DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark carries forward the essential work of redefining health care for our times. She addresses the health issues arising at the intersection of culture, race, food traditions, lifestyle and inequity in the food system. Her work with food is deeply rooted in the belief that if you trace back just a few generations, every person comes from a rich culture of healthy, medicinal foods, and that food is deeply personal and part of a larger socio-political system. Dr. Geeta relies heavily on the use of food as medicine in her approach to healing, as well as herbal medicine, nutriceuticals, botanicals, mind body connection, and healing practitioners in the community. She guides us back to the medicines that surround us; many of them free, ancestral, and immediately accessible.

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Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark MD, ABOIM is a nationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of Integrative Medicine. She is the Director of Integrative Nutrition and Advocacy at Endeavor Health, Clinical Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Culinary Medicine program at the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, and faculty for the U of Arizona Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda Fellowship. Dr. Maker-Clark has spent two decades studying integrative medicine, nutritional science, botanical medicine, mind-body medicine, and natural childbirth in health clinics all over the world. She started the Food is Power program on the South Side of Chicago in Chicago Public Schools to empower youth with health literacy, through a curriculum that focuses on decolonized food education, food justice and sovereignty and pioneered one of the first culinary medicine programs in a medical school in the country. Dr. Maker-Clark was recognized as a national leader in food justice activism with a Castanea Fellowship from 2019-2022 and the Mesa Refuge Michael Pollan Fellowship in Food Journalism in 2021. She has received numerous honors for her leadership in health equity, food justice, and integrative medicine, and is a sought-after speaker who brings together science, storytelling, and practical wisdom to help people and communities flourish.

Dr. Maker-Clark believes in transforming the way we think about medicine and looks to ancient wisdom and modern struggles as opportunities to heal with the medicines that are all around us. As a woman of color, a community organizer, and integrative physician and thought leader in the food as medicine movement, her work aims to help communities be well-nourished—the heart of healing in our society and country. Her forthcoming book, Medicine for All People: Science and Ancient Wisdom for Revolutionary Healing, is a compelling invitation to restore the wisdom, practices, and relationships that have been marginalized by modern life yet remain essential to individual and collective healing.

https://drgeetamakerclark.com/

DESCRIPTION:

Lesley Koeppel will speak on the evolving role of a mother-in-law as families change through milestones like weddings, children, and new partnerships. She blends psychological insight and real-life experience to show that being a "good" mother-in-law isn't about perfection, but about leaning to grieve change, accept your child's new partner without judgment, and step back in a way that strengthens—rather than strains—family bonds. Key takeaways for audiences are practical and universal: relationships thrive when we release outdated roles, respect new priorities, and choose patience over control. By practicing self-reflection, repairing missteps, and embracing the long view, mothers-in-law can build healthier,more loving connections that support the entire family over time.

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Lesley Koeppel, LCSW, is a psychotherapist with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate serious health challenges and life's most complicated relationships. In her New York City private practice, she has counseled countless women who, alongside personal struggles, often reveal the unspoken tensions between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. As a therapist and a mother-in-law, Lesley brings compassion, humor, a direct approach, and clarity to a subject that is often joked about but rarely explored honestly in her debut book.

https://www.facebook.com/asklesleykoeppel

https://www.instagram.com/ask.lesley/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ask.lesley?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-koeppel-66b8684/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhRviR7IZC4

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lesley-koeppel-psychotherapist-new-york-ny/732095

DESCRIPTION:

Host of The Creative Spark, G. Brian Benson, will explore what it means to step outside your comfort zone, embrace creativity, and live an authentic and fulfilling life. Brian will share the experiences, challenges, and lessons that have shaped his journey, and help others reconnect with their own personal truths. He is passioate about supporting others' processes in learning how to find the joy and peace of mind that comes with stepping into one's own skin. From becoming an award-winning author, speaker, poet, filmmaker, and actor to completing four Ironman triathlons and navigating life as a cancer survivor, he strives to inspire others to find joy, meaning, and their own unique voice

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G. Brian Benson is a creative voice for authentic living. Through grounded inspiration, Brian creates to amplify hearts, spark self-discovery, and remind others of their own light. Brian is an award-winning and best-selling author, speaker (TEDx), poet, podcast host, mentor, YouTube creator and filmmaker who brings heart, humor,and depth to everything he writes. From bestselling self-improvement works and uplifting lyrical poetry to imaginative, rhyming children's books, his work inspires readers of all ages.

•Website/s: www.gbrianbenson.com •Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gbrianbenson/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbrianbenson/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gbrianbenson/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GBrianBenson Other: https://substack.com/@gbrianbenson Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/5063495-the- creative-spark

DESCRIPTION: Why Our Usual Defenses Don't Function After Experiencing Trauma — And How to Reset Them The aftereffect of a traumatic experience is to adopt an unhealthy coping response—like blame, guilt, ​a​nd compulsive or avoidant behavior. We make our best attempts to get back to our lives and move forward. But in the meantime, we carry the burden of the trauma with us. Further, the axiom "time heals all wounds" is mistaken. To the extent that we postpone coming to terms with the trauma, we're unable to defuse its intensity or its hold on us. The combination of letting go of the emotion and finding meaning for the trauma adds up to healing. ​Remembering, feeling, expressing, releasing, and finding meaning is needed to heal the wounds. To support such healing, guided imagery — a clinical psychological technique previously used mainly for relaxation and enhancing athletic performance — has now been expanded to provide healing from trauma​, as well as from grief, loss, and more. It's an effective tool for helping people revisit unresolved issues in their lives and finally achieve closure​, often in a single session. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Dr. Christopher Cortman emphasizes the capacity of guided imagery to help patients heal from trauma. He addresses how: •the adage, "Time heals all wounds" is a fallacy •the nervous system processes what you see in your mind's eye as fact •guided imagery is able to bridge the gap between imagination and reality to rewrite harmful narratives •psychological trauma can be assimilated into a person's growth, health and wellbeing •to conduct a guided imagery session and What possible pitfalls and contraindications may exist with guided imagery BIO: Dr. Christopher Cortman has facilitated over 80,000 hours of psychotherapy during his distinguished career spanning ​forty years. A Florida Licensed Psychologist, he maintains a thriving private practice while specializing in emotional trauma and anxiety disorders. ​He's appeared nationwide on talk radio and television. The acclaimed author of ​f​ive previous books, his new book, The Guided Imagery Cure: The Best Proven Methods for Quickly Resolving and Healing Trauma, describes a profoundly impactful tool for addressing trauma, grief, and more. Learn more at srqshrink.com

GUEST WEBSITE: srqshrink.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drchristophercortman 16.8k followers

https://www.facebook.com/drchristophercortman 93 followers

https://www.instagram.com/drchristophercortman/ 287 followers

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christopher-cortman-5196b222/

Hashtags: #TikTokShrink#mentalhealth#selfhelp#learnontiktok#lifehacks #therapy#psychology

DESCRIPTION

Terry Murray will discuss his book The Transformational Entrepreneur ~ Engaging the Mind, Heart; Spirit for Breakthrough Business Success. The book serves as a pragmatic, evidence-based roadmap for leaders, drawing a direct correlation between traditional business methods and the human spirit as a consistent factor in sustainable growth. He explores the symbiotic relationship between leadership, strategy, and culture, teaching executives how to leverage these elements mindfully to deliver breakthrough performance. Terry Murray will also discuss he is working to leverage the power of AI to strategically improve access to affordable healthcare, preferably in the home, vastly improving the human experience of both receiving and delivering affordable healthcare in America.

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Terry Murray is a veteran executive strategist and author with over 35 years of experience leading corporate business units and investor-driven startups to more than $1 billion in market capitalization growth. As the Founder of Performance Transformation, Inc., Terry has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and culture, helping firms raise over $100 million in equity financing and achieve breakthrough valuation growth. A former Naval Intelligence Specialist, Terry's strategic perspective is rooted in a unique blend of high-stakes military precision and a deep understanding of the human continuum.; This philosophy is showcased in his work with the Warriors in Transition program—a mission that earned him a commendation from General David Petraeus for his dedication to the welfare and reintegration of America's wounded service members. Today, Terry is a leading advocate for the confluence of emotional intelligence and synthetic intelligence. He is currently spearheading AI projects designed to democratize access to care in the home, enabling Aging in Place and advancing Hospital at Home technologies. His work ensures that the rapid advancement of AI serves to improve the human condition, creating a future where technology is as empathetic as it is efficient. Terry is the author of The Transformational Entrepreneur: Engaging the Mind, Heart, and Spirit for Breakthrough Business Success, a roadmap for leaders seeking to leverage human potential to drive sustainable, life-changing results.

LINKS

Website/s: https://www.performtransform.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-murray-a4053016/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performtransform Book description: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jDVPhoKGBE

Paula Marshall, author of Finding the Soul of Big Business, is the CEO of Bama Companies, a family-owned business founded in 1927. Her vision serves as a guiding light for Bama team members, inspiring the company to live out its mission: "People Helping People Be Successful.

Paula stepped into the role of CEO in 1984 and has led Bama through years of growth while staying true to its people-first roots. Today, Bama is a global organization that includes Bama Pie, Bama Foods, Bama Frozen Dough, Beijing Bama, and Bama Europa. Paula is known for blending strong business leadership with heart, focusing on servant leadership, meaningful work, and creating lasting impact for employees, customers, and communities.

Paula discusses the food service industry, communication in the workplace, and her foundation that has created schools to educate children in Ghana

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As CEO of Bama Companies, Paula provides strategic direction and leadership across the organization. Her vision guides Bama team members and inspires the company to live out its mission, "People Helping People Be Successful." Paula took on the role of CEO in 1984, leading a company that has since grown to include Bama Pie, Bama Foods, Bama Frozen Dough, Beijing Bama, and Bama Europa.

Under her leadership, Bama has expanded its reach, offering a wide range of frozen desserts and baked goods to fast-food chains as well as casual and family dining restaurants. Paula earned her Bachelor of Science in business from Oklahoma City University in 1982 and later completed her PhD in commercial science there in 1993. She is the author of four books and believes that successful business leaders must embrace both entrepreneurship and strong management to truly thrive.

https://thepaulamarshall.com/story/

https://paulamarshallfoundation.org/

Paula Marshall obtained her Associate's Degree from Tulsa Community College and her Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate from Oklahoma City University. Paula has been CEO of Tulsa-based international food manufacturer, Bama Companies, Inc. since 1990.

Bama's mission statement is; People Helping People Be Successful. This ethos includes the Bama team members, their families, and the community in which they live, work, and serve.

In living out this mission, Paula has served, started, or partnered with numerous organizations and causes in and around Tulsa including: The Margaret Hudson Program, DVIS, Food On The Move, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Her mission extends around the world:

Paula has helped build five schools in Ghana, educating over 1,000 children to set them up for a successful life.

Paula has also been recognized for numerous awards and distinctions.

Including being inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame, Advocate of the Year for DVIS, The Journal Record's Woman of The Year, and being named one of the 25 Tulsans Who Shaped Our City by Tulsa People Magazine in 2011, and most recently, becoming a 2021 inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

VIEW AWARDS Bama Companies has been recognized for countless awards during Paula's tenure

Including being the first manufacturer in Oklahoma to become a certified B Corp, recognized by the Tulsa Chamber, B Corp, McDonald's, Yum Brands, and many others as a top inclusive workplace and receiving the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Paula has done extensive work to make sure Bama is a positive work environment for all team members.

In 2016, Paula started the Bama Caring Center which provides team members and their families free access to certified counseling, legal support, and representation as well as financial counseling.

Additionally, the Bama Foundation includes several programs that help team members and their families in times of need and unexpected emergencies.

About the book Finding the Soul of Big Business Too often businesses, large and small, have structure themselves to be goal oriented. Milestones, statistics and the bottom line are pursued like quarry pelts to be displayed on the belts of CEOs. Business leaders cannot be faulted for such approaches because, for the most part, we all are products of a post-twentieth century Western (American) culture that sees society in terms of winners and losers. Worth is too often ascribed to birth order, gender, race, region, class and any other characteristics that can be assigned a category. "People helping people be successful through caring and accountability." — Paula Marshall

DESCRIPTION

Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble will explore her transformative new book, Rise and Thrive. Blending over 30 years of research, clinical expertise, and deep community connection, Dr. Alfiee shares how she's created a "living, breathing toolkit" to help young people move beyond survival and into true healing and growth. We dive into the science behind journaling, reflection, and daily mental wellness practicesand why culturally relevant, inclusive approaches are essential for today's youth. Dr. Alfiee also unpacks the impact of intersectionality on mental health, offering insights into how race, identity, and lived experience shape resilience, stress, and healing. From navigating parenting in a digital-first world to addressing urgent issues like Black youth suicide prevention, this conversation is both timely and deeply empowering. Whether you're a young person, parent, educator, or simply someone on a journey toward better mental health, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to rise into your fullest self.

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Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble is an award-winning psychologist, researcher, and nationally recognized leader in youth mental health and suicide prevention. With over 25 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting Youth and Young Adults of Color, including LGBTQAI+ individuals and those with disabilities. A trusted voice in media, Dr. Alfiee has contributed to major outlets such as The Grio, The Today Show, The Breakfast Club, and The New York Times. She also co-hosts the Audacy radio special I'm Listening alongside Carson Daly and Katie Neal, and has collaborated with Lady Gaga on The Power of Kindness. As the author and co-author of multiple books, including Rise and Thrive, Dr. Alfiee is known for translating rigorous science into accessible, culturally grounded tools that inspire real change. Her work is rooted in compassion, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves access to optimalmentalhealth and the opportunity to live with hope, resilience, and purpose.

LINKS

Website: https://dralfiee.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dralfiee/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/dralfieeaakomaproject

DESCRIPTION In a world where the "main character" mindset dominates social media, are we losing touch with who we really are? In this episode, Jeffrey B. Rubin explores how the pressure to constantly perform online is reshaping our sense of self and why relying on external validation can leave us feeling more disconnected than fulfilled. Drawing from his work in The Art of Flourishing and A Psychoanalysis for Our Time, he breaks down the psychological difference between healthy self-worth and a fragile, audience-dependent identity.

Together, we unpack the shift from internal satisfaction to curated performance, why social validation is an unstable foundation for confidence, and how our digital personas can drift away from our private realities. Dr. Rubin also shares practical, grounded strategies to help you reconnect with an authentic sense of selfone that isn't dependent on likes, views, or constant visibility. This conversation offers a thoughtful and timely perspective for anyone navigating identity, self-worth, and mental well-being in the digital age.

GUEST BIO Jeffrey B. Rubin is a clinical analyst, psychotherapist, and author known for his work on the intersection of psychotherapy and modern life. He is the author of several influential books, including The Art of Flourishing and A Psychoanalysis for Our Time, where he explores how individuals can cultivate genuine well-being in an increasingly complex and high-pressure world.

Through his clinical practice and writing, Dr. Rubin offers practical and deeply insightful guidance on building resilience, authenticity, and psychological balance. His work helps individuals move beyond surface-level validation to develop a more grounded, meaningful sense of self.

Website/s: https://DrJeffreyRubin.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100060243771997 X: @DrJeffreyRubin

DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Susan explores a historic milestone in honoring the unsung heroes of American service the animals who have stood side by side with their human partners in moments of danger, sacrifice, and lifesaving service. The National Service Animals Monument (NSAM) has just received a transformational $1 million donation, accelerating efforts to build the nation's first federally authorized monument dedicated to service animals and their handlers in Washington, DC.

Renowned sculptor and NSAM founder, Susan Bahary, will discuss the vision behind this landmark tribute and why it's long overdue. From military working dogs to guide dogs and assistance animals, this conversation highlights the extraordinary human-animal bond that has shaped countless lives across generations.

Listeners will gain insight into the bipartisan effort that made this monument possible, the ambitious $25 million campaign to bring it to life, and the powerful stories that underscore its importance. Susan also shares her deeply personal belief in the healing power of art and animals, offering moving examples that illustrate how these partnerships embody the very best of American values service, sacrifice, courage, and unity.

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Susan Bahary is an internationally acclaimed sculptor, author, and animal welfare advocate, best known for her monumental bronze sculptures honoring military working dogs, service animals, and their handlers. As the founder and chair of the National Service Animals Monument (NSAM), she is leading a historic effort to establish the first federally authorized monument in the United States dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of animals and their human partners across the military, law enforcement, and assistance sectors.

Susan's work is driven by a profound respect for the human-animal bond and a lifelong commitment to telling the stories of courage, loyalty, and service that often go unrecognized. Her sculptures are featured in prominent public and private collections and serve as lasting tributes to the vital roles animals play in society.

A passionate advocate for the healing power of both art and animals, Susan brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, drawing on real-life stories of veterans, first responders, and individuals whose lives have been transformed by service animals. Through her leadership at NSAM, she continues to champion a national movement to ensure these extraordinary partnerships are permanently honored and remembered.

LINKS

https://baharystudios.com/art/

DESCRIPTION

We are all aging, from the moment we are born, but we are steeped in a culture that tells a very limited story about aging. In this conversation, we'll explore how those messages shape how we think, feel and act, and how implicit bias shows up in everyday language, interactions and systems. The Reframing Aging movement offers a different lens, one that reflects the full picture of growing older: building momentum, sharing experience and connection, and contributing to community. Shifting how we think and talk about aging isn't just a communications exercise, it can open the door to stronger communities and broader support for the kinds of policies and practices that benefit all of us as we age.

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Alrie McNiff Daniels is a certified Reframing Aging facilitator and seasoned social impact leader who advocates to shift the way people think and talk about aging and older people. With more than three decades of experience advancing public health and social change through strategic communications, she is well-positioned to help community leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses and government agencies apply reframing principles to communicate more effectively on issues important to older people and create communities that work for everyone. Alrie's interactive workshops and presentations encourage participants to challenge ageist assumptions and promote more inclusive narratives. She draws on FrameWorks Institute research and her nine years leading communications at Point32Health and Tufts Health Plan Foundations. Recent engagements include presentations for Age Friendly Rhode Island, Aldersbridge Communities, Hebrew SeniorLife, the City of Boston's Age Strong Commission and students at Brown University. She is a facilitator for the Maine Council on Aging's Leadership Exchange on Ageism and the National Center to Reframe Aging.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alriemcniffdaniels/