In this powerful and deeply human episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with internationally acclaimed violinist Dina Nesterenko to explore performance anxiety, fear, control, and what it truly means to reclaim freedom in both art and life. What unfolds is an honest, vulnerable conversation about healing in unexpected ways and learning to trust yourself again.

Dina shares her extraordinary journey from growing up as a child prodigy in Siberia during the collapse of the Soviet Union, to competing on the world’s most prestigious stages and studying at elite institutions like Curtis and Juilliard. Along the way, she opens up about the intense pressure, criticism, and emotional harm she experienced, challenges that deeply impacted her confidence and led to severe performance anxiety.

Shelly and Dina dive into the surprising role skydiving played in Dina’s healing. As a licensed skydiver, Dina explains how facing fear head-on, learning emergency procedures, and embracing imperfection transformed her relationship with anxiety, control, and self-expression. Together, they explore how fear often lives in anticipation rather than action, how perfectionism limits growth, and how letting go of scarcity and obsession can open the door to fulfillment and opportunity.

This conversation is a moving reflection on courage, resilience, and the freedom that comes from choosing growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear often lives in anticipation. Anxiety is strongest before the moment, not during the action itself.

• Control shapes anxiety. Understanding what you can and cannot control changes how fear shows up in your life.

• Perfectionism limits growth. Mistakes can be powerful teachers when self-compassion replaces self-criticism.

• Discomfort creates freedom. Choosing to face fear intentionally can lead to profound healing and confidence.

• Letting go invites abundance. Releasing obsession and scarcity allows opportunities to unfold naturally.

• Growth is painful, but transformative. True change requires discomfort, patience, and trust in the process.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, life coach, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Guest Dina Nesterenko is an internationally acclaimed violinist, educator, and performer known for her fearless artistry and emotional depth. Raised as a child prodigy in Siberia, she represented Russia in major international competitions before continuing her studies at Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School on full scholarship. In addition to her musical career, Dina is a licensed skydiver who credits the sport with helping her overcome performance anxiety, perfectionism, and fear. She continues to perform internationally while inspiring others through her story of resilience and transformation.

Learn more and listen to her performances on YouTube: Dina Nesterenko violin

In this warm and encouraging episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Kelsey Marie, a talented esthetician and young entrepreneur who is redefining wellness through confidence, consistency, and genuine connection. Together, they explore the relationship between inner well-being and outer care, and how intentional self-care can be both healing and empowering.

Kelsey shares how her passion for aesthetics began early, how she moved straight from high school into aesthetic school, and what it took to build her business from the ground up. She speaks candidly about trial and error, finding clients through courage and persistence, and learning how to balance artistry with the realities of running a business.

Shelly and Kelsey discuss the importance of mindset, choosing opportunities that support both mental health and professional growth, and the value of healthy competition and mentorship. They also explore how working closely with clients, especially women in seasons of transition, allows aesthetics to become a powerful tool for confidence, healing, and connection.

This conversation is an honest look at entrepreneurship, wellness, and what it means to truly care for yourself and others while building something meaningful.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence is built through consistency.  Healthy routines and intentional care help people feel stronger from the inside out.

• Wellness is both internal and external. Feeling good in your body supports emotional healing and self-esteem.

• Entrepreneurship requires courage. Building a business means taking initiative, embracing discomfort, and showing up.

• Competition can be healthy. When approached with the right mindset, it pushes growth and raises standards.

• Opportunities require intention. Not every opportunity supports mental health and long-term vision.

• Community matters. Supportive workplaces and mentors play a critical role in personal and professional fulfillment.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, life coach, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Guest Kelsey Marie is a licensed esthetician and entrepreneur based in Paducah, Kentucky. She specializes in a wide range of facial services, including nano infusion facials, dermaplaning, and lash lifts and tints. Known for her client-centered approach, Kelsey is passionate about helping people feel confident, supported, and cared for, especially during seasons of transition and healing. She currently practices at Serendipity Spa in downtown Paducah.

Connect with Kelsey on social media:

Facebook: Kelsey Marie Esthetician

Instagram: @__estheticsbykels

In this beautiful and thought-provoking episode, Shelly O’Neal welcomes internationally acclaimed orchestral conductor Raffaele Livio Ponti, whose life story is as compelling as the symphonies he brings to life. Together, they explore the intersection of music, humanity, resilience, and the changing rhythms of our modern world.

Raffaele shares his family’s immigrant beginnings, his early years surrounded by Italian opera, and the unexpected path that led him from violin to trumpet to conducting some of the world's premier orchestras. His reflections on discipline, mentorship, and imposter syndrome paint an honest portrait of what it means to excel at a young age, and to continually rise to the moment when the target keeps moving.

Shelly and Raffaele dive deep into the evolving landscape of music and art, the power of community, and why live performance matters more than ever in a world saturated with technology. They unpack how our pace of life shapes our emotional rhythm and reconnect over the shared belief that true fulfillment comes not from perfection, but from presence, vulnerability, and the courage to grow.

This conversation is a masterclass in meaning, mindfulness, and the healing potential of art.

Key Takeaways:

• Art is community. Music is meant to be shared, our hearts literally sync when we listen together.

• Resilience is flexibility. The goal shifts, life changes, and success requires continual adaptation.

• Perfection isn’t the point. True art, and true life, lives in the flaws, risks, and human moments.

• Technology gives us access, not connection. Overstimulation can drown out curiosity, engagement, and authentic creativity.

• Rhythm shapes emotion. The pace of our cities, our schedules, and our music influences how we feel and how we live.

• Presence heals. Music, movement, and shared experience regulate the nervous system and bring us back to ourselves.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Guest Raffaele Livio Ponti is an internationally acclaimed conductor celebrated for his dynamic personality, charismatic performances and richly expressive interpretations. Built on the mentorship of the great Giuseppe Sinopoli, he combines intellectual depth with an emotional, color-filled sound that engages both musicians and audiences. With a busy global schedule leading major orchestras across Europe and the U.S., he also teaches, coaches and collaborates with prominent contemporary composers and soloists, bringing classical music to life with creativity, community and impact.

Learn more about his work at rponti.com.

In this insightful and empowering episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Amy Hartmann, founder and CEO of SoTrue, a podcast production agency that helps businesses grow through meaningful conversations and authentic storytelling. Together, they explore the intersection of wellness, leadership, and entrepreneurship—and how intentional choices can transform not only how we work, but how we live.

Amy shares her journey from teacher to founder, how she built a thriving marketing company by accident, and why she ultimately chose to focus exclusively on podcasting. She opens up about a life-changing health scare that forced her to rethink stress, boundaries, and success—and how those lessons have reshaped the way she leads her company and supports her team.

Shelly and Amy discuss the evolution of podcasting, the balance between technology and human connection, and what it means to build a culture rooted in trust, delegation, and purpose. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and redefining success on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose creates longevity. When your work aligns with your mission, impact naturally follows.

• Boundaries are leadership. Saying no and setting limits models healthy success for your team.

• Hustle isn’t health. Constant productivity without balance leads to burnout—not achievement.

• Connection is the future. In a world of AI, real human conversations remain irreplaceable.

• Delegation builds culture. Empowering others strengthens your team and your wellbeing.

• Wellness is a practice. Movement, rest, hydration, and gratitude matter as much as any business metric.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Amy Hartmann is the founder and CEO of SoTrue, a podcast production and strategy company helping business owners grow their reach, authority, and revenue through intentional podcasting. With a background in education and marketing, Amy has built multiple successful companies and now dedicates her work to helping others amplify their message and impact.

Connect with Amy online:www.sotruemedia.com

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Sara Horak, creator of The Know Your Neighbor Game, to explore how one simple idea sparked a movement toward connection, empathy, and mental wellness. What began as a way to help her children make friends has now grown into a nationally recognized social-emotional learning tool used in schools, workplaces, and homes across the country.

Sara shares how her journey as a mom, entrepreneur, and advocate for mental health led her to design a game that helps people, of all ages, rediscover the joy of genuine human connection. She opens up about the personal stories behind the game’s creation, the heartwarming moments that affirmed her mission, and why kindness and small acts of compassion can change lives.

Together, Shelly and Sara discuss how isolation affects emotional health, why connection is essential to wellness, and how laughter and curiosity can bridge differences. They also touch on simple daily habits that strengthen both mental and physical well-being, from walking and yoga to mindful acts of kindness.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, leader, or simply someone craving deeper connection, this conversation is a powerful reminder that one person, and one moment of kindness, can truly make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Connection heals. The Know Your Neighbor Game creates meaningful engagement that helps combat isolation.

• Small actions matter. Even one kind gesture can change someone’s day, or life.

• Laughter unites us. Humor and play are powerful tools for building trust and community.

• Wellness is a daily practice. Simple habits like walking, meditation, and gratitude strengthen overall well-being.

• Kindness multiplies. Paying it forward creates ripples of positivity that extend far beyond ourselves.

• Everyone can make a difference. You don’t have to save the world, just start with one person, one moment, one starfish.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Sara Horak is the creator of The Know Your Neighbor Game, a social-emotional learning and team-building tool that fosters connection, communication, and belonging across classrooms, companies, and communities. What started at her family’s kitchen table has become a nationwide movement promoting kindness and conversation.

Connect with Sara and explore The Know Your Neighbor Game:knowyourneighborgame.com

Instagram: @knowyourneighbor_game

In this uplifting and inspiring episode, Shelly O’Neal welcomes motivational speaker and two-time cancer survivor Adrienne Slaughter for a conversation about resilience, mindset, and choosing joy no matter what life brings. From surviving childhood bone cancer and a double mastectomy to thriving after a near-fatal car accident, Adrienne’s story is one of extraordinary faith, perseverance, and purpose.

Shelly and Adrienne explore what it means to not just survive, but to truly live an abundant, joyful life after hardship. Adrienne shares how faith, family, and community shaped her outlook, why she greets each day with gratitude, and how smiling became both her signature and her superpower. Together, they discuss the connection between physical and mental wellness, the healing power of kindness, and the importance of finding purpose through adversity.

Whether you’re navigating a tough season or simply need a reminder of the strength you already have, this conversation is a powerful testament to the human spirit, and the life-changing power of choosing gratitude and grace every single day.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith fuels resilience: Adrienne’s unshakable faith in God guided her through illness, recovery, and loss.

• Mindset matters: A decision to prove the doctors wrong became the foundation of a lifelong commitment to perseverance.

• Gratitude is a practice: Adrienne begins each morning by smiling and thanking God for another day.

• Movement supports healing: Staying physically active strengthens both body and mind.

• Kindness is contagious: Small acts of positivity, like smiling at a stranger, can brighten someone’s entire day.

• Adversity isn’t the end: Even in the hardest seasons, the sun still shines behind the clouds.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Adrienne Slaughter is a motivational speaker, cancer survivor, and founder of Adrienne Speaks with a Smile. After surviving childhood bone cancer, a double mastectomy, and a life-threatening car accident, she has devoted her life to inspiring others to face challenges with courage and optimism. Adrienne’s message is rooted in faith, gratitude, and the belief that smiles, and perseverance, can change lives.

Connect with Adrienne online: adriennespeaking.com

In this engaging and practical episode, Shelly O’Neal welcomes Dr. Tanner Evans of West Kentucky Chiropractic, along with his teaching sidekick, “Benny the Skeleton”, to explore the often-overlooked power of breathwork and body awareness. Drawing from his chiropractic practice, Dr. Evans explains how breathing impacts everything from spinal alignment to emotional regulation, and why the diaphragm is one of the body’s most important stabilizers. He and Shelly dive into the connection between posture, proprioception, and nervous system regulation, showing how something as simple as mindful breathing can transform both physical health and mental well-being. 

Together, they walk through an easy diaphragmatic breathing exercise you can try at home, unpack why adjustments matter, and highlight the deep link between movement, mood, and quality of life. Whether you’re curious about chiropractic care, looking for tools to manage stress and anxiety, or simply want to improve your overall health, this episode offers simple, actionable ways to breathe better, move smarter, and live more fully.

Key Takeaways:

• Breathwork is foundational: Regulating the body through breath impacts both physical and emotional health.

• Proprioception matters: Awareness of where your body is in space supports balance, stability, and injury prevention.

• Diaphragmatic breathing is a game changer: A few minutes a week can improve core stability, reduce stress, and increase energy.

• Posture affects more than appearance: A collapsed or protective posture restricts breathing and reinforces stress patterns.

• Chiropractic care goes beyond “cracking”: Adjustments create motion, support alignment, and improve both physical and mental well-being.

• Movement fuels longevity: Staying active over time is essential for resilience, quality of life, and overall wellness.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Dr. Tanner Evans is a chiropractor at West Kentucky Chiropractic in Benton, Kentucky. Passionate about helping people move and feel better, he combines adjustments, breathwork, and rehabilitation strategies to support patients in reaching long-term wellness and resilience. His approachable style and focus on whole-person care make him a trusted partner in his community’s health.

Connect with him online: West Kentucky Chiropractic

In this candid and encouraging episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Heather Thompson, CHRO of the Nashville Zoo, to explore what it really takes to balance a demanding career, family life, and personal well-being. Drawing from her years in HR, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership, Heather shares how intentional boundaries and realistic expectations have helped her navigate seasons of change, heavy workloads, and the emotional demands of supporting others.

From carving out uninterrupted family time to embracing the power of “no,” Heather offers practical strategies for protecting your energy without sacrificing your impact. She and Shelly discuss the burnout epidemic, especially in HR, and how leaders can model the work-life balance they want their teams to embrace. They also unpack the importance of meaningful work, spiritual grounding, and focusing on what’s truly within your control.

Whether you’re a leader managing people, a parent juggling multiple roles, or simply looking for ways to stay grounded in a busy season, this conversation is full of real-life wisdom and permission to prioritize what matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• Protect the hours that matter: Heather shares how setting a non-negotiable block of family time each evening keeps her grounded.

• The power of “no”: Saying no to lower-value commitments makes space for what’s truly important.

• Burnout has many roots: Emotional load, constant change, and operational overwhelm can all play a role.

• Leaders must model balance: Policies mean little without leaders actively creating space for employees to rest and disconnect.

• Meaningful work fuels resilience: Aligning your job with your values makes it easier to weather challenges.

• Focus on what’s in your control: Letting go of what you can’t change frees up energy for what you can.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Heather Thompson is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Nashville Zoo, bringing more than two decades of experience across HR, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. She is passionate about creating supportive, balanced workplaces where both people and organizations can thrive. A devoted wife and mom, Heather believes in leading with empathy, intentionality, and realistic expectations, at work and at home.

Connect with her online: linkedin.com/in/heather-thompson-phr-shrm-scp-2191972b/

In this insightful and timely episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with physician assistant and children’s mental health expert Haley Herndon to talk about digital detox, and why it matters now more than ever. With screens dominating so much of our daily lives, especially for kids and teens, Haley unpacks what constant digital engagement is doing to our brains, emotions, relationships, and ability to be present.

Haley shares practical guidance for setting boundaries around devices, understanding the neuroscience behind screen addiction, and why empathy and emotional regulation are harder to develop when we’re overstimulated by nonstop content. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just feeling the impact of your own screen time, this conversation offers clarity, tools, and perspective for a healthier relationship with technology.

Together, Shelly and Haley explore how to raise self-aware, emotionally resilient kids in a tech-driven world, and how to model better habits ourselves, one intentional choice at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• Dopamine and devices: Haley explains how fast-paced screen content triggers dopamine surges that can make it harder to cope when the device is taken away.

• Behavioral red flags: Increased irritability, sleep problems, and difficulty focusing may be tied to screen overuse, not just behavioral or developmental concerns.

• Real-life connection matters: Face-to-face interaction builds empathy, regulation, and emotional skills that screens simply can’t replicate.

• Create screen-free zones: From “no phones at dinner” to “no screens behind closed doors,” Haley shares boundary ideas to keep families engaged and safe.

• Delay when you can: Why waiting until middle school (or later) for personal devices and social media access can be protective and powerful.

• Start with yourself: Kids do what they see. Shelly and Haley discuss how adult modeling can set the tone for healthier tech habits in the home.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Haley Herndon is a board-certified physician assistant and the Director of Children’s Medical Services at Emerald Therapy Center (https://emeraldtherapycenter.com). A passionate advocate for pediatric mental health, she works closely with families to address behavioral challenges, emotional regulation, and the impacts of screen time. As a mom of two young kids, Haley brings both professional insight and real-life experience to her work, encouraging families to lead with empathy, intentionality, and connection

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Shelly O’Neal sits down with Kim and Jason Cates for a candid conversation about marriage, addiction recovery, and what it really takes to build a healthy, intentional life after years of chaos. Together for over three decades, Kim and Jason share the highs and lows of their journey, from the moment Jason decided to seek help to how they’ve learned to rebuild trust and create a new rhythm for their relationship.

They open up about the daily practices that keep them grounded, why recovery is about so much more than abstinence, and how letting go of control became a turning point for Kim. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating recovery, or supporting someone who is, reminding us that transformation is possible, one intentional step at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• Daily habits matter: How simple, consistent practices like morning readings and quiet time set the tone for a grounded day.

• More than sobriety: Jason shares how recovery taught him new ways to handle stress, build patience, and embrace a life he actually enjoys.

• Separate but together: Kim explains the importance of working on her own healing while supporting Jason on his timeline.

• Community is critical: Why meetings became a lifeline for both of them, offering connection, accountability, and hope.

• Redefining fun: From hiking and golf to lake days without chaos, Kim and Jason talk about discovering joy and adventure in sobriety.

___

Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com 

Connect with her online: 

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/ 

___

Kim and Jason Cates are high school sweethearts who’ve spent the last three years rewriting their story through recovery, healing, and intentional living. Married for 27 years and proud parents to two sons, they share their journey with authenticity, humor, and hope, proving that life after addiction can be rich with connection, peace, and joy.

Today, Kim and Jason are passionate about encouraging others on the path to healing. As entrepreneurs, they own and operate multiple real estate and property development businesses in Kentucky and Illinois. Kim brings a deep background in education and counseling to her current work as a certified professional coach, offering guidance to those ready to reclaim their lives.

Together, they are living proof that restoration is possible, and that the best chapters can come after the hardest ones