PATH Positive Approaches To Health

In this episode, Toni and Jenny sit down with the endlessly inspiring Lauren Chandler - plant‑forward chef educator, social worker, culinary creative, and joyful human being. Lauren’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and wholehearted presence.

From losing her mother at age 12 to traveling the world on a Watson Fellowship, Lauren learned early how food, connection, and noticing the small things can shape a life. Her “kitchen hopping” year abroad became the spark for a 25‑year career teaching people to cook with confidence, creativity, and delight.

Lauren shares how she moved through restaurants, social work, Whole Foods Market, and faculty life at NUNM—always following her heart and always returning to the kitchen. She talks about becoming a “food translator” for patients overwhelmed by nutrition advice, her love of cabbage and lentils, and the magic of simple techniques that make plant‑rich cooking doable for everyone.

We also explore her recent passion project: the Amaranth Institute Symposium, a vibrant, community‑driven celebration of a resilient, climate‑friendly crop. Lauren’s description of “glamoranth camp” is worth the listen alone.

This conversation is full of joy, whimsy, authenticity, and the reminder that small shifts—whether in the kitchen or in life—can create meaningful change!

In this heartwarming episode, Toni and Jenny sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and animal welfare advocate Amr Darwish to explore how one extraordinary dog named Bear transformed his life and sparked a deep commitment to rescue work.

Amr shares his journey from the technology and venture capital world into the world of fostering, rescuing, and advocating for dogs in need. He opens up about the profound bond he shared with Bear, the grief of losing a soul dog, and how that experience inspired his vision for the Bear's Cubs Foundation, a future organization designed to help rescue groups and pet owners afford life-saving veterinary care.

The conversation covers the realities of dog rescue, the importance of fostering, practical ways anyone can help, and the surprising connection between caring for animals and caring for our own mental and physical health. Along the way, Amr introduces us to Brody, reflects on purpose, community, resilience, and reminds us that our capacity to help may be far greater than we realize.

Amr & Toni’s Suggested Rescues:

Whether you're an animal lover, a current pet parent, considering fostering, or simply looking for an uplifting conversation about purpose and service, this episode will leave you inspired.

Key Takeaways:

As Amr reminds us, sometimes the smallest act of compassion can save a life—and change your own in the process.

What happens at a PATH retreat? Let’s pull back the curtain…

In this special mini episode, your hosts share an inside look at the upcoming PATH retreat at Campovida in Hopland, California—and more importantly, the heart behind these experiences. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a retreat for me?” or “What actually happens there?”, this episode is your invitation to explore, reflect, and maybe even say yes.
 
What This Episode Is About

This conversation isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the why behind PATH retreats.

At its core, a PATH retreat is a real-life extension of the podcast:

The retreat is less about checking boxes and more about creating a menu of experiences—you choose what nourishes you.

 What to Expect (and What NOT to Expect)

Let’s demystify it:

 What it IS:

 What it is NOT:

 You can participate in everything… or nothing.
 You can come energized… or exhausted.
 You can give… receive… or both.

The Deeper Invitation

At its heart, this retreat is about the verb “to retreat”:

It’s about creating space to restore, reset, reclaim, reconnect, reMIND yourself. 

Even a short intentional pause can shift your perspective in powerful ways.

It’s Okay to Feel Hesitant. Many past attendees felt unsure, nervous, maybe questioning if they’d “fit”. And what happened/// They found their way - They chose what felt right.
They left with greater ease, confidence, and connection.

Sometimes the biggest growth starts by simply walking through the door. 

 A Glimpse of the Experience
Campovida, Hopland, California
November 13–15
Expect:

Alcohol is completely optional, even in a winery setting. The focus is always well-being, not pressure.

If something in this episode resonated with you, lean into that feeling.
You don’t have to “have it all figured out.” You don’t have to be ready. Just be willing. Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do… is create space to come back to ourselves.

Ready? You can apply here. Need more inspo? See the Magical Campovida

Ready for a conversation that feels like a deep breath and a wake-up call? This second Mental Health Awareness Month episode takes you on a powerful journey into a topic that touches so many of us—burnout—and how to move toward balance in realistic, compassionate ways.

This week, co-hosts Toni and Jenny welcome the incredible Patricia Bannan, registered dietitian, wellness coach, and author of From Burnout to Balance. With over 2,000 media appearances and a passion for helping people live well, Patricia brings both expertise and lived experience to the conversation. 

Together, they explore:

What burnout really is:
Burnout goes beyond stress. It’s defined by exhaustion, cynicism, and feeling ineffective—even when you’re doing your best. 

Why burnout is so common right now:
From post-pandemic life to high-pressure careers and everyday demands, many of us are running on empty—often without realizing it.

Recognizing the signs early:
Patricia shares how to spot burnout signals in your body, thoughts, and relationships—before you hit the wall.

The power of simple systems:
 Her “3S Framework”—Self-align, Signals, Systems—offers a practical, doable way to stay grounded and prevent burnout. 

One of the biggest takeaways?
 Food is not just fuel—it’s a tool for healing.

Patricia breaks down how nourishment supports mood, energy, and resilience, including:

And yes—simple counts. Think pantry staples, frozen veggies, and quick assembly meals that reduce overwhelm and keep you going.

They talk about this powerful reframe - Burnout isn’t a failure—it’s a signal.

As Patricia beautifully reminds us, it’s your body saying:
 “Enough. Something needs to change.” 

When we listen to that signal with curiosity and kindness, it can become a turning point—not a breaking point.

This conversation is real, relatable, and filled with “aha!” moments—from nutrition insights to mindset shifts, to simple, doable strategies you can start today.

And, of course… expect PATH-style warmth, laughter, and a killer playlist discussion to wrap things up.

Find and Follow Patricia on Instagram @patriciabannan or on her website patriciabannan.com

Welcome to the kickoff of Mental Health Awareness Month on PATH! This May, we are dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding behavioral health and exploring the "delicate interplay" between our hearts, souls, and bodies.

In this episode, Jenny and Toni travel to the Denver area (via Kansas City) to sit down with a "joyous human" and "formidable buffalo" of a man: Steve Bloom. After 30 years in the high-stakes world of corporate leadership and private equity, Steve didn't just retire—he pivoted. At age 60, he returned to school to become a mental health therapist, driven by a mission to address the silent epidemic of loneliness and isolation among men.

What We Discuss:

Key Takeaways & Resources:

Our Road Trip Mixtape:

Inspired by Steve’s "80s Classic Rock" vibes and our deep dive into nostalgia, this episode’s playlist is our longest yet! Featuring:

Connect with PATH:
 Enjoying the journey? Leave us a review and let us know what "Season" you’re currently walking through or connect with us on Instagram @thepathpod.  As always, thanks for being on the road with us!

This week, the PATHPod gals bring you something brand new—our very first sponsored episode, created in collaboration with U.S. Soy. And wow… did the stars align for this one. As longtime soy lovers (professionally and personally), partnering with a research‑driven, evidence‑based organization felt like the perfect fit.

We’re joined by the wonderful Chelsea LeBlanc, RD, a Nashville‑based dietitian, media expert, and mom who brings warmth, clarity, and practical wisdom to every part of this conversation. Together, we walk through eight evidence‑based “Soy Prizes”—the surprising, reassuring, and downright fascinating benefits of soy foods.

From complete protein to heart health, from seed‑oil panic to brain health, from prostate and breast cancer research to menopause support and even skin health… this episode is packed with science, stories, and simple ways to bring soy into your everyday routine.

You’ll also hear our own “soy surprises,” kitchen favorites, and easy ways to start experimenting—tempeh tacos, miso dressings, edamame shortcuts, tofu magic, and more. As always, it’s conversational, joyful, and rooted in real‑life habits that help you feel good.

Resources Mentioned

All linked resources are available through U.S. Soy and the Soy Nutrition Institute Global:

National Soy Foods Month Hub:

Consumer Resources - www.soyconnection.com/soyfoodsmonth

Professional Resources - soyfoodsmonth.ussoy.org  

Soy Nutrition Institute Global - https://sniglobal.org

Calls to Action

Why This Episode Matters

Soy is versatile, delicious, accessible, and backed by decades of research. Whether you’re team tofu, team tempeh, team edamame, or team “still figuring it out,” we hope this episode helps you feel confident, inspired, and maybe even a little soy‑prised.

Whew - Seven years on the road together! In this special anniversary “switcheroo,” Jenny and Toni turn the tables and interview each other—complete with laughter, reflection, and a whole lot of PATHPod heart. From messy beginnings (“Messy…but in the best way”) to the calm‑within‑the‑chaos of year seven, the co‑hosts look back at what they’ve built, what they’ve survived, and what continues to light them up.

They revisit the early days, the barriers that dropped thanks to helpers like Joe and Natalie Mamlin, and the unexpected evolution of a true community. They talk about the moments that mattered—especially during COVID—when connection, generosity, and listener openness made it clear: this work matters. They share the hard seasons too, including caring for their dads, and how the podcast became a lifeboat and a source of growth.

Jenny and Toni explore how PATH has stretched them as humans, opened doors they never imagined, and expanded their definition of “positive approaches to health.” They celebrate the ripple effects, the collaborations, the retreats, and the ever‑growing PATH family. And of course—there’s music. Lots of it.

This episode is a love letter to the journey, the community, and the joy of saying yes. As Toni puts it, “It’s like a Chipotle burrito—how do you wrap it up? There’s so much inside of it.”

Thank you for being on the road with us. Here’s to the next season of PATH!

In this cozy “Favorite Things” episode, Jenny and Toni launch a brand‑new series celebrating the small, everyday joys that support well‑being. Today’s spotlight: soup — the ultimate comfort food, kitchen workhorse, and wellness ally.

Jenny shares her beloved Sunday ritual of batch‑cooking soup for the week, while Toni reflects on her late‑bloomer journey from soup skeptic to full‑blown soup evangelist. Together, they explore why soup is such a powerful tool for nourishment, satisfaction, and simplicity.

You’ll hear about:

From rotisserie‑chicken shortcuts to pureed veggie blends, from stoops to stews, from restaurant inspiration to freezer‑friendly staples, this episode is packed with practical ideas and joyful encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned soup maker or just dipping your spoon in, you’ll walk away inspired to simmer something nourishing.

Grab your favorite bowl and settle in — this Favorite Things kickoff is warm, delicious, and full of heart.

In this special New Year episode, Jenny and Toni sit down to reflect on a year that felt both impossibly long and shockingly fast. 2025 brought duality, growth, intentional rest, and some of the most meaningful work in PATHPod history. Together, they revisit the moments, conversations, and collaborations that shaped the year — and share a glimpse of what’s ahead for 2026.

Highlights from Our 2025 Journey

Teaching Kitchen Collaborative Symposium

Jenny and Toni share reflections from the December Teaching Kitchen Collaborative Symposium at 1440 Multiversity — a gathering filled with innovation, systems‑level thinking, and a deep sense of community.

 Key themes included:

Celebrating Our Guests

From Dr. Jessica’s spotlight episode to the inspiring conversation with Maggie Doyne, the final months of 2025 delivered some of the most meaningful stories and strategies we’ve shared on PATHPod.

Music, Metaphors & Meaning

As always, Toni brings her signature soundtrack — songs that capture the spirit of the year, the joy of collaboration, and the magic of showing up. From Phil Collins to Roberta Flack to Broadway classics, the playlist becomes a playful, heartfelt reflection of the PATHPod journey.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The new year brings a fresh theme, new energy, and another “opening of another show.” With seasons, seasoning, and the ongoing evolution of PATHPod, Jenny and Toni step into 2026 with gratitude, curiosity, and a renewed commitment to helping listeners build their own positive approaches to health.

In this powerful and joy‑filled episode, we sit down with humanitarian, author, and CNN Hero Maggie Doyne for a conversation that left us inspired, grounded, and buzzing with gratitude. Maggie, co‑founder and CEO of the BlinkNow Foundation and subject of the documentary “Between the Mountain and the Sky,” joins us from California during a rare stateside visit. What unfolds is an intimate, honest, and often hilarious exchange about purpose, service, motherhood, grief, art, and the beautiful messiness of being human.

Maggie shares the origin story of her life’s work in Nepal, beginning with a gap year, a chance encounter with children breaking rocks for survival, and the babysitting money that became the seed for a school, a home, and a community that has now transformed countless lives. She reflects on two decades of building the Kopila Valley community, raising children, navigating unimaginable loss, and learning to lead with heart, humility, and hope.

We explore the role of art and storytelling in healing, the decade‑long process of filming her documentary, and the vulnerability of letting the world witness both the triumphs and the raw, unfiltered moments of her journey. Maggie talks about the surprising reactions she’s received from audiences, the importance of showing real women in real bodies, and why authenticity matters more than polish.

The conversation also touches on self‑care in a world that often turns it into another metric of success. Maggie offers a refreshingly grounded perspective on tending to the basics: medical checkups, community, breath, movement, and the small daily practices that keep us tethered. She shares the voices and music that have supported her through dark seasons, from Raffi to Sarah Blondin, and the rituals that anchor her family.

As always, we close with our signature playlist picks, inspired by Maggie’s light, courage, and the emotional landscape of her story. Expect sunshine, resilience, childhood joy, and a few nostalgic gems.

This episode is equal parts heart‑opening and energizing. Maggie reminds us that world‑changing work often begins with one small step, one act of noticing, one moment of saying yes. Her story is a testament to what can happen when compassion meets action, and when we allow ourselves to show up fully—messy bun, milk stains, and all.

Settle in for an episode that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Watch the film, Between The Mountain and the Sky here.