The Cinnamon Effect - Supporting Women's Health, Emotional Resilience and Personal Growth

What does it take to build a thriving gluten free fast casual franchise, raise a family with intention, swim from Alcatraz, and carry on a legendary restaurant legacy? I sat down with Chris Gannon, co-founder of Bolay Fresh Fast Casual, to find out.

Chris shares the business and life lessons he absorbed growing up watching his father Tim Gannon build Outback Steakhouse, and how he channeled that into creating one of the most exciting healthy food franchises in the country. We dig into what leading by example really looks like - as a CEO, as a triathlete, as an equestrian, and as a dad.

Chris also shares what being chosen as Chief Osceola at FSU truly required, and why that experience shaped his leadership style in ways he still draws from today. If you care about entrepreneurship, wellness, clean eating, and living with purpose, this episode is for you.

Connect:

Bolay Website: https://www.bolay.com/'

Bolay IG: https://www.instagram.com/bolay

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

Turning 46 felt different. Not because of the number, but because of what the year before it quietly handed me - six raw, honest, life-changing lessons that I'm still sitting with.

In this episode, I'm opening up about the most transformative insights from my 45th year - the kind that don't come from a book or a course, but from actually living. If you've ever felt stuck, scared, or like you're spinning your wheels without actually moving forward, this one is for you.

Here's what we're unpacking:

🔓 The cage door isn't locked - The thing holding you back might not be a barrier at all. I'll share how I realized I had more freedom than I ever gave myself credit for - and why we stay in cages we could walk out of any time.

✅ Do it anyway - Waiting to feel ready is the longest wait of your life. This year taught me that action doesn't require permission from your feelings.

🧠 Overthinking is just fear dressed up as productivity - If you've ever spent hours "researching" instead of doing, this will hit home. I break down how I finally caught myself in this pattern and what I did to interrupt it.

💪 Courage comes first, confidence comes later - We have it backwards. Confidence isn't what gives you courage - it's what follows it. This mindset shift changed everything about how I approach new challenges.

🌱 You can expand without starting over - Growth doesn't have to mean burning it all down. I talk about how I learned to build on what already exists rather than constantly chasing a clean slate.

🏡 Your environment is either supporting you or draining you - There's no neutral. From the people around you to the physical spaces you inhabit, I share how auditing my environment became one of the most powerful things I did this year.

Whether you're approaching a milestone birthday, navigating a major life transition, or simply craving a more intentional life, these lessons are ones I wish someone had handed me years ago.

Hit play - and let's grow together.

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

The night is done, the scores are in, and I have so much to share with you. If you’ve been following along on the Broadway Ballroom Battle journey, this episode is your full update - the real, honest recap of everything that happened.

A few weeks ago, I shared in Episode 124 Link here why I said yes to competing in the Broadway Ballroom Battle - a charity ballroom dance competition supporting the Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and the next generation of young performers. Today, I’m back with the full recap.

I’m walking you through what the days leading up to the competition actually felt like, the unexpected things that came up along the way and how I worked through them, and what it meant to step on that dance floor and give it everything I had.

I also talk about what it was like being coached by the professionals at Fred Astaire Dance Studios - and yes, I get to share some really exciting news - I walked away with Top Audience Favorite and Top Ballroom Star, which still feels surreal to say out loud.

But more than the awards, this experience reminded me of something I talk about a lot here on The Cinnamon Effect: real growth happens when we say yes to the uncomfortable things, when we show up even when we’re nervous, and when we trust the process. This was that, fully lived out.

In this episode I’m sharing:

• What the nerves really looked like in the days before competition night

• The unexpected moments I didn’t see coming - and how I handled them

• Why doing hard things is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and overall wellness

• What winning Top Audience Favorite and Top Ballroom Star meant to me

• The bigger takeaway I’m carrying forward - and what I hope it sparks in you

Thank you for cheering me on through every step of this journey. I felt every bit of your support, and I couldn’t wait to come back here and share this with you. Let’s get into it.

In this episode of The Cinnamon Effect podcast, I sit down with holistic and biological dentist Dr. Ilona Fotek - an internationally recognized leader in cosmetic and biologic restorative dentistry with two decades of clinical expertise. We talk about something I don’t think we pay enough attention to: how deeply your oral health is connected to your entire body.

This conversation completely shifted my perspective.

We talk about how what’s going on in your mouth can impact everything from inflammation to gut health to chronic issues- and how biological dentistry looks at the whole person, not just your teeth. Dr. Fotek breaks down why your mouth can be an early signal for what’s happening elsewhere in your body, and why so many people are missing this piece when it comes to their health.

Of course, I asked her for specifics. We get into the toothpaste she actually recommends, what to look for (and avoid) in floss, and the simple daily routines that can make a real difference - like tongue scraping and oil pulling.

This is one of those conversations that makes you rethink what “taking care of yourself” actually means.

If you’ve been doing all the right things but still feel like something is off, this episode might connect a few dots.

Connect:

Website: www.dentalhealingarts.com

Instagram: @dentalhealingarts

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

Episode 129 - In this episode of The Cinnamon Effect, I sit down with Scarlett Leung - Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Pretty Tasty, an innovative line of collagen infused teas. This conversation is as energizing as it is inspiring. Scarlett is someone who truly embodies what it means to design a dream life with intention, creativity, and courage.

Scarlett shares her incredible journey from attending MIT to helping build Lancôme into the top makeup brand in Asia, and how those experiences shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. We talk about the power of relationships, why your Rolodex can be one of your greatest assets, and how the right connections can open doors you never imagined.

But we also go deeper. Scarlett speaks candidly about choosing the right partner in life - and why she believes choosing the wrong one can be one of the most detrimental decisions for a woman’s health and happiness. It’s an honest and refreshing perspective that ties directly into The Cinnamon Effect philosophy: building a life that supports your highest self.

We also talk about starting companies with outside capital, taking calculated risks, and how Scarlett infuses fun into everything she creates - including her collagen tea brand, Pretty Tasty. She shares her approach to longevity, prioritizing skincare, and why she hasn’t worn foundation in over ten years.

This episode is about building a life that feels as good as it looks - through relationships, health, entrepreneurship, and staying curious along the way. Scarlett brings wisdom, humor, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to create success on your own terms.

If you’re dreaming bigger, building something new, or simply looking for inspiration to design your next chapter, this conversation is for you.

Connect:

Pretty Tasty Website:

https://www.prettytasty.com/

Pretty Tasty IG:

https://www.instagram.com/drinkprettytasty/

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

Episode 128 - In this episode of The Cinnamon Effect, I sit down with Dr. Pamela Cipriano, a functional medicine practitioner known for taking on the patients who’ve been told there are no answers left. These are the people who have been labeled with ALS, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and even psychiatric disorders—only to discover there may be something deeper driving their symptoms.

Dr. Cipriano shares how she looks beyond the diagnosis to uncover the infectious, toxic, and immune triggers behind chronic illness. We talk about why so many patients are misdiagnosed, what traditional medicine often misses, and how her approach is helping people reclaim their lives when they thought hope was gone.

We also take a deep dive into Lyme disease, including Dr. Cipriano’s personal journey treating her own son. It’s a powerful conversation about advocacy, persistence, and what it really takes to navigate complex chronic illness.

We explore parasites, mold exposure, and mycotoxins — topics that are often overlooked but can play a significant role in chronic inflammation, neurological symptoms, fatigue, and autoimmune conditions. If you’ve ever felt like something in your body isn’t adding up, this conversation may open your eyes to possibilities you hadn’t considered.

This episode is for anyone searching for answers, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about a more root-cause approach to healing. Dr. Cipriano brings both clinical insight and personal compassion to a conversation that feels both hopeful and empowering.

If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” but you still don’t feel well… this episode is for you.

Connect:

Dr. Pamela Cipriano, DNP, APRN:

:https://www.thepracticeofhealthandwellness.com/

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

Episode 127 - When Brooke Hartman founded Sea Lustre in her 20s, she was following a creative pull - but she had no idea how much both she and her business would evolve over time. In this episode, I sit down with Brooke Hartman, founder of Sea Lustre, a jewelry and resort clothing brand inspired by coastal living, to talk about what it really looks like to build a brand from the ground up and grow alongside it.

We talk about starting a business in your 20s, navigating the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, and how becoming a mother reshaped Brooke’s priorities, leadership style, and vision for her company. Brooke shares the honest behind-the-scenes moments - the pivots, the lessons, and the growth that comes from building something meaningful while balancing motherhood and business.

This conversation is for anyone dreaming of starting a business, evolving through different seasons of life, or redefining success on their own terms. Brooke’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t a straight line - it’s a journey that grows with you.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Starting a business in your 20s

-Building a jewelry and resort wear brand from scratch

-Entrepreneurship and motherhood

-Evolving your business over time

-Navigating growth, pivots, and purpose

If you’re a female founder, entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of building a brand that aligns with your life - this episode will inspire you to embrace every season.

Connect:

Sea Lustre website: https://sealustre.com/

Sea Lustre IG: https://www.instagram.com/sealustre/

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

Episode 126 - In this episode, I’m joined by transformational wardrobe stylist Chellie Carlson for a conversation that goes far beyond clothes. We dive into how personal style can become a powerful tool for manifestation, confidence, and personal development.

Chellie shares her transformational process with clients - and it’s not about trends or buying more. It’s about helping women step into their highest selves. She looks at style as a spiritual practice, guiding her clients to dress not for who they are today, but for the woman they’re becoming 3 to 5 years from now.

We also talk about Chellie’s deeply personal journey with mold illness. She opens up about living in a mold-filled apartment for 17 years and how that experience shaped her life, her healing, and ultimately her purpose. It’s a vulnerable and powerful part of the conversation that adds another layer to her transformational work.

We talk about how your wardrobe can influence your mindset, support your goals, and help you embody the life you’re actively creating. If you’re interested in manifestation, personal growth, confidence, or using style as a form of self-expression, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s hanging in your closet.

This episode is for anyone ready to align their outer appearance with their inner evolution - and start dressing with intention. ✨

In this episode, we discuss:

✨ Transformational wardrobe styling

✨ Dressing for your highest self

✨ Style as a spiritual and manifestation practice

✨ Personal development through personal style

✨ How clothing impacts confidence and mindset

✨ Dressing for the life you’re creating

✨ Chellie’s journey with mold illness and healing

If you’re ready to step into the next version of yourself, this episode is for you. 💫

To Join Chellie's Style Society:

https://www.chelliecarlson.com/style-society-special-offer?affiliate_code=7c5771.

To connect with Chellie on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelliecarlson

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

In this episode, I sit down with posing expert Kamla-Kay McKenzie to talk about how to pose confidently in photos - whether you’re stepping into a professional photoshoot or simply capturing memories on vacation.

Let’s be honest - most of us freeze the second someone pulls out a camera. We overthink where to put our hands, how to stand, and suddenly our smile feels anything but natural. That’s exactly why I loved this conversation.

Kamla-Kay shares practical, easy-to-follow posing tips that anyone can use right away. We talk about how to position your body, what to do with your hands (because that’s always the awkward part), and how small shifts in posture can completely change the way you look and feel in photos.

We also dive into facial expressions - how to avoid that forced smile and instead create expressions that feel relaxed, confident, and authentic. I especially loved how specific Kamla-Kay gets. These aren’t vague suggestions - they’re simple techniques you can use at your next photoshoot or even on vacation.

Whether you’re a business owner building your brand, a mom wanting better family photos, or someone who just wants to feel more confident in front of the camera, this episode is full of practical posing tips that make a big difference.

Because at the end of the day, photos aren’t just about how you look - they’re about capturing moments and feeling good in them, too.

To connect with guest Kamla-Kay McKenzie:

Website: https://www.kamlakay.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamlakay

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.

On this episode of The Cinnamon Effect, host Kimberly Hand sits down with Peter Robbins to talk about an unexpected wellness hack: dance. The two share why they committed to stepping far outside their comfort zones to compete in Battle of the Ballroom, a high-energy fundraising event supporting the next generation of performers at the Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.

What starts as a conversation about ballroom dancing quickly turns into a deeper exploration of movement as medicine, the courage it takes to try something new in midlife, and the powerful example it sets for our kids when we choose growth over comfort.

Kimberly and Peter reflect on parenting through action instead of words - showing their children that real progress comes from practice, patience, and persistence, not the instant gratification often portrayed on social media.

They also share the behind-the-scenes realities of learning to dance, embracing vulnerability, and discovering joy in the process. Because sometimes the real win isn’t the trophy—it’s showing up, doing the work, and enjoying the journey.

Vote for Peter: https://one.bidpal.net/2026mjtbroadwayballroombattle/browse/all(details:item/9)

Vote for Kim:

https://one.bidpal.net/2026mjtbroadwayballroombattle/browse/all(details:item/5)

To connect with host Kimberly Hand:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyhand_

Shop The Cinnamon Effect Journal here: https://thecinnamoneffect.com/journal

The Cinnamon Effect is recorded at PodPlus Studios ( @PodPlusStudios ) in Jupiter, Florida, and produced by Hype Boss ( @hype-boss-hype-boss )

For more information, visit https://www.podplusstudios.com.