Beast Mamas

Victoria Moran is a whole-foods vegan of over three decades and listed by VegNews among the Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors, Victoria Moran has written books including Creating a Charmed Life, The Love-Powered Diet, and Main Street Vegan. Featured twice on Oprah and voted "Peta's Sexiest Vegan Over 50" in 2016, she is the founder and director of Main Street Vegan Academy, training and certifying vegan lifestyle coaches, educators, and entrepreneurs. Victoria was the lead producer of A Prayer for Compassion, the 2019 documentary exploring food choices and spirituality; she is a co-founder of the Compassion Consortium, a spiritual center for humans who honor all beings. She lives in New York with her husband, dog, and pigeon, all of whom rescued one another.

Episode Notes:

• Accept things changing in your life that you cannot control. Acceptance occurs before change.
• Understanding Ethical Veganism and a Philosophic way of approaching veganism.
• As you navigate life, its absolutely important to Follow Your Heart and fulfill your life long dreams and passion.
• The experience of homeschooling in the 80s and the positive life impacts. The importance of being present in your kids' life.
• Children are very in tune with the planet and all living things which co-exist together. Victoria addresses the complexities of talking to children at a very young age about eating animals that they care about, especially in their story books.
• The Main Street Vegan Academy certifies individuals to become coaches in the lifestyle and philosophy of being vegan.
• The impacts of a plant based lifestyle on our overall health.
• Be a light for others as you navigate through your day and life.
• The New Victoria Moran Podcast will be available this Month!!!

Connect with Victoria:

Fiona Francis, is a mother, sister, daughter, herbalist, and licensed clinical therapist for the past 13 years in treating mental health disorders. She is the CEO and founder of Village Remedies providing holistic therapy through wildcrafted sea moss and herbal teas known for their natural health properties. Ms. Francis is very passionate about promoting not only mental but emotional and physical health.

Episode Notes

• The health benefits of Sea Moss has the complete mineral composition of 92 out of 102 minerals that our bodies require.
• The importance of being a part of the team or village in your personal and professional health
• Decide to move forward personally and professionally in life.
• The connectivity of collective trauma and how it impacts everyone connected to that cycle.
• Be determined to achieve the things you would like to accomplish
• Motherhood is an experence of learning.
• The domino effects on the foods we eat and our mental health.

Connect with Fiona:

Jayashri Srinivasan Cuffey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Accounting from Fordham University. After 12 years of working at an investment banking firm and achieving the title of Second Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, she left to become a full-time law student at Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Jayashri credits her ability to successfully balance attending law school while raising two daughters; ages 6 and 3, to the support of her husband, Steven. Currently, Jayashri is the Director of Appeals for the Paratransit Division of New York City Transit.

• Family is beyond blood. The power of having a trusting group of women you can relate to and connect with. Sistehood, what does that look like for you?
  Jayashri shares her AKA experience. A sisterhood of women she has been connected with for decades. As a younger sister she shares her own expeiences of what it means to be a sister.
• Navigating the corporative world in the 80’s and breaking though the glass celling.
• The importance of relinquishing control to others especially when you need the support and life gets complicated.
• The secrets to a healthy marriage and life long friendship.
• Embracing all aspects of your cultue and heritage. Food & cooking traditional dishes is always a great way of celebrating and bringing families together.
• The importance of advocating for yourself and your children throughout life.
• Transitioning to “ empty nesting” when your adult children have moved out on their own.
• The importance of reflection on life is essential for growth and evolution. Find your path and follow it.

Connect with Jayashri:

Oshun Hunter is a Board Holistic Health Practitioner and Menstrual Cycle Coach who specializes in helping women take control of their hormones and menstrual health. Some people call me the “Womb Priestess”. I believe that every woman has within her the power to naturally reclaim her health, authentic beauty and wellness. My goal isn’t just about teaching you how your feminine body works; it’s also offering insight on the immense power that the phases of your menstrual cycle mean for your emotional, physical and mental well being!

Episode Notes:

• The link between iron and heavy menstrual cycles.
• Understanding the importance of finding the connection to one’s culture and heritage however that may look like for you.
• The importance of finding the tribe that supports and empowers you.
• Your menstrual cycle is a reflection of your overall health. Women experience hormonal, emotional, and spiritual shifts that occur during this time. Our hormones are responding to what’s happening in our lives and environment.
• Understanding the dynamics of the pre-menstrual phase.
• The menstrual cycle is the feedback of our hormonal state.
• The effects on modern life impact women in understanding the power of their wombs.
• Survival mode vs thriving through all aspects of life.
• The womb governs our emotions of joy, sensuality, and creativity.
• Understanding the feminine cycle & Menorrhagia
• What is Iron Deficiency Anemia ( IDA)
• The importance of requesting a full thyroid panel when experiencing thyroid issues.
• Top picks of herbs that support womb health; shepherd's purse, red raspberry leaf, ginger, turmeric
• Understanding how birth control pills work, and their effects on your natural hormonal symphony and emotional state. Many women have been prescribed birth control pills due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ( PCOS ).
• Different feminine products are available on the market for your specific lifestyles.
• Motherhood and how epigenetics affect our mothering.
• Self Love- Living a life that is authentic to you.

Links to Upcoming Classes:

Deon Hall-Garriques is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Holistic Health Coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition and co-author of the best-selling book, “Building Beyond the 9 to 5”. She is the founder & CEO of Deon’s Wellness Wagon, where she coaches and educates women on health and nutrition. She is an expert in women's health, and creator of the Five-Step Hormone Rebalance Program. Deon has been featured in VoyageLA magazine and has been dubbed the“Healthspirationist” and “Menopause mama” because of her success in helping perimenopausal and menopausal women transition naturally.

Deon is also a workshop facilitator and has spoken at Fortune 500 corporations, wellness conferences, summits, retreats, community organizations, women’s groups, and several podcasts. Her signature talks, “Banking For Your Health” and “3 Secrets & The Keys To Naturally Losing Belly Fat And Keeping It off” have gotten rave reviews.

Episode Notes:

• A good marriage is based on Communication, Respect & Trust. When you layer everything in, friendship is the foundation of a strong relationship.
• Understanding the different phases women transition through life. Perimenopausal, Menopause, and Post Menopause.
• The importance of hormonal balance during the menopausal years. What it means to be Estrogen dominant.
• Not all women require Hormonal Therapy. Lifestyle changes can help to reduce, alleviate, and minimize a lot of the symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
  
• Three key components assist in a smooth hormonal transition as women age beyond 35 years.

1. Your Diet should be your foundation. / Supplements due to soil quality.
2. Movement - whatever it looks like for you. Our entire body needs us to move. Get up and move!
3. Mindful of your thoughts/ Mindset / Relationships

• Spring is time to reset and cleanse your bodies.
• Five-Step Hormone Rebalance Program

1. SEEDS
2. Supplementation
3. Exercise
4. Essential Oils
5. Diet
6. Self-Care
   • Armor your children with tools for life. Give them a voice so they feel included in making decisions that impact them.

• The importance of celebrating our cultural heritage as diasporas from our homeland.

Soh Young Lee-Segredo is known as the energizer bunny. She has many talents and is a passionate soul among her friends and a ‘song bird’ to her fans. She is an educator, humanitarian, community activist, MC, storyteller, singer, director, and program coordinator. Her life journey began in S. Korea, via Paraguay, Brazil, and then to the USA. She holds BA from Queens College, MA from Bank Street College, Professional Diploma from Dowling College, and a Bilingual/ESL Extension from St. John’s University. She is a resident of Freeport and works in Hempstead Public Schools. She debuted in Madison Square Garden at the age of 20, singing Korean and American National Anthems, Carnegie Weil Recital Hall as a winner of the International Artists Competition 2007, grand prize winner of Korean Idol NY 2007, and National Korean Fork Performance Competition 2007. ‘Home: Where the Heart is’ is her CD with many different genres and can be reviewed and purchased through her website sohyoung.com. She was recently recognized at the First Village of Freeport Mayor Hardwick’s Women’s History Month as the recipient of Phenomenal Woman on March 23, 2012 and the NYC NAACP Phenomenal Woman Award on March 25 2012, in Harlem. The first Korean recipient in 101 years.

Episode Notes:

• As an educator for over three decades, Soh Young discusses the importance of teaching children to be human beings.
• From a very young age, Soh Young developed an appreciation for language and culture when she was a young girl going around with her father to collect the rent from different properties her grandfather owned. Within her community, she observed many different dialects of the Korean language and from that moment her love for language and sound was born. She could listen to the radio from a very young age and imitate the music to family and friends. She became the entertainer of her family and won the heart of her grandfather.
• Moving away from S. Korea Soh Young lived in Brazil, and Paraguay and learned firsthand the importance of embracing Cultural Diversity by observing the indigenous people as they lived. There was a respect for culture and life that stuck with her for her entire life.
• Due to her own experiences growing up Soh Young has an acceptance and love for all people and cultures. She talks about how she Embraces diversity in her professional and personal life Diversity and recognizes everyone's equity in life.Diversity Equity Inclusion
• Soh Young relays a very traumatic experience she had in the New York City subway station in Woodside, Queens. When she was attacked by a woman with a knife. Even after such a gruesome attack, she continues to find love as forgiveness for the women. She talks about from the incident she grew into a stronger woman for herself and her family. She did not focus on your scars and it was a moment where she needed to rely on your support system for help. It was okay to ask for help especially when she needed it.

Connect with Soh Young:

Jennifer was born and raised in Long Island, NY. She is a top Realestate agent for Kellar Williams and truly understands the luxuries of life, with the island’s beautiful seasons, beaches, culture, and diversity. Her creative, enthusiastic, and caring nature allows her to perfectly match clients’ desires for their dream home. Jennifer is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and works with clients in guiding them onto a healthier lifestyle.

• The meaning of family. Finding true love after divorce and the effects of divorce on children.
• Navigating the societal biases of same-sex marriages.
• Understanding the dynamics and challenges of being a parent.
• Breaking the Bias of discrimination and disrespect in the workplace.
• The top three things to know when ready to purchase a home.
• What to expect after an offer is submitted.
• The importance of reading labels in understanding the impacts that ingredients play on the quality of food.
• Create balance in all aspects of your life, Family. Business and Spiritual life.
• The evolution of parenting over the years from young children to young adults.
• Being open and respective to your children.

Connect with Jennifer Nyx:

Jill Cruz, MS, CNS helps women over 40 who hate dieting to lose weight and feel great without being deprived. Jill has a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition, and she is a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Certified Big Leap Coach. Jill combines her strong science-based background with tons of practical nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle guidance, helping people strive to be the best versions of themselves. She is on a mission to guide women to achieve their wildest dreams for their health while loving the food they eat and the life they live.

Episode Notes:

1. SIRT Foods: plant nutrients that only occur in plant foods. They stimulate sirtuin genes in the body to help the body burn food and build muscle.
2. What is nutrition? It encompasses so much more than just the food you eat. Sunlight exposure, sleep, spirituality, and mental health all affect our nutrition.
3. The importance of iron-rich foods for women before and during the menstruation.
4. Understanding how FAD diets work and how to build healthy relationships with food.
5. Learn natural sources to obtain umami from foods.
6. The difference between Food Addictions and Eating Disorders.
7. Learn how to reduce your cravings by about 50% and the complexities of habitual cravings.
8. The importance of honoring and respecting emotions linked to food.
9. How to build healthy habits regarding nutrition and your movement.

Connect with Jill Cruz:

Dr. Coralanne Griffith-Hunte is a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, Human, Industrial, Trauma Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Griffith-Hunte has been a Queen's community advocate since 2000. She is a senior legislative advisor who works with key government officials and organizations to advocate for legislation to create favorable changes in education, human rights, mental health, domestic violence, human trafficking, anti-gang measures, and community engagement. She is the Vice President of Training and Director of Anti-Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence for Not On My Watch (Queens and LI). She was instrumental in advocating for the -"End Child Sex Trafficking Bill" signed into law in 2018.

This week Dr. Griffith-Hunte joined me on an enlightened thought-provoking conversation. We discussed understanding the complexities of the human mind, trauma and how it impacts our entire existence, and the importance of being able to emotionally regulate. 

Highlights from the Episode:

1. Understanding the dynamics of relationships.
2. What is Love? Creating a loving environemt for oursleves and our loved ones.
3. The importance of creating a protective space for children.
4. Understanding that Behavior is a language. Behavior is secondary why someone does something. The direct link to behavior and trauma
5. The importance of sharing your stories.
6. Tips and Tools to manage stressful situations.
7. How to Emotionally Regulate
8. How to train your brain to be stronger than your emotions.
9. The impacts on stress on the body and internal organs.
10. The power of positive thoughts and positive thinking patterns.Your thoughts are the accessories to your selfhood.
11. Be present, have empathy and just listen more to others.
12. What is Trauma - what happned inside of you as a result of what happened to you. Trauma does not have an expiration date.
13. Some examples of Taruma are - emotional and physical abuse, living in fear, neglect, automobile accident, losing a job, illness, bankrupcy, foreclosure, alcoholism, embarssment.

Connect with Dr. Coralanne Griffith-Hunte:

Linda J. Williams is an accomplished author, lecturer, writing coach, etiquette consultant, and the founder of the School of Etiquette and Writing. She holds a master's degree in Adult Education and has been on a mission to provide lectures on etiquette and writing that provide unique and enlightening instructions in those areas.

This week I sit down with Linda, as she shares with me her transition from the corporate world to being retired and managing her own company. She was very transparent about the challenges of the fourth quarter of her life and how she recreated the life she desired for herself. We addressed parenting adult children and how her role evolved to that of an advisor. Linda shared in-depth details on how to write a book and the blueprint system, instructing her clients from concept through publishing. If you are an aspiring author this is an episode for you.

Connect with Linda:

Catherine O'Connor is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, owner of Inspired By Life Holistic Wellness, and Founder of the Holistic Education Foundation. She studied Holistic Medicine at the American College for Healthcare Sciences, Iridology (the study of the Iris to detect nutritional deficiencies), Herbalism, Aromatherapy, Holistic Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology. Catherine is E-RYT certified by the Yoga Alliance. She is a Master Meditation Leader, Reiki Master, and Master Reiki Teacher.

Catherine has received the prestigious Fortune52 award and was the first woman to receive the AnnMarie Bauman Award from the FeelGood Foundation.

This week Catherine and I reconnected after a very long time. She addressed her journey of accepting herself Perfectly Imperfect, her evolution of celebrating her life achievements, not boastfully but being proud of herself at that moment. Something which may seem simple but we often forget to do. Catherine is an avid explorer and shares details about a two-year-long road trip that forever changed her life. She's an advocate of conscientious intentional parenting and shares remarkable insight on what it takes to raise brilliant, loving children. One of the philosophies she lives by is "You get to be who you want to be. Just have to do the work!"

Connect with Catherine:

Maria Gavriel is a transformational coach, award-winning author, speaker, and activist dedicated to helping women create a life that promises endless possibilities. Her journey began 15 years ago when she was diagnosed with infertility. She went from anger and helplessness to taking action in restoring her health. Maria believes in stepping out of disempowerment and stepping into action to produce the results of her dream. The beauty of that is your dreams can become a reality.

During this week's episode, Maria sits down with me in an exceptional thought-provoking conversation on professional and personal development, motherhood, love-centered parenting, relationships, conquering failures, and her evolution to becoming the conscious woman that she is today. She explains components of her successful coaching company especially creating customized business blueprints as a template for success. Listen as she shares how to transform Challenges into Treasures in our personal and professional lives..

Maria is offering a special gift to all our listeners. Register below for an hour session long coaching session with her.  

Joan Frances Moran is a creative thought leader exploding with the potential of now. A lifelong learner with an unrelenting curiosity, Joan started teaching yoga at 60 and unlocked the key to cultivating daily happiness. Her signature headstand is not the only thing that leaves audiences in awe.

In this episode, Joan shares her dream of becoming a movie star when she was only 7 -years old. She conveys her 78-year-old wisdom from her extensive life experiences, the evolution of her motherhood throughout the decades, and the dynamics of being a grandmother. She was forthright about her challenges in navigating grandparent boundaries within her family. Joan conveys in-depth industry insight on the components of becoming a successful author and the process of getting published and pitching your projects to producers.

Her philosophy is enjoying life to its fullest every day and being ok with not knowing everything.

Connect with Joan:

Nadine Peart Akindele is a young lady, I met over a decade ago. She was very disciplined and dedicated to her education and success. Fast forward, she is happily married, a mother of two children, and a successful pediatrician assisting parents in the medical care of their children. 

As a little girl, she always knew she wanted to work with children in the medical field. During her residency, Nadine became inspired by a mentor in Pediatric Infectious Disease. This specialty later became her passion within the profession. She now serves within the public health realm serving children in Socio-Economic disadvantaged groups.

In this week’s episode, Nadine shares her journey of what it took to become a physician. She tells the stories of the many sacrifices her parents made immigrating from Jamaica to build a new life in NY, creating a loving home for her and the rest of her siblings. Nadine articulates the power of not being afraid to stand up for yourself and never feel like your voice is too small. She recounts a professional experience that was a turning point in her career where she evolved to be more confident and proud of who she was. Her philosophy is “ Mindset is 50% of the Journey” No matter what we desire, the first step is to envision and believe.

This week I sat down with a Licensed Social Worker, Jessyca Marshall LMSW. A New Yorker; who has been on a mission advocating for women in enhancing their social function. She shared brilliant advice on different coping mechanisms to navigate mental challenges, the tools, and techniques necessary to build and develop our mental health to function beyond the triggers of our day. Jessyca addressed the importance of removing stigmas of vulnerabilities we all experience from mental health, therefore, increasing our resilience to thrive through life.

As a hands-on mother and therapist, she shared tips on nurturing children when developing their emotional intelligence in surviving the stresses of life. Throughout the episode, Jessyca remains transparent about her experiences and challenges from postpartum depression, mental health, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship.

Jessyca is an expert in the natural hair care industry and founded the global platform Naturally Beautiful Hair Care and MicroLoc Mastery. She gives women a platform to be empowered by highlighting the connection between natural hair care and mental health.

Connect with Jessyca:

Stefanie Hults is a mother on a mission to create tasty gluten-free snacks after learning about her daughter and then, entire family's gluten sensitivity. She partnered with her youngest daughter Chelsea Hults and together created the brand Tosi available at Whole Foods, Sprouts and Costco. An organic, vegan health bar made from nuts and seeds. In this episode, I sit down with the mother-daughter duo to learn about their exquisite bond. They share specific details about their journey of what it took to build a successful brand, the experiences which forged their evolution, and unique coping mechanisms to navigate and thrive mentally through daily challenges.

The women have such great admiration for each other and attest their success to the strength and fortitude of their extended family.

Follow our guests @tosisnacks

Connect with Farrah La Ronde-Hutchison @gaiataria

This week I sit down with three best friends, Rhonda Daniels, Sherry D. Fields, and La Kesha Gage-Woodard. CEOs, Business Developers & Brand Managers with over 60 years of business experience collectively. These women launched a successful organic and vegan skincare company during the pandemic. In the interview, they shared their own personal and professional journeys, which led to them successfully developing the brand together.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shana D. Lewis. 2021 Keynote Speaker from Gaia’s Essence Women’s Wellness Conference. Mother, wife, Tedx Speaker, Executive Wellness Coach, Author, and Clinical Director of Living Well Professional Counseling Services, specializing in treating women and adolescent girls. 

Join us as we talk about the Reset: shutting down before you power back up. Many of us get caught up in life and its many distractions. Our roles often take precedence over our self-care. Listen in as we talk about the benefits of taking the time to reset and how impactful it is on our mental and physical health. Dr. Shana shares her evolutionary journey of maintaining harmony & integration while serving others from her overflow.

Connect with Dr. Shana D. Lewis @iamdrshana

Connect with Farrah La Ronde-Hutchison @gaiataria

Allow me to introduce myself. I'm an Environmental Scientist on a mission to change the world, one woman at a time. Through education, inspiration, and empowerment. I'm a West Indian woman with a New York state of mind soaking up the California sun.

Connect with Farrah La Ronde-Hutchison @gaiataria