how to prepare for childbirth with confidence, and why Medicaid coverage for doula services is a game-changer in the fight against maternal mortality.

Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone through pregnancy, or thinking about becoming a doula yourself, this episode will leave you informed and empowered.

🔑 Key Topics:

How doulas support the emotional and physical journey of childbirth

What birthing families should ask before choosing a care provider

Misconceptions about doula work and how to get certified

Why maternal health advocacy is more urgent than ever

Practical tips for building a trusted support network before labor begins

🎧 Notable Quote:

Contact Shannon at Calming Nature Doula

[email protected]

223 Grant St Buffalo, NY 14213

Calming Nature Doula Website

https://www.calmingnaturedoula.com/

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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!

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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.

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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

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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