The Health Investment Podcast with Brooke Simonson

EPISODE 160 - Caroline Holke has always had a pretty good life on paper—happily married with two kids, a leadership position in corporate marketing, and plenty of good friends and family. But she wasn't quite happy and knew that the first place to start was her relationship with alcohol. Today she is a Drink Less Coach. She helps women get rid of the bad parts of drinking—and this doesn't mean quitting drinking altogether (necessarily). Her work centers on the concept that we are taught what to think and how to think with regard to other people's work. But we were never taught that we can apply critical thinking skills to our own thinking. We grow up believing that our thoughts are true. This is great if we have helpful thoughts, but many times, they are not. Most people focus on what to DO to cut back on their drinking; Caroline has a skill for helping her clients tease out what thoughts are driving their drinking in the first place. Addressing the habit at the root cause is what helps create sustainable change. She works with her clients 1:1 to develop a plan on how to un-believe these limiting thoughts and create a life that they wouldn't dream of numbing out! In the episode, Caroline shares tips for acclimating to social situations when you’re not drinking as much, positive changes to expect when you cut back on alcohol, mindset shifts that are critical to adopt when you want to drink less…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/160

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK CAROLINE IN THE EPISODE:

Can you tell us a bit about your background? (Specifically, what made you want to become a "Drink Less Coach"? Was your own relationship with drinking what inspired you to focus specifically on helping people with that? Can you tell us more about your own journey with alcohol?)

"Sober curious" is a new term I've been hearing, but from what I understand it's mostly people who are choosing to enter a life of full-on sobriety (or are at least curious about it). Are most of the people who come to you "sober curious" or just wanting to cut back a bit?

I'm not a mom yet, but I've heard and read about alcohol as becoming something that's synonymous with motherhood. Is this new, or is it just spoken about more now? What advice do you have for moms, specifically, who find themselves relying on a drink (or several!) to make it through the day?

Since so many of our social lives revolve around food and alcohol, it could feel awkward to drink less—or not at all!—among friends. Sometimes you can even feel like a problem or a bother if you're not drinking! What tips do you have for navigating social situations? Do you still have fun when not drinking?

What other unexpected positive changes can someone expect when they cut back on alcohol? (You mention "found" time—what's that?)

Are there certain mindset shifts that are necessary to overcome when on a journey to drink less? If so, what are they?

What are some of the most common misconceptions about alcohol that still circulate? About abstaining from alcohol?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Visit Caroline's website, take her FREE "Stop Overdrinking" course, follow her on Facebook and Instagram, and take advantage of her other FREE resources

Giesen alcohol-removed Sauvignon Blanc

Listen to my previous conversation with Michelle Kapler, re: tips to cut back on drinking

“My Unbiased Thrive Market Review (AND A Shopping List!)" - and save money on your first Thrive Market order by clicking here!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 159 - Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susan Salenger attended UCLA to study English. After graduation, she worked alongside her husband Fred for 25 years at their production company, Salenger Films, which produced corporate training and development films distributed worldwide. Today, at age 79, Susan lives in Northern California to be near her incredible family which includes her two daughters, four grandchildren, a cat named Max and a dog named JD (Salenger). When she is not speaking about her book or spending time with family and friends, you will find Susan powerlifting to stay in shape. In the episode, Susan shares how men and women differ in their approach to getting a diagnosis and treatment, why women often hesitate to get a second opinion, top questions to ask to prevent misdiagnosis or unnecessary medication…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/159

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK SUSAN IN THE EPISODE:

Can you start off by telling us a bit about your background? (Specifically, what prompted you to write Sidelined?) 

Women are so proactive when it comes to their health. They work at it so diligently. What do you mean they have trouble getting the most effective healthcare?

How did you find the women you interviewed? How did you put your focus groups together, and why did you do that?

Why do some women, some of the time, do themselves such a disservice?

What are the six things the women you interviewed share in common?

You mention that men and women talk to doctors differently. What do you mean by that? And does their conversation style interfere with their diagnosis?

Why do some women hesitate to get second opinions?

What’s the best way to find the most competent doctors? How should women do their due diligence?

Do women get better care from a male doctor or a female one?

How can women focus their doctor visits so they can get more of what they need?

How did the lessons from this book change the way you find and interact with different doctors?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Read Susan's book and visit her website

Learn how much industry money reaches different doctors

“My Unbiased Thrive Market Review (AND A Shopping List!)" - and save money on your first Thrive Market order by clicking here!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 158 - Florian Fritz is the founder of the Money Hero Academy, where he is teaching how to create financial freedom by improving your money mindset, money management, and money making skills. As a financial advisor, Florian realized during the last financial crisis in 2008 that the financial industry was only looking out for their own best interest and not that of their clients. That's why he learned from some of the world's best financial coaches like Robert Kiyosaki, his Rich Dad advisors, and many others. He tested many of the learnings working with a real estate company, increasing their sales by 86% per year on average for 9 years and helping hundreds of people to improve their investment returns. Today he teaches what he learned and his own experience that allows everyone to take control of their finances and create the life of their dreams instead of always hoping for the next raise or the next client. In the episode, Florian shares how not to let fear get in the way of investing, why rudimentary financial knowledge is absolutely necessary, how to become financially FREE…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/158

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK FLORIAN IN THE EPISODE:

Can you start off by telling us a bit about your background? (Specifically, what led you to initially become a financial advisor and eventually to create the Money Hero Academy?)

What is financial education? Would you say most people lack a solid financial education? Why?

What are some of the biggest mistakes you see people making when it comes to managing their finances? Investing?

Why does your mindset determine your financial success?

What steps do you recommend for creating financial freedom?

How do you make your money work for you?

When should we invest? Should we wait for the market to dip?

What should we invest in? Stocks? Bonds? ETFs? Real estate?

How often should we be assessing/tweaking our investments? How do we know which ones to keep and which ones to toss? How do we know which investments we should put more money into?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Join the Money Hero Facebook group and visit Florian's website

Read The Richest Man In Babylon, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and Secrets Of The Millionaire Mind

“My Unbiased Thrive Market Review (AND A Shopping List!)" - and save money on your first Thrive Market order by clicking here!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 157 - Greg Morrissey (M.Ed.) is the founder of Mountain Goat Movement. In addition to teaching high school literature and coaching ice hockey and lacrosse, Greg spent the last 10 years building human-powered adventures for high school and college students in the greater NYC area. He has led thousands of young people on treks, climbing trips, surf trips, ski trips, sustainability programs, and more both domestically and internationally. Greg has raised over $40,000 for financially-restricted students to participate in meaningful outdoor excursions. He has presented his work at the American Alpine Club’s annual dinner and the venerated Explorers Club. Greg serves in advisory roles in the Next Generation of Explorers and the Scientific and Exploration Society. In 2020, Greg provided logistical support, including bathymetric mapping and Challenger Coin production, for Vanessa O’Brien’s historic dive to the Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the ocean. Personal projects include bikepacking from Canada to Mexico, surfing the longest wave in the world, wild camping across Ireland, ski mountaineering ascents, and numerous mountain climbs and traverses. He contributes to KAVU’s adventure stories. In the episode, Greg shares thrilling stories about past treks, how lessons learned on mountaineering adventures can enrich your daily life, mindset work he does to prepare for new explorations…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/157

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK GREG IN THE EPISODE:

Can you start off by telling us a bit about your background? (Specifically, what inspired you to start Mountain Goat Movement?)

Have you always been obsessed with hiking/the outdoors?

What was your first big climb as an adult?

You’ve had a lot of incredible adventures. Which have been the most memorable?

Are you ever scared when you’re on a climb? How do you tackle that fear?

How do you prepare for new challenges physically? Mentally?

What mountaineering lessons (or mindset shifts) have you brought back to daily life?

Besides physical fitness, how has mountaineering benefited you? How has it benefited the teenagers you've taken on climbs?

What projects is Mountain Goat Movement currently working on?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Visit Mountain Goat Movement's website and connect with Greg on Instagram and YouTube

Read The 12-Hour Walk and watch "Born To Explore"

“My Unbiased Thrive Market Review (AND A Shopping List!)" - and save money on your first Thrive Market order by clicking here!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 156 - Peg Sadie—a trained psychotherapist & resilience coach (BA PSY + MA Professional Counseling PSY), wife of 19 years, and boy mom x 2—founded Resilient Mom Academy to realize her vision and bridge the gap between therapy and thriving for struggling moms. She has been featured in over 50 media outlets, including Instyle, Parents, and Women's Health. Her own experience with postpartum depression/anxiety and overwhelm as a new mom ignited her passion to support other women in their motherhood journey. In the episode, Peg shares her own experience with postpartum anxiety and depression, what moms can do before giving birth to prepare for the postpartum period, how to incorporate self-care practices into your life without adding other things to your TO DO list…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/156

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK PEG IN THE EPISODE:

Can you start off by telling us a bit about your background? (Specifically, what led you to want to "reshape the legacy of maternal mental health"?)

How is the US different from other parts of the world in the way that new moms are supported postpartum?

What are some of the challenges most moms expect and prepare for postpartum? What are some of the biggest unexpected challenges new mothers have to face in those first months?

I’ve read and heard from friends that many relationships struggle after the baby arrives. What can couples do?

What are the common struggles people share with you about the early days of breastfeeding?

How common is postpartum depression? What are some of the signs and symptoms? What can moms do to feel like themselves again after postpartum depression or anxiety?

If you could give a woman struggling with her postpartum experience one piece of advice, what would it be?

How can moms take care of themselves on a daily basis without making it feel like “another thing they have to do”?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Visit Peg's website, connect with her on Instagram, and get the "Resilient Mom Starter Kit"

Listen to my previous interviews with postpartum experts Kallista Andersen and Dr. Megan Gray

“My Unbiased Thrive Market Review (AND A Shopping List!)" - and save money on your first Thrive Market order by clicking here!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 155 - Ellen Leonard is a speaker, stress management consultant + coach, and expert who teaches and coaches business leaders, teams, and entire organizations how to manage and prevent stress. Ellen’s professional background and expertise includes 12 years as a published scientific researcher, 9 years as an award-winning university instructor, and 9 years leading The StressLess MethodⓇ. She has a Masters Degree in Adult Education, is a National Board Certified Health + Wellness Coach, and a Wellcoaches Professional Health + Wellness Coach. She’s helped thousands of students and clients transform their life and health by learning how to manage their stress in a way that works for them. Ellen lives in Indianapolis, IN, with 6 chickens, 2 cats, and 1 human. In the episode, she shares common misconceptions about stress, how to manage it WITHOUT meditation, key questions that’ll help get to the root of your stressors…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/155

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK ELLEN IN THE EPISODE:

Can you start off by telling us a bit about your background? (Specifically, what led you to want to help people manage stress?)

Does "managing stress" really just boil down to "building resilience"? Should we be working on the latter more than the former?

What are some of the most common misconceptions about stress?

Are certain types of people (like “high achievers”) more likely to get stressed out than others?

What are some common things people turn to in their attempts to “manage” stress that don't work well?

On your website, you mention that it's important to "prevent stress before it happens AND manage the effects of stress after it happens." I feel like that first part isn't talked about enough! Can you offer some stress prevention tools?

If work is a primary stressor for someone, do you have any suggestions for setting better boundaries and reducing work stress? What about with family?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Listen to Ellen's podcast and connect with her on LinkedIn

Buy a Passion Planner

Listen to my previous interview with Diane Macedo, author of The Sleep Fix

Get a bottle of sugar- and additive-free wine for a penny!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently!

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 154 - Dr. Ron Siegel is a part-time Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where he has taught for over 35 years. He is a long-time student of mindfulness meditation and serves on the Board of Directors and faculty of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. Dr. Siegel also teaches internationally about the application of mindfulness practice in psychotherapy and other fields, and maintains a private clinical practice in Lincoln, Massachusetts. He’s the author of numerous books, including The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems and his new book The Extraordinary Gift of Being Ordinary: Finding Happiness Right Where You Are. In the episode, Dr. Siegel explains that we didn’t evolve to be happy (and what to do about it!), how to incorporate mindfulness meditations into our everyday lives to feel less stressed and anxious, what to do with our natural inclination to compare ourselves to others…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/154

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK DR. SIEGEL IN THE EPISODE:

Can you start off by telling us a bit about your background? (Specifically, what led you to pursue a career in psychology?)

I've heard you say that we didn't evolve to be happy. Why is this important?

What major misconceptions do people have about what makes us happy? What can make most people happy?

I've also heard you say that our minds are like Teflon for good things and Velcro for bad things. Can you elaborate?

How did evolution sculpt our brains to be incredibly concerned about social ranking and hierarchies? Is this fact especially problematic in the age of widespread social media use?

What is mindfulness meditation? Is it different from typical meditation?

Why is it important to infuse your life with mindfulness? With compassion?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Visit Dr. Siegel's website, read his books The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices For Everyday Problems and The Extraordinary Gift of Being Ordinary, and subscribe to his mailing list

“My Unbiased Thrive Market Review (AND A Shopping List!)” – save money on your first Thrive Market order by clicking here

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently!

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 153 - Sara Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine and author of The Hidden Power of the Downstate and Take a Nap! Change Your Life. She was awarded the Office Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2015. Her research findings have been published in such leading scientific journals as Nature Neuroscience and The Proceedings from the National Academy of Science, and covered by all major media outlets. Sara resides in San Diego, CA; you can learn more at her website: saramednick.com. In the episode, she explains what the terms “Upstate” and “Downstate” mean, lifestyle changes we can all make to optimize our time spent in the Downstate, negative health effects that can occur after too much time spent in the Upstate…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/153

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK SARA IN THE EPISODE:

Can you start off by telling us a bit about your background? (Specifically, why did you want to write The Power Of The Downstate?)

How did you go from writing a book about sleep and naps to writing one that looks at our bodies’ many interconnected systems?

Was there a moment in your own life when this new, bigger topic really clicked for you? Had you been feeling like you were spending too much time in the Upstate?

How did you come up with the terms Upstate and Downstate? Can you tell us what they mean?

What lifestyle changes should everyone make to optimize their Upstate and Downstate?

Do you think most people are spending too much time in the Upstate? If so, why?

What are some common misconceptions people have about sleep?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Visit Sara's website, connect with her on Twitter, and read her book The Hidden Power of the Downstate

Get a bottle of sugar- and additive-free wine for a penny!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently!

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 152 - Dr. Marisa Cohen is a relationship researcher, marriage and family therapist, and teacher of college-level psychology courses.  She is also the author of From First Kiss to Forever: A Scientific Approach to Love, a book that relates relationship scientific research to everyday experiences and real relationship issues confronted by couples. Dr. Cohen is passionate about discovering and sharing important relationship research from the field, and has given guest lectures at locations including the 92nd Street Y, Strand Bookstore, and the New York Hall of Science. She is also a 2021 TEDx Speaker, has appeared in segments for Newsweek, and is the subject of a piece focusing on her work, which aired on BRIC TV. Her work has been quoted in publications such as Bustle, Good Housekeeping, The Cut, InStyle, The Washington Post, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health. She has also appeared on many podcasts and radio shows to discuss the psychology of love and ways in which we can improve our relationships. In the episode, Dr. Cohen explains common misconceptions couples have about what makes a happy, successful relationship; advice for growing (and changing) with your partner rather than growing apart; tips for being more successful at online dating…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/152

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK DR. COHEN IN THE EPISODE:

What do you think is the number one contributor to relationship problems?

What are some common misconceptions couples have about the idea of a happy relationship/marriage?

What advice do you have for couples who find themselves distancing after the emotional high of the "honeymoon stage"?

What's your advice for growing (and changing) with your partner rather than growing apart?

Let's talk about conflict. It's inevitable! What tips do you have for arguing better?

I've read the opinion that too much is expected of modern relationships: your spouse is supposed to be your best friend, your therapist, your childcare, your coworker, your romantic partner... What are your thoughts on this?

If you had to recommend one or more books that you believe every couple should read, what would they be?

What advice do you have for those who've been looking for love and can't find it? Do you have any tips for being more successful at online dating?

Have you changed your mind about anything over the years (in terms of what makes a solid, happy relationship)?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Visit Dr. Cohen's website; connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter; buy her book From First Kiss to Forever: A Scientific Approach to Love

Read the books Dr. Cohen mentions: Hold Me Tight, Love Sense, Attached, Eight Dates

Watch "The Missing Piece Meets The Big O"

Get a bottle of sugar- and additive-free wine for a penny!

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently!

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)

EPISODE 151 - Misa Pignataro is a certified health coach, an educator with a Master’s degree in early childhood education, a cooking instructor, and a mom of two young girls. Her mission is to help shape children’s tastes one bite at a time while teaching them to love their veggies so they can live a lifetime of health and happiness! In the episode, Misa explains why it’s so important to get your kids interested in cooking, her “rate it” game for boosting kids’ exposure to new foods (like veggies!), how to serve healthy snacks your kids will actually eat…and more!

EPISODE WEBPAGE: thehealthinvestment.com/151

P.S. – If you’re liking The Health Investment Podcast, be sure to hit “subscribe/follow” so that you never miss an episode 🙂

QUESTIONS I ASK MISA IN THE EPISODE:

What are some of the biggest misconceptions parents have about feeding their kids healthy food?

What are the benefits to getting kids cooking in the kitchen?

How can parents increase their kids' veggie consumption?

What are some tips for curbing kids' constant snacking?

What tips do you have for parents of picky eaters? Can you explain the "rate it" game?

You have a blog post titled "12 Simple Tips To Raise Healthy, Happy Eaters." Can you share a few of them with us?

Do you plan meals for your family? Do you prepare full meals (or elements) in advance? What meal planning/prepping tips do you have?

LINKS [SOME MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS; PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO]:

Visit Misa's website; connect with her on Facebook and Instagram; read “12 Simple Tips To Raise Happy, Healthy Eaters: Part 1,” and “12 Simple Tips To Raise Happy, Healthy Eaters: Part 2”

“My Unbiased Thrive Market Review (AND A Shopping List!)” – save money on your first Thrive Market order by clicking here

Click here when you're ready to lose 5-50 pounds permanently!

Follow The Health Investment Podcast on Instagram

Follow host Brooke Simonson on Instagram

Email Brooke: [email protected]

Shout out to Christian Juarez for the theme music! (Click here to visit his Soundcloud!!)