This Way Up

In this episode of This Way Up we dive deep into the fascinating life journey of Jumpei Kontani, a man who defied the odds and found his path to joy despite a childhood filled with complexities and challenges. Growing up in Japan amidst a split family, Jumpei faced the weight of cultural norms that viewed divorce as shameful. He navigated not only the challenges of managing this perception but also, the complexities of intense internal family conflicts. But instead of succumbing to the pressures, he embraced his unique journey.
From a young age, Jumpei was influenced by his grandmother, whose wisdom instilled in him a profound understanding of the human spirit and the power of perspective. Fuelled by his natural curiosity and unwavering determination, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led him to mindfulness.
Through mindfulness, Jumpei found a powerful tool for finding peace and joy, even in the face of adversity. It allowed him to reconcile with the turbulence of his past and emerge as a light of positivity and resilience. Today, he shares his story openly, inspiring others to embrace their own paths to happiness.
But Jumpei's journey doesn't end there. He has integrated his philosophy of mindfulness into his professional life as a realtor in San Diego and is known as The Mindful Realtor. Infusing mindfulness into his business practices, he not only assists clients in finding homes but also shares this approach with fellow realtors, guiding them on a path toward inner peace and fulfillment.
Jumpei's story is a testament to the idea that the most challenging aspects of life can ultimately lead to the most profound growth and fulfillment. So, whether you're facing obstacles or embracing the journey, remember: "The more challenging your life is, the more interesting your life becomes."

BIO: 

Jumpei was born and raised in Osaka, Japan, and moved to San Diego 12 years ago. His personal story of growing up in Japan is one of resilience and courage. Silent about the struggles he endured as a child, he navigated the complexities of his past, and as an adult, found perspective and healing through the practices of meditation and mindfulness. 

He is currently a successful real estate broker, skilled at building deep relationships, and has become known as the Mindful Realtor. 

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Mindful Reator - Jumpei Instagram

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Join us on This Way Up as we dive into this with Gretchen Hess, the force behind The High Functioning Anxiety Solution.

Gretchen opens up about her own journey, tracing back to a childhood filled with tension that shaped her into a successful yet deeply anxious adult. Despite outward success, her inner turmoil brewed. With the arrival of her children, stress escalated, and her daughter's anxiety and OCD symptoms only heightened Gretchen's own struggles.

But there's hope. Gretchen shares her path to healing, unpacking her upbringing and retraining her mind to handle anxiety differently. She discovered that by managing her own anxiety, she could positively influence her family dynamic. Now, she's on a mission to empower other women grappling with high functioning anxiety through her coaching at The High Functioning Anxiety Solution. Tune in for insights and inspiration on nurturing mental well-being for you and your children.

BIO: 

Founder of The High Functioning Anxiety Solution which is an intensive  1:1 mentorship program for women who are emotionally struggling to keep it together. 

I was forced to face that I had struggled my whole life with high Functioning Anxiety which often stems from family dysfunctions such as yelling, bickering, highly critical parents, alcohol or addiction, strict and control or divorce. Even when our homes felt "good" our developing minds learned very quickly how to cope and protect. Which as children worked out ok...but as adults creates many problems. 

I created this program after mentoring many women over the years who were also struggling. Many who have grown up like myself in an alcoholic home ( or similar) My passion is to educate women so that we can break these generational cycles that are leading to anxiety in our children and families.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

The High Functioning Solution Instagram

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Have you ever found yourself at wit's end with a rebellious teen? You're not alone. Many parents turn to the troubled teen industry (TTI) for answers, hoping boarding schools and wilderness retreats will save the day. But guess what? Our guest, Ciara Fanlo, knows firsthand that these places often do more harm than good.

Drawing from her own journey, Ciara shares that she has been through it all – residential programs, boarding schools, wilderness retreats – you name it. But instead of being weighed down by these trials, she's flipped the script, using her platform, Homing Instinct, to turn her experiences into something positive.

In our conversation, Ciara breaks down the teenage psyche, giving us a peek into how they see the world and themselves. Plus,she’s got some valuable advice for parents struggling to connect with their teens. 

So, grab your notepad and get ready to soak in Ciara's wisdom. It's time to learn how to build stronger bonds with your teens and set them on the path to success.

BIO
Ciara Fanlo has described herself as a former “troubled teen”, who now dedicates her career to supporting struggling adolescents and their families. As a teen, she experienced depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Her treatment included various medications, hospitalization, wilderness therapy and a therapeutic boarding school. Despite the efforts of doctors and practitioners, she felt that her treatments did not help her address the root cause of her suffering. She is a writer and founder of Homing Instinct, which provides targeted coaching and mentoring for teens and, importantly, parents. Through one on one sessions, workshops and education, she utilizes a broad collection of systems and practices she has learned in order to help teens. For parents, she helps obtain the insight they need so that their kids and their family can build trust, ease, and connection to improve and strengthen their relationships. 

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Homing Instinct

Ciara's Article On Wilderness Camps

Netflix Documentary on TTI- The Program

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

We're diving into the real meaning of organization. It's not just about tidying up your space or labeling boxes – it goes way beyond that. Ever wondered why some "seem" to have their lives together while others look like they're swimming in chaos? Let's unpack that mystery and uncover what true organization is all about.

Meet our guest, Ann Pereira. She's not your typical organizer. Her specialty? Working with the neurodivergent community. Yeah, you heard that right. She's all about understanding how different brains tick when it comes to organization.

Picture this: what seems like chaos to one person might actually be a brilliant system for someone else. It's all about understanding how different minds categorize and thrive in various organizational setups. What works for one might send another into a tailspin of anxiety.

Hold tight! Ann doesn't just stop at highlighting these differences. She's here with practical wisdom. She's all about finding that sweet spot where everyone in the family feels at peace. Because let's face it, a happy home is a functional one, and that's achievable for all, regardless of neurodiversity.

So, join us today. This podcast isn't just for parents of neurodivergent kids—it's for everyone looking to bring a little more harmony into their lives. Let's make organizing not just about tidying up, but about nurturing our mental well-being.

BIO:
Ann Pereira is the owner and founder of House of Projects LLC, which helps people discover peaceful balance in their space through thoughtful decluttering and intentional organization. What makes Ann and her company unique is their special focus on challenges encountered by older adults, neurodiverse people, and people in the midst of life transitions. Ann combines her professional and personal life experience to help clients with challenging disorganization. Ann is the mom of 5 kids; she is a special needs parent, homeschooler, and former nurse practitioner.

RESOURCES:
https://www.houseofprojectsllc.com/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Imagine thinking you had it all under control, only to have life throw you a curveball with the surprise arrival of a special needs child.  How would you respond?

In today's moving episode, we have the pleasure of introducing super mama Susan Hedstrom who with fearless honesty opens her heart to share how she manages the intricate dance of navigating family dynamics while caring for her son, Jayden. Jayden was born with the rare genetic disorder of Prader-Willi syndrome, a condition laden with physical, mental, and behavioral obstacles, including an unrelenting hunger that sets in around the tender age of two. 

Through Susan's authentic and unfiltered narrative, we are invited into the daily juggling act of meeting Jayden's intricate needs while nurturing her two younger children, fostering the foundation of her marriage, all while ensuring she carves out essential moments for herself.  Susan gently reminds us of the beauty of embracing the 'new normals' and cherishing every milestone in Jayden's progress, affectionately terming them "inchstones" – small victories worthy of celebration.

At the heart of Susan's story lies the importance of flexibility and patience, alongside the pivotal role of leaning on one's partner, friends, family, and community services for support, rest, and joy. Join us as we dive into Susan's inspiring story, brimming with resilience, love, and the unwavering determination to find balance amidst life's most challenging moments.

BIO: 

Susan Hedstrom has been the Executive Director of the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) since 2013. Her commitment to this role was deeply rooted in a personal journey that began when her eldest son was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome. Faced with the challenges posed by this rare condition, Susan made a conscious decision not to accept Prader-Willi syndrome as it had been traditionally defined. Instead, she chose to collaborate with a remarkable team of proactive and tireless individuals within FPWR to find treatments and ultimately a cure for Prader-Willi syndrome.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Foundation for Prader-Willi Research

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and found it both insightful and inspiring. Now, we want to hear from you! Share your experiences, questions, or ideas with us by leaving a comment or sending us a message on our website or social media channels.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

“What I love about breathwork is that I feel like it really shows us the untapped potential that we have as something that comes so natural to us, but it can be something that is so profound.” Ashlene Patten

Breathing. Yes, that simple, automatic act we usually don't give a second thought to. But what if we told you that paying attention to how you breathe could change everything?

Today, we're joined by Ashlene Patten, a holistic breathwork facilitator and somatic therapy practitioner. She's here to share some impactful insights on how breathing techniques and somatic therapy can be transformative. We're talking about healing trauma, managing stress, finding relaxation, and unlocking emotional healing—all through the power of breath.

Ashlene breaks it down for us, explaining the different types of breathwork and how they influence our nervous system. Whether you're aiming to trigger your parasympathetic or sympathetic response, she's got insights to help you navigate.

Proper breathing isn't just about chilling out. It's a game-changer for focus, clarity, and overall well-being. Ashlene reveals how mastering your breath can literally shift your brainwaves, leading you into states of rest and restoration.

Now, combine that with somatic therapy, and you've got a powerhouse combo for overcoming trauma. Ashlene walks us through how these approaches work hand-in-hand to help individuals break free from the past and embrace a brighter future.

And, parents and caregivers, this isn't just about you—it's about your kiddos too. Ashlene shares how these practices can help children regulate their emotions and tackle anxiety head-on. It's all about building trust and emotional release. With somatic therapy and breathwork in their toolkit, kids can learn to trust themselves and let go of those heavy feelings holding them back. Because let's face it, we could all use a little more peace and clarity in our lives, no matter how old or young we are.

So, stay tuned. We've only scratched the surface of what's possible when we start paying attention to something as simple yet profound as our breath.

BIO: 

Ashlene is an Intuitive Embodiment Guide, Reiki Energy Healer, and a Facilitator of Holistic Breathwork in Denver, Colorado. Using a grounded, heart-centered approach, Ashlene creates an open container for her clients to breathe into their edges, express the unexpressed, and reunite with their wise inner being. Ashlene’s mission is to create a safe space for you to tap into your innate power of being in your heart, trust the wisdom of your body, and open yourself up to explore your subconscious.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Ashlene Patten’s Practice, Heart-Led Prana: https://www.heartledprana.com

Instagram: @heartledprana

TikTok: Heart-Led Prana

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Today, we're tackling a subject that's often misunderstood and downright frightening for parents: PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal. Yep, it's a mouthful, but trust me, understanding it could make a world of difference for your child.

Our special guest today is Jennifer Kozek, a licensed clinical social worker and a mom who's intimately familiar with PANDAS because both of her children have been diagnosed with it. Jennifer's journey is not just about the challenges she faced, but also about the solutions she discovered along the way.

So, what exactly is PANDAS? How does it affect our kids, and most importantly, how can we help them? Jennifer's story sheds light on these questions as she shares her experiences navigating the medical maze to find answers for her family.

One thing Jen discovered early on is that traditional Western medicine wasn't cutting it for her kids. They deserved more, and she was determined to find it. That determination led her to integrative medicine and holistic therapies, where she finally found some relief for her children.

But here's the kicker: Jennifer's research didn't just stop at PANDAS. She uncovered a common thread linking inflammation to many modern-day disorders, including PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and more. It's eye-opening information!

So, grab your notebooks because this episode is jam-packed with invaluable insights and practical tips on how to reduce inflammation and provide comfort to our precious little ones who are grappling with not just PANDAS, but a whole host of mental health challenges.

Stay tuned, because this conversation is about to get real, and it just might change the way you approach your child's health forever. Let's dive in!

BIO:
Jennifer Giustra-Kozek, LPC, NCC is a mother, wife, board-certified psychotherapist and internationally recognized blogger, advocate and national speaker.  Jennifer has seen the anxiety and the autism epidemic unfold in her private practice and has watched the harmful impact of medication on many young clients.  The ADHD epidemic turned personal when Jennifer’s young son was diagnosed. She plunged into the world of safe and natural healing modalities outside of the pharmaceutical model. She is the author of a five-time award winning book -   Healing Without Hurting: Treating ADHD, Apraxia, and Autism Spectrum Disorders Naturally and Effectively without Harmful Medication.  And, has also co-authored a book titled, Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents of Children with PANS/PANDAS.  She has been featured in the HEAL documentary, on many podcasts, news stories and her articles appear in many publications. Jennifer consults and blogs with thousands of moms through social media to teach them about alternative and natural solutions. To receive more info on how you and your family can overcome ADHD, apraxia, anxiety and more without medication visit Jennifer’s website.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
IG @Healingwithouthurting
facebook.com/onyourpathtohealing
Books:
Healing without Hurting Jennifer Giustra-Kozek
Brain Under Attack Beth Lambert MA, Contributor Jennifer Kozek
Dirty Genes Ben Lynch ND
Gut and Psychology Syndrome: GAPS 

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Today, we're tackling a topic that's become all too familiar: our obsession with screens. It used to be that baseball was America's favorite pastime. But now? It's all about those screens—video games, social media, and more. But are we going too far? Are we inadvertently hurting our kids by giving them free rein with technology?

Our guest today, Nicole Rawson, founder of Screentime Clinic, knows firsthand the damaging effects of technology overload. As a mom to two boys, she initially saw the appeal of technology—entertainment, education, you name it. But before long, she noticed troubling signs in her boys—withdrawal, mood swings, and so many others. It was then she realized her son was hooked, addicted to screens.

Nicole went on a mission to break her son free from the grip of addiction. And from that journey, Screentime Clinic was born—a lifeline for families grappling with the same issues. Through their innovative programs, Nicole helps families detox from excessive screen time and reclaim their lives.

BIO:
Nicole Rawson, founder of Screen Time Clinic®, the largest international network of certified digital wellness educators. 

Nicole Rawson is the founder of Screen Time Clinic®, the largest international network of certified digital wellness educators helping schools, corporations, and parents make smart choices about time online to flourish in the real world.

Featured in the WSJ, PBS, and other news outlets, Nicole shares a wealth of knowledge about this nichè area called "Digital Wellness" that impacts all areas of human mental and physical health as well as youth brain development.  She is the author of a children’s book, Screen Smart Sam, and mother of two young adults whose struggles with gaming and social media addiction inspired her career change from public school teacher to digital wellness expert.

Her children's book Screen Smart Sam inspires families with young children to prevent digital media overuse (DMO) which causes developmental delays and symptoms similar to those on the Autism spectrum. For adults, Nicole offers self-paced courses and live seminars to guide all ages about ways to prevent technology from eroding our essential human functions necessary for a healthy, happy, and productive life.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Company info: Screen Time Clinic, established in 2018,  https://screentimeclinic.com/

Contact Information: Nicole Rawson [email protected]

Social Media Tags:

https://www.instagram.com/screentimeclinic/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerawson/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

“If you sit and just experience thoughts and emotions fully, you will be able to process them and make way for logical thought.”  Ella Srholez, The Art of Vulnerability, 2018 TEDxYouth@Vail

 In this episode, we will introduce you to Ella, a bubbly and confident, 20-year-old, who shares her thoughts on the importance of vulnerability to healing and health. 

Art became her sanctuary and her way to speak out. It turned into her relief valve for all the tough moments, allowing her to process her deep and painful emotions.

Growing up, Ella was the daily caregiver for her sick mom, which pretty much threw her into adulthood all too soon. Art became her sanctuary and her way to speak out. It turned into her relief valve for all the tough moments.

By 18, Ella was already rocking the TEDx stage, talking about something a lot of us would rather sweep under the rug: being vulnerable. Ella's out there, not just dealing with her own stuff but shining a light on why it's important to be open and real about the messy parts of life.

Chatting with Ella, you can’t help but find hope in the next generation of adults, as her wisdom nudges us towards finding our outlet to authentically express ourselves, especially when times are difficult. Her story is a powerful nudge to remember there's something pretty amazing about letting your guard down and just being you.

BIO: 

Ella Srholez is a student at the University of Colorado at Denver. She will be graduating this May with an illustration degree and is an incredibly talented and skilled artist specializing in storyboarding, visual development, and writing for animated film and television in addition to freelance illustration and fine art. She was a Tedx speaker  in 2021 and gave a TedTalk entitled: “Art of Vulnerability” as part of the TedxYouth @Vail.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

TedX Talk Art of Vulnerability, Ella Srholez 

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Today we're diving deep into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: eating. But hold up, because we're not just talking about grabbing a snack here. We're delving into what happens when food becomes a battleground, a weapon even, especially when it's your child who's caught in the crossfire.

Our guest, Judy Krasna, opens up about her daughter, Garbiela's journey. From a vibrant, happy teenager to someone tormented by the mere thought of eating, Judy shares the raw truth of navigating through her daughter's eating disorder. It's a journey filled with pain, heartache, and relentless determination to turn that pain into purpose.

But Judy doesn't stop there. She shines a light on the ripple effects within the family, the misunderstandings even within the medical community, and the desperate need for better understanding and support. Judy now serves as the Executive Director of a global virtual support group,FEAST, providing solace and solidarity to parents and loved ones facing similar struggles.

Join us as Judy reminds us of the power of community, of finding strength in solidarity, and of the relentless love that fuels the journey towards healing our loved ones. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

BIO:
Judy Krasna is the Executive Director of F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders). She is a writer and an eating disorder advocate both in Israel, where she lives, and globally. Judy is an active “expert by experience” volunteer in the Academy for Eating Disorders and has been working for over a decade to improve eating disorder treatment and to bridge the research-practice gap. 

After volunteering for F.E.A.S.T. in multiple capacities, Judy became the organization’s Executive Director in February 2021.

Judy is deeply committed to helping and supporting families of people with eating disorders and to promoting awareness about suicidality in eating disorders, especially after her daughter Gavriella took her own life in 2020 after a prolonged battle with anorexia nervosa. She is also passionate about working with providers to ensure that parents receive the psychoeducation, skills, and tools that they need to support their loved one’s eating disorder recovery. 

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

FEAST Website

Judy can be reached at [email protected]

Brave Girl Eating by Harriet Brown

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.