In this episode, Amanda sits down with Dolores Tersigni, a talent and workforce strategist and leadership coach whose work is rooted in values, authenticity. Dolores is the founder and CEO of Ellavate, a consulting firm that develops innovative and straightforward people solutions that allow organizations to attract and retain talent during hyper-growth stage and beyond. Prior to Ellavate, Dolores was the Chief People Officer at Headspace and the Vice President, Talent at Netflix. Most recently, Dolores was the Chief People Officer for the Biden-Harris campaign and then the Harris-Walz presidential campaigns.

Dolores shares her expertise on building strong organizational cultures, the importance of aligning personal and company values, and the leadership lessons she learned from high-pressure environments like Netflix and the Harris-Waltz presidential campaign.

Key Discussion Points:

• The importance of foundational structures in organizations and how values drive decision-making
• How to identify when your personal values are being tested at work and what to do about it
• Questions to ask during interviews to determine if a company's culture aligns with your values
• Dolores's experience as Chief People Officer on the Harris-Waltz campaign and how it challenged her personally
• The concept of "work-life integration" versus "work-life balance"
• What makes a great leader: humility, reflection, and surrounding yourself with people smarter than you
• The "keeper test" at Netflix and its approach to maintaining a high-performance culture
• Why someone successful at one organization may struggle at another without values alignment
• How to process feedback, especially when it's difficult to hear
• Building teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with clear deadlines

Linkes Mentioned:

https://www.dolorestersigni.com/

https://ellavate-inc.com/

Join the Conversation:

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In this episode, Amanda sits down with Dr. Jenelle Kim, a renowned Doctor of Traditional Oriental Medicine, best-selling author, and the first woman to carry her family’s centuries-old lineage of herbal formulations. Dr. Kim is a trailblazer in integrating the timeless principles of Eastern medicine with the innovations of Western science, offering a modern approach to health and well-being.

Amanda and Dr. Kim explore the concept of living meditation—an accessible practice that blends mindfulness, breathwork, and movement into daily life—and discuss the importance of knowing your true self as the foundation for a harmonious existence. This concept is the focus of Dr. Kim’s book, Myung Sung: The Korean Art of Living Meditation.

Dr. Kim also provides an in-depth look at her family’s legacy in herbal medicine, the power of adaptogens, and her work in creating clean beauty products that bridge natural wisdom and scientific rigor. She highlights the strength found in flexibility, likening it to bamboo, and explains how personal accountability and self-awareness are critical for growth and healing.

Whether you’re curious about Eastern medicine, seeking practical meditation tips, or interested in the connection between inner and outer beauty, this conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable steps to help you lead a balanced, vibrant life.

Key Discussion Points:

• Medicine, Movement, and Meditation: Dr. Kim emphasizes the importance of integrating these three pillars—herbal medicine, mindful movement, and living meditation—for a holistic approach to well-being. Living meditation, in particular, encourages mindfulness in every moment of life.
• Adaptogens and Holistic Health: Adaptogenic herbs like goji berries, ginseng, and medicinal mushrooms (e.g., lion's mane, reishi) are powerful tools to boost energy and resilience. Dr. Kim highlights their role in balancing the body and enhancing overall health without significant side effects.
• The Power of Flexibility and Balance: Drawing inspiration from bamboo, Dr. Kim teaches that strength lies in flexibility. By being deeply rooted yet adaptable, individuals can weather life’s storms while maintaining balance and resilience.
• The Connection Between Inner and Outer Beauty: True beauty stems from within, achieved through a balanced lifestyle, stress management, proper nutrition, and mindful practices. Dr. Kim also underscores the importance of using clean beauty products to minimize toxins in daily routines.
• Practical Tips for Daily Calm: Incorporate small but impactful practices, such as deep breathing, simple Qigong exercises, or setting aside 10 minutes for mindfulness. These accessible habits can ground the body, calm the mind, and improve overall quality of life.

Resources:

https://jenellekim.com/

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on today’s episode? Connect with Amanda and the community on LinkedIn @ in/amandahendy and share your insights!

Support the Show:

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In this episode, Amanda welcomes Sarah Schmidt, a clinical psychologist, health coach, and host of the Wholey Schmidt podcast. Sarah has dedicated her work to unpacking the complexities of emotional health, authenticity, and human connection. Sarah brings a unique vulnerability and openness to this conversation as she shares her personal journey through grief, loneliness, self-discovery, motherhood, and embracing change after 50. This is a really powerful episode with lots of great tips for navigating difficult emotions and owning your purpose in life.  

Key Discussion Points:

• Sarah’s Journey to Podcasting: Transitioning from clinical psychology to launching the Wholey Schmidt podcast at age 50 to create a space for authentic conversations.
• Motherhood: Adopting three children and having her first biological child at 44, including the challenges of IVF and pregnancy later in life.
• Grief and Emotional Health: Redefining grief as reconciling hope with reality, and the cultural discomfort with sadness.
• Navigating Loneliness: Differentiating loneliness from being alone and the importance of self-connection.
• Emotional Awareness and Health: How sitting with emotions can improve mental and physical well-being, including Sarah’s insights into emotional eating.
• Resilience Through Discomfort: Embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth and the impact of routines like cold plunges and heavy weightlifting on mental health.
• Letting Go to Move Forward: The power of releasing misaligned aspects of life to make way for transformative change.

Resources:

https://www.wholeyschmidt.com

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on today’s episode? Connect with Amanda and the community on LinkedIn @ in/amandahendy and share your insights!

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting our work by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your network. Every bit helps us bring important conversations like this to a wider audience.

In this episode, Amanda welcomes Steffi Schmidt, founder of Fig for Kids, a non-toxic clothing brand for kids. They discuss the common toxins found in everyday clothing, including dyes and forever chemicals, the environmental and health impacts they carry, particularly for children, and the alarming lack of regulation in the U.S. compared to Europe.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding Toxins: We explore the two main categories of harmful substances in clothing: immunosensitizers (like azo dyes) and endocrine disruptors (such as forever chemicals). These toxins can lead to skin allergies, respiratory issues, and even more serious health concerns.
• The Consumer's Dilemma: Despite the growing awareness around clean beauty and household products, many consumers remain unaware of the toxins in their everyday clothing. We discuss why it's crucial for consumers to be informed about what they're wearing and how it impacts their health and the environment. Steffi highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation in the U.S., contrasting it with Europe’s stricter standards for chemical use in textiles.
• The Journey to Non-Toxic Fashion: Steffi shares her personal story of how a health crisis in her family inspired her to create a line of non-toxic children's clothing. 
• Practical Tips: We provide actionable advice on how to make safer choices when shopping for clothes, including what to look for on labels and the significance of certifications like GOTS and Oeko-Tex.

Resources: https://figforkids.com

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on today’s episode? Connect with Amanda and the community on LinkedIn @ in/amandahendy and share your insights!

Support the Show:

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In this episode, Amanda Hendy sits down with Nora LaTorre, CEO and co-founder of EatReal, to discuss the pressing need for healthier and more sustainable food systems in schools. Nora shares alarming statistics about childhood obesity and metabolic diseases, highlighting the critical role that eating real food plays in improving physical and mental health. The conversation also delves into the deep connections between our food system and climate change, offering insights into how changing our food habits can help regenerate the planet.

Key Discussion Points:

• The State of School Food: Nora reveals how over 67% of kids' calories come from ultra-processed foods, contributing to a rise in preventable diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. She emphasizes the need to shift school meals towards more nutritious, real food options.
• The Role of EatReal:Learn how EatReal is transforming the food landscape in schools across the country by advocating for policy changes, improving food standards, and increasing access to real, nutritious food. The organization is making significant strides in several states, with plans to expand to 15 states by next year.
• Economic Benefits: Nora discusses how upgrading school food programs can lead to economic benefits, including increased participation in school meal programs and better financial outcomes for schools.
• Food and Mental Health: The conversation delves into the connection between food and mental health, with Nora explaining how a healthy diet is essential for brain health and overall well-being.
• Food and Climate Change: Nora connects the dots between our food system and climate change, explaining how the choices we make about what we eat can significantly impact the environment. She discusses the importance of regenerative agriculture and how schools can become major buyers of regenerative, organic produce, helping to draw down carbon and support local farmers.
• Advocacy and Policy: Nora talks about EatReal's advocacy efforts, including recent successes in raising nutrition standards at both the state and national levels. She also discusses the importance of bipartisan support in addressing the structural issues within the food system.
• Call to Action: Nora encourages listeners to get curious, educate themselves, and take action in their own communities. Whether it's advocating for better school meals or making small changes at home, everyone can contribute to building a healthier future.

Links & Resources:

• EatReal Website: https://eatreal.org
• Nora LaTorre’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hhTOTsyQb0
• Books Mentioned: Brain Energy by Dr. Christopher Palmer (https://www.brainenergybook.com)
• Kiss the Ground Documentary: https://kisstheground.com

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on today’s episode? Connect with Amanda and the community on LinkedIn @ in/amandahendy and share your insights!

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting our work by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your network. Every bit helps us bring important conversations like this to a wider audience.

In this episode, Amanda welcomes Megan and Matt Johnson, an extraordinary couple who embarked on the remarkable journey of surrogacy. Megan and Matt share their experiences, from the decision to become a surrogate to the emotional and physical challenges they faced along the way. They discuss their personal highs and lows, the deep connections formed with the intended parents, and the transformative impact this journey had on their own family.

Amanda, Megan, and Matt delve into the logistics and emotional preparation required for surrogacy, the importance of communication and trust between all parties involved, and the unexpected benefits and lessons learned from this profound experience. Their story highlights the incredible ways people can make a difference in the lives of others.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The decision-making process behind becoming a surrogate and the importance of being well-informed.
• The emotional and physical challenges faced during the surrogacy journey, including dealing with miscarriages and medical complications.
• The significance of building trust and maintaining open communication with the intended parents.
• The impact of surrogacy on Megan and Matt's own family, including the support and involvement of their children.
• The unique benefits and unforeseen positive outcomes of the surrogacy experience.
• Advice for those considering becoming surrogates, including the importance of finding a compatible match and advocating for personal needs.
• The concept of chosen family and the different ways to create and support families outside traditional norms.

Enjoy! x Amanda

In this episode, Amanda welcomes Calla Rose Ostrander, co-founder and managing partner of Terra Regenerative Capital, a public benefit investment vehicle focused on catalyzing the adoption of climate smart agriculture. Calla Rose works with scientists, farmers, ranchers, business entrepreneurs, policy makers and capital providers to plan for and develop regenerative regional economies that restore financial, social, and environmental health.

Amanda and Calla Rose discuss the importance of soil health and how adopting climate smart agriculture has the potential to draw down enough carbon from the atmosphere to rebalance the climate and make our food more nutritious, thereby rebuilding planetary and human health.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The importance of soil health, including the role of microbial life and organic matter in fostering robust soil ecosystems.
• How traditional agricultural practices like tilling and chemical use degrade soil structure, reduce microbial diversity, and contribute to erosion and nutrient depletion.
• The potential for regenerative agriculture techniques to enhance soil fertility, increase biodiversity, and improve water retention, which can lead to more sustainable farming practices.
• How healthier soils can reduce farmers' reliance on synthetic inputs, lower costs, and potentially increase farm profitability while mitigating climate change by drawing down carbon.
• How healthier soils can increase the nutritional value of our food.
• Ways listeners can support local and sustainable agriculture through consumer choices, policy advocacy, and community engagement to promote soil health and environmental sustainability.

Learn more about Calla Rose here. Links to the resources discussed in the episode are below.

Kiss the Ground

Kiss the Ground Film

Common Ground Film

The Soil Story

Enjoy! x Amanda

In this heartfelt episode, Amanda welcomes Dr. Ivy Margulies, a licensed clinical psychologist with an expertise in reproductive and maternal health, including grief, trauma, mindfulness, and holistic healing.

Amanda and Dr. Margulies delve deep into the emotional complexities of the fertility journey. Dr. Margulies offers insights into the psychological impacts of infertility, pregnancy loss, and the journey to motherhood and Amanda opens up about her own fertility journey.

Topics covered:

• The emotional aspects of fertility journeys, including the common feelings of loneliness, vulnerability, and the lack of certainty in outcomes, providing insights into the psychological toll these experiences can have.
• Effective strategies for managing emotional stress during fertility challenges, such as mindfulness techniques and breathwork.
• The significance of building a supportive community during the fertility process, emphasizing the need to choose supportive individuals who are emotionally and practically supportive.
• Practical advice on coping with the medical and emotional complexities of fertility treatments, including how to advocate for oneself in medical settings and the importance of personalized care.
• The impact of societal expectations and personal experiences on one's emotional health during fertility struggles, with Dr. Margulies highlighting how societal pressure can exacerbate feelings of defectiveness and grief.
• Techniques for building and maintaining emotional resilience, including how to establish a routine of mindfulness and emotional check-ins to foster mental health during challenging times.
• The importance of a strong support system, detailing how to identify and engage with people who can provide emotional and practical support throughout the fertility journey.
• Insights into the broader impacts of fertility issues on relationships and personal identity, encouraging listeners to maintain their mental health and emotional well-being through supportive therapies and community engagement.
• Advice for friends and family on how to support loved ones facing fertility challenges, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and the avoidance of minimizing the individual’s feelings.

Learn more about Dr. Margulies at https://drivylove.com and on Instagram.

You can also email Dr. Margulies at [email protected].

Enjoy! x Amanda

In this episode, Amanda welcomes Ford Smith and Greg Fonzo, Ph.D.

Greg is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and co-director of the Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas Austin. Ford is the founder and CEO of Ultranative - a venture platform with a focus on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and alternative medicine.

In this episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into the world of psychedelics, their implications for mental health, personal growth, and the broader societal impact. Key takeaways include:

• An exploration of various psychedelics like MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine, including their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action.
• Ford shares his transformative journey with psychedelics, highlighting the profound changes in perspective, mental health, and personal growth.
• The significance of the environment, intention, and careful dosage in experiencing the benefits of psychedelics while minimizing risks.
• An overview of current clinical research, potential therapeutic applications for mental health conditions, and the future of psychedelics in medicine.
• How psychedelics can enhance creativity, citing historical examples and ongoing research efforts.
• The importance of responsible psychedelic use, awareness of potential risks, especially concerning ketamine's addictive properties, and the need for informed guidance.
• Insight into the evolving legal status of psychedelics, decriminalization efforts, and the impact of societal perception on the accessibility and acceptance of these substances.
• Discussion on the broader implications of psychedelics for societal advancement, emphasizing the need for balanced integration and respect for these powerful compounds.

Learn more about Ford Smith and Ultranative at www.ultranative.com.

Learn more about MINDS at centerforminds.org.

Learn more about Greg Fonzo, Ph.D. at https://dellmed.utexas.edu/directory/gregory-greg-fonzo.

Enjoy! x Amanda

In this episode, Amanda welcomes Zack Kasabo. Zack is a certified school counselor and behavior management expert with a degree in psychology and a masters in education. He has years of experience working with kids of all ages and has a coaching practice dedicated to helping parents effectively manage kids with challenging behaviors

In this episode you will learn:

• The importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations for children, both at home and in school, to foster a sense of responsibility and self-control.
• Strategies for dealing with challenging behaviors in children, including the use of empathy and limits to guide them towards positive actions.
• The role of structure in children's lives and how it can help manage behavior passively, encouraging self-control and emotional safety.
• The significance of building a secure attachment with children, ensuring they feel competent to explore the world while knowing they have support when needed.
• Techniques for setting and enforcing boundaries, emphasizing the need for both empathy and limits to help children develop competency and trust in themselves and others.
• The impact of social media and screen time on children, with suggestions for managing access and encouraging responsible use.
• Approaches to handling sibling rivalry and conflicts, highlighting the importance of allowing children to resolve disputes independently when possible.
• The value of acknowledging and apologizing for mistakes as a parent, modeling humility and responsibility to children.
• The necessity of expressing love and support to children regularly, while also maintaining expectations and boundaries.
• Insights into the challenges faced by teachers and schools, urging parents to respect the educational environment and the community aspect of classrooms.

Learn more about Zack at www.coachkasabo.com.

Enjoy! x Amanda