Nourish Me: Integrated Wellness Conversations

Nurse and mom of three, Melanie Bassel shares the powerful story behind her 70-pound health transformation. In this episode, we explore the science, stigma, and real-life experience behind GLP-1 medications—and what it truly takes to rebuild health from the inside out.

Melanie shares her personal journey with GLP-1 medication, weight loss, and reclaiming her health. As a nurse, mother, and caregiver, she opens up about how years of putting everyone else first, combined with PCOS, hypothyroidism, night shift work, and lifelong body image struggles, left her feeling exhausted, unhealthy, and hopeless.

Everything shifted after a doctor’s visit forced her to confront the reality of her health. From there, Melanie began using a GLP-1 medication as a tool, not a shortcut, and started making the lifestyle changes that supported real transformation. She explains how these medications work in the body, how they affect appetite, blood sugar, inflammation, and “food noise,” and why strength training, protein, hydration, sleep, and mindset are essential for lasting success.

The episode also explores the emotional side of change: childhood wounds around body image, the stigma surrounding GLP-1s, the fear of judgment, and the mental shift required to stop seeing weight loss as vanity and start seeing it as healing. Melanie shares what helped her navigate side effects, why “go low and slow” matters, and how losing over 70 pounds in less than a year has changed not just her body, but her confidence, energy, family life, and future.

This is a conversation is about more than weight,  it’s about identity, self-worth, modern women’s health, and what becomes possible when you finally decides to care for yourself as deeply as you care for everyone else.

You can find Weightless by Rocio Salas-Whalen MD, Allyson Ryan here https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/806992/weightless-by-rocio-salas-whalen-md/

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March is National Nutrition Month and Women’s History Month, and this month on the Nourish Me Podcast we’re exploring one powerful theme: the courage to change.

In this solo episode, JoAnne introduces a special March mini-series featuring conversations with women who have had the courage to transform their health, rethink their identities, and begin new chapters in life.

You’ll hear previews of upcoming episodes including:

• Melanie, a NICU nurse who lost nearly 70 pounds and shares her honest journey using GLP-1 medications alongside strength training and nutrition.

• Michele Piedmonte, a health coach who discovered that lasting change often requires accountability, confidence, and rebuilding trust in yourself.

• Kelly Stobart, a stylist and entrepreneur whose story of reinvention shows how unexpected life changes can open the door to new purpose.

JoAnne also shares a reflection on her own nutrition journey, including using advanced testing through Function Health, and introduces the evolving theme behind the podcast: Connection, Ritual, Wellness, and the Human Advantage.

Plus, save the date for an upcoming Spring Renewal sound and movement gathering with Lori.

This episode sets the stage for a month of conversations about courage, transformation, and what it truly means to nourish ourselves in a distracted world.

• Join the Nourish Me community on Substack → https://substack.com/@joannepavin

• Learn more about Function Health → Get 25$ off here

• Save the date: Spring Renewal Sound & Movement Experience – April 18 https://www.joannepavin.com/events-and-classes.html

In this episode JoAnne shares a raw turning point — shedding her “fake ID” and stepping fully into her true voice after nearly three years of podcasting.

In this Year of the Horse episode, she explores why courage is the missing link between setting goals and living them, why this time of year can feel discouraging, and why it’s actually the middle — not the end — of your transformation.

She also shares the deeper origin of The Meal — Nourishment Beyond Food, inspired by her time in India, and how it’s evolving into something much bigger.

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It’s the NEW YEAR! Time to clear the mental clutter, reset your energy, and intentionally step into what’s next.

In this episode, Suzanne and JoAnne dive deep into what it really takes to activate goals—not just set them. From human performance coaching and identity-based habits to accountability, visualization, and resilience, this conversation goes beyond vision boards and New Year’s resolutions.

Suzanne shares her journey from corporate leadership into human performance coaching and how training for a Spartan Race became a powerful metaphor for navigating life’s obstacles.

Together, they explore how small, consistent actions compound over time, why identity drives behavior, and how accountability can increase your chances of success up to 95%.

You’ll also hear about:

Whether you’re resetting for the new year or simply feeling ready for your next evolution, this episode will help you gain clarity, momentum, and confidence to move forward with intention.

If you’re in the Chicagoland area, go a step further and

Join them for their JANUARY 10th Activation Event:

https://www.joannepavin.com/new-year-activation-workshop.html

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In this episode, JoAnne welcomes Meredith Vieceli—Certified Holistic Health Coach, mom of two boys, entrepreneur, and athlete, for a powerful conversation on midlife wellness, hormonal clarity, and the simple habits that truly move the needle.

For over 15 years, Meredith has helped women build healthier minds and bodies one small step at a time. After leaving a lucrative but soul-draining corporate job, she followed her calling to support busy women in reclaiming their energy, improving their quality of life, and feeling genuinely well. Her background as a competitive endurance athlete—including completing Ironman Wisconsin and the Boston Marathon—gives her a deep understanding of performance, recovery, and the shifting needs of the female body. 

In our conversation, Meredith shares how her coaching has evolved to meet the needs of an underserved and often overwhelmed group: midlife women navigating hormonal changes, confusion, and misinformation. She discusses the importance of foundational habits—hydration, sunlight, morning protein, daily movement, and sleep hygiene—and how simple, science-backed routines can transform wellbeing without adding overwhelm.

We also revisit her entrepreneurial journey with the B Bar, a clean, low-glycemic endurance bar she created in 2012. Meredith opens up about the challenges of scaling, the tension between growth and quality, and her decision to discontinue the product to maintain integrity. The experience became a self-taught masterclass in product development, manufacturing, and brand stewardship.

Meredith’s coaching philosophy centers on personalization, helping women tune into their bodies, trust their intuition, and create sustainable habits.

This episode is rich with wisdom, practical takeaways, and heartfelt conversation—perfect for any woman seeking balance, clarity, and nourishment in the midst of a busy life.

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Instagram @wildberrywellness

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For more updates on Winter Wellness Lab join here: https://joannepavin.myflodesk.com/winterwellnesslab

To Join the New Year’s 20250 Vision Activation click here:

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In this Thanksgiving-week episode, JoAnne Pavin shares a grounded, soulful strategy for navigating the holidays with more ease, presence, and nourishment. Drawing on her integrative wellness background and seven years of teaching The Meal, she offers practical tools to transform holiday eating, hosting, and connection.

You’ll learn how to use breath to reduce stress, support digestion, and shift from perfection to presence. JoAnne explains why movement before big meals matters, how to avoid overeating without restriction, and why filling your plate with veggies first is always a win. She also guides listeners in turning meals into five-sense rituals that deepen connection, creativity, and emotional nourishment.

Discover simple behavioral shifts—like putting your fork down between bites, limiting water during meals, alternating alcohol with water, and using smaller plates—that make a big difference in how you feel through the season.

Whether you’re hosting or attending, JoAnne shares mindset tools to reduce overwhelm, create calm, and bring more joy to the table. From managing family dynamics with breath to prepping the night before, these strategies help you glide through the holidays with intention and ease.

Plus, download JoAnne’s new Breathwork Guide,

https://joannepavin.myflodesk.com/breathworkguide

register for upcoming Monday Meditations through December when you subscribe to JoAnne’s Substack https://substack.com/@joannepavin

and get on the waitlist for the Winter Wellness Lab designed to elevate your wellbeing into 2026.

https://joannepavin.myflodesk.com/winterwellnesslab

https://www.joannepavin.com/events-and-classes.html

This episode is your roadmap to staying grounded, nourished, and connected all season long.

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After two years of nonstop events, podcasting and running her business, JoAnne Pavin hit a much needed pause — facing burnout and stress adaptation syndrome, where the body runs on stress hormones and forgets how to rest.

In this deeply personal relaunch episode, JoAnne shares how she used her 4M Method — Movement, Meals, Meditation, Mindset — to reset her nervous system, restore energy, and reclaim mental clarity.

🏊‍♀️ Movement – Returned to competitive training for the first time since 2010, swimming and preparing for a local aquathon, culminating in a successful open-water swim on July 20th.

The result? A stronger body, calmer mind, and creative energy that outperformed her old hustle habits.

JoAnne also announces two exciting ways listeners can join her in living beyond burnout:

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In this Podcast episode JoAnne Pavin interviews Gloria Nash, founder of Homestead Saunas, who shares her journey from wellness enthusiast to sauna expert. JoAnne highlights her passion for thermal therapy and its health benefits. Recorded inside a sauna, Gloria discusses the transformative effects of sauna use and contrast therapy, detailing their ability to improve health and wellness. She emphasizes the cultural and community aspects of saunas, creating an alcohol-free space that fosters genuine connections while incorporating herbalism into her practices.

The episode covers the therapeutic offerings at Homestead Saunas, including unique Ukrainian bath rituals and various massage therapies, as well as insights into sauna design features that enhance the user experience. Gloria also outlines upcoming events and workshops, inviting listeners to explore the holistic benefits of sauna culture and its potential for personal rejuvenation.

Check out Video cast of this episode at: https://youtu.be/pBiILv2tt3g?si=fCDrFF6tcNT1tfBG

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https://www.instagram.com/homesteadsaunas

@homesteadsaunas 

Sauna Synergy:

https://www.instagram.com/saunasynergy

@saunasynergy

🧠 Health Benefits of Sauna and Contrast Therapy 

Moving from hot to cold environments increases human growth hormone production

🌿 Community and Cultural Aspects 

🧖‍♀️ Therapeutic Practices at Homestead Saunas 

🌊 Therapeutic Offerings and Future Plans 

🏗️ Sauna Design and Future Events 

Website: homesteadsaunas.com and Instagram: @HomesteadSaunas

Join me in the empowering Pain to Power episode where we unravel the powerful story of Sharon Waldecki—a retiree turned passionate health researcher. In this enlightening podcast, Sharon shares her compelling journey from being nearly wheelchair-bound due to polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) to thriving through the transformative power of nutrition and holistic living.

Explore how Sharon identified critical health triggers, embraced nutrient-dense foods like bone broth and fermented delicacies, and eliminated processed foods to restore her vitality. With insights gained from thought leaders such as Dr. Josh Axe, Sharon delves into the limitations of conventional steroid treatments and champions a holistic approach to healing.

Through research and ongoing learning, including coursework from Dr. Josh Axe, Sharon aims to assist others on their health journeys, contemplating future endeavors in health coaching and promoting toxin-free living environments. She emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to health that addresses root causes rather than merely alleviating symptoms, and shared her daily practices for nourishment and wellness. 

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https://www.instagram.com/sharonwaldecki/

@sharonwaldecki

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Join JoAnne Pavin in the Reset & Thrive: Holistic Clean Eating Overview" as she guides you through the transformative "Clean Eating Challenge." Discover the essential principles of clean eating, especially important after holiday indulgences, and learn the art of eliminating processed foods for a healthier lifestyle. In this comprehensive overview, JoAnne reveals the framework for the engaging four-week challenge, designed to empower you with knowledge about food labels and the importance of eliminating harmful additives.

Dive into the interconnected world of digestion and the gut-brain axis, unlocking the secrets of intuitive eating. Joanne provides invaluable tips for meal planning and preparation, enhancing your understanding of how our thoughts influence digestion and overall well-being. Embrace the joy of eating 'live foods' while fostering new habits to improve health and vitality.

This episode urges you to embark on a journey towards mindful eating and a revitalized approach to food choices. Packed with actionable insights, you'll be inspired to analyze your pantry, practice intuitive eating, and explore therapeutic alternatives to everyday beverages. Join us and redefine your path to health and enthusiasm with the support of a vibrant community and expert guidance. Ready to reset and embrace a new way of living? Tune in and thrive in ‘25!

Sign up for Clean Eating Challenge: https://www.joannepavin.com/clean-eating-winter-challenge.html

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