A life narrowed by chronic pain can make even simple pleasures feel like a threat. We sit down with Dr. Leah Flaherty, a pain psychologist at Allegheny Health Network and certified Empowered Relief instructor, to explore a FREE and practical, two-hour path that helps you change how your brain responds to pain—without pretending it will vanish. Grounded in pain neuroscience education and cognitive behavioral therapy, Empowered Relief gives clear, usable tools that calm the nervous system and interrupt the brain’s habitual pain loops and is accessible to anyone, regardless of insurance or location.

We unpack why pain is both sensory and emotional, how stress chemistry keeps the alarm stuck on, and why it’s scientifically valid to say pain can exist even without new tissue damage. Dr. Flaherty explains the guided audio with binaural beats that helps many people relax faster, fall asleep more easily, and de-escalate spikes in real time. We talk through expectation management, the role of daily practice, and the power of reframing catastrophic thoughts into compassionate, realistic self-talk. Small wins count—like getting the kids from the bus stop or finishing one chore—and those wins build agency.

You’ll also hear a candid personal story of trigeminal neuralgia, navigating stigma and “it’s all in your head” comments, and finding hope after medical dead ends. If you’ve felt defeated, skeptical, or unsure where to turn next, this is a science-based, accessible option that takes only two hours and costs nothing. Search “AHN Events Empowered Relief” to register and check out AHN’s “Brain Over Pain” videos on YouTube. If this episode resonates, follow the show, share it with someone, and leave a review to help others find these tools. Your story might be the spark someone else needs to try again.

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• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

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3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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Life is messy — between burnout, stress, clutter, and emotional overload, most of us are just trying to hold it together. But you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. In this episode of This Is It! by Thriving Yinzers, we’re redding up the chaos — starting with what’s actually in our control: our daily habits, routines, and physical environment.

We break down why chaos overwhelms your brain, how it hijacks executive function, and why it keeps you stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Then, we’re giving you practical tools to restore order — even if life feels like a mess n’at.

In this episode:

• Why your brain craves order
• The connection between clutter and overwhelm
• Executive function explained 
• Survival mode vs. intentional living
• Simple routines that reduce stress fast
• The Pomodoro Technique + small system wins
• How to start redding up anything (mind, home, or schedule)

This episode is real and full of tools to take back control — one small step at a time. 

🎧 Press play. 

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Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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When life tests us with unimaginable challenges, we discover capacities for strength and resilience we never knew we had. Megan Grau's story embodies this truth in ways that will leave you speechless, inspired, and perhaps forever changed.

On a single day in May 2020, while the world grappled with pandemic uncertainty, Megan's world shattered: her husband Mike was diagnosed with stage four bladder cancer, her brother was hospitalized with kidney failure, and her mother entered hospice care. Within weeks, her mother passed away, and doctors delivered the devastating news that Mike had just six months to a year to live, followed by even more tragedies and loss. 

But the Grau family refused to stay down as they pursued every traditional and alternative treatment they could find. Megan boldly advocated for her husband. "I care about saving my husband." She lovingly cared for her family as they faced terrible life events all at the same time. 

What makes this story truly remarkable is how Megan found transformation amid tragedy. At 48, she left a 15-year career at a law firm to pursue real estate, studying for exams in hospital waiting rooms while Mike underwent surgeries. Their son Turner's college baseball career became a bright spot through the darkness, with Mike defying his prognosis to attend games throughout Turner's four years at Youngstown State and fifth year at Pitt.

The overwhelming support from their community – 500 people attending a fundraiser, meals delivered for two years, strangers appearing with gifts – reminds us of humanity's capacity for compassion. 

Through it all, Megan discovered the power of intentional positivity, manifesting hope even on the hardest days while still allowing space for grief and fear when necessary.

Whatever challenges you're facing, Megan's story serves as a powerful reminder: you are stronger than you think. By sharing her ongoing journey, she offers not just inspiration but practical wisdom for finding purpose, connection, and even joy amid life's most profound difficulties.

The book Megan has now read multiple times is 

"Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life" by Roxie Nafousi 👉 thrivingyinzers.com/toolkit.

Let us know how we are doing.

Support the show

Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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A cancer diagnosis changes everything. While medical treatment targets the disease, what about the person—their fears, their appearance, their family, their spirit? Laurin Scanlon from AHN's Integrative Oncology Division reveals the extraordinary support system maybe you never knew existed.

The program, fully launched in 2023 after years of development, focuses on four pillars: health and fitness, diet and nutrition, image and appearance, and mind and body. What makes these services extra special is their accessibility—most are completely free and available to anyone with cancer, regardless of where they receive treatment or what insurance they carry. Even more impressive, many services are offered virtually, allowing patients to participate from home when they don't feel well enough to travel.

Laurin shares details about their award-winning wig salon that serves all genders, races, and hair types; cooking classes that welcome entire families including children; vouchers for services like massage and acupuncture; and gentle movement classes. The program doesn't just support patients either—it embraces caregivers, family members, and friends who are also profoundly affected by a loved one's diagnosis.

Behind these services are dedicated volunteers who contribute thousands of hours annually. From therapy dogs bringing joy during treatment to behind-the-scenes volunteers crafting dignity gowns and comfort items, these individuals become part of the patient's journey. For Laurin, whose grandfather received cancer treatment at AHN facilities, the mission is deeply personal—a way to honor his memory by helping others navigate their own cancer journeys with more support and dignity. For Sherry, whose father inspired the birth of this podcast also received cancer treatment at AHN. Cohost Jodi's mom also received cancer treatment at AHN. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor our loved ones and all those fighting cancer. 

Whether you're facing cancer yourself or standing beside someone who is, one phone call to 412-330-4045 connects you with this comprehensive support system. No referrals needed, no insurance requirements—just human-centered care that acknowledges healing involves much more than medicine alone.

More info i

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Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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When life piles up fast—schedules, stress, emotions, unfolded laundry—it's easy to overlook how you're still showing up. That's why we created our #4Wins4Yinz framework, a simple tool to help you see progress when everything feels overwhelming. This episode guides you through four essential dimensions of well-being: spiritual (what gave you peace or purpose?), physical (how did you care for your body?), mental (what helped your mind feel clearer?), and connection (who did you meaningfully interact with?). We share our own weekly wins and demonstrate how acknowledging even one small victory can shift your entire mindset.

As James Clear reminds us, tiny wins are foundational—they literally change your nervous system. When you practice noticing what's working, especially on days when it feels like nothing is, you build resilience one small win at a time. You stop waiting for perfect days and start finding the good that's already present.

Whether you're thriving or just surviving right now, this episode offers a moment to reset, reflect, and remind yourself that you're doing better than you think. Because when you notice even one small shift, your whole perspective can transform with it.

Share your wins with us using #FourWinsForYinz on social media or at thrivingyinzers.com/4wins—your victory might inspire someone else to start noticing theirs too. Leave us a rating or review to help us reach more people who need this message of hope and practical resilience.

Let us know how we are doing.

Support the show

Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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When was the last time you felt truly aligned—mind, body, and spirit working in harmony? For too many of us, that sense of wholeness feels increasingly elusive in a world that treats our physical and mental health as entirely separate domains.

Matt Plutko, co-founder and Director of Wellness at Revelations Counseling and Wellness, joins us to share a perspective on healing that bridges this artificial divide. "Studies show exercise has the same effect on the brain as Prozac," Matt explains, highlighting the science behind their integrated approach. What makes Revelations stand out is their refusal to simply place bandages over symptoms—instead, they dig deep to identify and address root causes. In this conversatin Matt introduces his self-mastery framework. Using the  metaphor of wagon wheels creating ruts in dirt roads, he illustrates how our unconscious behaviors carve neural pathways that keep us stuck in patterns we don't even recognize. True transformation begins by "filling in those ruts" so we can steer our lives in new directions. This isn't about perfection or avoiding setbacks—quite the opposite. Matt advocates developing what he calls "anti-fragile confidence," where "the worse it gets, the more committed we become to doing what we need to do."

Perhaps most powerful is Matt's guidance for anyone feeling stuck: "There's never a perfect time to start, so start today." He reminds us that growth happens just beyond our comfort zone, and consistent small steps—even imperfect ones—create lasting change. "It's okay to stink at something," he shares with refreshing honesty, "it's not okay to skip it."
Ready to move beyond therapy as usual and discover an approach that honors your whole self? Visit the show notes below for links to Matt's self-mastery program and additional resources from Revelations Counseling and Wellness. What small step will you take today to create a new path forward?

👉 Visit the Revelations Counseling & Wellness Website

⭐️ Self-Mastery — Revelations Counseling & Wellness

📸 Connect with @revelationscw on IG

Let us know how we are doing.

Support the show

Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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That little word "yet" might be the most powerful tool in your mental toolkit. When you catch yourself saying "I can't do this," adding "yet" transforms limitation into possibility—opening the door to growth where you once saw only roadblocks.

In this reflective conversation, we explore the science and practical application of developing a growth mindset based on Dr. Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research. Rather than viewing abilities as fixed traits written in permanent marker ("I'll never be a morning person," "I can't do math"), we discover how adopting the belief that we can develop through effort, learning, and persistence literally rewires the neural pathways in our brains.

We share personal stories of how this mindset shift made all the difference in our own journeys—from recovering from medical challenges to showing up consistently for difficult spin classes when we're dead last.

 The magic happens when we embrace challenges as opportunities to stretch ourselves and view mistakes not as failures but as valuable data points guiding our next steps.

The beauty of a growth mindset lies in its universal application. Whether you're trying to learn a new skill, heal a relationship, or navigate life's inevitable setbacks, reframing your thoughts from frustration to curiosity creates space for genuine progress. 

We explore practical strategies for cultivating this perspective: celebrating small wins regularly, surrounding yourself with growth-oriented people, and setting healthy boundaries that create room for personal development.

Ready to transform how you approach challenges? Join us to discover why progress—even in slow motion—is still progress, and how embracing the journey rather than fixating solely on destinations leads to deeper fulfillment and resilience in every area of life.

Let us know how we are doing.

Support the show

Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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Dr. Tony Kovatch, known as "Slow Tony" after being the last to cross the finish line at the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon, shares insights from his 40+ years as a pediatrician and his philosophy on living a meaningful life shaped by personal struggles and professional triumphs.

• Early exposure to his mother's battle with Huntington's disease influenced his decision to become a doctor
• Viktor Frankl's logotherapy provided a framework for finding meaning in suffering throughout his life 
• The importance of treating doctors as humans, not expecting superhuman perfection
• How obsessive-compulsive personality traits can be channeled positively 
• Pediatricians need to focus on the "little things" that patients remember—returning calls, showing kindness
• Parenting advice: use positive reinforcement abundantly and recognize your words become children's inner voices
• Running as both physical discipline and spiritual practice, even when finishing last
• The metaphor of marathon running: "Your times become slower and slower, but the experience of the race is unchanged"
• Finding meaning in retirement 

Never stop doing good for goodness' sake alone, without expecting any return on your investment of kindness.

Dr. Kovatch writes on Medium-

https://medium.com/@kovatcha42/stopping-the-hemorrhage-a-warm-well-lighted-place-b8e8ce27cbd4

"Out of the Old Black Bag" by Dr. Anthony Kovatch

https://issuu.com/ssmsdept/docs/bulletin_22.sept_final/s/16962787

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/tony.kovatch.12

WPXI News Article Pittsburgh Marathon

https://www.facebook.com/wpxi/posts/anthony-kovatch-73-a-retired-pediatrician-from-the-north-hills-proudly-finished-/1083758973788232/

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl https://amzn.to/4lIiYbK (paid link)

Let us know how we are doing.

Support the show

Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

Follow “This is It! The Podcast by Thriving Yinzers” on Facebook

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Living with intention means taking the wheel of your life instead of letting it happen to you. We explore practical strategies for making deliberate choices that align with your values and create the life you actually want. 

• Moving from autopilot living to intentional decision-making
• Why setting boundaries might make others uncomfortable—and why that's okay
• How meditation and mindfulness can shift your nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-recover
• Understanding your "why" as a foundation for intentional choices
•  Making small, consistent changes rather than attempting complete life overhauls 
• Using intentional practices to navigate burnout, stagnation, and unexpected setbacks
• The importance of giving yourself grace during the transition to more intentional living

If something here spoke to you, please take a second to make sure you are following the show in your favorite podcast platform. Leave us a rating or a quick review and share it with some friends and family. Every follow and review helps us reach more people.

Let us know how we are doing.

Support the show

Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

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Valerie Pedigo’s  journey through burnout began with a shocking moment—finding herself crawling up her stairs, physically unable to walk, yet still answering work calls from the floor. This powerful visual captures what burnout truly means: not just having too much to do, but having nothing left of yourself to give.

As a certified life coach, human design reader, and co-founder of Renewed Spirit Adventures, Valerie transforms her hard-won wisdom into a framework that helps women reclaim their authentic selves after burnout. She walks us through the five essential steps of her approach, beginning with the most challenging: acknowledging burnout without shame. For those hiding behind the "I'm fine" mask while suffering physically and emotionally, this simple admission can be revolutionary.

What sets Valerie's work apart is her emphasis on integration—the missing piece in most wellness interventions. While many experiences provide temporary relief, without integration, we return to the same patterns that caused our burnout. Through one-on-one coaching, small group work, and immersive retreats, she creates spaces where women can not only experience healing but also learn to apply it to "five o'clock on a Tuesday" when real life comes crashing back.

The power of community emerges as another cornerstone of lasting recovery. Whether through culturally immersive experiences or the shared understanding that comes from sisterhood, this connection provides perspective that catalyzes deeper transformation. For those currently struggling, Valerie offers a simple starting point: take five minutes to write down who you are—who you used to be before burnout took hold.

If you're feeling the emptiness of burnout or supporting someone who might be, this conversation offers both practical guidance and profound hope. As Valerie reminds us, healing begins with choosing yourself when you've been choosing everyone else for far too long—not out of selfishness, but as the authentic path toward becoming who you were meant to be.

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Let us know how we are doing.

Support the show

Visit👉 thrivingyinzers.com for resources to help you keep going and growing.

• Tackle your to-do list and organize your space with TY Services.
• Shop our TY Toolkit for practical tools, books, and organizing essentials to help you manage life with more ease and intention.
• Books referenced on the podcast are available in the TY Toolkit, but here are our top 3 picks.

👉 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (paid link)

👉Atomic Habits by James Clear (paid link)

👉Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (paid link)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Shop our TY Toolkit at thrivingyinzers.com or through Amazon Associates links listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired. We receive a small commission for your purchase which helps support the podcast.

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

Follow “This is It! The Podcast by Thriving Yinzers” on Facebook

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