Responding to Life: Talking Health, Fertility and Parenthood

On this episode of Responding to Life, we will be exploring the transformative power of personal growth and resilience with a truly inspiring guest, Maria Suarez. In this episode, Maria will take us on her remarkable journey from a life of excess to one of profound self-discovery and wellness.

Maria's story is one of evolution, from her days as a self-described party girl to her transformation into a sober being. Through introspection and courage, she learned the importance of "unbecoming" and "unraveling" in order to rebuild her life on a new foundation of health and authenticity.

At the heart of Maria's journey are her pillar system, Carol's Pillars, which encompass yoga, breathwork, meditation, walking, journaling, and cannabis therapy. These pillars have become essential tools in her ongoing quest for self-improvement and well-being.

Maria shares her insights on navigating the path to sobriety, cultivating a daily practice of self-care, and embracing the power of saying "YES" to a better version of oneself. Get ready to be inspired by Maria's journey of transformation and resilience on this episode.

On this episode, you'll hear from Maria about:

• Her path to sobriety and rebuilding a new foundation

• Pillar system, Carols Pillar's, which help create a healthier and more intentional life

• How to choose oneself and living a better life is a powerful and inspiring decision

Ways to connect with Maria:

https://www.instagram.com/coachbycarol

Jess Koehler is a Los Angeles based maternity and family photographer whose passion for storytelling is woven into every frame she captures. With a degree in Advertising Photography from RIT, Jess brings a wealth of technical expertise to her craft. But what truly sets her apart is her keen attention to detail and her deep understanding of production. These qualities, combined with her role as a mother of two, infuse her work with a uniquely authentic perspective.

In this episode we explore Jess's journey behind the camera, from her beginnings at RIT to her thriving career in Los Angeles. Discover how her experiences as a mother shape her approach to capturing the magic of family moments. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the heart and soul behind Jess Koehler's extensive body of work.

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

• The importance of including mothers in family photos
• How to be mindful of the number of photos you take
• How to focus on capturing meaningful moments
• Self-portraits and family portraits can document personal growth and evolution
• Tips to prune your camera roll regularly

Ways to connect with Jess:

• jesskoehler.com
• IG @jesskoehlerphoto

Jess Koehler is offering a special discount for listeners of this episode! First-time families can receive $100 off the session fee when booking a full session with Jess. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with her to capture authentic and memorable moments.

If you're not local to the Los Angeles area, be sure to follow Jess on Instagram @jesskoehlerphoto for more photography tips and inspiration.

Elizabeth Boykewich is a seasoned Professional Life and Leadership Coach, dynamic speaker, and a driving force in the entertainment industry. With an impressive 28-year career in entertainment, Elizabeth is celebrated for her keen eye in identifying and nurturing new TV and film stars. However, her journey doesn't stop there. Elizabeth has seamlessly transitioned from the fast-paced world of entertainment to become a beacon of inspiration in the coaching realm.

As a Life and Leadership Coach, Elizabeth wears many hats. From working with individuals to leading groups and facilitating teams within organizations, she brings a unique blend of insights from her entertainment background and her dedication to helping people shine. Her purpose is succinct and powerful: "giving people a platform to shine."

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

• How mindfulness and meditation can help individuals respond to life with intention
• How shifting from a victim mindset to an ownership mindset empowers individuals to take control of their lives
• Feeding our lives with self-care and self-reflection
• How applying mindfulness in everyday life allows us to respond to challenges with grace and compassion

Ways to connect with Elizabeth:

• https://theeb.co
• IG @the.eb.co

On Elizabeth's website is a contact to book a free discovery session. We will slow down and get curious.

Maxine L. Johnson is not just an author, co-author, and life coach – she is a transformation specialist and expert speaker, dedicated to guiding women towards taking their lives to the next level. CEO and Founder of WIFE Boss Academy, Maxine shares her experiences and insights on parenting adult children, raising a blended family, and finding balance as a busy woman. In this episode, we'll hear from Maxine on the importance of allowing adult children to make mistakes and learn from them, while also providing guidance and support. Maxine also discusses the challenges of parenting from afar and the need for open communication and transparency. She offers tips for navigating blended family dynamics and stresses the importance of being on the same page with your spouse. Maxine also shares strategies for self-care and finding purpose in life, as well as her work in empowering women through her book and Wife Boss Academy. In this episode, you'll hear from Maxine about:

• Parenting adult children
• How to navigate blended family dynamics
• Prioritizing self-care and the importance of being intentional about taking care of yourself
• Explore your skills and passions to find your purpose in life
• Build a supportive community of women who can inspire and empower each other

Ways to connect with Maxine:

• facebook.com/maxineljohnson
• instagram.com/maxineljohnson

Receive a free gift by visiting: maxinefreegift.com

Jennifer Jolorte Doro, co-founder of Chiyo, discusses her background growing up in Southern California to Filipino parents and how her cultural roots influence her approach to nutrition and wellness. She explains how Chiyo uses Eastern food therapy to transform how they nourish mothers in America, focusing on stage and symptom-specific nutritional guidance. Jennifer shares the comprehensive and holistic approach of Chiyo, which combines her expertise as a clinical nutritionist, postpartum chef, certified birth doula, and lactation counselor.

Jennifer was profiled by Bon Appétit as "The Chef Making Nutrition More Delicious and Diverse" and was quoted in the New York Times on "How Food Traditions Nourish New Moms and the Parents Turning to Old Customs for Postpartum Recovery."

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

• Using Eastern food therapy to nourish mothers
• Chiyo and its programs
• How to support women through fertility, pregnancy and postpartum

Ways to connect with Jennifer:

• @wearechiyo
• https://wearechiyo.com/

In recognition of National Infertility Awareness Week, we're releasing a special episode that is designed to offer valuable insights and expert advice for those navigating the challenging journey of infertility. From understanding hormone imbalances to exploring assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy, the goal of this episode is to equip listeners with the tools and support needed to navigate their unique fertility journeys.

Joining us in this compilation episode are four distinguished guests bringing their expertise and insight to the conversation:

• Dr. Brian Levine (@nodalhealth) will be discussing the intricate process of surrogacy (00:01:52-00:11:19).
• Dr. Elizabeth Grill (resolveorg) will be sharing valuable resources available for individuals and couples experiencing infertility, offering guidance and support along the way (00:11:20-00:15:57).
• Alease Daniel Barnes (@alease_the_embryologist) will take us behind the scenes of the lab during infertility treatments (00:15:58-00:23:50).
• Dr. Kela Smith (@kela_healthcoach) will delve into the complexities of hormones offering insights and strategies for understanding and managing hormone imbalances(00:23:51-00:31:30).

With their expertise and compassion, our guests aim to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges and possibilities on the path to parenthood. So whether you're just beginning your fertility journey or seeking support along the way, this episode is for you.

Dr. Hoehn is a dedicated Los Angeles Fertility Acupuncturist who has been transforming lives through her unwavering commitment to women's wellness and fertility.

As a board-certified acupuncturist, Dr. Hoehn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast, specializing in the intricate realm of fertility acupuncture. Her practice, based in Toluca Lake, reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese medicine and modern fertility techniques.

With a remarkable track record of success, Dr. Hoehn is not only a skilled practitioner, but also a compassionate guide for individuals and couples navigating the often complex and emotional journey towards parenthood. Her approach goes beyond the clinical, embodying a commitment to personalized care and holistic well-being.

In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Hoehn about:

• A better understanding of acupuncture
• The profound impact of acupuncture on fertility and general wellness
• Invaluable insights on supporting women through their fertility journeys

Ways to connect with Dr. Hoehn:

• www.mightyriverwellness.com
• www.drbeckhoehn.com
• https://www.facebook.com/drhoehn/
• https://www.instagram.com/drbeckhoehn/

You can also check out https://www.drbeckhoehn.com/getpregnantguide

Misha Blaise is an international best-selling author-illustrator whose books have been published in dozens of countries around the world. Her educational background was in the study of religions and conflict resolution, and did arts-based conflict-resolution curriculum in public schools for many years before devoting herself full time to art and graphic design. After designing wall art for global brands, she shifted into making books for kids and adults. She is known for her uplifting content that helps people look at the world in a new way.

On this episode, Misha and I will be discussing her latest book, "Breathe Deep: An Illustrated Guide to the Transformative Power of Breathing."

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

• The inspiration for her book
• The power of the breath
• Techniques for better breathing
• How to practice mindfulness and pleasure in everyday life

Ways to connect with Misha:

www.mishablaise.com Instagram: @mishablaise

Amira Alvarez is the founder and CEO of The Unstoppable Woman, a business coaching and training company that equips ambitious, driven, high-performing female entrepreneurs to tap into their feminine energy to create a more fulfilled and satisfying life and business.

As someone who has made a quantum leap (going from barely making 6-figures to making $700k in one year, then onto 7-figures) and has lived to tell about it, she knows exactly what inner and outer game strategies are required to get out of your own way, live life on your own terms, and master the art of achieving any goal you set your mind to.

Amira is proud to have helped thousands of women confidently break free of limitations and be unstoppable in pursuit of a life they are elated to live. When she's not helping others, she's continuing to say "yes" to her own growth and stays 100% committed to being unstoppable in her own life and business.

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

• Feminine vs masculine energy and how to use it in life and business

• Ways to break free from limitations

• Recognizing stress in high achievers and coping strategies for stress

• How Amira says yes to growth

Ways to connect with Amira:

https://unstoppablewoman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theunstoppablewomanpage

https://www.instagram.com/theunstoppablewoman/

https://www.instagram.com/alvarezamira

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-unstoppable-woman/

We're kicking off the first episode of the new year with Sonali Perera Bridges, an award-winning, dynamic, innovative leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in a wide breadth of educational settings. A lifelong mentor and advocate - particularly for young women - she is the driving force behind the conception of Shero's Rise and a mother of two vibrant young girls.

Sonali has spent the majority of her career focused on the development of young girls and their ability to reach their highest potential. She helped start the Women's Leadership program at her alma mater, which grew to become a part of President Barack Obama's National Honor Roll. In addition, she has served in a multitude of high-level leadership positions as well as on executive boards, at both the local and national level, to ensure equity and access to higher education.

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

• The origin and mission of Shero's Rise, an organization focused on empowering girls through self-discovery and the development of essential life skills

• The 12 pillars of Shero's Rise, which include self-esteem, empathy, courage, and gratitude

• The impact of the organization's programs, such as the Ignite the Force program and the recent Shero's Rise Summit

• How listeners can kick off 2024 by making a profound impact on the lives of young girls

To make a donation: https://www.sherosrise.org/s/donate?language=en_US

Information on Shero's Rise programming: https://www.sherosrise.org/s/programs?language=en_US

Apply to become a mentor: https://www.sherosrise.org/s/volunteer?language=en_US

Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sherosrise