Well & Worthy Life | A Podcast for Midlife Women

In this episode we’re joined by Deborah Stone, who has been friends with Deanna for over 25 years who went from the spa to the farm.  When they met, Deborah owned the first day spa in Birmingham. She would eventually move on and reinvent herself by selling her business and buying her farm, Stone Hollow Farmstead. Deborah discusses community-supported agriculture (CSA) during the episode, including what it is and how it supports the local community.

Deborah explains that CSA supports farmers during their down time. Essentially, shareholders financially support the farm in advance to grow fresh produce for them in the upcoming season. What this also provides is food security, which is more important to people now than before the pandemic.

What shows up in your CSA box is a surprise each time, which can be really inspiring. Typically, CSAs are following organic practices too. If you’re not sure, know it’s always okay to ask a farm about their particular practices. Deborah describes her CSA as a hybrid because they also include and support other farmers as well.

Being part of a CSA not only supports local farmers, but it also helps you eat healthy and eat in season. Eating fresh produce that’s in season is very nutrition supportive. When you go to the grocery store, you aren’t always aware of where your produce is coming from - but this is not the case when you join a CSA.

Stone Hollow Farmstead also has a retail outpost called Farmstand by Stone Hollow. Here, Deborah carries skincare, jarred goods, fresh produce, candles, cookware, and so much more. Consider supporting a CSA because they are a great way to put money back into the community, support local, and get high-quality food.

Stone Hollow Farmstead Website: https://www.stonehollowfarmstead.com/

Stone Hollow Farmstead Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonehollowfarmstead/

Listen to my other podcast: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/dream-bigger-what-is-next-in-your-life/

In this episode Deanna is catching up with Cathy Williamson of The Middle Page Blog. Cathy actually inspired Deanna to start this podcast. Throughout the episode, Cathy shares her favorite products, upcoming fashion trends, and what she’s looking forward to this year.

One thing Cathy and Deanna certainly agree on is that there’s a lot more work that goes into blogging than most people think, from taking and uploading photos to writing the actual copy of the post and including specific links. Not only can there be a learning curve, but it takes a large investment of time to learn.

Cathy discusses the struggles she has had during the pandemic, including not being able to see her daughter for a year. She feels the amount of information out there right now can also be overwhelming. There are ways in which Cathy’s blog (The Middle Page) has been impacted too.

Fashion itself has changed as a result of the pandemic, and now focuses largely on loungewear. That said, puffed sleeves, color (especially lavender and yellow), and slide shoes are all trends to look out for in the spring and summer of 2021. Cathy also has a few favorite skincare and makeup products right now, and she shares those as well.

Cathy also shares the changes she's experienced getting older, and the reasons why she started working out. She reveals that it’s true what people say: it does get more difficult to stay in shape as you get older. She wants to stay healthy not just for herself, but also so she can play with her grandkids.

Deanna obviously loved Catching up with Cathy!

Cathy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themiddlepageblog

The Middle Page Blog: https://the-middlepage.com/

Listen to my first podcast with Cathy: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/reinventing-ourselves-with-cathy-williamson/

Shannon Mann, of the blog Oysters to Pearls, joins us today. We are talking all things fashion, food, and lifestyle. She is going to be sharing why she started blogging, current fashion trends, her views on food and dieting, and how she maintains her healthy lifestyle.

The Oysters to Pearls blog started  in 2018, and it became a hobby that helped distract her when her daughter went away for college. Over time, her blogging evolved into what Oysters to Pearls is today. It has been a blessing and she has met so many new people and found a great outlet. She loves talking all things fashion, food and lifestyle with her followers. 

When she turned 20, Shannon found weightlifting and it changed her view of food along with how she perceives herself. It was at this time she started taking her health seriously. Shannon believes that health looks different for everyone and you have to be willing to adjust - what works for you at one time may not make sense at another time in your life.

Shannon and her husband enjoy a highly plant-based diet that contains a lot of healthy fats. She is also on hormone replacement therapy and feels like she couldn’t live without it. She opens up about her daily wellness routine and what is currently working for her. She also delves into the different diets out there and why restriction doesn’t work.

She describes her perfect day as mundane and simple. Feeling grateful to be alive, looking at the big picture, and being with family are all important aspects. Finding contentment in where you are is the feeling of a perfect day. 

Shannon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oysterstopearls/

Oysters to Pearls Blog: https://www.oysterstopearls.com/

Join my new Balance Program: https://wellandworthylife.lpages.co/balance/

You might like this podcast: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/real-talk-with-shauna-grow-chic-over-50-fashion-influencer/

For this episode, Deanna introduces her new Balance program. We all want balance, it's something most people strive for. But balance looks different for each person. Her course has finally been released on the Well & Worthy Life website.  In this program, you will learn the BALANCE Wellness Method to optimize your Nourishment, Movement, Stress Management, and Mindset to start thriving through midlife and beyond. 

Deanna is sharing more about the positive changes she’s made lately, including creating new habits, changes in nutrition, and the books that have helped her along the way. While we tend to put so much pressure on ourselves to “do it all” right away, most of the changes she has made happened over time. 

Recently, Deanna came across a book that she picked up called The Tiny Habits, and she fell in love with it. What she learned from the book and now believes is that the small changes will change everything. You don’t have to do it all at once, you can start with small daily changes. 

Even better, attach the new habits you are creating to ones that already exist for better success. Small, consistent changes make big transformations over a long period of time. This strategy is implemented in the 6-week Balance course:  small steps are taken all along the way.

There are a few things that Deanna managed to give up this year, all in the name of optimal health. Once she got to her 50s, she couldn’t out-exercise her bad choices. Even her mental wellbeing has improved. She nourishes her body the way she should - all the while embracing balance.

Deanna is thrilled to introduce her new Balance program!

Start the Balance Program: www.wellandworthylife.com 

For links to Dave Asprey's book Fast This Way and Sakara go to my Favorites page.

This podcast episode is all about movement. Moving correctly to avoid injury. I am joined by Dr. Paige McClees, founder of PM Method, a physical therapist, and a pilates and barre instructor. We discuss how to deal with pain and injuries, how to promote longevity in movement, and how to be proactive in avoiding injuries. 

Women are starting to be active later in life. There are so many benefits to staying active and mobile. She talks about common injuries in women over 40 and how you can avoid them. We don’t have to accept that injuries will happen just because we’re getting older.

Cortisol shots are a hot topic when it comes to injuries. The shots can help, but Paige acknowledges that this approach does not address the underlying issue. It’s important to understand what’s causing the injury so that you can treat it effectively. We learn about the types of collagen in our bodies, how they are used, and how to influence the way your body distributes this collagen. 

Paige gives us some insight into how a client is treated in her business, starting from the very first meeting. For her, it’s important to take the time to get to know her clients so she can help them get the best results possible. She always put her client’s needs first.

Throughout this episode, Paige reveals useful tips on the types of exercises she recommends the most and how to support healthy movement overall and moving correctly to avoid injury.

PM Method Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmmethod/

PM Method Website: https://thepmmethod.com/

PM Method Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwBnDOJY_lmsVxaS8dDeqcw?app=desktop 

Join my Balance waitlist: https://wellandworthylife.lpages.co/balance-waitlist/ 

Read my blog post: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/how-exercise-has-changed-for-me-as-i-have-aged/

Shauna Grow, creator of Chic over 50, shares how she inspires women over 50 through fashion. We disucss how eating and exercise plays a big role in her life.

When a friend suggested to Shauna that she start sharing fashion tips and inspiration on Instagram, she initially thought it was not a good idea. Eventually, she changed her mind and decided to start her account “chicover50” on Instagram and it took off in a big way.

For most of her life Shauna did not consider herself a confident person. During high school, her peers actually saw her as stuck up. On the inside, Shauna felt withdrawn because her confidence was low. Now she uses Fashion to express herself and feel confident. 

For those who ask Shauna how to increase their confidence, she would encourage them to focus on feeling good on the inside. Nutrition can go a long way towards feeling confident.

Shauna was scared to get out of her marriage of 39 years and felt like she was in a rut. But her Chic Over 50 blog would lead her to meet her current husband. Shauna is so happy in her marriage now and is grateful things turned out the way they did. 

Shauna’s lifestyle is focused on staying healthy and feeling good. She does cardiovascular and weight training 6 days a week. At her age, she acknowledges that she doesn’t heal after injury as fast as she used to, or feel as energized in the morning. Considering this, it’s all the more important to her to focus on eating and exercise after 50 to stay healthy and in shape so she can continue feeling happy and confident. 

Shauna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicover50

Chic Over 50 Blog: https://chicover50.com/ 

Join the Balance waitlist: https://wellandworthylife.lpages.co/balance-waitlist/ 

Listen to my podcast: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/lets-talk-about-middle-age-for-women/

On this episode we’re welcoming Juanina Kocher. She is a yoga teacher, holistic health coach, and creator of Flex and Flow Wellness, launching on January 27th. Flex and Flow is a wellness website that offers subscription-based yoga, breath work, and meditation, as well as health coaching services and recipes. Join us as we discuss finding a new path in 2021.

Juanina’s recipes are short and sweet, and so are most of the subscription services she offers. Her focus is on accessibility and wellness for all. When committing to a health journey, there is often an all-or-nothing mentality that goes with it. This mentality can be limiting  your progress.

Having experience in the restaurant industry, this eventually resulted in Juanina’s career in food public relations. However, with all of the changes to the restaurant industry because of the pandemic, she would eventually lose her main source of income. It was important for her to be able to pivot, so she made the natural transition into health coaching and virtual yoga teaching. 

While last year was incredibly difficult, there was beauty in 2020: many of us took the time to reflect on what’s important and finding a new path in 2021.  As a result, lots of people decided to focus more on their health and wellness. For Juanina, it’s the small daily habits that supports her health and immune function the most.

While Flex and Flow hasn’t launched just yet, the website is live so feel free to check it out. There is more to come over the next few weeks, so stay tuned on Flex and Flow’s website and Instagram for more.

Flex and Flow Wellness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flexandflowwellness/

Flex and Flow Wellness Website: https://flexandflowwellness.com/

Join my Balance waitlist here: https://wellandworthylife.lpages.co/balance-waitlist/  

Listen to another podcast here: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/how-to-pivot-in-a-pandemic-whitney-abraham-a-business-coach/

Lindsay Peirce is back for a second time on the Well and Worthy Life podcast talking about moving forward and getting unstuck. She chats with Deanna about grieving and divorce. Among the many other things that she does, Lindsay founded Enough Wellness where she coaches women to help them become more present, grounded, and whole.

Lindsay can relate to her clients in many ways, including feeling stuck. The most interesting thing about being stuck is how comfortable it can be - for many, comfortable enough to remain there. It is truly a choice to stay in that place, or to crawl out and become unstuck. Lindsay is often approached by her clients at this point in their lives.

How does one get stuck in the first place? Often, this starts with feelings such as depression and grief. For Lindsay and so many others, this all culminated following divorce. During times like this, it can be overwhelming to even think of taking one step forward. It takes time, and healing is not linear. There will still be times you look back and think “what if?” 

One thing that can help you get unstuck is acknowledging that the process can take time. You don’t need to rush through it. You can take time to feel your feelings and allow them to sink in.  At first, you only need to focus on making it through each day, while keeping in mind that eventually you have to start living. 

Separation and divorce can also be a time to rediscover yourself, and this can be empowering. If you are ready to get to a better place, learn to create new boundaries and habits, and unlearn other practices that don’t serve you, connect with Lindsay.

Enough Wellness: https://www.enough-wellness.com/

Lindsay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincp/

Read my blog post: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/3-tips-when-you-are-feeling-stuck-and-unmotivated/

Suzanne Smith, the blogger behind Crazy Blonde Life, is speaking with Deanna in this episode about living your best life every day. Crazy Blonde Life is an inspirational blog that covers a variety of topics including fashion, food, fitness, and more. The goal of her blog is simply to inspire women to live their best lives every day.

After her youngest daughter left for college, Suzanne wanted to learn something new in her spare time. She decided to start her blog and also enrolled in yoga teacher training. She had been practicing yoga for some time, but blogging was brand new to her. Although there was a steep learning curve, she committed to it.

Suzanne discusses her health, weight, and eating habits. While eating healthy is important, Suzanne also emphasizes balance. She is also transparent about her love for Botox and doing whatever is necessary to feel good in her skin. She has other anti-aging secrets too, including what she does to maintain healthy-looking skin.

Suzanne’s perfect day includes waking up early, working out, and writing a relatable blog post. It’s important for her to eat well and connect with others. She would also want to cook dinner and spend time with loved ones. Lastly, she would love time to sit down and read a book with a glass of wine before an early bedtime.

Right now, Suzanne’s intention is to ask for divine guidance and clarity. She has a lot planned for 2021, including a digital course that will launch next year. To stay up to date with Suzanne, follow along with her journey on Crazy Blonde Life Blog and on Instagram to learn about living your best life every day.

Suzanne’s Blog: https://www.crazyblondelife.com/

Suzanne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyblondelifeblog/

Read my blog: Living Your Best Life Now 

In this episode, we’re joined by Tammy Stokes, the Founder & CEO of Cafe West Express and West Coast Workout. West Coast Workout is a lifestyle fitness studio, while Cafe West Express is a cafe that caters to those looking for healthy, nutritious food. Tammy emphasizes creating the life your desire without excuses or regret. 

During the podcast, Tammy shares about her personal health journey. Watching the differences in her parents as they’ve aged has played an important role throughout it. While she believes that eating healthy and staying active is important, she also acknowledges the benefit of being adaptable. Releasing anger and learning to let go is crucial to healthy living.

Tammy and Deanna talk about managing a healthy lifestyle at their age. For Tammy, it’s not about achieving perfection, but rather focusing on evolution and maintenance. Tweaks and small changes go a long way, especially when it comes to what you eat. 

We learn why Tammy ended up in Atlanta and how she came to love the city - it took a lot of time and self-reflection. She realized she needed to stop making excuses and start making things happen. This journey would eventually lead her to create the plan for West Coast Workout. She brought everything she loved about California to Atlanta through her two businesses.

Tammy discusses excuses to not work out and believes that if you have time to watch tv, you have time to work out. Putting yourself and your physical health first sets the tone for the day. If you can’t attend a workout class at West Coast Workout in person, Tammy is happy to offer online classes as well.

This episode is full of so many great ideas about how to creating the life you desire.

West Coast Workout: https://westcoastworkout.com/

Read my Blog: https://www.wellandworthylife.com/ditch-the-diets-and-adopt-a-lifestyle/