In her final episode as host, Lacy Wolff shares insights on financial wellness through the ERS Buena Vida program and discusses how financial stress affects overall health and wellbeing.

Subscribe to ERS Money Talks Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts or through this link. 

• Buena Vida ("the good life") is a comprehensive wellness program offering resources for physical, mental, and financial health
• 40% of health assessment respondents report financial stress affecting their health, job, or relationships
• The app serves as a "social media for wellness" with incentives for completing health actions
• Members can earn up to $99 in Buena Vida bucks annually through simple actions like health assessments and preventive exams
• Free mental health resources including MD Live and Doctor on Demand are available through the platform with no copay
• Texas Saver offers retirement planning, budgeting tools, and financial counselors at no cost
• Creating a realistic budget should include items that bring joy to make it sustainable
• The upcoming "Trek Through Texas" challenge encourages 7,000 daily steps (the optimal number for heart health)
• Financial stress impacts physical health through increased blood pressure, heart rate, and disrupted sleep

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your host. Since April 2021, we've recorded 81 episodes with over 28,000 downloads. The Buena Vida podcast will return with a new host after September 5th.

Sean Duffy, co-founder and CEO of Omada Health, shares how his company is supporting diabetes care by providing continuous support between doctor visits through digital health technology. His journey from medical school to creating a healthcare solution that puts a "care team in your pocket" demonstrates how technology can help bridge critical gaps in traditional healthcare delivery.

Key topics discussed: 

• Founding of Omada and Omada for Diabetes
• 15% of ERS population lives with diabetes, higher than the national average
• User experience: monitoring devices, a dedicated care team, and AI-powered tools at no out-of-pocket cost
• Program focuses on sustainable 5% incremental changes rather than dramatic lifestyle overhauls
• AI technology helps users easily track meals and understand their personal glucose responses
• Human element remains central with consistent coaches who provide accountability and personalized support
• Walking after meals and other small behavioral changes can significantly impact glucose management
• Future innovations will continue blending AI capabilities with human compassion and expertise

To register for Omada for Diabetes, check out the HealthSelect Omada for Diabetes Webpage. Contact Sean directly with feedback at [email protected].

Michael Bates' journey from correctional officer to Deputy Director of Rehabilitation and Reentry at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reveals what true transformation looks like, both personally and systemically.

When Bates began his career in 2008, he saw TDCJ primarily through the lens of security and public safety. Today, he champions a more holistic vision: one where rehabilitation, dignity, and second chances stand alongside those crucial safety measures. His rapid rise through the ranks—becoming assistant warden at just 30 years old—taught him valuable lessons about leadership, humility, and the importance of experience.

What makes this conversation particularly powerful is Bates' candor about his own shortcomings. He shares how his younger self lacked empathy for staff with family responsibilities, and how becoming a parent himself transformed his understanding of work-life balance. This personal growth mirrors the evolution he's helping lead throughout TDCJ, where innovative programs are changing lives daily.

The Bartlett Innovation Unit stands as perhaps the most visible example of this new approach. Here, incarcerated individuals care for animals, receive vocational training, and participate in moving "bell ceremonies" when someone completes their sentence. Dressed in donated suits with jobs often already secured, these individuals ring a bell symbolizing their transition to freedom while the entire facility cheers them on.

Bates also speaks truthfully about the mental and physical toll correctional work takes. His personal health journey—giving up Dr Pepper, meal prepping, and exercising despite grueling schedules—offers practical wisdom for anyone in demanding professions. His definition of "the good life" as achieving meaningful work-life balance resonates far beyond prison walls.

Whether you work in corrections, public service, or simply care about how our justice system might better serve both public safety and human dignity, this conversation offers hope that through dedicated leadership and innovative approaches, transformation is possible—one person, one program, one bell ceremony at a time.

If you are interested in donating a suit to the Bartlett Innovation Unit, please send to: 1018 Arnold Drive, Bartlett, Texas 76511. Attention: JessieMajors

Kristi Docwra shares insights about intuitive eating, a science-backed approach that helps us reject diet mentality and rebuild trust with our bodies to find freedom in how we nourish ourselves.

• Intuitive eating is about connecting with bodily cues and rebuilding interoceptive awareness
• Mindful eating focuses on the eating experience while intuitive eating addresses the diet mentality
• Children are naturally intuitive eaters until external rules override their natural abilities
• Rejecting the diet mentality means challenging temporary, restrictive approaches that don't work long-term
• Honor your hunger by recognizing body signals before reaching extreme hunger
• Use the STOP technique (Stop, Take breaths, Observe, Proceed) to manage emotional eating
• Challenge the "food police" that assign moral value to food choices
• Practice respecting your body for what it can do rather than focusing on appearance
• Intuitive eating helps bring joy back to food experiences instead of making meals just about nutrition

Join Kristi's mindfulness sessions through Work Well Texas to practice techniques that support intuitive eating.

Resources: 

Ever sneezed and leaked a little? Felt an urgent need to use the bathroom the moment your key touches your front door? You're not alone—and contrary to what many believe, these symptoms aren't just normal parts of aging or motherhood that you have to accept.

In this conversation with Dr. Bijal Toprani, physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health, we unpack the hidden world of pelvic floor function and dysfunction that affects up to one-third of women. Dr. Toprani demystifies what exactly the pelvic floor is (those muscles extending from pubic bone to tailbone), the common issues that arise (from various types of urinary incontinence to pelvic pain), and why waiting an average of six years to seek help is unnecessarily prolonging your discomfort.

We challenge widespread misconceptions, including the belief that Kegels are the universal solution (they can actually worsen certain conditions!) and explore the fascinating connection between stress, trauma, and pelvic tension. Most importantly, Dr. Toprani emphasizes that these conditions are highly treatable, with many patients seeing a 50% reduction in symptoms within just three months of consistent therapy.

For Health Select of Texas and Consumer-Directed Health Select participants, there's now a convenient virtual option through Hinge Health that eliminates the typical three-month wait to see a specialist. Whether you're experiencing issues during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, or any stage of life, this episode delivers practical insights that can transform your relationship with your pelvic floor and overall quality of life.

Take the first step toward addressing what's been normalized but shouldn't be. Your pelvic floor deserves attention, and relief is more accessible than you might think. Listen, learn, and reclaim control of this crucial but often overlooked aspect of your wellbeing.

Learn more about Hing Health's Pelvic Floor program and see if you may be eligible through the HealthSelect website.

Susan Combs shares how her upbringing on a remote West Texas ranch shaped her leadership philosophy and approach to public service, highlighting resilience and optimism as essential qualities for navigating challenges. 

• Growing up in Brewster County taught self-reliance and community support through experiences with limited water, unreliable electricity, and geographical isolation
• As Agriculture Commissioner, transferred school nutrition programs from education to agriculture, prioritizing healthier food options for students
• Developed "early bird" habits from ranch life, viewing punctuality as a sign of respect and efficiency 
• Advocates breaking large tasks into "sprints" to maintain energy and focus
• Recommends four principles for government service: know your purpose, find daily joy, focus externally on those you serve, and maintain calm
• Practices "no negative cha-cha" philosophy to avoid unproductive negativity
• Dedicates retirement to ranch sustainability, water conservation projects, and staying informed about current events
• Defines good life as choosing happiness, connecting positively with others, and having beneficial impact on others

In this episode of the Buena Vida Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Tabbetha Lopez—a registered dietitian, licensed dietician, who holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and is a former collegiate athlete—for an inspiring and practical conversation about nutrition, movement, and well-being. Dr. Lopez shares her personal journey and professional insights into how we can shift from a restrictive mindset around food to one that’s rooted in balance, joy, and sustainability.

Together, we explore:

• How to ditch diet culture and embrace a more balanced mindset around food
• Practical, science-backed strategies to eat more fruits and vegetables
• The psychology of emotional eating and how to navigate it
• Why food is more than fuel—and how to cultivate a positive relationship with it
• What it really means to live a “good life” when it comes to health

Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or looking to reset your relationship with food, this episode is full of empowering takeaways and real-life strategies.

Resources Discussed:

• Buena Vida Well-being Program (Join Five to Thrive Nutrition Challenge here!)  
• Nutrition Programs: Wondr and Real Appeal
• HealthSelect of Texas Health Plan Resources (Search Nutrition in the document)
• Join "Motivation Monday" sessions each week to talk about health and well-being and to move a little to start your week!

Your environment plays a crucial role in shaping your health and well-being. In this episode of the Buena Vida Podcast, Lacy interviews with Trent Matthias, Director of the National Fitness Campaign, to explore how thoughtfully designed public spaces can inspire healthier lifestyles.

With nearly 40 years of history, the National Fitness Campaign is transforming communities by creating free outdoor fitness courts, making movement accessible to all. Trent shares insights on how urban design influences physical activity, the challenges of funding and advocacy, and the power of community-driven wellness initiatives.

We’ll also dive into success stories from cities embracing the campaign and practical steps you can take to bring fitness courts and wellness spaces to your own neighborhood.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on how public spaces can support well-being, and learn how you can be part of the movement. Don’t forget to check the show notes for resources, subscribe, and join Buena Vida—our wellness program where we connect, learn, and support each other! Plus, I’m offering weekly giveaways in our community groups—this is a great way to stay engaged and motivated!

Resources Discussed: 

National Fitness Campaign Website- find a Fitness Court, explore the exercise library, learn about grant opportunities or become an ambassador! 

UT Houston School of Public Health's Tu Salud Si Cuenta Program (Your Health Matters) in the Rio Grande Valley

Buena Vida - Join us in living "the Good Life" through our new wellness program for HealthSelect & Consumer Directed HealthSelect plan participants!  

This episode explores the vital connections between heart health, community, and overall well-being with cardiologist Dr. Jane Morgan. Emphasizing the role of friendships and preventive care in longevity, Dr. Morgan provides insights on managing heart health through lifestyle changes and addressing issues like high blood pressure.

• Exploring the link between friendships and longevity 
• Understanding systolic and diastolic blood pressure 
• Importance of tracking blood pressure for everyone 
• Combating loneliness to improve heart health 
• The significance of preventive care in managing chronic conditions 
• The impact of community connections on mental and physical well-being 
• Encouraging small, sustainable health changes for longevity 
• Dr. Morgan’s vision for women’s heart health and continued research

Resources Discussed: 

• Hello Heart for HealthSelect of Texas 

Follow Dr. Jayne: 

• Dr. Jayne's LinkedIn 
• Dr. Jayne's Instagram

This episode dives into the transformative power of tiny changes, elaborating on the Tiny Habits method developed by Dr. BJ Fogg and his new creative project, Habit Songs for Kids. Listeners gain insight into how simple behavior modifications, music, and emotional understanding can foster lasting change and kindness in children and adults alike in a deep dive discussion with BJ Fogg, Ph.D. and Stephanie Weldy, M.Ed. 

About our guests: 

BJ Fogg, PhD, founded the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University. In addition to his research, Fogg teaches industry innovators how human behavior really works. He created the Tiny Habits Academy to help people around the world. He lives in Northern California and Maui.

Stephanie Weldy, M.Ed.,  is an expert at the intersection of Behavior Design and employee well-being. She works with BJ Fogg, PhD, to teach industry innovators how to use Behavior Design in the products and services they are building to help people be healthier and happier.

Resources:
Listen to the songs: Songs -- Good Habits for Kids

Watch the videos:  https://www.youtube.com/habitsongsforkids

Links to musical: 

Act 1: https://vimeo.com/bjfogg/act1

Act 2 https://vimeo.com/bjfogg/act2

Act 3 https://vimeo.com/bjfogg/act3