Stop Faking Fine

EP44. Have you ever felt like you’re living in constant fight or flight, trying to process grief while keeping it all together?

In this deeply moving episode, Erin Blechman shares her powerful journey of loss and resilience after the tragic suicide of her son, Max. She bravely delves into the complex emotions of grief and the unique challenges of losing a child to mental illness. Through her raw and heartfelt story, Erin sheds light on the misunderstood nature of mental illness and the vital importance of open conversations about depression and suicide.

Join us as we uncover the impact of grief on family dynamics and other relationships, as well as the profound healing that comes from actively navigating through the pain. Erin's courageous storytelling offers practical advice for processing complex emotions, finding solace in community, and discovering hope after trauma.

Whether you're personally grappling with grief or supporting a loved one through difficult times, this episode provides powerful tools and inspiration to help you keep moving forward.

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Erin’s Book - MY UNEXPECTED JOURNEY: Reflections After Losing my Son to Suicide

⇢  Grief Support Group for Bereaved Parents

⇢ Download Your Free Nutrition Cheat Sheet

⇢ Support Your Gut + Stress Resilience with Happy Juice

⇢ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

⇢ EP 19 Gut Check: What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Antidepressants

⇢ EP 27 From Burnout to Balance: A Caregivers Path to Combating Anxiety

⇢ EP 32 What Do You Do When Something Bad Happens


In This Episode We Cover:

• The real impact of mental illness and the stigma surrounding it
• Why grief looks different for every family member
• How to actively process grief through action and community
• The importance of faith, anger, and finding hope after trauma
• Practical tips for supporting someone grieving the loss of a child

Connect with Erin Blechman:

⇢ Instagram: @erin.blechman

⇢ Web: Erin Blechman

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

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Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP 43. In this episode I sit down with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti, a pharmacist turned functional medicine practitioner, to dive deep into gut health, cortisol management, and how to truly get to the root of your health issues. After over 20 years in the pharmacy world, Dr. Chichilitti made a massive career shift and retired from traditional medicine to focus on what really matters—helping people heal from the inside out.

We chat about the overwhelming stress, inflammation, and nervous system burnout that so many of us face, and how she discovered a better way to support her health. She opens up about her personal journey of being on birth control from a young age, dealing with endometriosis, and spending 16 years on antidepressants. Dr. Kourtney shares the pivotal moment that led her to take control of her own health through holistic practices, focusing on the gut-brain connection, and getting off meds.

If you’re ready to break free from prescriptions, constant exhaustion, and feeling like you’re not in control of your health, this episode is a must-listen!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics:  Happy Juice
save $10 with promo: DANA

⇢ Book a call  with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

Key Takeaways:

-  How gut health impacts everything from mood to inflammation

-  The power of probiotics and the gut-brain connection 

-  Why Traditional Pharmacy is broken 

-  The dangers of low-quality supplements and how to find the right  ones

-  Real talk about birth control, antidepressants, and their long-term side effects. 

-  How stress and cortisol wreck your nervous system- and how to fix it.

-  Actionable steps to start healing from the inside out and build true stress resilience. 

Connect with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

⇢ Book a call with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

⇢ Linked In: Dr KourtneyChichilitti

⇢ Instagram: Dr KourtneyChichilitti

⇢ Book a call with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

_____

Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP42. You’ve heard it said: you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with. But what if the biggest factor in determining your success was about the stories you tell yourself most often?

Is your mental narrative holding you back from being the person you desire to be?

In this episode, podcastor and author, Elizabeth Benton, shares her journey of struggling with weight and body image and how she overcame it by addressing the underlying stories and beliefs she had about herself. She shares the pivotal moment for change when she learned to confront the deep-rooted stories and beliefs that were shaping her reality.

The stories you tell yourself can either push you forward or keep you stuck, and recognizing them is the first step toward true transformation. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance speed with lasting success, this episode is for you!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Register for Elizabeth's course:  Upgrade

⇢ Download The FREE Healthy Habits Journal: HERE


In This Episode We Cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 05:55 Recognizing and Addressing Stories and Beliefs
• 09:10 The Power of Slowing Down
• 11:58 Understanding Individual Barriers
• 14:09 Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage
• 15:00 Understanding the Frontal Lobe and Autopilot Behavior
• 17:55 The Importance of Slowing Down for Better Decision Making
• 20:50 Speed vs. Sustainability in Achieving Goals
• 24:09 Identifying Willingness vs. Desire for Change
• 26:50 Introducing the Upgrade Course for Lasting Change
• 30:05 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Building Resilience

Connect with Elizabeth Benton:

⇢ Instagram: @ElizabethBenton

⇢ Website: Primal Potential

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP41. Losing a parent at a young age changes you. Ryan Bowles was in college when he got the call his dad had been in an accident. His life is forever marked before and after by that moment. My conversation with Ryan is so dear to my heart because I saw so much of my own grief story in the dynamics he shared. After his father’s death, Ryan took on the role of being a support system to his mother and brother. How the newly appointed eldest man in the home led his family through grief without losing faith is inspiring and enlightening.  You will walk away from this episode with tools and strategies to not only better handle grief yourself but also to show up better for those around you who are suffering. If you need a little nudge letting go of expectations and embracing healing and hope so you can move forward, give this conversation a listen.

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Join the Facebook: Good Grief Community

⇢ Good Grief Free Support Guide


In This Episode We Cover:

• 00:00 Ryan’s story of loss
• 06:44 Supporting Loved Ones Through Grief
• 13:19 Coping Mechanisms and Comforting Rituals
• 17:37 Finding Purpose in Loss
• 20:47 Faith and Spirituality in Grief
• 25:46 Seeking Professional Help
• 28:14 Continuing the Connection
• 29:01 Grief and Loss: Personal Experiences
• 30:18 Finding Connection in Shared Loss
• 31:16 The Power of Empathy and Compassion
• 36:16 Blending Families and Finding Blessings
• 39:39 Teaching Resilience and Compassion to Children
• 43:48 Parenting with a Laid-Back Approach
• 48:28 Honoring Loved Ones through Shared Experiences
• 53:06 Building a Supportive Community for Grief

Connect with Ryan Bowles:

⇢ Instagram: @goodgriefhq

⇢ Follow the Good Grief Podcast

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP40. Women spend years in some sort of hormonal flux, from puberty to pregnancy to perimenopause. Understanding the changes is critical to help you manage those years without faking fine. In my conversation with Performance Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Churchill, we dive into menopause and its impact on a woman’s performance. We tackle brain health, better sleep and boundaries!

For women, midlife doesn’t come without sacrifice and loss. Jennifer opens up about being single at this stage and not having a family of her own, and the assumptions of others who thought it was a choice. Her story reminds us of the importance of  empathy, acceptance, and creating a safe space for women to share their experiences.

And just for fun… what does she have to say about editing dreams?? You’ll want to hear this!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢  Book a call with Jen
Meet with Jennifer for a Shared Vision Session to map out your leadership and life goals.  She will help you define a clear vision to elevate your Mid-Career impact and prime yourself for your healthiest version in MidLife!

⇢ Shop Happy Hormones Pack
Save $10 with code: DANA

⇢ Have a question about the Happy Hormones Pack? 
Text  PODCAST to (434) 360-1525


In This Episode We Cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:16 The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Women's Performance
• 09:06 Brain Health and Long-Term Effects
• 13:31 Improving Sleep for Better Performance
• 16:50 Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace
• 19:30 Empathy and Acceptance
• 20:15 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause
• 22:02 Creating a Safe Space
• 23:26 Appreciating the Journey
• 26:51 Editing Dreams
• 32:11 Boundaries and Self-Care

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Churchill:

⇢ Linked In: @JenniferChurchillLeadership

⇢ Instagram: @DrJenniferChurchill

⇢ Website:  JenniferChurchill.com

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP39. Infrared therapy has elevated my daily health routine. If you’ve been hearing the hype and wondering what it’s all about, this episode is for you. I talked with Jessica Alcalde of HigherDOSE about the power of biohacking and the science behind infrared and red light therapy. I use red light therapy because it boosts your mood and combats the blue light from the technology we use all day. I also get the best sleep on the days I prioritize this habit. Tune in and find out how it can impact skin and hair too. You’ll get the truth about infrared saunas, blankets, dry brushing and PEMF therapy. Plus Jessica shares her insight on optimizing the products and stacking habits that make a huge difference in the fight against panic attacks, wrinkles, and inflammation. Whether you’ve already jumped in with infrared therapies or you’re looking to up your game, this episode is for you!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Shop Infrared: HigherDOSE
     save 15% with promo: DANA

⇢ Download my : Free Nutrition Cheat Sheet
Lower Inflammation one bite at a time


In This Episode We Cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and Misconceptions about Biohacking
• 03:45 Understanding the Difference Between Traditional Saunas and Infrared Saunas
• 07:33 The Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Infrared Therapy
• 20:37 Exploring the Benefits of Red Light Therapy
• 27:48 Integrating Infrared and Red Light Therapy into Daily Routines
• 32:12 Infrared Therapy for Skin and Hair
• 39:28 Benefits of Saunas and Blankets
• 45:59 PEMF Therapy for Healing
• 51:27 Minimizing EMF Exposure and Grounding
• 58:20 Consistency for Optimal Results

Connect with Jessica Alcalde of Higher Dose:

⇢ SHOP Infrared and save 15%:  Higher DOSE
    use promo: DANA

⇢ Instagram: @HigherDose

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP38. What do you do when someone shares a sad story?  Katie Quesada is an amazing storytelling coach. I’ve had the pleasure of attending her workshops. When I saw a social media post she did a few weeks ago, it literally stopped me dead in my tracks.

We’ve all had a moment when someone shares a deep loss with us and we don’t know what to say. Or maybe you’ve been on the other side. You share a loss with someone and they stumble through a response.

In this episode Katie shares how both sides can do better! She walks us through what it looks like to be present and lean in with the right kinds of questions and understanding. You’ll learn to love your friends and family better when they need it most and how you can share your pain in a way that will help others support you.

I know you’re going to love this conversation!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢  Join Story School and SAVE $100  (Only $397)

15 lessons packed with tangible skills for telling better stories from the dinner table to the board room. If you want to be a better storyteller start Story School today with this exclusive link for our community.

In this episode we cover:

• Introduction and the Two Sides of the Storytelling Scenario
• The Importance of Leaning In and Being Present
• Asking Open-Ended Questions to Create Space for Sharing
• Avoiding Comparisons and Trying to Fix the Situation
• Sharing What You've Learned from Difficult Experiences
• The Power of Storytelling in Grief
• Navigating Conversations with Grieving Individuals
• Setting Boundaries and Crafting Canned Responses
• Living in an RV and Launching Story School
  
  
  

Connect with Katie:

⇢ LinkedIn: @KatieQuesada
⇢ Instagram: @aatieQuesada
⇢ Work with Katie: www.KatieQuesada.com
⇢ $100 off the Workshop: Join Story School

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP37. In Episode 22 Tricia Thirey and I dove into the complexities of dating, healing, and the impact of others' judgment on our individual widow journeys. We tackle the big feelings and hurt that come along with learning to stand alone as a widow, and also had a few giggles along the way. That conversation sparked so much positive feedback and deeper questions. When should you take your wedding rings off? What about all of the pictures on the walls?  How do you balance the delicate line of keeping the memories alive while growing forward into that next chapter?  Buckle up, because we answer all the questions and more in this episode! 

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Tune In 🎧: Episode 22 , Dating after Loss with Dana & Tricia.

⇢  All the Details + Save $10 on: Happy Juice

⇢  Learn More on Calming Your Cortisol

⇢  BOOK: Sunlight Burning at Midnight

⇢ Tune In 🎧: Episode 29 , From First Date to Blended Family with Dana & Neil.

Key Takeaways:

• Introduction and Friendship
• Balancing Honoring the Past and Moving Forward
• Preventing Comparison in New Relationships
• When Do You Take the Rings Off
• Maintaining Relationships with In-Laws
• Triggers Related to Grief
• Using Tools to Show Up for Yourself and Your New Relationship
  
  

Connect with Tricia Thirey:

⇢ Instagram: @ChoosingJoyInEveryMoment

⇢ Visit Her Website:  ChoosingJoyInEveryMoment.com

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP36. You will never walk through the grocery store the same way after this episode! Jen Smiley had a wakeup call in the middle of the aisle, feeling completely deceived by seemingly healthy products packed with ingredients she couldn’t even pronounce. Ingredients that create inflammation and sabotage your goals. Now, reading labels is Jen’s jam and in this episode, she shares some information that will help you make smarter choices. 
From coffee (you are going to love this part!) to milk, rice and even which oil is the best to use, Jen’s insight will shift your grocery list. Our conversation cuts through the confusion, giving you the truth about eating healthy with practical solutions you can incorporate immediately!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢  Lower Inflammation one bite at a time: Free Nutrition Cheat Sheet

⇢ 3 Morning Foods that are Killing Your Energy: FREE GUIDE

⇢  Shop PaleoValley Beef Jerky  save 15% with this link

⇢  Shop Pique Nandaka Coffee Alternative  save 15% with this link

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of reading labels.
• Getting rid of coffee jitters.
• Making peace with your morning cup of coffee.
• What she says about milk that might surprise you.
• Jen’s go-to healthy snacks.
• Suggestions for staying healthy when you are eating out at any restaurant.
• The breakfast food you should never eat to reduce bloating and inflammation.
• How to raise kids who eat healthier.
• Information on Jen’s Clean Eating Academy.

Connect with Jen Smiley:

⇢ Instagram: @WakeUpAndReadTheLabels
⇢ Podcast: Wake Up And Read The Labels
⇢ Work with Jen:  WakeUpAndReadTheLabels.com

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

To continue on to Episode 33: Building Stress Resilience: Three Habits to Overcome Challenges, click here!

EP35. Grief is weird and brutal; and can be suffocating. In this episode, I open up about the moment I became a widow and the hard moments that followed. I stuffed my dead husband’s ashes in a closet. True story.

I share some deeply personal experiences to encourage you to stop stuffing whatever it is you don’t want to face and recognize you are not alone. I’m being totally honest because I know now that it is critical to confront our feelings so you don’t spend years ‘faking fine.’

Cancer may have killed my husband, but faking fine almost killed me. My cortisol levels were out of control and I couldn’t figure out how to prioritize myself in the overwhelm of  loss. What I’ve learned can help you survive challenges better than I did. What I share in this podcast will help you fight for YOU.

Take my hand; I’ll walk you through it.

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Episode 33: Building Stress Resilience: Three Habits to Overcome Challenges

⇢ Keep Your Cortisol in Check with: Happy Juice

⇢ Happy Juice shopping cart with $10 savings: Start Today

Key Takeaways:

• Grieving isn't easy, it takes intention and strategy to process your emotions.
• Prioritizing yourself in the chaos is crucial.
• Stuffing your feelings and pretending everything's okay only makes the healing process harder.
• It's up to each of us to take responsibility for our own well-being and fight to be the best version of ourselves.

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice
⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis
⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis
⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis
⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com
⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.