106. The Soul of Italy, Mexico, and Greece All in One When You Savor the Culinary Traditions of YaYa’s!

The culinary traditions of Grandma enliven your soul during a chat with Eliana Godinez- Chef de Cuisine at YaYa’s in Cabo’ Chineno Bay!

Eliana Godinez

Eliana with Kiki

Today's Lexi: 

Κουνουπίδι — Kounoupídi (Cauliflower)

In Today’s Episode:

Kiki and family travel to Cabo San Lucas to savor the incredible cuisine and rich culture of the Mexican and Italian people.  Sharing a meal with family, tasting the best seasonal food of the land, and enjoying a beautiful view led Kiki to a meet and greet with a talented and driven female Chef de Cuisine- Eliana Godinez.  This dynamic chef has traveled the world to bring YaYa’s an indelible experience for you the diner. 

We find out that education in Milan and Mexico lend a hand in the preparation of Eliana’s culinary creations. 

Are you curious about how her cook line works behind the scenes?

Learn the secret to a sexy vegetable presentation. 

Find out how the journey of womanhood parlays itself into a magnificent and delicious meal for the table and how does Eliana select and prepare a menu of meal offerings.

Why does Eliana believe in the power of bread and how does it unite people?

Discover the beauty of spices, the food influence of many countries and how the heart of YaYa’s is the charcoal kitchen!

What a fun episode, one that will transport listeners to YaYa’s table.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

For Today's Ola Kala Moment, Share a Meal

YaYa's Kitchen

Wine from YaYa's 

Resources:

• YaYa's Website and Menu

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

105. The Pathway to a Healthier Lifestyle, Healthy Habits, and a Happier You

Kiki travels across the pond to London to chat with Stratis Kamatsos, US and UK attorney about living calmly and undisturbed with the SLOW Life Diet- Greek Village Living.

Stratis Kamatsos

Today's Lexi: 

Σιγα — Siga (Slowly)

In Today’s Episode:

Stratis Kamatsos is a US and UK attorney who made a significant career change as a social entrepreneur. His plan was to find a balance between honoring his family and their traditions, creating something of value and to give back to his community and environment.

Originating from the Greek island of Lesvos, Stratis’ is a Ted X speaker. His talk focused on creating a business based on social value rather than only financial value.  

He has recently co-founded another business, Ethically Sourced for You, focusing on ethical and sustainable goods and products and changing the way we shop and how retailers buy their products. 

Today, Kiki and Stratis talk about his recent book SLOW Life Diet Greek Village Living, which is a simple read demonstrating the pathway to a healthy lifestyle.  Within the conversation you learn about the island of Lesvos, and how it inspires healthy living.  Stratis also reveals WHO is a Greek villager and should we aspire to be one?  Hear tips and challenges to live better, and they are associated and based on food. 

It’s all about “siga, siga” taught to Stratis by his grandmother on the beautiful island of Lesvos where he went every summer holiday as a child and these memories and understanding of the benefits of the Greek village come to life in the pages of his new publication.

Kefi Life asks…can life be simple?  Stratis shares his answer and much more during this episode.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

All is well with a breath of fresh air.  

Resources:

• SLOW Life Diet: Greek Village Living by Stratis Kamatsos

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

104. Loss - Relationships - God

A Very Special Episode

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

103. Adventure Activity with Charlie Marks

Alaska: the perfect place to study Adventure Activity. The Last Frontier is full of activities to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit and college student Charlie Marks gives us an inside look.

Charlie Marks

Today's Lexi: 

Εκστρατεία — Extrateia (Expedition)

In Today’s Episode:

An on-location call to college student Charlie Marks enlightens us on the great outdoors, specifically Alaska with focus on Adventure Activity. 

What is Adventure Activity and do you have to be outside to engage in this activity?

Is Adventure Activity always a good time, and what about the weather?  Where do you find shelter in this expedition?

Could it be that Adventure Activity helps you feel more in touch with life?  What is the unspoken connection between you and the weather when you face the elements in a place like Alaska?  How is nature the world’s container for healing?

Charlie shares all this plus the building blocks for a unique Adventure Activity.

Charlie Marks on an Adventure Activity

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Ola Kala, all is well when you consider and engage in hiking as a destination activity.

Resources:

• Kiki's favorite hike

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

102. Fluid Running for the Health of Your Body

A Marathoner’s injury inspires the creation of a business: Fluid Running. Founder Jennifer Conroyd joins us with a look at what and how this water exercise increases fitness while healing a body part. 

Jennifer Conroyd

Jennifer and Kiki

Today's Lexi: 

Πισίνα — Pisnina (Pool)

In Today’s Episode:

This episode centers on the beauty of water exercise for the health and fitness of the body and the healing of it.  Fluid Running Founder Jennifer Conroyd was signed up and leading her team to run a marathon and an injury spurred her to find a solution to maintain training through healing.  You will find inspiration in her story, and you will be motivated to hop in the water for a fun calorie burn.

Some questions answered include:

• What is Fluid Running?

Fluid Running Suit

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

For Today's Ola Kala Moment, Variety is the Spice of Life

Resources:

• www.fluidrunning.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

101. Life in Ikaria- The Rustic Retreats with Thea Parikos

A reunion with Thea Parikos, resident of Ikaria, Greece inspires us to do a deep dive into health, happiness, and wellbeing with her Blue Zone Rustic Retreats.

Thea Parikos

Today's Lexi: 

περιβάλλον — Perivallon (Environment)

In Today’s Episode:

Kiki reunites with a friend, Thea Parikos from the island of Ikaria in Greece, to talk “life on the island,” and how it supports longevity. 

Thea Parikos, born in Michigan, and now longtime resident of Ikaria, Greece is a living example of living to live well.  She uprooted her life to the home of her grandparents and the emersion is cause for Kefi! 

Today, Thea and her husband Ilias, owners of the quaint and intimate Inn – Thea’s Inn- spread vitality and wellness to all people via their cooking, hospitality, their Inn and their popular Blue Zone RUSTIC RETREATS. 

During this episode you will discover why is this place Ikaria, a Blue ZONE, is so special to the well-being of its residents and visitors.

Hear about the:

• Values

Is there still time to register or a Rustic Retreat in Ikaria?  Yes!!!!

From Thea:

To reserve your place

My Blue Zones retreats are very intimate, and I only take 8 guests at a time. This ensures that every guest receives close attention and gets the very best out of their Ikarian experience. The retreats tend to sell out quickly, so if you are interested in reserving your place, please contact me and I will send you detailed information.

2023 Retreat Dates

• 4-10 May:        Places available

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

For Today's Ola Kala Moment, Little Changes for Big Impact

Resources:

• Thea's Blue Zones Rustic Retreat

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

100. Happy 100 Kefi L!fe! 

Kefi L!fe the podcast is celebrating 100 and the party is on this week.  Giveaways, a look back and what’s ahead for the next 100!

Kiki Vale

Today's Lexi: 

Ήθος — Ithos (Ethos)

In Today’s Episode:

Happy Birthday to 100 episodes, 7500 downloads, and a top tier apple rating in the food category within USA, Italy, Greece and Czech Republic all inside 2 years of publishing!

Birthdays cause for a look back and then a look ahead.  My birthday party is a celebration of Kefi and how it spices up life but yet keeps it within a well span of Ola Kala.

Cheers to 100 episodes in the can and in the universe, with a look at why I started and why I continue, a look at the guests and lexis and Ola Kala and how I keep it all going.  This podcast is for you the follower to grow in health, wellness and happiness. We are just getting started, so never miss an episode!

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

For Today's Ola Kala Moment: Choose Your Attitude

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife_)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

99. Yia Yia’s Kitchen - Lessons learned!

Lessons from author Brianna Koucos’ Kitchen teaches cooking, life skills and traditions in her new children book collection called Yia Yias Kitchen Book Series.

Brianna Koucos

Today's Lexi: 

Παράδοση — Paradosi (Tradition)

In Today’s Episode:

Meet author Brianna Koucos during a delightful and hopeful conversation with Kiki about preserving legacy, tradition, and family wellness with lessons from the Greek kitchen. 

A former career counselor takes an experience of grief and turns it into moments of joy, tradition, and life skills with the memory of her Yia Yia while writing her new

Yia Yia’s Book Series.  These books, one on Patience, one on Honesty and the third book about Family Tradition are excellent ways for adults to bond with their children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends and loved ones.

Hear about….

• How children learn how to be patient through making a meal, preparing a meal correctly and doing it all with love.

Brianna Koucos Midgley grew up in Salt Lake City, UT in a family who loved their Greek heritage and Orthodox faith. Among her fondest childhood memories are the times she spent with her beloved yiayia (Greek for grandmother). In Yiayia’s kitchen, she was not only showered with love, but learned many valuable lessons. Those memories have stayed with her throughout her life, inspiring and shaping her as a person and as a mom.

With her young daughter, and now with her readers, she shares stories of her yiayia and those special moments. From passing down Greek family traditions, to life lessons, Brianna shares her grandmother’s timeless wisdom in her Yiayia’s Kitchen book series. This celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, evokes precious memories, and connects generations. Perfect for kids ages 3-10, her books make great gifts for kids and yiayias alike. What a fun gift for a new baby or to announce a pending arrival to a future yiayia!

Brianna also sells custom gifts on her website: yiayiaskitchenchildrensbooks.com.

Yiayia's Kitchen Series by Brianna Koucos

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

When you want to be Ola Kala - All is Well,

Doing it right the first time allows for not having to do it again.

Resources:

• yiayiaskitchenchildrensbooks.com/

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

98. I am Calm

A sweet conversation with Kiki’s niece Anastasia results in valuable calming techniques and breathing exercises to make you calm and allow you to think more clearly. 

Kiki and Anastasia

Today's Lexi: 

Ηρεμία — Iremia (Calm)

In Today’s Episode:

Kiki speaks with her well versed young niece Anastasia about the methods of staying calm and bringing breath work into your day for focus and calm of course. 

Today’s Takeaways:

• I Am Calm technique

Remember, part of your health and wellness depends on your calm, learn to embrace this usefulness. 

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

For Today's Ola Kala Moment: All is well when you begin to self-advocate for yourself. 

Resources:

• Forbes.com - How Successful People Stay Calm

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

97. Well Span, Targeted Nutrition & Blue Zones for a Vibrant 2023!

The first Kefi L!fe episode of 2023 prepares you for a year of the most essential ways to eat and thrive in your own environment. From Amino Acids to Nature Walks, you’ll step away feeling terrific!

Dr. Georgia Andrianopoulos

Today's Lexi: 

Μπλε — Ble (Blue)

In Today’s Episode:

Dr. Georgia Andrianopoulos, scientist, and avid humanitarian brings science to the “kitchen table” to combat life-limiting, self-defeating, and self-damaging behaviors and obstacles. 

Topics today include:

• Well span vs life span

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

For today's Ola Kala Moment: Nature walks on a Bucket List

Resources:

• www.healthbrainfitness.com/about

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast on your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Follow Kefi Life on Instagram (@kefilife365)!

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils (my.doterra.com/kefilife).

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.