Tune In: Radio for Your Mind, Body & Soul

From “peri-to-meno-to-post,” says our guest—Healthy Living Coach Denise Stegall—there’s a lot of life in menopause. Did you know …? 

- Women start losing progesterone around age 37.

- Sleep hygiene & food quality are important throughout life—& even more so in this timeframe.

- Body image is not just for teenagers.

- AND: Men go through menopause, too.

After years working as a pharmaceutical rep (who happened to be experiencing early perimenopause without knowing it), Denise was introduced to Women to Women, the groundbreaking women’s wellness clinic started & served by Dr. Christiane Northrup. Today, through her lived experiences & educated wisdom, Denise helps people to eat & live their healthiest. 

And now, for women in mid-life, she’s created multiple offerings. Find links to her monthly wellness series, Hormones to Harmony on LinkedIN, plus take her menopause quiz at her website. Get it all at our show notes today. 

|| Connect with Denise at her website, DeniseStegall.com, or follow her Hormones to Harmony Wellness Series at LinkedIN + as a live virtual event this April. 3, 2025 

|| You can also take her quiz or buy her book, Healthy Living, Happy Life, to learn more. (See the book where Denise & Kealah collaborated with other authors, too!) 

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

|| LISTEN NEXT: Find similar topics in our conversation with Coach Wendy, Sandwich Gen.

Coach Wendy T. - Sandwich Gen

“There are many women in the ‘Sandwich Generation’ who don’t believe they have the right to put their own masks on first.”

Do you know what these words mean?

Coach Wendy does … & she’s explaining it all in our conversation (that’s now available on-demand). 

Here’s what:

1. “Sandwich Generation” traditionally refers to that era in life when people are taking care of both their children & their own parents. It’s more common than you may realize.

2. Just like we’re asked on airplanes to put our own oxygen masks on first if we are responsible for another person, this reality makes a great metaphor for meeting some of our personal & self-care needs when others’ depend on us daily. 

3. The idea may make sense … but putting it into action can feel impossible in the moment. 

4. Coach Wendy can help. (Jump to 41:00 to hear her best strategies for success!)

My favorite takeaway are these words of wisdom: “You are the expert in your own life.” 

|| Connect with this episode’s guest at Coach-Wendy.com & hear her Smiling Souls podcast episodes, as well.

|| Other resources we mentioned today include: 30 Days Journal Prompts.

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

|| LISTEN NEXT: Women Who Lead with DeNeen K. Attard

CPR for the amygdala: That's what our guest Hilary Russo calls Havening.

It's a technique with a capital H that works on both "BIG T & Little t" trauma.

In host Kealah Parkinson's discussion with Hilary—who is, herself, a media personality, holistic mental health practitioner & Havening ambassador—we learn:

- Just what Havening is + one on-air exercise that listeners can do right along with us

- Definitions & symptoms of secondary traumatic stress- Hilary's own experience of this as an on-air journalist covering the 9/11 attacks live

- Why she has evolved her career from on-air journalism to one with "using my voice to help others & share the kind of news I want to share"

- Other tools we can all use in what she calls our "Brain Candy Jar"

- How YOU can win a giveaway for Tune In listeners ...

Jump to: 30:00 for giveaway details + 40:00 for her inspiring quote of Shawn Achor on bringing the science of happiness to life.

|| Connect with this episode’s guest in all these ways: 

 FREEBIES
HUG it Out 5 Day Challenge Download
https://www.hilaryrusso.com/5daychallenge

REGISTER FOR THE MONTHLY FREE HAVENING HAPPY HOUR
https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events
SOCIAL AND WAYS TO CONNECT
https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso
https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast
https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso

https://www.facebook.com/HIListicallySpeaking/

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

https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening
https://www.hilaryrusso.com/training

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

Meet our next guest, Jill:
Jillian Abby is an award-winning author, storyteller, and advocate. 
Her memoir, *Perfectly Queer: Facing Big Fears, Living Hard Truths, and Loving Myself Fully Out of the Closet*, was selected by *Good Morning America* as one of their recommended reads, earning praise for its authenticity and courage. 
In addition to her own writing, Jillian is a collaborative ghostwriter for leaders at Fortune 100 companies and individuals with inspiring stories, helping them share their voices with the world.  

Her engaging insights can be found on Substack at *Reframe with Jillian Abby* and across social media @JillianAbbyAuthor. 
In our conversation on Tune In, we got to hear about Jill's journey:
- her formative years as a self-strict perfectionist
- why she says "climbing to the top of Supposed-to Mountain" left her "still so unsatisfied"
- how she turned from CPA to massage therapist (in what she calls her Goldilocks era)
- the breakthrough that came—in 2 parts—while receiving cranio-sacral therapy
- her thoughts on "writing as a mindfulness practice" (& why she also calls it "cheap therapy")
- exactly why she feels like she is finally fully living 
Something you should also know about Jill: Whether writing or championing inclusivity, she is dedicated to helping others embrace their truth and live authentically.

|| Connect with this episode’s guest at: 

  • Substack (check out her Queer Abby Q&A section of her Reframe newsletter)

• Instagram (with weekly body doubling for writers!)

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

So, what exactly is PDA?

One answer we discovered in conversation with guest Amy Lakeberg is: It depends on who you ask (& maybe a little on who's asking)!

Known in variants as "pervasive demand avoidance" or "persistent drive for autonomy," the even older version is "oppositional defiance disorder." ... But is this state of being a apathologized 'disorder' or simply another way to be?

Amy continues who quest to pursue her own inner world (& help others along the way) as she explores this concept. She's also recently created & continuing to develop a support group that welcomes both people who experience PDA & parents of kiddos who experience it.

Hear now:

- The emotions that often correlate to PDA

- Why "demand" feels unsafe- How less forcing can bring about a better world, with or without PDA (& how you can practice this by forcing yourself less)

- The link to PDA & meditation

- Two books Amy recommends to anyone exploring the concept

|| Connect with Amy Lakeberg: 

-PDA Self-Help group

- Book recos (1 &2)

- Pastconversation

|| Other resources we mentioned today include: 

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

"Plan BIG, but start small."

These are the words of wisdom that plant-based foods educator & conscious conversations podcast host Sarah Hlavacek-Metzger shares in our interview with her on the concept of Transitions. 

If the only constant in life is change, how do you handle it?

Sarah shares with vulnerability & authenticity from the actual point of transition at the top of 2025 — not just moving into the New Year, but also moving into the unknown (or a number of unknowns) as she seeks new growth for her business & life.

Here are just a handful of her intriguing points:

- Some clues you may be looking for a transition are experiencing moods of overwhelm, analysis paralysis, shame or guilt

- Saying yes to something you want to say no to is another clue; what does that feel like to you?

- To begin your transition journey with intention, you can ask yourself, "What do you daydream about? What gets you excited?"

- The main arc to manifesting lasting, positive change post-transition = minimize your limiting beliefs; identify what you want; keep working on your mindset throughout

- 'Wintering' can happen in any season

- Bonus tip: "Movement provides clarity."

Sarah also shares her new guide, the Art of Manifestation journal, available at her stan store. 

Oh, by the way, jump to 26:00 to hear her share this insight: "It doesn't have to be a full (life) overhaul to manifest your dreams. ... Just don't get stuck in the excuses or distractions."

|| Connect with Sarah directly or follow her Instagram. 

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

Learn more about these amazing guests using these links ... & share the special secrets with your friends!

Sarah Metzger / Plant-Based Foods / Transitions

Amy Lakeberg / What is PDA?

Jillian Abby / Perfectly Queer Book

Hilary Russo / Havening / Holistic Mental Health

... plus we'll speak again soon with Lisa Wagner on how her life of science & research led to Karmic Astrology!

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

"I need to get organized ..." said EVERYONE in January 2025 (or almost everyone!)

... when what they really meant—according to our returning expert Leslie Shreve of Productive Day—is: "I want to be more productive."

Do you also want to be more productive, more organized, more EFFICIENT with your time & space in 2025? Listen to our conversation with Leslie to learn how! (Hint: Jump to time code 30:00 to get her strategy!)

You'll also find out how you can get her 3 freebies at her website:

1. Blind Spot Quiz

2. Smart Steps Audit Series

3. 7 Steps to Saving Time Report

... Join us live Saturdays & Sundays at wvlp.org.

|| Connect with this episode’s guest at: ProductiveDay.com

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

What does your North Star say about your life path in 2025?

You don't have to be a student of astrology to find the stars as interesting guides. Our very own local Sister Sage is back to share astro-wisdom from the star maps in this new year.

"What are the bullet points of your life?" she asks us. And she shares that, "There's a glimpse of the lessons to come on your journey."

Hear what she has to say about #hospitals, #healthcareworkers & #pharmaceuticals (& what the stars say, as well) ... plus listen to her wisdom on how "patterns have human importance."

And just for fun ... jump to 53:00 to hear her list of celebrity names sure to be in the headlines in 2025.

#astrology #Hello2025 #DivineAstrology

|| Connect with this episode’s guest at: KarmicLaw.com

|| Other resources we mentioned today include the book: As Above, So Below

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSORS: Coach Kiki & My Moody Daybook. 

"There are no bad signs."

Not every astrologer will tell you that. But Lisa Wagner is not every astrologer.

Author of the 2024 Hay House title Karmic Astrology (see comments for buy link), Lisa has been practicing astrology since the mid-80s ... well before the internet allowed anyone & everyone to plug in a birth date & time to "cast a chart." Lisa learned hand-casting: using math & writing implements to calculate degrees & ascensions. ... And then she went deeper in her learning to include the information in akashic records, or karma & past lives. Even if astrology is not for you, bring your critical thinking cap & your curiosity to tune in to our conversation with Lisa on WVLP-LP 103.1 FM or here at the on-demand podcast version. Hear why this bio-medical engineer & military contractor decidedly dovetailed the esoterics of astrology to show up with intention in every aspect of her life (including work!). She also shares:

- The empowering questions Lisa asks all her clients & readers to determine, "Is this info change-worthy?"

- Why your own inner guidance is your best guide (beyond even her book!)

- Exactly why she decided to write from a perspective of empowering others ... rather than from hooking them to become dependent on her own wisdom

#listenandlearn #TuneIn #mindfulness #communityradio #podcast #astrology #karma #pastlives #feelandheal

|| Connect with Lisa Wagner at: @KarmicAstrology (on IG) or get your copy of her book.

|| SUPPORT OUR SHOW while supporting yourself: Visit our affiliate sites Big Life Journal & Generation Mindful to find products like journals, Calm Down Corner kits, lesson plans & posters & even parenting communities to help you #feelandheal with #moodtools … or visit our affiliate SensaCalm for weighted blankets & plushies—& lots of other sensory tools—for kids & grownups alike.

|| Meet our show SPONSOR: Coach Kiki