Welcome to the Less Stress in Life Podcast – Empowered Wellness Series
Hosted by Deb Timmerman, RN, board-certified reflexologist and natural health practitioner, alongside co-hosts Susie Marsh, LBSW and professional organizer, and Lindsay Vertalka, master’s-level physical therapist.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we’re diving into fear avoidance—what it is, how it shows up in the body and mind, and why it can hold you back from healing. Whether it's from an injury, a fall, or a painful experience, fear can quietly set the stage for a feedback loop that limits movement, confidence, and recovery.

Together, Deb, Lindsay, and Susie unpack the brain's protective mechanisms, the role of the nervous system, and the importance of small, supportive steps in rewiring fear-based patterns. You’ll hear real-life stories, science-backed strategies, and practical tools to help you or someone you love move through pain—physically and emotionally—with more trust and less stress.

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

In this episode of the Empowered Wellness Series, Deb Timmerman is joined by Susie Marsh, professional organizer, and Lindsay Vertalka, physical therapist, to unpack one of the most common and frustrating wellness challenges: poor sleep. Whether you're struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested, you're not alone—and there's a lot more behind the problem than meets the eye.

This candid, relatable conversation explores the science of sleep, common disruptions, and practical tools for reclaiming rest without depending solely on sleep aids. From CPAPs and weighted blankets to heart rate variability and cluttered bedrooms, we explore the real-life strategies that have helped—and what might help you too.

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a truth that many of us struggle with: healing isn’t linear. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or navigating emotional setbacks, the road to wellness is rarely a straight path—and that’s okay.

Hosts Deb Timmerman, Lindsay Bertulka, and Susie Marsh are here to remind you that progress isn’t about perfection. You’ll hear powerful stories from the clinic, tips for adjusting your mindset, and actionable ways to move forward—even when things feel like they’re going backward.

So if you’ve ever felt discouraged, stuck, or like you’re “doing everything right” but not getting the results you expected—this one is for you. Tune in and take a breath, you’re not alone on this journey.

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

Welcome back to the Less Stress in Life Podcast and our Empowered Wellness Series! In this episode, co-hosts Deb Timmerman, RN, Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT, and Susie Marsh, LMSW and professional organizer, dive deep into a topic that’s often misunderstood: chronic disorganization.

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

Welcome back to the Less Stress in Life Podcast and our Empowered Wellness Series! In this episode, your hosts Deb Timmerman, RN and natural health advocate; Lindsay Vertalka, physical therapist; and Susie Marsh, social worker and professional organizer, dig into the connection between organization, emotional wellness, and stress reduction.

In this episode they continue building on their previous discussion about the dangers of clutter, exploring why getting organized isn't just about tidy spaces, it’s about mental clarity, emotional release, and reclaiming control of your life. 

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

Welcome to the Less Stress in Life Podcast, your space to reimagine what it means to live well. In this episode of our Empowered Wellness Series, co-hosts Deb Timmerman, RN, Lindsay Vertalka, MPT, and Susie Marsh, LBSW explore a timely and often overlooked topic: the health impact of clutter.

Spring is here, and it's not just about cleaning—it's about reclaiming your space, your energy, and your well-being. If you're wondering whether that overflowing garage or drop-zone kitchen counter is affecting your mental or physical health, the answer might surprise you.

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

Who is in Your Support Circle?

The people around you play a huge role in your well-being—but are they lifting you up or draining your energy? In this episode of the Empowered Wellness series, we explore how relationships impact your stress levels, healing, and overall health. Join Deb Timmerman RN, DAIS, HMCT, ARCB, Susie Marsh, LBSW and Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT,  as they discuss the five key types of support every person needs, how to recognize and set boundaries with energy-draining relationships, and where to find meaningful connections that align with your wellness journey. Tune in and start building a circle that truly supports you!

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

You had surgery expecting relief, but you're still in pain—why? In this episode of the Empowered Wellness series, we uncover the hidden reasons behind persistent post-surgical pain. Join Deb Timmerman, RN DAIS, HMCT, ARCB, Susie Marsh, LBSW and professional organizer, and Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT, as they explore how the brain, emotions, and nervous system play a crucial role in pain perception. 

Learn why healing isn’t just about tissue repair and discover practical strategies to retrain your body and mind for lasting relief. If you're frustrated by ongoing pain after surgery, this episode is a must-listen! 

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

In this episode of the Empowered Wellness series, we explore how thoughts, emotions, and past experiences influence physical pain. Our hosts—Deb Timmerman RN, DAIS, HMCT, ARCB, Susie Marsh, LBSW, and Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT discuss the science behind pain perception, the impact of stress and fear, and practical strategies to retrain the brain’s response to pain. Learn how cognitive reframing, movement, and complementary therapies can help you break the pain cycle and reclaim your well-being. 

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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!

In this episode of the Empowered Wellness Series, Deb Timmerman RN, Lindsay Vertalka MPT, and Susie Marsh LBSW discuss how chronic stress and anxiety affect the body’s ability to heal. Learn how the nervous system reacts to stress, why it can lead to pain and inflammation, and how small actions—like mindful breathing, movement, and reducing clutter—can help restore balance. Tune in for practical tools and real-life insights to empower your wellness journey! 

Follow Us:

Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/

Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!