In this heartfelt episode of Responding to Life, Josephine is joined by her dear friend Jess Koehler, an LA photographer turned close confidante and collaborator on many of Josephine's wellness events. Together, they open up about the personal impact of the devastating Palisades fire that occurred on January 7, 2025.

As two moms navigating the aftermath of this tragedy, they share the challenges of guiding their children through uncertainty and fear while striving to create a sense of stability and comfort for them. This conversation explores resilience in the face of unexpected loss, the profound acts of kindness from our communities, and the emotional journey of finding light even in the darkest moments. Jess shares her unique perspective on experiencing the LA fires, while Josephine reflects on how her family has been responding to life with courage and determination.

Through it all, this episode is a tribute to the power of community, the goodness of humanity, and the hope that comes from balancing motherhood, loss, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.

Join us for an intimate and inspiring conversation about grief, gratitude, and finding resilience for ourselves and our families.

By the way, If you're looking for a fabulous photographer to capture some memorable moments of your family, please do check out Jess' work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JESSKOEHLERPHOTO  

I am so grateful to have connected with her on IG and that she was able to capture so many precious moments of our family in the home we lost in the Palisades fire. 

As we close out 2024 and look ahead to the New Year, this episode of Responding to Life invites you to take small, impactful steps toward a healthier and safer environment. Our guest, Sophia Ruan Gushée, is a renowned nontoxic lifestyle expert and author of A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures as well as several detox workbooks. Praised by leaders in medical and wellness fields, Sophia is celebrated for her practical and accessible approach to avoiding toxins while maintaining the ease and convenience of modern life.

With a background that includes serving on the Brown University School of Public Health Advisory Council and the Well + Good Council, Sophia has guided thousands toward healthier living. She simplifies the journey to nontoxic living, empowering listeners to make meaningful changes at their own pace.

In this episode, Sophia shares actionable insights to help you start 2025 on a healthier note, including:

• Understanding indoor air quality, its negative impacts, and practical ways to improve it.

• How to detox your home, one small step at a time.

• Demystifying electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from technology and tips to reduce exposure.

• What to look for when shopping for products to make safer choices.

Special Gift: Listeners can use the code RUAN10 for 10% off the 40-Day Home Detox on-demand package at www.ruanliving.com.

Connect with Sophia:

• Instagram: @ruanliving

• Facebook: Ruan Living

• LinkedIn: Sophia Ruan Gushée

• TikTok: @ruanliving

Whether you’re looking to detox your home, improve your air quality, or learn more about EMFs, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you create a safer environment for you and your loved ones. Tune in for inspiration as you transition into the New Year with health and wellness in mind!

Parenting complex kids can feel like navigating uncharted waters. On this episode, we welcome Diane Dempster, MHSA, CPC, PCC - a seasoned coach, speaker, author, and educator with over two decades of experience in leadership and change management. Diane is the co-founder of ImpactParents.com, the creator of the Sanity School® Behavior Training program for Parents, and the co-host of the Parenting with Impact Podcast. Her mission is to empower parents of neurodiverse and "outside-the-box" kids with strategies and tools to foster lasting change.

In this engaging episode, Diane shares:

• Practical tips for supporting neurodiverse children who don’t fit the mold.

• The importance of prioritizing self-care while navigating the challenges of parenting.

• Strategies for parenting effectively when your co-parent has differing perspectives.

Whether you’re looking for ways to create a calm, peaceful home or seeking guidance on fostering independence in your kids, Diane’s expertise will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.

Free Gift for Listeners: Top 12 Tips to Help Your Complex Kids: Change Starts with You! Discover actionable strategies to reduce overwhelm and frustration while guiding your kids toward greater independence. Access your free guide here: Top 12 Tips

Ways to Connect with Diane:

Website: https://impactparents.com/

Podcast: https://impactparents.com/podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParent/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImpactParents

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ImpactParents

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/impactparents/

Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, relatability, and tools to transform your parenting journey.

In this milestone 100th episode of Responding to Life, we're joined by the inspiring Dr. Tiana Woolridge, a pediatrician and sports medicine doctor whose work bridges the gap between mental health, wellness, and athletics.

Dr. Woolridge shares her remarkable journey, from growing up as the daughter of NBA legend Orlando Woolridge to serving as a team doctor for elite organizations like UCLA Athletics, the Los Angeles Lakers, Sparks, and Dodgers. She opens up about her passion for advocating for mental health support in schools and how this led to the creation of Embrace the Mind, an award-winning, school-based mental health program that has transformed the lives of countless students.

In this conversation, Dr. Woolridge emphasizes the importance of fostering open discussions about mental health and its far-reaching impact, particularly on athletes. She provides actionable insights for parents, highlighting the need to help children cultivate identities outside of sports and prioritize their emotional well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Woolridge discusses:

• Having open conversations about mental health help reduce stigma and offer support
• Athletes benefit from building an identity beyond sports
• Mental health issues can heighten injury risks and delay recovery
• Why parents should encourage multi-sport participation and prioritize mental wellness

Ways to Connect with Dr. Woolridge:

Instagram: @callmedoctor_t

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about mental health, youth development, and the power of resilience. Dr. Woolridge’s expertise and compassionate perspective will leave you inspired to approach mental health with greater intention in all areas of life.

In this impactful episode, we’re joined by Keisha Reaves, a compassionate mental health professional and advocate for Black maternal health. Certified in perinatal mental health, Keisha brings a wealth of experience supporting birthing parents through challenges ranging from fertility struggles to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

With a deep commitment to community, Keisha has served as a volunteer with Northside Hospital’s Infant Loss/Bereavement Group, held a role on the PSI-Georgia Chapter Board, and leads the Mocha Moms Group at the Atlanta Birth Center. Through her practice, Push Thru Therapy, she facilitates a Black Moms group, advocating for accessible and culturally competent mental health care. Keisha’s dedication to maternal health extends to training providers on recognizing perinatal mood disorders and addressing implicit bias, fostering a more inclusive healthcare environment. Additionally, she serves on the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee and as a fellow with Emory University’s Psychoanalytic Institute.

Join us to hear Keisha’s insights on navigating the healthcare system, recognizing postpartum anxiety and depression, and advocating for maternal mental health equity.

In this episode, Keisha discusses:

• Her personal journey and how she found her calling in perinatal mental health
• Identifying and addressing postpartum depression and anxiety
• Maternal mental health disparities affecting Black women
• How to access support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

Ways to Connect with Keisha:

• Website: www.keishareaves.com
• Instagram: @keisha_reaves and @pushthrumom

Tune in to learn more about Keisha’s essential work and her mission to support birthing parents at every stage of their journey.

In recognition of October being Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, we're re-releasing a past episode where our guests discuss a very sensitive topic that may be triggering for some of you who are currently on your path to parenthood or are one of the 1 in 4 who has experienced pregnancy loss or miscarriage. Featured in this episode are the courageous stories of how to heal after experiencing loss.

• Samantha Busch
• • @samanthabusch
  • www.samanthabusch.com
• Kim Hooper
• • @kimhooperwrites
  • kimhooperwrites.com
• Monica Bivas
• • @monicabivas
  • www.monicabivas.com
• Tina Sugandh
• • @TinaSugandh
  • MomOnTopShop.com
• Kelsi Burley
• • @myjourneywithivf
• Linny Stone
• • @linnystone
• Josephine Atluri
• • @josephineratluri

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Karen Tang, a board-certified gynecologist, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, and the creator behind the popular @KarenTangMD on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Through her educational and engaging content, Dr. Tang has built a global platform to spread essential information about reproductive and sexual health.

In this episode, we celebrate the release of her new book, IT'S NOT HYSTERIA: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (BUT WERE NEVER TOLD). With her book, Dr. Tang aims to dispel myths surrounding women's health, tackling topics like menstrual issues, pelvic pain, and menopause. Her mission is clear: women should not suffer in silence, and there are actionable steps to take for better care.

In this episode, Dr. Tang discusses:

• Women don't have to just 'deal with' reproductive health issues; there are treatments and resources available to help
• Advocating for oneself is crucial in reproductive health care; ask questions, seek second opinions, and find a doctor who listens and includes you in the decision-making process
• Women have the power to make a difference in their own health and the health of their communities; use your voice and influence to educate and advocate for change

In addition to being a recognized expert featured by NBC News, The Washington Post, NPR, and more, Dr. Tang is also a long-time friend of mine. Join us as we dive into her book, discuss the importance of self-advocacy in health care, and share practical tips on how to empower yourself and your community when it comes to reproductive health.

Ways to connect with Dr. Tang:

New book: It's Not Hysteria

Substack newsletter: GynoMight with Karen Tang, MD | Substack

Website: Dr. Karen Tang - Gynocologist and Geriatric TikToker

In this episode we hear from Ariel Boorstin, Co-founder and CMO of Cooper, a groundbreaking parenting support system designed to reduce stress, boost confidence, and help parents maximize their time. With Cooper’s expert-led parenting groups, weekly classes, drop-in office hours, one-on-one coaching, and 24/7 expert-moderated chat, it’s an always-on resource for parents at every stage of the journey.

Ariel brings over a decade of experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketing, having worked with renowned brands like VOSS Water and Pernod Ricard USA. Inspired by her own challenges as a new mother, Ariel co-founded Cooper to create the kind of support system she wished she had when navigating parenthood. Now a mother of three - Ariel is passionate about offering evidence-based resources and fostering a strong community for parents.

In this episode, Ariel shares:

• How Cooper provides personalized, expert support for all parenting challenges
• The platform’s unique approach to combining expert guidance with community-based support
• The inspiration behind Cooper, rooted in Ariel’s own experiences as a new mom
• How Cooper serves parents at every stage, from expectant families to those with adolescents

Tune in to hear how Ariel and her team are reshaping the parenting landscape, creating a safe, reliable space for families to thrive.

Ariel is offering listeners a free month of Cooper membership. To experience all Cooper has to offer, use code LIFE at checkout on yourcooper.com

Ways to connect with Cooper:

yourcooper.com

Instagram: @your_cooper

In this episode, we kick off Season 6 with Daya Alexander Grant, Ph.D., CMPC, neuroscientist, yoga teacher, and co-founder of Mindful Sports Collective, as she explores the critical role of mental health in sports. In this episode, Daya delves into the science of stress management, recovery, and building resilience, offering practical tools for navigating life's challenges with clarity and calm. She emphasizes that sports should focus on developing children as humans, not just athletes, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being alongside physical performance.

Daya discusses her work with an online meditation community for athletes, which fosters accountability and community, helping them cultivate essential mental skills. She shares valuable techniques like journaling, positive self-talk, and breathwork to help athletes stay present and get out of their heads. Daya also offers advice for parents, suggesting simple but impactful ways to support their children—express love and support before games, and give them the space to process their emotions afterward.

In this episode, you'll hear from Daya about:

• Why developing children as whole individuals, not just athletes, should be the goal of youth sports
• The importance of accountability and community for athletes' mental health
• How techniques such as journaling, positive self-talk, and breathwork can help athletes stay focused
• Practical advice for parents on supporting their young athletes with love and understanding

Tune in for an insightful conversation that emphasizes the power of mental health and mindfulness in youth sports.

Daya is offering listeners one month free for Mindful Sports Collective, her online meditation community for athletes: https://mindfulsportscollective.mn.co/plans/420651?bundle_token=9e0f084ba33b8ac1d4182c50b5937906&utm_source=manual

Ways to connect with Daya:

www.dayagrant.com

Instagram: @dr.dayagrant

In this episode, we delve into the world of fertility health with Michelle Oravitz. Michelle shares her personal journey with Chinese medicine and how it inspired her to transition from a career in architecture to becoming an acupuncturist specializing in fertility health.

Michelle discusses the rewarding moments she has experienced while supporting women on their fertility journeys, including powerful stories of women who were told they couldn't conceive but ended up having healthy children naturally. She also introduces her book, 'The Way of Fertility,' which delves into the energetics of fertility through the lens of ancient wisdom, offering strategies and tools to tap into one's reproductive vitality.

In this episode, Michelle emphasizes the importance of awareness, connecting with one's intuition, and cultivating elevated emotions. She shares valuable insights and practical advice for those seeking to enhance their fertility health.

In this episode, you'll hear from Michelle about:

• How Chinese medicine and acupuncture can have a profound impact on reproductive health and fertility
• Importance of listening to your body's cues and connecting with your intuition
• How finding a specialized acupuncturist trained in fertility can be beneficial for those on a fertility journey

Tune in to be inspired and informed by Michelle's wisdom and experience in transforming fertility health.

Ways to connect with Michelle:

Websites

www.michelleoravitz.com

www.thewholesomelotus.com

Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewholesomelotusfertility

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/