On today’s episode of Living Big Mindfull, we are exploring mindfulness, meditation, & trauma with therapist & meditation teacher Amita Schmidt.

Amita has been teaching Vipassana meditation for over 25 years. She’s been a resident teacher at the Insight Meditation Society. Amita is a licensed psychotherapist in Hawaii and the author of the biography, Dipa Ma; The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master.

Amita offers so much heartfelt wisdom…

Warning! We jump right in… and share more deeply as our conversation unfolds.

Because we cover so much – I suggest you give yourself permission to settle back, relax, and take the time to enjoy the show! 

… this may be one of those episodes you listen to a couple of times to really soak up the magic!

Today learn:

• About the difference between mindfulness & meditation.
• Why and how mindfulness practices are so helpful in the healing process.
• And why it’s important to have low expectations when beginning a practice.

Then Amita goes on to dispel some of the myths and misinformation surrounding mindfulness & meditation.

In the second half of the show, we take a deep-dive into trauma, what is it, what it isn’t, and the importance of telling your story, working it through, and taking time to honor and hold the wounds - sometimes over and over and over again…

Check out the show notes... there's access to lots of no-cost resources with the intention of supporting you on your journey.

More about Amita:
Amita has been teaching Vipassana meditation for over 25 years. She is also a licensed psychotherapist in Hawaii. She is the author of the biography, “Dipa Ma; The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master.”

Show links:
Website: http://www.amitaschmidt.com
Dharmaseed: https://www.dharmaseed.org/talks/search=guided+meditation&sort=-rec_date
Insight Timer: https://www.insighttimer.com/guided-meditations

Connect with Amita @
Email:

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

 Are you struggling with mess, clutter & feeling overwhelmed? Then this week's episode of Living Big Mindfully is a must listen… 

…we’re exploring Autism, ADHD, organizational habits, and leaning how we can collaborate with the spaces we live in… 

Alyssa is a neuro-divergent woman and she’s a professional home organizer – who’s sharing her firsthand experience and serving up some of her wisdom, tips, and strategies… 

In this fun, fast paced conversation you’ll learn: 

• How you can begin to see the mess and clutter from a different perspective. 
• How our environments can begin to support us rather than work against us. 
• And how we can begin to organize our homes in a more intuitive way… 

… what if you live with a loved one with undiagnosed ADHD? Yep – that’s a thing in my life; we cover that too – we definitely have a few laughs here! 

Then, Alyssa gives us some simple, non-judgmental questions we can ask ourselves…, some practical strategies with real-life examples to help us get started… 

Of course, Alyssa wraps up with some helpful sage advice… 

Oh, and make sure you check out the show notes for a ton of helpful resources including a free workbook! Okay! Let’s get on with the show…

Here's more about Alyssa:
Alyssa is the founder of Alyssa's Yellow House. She creates home organization solutions for people who struggle with traditional organization techniques, especially those who are neurodivergent or experiencing a life change. As a neurodivergent person she understands how frustrating it can be to try to use techniques that don't work...  One of Alyssa's goals is to build individualized solutions that eliminate organization stress so everyone can have a home they love.

Show links:
Website:  http://ayh.alyssasyellowhouse.com

Connect with Alyssa:
Facebook: http:// facebook.com/groups/alyssasyellowhouse
Instagram: http:// instagram.com/alyssasyellowhouse
Email:  http://alyssa@alyssas

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

Hello!

…I am so excited to bring this conversation to you! Pauline has inspired me in so many ways and I am so happy to be able to share the love…

In this fun, powerful conversation – we cover so much! 

Pauline starts out with a bit about her empowering personal story…

• We take a deep dive into everything you need to know about how to stay active, fit, and healthy for the long haul…

…And if you’re starting out or starting over – we’ve got you covered too!

Pauline talks about the compliancy trap, what it is, how to avoid it, and what to do if you are stuck in it!

• We talk about the importance of caring for yourself FIRST...
• We discuss the power of mindset. Pauline is a testament to everything this podcast is about.

This show is packed with actionable tips & strategies!

And, no surprise, Pauline gives listeners some powerful sage advice…   

 Yes! All her links will be in the show notes. You’ll have access to everything - recipes, workouts, and all the encouragement you could ever need! 

Here's more about Pauline:

At the youthful age of 71, Ms. Adeleke is an unabashed fitness guru, offering exercise and nutrition tips on her YouTube Channel and exercises for all levels on her website. She also provides personal online training, consultations and speaking at public venues about the importance of exercise no matter what your age.

Pauline Adeleke leads by example demonstrating the benefits of an active lifestyle. “If I can be fit and healthy at 71, then there really aren’t any excuses to be made... so can anyone else. You don’t have to throw in the towel once you reach a certain age or any age for that matter.”

Show Links:
Instagram: http://:paulineadeleke@paulineadeleke
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@agelessfitnesslifestyle1558
Website: https://www.agelessfitnesslifestyle.fit

Connect with Pauline @
Email: http://www.pauline

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

In this week's episode of Living Big Mindfully, I chat with ultra-runner Scott Hagerty…

Scott is a true inspiration - he has literally turned his life, and health - around!

Scott has gone from couch potato to ultra-runner. He's a family man and self-proclaimed "research nerd" who has basically taught himself everything he needs to know about nutrition, training, and fueling his body to endure hundreds of miles of running.

Listen and learn:

• Why Scott decided to get off the couch and get serious about his health.
• The role mindset has played in his journey and how he's had to shift his.
• And how he balances his values around family while still honoring his grueling training schedule.

Plus, Scott shares his thoughts - and some tips - about the importance of finding and building your tribe.

Of course, Scott wraps up with some powerful sage advice!

Scott's passion as he gets ready to celebrate 55 years on the planet is truly infectious - to hear him embrace the Never Too Late mindset - as he looks forward to some of the best years of his life is something to hear.

I hope you enjoy this episode!

Kate x

Here's more about Scott:
Scott's  journey started in his mid 40's when the company he worked for began a wellness program. The common markers they use to determine health, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and blood pressure - mine were all on the verge of being high enough to be placed on medication.

Scott was determined to lose weight and do the level best he could to take charge of his health using  proper nutrition and exercise.

Scott is almost 10 years into that quest and he's enjoying a very active, healthy life.  At the peak of his journey he lost 90 pounds and moved - and sustained - all his unhealthy health markers to healthy ranges - without any medication. 

Scott  turns 55 this Summer... He believes he's some of the best years of his  life are in the future.

Show links:
The Cocodona Arizona:    https://cocodona.com/
Walk Kanas:    https://www.walkkansasonline.org/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

In today’s episode of Living Big Mindfully, we are discussing the fascinating topic of Reiki, harnessing intuition, and changing patterns that no longer serve us… 

I am super excited to be bringing you this conversation with Cindy Meckler… 

Cindy is a Certified Natural Healing Arts Mentor and Psychic Spiritual Teacher 

If you are looking for a jumping off point to get started on your healing journey – keep listening! 

Listen and learn: 

• How to step into your courage 
• Enhance your confidence… 
• And, how we can reframe failure and work with our inner critics 

Then we take a deep dive into learning how to trust and develop our intuition. And  how we can work through fear and discomfort.

Then, Cindy offers us some simple practices we can actually begin to use today! 

Cindy closes with a unique twist on the sage advice question - again, something we both connected with:)

At the end of the show Cindy offers listeners a free guide and access to a ton of helpful resources! 

I am laughing because by the end of the show Cindy & I were literally buzzing from all the energy being generated between us… I hope you'll connect with some of that energy  too😊

More about Cindy:
Cindy is a Certified Natural Healing Arts Mentor Psychic Spiritual Teacher founder of Uncommon Healing a service based business supporting 200 women Shazam their Intuition to bring their best magic forward and share it their life and/or client work.

Connect with Cindy @
Email: https://[email protected]
Instagram: https://instagram.com/uncommonhealing?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

In this week's episode of Living Big Mindfully, I am happy to share a fun conversation with outdoor super woman Sally Thompson.

This episode is all about inspiring and supporting you to get outside and explore more!

Sally  is a hiker, backpacker, caver, repeller... and she's a friend. We have done a couple of longer trips together; we've seen each other at our best and our worst.

Listen in as we have a few laughs about our personal - and sometimes - embassasing trail stories.

Sally walks us through her 7 Principles for Outdoor Safety, the Hikers 10 Essentials, and the importance of learing to trust your gut...

She also gives us some of her pro-tips and strategies for first aid, nutrition, and staying safe on the trail.

Then, Sally rounds off the show with some smart sage advice.

After this episode you'll have everything you need to get out and enjoy the trail!

Lastly, remember to check out the show notes for a ton of helpful resources AND  your Free Hiking Guide!

Show links:
Girls Who Hike Ohio: https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikeoh/
Liquid IV:  https://amzn.to/45snCmp
Nuun Sport ElectrolyteTablets: https://amzn.to/3szV8bH

More about Sally:
Sally Thompson is an avid hiker, CEO of Change Your Story, LLC, an Ambassador for Girls Who Hike Ohio, a Leave No Trace trainer, a Certified Wellness Coach and Women’s Fitness Specialist. She helps adventurous women who need support with nutrition, fitness and motivation so they can lead more active, energetic and healthy lives.

Connect with Sally @
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Changeyourstoryforwomen
Email: http://[email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

In this week's episode of Living Big Mindfully, I am excited to be connecting with debut author Maria C. Palmer!

Maria has recently been featured in Food and Beverage Magazine and her newly released book – On the Rocks - is receiving many awards and acclaim… 

In this inspiring conversation, Maria shares openly about her personal experience growing up as the oldest daughter of an award-winning restaurateur and the mental and physical spiral she battled after her father was incarcerated…

In this conversation, we cover it all:

• Anxiety, depression, recovery, wellness, and resiliency.
• Maria candidly shares her thoughts about failure and getting through the dark times.
• She tells us about her chance encounter with a nun – who opened the door to advocacy and encouraged Maria to share her story…
• We talk about how the use of yoga, nature, and exercise has played a huge role in both of our healing journeys.

And, as expected, Maria ends the show with some powerful sage advice.

This is a heartfelt, compassionate conversation full of hope and healing.

I truly hope you enjoy the show!

Here's more about Maria:

Maria Costanzo Palmer is an author and grant writer. Growing up as the oldest child of an award-winning restaurateur, Maria unexpectedly became a daughter of the incarcerated. This experience ignited an interest in working for Get on the Bus, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting children with their incarcerated parents. A former host on L.A. Talk Radio, Maria was recently featured on Food and Beverage Magazine Live and has made a number of media appearances.

Show links:
Book: On the Rocks: The Primadonna Story by Maria C. Palmer and Ruthie Robbins
https://amzn.to/3OU24Il
On the Rocks chronicles the real-life journey of restaurateur Joseph Costanzo Jr., from his rise to success in the 1990s as owner of the highly acclaimed Primadonna Restaurant, radio host, entrepreneur, columnist, and aspiring politician to his sharp fall in the early 2000s, ending in an investigation and a stint in federal prison.

Book: You Are Limitless: Anxiety, Grief, Trauma, Ad

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

In this week's episode of Living Big Mindfully, I am happy to be speaking with Beth ‘Rae’ Antenucci…

Rae is a member of the Back of the Pack Athlete, a marathon walker who has completed over 100 half-marathons over her lifetime AND Rae has just transitioned into her second year of retirement… and she’s having an absolute blast!

In this fun conversation, Rae shares openly about life after 30 years of working, how she prepared for retirement, and the importance of not being defined by work.

In this episode, we cover so much:

• Getting clear on your values
• Staying fit and healthy for the long haul…
• Redefining purpose
• And, learning to living intentionally

Rae goes on to share her down to earth practical advice, tips, and strategies about:

• Getting your financial house in order…
• Pushing beyond your comfort zone  
• The importance of dreaming big!

As expected, Rae ends the show with some heartfelt sage advice.

Rae wants everyone to know that she LOVES not knowing what day of the week it is!!!

Can you imagine...?

Wow! What a great show!

More about Rae:

Rae does  not fit neatly into a box. She has done a lot of different things in her life. She's been a groom at a race track, chemical research lab tech, power plant lab tech, electric distribution field rep, large outage investigator, line crew scheduler, project manager and business analyst for app development. Many years of her off time have been spent riding, training and raising Quarter Horses.

Rae started walking with her sisters 20 years ago to support one of them losing weight. They progressed from 5K's up to full marathons. Along the way Rae found that the half marathon is her distance. She's completed half-marathons in all 50 states once, Now Rae is (half way through round 2 - with over 100 lifetime total.

Rae lives with her husband on a farm with their rescue pup in southern Ohio. They weight lift and walk together. Rae also also enjoys a few vegetable beds and a greenhouse filled with fig trees.

Show links:
Mainly Marathons:  http://mainlymarathons.com/
Back of the Pack Athlete Fac

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

In this weeks episode of Living Big Mindfully I am doing a solo show with a focus on how to find a therapist… tune in as I share insider tips, my personal experience as a therapist, and as a client – yes, therapist have stuff too – plus I share openly about caring for family members with mental illness.

This a mini crash course packed with everything you need to know… I cover:

•  Why there is no health without mental health..
• The transitional events we all experience and why they matter…
•   Sacred space, therapeutic fit, and why they are non-negotiable.

I take a deep dive, to help you figure out the different helping professionals - what they do, what they don’t do, and how they can help…

I talk a bit about coaching, building care teams, and my golden rule…

Do you have a loved one who’s dragging their feet? I hear you! That can be a challenge for sure… I have added some suggestions about how to nudge someone along – even when they are not ready for change.

And, as expected… throughout the show I share tons of tips, strategies, and sage advice all intended to help you save time, money, and energy – and ultimately find your way into the care of someone wonderful :)

Show links:
Find a Therapist/Psychology Today  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/

In this week’s episode of Living Big Mindfully I chat with author, adventurer, and host of the Crossing it Off the Bucket List podcast Roger Williams.

Roger and I start with a bit about his journey. He tells us about growing up, his love for comic books, and passion for sharing stories…  And the massive wake-up call that – in his mid-50s – drastically changed his life!

Together we explore the bucket list lifestyle – what it is, what it is not – and how your bucket list can be used as an opportunity for personal growth, reflection, and joy – not only for ourselves but for those around us.

We take a deep-dive into the importance of figuring out your why and the power of creating an intentional list.

Roger shares some lessons about the importance of community, overcoming fears, and putting judgement aside directly from his time walking the Camino de Santiago.

Don’t have a bucket list? Or struggling with getting started? No worries! Roger shares some actionable tips and strategies to help you on your way!

Here's more about Roger:
Roger Williams is an author, podcaster, adventurer, and Head Crosser-Offer of his bucket list.  After more than 30 years working in the youth development/teaching field, a year in quarantine, and two heart attacks, Roger embarked on an adult gap year to prioritize a life in which he finds his own personal joy through living out his bucket list and inspires others to do the same

In 2022 he completed a three month journey traveling around the world to cross items off his bucket list and shares what he has learned with others on the Crossing It Off the Bucket List podcast and his book: Live Out Your List: Finding Joy Through A Bucket List Lifestyle.

Show links:
The Crossing it Off Podcast: https://crossingitoffpodcast.com

Connect with Roger @
Email: https://[email protected]
Facebook: https://facebook.com/CrosserOffer
Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosser.offer
Website:

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Get your Free Aging Better Tool Kit here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/aging-better

In 2026, I’m spending less time on social media and more time on in-person work—so the newsletter is truly the best way to stay connected.

If you’d like to stay connected beyond the podcast, the best place to do so is through Living Big Mindfully — Reflections & Intentions.

An occasional, intentional letter offering reflections, in-person gatherings, trainings, speaking engagements, and podcast updates.

👉 Join here: https://livingbigmindfully.com/reflections

Connect

• Website: https://livingbigmindfully.com/
• Contact @  https://www.katechampionauthor.com/contact
• YouTube (full episodes & videos) @  https://www.youtube.com/@LivingBigMindfully
• Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/livingbigmindfully/
• Instagram @  https://www.instagram.com/katechampionauthor/