Kefi Life

34. Spotlight on Mastiha - a Wonder of the World & Wellness Resin for the Whole Person

Mastiha is beneficial to one’s health, but what is it?

Discover the bountiful advantages to a "gift of nature" exclusively grown on the Greek island of Chios, but available worldwide.

Dimitris B. Kantolios

Today's Lexi: 

Χρήση — Chrísi (Use)

Mastiha Trees and Mastiha Sap

In this episode: 

Kefi L!fe is honored to welcome Dimitrios B. Kontolios, Supreme President, United Chios Societies of America & Canada, for an inside look at the world renowned Mastiha. Today we discover the wellness benefits of a resin that grows wildly in the microclimate of Chios, Greece.    Dimitrios describes what Masitha is, how do you benefit from it, why is the sap so uniquely important and where can you get it? 

Since the age of antiquity to modern day living, Mastiha has been a valuable commodity for its coveted medical cures.  Doctors have experienced patient improvements with stomach ulcers and oral health because of using Mastiha.  The New England Journal reports research shows that even low doses of mastic gum can cure peptic ulcers.  This precious commodity is also great in the world of skin care.  You can drink Mastiha too, and its delicious after dinner. 

Wow, don’t miss Dimitirios, family roots in Chios, as he reveals the beauty of this hidden jewel distinctively grown on of the fifth largest island in Greece.

Sap bubbling from Mastiha tree

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment asks you to consider the proper way to chew.

Resources:

• MastihaShop.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

33. Coffee - The Most Popular Drink in the Western Civilized World

Coffee beans, roasting, blends, and the legend behind it all

Cold Brew

Today's Lexi: 

Κατσίκi — Katsiki (Goat)

Coffee Break at La Fortuna

In this episode: 

Today Kefi L!fe shares the joy of coffee with La Fortuna Coffee Shop owner Angela Lavelli.  Angela, the endearing owner of La Fortuna coffee shop in the western suburbs of Chicago, discusses about the goodness and variety of coffee.  You’ll get scoop how to select a bean, how to store your beans and furthermore, how was coffee discovered?

La Fortuna Coffee Shop, a place where everyone knows your coffee.

Alejandra Garcia Lavelli and Angela Lavelli

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment the experience of cupping your coffee

Resources:

• LaFortunaHinsdale.com

Beans at La Fortuna

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

32. The Splendor of Autumn: Produce, Trees, and All-American Jack Allen with Football Pageantry

Nature's best display of the Autumn (fall) season presents itself in an outdoor canvas of leaves, trees, and healthful delicious produce. AND - Football is all the rage with its players, fans, and pagentry

Saints OL Jack Allen in Action

Today's Lexi: 

Δέντρο — Dentro (Tree)

Football Pageantry

In this episode: 

This week Kiki uncovers the treasures of the Autumn (Fall) season beginning with four salubrious produce which enhance the mind, the body, and the spirit.  Learn all about pomegranates, pumpkins, potatoes, and parsley.  You’ll be surprised at the purity and practicality of these seasonal nutriments, and one of them inspires the creation of an excellent housewarming and wedding gift.   Find out what it is.

The days are getting shorter, and the day light dissipates sooner, but with that arrives a vibrant and bright landscape.   In the good ole USA trees enamor us with their brilliant colors of red, purple, green, crimson and orange leaves.  It just feels like the right time to move, relax, and spend time outdoors with its dreamy backdrop.  How about on the island of Samos in Greece?  Yes, trees cover 40 percent of the island.  Kiki shares more on that information. 

Autumn also signals the competition and exhilaration of American football, also referred to as gridiron. The fall team sport is played by 2 teams, 11 players and a host of band members, cheerleaders, baton twirlers and mascots.  All of it comprises the thrill and excitement of America’s favorite sport. It’s a dose of Kefi on the field!  

Today, Kiki takes the opportunity to visit with Jack Allen, All American, 3 time first round captain, All Big Ten champ/Rose- Bowl Citrus Bowl champ and OL for the New Orleans Saints on his view of the game he loves and knows well, along with the pageantry which it accompanies. 

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment is all about comfort in shoes- NO BULL!

Resources:

• SpartaBand.net

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

31. Iron Man Mental Toughness for Every-Day People

Endure It Sports Club (ranked 6th internationally) owner and Ironman Top Ranking female competitor, Sara Fix, joins Kefi L!fe to mentally inspire all of us to our personal finish line! 

Sara competing in Ironman with daughter Olivia cheering her on

Today's Lexi: 

Σίδερο — Sídero (Iron)

Sara being interviewed

In this episode: 

This week Sara Fix, a fiercely competitive and mentally sharp athlete, shares her story of participating and placing in 28 Ironman Triathlons, and now preparing for her 30th, only 3 weeks away.  

Ironman is one of a series of long-distance races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22 mile run raced in that order.  

Today, Sara, an athletic champion in every way, talks about the mental grit associated with one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.   As a 7th place ranking female in her age group in the world, Sara is privy to information that can address mental toughness in athletics and in life, and this she does during the episode.  

Sara addresses the process of Ironman participation and qualification.  

Sara’s 3 Tips to succeed with athletic events and specifically Ironman.

1 - FAMILY FIRST! 

Attack your fitness preparation and execution goals by including, not excluding, significant others. 

People often think they should hide their training and activity level. They try to fit it in and end up frustrating themselves and their family. The key is to expose the hard work. Make a calendar for the family to see. This way your family and loved ones know what you are doing, and they see the sacrifice. I agree your training should not be on their time it should be early mornings, evenings when things are winding down, times when your family is doing something that does not require your attention. If, you fit your training in and they see you are doing it when it does not affect then they are more receptive. Then there are no secrets, and you can ask for help on days you might need a little more time. Sharing in the journey also allows them the opportunity to

2 - LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE 

Surround yourself with like-minded people who help to create camaraderie and community.  This will ensure it becomes lifestyle long term goal. 

Honestly there is nothing you can do for long periods of time without support. Triathlon training has a reputation for being selfish. This reputation started years and years ago. Like any sport golf, tennis, swimming, horseback riding and skiing they take lots of training to be good and there are existing outlets that have been established like clubs, resort, schools, and training centers allowing community around these activities. 

Triathlon unfortunately did not have those establishments in place so, people originally spent the hours swimming, biking, and running alone. All you need is your equipment and a road. So, people did not have to join clubs, resorts etc. to practice. 

Training can get alienating and isolating. So, I along with others created clubs and put training groups into place to provide community, camaraderie, and assistance in perfecting people’s ability to swim, bike and run. Historically, look at any sport it becomes mainstream and “normal” when you can join a group and enjoy the activity. That is what I have created with developing Endure It Sports and Endure It Triathlon Club. You are part of a group learning a skill, perfecting it, and competing. This will not only allow the sport of triathlon to flourish but, people’s desire to do the sport is met for years.  

3 - NUTRITION

Train your brain (mental), train your body (physical), a very important component is that nutrition, which fuels the mind and the body!!!

Nutrition for athletes requires a specific individual plan. The key is to practice consumption of carbs, liquid, electrolytes, sodium, calories all IN TRAINING.  On race day, your body should be familiar with absorbing the calories.  A very specific outline of sodium mg, ounces of fluid based on seat rate and calories primarily made up of carbs to keep firing your system and burning fats too.  This nutritional process is created and practiced over and over in all conditions, so you are ready to meet any challenge and be prepared for the conditions of race day. Recovery is huge and vital, and it requires hydration and plenty of protein.  

Remember to fuel like an athlete, fuel your body to be strong and healthy.  Food is not a mere comfort indulgence, but rather to fill voids.  Use food like you use gasoline for a car to run and keep going.  

Finally, join Sara and the entire crew from Endure It Sports on Thanksgiving morning 2021 for the Beat The Bird Race.  Links below.  

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment includes four tips to make it to the endzone! 

Resources:

• endure it! - Beat the Bird Race

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

30. Massage: The Modality for All

Incorporate Massage: A little self care goes a long way to your well being

Molly Fournier

Today's Lexi: 

Κίνηση — Kínisi (Movement)

Molly and Kiki

In this episode: 

As we transition seasons, it’s time to introduce new methods, or re-introduce old practices of self-care to our wellness routine. Let us give ourselves permission to slowdown and make way for the naturally uplifting and scientific form of body work also known as Massage Therapy.   

In this episode, Molly Fournier, LMT, shares her professional experience with Massage and how it extends quality of life, increases mobility, eliminates toxins, improves circulation and most important reduces stress. Learn the types of massage, which one is right for you and how often should you get body work done in order to feel well and be well.  

Molly speaks to her experience working with athletes maintaining their peak physical condition to post-surgical massage for spine surgeries, joint replacements and joint repairs.  

Molly trained in kinesiology and certified as a Fascial Movement Taping (FMT) Specialist with Rock Tape since 2014.

Foam Rolling to Correct Posture

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment describes FOAM ROLLING as a simple way to relieve body pain

in the comfort of your own personal space.

Resources:

• MollyLMT.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

29. Rules of Staying Organized!

You've decided to get organized, now what are the steps and rules? This week, in the final episode of the Organizational Series, viable tips and rules are given to help you start the process of decluttering, resulting in peace of mind.

Linda and Meredith of Gab It Out Before Presenting a Decluttering Speech at North Shore Senior Center

Today's Lexi: 

Ειρήνη — Ειρήνη (Peace)

Meredith and Trisha at the Airport Traveling to Another State to Organize and Declutter

In this episode: 

This week Kiki wraps up the Organization Series with organizers Linda Gusloff M.S. ED and Meredith Bennett Consultant of GAB IT OUT!  They help you declutter garages, attics, basements and more.  Meredith and Linda are so effective at clearing space and making a difference in one’s life, that they have been commissioned to work in 13 different states.  They are available for hire anywhere if you are feeling overwhelmed with your stuff and clutter.

In this episode: specific tips, and rules to get you started with the transformation of clutter to clarity.   

Messy Closet

Organized Closet

Messy Bedroom

Organized Bedroom

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment reminds you that your trash could very well be someone else’s treasure. Discover places to donate.

Linda With a Youth Organizer

Resources:

• GabItOut.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

28. The Decision to Get Organized - DO IT!

Whether you are moving, getting ready for a new season, or most importantly decluttering for the health of it, the decision to get started is the most important step!

Linda and Meredith of Gab It Out Hauling Stuff

Today's Lexi: 

Αλλαγή — Allagí (Change)

In this episode: 

This week, organizers Linda Gusloff M.S. ED and Meredith Bennett Consultant of GAB IT OUT, return to discuss the first steps in getting organized in your home, office, or any personal space.  As seen on Windy City Live, these dynamos deliver a life changing result and do it quickly. 

These professionals are equipped to work without judging the situation and moving through an emotional process that can be daunting. 

Linda and Meredith reveal the assessment and the process of getting clarity in your personal space during this second episode of the organizational series.

Holiday Mess in the Garage

Meredith Ready to Take Out the Mess

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment tells you what to do with those keys that always go missing.

Organized Garage

Resources:

• GabItOut.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

27. Release Emotional Clutter

The emotional baggage that accompanies too much stuff resulting in too little time can be discarded!   It’s time to let it go and let it be!

Gab It Out Team

Today's Lexi: 

Συναισθήματα — Synaisthímata (Emotions)

In this episode: 

This week Kiki takes control of her environment with the help of organizers Linda Gusloff M.S. ED and Meredith Bennett, Consultant of GAB IT OUT.  As seen on Windy City Live, these dynamos deliver a life changing result and do it quickly.  

Kiki experienced the first-hand joy of releasing emotions that are associated with distracting clutter. You can also learn why a busy room dizzies the mind, and how to combat that! 

Join Linda and Meredith for a deeper look at how to clear your space and your mind in part one of the organizational series. 

This episode reveals the power of feeling well with a less-is-more attitude. 

Teen Closet (Before)

Teen Closet (After)

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment tells you how to GET IT DONE!

Adult Closet (Before)

Adult Closet (After)

Resources:

• GabItOut.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

26. The Healing Power of Herbs!

Icarian Herbalist Vassilia offers her wisdom and natural healing via herbs. Your mind will open to organic and wondrous gifts to the earth, which positively impact your wellness.   

Herbalist Vasilla

Today's Lexi: 

Βότανο — Votano (Herb)

Rosemary

Herb shop in Melia

In this episode: 

This week Kiki finds herself in an herbal shop in Raches Ikaria, Greece. 

You’re invited to listen and be enlightened by the conversation that Kiki conducted with Greek herbalist Vassilia, owner of Melia handmade natural products shop on the northern Aegean Island of Greece. 

Learn how herbalists help with human healing of the mind, body and spirit.  In line with the Hippocratic teaching, Vassilia discusses the importance of understanding a patient’s health, independence of mind, and the need for harmony between the individual, social and natural environment. 

Friends, if you’re interest in the eastern concept of healing with herbs has intrigued you, then you may want to check out the THREE TREASURES of Chinese medicine.  Yet another ancient philosophy that incorporates the mind, body, spirit harmony!  The links are below for your further education, and God bless you in your path to integrate your whole person!!

Thank you to previous Kefi L!fe guest Registered Dietician, Colleen Coffey (IG @Colleencoffey.rdn) for the information about Herbworks

Majoram Herb

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment looks at herbal teas as medicine drinks. 

Herbs in Melia Store

Resources:

• Valsamo - Greek Food Remedies

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.

25. Healing Places of Greece with Dimitris! - Part 3

This week Kiki virtually travels to Greece to interview Greek Tour Operator Dimitris Paschalis about the healing places in Greece. 

Dimitris at the world heritage site

Today's Lexi: 

Μύθος — Mythos (Myth)

Dimitris picking olives

Dimitris at a tavern in Delphi

In this episode: 

In this episode Dimitris gives the history behind the olive tree in Greece.  We learn about some olive varieties including the green and Kalamata olive.  A visit to the archeological site in Delphi will afford you the opportunity to experience a dynamic olive grove producing thousands of olives.  The olive grove of Amfissa is one of the oldest in Greece, the largest continuous one in the Balkans and dates back 3000 years.  It looms the Delphia landscape, extending from Amfissa to the Korintian Sea and from Eratini to Kirra with more than 1 million trees.  Almost 70 percent of them more than 150 years old.  Today, the olive grove is considered a trademark for the Delfian landscape, a site protected by Unesco for its cultural heritage.  

 Thus, it is truly heartbreaking to note, that recently, much of the country has suffered the siege of destructive and devastating wildfires.  According to the BBC, Greece and Turkey have been battling devastating blazes for weeks as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades.  

Naturalist and anthropologist experts say that this heavenly seaside village of Evia is considered the whole of Greece in one island.  A unique world, full of natural surroundings, rich vegetation, clear blue waters, therapeutic springs, and cultural heritage.  This extraordinary wellness place needs our help.  

There are many organizations and social media sites that are supporting fundraising efforts for the misplaced people of Greece.  Check out this wonderful shopping donation option to offer aid.

There are many organizations and social media sites that are supporting fundraising efforts for the misplaced people of Greece.  Check out this wonderful shopping donation option to offer aid…….

www.desmos.org

Prayers, courage and strength to our friends all over Europe who are in this tumultuous climate disaster.  

Kiki at the original olive tree

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Today’s Ola Kala Moment offers a few olive oil products for skincare

Resources:

• History of Delphi

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

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

Insta: 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

https://www.ltlawchicago.com

and

Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats

https://www.kingdomfarms.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.