The Revelation That Changed Everything: Letting Go of the Wellness Merry-Go Round

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to tackle your health and wellness journey with a big, all-encompassing approach, but it's left you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and without the results you were looking for. It's time to break free from this cycle and discover a simpler path to sustainable wellness that fits seamlessly into your busy life.

My special guest is Cara-Michele Nether Cara-Michele Nether, a licensed acupuncturist, functional nutrition counselor, and certified personal trainer, who brings nearly two decades of dedication to women's health. Her mission centers on offering busy women a simplified path to life satisfaction through self-care.

Recognizing the crucial relationship between mental and physical energy in shaping the quality of actions, Cara-Michele focuses on helping women create the energy reservoir needed to care for themselves and others. With a vision to support 10,000 women between the ages of 45 and 65, Cara is committed to empowering women to feel strong enough to care for their loved ones and lead impactful changes.

When not simplifying wellness plans, Cara enjoys tending her plants, practicing a keto lifestyle, and woodworking, adding a personal touch to her holistic approach to health and wellness.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Simplify your wellness journey with easy, effective practices.
• Discover personalized self-care strategies for your busy lifestyle.
• Take small, consistent steps towards a healthier, happier you.
• Build a strong foundation for your well-being with practical techniques.
• Explore the power of a personalized approach to health and wellness.
• Simplify your wellness journey

Cara-Michele Nether emphasizes embracing simplicity on the wellness journey. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by complex fitness regimes and diet plans, she encourages individuals to focus on straightforward, achievable goals. Simplification, she argues, can lead to more sustainable lifestyle changes, particularly for busy women juggling multiple responsibilities.

Resources:

• To learn more about the Strength and Vitality Accelerator program and how to join, visit Cara-Michele Nether's website and explore the program details, including the onboarding process and the community support offered.
• To connect with Cara-Michele and explore the possibility of joining her simplified, sustainable program, reach out through the Free Consultation button on her website to discuss how her expertise can support personal health and wellness goals.
• Find the Strength & Vitality Wellness Center on Facebook and Instagram
• Visit Cara-Michele’s Linkedin page
• If you are interested in learning more about Moms Demand Action please visit their website. There are links there to find your local chapter.
• For women seeking a partner to help uncover and shift their mindset stories, consider exploring the coaching services offered by Brenda to gain support in examining and transforming limiting beliefs and narratives.
• Brenda can be reached via email at [email protected] or through her website BrendaMcGregor.com.
• Ready to get off the health and wellness rollercoaster? Take this four-minute quiz! https://cara-kuumoy2s.scoreapp.com/

If Only with Special Guest Krista Darrell

If only... I had followed my passion instead of running from pain

The Journey from Burnout to Bliss: Rewriting Your Narrative of Success

Are you seeking balance and integration in your life? Join us as Krista Darrell shares her journey and insights on finding personal and professional harmony. My special guest is Krista Darrell Krista Darrell, the executive well-being coach and founder of Verus Vita Advisory, boasts 15 years of professional experience in leadership, technology, and marketing. Her career has been dedicated to honing a focus on personal and professional development, emphasizing the crucial aspect of work-life integration.

Through Verus Vita, Krista's mission is to reshape the narrative of success, fostering a world where individuals thrive through a balanced approach to life. Her expertise equips leaders to navigate complex challenges while ensuring personal well-being, leading to a harmoniously integrated professional journey.

“It's the shift from considering everything to be so final or black and white to everything just being information. It is information as it's coming to you” - Krista Darrell

In this episode, you will hear Krista share about how to:

• Transform pain into passion to unlock personal growth.
• Discover the power of self-awareness for personal development.
• Take small steps to ignite significant personal growth.
• Define your personal mission and core values for a fulfilling life.
• Attain balance and integration for a harmonious life journey.

Shifting from feeling of pain towards pursuing one's passion is a pivotal change in mindset. Krista Darrell emphasizes that this transition gives one more control over their next steps and aligns their actions with their desired goals, both personal and professional. This key value offers a transformative perspective on dealing with adversities and challenges, promoting self-care and growth.

Resources:

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Verus Vita Advisory- Krista Darrell is the founder of Verus Vita Advisory, which focuses on rewriting the narrative of success and creating a world where individuals thrive through a balanced approach to life. This is a resource for executive well-being coaching and professional development.
• Linkedin profile

The Power of Self-Belief: Overcoming Limiting Perspectives

In the quest for personal peace, love, and joy, Sandy Joy Weston discovered an unexpected twist that changed everything. Her journey to fulfillment took a surprising turn, leading her to a profound realization about the motivations behind her actions. Through her experiences, she learned to discern between acts driven by guilt and those fueled by authentic intent. What could this unexpected twist be, and how did it shape her path to inner peace and joy?

Sandy Joy Weston, a keynote speaker, international podcaster, and three-time published author, has spent over 30 years owning and operating health and wellness companies. Notably, she was the first female trainer for the Philadelphia Flyers and served as Philadelphia NBC ten's fitness expert. Sandy's commitment to spreading positivity is evident through her internationally recognized programs and workshops, as well as her books, including "Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow: My 30-Day Reset Journal." With a mission to inspire others to recognize their true power and embrace joy, Sandy's insights are sure to resonate with those seeking personal fulfillment and inner peace.

“Don't let others limited beliefs determine the life you want.” - Sandy Joy Weston

Stay true to yourself Every person carries an innate strength – a personal intuition that guides their choices and decisions. Staying true to oneself involves bravely acknowledging this intuition, even in the face of contrary opinions from others. This authenticity fosters an unwavering self-belief that allows individuals to create their own unique path to success, like Sandy did despite the odds.

Sandy Joy Weston M.Ed is a keynote speaker, podcaster, 3x published author, and entrepreneur, who has owned and operated health and wellness companies for over 30 years. Sandy is the founder of SJW Productions, whose main mission is to highlight all the positive in the world. In addition to her speaking, she does this through her podcasts, her books, Train Your Head & Your Body Will Follow, My 30-Day Reset Journal, Recess to Reset, and her coaching and workshops. Sandy’s mission is to spread pure joy and inspire others to see their true power. In her keynote, Life Doesn’t Happen to You…You Happen to Life, she shows how just taking 1-3 minutes a day to focus on how you want to show up in the World can have a huge impact on your life.

Resources:

Connect with Sandy on Linkedin

Sandy’s Books https://www.sandyjoyweston.com/books

Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow 3 Minute Exercises to Look and Feel Better Instantly Recess to Reset Journal for Kids Fun Ways to Be Happy, Healthy, and Find Your True Superpower!

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: How Choosing “Bold” as my “One Word” in 2023 propelled me to take risks, creating powerful and long-lasting connections and relationships that have made a profound difference in my life.

I share about a conversation I recently had with my friend Sandra Frank, one of the powerful connections I made in 2023.

During this conversation I solidified my commitment to have everyday women be celebrated on the If Only podcast; to give the opportunity for everyday women to be celebrated and acknowledged for the difference they are making. Women like me and many of my 2023 guests who perhaps don't regularly receive the accolades, or the acknowledgment or awards as some women who are in the upper echelon of their field or who are all over social media and in the news. But my belief is women like my listeners, like my guests, who are successful in their own right, are the bedrock of our society and our world and make the most profound difference day to day in how things go, either with their family, with their job, or with their communities that they're involved in. These women get up every morning and whether they're excited for the day or not, that they put one foot in front of the other and do the very best they can to make it all work.

The shows in 2024 will acknowledge the monumental yet unnoticed contributions made by my guests who juggle roles and responsibilities at home, work, and the community. The 'everyday woman' is who I want to hear from, and I believe you do too!

I know these stories resonate profoundly with my listeners, fostering a sense of belonging and relatedness. So I invite you to reach out so people can hear your story and celebrate YOU! I am looking for women who have broken through an If Only and created the results they were yearning to achieve.

You can be a stay at home woman, a working woman or a business owner; I welcome all women who have a story to tell. I also share my “One Word” for 2024 and how I came to select “Completion” and what this choice signifies for me for the coming year.

Unlocking Fulfillment in Teaching: Trusting your instinct with Jane McCaul

In a world where doubt and skepticism often cloud our paths, Jane McCaul's journey unfolds like an unexpected twist in the pages of a gripping novel. From the corporate grind to the realm of education, she encountered a revelation that would alter the course of her life. It was a realization that shattered her self-doubt and ignited a flame of unwavering belief in her instincts. As Jane shares her transformation, one can't help but wonder: What unexpected turn of events led her to embrace the power of trusting oneself, and what turn of events can lead to yours?

Jane McCaul is not only a dedicated high school English teacher, but also a woman who has fearlessly pursued her passions and made a meaningful impact on the lives of her students. With a background in the hospitality industry, Jane made the courageous decision to transition into education and follow her dream of becoming a teacher. As a department chair and English teacher, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a contagious passion for literature and language into the classroom.

Jane's journey has taught her the importance of trusting her instincts, even when faced with doubt or uncertainty. Her commitment to her students and the joy she finds in witnessing their intellectual growth is a testament to her dedication and authenticity as an educator.

It is a privilege to have Jane as a guest on the show, where she will undoubtedly inspire listeners seeking fulfillment in their journey.

"I am never leaving. This is where I'm supposed to be. To hear those kinds of things from the kids or to see them succeed and for them to just be so proud of themselves, that makes my heart want to burst open." - Jane McCaul Foster

Strong Student Relationships

Jane McCaul fosters deep connections with her students, believing that relationship-building is critical within the educational sphere. She maintains that displaying a genuine level of care and respect towards students can evoke a reciprocal response, driving their motivation and willingness to learn. Furthermore, Jane insists on authenticity and a personal touch, rejecting conventional advice to suppress warmth, to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Read David Thoreau aka the original “environmentalist” as Jane said! Here is one of his poem’s. "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion." Henry David Thoreau
• Research the highly regarding and rated charity Give Kids the World led by another powerful, authentic and loving woman, Pam Landwirth,
• Check out Jane McCaul's LinkedIn profile to learn more about her background and career journey.
• Embrace your own instincts and make decisions based on your intuition.
• Consider how pursuing YOUR dreams will make a meaningful impact on your life and the lives of others.
• Jane Mccaul - LinkedIn
• Research the highly regarding and rated charity: Give Kids the World https://www.gktw.org/ led by another powerful, authentic and loving woman, Pam Landwirth-,https://www.gktw.org/about/pam-landwirth.php

In a world where compliance can stifle true culture shift, diversity expert Regenea Hurte fearlessly challenges the status quo, advocating for inclusive workplaces that celebrate individual brilliance, one transformative ripple at a time. My special guest is Regenea Hurte Regenea Hurte, also known as Gena, is an accomplished professional in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Currently serving as the diversity, equity, and inclusion advisor for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Gena brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. With a focus on building inclusive cultures, she provides visionary leadership and oversees the implementation of a comprehensive DEI and civil rights framework.

Through individual and group training, coaching, and policy review, Gena helps organizations create welcoming environments where faculty, staff, and students can thrive. Her tag phrase, "Culture beyond Compliance," encapsulates her belief that true cultural transformation goes beyond mere checkboxes and requires a genuine commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals. With her extensive knowledge and practical approach, Gena is a valuable resource for professionals looking to create diverse and inclusive workplaces that go beyond compliance.

"We need to understand that a lot of the decisions we make are influenced by identities we couldn't choose or change. But we also need to recognize that the world is engaging with us based on those same identities." - Regenea Hurte

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Enhance decision-making skills and understand the impact of major life decisions.
• Overcome significant life changes and thrive.
• Unlock the power of diversity and inclusion to create a stronger and more innovative workplace.
• Cultivate resilience and seek support to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional growth.
• Foster a culture that goes beyond compliance, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Unlock Power of Diversity Regenea Hurte emphasizes the power and value of diversity in all its forms.

Building cultures that go beyond compliance to truly celebrate and embrace diversity sparks innovation and expansion. Through this, we create thriving environments in which individuals feel valued and are free to bring their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences into the mix.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Connect with Regenea on social media to stay updated on her latest projects and insights. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahurte/
• Explore the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website to learn about their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and how you can get involved.
• Consider booking Regenea Hurte as a speaker for your organization or event to inspire and educate your audience on creating a more diverse and inclusive environment.
• Take advantage of the individual and group training, coaching, and policy review services offered by Gena to help your organization become a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Follow the Culture beyond Compliance approach advocated by Gena to create a truly inclusive culture in your organization, moving beyond mere compliance with diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Support and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in your own life and community by actively working towards creating welcoming environments where all people feel they belong.
• Take the time to reflect on your own biases and beliefs and challenge yourself to grow and learn in the area of diversity and inclusion.

Trusting Your Inner Wisdom: The Key to Making Powerful Decisions | Karen Lee Cohen

A dynamic and empowered Karen Lee Cohen embarks on a courageous quest to conquer her fears, ignite her purpose, and challenge societal norms, as she unlocks the power of trusting herself in a world that demands answers before action. My special guest is Karen Lee Cohen Karen Lee Cohen is an eight-time Regional Emmy award-winning producer and executive producer, as well as the former director of programs for WNBC TV in New York. With her extensive experience in the television industry, Karen has worked with renowned celebrities such as Della Reese, Bob Hope, Rod Sterling, Lily Tomlin, Peter Allen Jewel, and Al Roker. In addition to her successful career in television, Karen is also the founder and president of Crystal Pyramid Productions, Inc. She is a non-denominational minister, business and spiritual mentor, and a sought-after speaker.

The title of Karen's prescriptive memoir is IT’S ABOUT TIME: My Award-Winning TV Adventure and it’s available on my website and on Amazon.com, which won the 2023 NIEA Award, offers valuable insights and tips for navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.

Currently, Karen is working on her second book, "Let's Be Peace," which explores alternative health and wellness modalities and spiritual journeys. Her goal is to inspire others to develop self-confidence and trust in themselves.

"Our imaginary friends are real, they're just in another dimension. We come into this earth plane open to those things, and if we can be open enough to it, we're kind of hearing them." - Karen Lee Cohen

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the profound connection between Karen Lee Cohen and her spirit guides and angels and tap into a world of guidance and inspiration.
• Unlock the secret to career success by cultivating unshakeable confidence that propels you forward and opens up limitless opportunities.
• Tap into the power of self-trust and unleash your true potential, making decisions with ease and conviction.
• Explore the fascinating realm of communication with spirits and enhance your learning ability, gaining profound insights and wisdom.
• Align your values with your work and experience a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, creating a harmonious and rewarding career journey.

Unshakable Confidence for Career Success

Karen delves into an insightful discussion on the importance of confidence in career success. Drawing from her own experiences in the television industry, she highlights the need to trust oneself and be willing to learn things along the way, rather than needing to know everything in advance. This unshakeable confidence, according to Cohen, is essential for career progression, and can even encourage individuals to venture into unfamiliar territories and discover new opportunities.

Resources:

• Visit Karen Lee Cohen's website, www.letsbepeace.com, to learn more about her and her work.
• Purchase Karen's award-winning book, “It's About Time”, to read about her experiences in the television business and her journey with angels and guides.
• Join Karen's email list on her website to receive a list of her teammates, the angels and guides she works with, and their specific roles.
• Grab a copy of the list of Karen’s teammates and how to connect with them.
• Find out more about Sue Storm, The Angel lady- http://theangellady.net/
• Purchase the book written by the musician Jewel’s mom, Lenedra Carroll. The Architecture of All Abundance: Seven Foundations to Prosperity.
• Explore Dr. Andrew Weil breathing techniques to create inner peace.
• Explore journaling as a tool for channeling guidance from your angels and guides, as Karen did while writing her book.

Cherissa Jackson, a remarkable force of change, joins host Brenda McGregor on this episode. With 23 years of active duty military service, including three combat deployments, Cherissa's battlefield expertise earned her the title of America's Combat Nurse. Her dedication to healthcare was recognized when she won the prestigious Star Nurses Nightingale Award in 2020. Cherissa's passion for innovative technologies shines through her cannabis business, We Decode LLC, where she utilizes DNA sequencing to map medicine's healthiest outcomes. Her wellness reports and precise cannabinoid matching have been acknowledged as one of the top 50 most innovative products in Innovation and Tech magazine.

Get ready to be inspired as Cherissa shares her journey and offers valuable insights on how innovative technologies can revolutionize healthcare outcomes.

You can't help everybody without making sure that you're whole, without making sure that you're good, without ensuring that you're at peace. Take care of yourself first. - Cherissa Jackson

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how innovative technologies improve healthcare outcomes and patient experiences.
• Learn about the importance of self-worth for women and how it positively affects overall well-being.
• Explore effective strategies for protecting patients' medical information and maintaining privacy in healthcare settings.
• Understand the key components of HIPAA compliance in healthcare and how to ensure patient data security.
• Take proactive steps towards self-improvement and personal growth for a more fulfilling and successful life.
• Discover how healthcare technology improves outcomes.

The advent of healthcare technology has revolutionized patient care by improving outcomes and their overall experiences. Cherissa Jackson's groundbreaking company, Wedecode, harnesses the power of DNA analysis to furnish personalized health data. This empowers patients to take control of their health, leading to enhanced healthcare outcomes as individuals can make informed decisions about therapies and lifestyle modifications.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Cherissa Jackson's website, We Decode LLC (www.wedecodellc.com), to learn more about her cannabis business that uses DNA sequencing for mapping medicine's healthiest outcomes.
• Check out the article in Innovation and Tech magazine that features Cherissa's technology as one of the top 50 most innovative products.
• Consider booking a coaching session with Brenda McGregor Coaching, of which Cherissa is one of the founding members.
• Connect with Cherissa on social media to stay updated on her work and accomplishments.
• Read T.D. Jakes' book on forgiveness to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of forgiving oneself.
• Seek therapy or counseling to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and healing.
• Reflect on your own experiences and see if you can relate to Cherissa's journey of not feeling enough and take steps to find your own sense of self-worth.

Teressa Waters, a powerful change agent, defies societal expectations and fights for inclusivity and diversity, challenging the status quo in her pursuit to create lasting impact and change in communities.

Teressa Waters is a dynamic force for change in Prince McGregor's County, Maryland. As the founder and vice president of Cross Cultures Community Center, Inc. (CCC), she has been instrumental in promoting diversity and social-emotional learning (SEL) in her community. With a background in diversity management, including working for the CIA for ten years, Teressa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her work. Her passion for empowering youth and families led her to establish the Artesian Cultural Arts Estate, a division of CCC, where she offers workshops, wellness classes, and exhibits that foster social, emotional, and intellectual wellness.

Teressa's commitment to inclusive programming and her dedication to supporting underserved communities shine through in her role as a change agent.

We are honored to have Teressa as a guest on our podcast, sharing her insights and strategies for implementing culturally responsive and inclusive programming in educational and youth settings. Being present is so important because it allows you to appreciate every single second that you've been given, and it allows you to appreciate and value every single person that comes into your life space. - Teressa Waters

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn strategies for promoting diversity and social-emotional learning to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Gain insight into the unique challenges faced by black women professionals and discover ways to support and empower them.
• Understand the importance of supportive leaders and mentors in nurturing the growth and success of youth in diverse communities.
• Explore the power of a strong support system and how it can positively impact the personal and professional lives of individuals.
• Discover the love language of acts of service and how it can deepen connections and foster a sense of belonging in diverse communities.

The experiences of black women in professional settings often involve overcoming substantial hurdles, including stereotypes and unconscious biases. These challenges can sometimes result in their contributions being overlooked or dismissed. By bringing awareness to these issues and cultivating more inclusive workplaces, we can propel meaningful change and provide every individual with an equal opportunity to shine.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Check out the Artesian Cultural Arts Estate division of CCC for workshops, wellness classes, and exhibits that promote social, emotional, and intellectual wellness.
• Explore the biophilic programming and therapeutic arts offered by Artesian Enterprises to cultivate sustainable and transferable plant life.
• Support local artists by attending their exhibits and engaging with their work.
• Get involved with ACAC programs and services that promote social change and local community and economic development.
• Learn more about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and its importance in children's development.
• Embrace diversity and respect what different ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds bring to the table.
• Ground yourself in nature and appreciate the value of the smallest things for personal growth and self-love.
• Consider supporting Teressa’s mission to grow the Artesian Cultural Arts Estate is to promote diversity through arts and culture, further lifelong learning, and help improve the quality of life of the youth and families they serve beyond by donating here https://gofund.me/6bab4ac7

Have you ever heard these myths about developing self-confidence and finding fulfillment?

Myth 1: You have to be perfect to be confident.

Myth 2: Fulfillment is found in external achievements.

Myth 3: Self-confidence is something you're either born with or without.

In today's episode, our guest Karen Mason will debunk these myths and share the truth about building self-confidence and finding true fulfillment in life.

Our esteemed guest today, Karen Mason, has a unique blend of experience in law and life. With a brilliant career in law spanning over two decades, including roles as a judge, assistant state's attorney, and an adjunct faculty member, she has developed an array of life-changing insights. Karen's upbringing grounds her perspective, as she grew up understanding the determination of her grandmother, a former sharecropper. Passionate about finding fulfillment in life despite the odds, Karen's journey is nothing short of inspirational.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Acquire knowledge on building up self-confidence and finding life fulfillment.
• Grasp the potency of visualization to create a bright life trajectory.
• Take on techniques to neutralize feelings of insufficiency and push through your comfort zone.
• Recognize the role of vision boards in sustaining concentration and motivation levels.
• Observe how media and art can contribute to female empowerment, with the Barbie movie serving as a perfect example.

Visualization is a powerful tool in manifesting your goals and aspirations. Visualizing ourselves in our desired scenario can provide motivation and inspire action towards accomplishing the vision. Through techniques such as creating a vision board, we can subtly engage our minds in productive, focused thinking that propels us closer to our dreams.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Check out Karen Mason's profile on the Prince McGregor's County Bar Association website to see her professional memberships and affiliations.
• Reflect on the importance of recognizing the value of your own voice and consider how you can start using it more confidently in your own life.
• Take the opportunity to reflect on your own heritage and the impact it has had on your life.