Wellness As A Way of Life for Women Building the Future

This week we venture into the transformative journey of living an alcohol-free lifestyle and its profound effects on personal and professional well-being. In this episode, we deep dive into Kayley Hamilton's sober curiosity and how it skyrocketed her productivity and self-confidence.

Sober Curiosity's Social Impact: Kayley Hamilton uncovers the complexities of social interactions without alcohol, and the way sobriety can unintentionally challenge or trigger those around you.

Cultural Norms and Assumptions: Host Megan Swan discusses the Western/European culture of drinking with meals and how avoiding alcohol can conflict with ingrained social expectations.

Decision Impact on Business and Mindset: Kayley delves into her journey from starting a business to the realization that many successful CEOs lead sober lifestyles, underlining the mental clarity and productivity gains that come from a life without alcohol.

Sociability Without Alcohol: Hamilton talks about overcoming shyness and finding her social footing without relying on alcohol, leading to more genuine and empowering interactions.

Professional Benefits of Sobriety: Both Kayley and Megan share how not drinking has led to improved confidence and independence within their careers, significantly impacting networking and social dynamics in corporate environments.

TL;DR: In this episode of "Wellness As A Way of Life," Kayley Hamilton shares her transformational story of sober curiosity, highlighting its positive effects on her mental clarity, confidence, and professional drive, while Megan Swan adds an expert perspective on the cultural and social nuances of living alcohol-free. Together, they offer powerful insights for anyone curious about the benefits of embracing sobriety in their personal life and career.

Connect with Megan Swan

Community

https://wellness-as-a-way-of-life.mn.co

Socials

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

Website

www.meganswanwellness.com

Connect with Kayley Hamilton

Website

www.uplvlagency.com

 Socials

https://www.instagram.com/kayleyhamilton_/

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

https://www.uplvlagency.com/celeb-expert-training

sober curiosity, alcohol-free lifestyle, social triggers and insecurities, cultural drinking norms, CEO productivity, mental effects of alcohol, physical effects of alcohol, alcohol and anxiety, overcoming shyness, positive impacts of sobriety, corporate networking without alcohol, alcohol and independence, Emmy award-winning producer, brand PR storytelling, women in entrepreneurship, sober entrepreneurship, media portrayal of drinking, personal life shifts, COVID-19 and socializing, mental benefits of quitting alcohol, physical benefits of quitting alcohol, alcohol-free social life, social stigma of sobriety, wellness community, entrepreneurship and wellness, professional self-empowerment, sharing sobriety on social media, societal narratives about alcohol, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, media exposure for entrepreneurs.

In this week’s episode of Wellness As A Way of Life I am focusing on my experience implementing Self-Hypnosis into my Wellness Tool Box.  

I'll be sharing my newfound passion for self-hypnosis and its impact on holistic wellness. Over the past few months, I've been using the Oneleaf app and have experienced firsthand how self-hypnosis can help with stress reduction, anxiety relief, improved sleep, increased confidence, and even weight loss. I'll delve into the differences between self-hypnosis and guided meditation and why I believe self-hypnosis is more accessible to a broader audience. Join me as we explore the science behind hypnosis and the incredible effects it has on the brain. I'll also discuss the diverse wellness programs available through self-hypnosis and how it has become an integral part of my holistic wellness toolbox. 

Wellness practices should be enjoyable, personalized and nourishing. 

Keep it simple.  Less is more.  No one-size-fits-all wellness.

Start your 7-day free trial:

https://oneleaf.onelink.me/7SCn/megan

Thank you for listening!

M

Connect 

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

self hypnosis, wellness tools, reduce stress, anxiety, sleep better, lose weight, boost confidence, financial confidence, guided meditation, mindfulness, breath work, holistic wellness, hypnosis, hypnotic state, reduce anxiety, combat insomnia, brain imaging studies, relaxation, personalized wellness, self development, brain body connection, disassociation, evidence based, wellness issues, weight loss, quit smoking, stress reduction, personalized, nourishing, minimalist app design, diverse wellness tools, guided self hypnosis

Introduction

In this Season 5, Episode 5 of Wellness As A Way of Life, "The Sober Scene,” we are excited to welcome Alysse Bryson and Alex Nyman, two trailblazers in the sober community who are redefining what it means to live a fulfilling, alcohol-free lifestyle.

Alysse, the founder of Sober Curator, offers an intimate look into her evolution from feeling out of place at social events to becoming a confident advocate for sobriety. Alex Nyman, from the Break Free foundation, discusses the growing trend of sober living and the increasing availability of alcohol-free environments.

Together, we'll delve into their collaboration on a dry fashion event that made waves during New York Fashion Week and discuss the powerful "recovery out loud" movement. Additionally, you'll hear about the incredible work they're doing to support those in recovery through community-building initiatives and engaging, inclusive events.

So, join us as we unpack the vibrant and supportive world of sobriety with Alysse and Alex, proving that wellness truly is a way of life. Let's get started!

We chatted about:

 That Sober Fashion Scene  

   - We hit up a fab sobriety bash at New York Fashion Week.

   - Swapping cocktails for mocktails—Cheers to that!

   - It’s all about creating a spot where everyone feels like they belong.

Sobriety’s Social Shuffle  

   - Alysse gets real about feeling like a square peg in a round-hole world.

   - From faking it to owning it: How she slays social scenes sans alcohol.

   - Finding your tribe in the sober squad.

Sober Living is Getting Trendy  

   - Alex Nyman spills the tea on the rise of no-booze boozing.

   - From Seattle to Nashville, sober havens are popping up like wildflowers.

   - Bars without alcohol? Yep, it’s a thing, and it's pretty rad.

Being Bold & Sober Out Loud  

   - The "recovery out loud" rally is catching on, and folks are here for it.

   - Different strokes for recovery folks—every path’s got its own flavor.

   - Alex and their better half are the cheerleaders for the mocktail movement.

Behind the Scenes with Break Free and Sober Curator  

   - The skinny on what’s going down with the Break Free runway show—spotlight on mental health, y’all.

   - The Sober Curator's got the skinny on living your best life, minus the hangovers.

   - Scribbling in your planner? Save the dates for their future shindigs.

Alysse Bryson’s Sober Power Moves  

   - Sober Curator's birth story—thanks, pandemic, for something cool.

   - It's about the crew with 31 movers and shakers pushing the sober envelope.

   - Alysse's all about showing off the sober life’s shiny side.

What’s up with Alex’s Break Free Foundation  

   - Alex's baby, the Break Free Foundation, is making waves.

   - Scholarships for peeps punching out substance use disorders.

   - A not-for-profit fashion moment aiming to stitch together a community quilt.

Joining Forces in Sober Solidarity  

   - Break Free x Sober Curator = One heck of a dynamic duo.

   - A home for newbies in recovery to link up and light it up (in a sober way, of course).

   - Putting a spotlight on sobriety that'll have you saying, "I wanna hang with these folks!"

Thank you for listening!

Connect

The Sober Curator Blog

https://thesobercurator.com/

Alexandra is a fierce advocate for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. She serves as a volunteer for NAMI (the National Association for Mental Illnesses), and uses her platform to raise awareness on how society addresses mental health, co-occurring disorders, and substance use disorders. Alexandra also serves on the Parity Coalition through the Legal Action Network, is a co-chair for NAMI’s co-occurring illnesses subcommittee, and a member of the TYSA Coalition. She recently became a CARC (certified addiction recovery coach) and a CRPA-P (certified recovery peer advocate).

Alexandra is the founder of Break Free NYFW and recently launched the 

Break Free Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for those suffering from mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Break Free offers scholarships for individuals suffering from substance use disorders to attend a treatment facility free of charge.

Her work has been featured in Forbes, Out Magazine, No Kill Magazine, Business Insider, Yahoo, Brides, Green Wedding Shoes, The New York Times, VFiles, and at Six Flags. In addition to her work with the Break Free Foundation, she is a well-known cat lover, and a strong supporter of the arts.

Follow along with Alexandra in all of the digital places & social spaces

www.breakfreefoundation.org

www.iamladycat.com

@HelloLadyCat on IG

@WeWillBreakFree on IG

@HelloLadyCat on X, formerly known as Twitter

@WeWillBreakFree on X, formerly known as Twitter

Alexandra Nyman Facebook page

We Will Break Free Facebook page

Connect with Alysse

Alysse Bryson is a strong woman in recovery, an innovative media maven, marketing guru, and gal about town. This sober gal has a humorous outlook on life combined with a fierce determination to succeed.

Over her lengthy career in traditional media, Alysse was the Publisher of Seattle Met magazine, Seattle’s largest lifestyle publication. She lived the magazine life for nearly a decade, rubbing elbows with local celebrities and throwing some of the most talked about parties all over town. Alysse turned in her stilettos, swamped out magazines for live Television, and served as the Director of Business Development for KING 5 Media Group, the local NBC affiliate, for almost six years. Her second title around the office was “Director of Fun.”

One pandemic and a Great Resignation later, Alysse now serves as the Vice President of Community Development for WORKP2P, formerly Point to Point Transportation. The legacy business inside of WORKP2P provides innovative, technology-based transportation to marketing professionals who demand perfection. They service any size shipment for any size marketing program anywhere on the planet.

Stop her before she “start-ups” again! Alysse also has her fingerprints heavily involved in several start-up ventures under the WORKP2P parent company umbrella. This includes the BEATS WORKING Show, with Host and former TV Anchor Mark Wright, Sales Sidekick, and Intentional Sidekick. These three brands form a nontraditional media agency focused on transforming leaders who want to develop their communities by redeeming work…the word, the place, and the way.”

Socials

@alysseinthecity on IG

LinkedIn

alyssebryson.com

Facebook

Pinterest

Connect with Megan 

Instagram

LinkedIn

www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

sober fashion week, recovery designers, recovery models, good vibes, dry event, mocktail bar activation, sober curator, sober friends, navigating social situations, Alysse Bryson, Alex Nyman, sober community, sober bars, recovery out loud, sober-friendly spaces, zero-proof lifestyle, Break Free foundation, mental health awareness, runway show for recovery, Sober Curator website, wellness podcast, recovery content, long-term recovery, contributing sobriety stories, Megan Swan, substance use disorder scholarships, CFDA calendar showcase, recovery community, social meetups for recovery, celebrating sobriety

Introduction

Today, we bring you the third episode of our Elevate + Lead Mini Series, where we dive deep into the topic of navigating being micromanaged. In this episode, host Megan Swan and guest Barbara San-Roman provide practical tools and advice for handling conflict in the workplace. They discuss ways to prepare for uncomfortable conversations, manage physical and mental responses, and approach difficult situations with humility and understanding. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of setting a clear agenda, framing requests as questions, and approaching conflict as an opportunity to build deeper connections. By the end of the episode, you'll be equipped with valuable insights on managing conflict, whether in a professional or personal context. So grab your headphones and get ready to elevate your leadership skills with this insightful episode!

We chatted about:

Preparing Mentally and Physically for Uncomfortable Conversations

- Recognizing personal and physical responses

- Managing physical responses

- Understanding the effects of adrenaline and cortisol

- Approaching the situation with humility and compassion

Strategies for Navigating Micromanagement

- Framing the issue in a positive light

- Crafting questions to initiate a conversation

- Creating a clear and actionable agenda

- Creating a working relationship with superiors

Leadership and Conflict Resolution

- Recognizing the leadership role in managing teams and superiors

- Creating an environment where conflict feels normal

- Indicators of fully stepping into a leadership role

- The positive impact of women in leadership roles

- Building tools to feel safe in handling conflict

Thank you for listening!

JOIN THE WAITLIST 

Elevate + Lead

https://beboldgroup.myflodesk.com

Barbara San-Roman teaches women in leadership to manage change, develop their leadership capacity, and build highly effective teams so that they can show up authentically as leaders while running high impact organizations. She is a former educator, current university professor, and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership. From managing multi-million dollar budgets to leading teams of 2 to 200, she has always understood that highly effective teams led by bold leadership are the foundation to the future success of any organization.

Megan Swan is an Integrated Wellness Coach & Strategic Advisor who works with modern women, leaders and companies to optimize their wellness so they can step into a growth mindset, have consistent energy and confidence to build the life and career of their dreams. She has 10 years of integrative wellness experience as a certified IIN Health Coach, Plant-Based Chef, Yoga Teacher and Educator.

Keywords

conflict resolution, workplace conflict, managing conflict, preparing for difficult conversations, emotional preparation, mental preparation, managing stress, physical responses, fight or flight response, managing emotions, constructive communication, leadership skills, negotiation tactics, setting agendas, clear outcomes, handling feedback, problem-solving, asking for autonomy, building deeper connections, relationship management, solution-oriented approach, humility in conflict, open-hearted communication, emotional intelligence, leadership development, corporate leadership, navigating conflict, women in leadership, managing up, self-awareness

Introduction

This month we are continuing our Elevate + Lead Mini-Series where we explore the intersection of wellness, leadership, and personal development. In this episode, Megan Swan and special guest Barbara San-Roman explore the importance of self-awareness and self-trust in leadership. They discuss the impact of self-awareness on personal growth, effective communication, and leading a team. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, they emphasize the need for leaders to understand their triggers, communicate openly, and create a culture of trust within their teams. Join us as we delve into how self-awareness can transform not only individual leadership styles but also the work culture, ultimately leading to happier and more fulfilled teams.

We chatted about:

Importance of Self-Aware and Self-Trust Based Leadership

- Role of self-awareness as the foundation of effective leadership

- Impact of self-trust on team dynamics and productivity

- Nurturing a self-aware and self-trust-based leadership culture

- Influence of self-aware and self-trust-based leadership on organization and talent retention

- Conclusion and call to action for authentic and healthy leadership

JOIN THE WAITLIST 

Elevate + Lead

https://beboldgroup.myflodesk.com

Thank you for listening!

Barbara San-Roman teaches women in leadership to manage change, develop their leadership capacity, and build highly effective teams so that they can show up authentically as leaders while running high impact organizations. She is a former educator, current university professor, and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership. From managing multi-million dollar budgets to leading teams of 2 to 200, she has always understood that highly effective teams led by bold leadership are the foundation to the future success of any organization.

Megan Swan is an Integrated Wellness Coach & Strategic Advisor who works with modern women, leaders and companies to optimize their wellness so they can step into a growth mindset, have consistent energy and confidence to build the life and career of their dreams. She has 10 years of integrative wellness experience as a certified IIN Health Coach, Plant-Based Chef, Yoga Teacher and Educator.

Keywords

Megan Swan, Barbara San-Roman, miniseries, inspired, motivated, wellness, leadership, common issues, tangible advice, self-awareness, stress, communication, authenticity, storytelling, audience, speaking engagements, competition, mindset, breath, rehearsal, practice, confidence, female leaders, actionable tips, community, female empowerment, effective communication, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, public speaking, presentation skills

Introduction

This month we are continuing our Elevate + Lead Mini-Series where we explore the intersection of wellness, leadership, and personal development. In today's episode, Megan Swan and Barbara San-Roman dive into the art of public speaking and leadership. They discuss the importance of knowing your audience, crafting compelling stories, and using competition to your advantage. With actionable tips and insights, they aim to help you feel grounded, embodied, and confident in your communication skills. Join us as we empower female leaders and provide tangible advice for personal and professional growth.

We chatted about:

Strategies for Authentic and Impactful Public Speaking

- Importance of self-awareness and authentic communication

- Shifting focus from memorization to natural storytelling

- Understanding the audience and communication goals

- Harnessing the power of storytelling and emotions

- Managing competition and controlling the narrative

- Grounding techniques and the value of practice

Barbara San-Roman teaches women in leadership to manage change, develop their leadership capacity, and build highly effective teams so that they can show up authentically as leaders while running high impact organizations. She is a former educator, current university professor, and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership. From managing multi-million dollar budgets to leading teams of 2 to 200, she has always understood that highly effective teams led by bold leadership are the foundation to the future success of any organization.

Megan Swan is an Integrated Wellness Coach & Strategic Advisor who works with modern women, leaders and companies to optimize their wellness so they can step into a growth mindset, have consistent energy and confidence to build the life and career of their dreams. She has 10 years of integrative wellness experience as a certified IIN Health Coach, Plant-Based Chef, Yoga Teacher and Educator.

JOIN THE WAITLIST 

Elevate + Lead

https://beboldgroup.myflodesk.com

Thank you for listening!

Keywords

Megan Swan, Barbara San-Roman, miniseries, inspired, motivated, wellness, leadership, common issues, tangible advice, self-awareness, stress, communication, authenticity, storytelling, audience, speaking engagements, competition, mindset, breath, rehearsal, practice, confidence, female leaders, actionable tips, community, female empowerment, effective communication, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, public speaking, presentation skills

Introduction

Welcome to the Season 5 of Wellness As A Way of Life with your host, Megan Swan. In this episode, Megan shares her excitement for the new season and her focus on self-leadership, holistic wellness, aging, spirituality, and sexuality. She also previews an upcoming mini-series with Barbara san Roman and talks about her new community project. Additionally, Megan dives into the concept of detoxing, emphasizing the importance of nourishment and sharing valuable insights on wellness practices. Stay tuned and join Megan on this enriching journey towards holistic wellness in 2024.

Season Five of Wellness as a Way of Life

- Introduction to the new season and focus on specific themes

- Announcement of Elevate and Lead Mini-series

- Explanation of the podcasting journey and merging of feeds

- Introduction to the new community and interactive course format

- Focus on nourishment and detox with personal insights

- Call to action for community engagement and feedback

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

Wellness As A Way of Life Community

https://wellness-as-a-way-of-life.mn.co

Elevate + Lead 

https://beboldgroup.myflodesk.com

Thank you for listening!

Keywords

wellness, self leadership, holistic wellness, perimenopause, menopause, sexuality, spirituality, mindfulness, wellness practices, bedtime routines, morning routines, nourishment, plant based whole food, movement, music, healing, emotional living, leadership skills, women in corporate, wellness community, detox, sugar detox, processed foods, meat products, gluten, dairy, alcohol, tobacco, supplements, medication, energy boost

In this week’s episode of Wellness As A Way of Life is a bridge to Season 5 of my podcasting journey.  I am merging my Energetically You and Wellness As A Way of Life Podcast feeds.  You can always find us via my website: www.meganswanwellness.com/podcast

Looking forward to inspiring you more in 2024 on how you too can make wellness a way of life.

Remember this winter season to take a cue from nature and take time to deeply rest and hibernate.  

Wellness practices should be enjoyable, personalized and nourishing. 

Keep it simple.  Less is more.  No one-size-fits-all wellness.

Thank you for listening!

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

This week on Wellness As A Way of Life I am chatting with Dr. Molly Maloof about all things Sexual Wellness!  We dive into all the science around the healing powers of pleasure, Tips on How to Have A Deeper, More Connected Sex with Your Partner, and talk about the paradigm shift in your sexuality you need to know about.  

We chatted about:

• Why slow is better than fast.

• How to thrust your hips to optimize blood flow and engorgement

• The Suction vs. Friction Method

• The science around the healing power of pleasure and sex

• How sex can be a transcendental experience

• Why so many women are suffering in silence

• What is the path to longevity that you are not considering

• Sexual Sovereignty + Embodied Consent

• Pain Pleasure Continuum

Dr. Molly is a pioneering force in healthspan extension and longevity medicine. Her expertise spans personalized medicine, digital health technologies, biofeedback-assisted lifestyle interventions, and scientifically-based wellness products and services. Her groundbreaking book, "The Spark Factor," is the first biohacking book for women. As the founder and CEO of Adamo Bioscience, Molly is also at the forefront of bringing modern sex education to couples with a groundbreaking intimacy program developed through her study of the science of love. The Adamo Method is a program designed for couples looking to optimize and improve their sexual and relational function. Designed with top experts in the fields of medicine, psychology, and somatic sexuality, the program is a comprehensive and enjoyable sex education for modern adults. 

Sign Up for The Adamo Method:

https://qualtricsxmgz8fwmy8z.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06ZERc5TB2HJhGu?fbclid=PAAaZRG6fKU-Y_YFLct1kfhW3KoC7-tj0ARiQ7ULQzvviWF2Pv7DJcIJScm4o_aem_ATqc7y9peNM2rcqXVJSE7Ys4HdREFLA0NQ64YIIkEwuHoOf9PnYkOGF2bQWGjhPsJqA  

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/livingadamo/ 

If you enjoyed this episode you should listen to our previous conversation:

https://meganswanwellness.com/podcast/molly_maloof

Thank you for listening!

When you are listening please take a screenshot and share it on social media and tag me @meganswanwellness !  We would really appreciate it.

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

In this week’s episode of Wellness As A Way of Life I am chatting with Heather Lowe from Ditched the Drink on Why Alcohol is Not the Glue You Need to Hold it All Together This Holiday Season!

We chatted about:

Social norms that teach us that alcohol is liquid courage and helps us ‘connect’ with others

How alcohol silences our inner voice, our intuition and our ability to connect with ourselves and others

How alcohol makes the holidays more exhausting because we our system is constantly recovering

How alcohol starts to interfere with your natural ability to create your own feel-good hormones

How being Sober is so much more enjoyable over the holidays

How to navigate corporate gifting and events in a sober-inclusive way

Tips on how to not get overwhelmed with social engagements

Living in the full emotional spectrum

Other ways to enjoy the holidays that actually allow you feel to well rested, connected and present

Not dumbing down the joy

Alcohol consumption as self-abandonment

Extra support during the holidays if you are ditching the drink: her online community: INSIDER of which I am a part!

Heather Lowe is the Founder of Ditched the Drink, a wellness company dedicated to helping professionals move away from alcohol and towards their highest selves. Heather is a Certified Professional Life and Recovery Coach, Certified Addiction Awareness Facilitator, and the Director of Marketing Consumer Products for the International Center of Addiction Recovery Education (ICARE).

Driven by her education as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a Professional of Human Resources (PHR), and Yale Certificated in the Science of Well Being, Heather provides content, knowledge, coaching, and education to individuals and organizations seeking to be more alcohol free.

Heather is passionate about coaching, connecting people with alcohol free resources, and creating a positive sober community. Heather shares the bright side of sobriety as an influencer in the social media sober space @ditchedthedrink.

Heather’s writing has been published in Thrive Global, Monument- Tempest, The Fix, Mashable, Corporate Wellness Magazine, Employee Benefit News, and more. She has been featured on many podcasts including Recovery Happy Hour, Redesigning Wellness, Alcohol Tipping Point, Energetically You, Sun and Moon Sober Living, Hello Someday, Sober Motivation, Decidedly Dry and more.

Heather, in partnership with the Association of Professional Recovery Coaches also recruits, mentors, and trains new coaches. 

Heather lives in Chicago’s western suburbs as a proud girl mom to two teenage daughters, Lily and Charlotte, her husband Darin of 20+ years, and their adorable black and white cocker spaniel, Rocky. Heather is a voracious reader, a new-ish hiker, and a seasoned yogi. For more visit https://www.ditchedthedrink.com/

Thank you for listening!

When you are listening please take a screenshot and share it on social media and tag me @meganswanwellness !  We would really appreciate it.

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness

www.meganswanwellness.com

ELEVATE + LEAD

8 Sessions to Embodied & Sustainable Leadership for Women in Corporate

A strategic leadership development experience for women to enhance their capacity– a comprehensive approach to optimizing, retaining, and developing resilient executive leadership in corporate spaces. 

https://beboldgroup.myflodesk.com