Tune into Wellness

In this episode of the Be Well podcast, fitness guru Taryn Toomey talks with Dr. Frank Lipman about how she created what's known simply as "The Class." Toomey has always used movement and music as her personal form of medicine, so seven years ago, she began developing a class that does just that. It's a unique mat-based workout class that combines cardio, yoga, and strength training. But it's more than just a typical exercise class — it encourages people to ultimately free their mind through movement. It's all about catharsis and self-empowerment.

That means Toomey trains instructors not just on the physical aspects of The Class, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual components. Through a series of burpees, jumping jacks, and other physical movements, participants are encouraged to bring up a thought that that's been prominent in their mind for the past few days, weeks, or even years, and then cathartically let it go or reshape the thought entirely.

Dr. Lipman and Toomey also discuss music, which is a crucial part of the class. Songs are curated specifically to evoke different feelings and guide people through The Class — everything from tribal music to quiet singer-songwriters to Rage Against The Machine.

In this episode of the Be Well podcast, Dr. Frank Lipman sits down with Danielle Walker, the author and photographer of the ​New York Times​ best-selling cookbook "Against All Grain." At age 22, Walker was diagnosed with a painful autoimmune disease. Doctors told her changing her diet wouldn't help ease her symptoms — but she had a sneaking suspicion they were wrong.

Almost 10 years ago, Walker removed all grains and legumes from her diet, and it has made a major difference in managing the symptoms of her ulcerative colitis. Soon, she became passionate about helping other people who suffer from similar illnesses continue to enjoy delicious, nourishing food. In addition to her first cookbook, "Against All Grain," Walker also reaches people through her popular Instagram page. In addition to sharing recipes, she also promotes the benefits of self-care.

Dr. Lipman also talks with Walker about her newest cookbook, "Eat What You Love," a compilation of healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free recreations of classic comfort foods.