Wellness As A Way of Life for Women Building the Future

"I mean, I was to the point where I had to look up the liquor laws and different states so that if I was traveling with my kids, it's like, okay, when I land, how am I going to get booze? I was doing all that stuff which presents as unmanageable in my life, right?"

In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Amy Liz Harrison, who shares her raw and real journey from addiction to becoming a 'Supermom.'

5 Highlights:

Personal Transformation: Amy discusses how recognizing her alcohol dependency led to a life-changing commitment to sobriety and the Twelve Step program.

Parental Openness: She talks about the importance of transparency with her children regarding her struggles, helping to foster understanding and support within the family.

Children’s Literature: Amy highlights her journey into writing children’s books that address complex family issues like addiction, aiming to assist other families in similar situations.

Empowerment through Recovery: The discussion covers how Amy’s sobriety helped reclaim her life and redefine her goals, emphasizing empowerment and self-awareness.

Supportive Community: The value of a supportive community in recovery and personal growth is underlined, showcasing the roles that open conversations and empathetic connections play.

TLDR: 

Amy Liz Harrison shares her transformative journey from addiction to sobriety, highlighting the crucial role of openness with her children and the power of supportive communities in fostering lasting wellness.

Connect with Amy

http://amylizharrison.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/amylizharrison/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/amylizharrison

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylizharrison

Latest book:  Mommy Goes To Meetings

Amy recently released a children's book series called Kiss Your Brain. As a mother and a writer, Harrison felt inspired to create the “Kiss Your Brain” series of children’s books in 2023. This series tackles the big mental health topics her family—and all families—face. With five stories written from a child’s point of view, this series addresses substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health issues in a way that appeals to even the littlest readers.

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

Keywords

Amy Liz Harrison, Twelve Step program, alcoholism recovery, children's books, addiction awareness, sobriety coach, recovery mental health advocate, indie publishing, Mommy Goes to Meetings, Eternally Amy podcast, DUI, postpartum depression, adult ADHD, mommy wine club, Megan Swan, wellness podcast, neurodivergence, role models, women's wellness, feelings of insecurity, rejection sensitivity, empowerment of women, vulnerability, societal expectations, lack of self-confidence, alcohol dependency, transformation, open communication with children, mental health struggles, family challenges

In today's episode, the last in a 3 part series on falling in love with cacao with Ale Forero from the JANGALA project, we touch on the connection between spirituality, community, and environmental sustainability.

5 Things Discussed in the Podcast:

Indigenous Concept of One Health: Discussion on the traditional indigenous concept of one health, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the health of people, animals, and the environment.

Ecotourism in Chiapas, Mexico: Exploration of the ecotourism options offered by Jangala, providing an opportunity to experience the cacao production process, meet farmers, and immerse in the holistic experience of connecting with nature.

The Impact of Colonial Mindset on Wellness: Analysis of how the colonial mindset has influenced the global view of wellness and the importance of understanding the origin and traceability of the products we consume.

Regenerative Culture and Relationship with Earth: Emphasis on regenerative culture, honoring the origin of products, and establishing a balanced relationship with the earth for the well-being of individuals and communities.

The Role of Immersion and Regeneration: Importance of immersing oneself in nature and regenerating the mind, body, and spirit through well-aligned lifestyle choices, echoing the holistic principle of wellness.

TLDR:  In this episode, we delved deep into the indigenous concept of one health and its relevance to modern wellness practices. Our discussions highlighted the need to embrace regenerative culture, understand the origin of products, and immerse in nature to achieve holistic well-being. The podcast emphasized the interconnectedness of individual, community, and environmental health in promoting a sustainable and balanced way of life.

Ale Forero is a transdisciplinary artist and researcher on cacao & women's health.

https://jangala.mx

https://www.instagram.com/malejafura?igsh=dmltengzZGJ6Y2hn

https://www.instagram.com/jangalamx?igsh=ZXIzZDl6bWcxcWR4

Keywords

Cacao, women's health, indigenous concept, one health, wellness, chiapas, Mexico, Gelanga, ecotourism, health benefits, ancestral philosophy, public health, ancestral wisdom, holistic medicine, colonialism, regenerative culture, biodiversity, sustainability, supply chain, traceability, cacao ceremonies, immersion, agroforestry, fermentation, agriculture, community, origin, holistic living, ancestral knowledge, spiritual wellness, ancient wisdom.

Connect with Megan

http://www.meganswanwellness.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness/

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

In today's episode, our guest, Ale Forero, a transdisciplinary artist and researcher, discusses the unique health benefits of cacao for women and the importance of incorporating it into a wellness routine.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Health Benefits of Cacao: Cacao is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vital nutrients such as magnesium and iron, making it a superfood for both men and women.

Cacao and Women's Health: Cacao plays a vital role in supporting women's health, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, where it helps balance hormones, reduce stress, and support serotonin production.

Importance of Ovulation: The podcast highlights the significance of ovulation for women's overall health, including its role in bone health, cognitive function, and immune system support, advocating for a holistic approach to women's wellness.

Intentional Consumption: Emphasizing the significance of intentional and mindful consumption, the discussion encourages women to create a nurturing ritual around consuming cacao, embracing its sensory and embodied experience.

Harmonious Recipes: Jangala incorporates additional harmonizing ingredients such as lavender, cardamom, reishi, and patashte into their cacao products, aiming to create a blend that supports gut health and overall well-being.

TLDR:

This episode delves into the transformative impact of cacao on women's health, emphasizing the need for intentional consumption and the incorporation of harmonizing ingredients to enhance overall wellness. Join us as we explore the profound benefits of cacao as an essential component of women's health and wellness.

Ale Forero is a transdisciplinary artist and researcher on cacao & women's health. 

https://jangala.mx

https://www.instagram.com/malejafura?igsh=dmltengzZGJ6Y2hn

https://www.instagram.com/jangalamx?igsh=ZXIzZDl6bWcxcWR4

Keywords

cacao, women's health, Jangala project, Mexican chocolate preservation, fermented cacao, health benefits, superfood, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols, flavonoids, magnesium, iron, hormonal balance, luteal phase, menstrual cycle, serotonin production, cortisol levels, fertility, ovulation, mesoamerican cosmovision, feminine polarity, holistic wellness, birth control, hormonal wisdom, intentional consumption, cardamom, lavender, reishi, patashte

Connect with Megan

http://www.meganswanwellness.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness/

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

Welcome back to Wellness As A Way of Life, where we delve into the world of holistic wellness, featuring knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration for female leaders and founders. In this episode, we explore the unique Fall in Love with Cacao series, offering insights into sustainable cacao production, the journey from cacao to fine chocolate, and the vision for creating a regenerative culture.

Cacao Regenerative Culture: We discuss the creation of agroforestry systems with cacao farmers, fermentation workshops, and the production of fine flavored cacao, chocolate bars, and drinking chocolate.

Ethical Sourcing: The importance of direct trading, balanced relationships, and the avoidance of exploitation in the cacao industry is emphasized, with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Cacao Fermentation Process: The craft of fermentation as a pivotal step in decoding the aroma and flavor complexity of cacao, leading to the creation of various cacao-based products.

Future Research and Education: The project's long-term vision involves conducting research, spreading knowledge, and creating a bridge between rural and urban contexts, with a focus on social and environmental justice.

Impactful Self-Care: The podcast identifies the ripple effect of purpose-driven sustainable wellness practices and the significance of self-care as a tool for sustainable energy, confidence, and holistic wellness.

TLDR: Through sustainable cacao production, ethical sourcing, and a vision for regenerative culture, this episode sheds light on the holistic benefits of cacao, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption and ethical trade in the wellness journey.

Ale Forero is a Women’s Health Researcher, 4th generation of cacao farmers working in the field of education currently working on her Masters in Rural Development while focusing on education for the Jangala Cacao Project. 

https://jangala.mx

https://www.instagram.com/malejafura?igsh=dmltengzZGJ6Y2hn

https://www.instagram.com/jangalamx?igsh=ZXIzZDl6bWcxcWR4

Keywords

wellness, cacao, chocolate, Chiapas, Mexico, ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, women's health, rural development, origin cacao, fermentation workshops, agroforestry systems, direct trading, regenerative agricultural practices, agroforesty agricology, trustability, fermentation process, direct sourcing, organic farming, holistic wellness, cacao bean, cacao butter, ethical sourcing, minimal ingredients, small batch, social innovation, environmental justice, health benefits, women's health, natural gynecology, research

Connect with Megan

http://www.meganswanwellness.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness/

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

In this episode, our host Megan Swan sits down with the incomparable James "Fish" Gill, exploring the complex dance of emotions and perspectives that shape our relationships. Diving into the depths of conflict communication, they unravel the threads of connectivity and the heart's role in emotional wellness.

Understanding Beyond Accusations: Discovering the veiled emotions beneath aggressive words and learning to acknowledge the feelings of being unappreciated or unsupported.

Emotional Safety and Mutual Understanding: Stressing the critical importance of validating each other's experiences to foster a nurturing and safe emotional environment.

Evoking Openness Versus Closedness: James discusses the human resistance to openness in relationships, paralleling it with larger scale resistance seen in international conflicts.

The Power of Recognition and Validation: Sharing insights on how identifying and acknowledging someone's pain, even in minor interactions such as with a supermarket cashier, can transform their behavior.

Communicating with Loving Awareness: The need to hold space for both parties' experiences and the benefit of growing new neural pathways to respond to potential conflict with understanding and compassion.

TLDR: In this heart-opening edition, Megan and Fish delve into the richness of interacting with love and intentionality, proving that seeking connection triumphs over being right. Embrace the challenges of empathizing and validating in all relationships and grow towards a life filled with harmony and understanding.

Fish is a Heart Coach and yoga teacher. He is committed to sharing conscious communication practices that give all beings the experience of love in all their relationships, even in the moments where love seems to have gone missing.   

www.leadbyheart.com

Previous Conversation: 

https://meganswanwellness.com/podcast/james_fish_gill

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

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

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

conflict resolution, emotional wellness, relationship repair, communication in relationships, emotional safety, mutual understanding, malintent in communication, openness in relationships, international conflicts, personal growth, group coaching program, validation in relationships, empathy, self-compassion, behavior change, neural pathways, defensiveness, seeking connection, face-to-face communication, loving awareness, wellness podcast, listener engagement, blaming behavior, worldview on connection, fear of exclusion, threat response, evolutionary psychology, perspectives in conflict, acknowledgment of pain, unmet needs in relationships

Welcome to the Wellness As A Way of Life podcast. In this episode titled "Alternate Nostril Breathing," our host Megan Swan takes you through the practice of alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana. She shares the history and benefits of this ancient breathing technique and encourages you to make it a part of your daily wellness routine. Megan explains the symbolism behind breathing through the left and right nostrils, and how it can help balance energy and promote relaxation. Join us as Megan guides you through the steps of this calming practice and encourages you to integrate it into your daily life. Whether you're new to breathing techniques or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode provides valuable insights and a practical demonstration to help you find calm and balance - particularly helpful for women going through hormonal changes, perimenopause, and menopause. 

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

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

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

breathing technique, alternate nostril breathing, wellness toolbox, meditative practice, yoga practice, pranayama, energy balance, feminine energy, masculine energy, lunar energy, solar energy, cognitive senses, consciousness, inward nurturing energy, outward moving force, breathing exercise, breath awareness, breath control, hormonal balance, central nervous system, relaxation, mindfulness, yoga, seated position, relaxation technique, breathing practice, energy flow, parasympathetic, breath rhythm, breathing cycle

In this episode, host Megan Swan and certified holistic nutritionist Hope Pedraza unravel the complexities of nutrition and wellness for women experiencing perimenopause. Let's delve into the conversation that covers a range of insightful topics:

1. Protein Intake: The importance of adequate protein consumption is paramount in perimenopause, where maintaining muscle mass is crucial. Hope Pedraza recommends aiming for 25 to 35 grams of protein per meal, with a daily goal of at least 120 grams, whether from plant or animal sources.

2. Blood Sugar Regulation: Megan and Hope discuss the significant role of stable blood sugar in perimenopause. Dysregulated blood sugar impacts adrenals and estrogen production, magnifying perimenopausal symptoms.

3. Adrenal Care: The health of your adrenal glands takes center stage, with discussions on managing stress, the necessity of completing stress cycles, and the role of good minerals and hydration in supporting adrenal function.

4. Exercise for Aging: The dialogue touches on the importance of functional movement and the combination of strength training with flexibility activities like pilates and yoga to uphold an active, healthy lifestyle as we age.

5. Mindful Consumption: Strategies to replace ingrained habits with healthier choices emerge as both Megan and Hope stress the value of intentional choices. They recommend sustainable approaches to reducing caffeine and reevaluating one’s relationship with habits and consumption patterns.

In short, this episode is a powerhouse of insights on longevity through balanced nutrition and holistic health practices. Ideal for women charting the seas of perimenopause, it's a call to mindful eating, stress management, and a proactive stance on wellness that reverberates into all facets of life. Join us as we embrace self-care and empower ourselves through every transition.

Hope Pedraza is a certified holistic nutritionist, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, certified Hair Tissue and Mineral analysis expert, Reiki Master Practitioner, Human Design guide, the founder of inBalance, a pilates based fitness franchise, and the host of the Hopeful and Wholesome podcast.

She is an expert mineral balancing as it relates to overall health and how balancing yours can completely transform your health
 and state of wellbeing. 

Previous Conversation: https://energeticallyyou.libsyn.com/why-you-might-need-to-eat-more-salt-and-how-stress-management-and-nutrition-is-more-powerful-than-an-supplement-and-other-mineral-balancing-wisdom-with-hope-pedraza

Connect with Hope

www.hopefulandwholesome.com

www.instagram.com/thehopepedraza

www.facebook.com/groups/livewholesomeandhealthy

www.facebook.com/hope.cowgill

https://www.tiktok.com/@hopepedraza

https://www.youtube.com/c/HopePedraza

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

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

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Community

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

Keywords

protein sources, plant-based protein, amino acids, protein intake, blood sugar regulation, perimenopause, adrenal health, cortisol levels, chronic inflammation, muscle mass, strength training, pilates, yoga, functional movement, stress management, hydration, remineralizing the body, electrolytes, intermittent fasting, caffeine consumption, adrenal function, holistic nutrition, menopause wellness, protein allocation, sober curiosity, self-care habits, mindful consumption, corporate wellness, women's health, community wellness

Welcome to another episode of Wellness As A Way of Life with your host, Megan Swan. In this episode, Megan delves into the topic of menopause, offering insights on the changing landscape of menopause understanding and the implications for women's health and wellness. 

Here are 5 key takeaways from the podcast:

1. Menopause Has Evolved: Megan discusses the shifting perspectives around menopause, emphasizing the importance of embracing this stage of life as a natural transition and the need to reframe the narrative around the menopausal experience.

2. Options for Menopausal Symptoms: The episode explores a range of treatment options, including holistic approaches, hormone replacement therapy, and the considerations for using antidepressants, providing listeners with a comprehensive insight into the decision-making process for addressing menopausal symptoms.

3. Embracing Strength and Wellness: Megan underscores the significance of strength training and its impact on hormonal balance, emotional well-being, and self-confidence, highlighting the role of lifestyle changes in promoting overall wellness during menopause and beyond.

4. A Balanced Approach to Hormonal Therapy: The podcast encourages women to prioritize exploring holistic tools and lifestyle modifications as initial steps, followed by a thoughtful consideration of hormone replacement therapy and potential alternatives, positioning antidepressants as a secondary option for symptom management.

5. Personalized Self-Care Strategies: Emphasizing the individualized nature of self-care, Megan advocates for prioritizing sleep, mindful nourishment, physical activity, stress management rituals, and incorporating joy into daily routines as essential components of optimal wellness during menopause.

TLDR: The episode provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving understanding of menopause, offering valuable insights into embracing menopausal transitions, treatment options, holistic wellness, and personalized self-care practices, empowering listeners to navigate this stage of life with informed choices and a focus on overall well-being.

https://open.substack.com/pub/meganswan/p/menopause-dispelling-misconceptions?r=mxe0u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

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

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Community

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

menopause, symptoms, perimenopause, holistic treatment, hormone therapy, mental health, mindset, aging, strength training, hormone replacement therapy, breast cancer, antidepressants, lifestyle changes, hormonal balance, John Hopkins, menopausal symptoms, emotional symptoms, menopausal transition, moon cycles, women's health, medical advice, intersectional realities, genetics, preventative hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, holistic solutions, physical strength, emotional strength, aging gracefully, embracing menopause

Welcome back to Wellness As A Way of Life, this week we chatted with Lauren Chiren a global expert on Menopause.  We discussed: 

1. Understanding Menopause: Lauren Chiren shares her personal journey, shedding light on the myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause, and provides valuable insights on navigating the changes and challenges of this phase in life.

2. Building Knowledge and Mindset: Lauren advocates for embracing menopause, fostering hydration, nutrition, and movement, and suggests creating a support network to navigate this phase with resilience and empowerment.

3. Workplace Support and Advocacy: The conversation delves into the importance of workplace culture and policies that accommodate women experiencing menopause, addressing the need for a supportive and inclusive environment.

4. Shifting the Narrative: Lauren encourages reframing menopause as a second spring, highlighting the opportunity for personal and professional growth, and empowering women to embrace this stage of life with confidence and purpose.

5. Self-Care and Wellness: The podcast emphasizes the significance of self-care practices tailored to individual needs, promoting holistic well-being and sustainable energy to thrive through menopause and beyond.

TLDR Takeaway:  This episode offers valuable insights from Lauren Chiren on navigating menopause, building resilience, and embracing a growth mindset, empowering women to lead with confidence and optimize their well-being at every stage of life.

Connect with Lauren Chiren

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

https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause-the-basics/

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

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

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Community

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

menopause, perimenopause, women's health, wellness, leadership, entrepreneur, workplace support, hormone balance, menopausal symptoms, health education, cognition, bone health, nutrition, physical activity, aging, self-care, mindset shift, women's empowerment, workplace culture, menstrual health, fertility, preventative health, leadership roles, diversity and inclusion, family support, social support, health research, community, women's community, well-being

This week we dive into the deep waters of emotional well-being with insights from the inspiring Dr. Sarah Michaud with her 30+ years of experience as a clinical psychologist. Join us as we unravel the complexities of codependency and self-leadership, and how understanding these concepts can lead to profound personal growth and healthier relationships. Here's a sneak peek of our rich conversation:

Codependency and its Roots. Dr. Sarah Michaud demystifies codependency, explaining how it stems from a disconnection from one's true self and how early childhood dynamics play a pivotal role.

The Female Struggle with Anger. Megan Swan candidly shares her journey through anger management to emotional intelligence, highlighting the transformative power of setting boundaries and fostering self-awareness.

Shifting Childhood Coping Mechanisms. Dr. Michaud breaks down the importance of recognizing and reforming the adaptive behaviors we adopted as children that no longer serve us in adulthood.

Women’s Complicated Relationship with External Validation. Both Megan and Dr. Michaud discuss the detrimental effects of societal conditioning that fosters validation-seeking behavior, and how to reclaim our inherent self-worth.

Self-Compassion and Other Tools to Build Self-Confidence. They emphasize the valuable tools of self-compassion, empowerment, and practical strategies like reality checking to foster a balanced emotional state.

TL;DR: This episode is a masterclass in understanding the often-overlooked issues of codependency and self-leadership. Dr. Sarah Michaud and Megan Swan delve into the psyche with empathy, providing impactful wisdom that encourages a journey towards authentic wellness and assertive self-governance. Remember, embracing our inner strength and wisdom is not just a practice—it's a way of life.

Connect with Megan Swan

http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

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

www.meganswanwellness.com

Community

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

Dr. Sarah Michaud, clinical psychologist, addiction recovery, codependency, sobriety, self-care, YouTube channel, podcast, self-leadership, holistic health, sober curiosity, ancient wisdom, sustainable superfoods, wellness practices, personal growth, interpersonal relationships, childhood interactions, female leaders and founders, suppressed anger, setting boundaries, coping skills, external validation, people-pleasing, insecurities, personal responsibility, self-compassion, reality checking, reactivity, thought identity, community wellness.