In this raw and real episode of the Beautiful Grit, Gwen Dittmar welcomes Gina Lamanna, the visionary behind The Fondle Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their breast health through self-advocacy, awareness, and holistic wellness. Founded by fashion stylist and entrepreneur Gina Lamanna, a breast cancer survivor who detected her cancer through self-examination after two false-negative mammograms and a misdiagnosis, the initiative emphasizes the importance of regular self-exams and early detection.

The Fondle Project’s mission focuses on building community through storytelling, fostering self-love, and promoting holistic wellness. By destigmatizing cancer and encouraging women to embrace their bodies, scars, and vulnerabilities as sources of strength and beauty, The Fondle Project creates spaces where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated in their healing journeys.

Through fashion-forward campaigns and collaborations with female-founded brands, The Fondle Project raises awareness about the importance of early detection and self-advocacy. By merging fashion with advocacy, the organization provides survivors with tools to reclaim their confidence, femininity, and sexuality. These initiatives aim to educate, inspire, and empower women, offering hope and promoting body positivity throughout their breast health journeys.

In the episode, Gina shares about her former career, the beautiful, gritty path of discovering a lump, and following her intuition despite being told otherwise, and how important self-touch, breast exams, and radical self-care is for women. Together, we discuss the importance of breaking through shame, honoring the body’s wisdom, and using mindful practices to cultivate deeper self-awareness and pleasure.

Our Guest:

Gina Lamanna and The Fondle Project

Website: https://thefondleproject.org

Instagram: @thefondleproject

About Gwen:

Website: https://www.gwendittmar.com

Instagram: @gwendittmar

To join the next Grounded Group: https://www.gwendittmar.com/grounded-group

The Reality of Mental Load in Marriage and Motherhood with Paige Connell

In this raw episode of the Beautiful Grit Podcast, Paige Connell, creator of She is a Paige Turner, discusses what mental load means, and how it shows up for women in marriage, and motherhood. Paige shares her story of her breaking point, the part she played in her burnout, embracing life’s unexpected plot twists, and the resilience she discovered as a result.

Through her viral insights on the invisible labor women shoulder at home and the policies needed to support working families, Paige has sparked national conversations on gender equity, the mental load of motherhood, and the urgent need for affordable childcare and paid leave.

As a working mother of four, Paige has built a powerful community of over half a million followers by sharing relatable, thought-provoking content about the realities of modern motherhood. Paige is a passionate advocate for childcare and paid family leave, working closely with organizations like Care.com, Moms First, Fair Play, Caring Across Generations, Mother Forward, and more.

Paige shares her journey of personal transformation, the lessons she’s learned through life’s challenges, and how she helps others rewrite their narratives with courage and authenticity. Through her work, she empowers women to turn the pages of their lives with confidence and grace.

We discuss:

What is mental load, and how do we determine what ours is

How to set boundaries to support our mental load limits and mental health

Paige’s journey to creating She is a Paige Turner and what it means to own your story

How to navigate life’s transitions with resilience and self-trust

The power of storytelling in personal growth and healing

Practical ways to rewrite limiting beliefs and step into your true self

This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, ready to embrace change, or looking for inspiration to turn the page on a new chapter. Paige’s wisdom is a reminder that our stories are still being written—and we hold the pen.

Our Guest:

Paige Turner Website: https://www.sheisapaigeturner.com/

Instagram: @sheisapaigeturner Paige's Free Guide: https://paigeconnell.myflodesk.com/freeguide

About Gwen: Website: https://www.gwendittmar.com

Instagram: @gwendittmar

Upcoming Breathwork Certifications: East Coast April-May-June and Virtual Sep-Oct-Nov https://www.gwendittmar.com/activation-training

Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off

Expansion Membership includes monthly virtual events, and $20 off for upcoming events in San Antonio, Baltimore, and Philadelphia

https://gwen-dittmar-consulting-inc.mn.co/plans/1486140?bundle_token=b41146dcb4550dd7325a05ee38eb41e5&utm_source=manual

#TheBeautifulGrit #SheIsAPaigeTurner #PaigeConnell #Storytelling #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #mentalload #motherhoodmentalload #motherhoodburnout

The Terrain of Truth: Rethinking Health with Jacob Diaz

In this eye-opening episode of The Beautiful Grit Podcast, Jacob Diaz, also known as the @undercovervirologist on Instagram, challenges conventional understanding about health and illness and the true nature of viruses, germs, and bacteria.

Jacob attended the Bigelsen Academy of Holographic Blood and earned a Certificate as a Naturopathic Practitioner. As the host of Germs Are Friends Podcast on Spotify, Jacob aims to demystify germ theory and educate on terrain theory. Jacob also assisted in creating a bio-terrain online school, which had over 110K enrollees, headed by Alec Zeck at The Way Forward, Jacob has been assisted with giving a different perspective on the role of viruses, germs, and bacteria in disease, health, and wellbeing.

Through his research and work at Terrain U.V., Jacob has ignited discussions around the flaws in germ theory, the role of toxins and nutrition in disease, and the power of natural healing. His insights encourage listeners to rethink fear-driven approach to illness, everything they’ve been taught about sickness and immunity, sparking curiosity and a desire for deeper exploration, and a return to nature’s wisdom.

We discuss:

The difference between germ theory and terrain theory

How environmental factors impact health and disease

The myths and misconceptions surrounding viruses

Why detoxification and nutrition are key to true wellness

The importance of critical thinking in health decisions

How to reclaim agency over your own well-being

Our Guest:

Jacob Diaz

Website: https://www.terrainuv.com/

Instagram: @undercovervirologist

About Gwen:

Website: https://www.gwendittmar.com

Instagram: @gwendittmar

Upcoming Breathwork Certifications: East Coast April-May-June and Virtual Sep-Oct-Nov. Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off

https://www.gwendittmar.com/activation-training

Use PODCAST25 for $25 off on an upcoming events in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago Baltimore, and Philadelphia

https://gwen-dittmar-consulting-inc.mn.co/plans/1486140?bundle_token=b41146dcb4550dd7325a05ee38eb41e5&utm_source=manual

#TheBeautifulGrit #HealthRevolution #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #NaturalHealing #MindBodyConnection #TerrainTheory #GermTheoryDebunked #TheBodyHeals #HolisticMedicine #RethinkHealth

In this soothing and insightful episode of the Beautiful Grit Podcast, Kristen Caissie, founder of Moon Canyon Healing, explores the deep connection between nature and personal transformation.

Kristen shares her beautiful and gritty journey of building a floral design business, making the bold shift into studying herbal medicine, and blending somatic work into her holistic healing art that reveals how plants, rituals, and rhythms of the earth can guide us back to ourselves. She offers wisdom on embracing intuitive living, the power of beauty in healing, and simple ways to invite nature’s grounding presence into everyday life.

In the episode we discuss:

How Kristen used coaching to walk away from a lucrative floral business into the unknown

Through connecting with plants, Kristen got direct guidance on her next steps

How plants, nature and rituals can support your emotional well-being

Practical ways to incorporate healing practices into daily life

The role of beauty and intuition in personal transformation

This episode is for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves through the natural world. Kristen’s gentle wisdom is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and discover the healing power that surrounds us.

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Our Guest

Website: https://mooncanyonhealing.com/pages/kristen

Instagram: @mooncanyonhealing

About Gwen

Website: https://www.gwendittmar.com

Instagram: @gwendittmar

Upcoming Breathwork Certifications: East Coast in April-May-June, Virtual Sep-Oct-Nov

https://www.gwendittmar.com/activation-training

Use code PODCAST25 for $25 off

Expansion Membership includes monthly virtual events, and $20 off for upcoming events in San Antonio, Baltimore, and Philadelphia

https://gwen-dittmar-consulting-inc.mn.co/plans/1486140?bundle_token=b41146dcb4550dd7325a05ee38eb41e5&utm_source=manual

#TheBeautifulGrit #MoonCanyonHealing #KristenCaissie #NatureHealing #HolisticWellness #IntuitiveLiving #SomaticHealing #HerbalMedicine

This week I sat down with psychological astrologer Danielle Beinstein to explore the cosmic landscape of 2025. Together, we dive into spiritual psychology spiritual bypass, using the human experience to access divinity, astrological transits, planetary shifts, and energetic themes shaping the year ahead and beyond in years to come. In the episode learn about:

Major planetary movements and their impact on global and personal transformation

How Saturn, Pluto, and Uranus will influence societal structures, innovation, and personal evolution

Key retrogrades and eclipses—what they mean and how to navigate them with awareness

The themes of spiritual growth, resilience, and new beginnings emerging in 2025

Practical ways to align with the astrological energies for clarity, purpose, and empowerment

About the Guest:

Follow Danielle Beinstein on Instagram @danibeinstein

To learn more about Danielle, visit https://www.daniellebeinstein.com/

About Gwen:

Follow Gwen on Instagram @gwendittmar

Learn more about Gwen’s coaching, monthly events, and Breathwork Training in Annapolis, MD at www.gwendittmar.com

For $25 off a 1:1 Human Design, Akashic Records, and/or Breathwork Session, use the code PODCAST25:

https://gwencoach.as.me/humandesign

https://gwencoach.as.me/akashic

https://gwencoach.as.me/90breathwork

This week’s guest is Dr. Ashley Beckman, a doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, board certified acupuncturist and herbalist, Functional Medicine practitioner, and epigenetics expert in Los Angeles. She received her doctorate in Healthy Aging and Longevity and wrote her thesis on epigenetics and the study of how our genes are affected by our diet and lifestyle.

Over the last ten years as an acupuncturist at Dr. Soram Khalsa’s busy Functional Medicine practice in Beverly Hills, Dr. Ashley performed over 50,000 treatments and currently practices virtually in Malibu, where she specializes in Root Cause Medicine, cellular detoxification from mold, Lyme and environmental toxins, hormone balancing and epigenetics. She has studied the healing properties of herbs, holistic nutrition, flower essences, essential oils, light color therapy and whole foods for more than twenty years. Dr. Ashley combines all these elements to instill holistic lifestyle change.

In the episode, Dr. Ashley educates about the physiological impact of the California fires on our health, how to use the wisdom of Chinese Medicine for lungs, grief, disruption, as well as the energy of organ optimization in the season of winter.

Our Guest:

Website: https://www.drashley.com

Instagram: @drashleybeckman

Supplements:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/123tvNZBtPWMiRLa15vMqMmweybqukdetzqx3wWdLChY/edit?usp=sharing

Air Purifiers:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ix_JPaNSw9DyCh-qDgyRdDEB5g28C3Yu_YEuaWzZ1JE/edit?usp=sharing

About Gwen

Website: https://www.gwendittmar.com

Instagram: @gwendittmar

If you have been affected or have a loved one affected by the fires, I'm offering a few sessions each week for those in need. Use the link: https://gwencoach.as.me/60sessionprivate and code AWAKENING2025

If you would like to assist someone who has been affected by the fires to receive a healing session, you can send a donation to me, please email for directions on how to do this [email protected]

If you would like to learn how to use the power of somatic, scientific, and spiritual healing of breathwork through a trauma-informed, inclusive lens, in the upcoming Activation Breathwork Certification, please learn more and register at https://www.gwendittmar.com/activation-training

Tami Lynn Kent is a women’s health physical therapist, founder of the original method of Holistic Pelvic Care™ for women, and author of Wild Feminine: Finding Power, Spirit & Joy in the Female Body, Wild Creative, and Wild Mothering. Tami is a true practitioner, teacher, mentor and guide who is in awe of the potential in our female bodies and passionate about cultivating this vibrant energy that’s meant to run through all aspects of a woman’s life.

In the episode Tami shares how she began her work as a Women’s Health Physical Therapist in a hospital setting but was surprised that her profession was unknown by most practitioners.

Tami left her job in 2000 to be at home with her first son, and soon after started her own private practice. Through the process of starting her own practice, her own pelvic healing, Tami describes how both allowed her to offer physical therapy and intuitive care to truly help women heal.

Through blending her educational master’s degree in physical therapy, with many other advanced bodywork trainings, and life experience of pelvic medicine through intuitively reading energetic patterns of the body, Tami offers guidance in the episode for women who are new to women’s physical therapy and pelvic care.

With over 25 years of technique and supporting 20,000 women, Tami offers in the podcast ways that we as women can heal, parent our girls and boys, use our pelvic floor as creative portals, and to heal the gap between the realms of modern medicine and traditional women’s wisdom, and apply this ancient energy to our modern lives.

Our Guest:

Website: https://www.wildfeminine.com

Instagram: @tamilynnkent

About Gwen

Website: https://www.gwendittmar.com

Instagram: @gwendittmar

If you would like to book a call to learn more about Gwen’s RISE Group and receive $500, please visit: https://www.gwendittmar.com/rise-group-coaching or book a discovery call: https://gwencoach.as.me/risediscoverycall

This week I sat down with Kate Hinkens, founder of The Sting Lab, which is a center for bee venom therapy and research and Kate is an expert in the bee venom therapy field.

In the episode, Kate shares her story of a debilitating and mysterious illness as a child, again in teen years and again after graduating college and working as a professional. She was finally diagnosed with late, chronic stage Lyme in 2019.

Despite pursuing intensive treatments, both western and alternative, Kate’s health continued to deteriorate. She went from being a successful college student and professional to dealing with memory impairment, extreme fatigue, constant pain, difficulty walking, and an inability to work.

When Kate first heard about bee venom therapy, she thought it sounded far-fetched, even though she had spent years in the alternative and allopathic healthcare world attempting to heal Lyme.

After extensive research, Kate discovered bee venom therapy's valid medicinal properties and potentials for not only Lyme disease, but also several types of cancers, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, IBS, EBV and other autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses.

In the episode Kate shares about the science behind bee venom therapy and why it works, and Gwen shares how working with Kate and bee venom has helped her immensely with just three months of treatment. Kate also shares what happened in her life after one year of bee venom therapy.

About the Guest:

Follow Kate Hinkens on Instagram @katehinkens

Learn more about The Sting Lab, visit https://www.stinglab.org/

About Gwen:

Follow Gwen on Instagram @gwendittmar

Learn more about Gwen’s monthly membership, RISE Group and Activation Breathwork Certification and free resources to support your emotional, mental, spiritual and somatic levels as you heal physically at www.gwendittmar.com

Dr. Anoop Kumar realized from a near death like experience in medical school that our healthcare system was deeply flawed and sought to provide a solution to bridge the science of consciousness with Western Medicine. Dr. Kumar is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician, holds a Masters in Management with a focus in Health Leadership.

Through reflecting on his childhood that was centered in nature, organic food and remedies, spirituality and consciousness, and experiencing how flawed our medical model and healthcare system is, Dr. Kumar created a bold, new version of healing and healthcare based on the science of consciousness and wellbeing.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Kumar and the upcoming School of Consciousness programs, please visit numocore.com

If you would like to learn more about Gwen’s work, you can sign up for her newsletter and free meditations and guided breathwork offerings at gwendittmar.com

In this heartfelt episode of the Beautiful Grit, Gwen Dittmar welcomes Jami Crist, author of The Losses We Keep. Together, Gwen and Jami dive into the transformative power of group coaching for women, letting go of the old ways of operating as women in order to step into true alignment, pregnancy loss, the grief and challenges women experience and hold, and exploring how grief can shape our lives in unexpected and profound ways. Jami Crist shares her deeply personal journey of navigating repeated loss and finding healing, reflection, and resilience through the pain of letting go.

This conversation touches on the universal human experience of grief even if you have not experienced pregnancy loss, and is an important one to hear to remember what losses women might be keeping while working, running homes and families. You will be inspired by Jami’s courage, authenticity, and the wisdom she’s gained through her own trials. Whether you’re seeking comfort, understanding, or tools for your own healing, this episode holds space for all who carry the beautiful grit of life’s losses.

If you would like to follow along with Jami visit her website https://jamicrist.com/the-losses-we-keep and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jamicrist/

If you would like to learn more Gwen’s RISE Group Coaching that Jami shared about in the episode, you can learn more, book a discovery call, and receive the early bird $500 off at https://www.gwendittmar.com/rise-group-coaching