Journey Through Health & Wellness

Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck is joined by Annie Deely in conversation about how she came to environmental activism, climate solutions, and the origins of ReImagine Turtle Creek.

About

Annie Deely is the Community Organizer for ReImagine Turtle Creek Watershed and Airshed Communities. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Annie has a BA in Urban Studies and History from the University of Pittsburgh, where she began organizing for environmental justice.

Excerpts from ReImagine the Monroeville Mall Showcase on July 21, 2021.

In April 2021, ReImagine Turtle Creek Watershed and Airshed Communities (TCWAC) hosted an essay contest asking high schoolers to share their ideas on how they would make the Monroeville Mall more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and inclusive of youth. A panel of judges, consisting of community leaders ranging from a Gateway School District Board Member to University of Pittsburgh Urban Studies Professors, chose three winning essays to receive cash prizes adding up to $1000. This contest builds upon a ReImagine TCWAC initiative that aims to revitalize the mall into a community hub for sustainability and innovation.

To celebrate our talented and inspiring essayists, TCWAC held ReImagine the Monroeville Mall Showcase in July 2021 for winners of the contest to read their submissions to the community. This event created space for Monroeville residents to think about how the mall is a vital economic asset in our region. How can we, as a community of mall patrons, ensure that this asset is sustained?

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon joins JTHW once again for a short conversation on how she deals with people-pleasing and overwhelm by putting herself first.

About

Coming from an engineering background, Marcia has been a lecturer at the University of the West Indies since 2011. Additionally, she is a successful poet and author. She recently published a book, "Lighting the Path: Leaning into A Hopeful Future for Special Needs Parents," which aids other special needs parents as well as health care professionals. Marcia clearly has thought-provoking wisdom that aids her students and readers in gaining a deep understanding of living in the present moment.

Dr. Elisa Harnasky Beck and Richard Schwartz have a discussion about Judaism, Veganism, and the world's dire need to change. This podcast was recorded during a Vegan Sukkot (One of three harvest festivals in Judaism) at Temple David In Monroeville, PA. With an introduction by Dr. Joanne Kong.

About

Joanne Kong

A lecturer on Veganism, Animal Rights, Nutrition, Compassion, and Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Joanne Kong is one of the most compelling advocates for plant-based nutrition today. Since 2015, Joanne has given public lectures on all aspects of plant-based nutrition. She will appear in two upcoming documentaries, "Eating Our Way to Extinction" and "Taking Note," and has authored multiple successful vegan books. She has an innate ability to connect with others and share her vision of a more compassionate world.

Richard Schwartz

Imparting wisdom for decades, Richard Schwartz has been a professor at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York for 50 years! He taught math courses and created a course, 'Mathematics and the Environment.' He has also been the President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America since 2000, and the President of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians since 2004. He has authored many successful books and wishes to increase the awareness of Jewish teachings on compassion to animals and reduce the mistreatment of animals.

"Every individual is a world and every individual can make a world of difference."

Brian encourages listeners to stop repressing parts of themselves and embrace the duality of nature - feminine/masculine, inside/outside - not as conflicting energies but as synergistic parts of a whole. What are you repressing? How can you make peace with all parts of yourself?

We need to reformulate our relationships with ourselves in order to reformulate our relationships with nature, with animals, and with people that do not look like us.

Brian Baruch joins Journey Through Health and Wellness from Toronto to discuss healing, trauma recovery, and the importance of non-hierarchical systems, inspired creatives, and stewardship. He touches on Judaism and his work with native Hawaiians. He connects the human body with the outer world and believes in the opportunity of this transitional moment in how humans treat the environment. In both appreciation of his partner, Peggy Liu, and urgency to implement change, Brian discusses Peggy's work in Chinese energy grid greening. Brian draws many of his points from ancient texts.

ABOUT

Brian Baruch is a spiritual writer and teacher who shares inspirational keys for accessing your inner genius.

With lessons that kindle the soul, Brian’s words help transform pain into a passion that liberates hearts for restorative intimacy. His lessons address the mysteries of the soul and impart keys for transcending limitations. Brian’s distinct approach to driving inner development encourages seekers to embrace the inner path with the irrepressible passion of a timeless love story. Brian teaches that one’s life journey is a love story between the realized and latent self.

http://www.brianbaruch.com/

How does trauma impact your health and ability to move?

Tami Lysher tackles this question by integrating her 30 years in the early childhood development field with her work in pilates. In her conversation with Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, she discusses living in Flint, Michigan, and how their water crisis has affected children's development. She offers the audience her daily practice and encourages listeners to find their own practice for making time for themselves (and disconnecting from your phone). Any moment can be meditative if you set an intention for it!

About Tami Lysher

Tami Lysher, ECE, MA, Certified Instructor and Owner of Studio T Pilates, has more than 30 years in the field of early childhood development, including teaching 15 years at the University of Michigan, Flint. Tami has been a Train the Trainer on all subjects related to Early Childhood Education and has provided extensive training on trauma effects to college students and community organizations.

After a traumatic car accident, Jen-ix reinvigorated her life's purpose of living in the now. 

"Give yourself credit for being who you are, where you are now...we forget very easily to be grateful for all the amazing parts of ourselves that have brought us to this point now. It is courageous to choose to be human."

During this week's podcast episode, Jenny performs a Lakota drumming song and invites the audience to join a guided meditative practice.

Bio

Jenny Lynne Sessions (Jen-ix) is a Shaman healer teacher and channel for higher guidance and healing sound frequencies. She has been involved in the healing arts for over 25 years.

In 2009 Jen-ix stood on the cusp of life and death with a severely fractured spine. She knew she had been called to make a choice to recommit to life fully. To turn trauma to treasure and become her own medicine.

Jen-ix is currently engaged as a radio broadcaster, presenter and global ambassador for earth elders and the galactic fire. She is the founder of A Circle of Feathers which is a platform through which indigenous elders share their wisdom.

"Find the joy and fulfillment of every day through small and enabling actions."

When a medical error caused Marcia's daughter to enter a vegetative state, she started seeing life from a very dark place. Her vision for her daughter's life radically changed. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon joins Elisa Haransky Beck in discussing how she found the light again in letting go of her expectations of her daughter, who while Marcia was mourning in another room was approaching life with laughter. Marcia powerfully shares how she shifted her consciousness and learned how to cherish each moment through raising a disabled child. She found progress in letting go of her self-expectation of perfection, being less judgemental, and treating herself more gently.

In this episode, Marcia joins us once again from Trinidad and Tobago to offer methods of self-kindness and care. She demonstrates how she practices talking gently to herself by appreciating her efforts rather than judging her self-perceived failures.

About

Coming from an engineering background, Marcia has been a lecturer at the University of the West Indies since 2011. Additionally, she is a successful poet and author. She recently published a book, "Lighting the Path: Leaning into A Hopeful Future for Special Needs Parents," which aids other special needs parents as well as health care professionals. Marcia clearly has thought-provoking wisdom that aids her students and readers in gaining a deep understanding of living in the present moment.

Richard Schwartz not only shares his expertise on veganism, but also has a wealth of knowledge of Judaism. Richard and his interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, examine how wasteful animal based societies are, as over 10% of people in the world are chronically hungry. As Richard discusses how the world has never been so threatened, he offers veganism as a solution. In his latest book, Vegan Revolution, Richard tackles revitalizing Judaism and encourages the revolution on thinking vegan. This book is intended to open minds and enlighten vegan perspectives. Richard talks of the strong teachings of Judaism, which include preserving our health, treating animals with compassion, protecting the environment, and protecting and preserving peace, which is all strongly violated by animal based diets and animal agriculture. Richard went vegan in 2000, and speaks of how this transition changed his psychological awareness. 

About

Imparting wisdom for decades, Richard Schwartz has been a professor at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York for 50 years! He taught math courses and created a course, 'Mathematics and the Environment.' He has also been the President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America since 2000, and the President of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians since 2004. He has authored many successful books and wishes to increase the awareness of Jewish teachings on compassion to animals and reduce the mistreatment of animals.

Stephanie Redcross West, founder of Vegan Mainstream, is making a vegan world a reality by providing training and support for vegan professionals. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, starting her own business was not a foreign concept, as she wanted to take what she loves and make a real impact. She believes that people can see the light in vegans, and encourages vegans to shine their light everywhere. Stephanie speaks of the people that have the ability to connect, teach, and influence others. She prompts those with these abilities to use their natural talents to inspire others and change their minds and hearts to be more compassionate. As a fantastic influencer herself, Stephanie shares that she lives a life as a vegan that allows people to connect to her. She prompts positive association to her veganism and welcomes anyone that inquires about her lifestyle. Having an immense vegan spirituality, Stephanie also discusses how important it is to align your career with your beliefs, so that your financial security comes from an ethical source.

About

Stephanie Redcross West became vegan in 2005 and started her vegan business, Vegan Mainstream, in 2009. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Japanese from the University of Michigan in 1998, and has a solid foundation of more than 15 years of marketing experience with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Her goal is to ensure that an ethical lifestyle is accessible to everyone, and frequently speaks at vegfests and conferences, and offers her impactful consulting and business coaching services. 

Romona Myles is a Business Tech extraordinaire! As a business tech coach, she helps women over 50 to shorten their digital learning curve by enhancing their communication and networking platforms. Allowing her skills to develop from her own experience, she talks about the interconnection of social media platforms and the hinderance of tech language. Every business has an energy center and Romona suggests business owners to keep their own online traffic instead of using a third party platform. She also emphasizes the importance of mindset as a business owner. Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, Romona's interviewer, encourages their audience not to be afraid of stepping into their own power and rising into their sense of purpose. They discuss Romona's process in aiding professionals to attract an online audience. She continues to explain the ties to astrology, and when in alignment, to set your intentions and get focused on yourself and your purpose.

About

Working previously as a website designer and social media network consultant, Romona Myles is a Business Tech Coach at Myles Marketing Solution. She is the founder of Girlpower Mastermind, in which she helps and heals spiritual business owners. In addition to tech, Romona is also an independent travel agent and Spiritual Retreat Host at Life Along the Nile Tours and Editor at LAN Magazine! 

Nancy Arenas is tuning in from New Mexico as a vegan advocate and speaker. She was inspired into becoming vegan by her good friend, and has been successfully plant based for the past eight years. Only one month into her vegan diet, she noticed that all the physical pain in her body had simply vanished, and there was a massive change in how her body and brain felt. Nancy engages with everyone she meets in order to promote veganism. She also talks of how her consciousness expanded to perceive animals and wildlife in a new light. She hopes that society soon also makes the connection that human life, animal life, the environment, and society are all interconnected and affected by veganism. As a buddhist, Nancy speaks of her daily routine encompassing meditation, physical stretching, and reasserting her mindset. Nancy and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, discuss Nancy's contribution to the new anthology, Vegan Voices.

About

Nancy Arenas is a certified Vegan Nutrition Coach and the founder of Red and Green VegFest Albuquerque. She is an established author, vegan chef, and the Creator and Host of Vegan Pulse! Living in New Mexico, she is also a Vegan Guide for New Mexico - VeganOnTheMAP. Her goal of living compassionately and non violently motivate her to spread the vegan message!

Sarina Farb has been vegan for her entire life. Based in the Midwest, she was raised with the truth behind the agricultural industry. She discusses the disgusting reality of animal exploitation with her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck. Sarina explains that the problem driving the agricultural industry is the perspective of society, as we view animal bodies and secretions as property and something we have freedom to consume. When we exploit animals in this harmful way, we are taking away their bodily integrity for the sake of human interests. The interconnection between the dairy and beef industries are atrocious, as Sarina sheds light onto the harsh truth. Sarina ultimately promotes veganism as a non violent way of living, a life that doesn’t require taking the lives of animals for sustenance.

About 

Born as a vegan, Sarina has 27 years of experience leading a plant-based life. Attaining her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Policy Studies from Grinnell College in 2016, Sarina is a scientist, educator, speaker, and activist. She spent two years teaching high school chemistry and environmental science before shifting her focus to educating people about the agricultural system. She is the Co-founder of Climate Diet Solutions, and the founder of Born Vegan. Her goal in life is to create a peaceful, just, and sustainable world for all beings.

Nancy Poznak, founder of BotaniCuisine, speaks of the relationship between nutrition and brain function. Every little thing you put into your body has a consecutive affect on your brain. She discusses her journey to veganism and the spirituality quest she embarked on in her teen years, which lead her to become the vegan she is today. As Nancy's goal in life is to be a loving and kind person, Nancy also practices mindfulness and meditation, and explains the benefit of psychological distance. Mindfulness can make a huge difference in not allowing violence to take over our lives. Nancy, and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, discuss the essay Nancy wrote for the new Anthology, 'Vegan Voices.' Nancy has a very gentle approach in spreading vegan awareness, and always shows respect and openness towards whoever she is talking to.

About

Originally working as a graphic designer and print-based art director, Nancy transitioned into health and wellness with a Master's of Science in Health Science, and a certification as a Community Health Education Specialist. She is certified as a Vegan Hospitality Consultant, Health Coach, Vegan Lifestyle and Coach Educator, and Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. In addition to all the credentials, Nancy is also the founder of BotaniCuisine and of course, supports plant-based food systems.

"That's the best part about it - you can literally just sit and it's a conversation - it's kind of like talking to your best friend on the phone!"

Ever wonder how you can be a successful interviewer? Podcast hosts Jona Reyes and Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck give an inside look at the behind-the-scenes of how the JTHW team prepares for and conducts interviews. They also discuss the importance of balancing spontaneity in interviews (which often have curveballs!) with guided questions to help the guests open up about themselves. The goal of the interview (and the podcast) is to give space for folks to tell their personal stories, then impart that knowledge on listeners, who are on their own journeys in regenerative wellness. Jona and Elisa talk about how they aim to give the audience new ideas and tips to make their journey easier. "There are so many different ways that you can get your body and mind up to par." "The world is your creative palette."

Jona talks about how everyone's story is valuable and can help other people, but also themselves - she has used her past interview to expand her business and talk to audiences about the benefits of herbs. 

The episode rounds off with the origins of how Elisa and Jona met and got involved in ReImagine Turtle Creek.

Learn more about Jona's personal story by listening to her interview from 2020: https://www.reimaginetcwac.org/podcast/episode/41933b34/how-to-develop-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-part-1

Learn more about Elisa by listening to the interviews she has conducted - or leave a comment encouraging Elisa to share her whole story!

Allie Greene, somatic movement educator, absolutely adores movement. She discusses her journey towards yoga and holistic fitness. As the owner of Equilibrium Pittsburgh Movement Studio and Soma Movement LLC, She helps people clarify what they feel in their bodies. Always starting clients from the ground, she believes in being barefoot as much as you can! Allie brings people back into awareness with their bodies and gives them self agency so that they can make good movement choices for themselves. Allie Greene and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, talk of the importance of listening to your body and being present in your body. Allie Greene also includes a guided somatic awareness activity, in which the audience has the opportunity to truly grasp the importance of touch. 

About

Allie Greene, based in Pittsburgh, PA, finished her BS in Sociology and Performing Arts from La Roche College in 2000. Originally working with Ballet and Pilates, Allie became a certified pilates instructor for MS and neurological disorders in 2014. Drawn towards yoga, she is now the owner of Equilibrium Pittsburgh Movement Studio and Soma Movement LLC. She is also a 500 hour registered yoga therapist at EmbodiYoga. 

Dr. Joanne Kong, trained as a classical pianist, explains the relationship between music and plant-source nutrition. She cares about sensitivity and reaching out to others, and talks of how the sound of music puts us in touch with ourselves. Dr. Joanne Kong and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck discuss the release of Joanne's latest book, 'Vegan Voices.' Vegan Voices is an anthology compiled by Dr. Joanne Kong, and it contains 51 vegan perspectives. They speak of the philosophy behind the book as using food in the most sustainable way possible, and being compassionate towards all life. Joanne gives an overview of the chapters in the book and introduces a few of the diverse authors. She even goes on to read a few beautiful and inspiring excerpts from the book. As she explains the damage of the agricultural industry and its ties to consumerism, Joanne also speaks optimistically about the appeal of the book to non-vegans and beginner vegans, as veganism is a journey, and not a destination. 

About

A lecturer on Veganism, Animal Rights, Nutrition, Compassion, and Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Joanne Kong is one of the most compelling advocates for plant-based nutrition today. Since 2015, Joanne has given public lectures on all aspects of plant-based nutrition. She will appear in two upcoming documentaries, "Eating Our Way to Extinction" and "Taking Note," and has authored multiple successful vegan books. She has an innate ability to connect with others and share her vision of a more compassionate world. 

Victoria Moran began her vegan journey through yoga. Victoria took up yoga, an activity that recommends vegetarianism, at just 17. Despite the changing pace of yoga positions, the internal philosophy always stuck with her and directed her towards an open minded and spiritual take on life. Victoria briefly discusses an eating disorder from her past which ties into her difficulty in transitioning from vegetarianism to veganism. With an abundance of encouragement and support from dear friends, she officially became vegan at the age of 33. Victoria speaks of how her soul led her to become vegan, and in doing so, she stayed close to her higher power. Victoria and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, discuss her daily routine, in which is in harmony with nature, and her compassion consortium, a spiritual center and home. Victoria’s pet rescue pigeon, Thunder, also makes a special appearance.

About

Victoria Moran is a committed vegan and an experienced vegan author of over 30 years. She is the Founder and Director of Main Street Vegan Academy, where vegans train as certified Vegan Lifestyle Coaches and Educators. She is also one of the Founders of Compassion Consortium, a spiritual center and home. Victoria is a radio show/podcast host, a registered yoga teacher, certified holistic health counselor, certified life coach, and holds the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies certificate in plant-based nutrition, all while being Peta's Sexiest Vegan Over 50.

Dr. Sailesh Rao imparts his wisdom on the environmental impact of our food choices. He discusses his philosophy on veganism and the effect of bringing animals into the world just to exploit them. The mere existence of these domesticated animals displaces wild animals in nature and invokes extinction. Unwilling to participate in the exploitation of these animals, Dr. Rao became vegan in 2008. He explains that every individual choice impacts everybody on Earth and suggests that instead of eating animals, we should come into harmony with nature. With a vast engineering background, Dr. Rao discusses the quantifiable facts of the likelihood of mass vertebrate extinction by 2026. Concluding that the problem with society is seeing ourselves as separate from nature, Dr. Rao clearly lays out that the solution includes rejecting the mentality of consumerism and supremacism and accepting collaborative thinking. He speaks of transitioning from a narcissistic species to a compassionate, climate regulating, caretaker species. Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, Dr. Rao’s interviewer, invites Dr. Rao’s charming granddaughter, Kimaya, on the podcast to make a special guest appearance.

About

Dr. Sailesh Rao is a system specialist with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. Originally working on internet communications infrastructure for twenty years, he switched career paths in 2006 to solve the environmental crises. Dr. Rao is a distinguished author and a Human, Earth and Animal Liberation activist, and the Founder and Executive Director of Climate Healers, where he works towards healing the Earth's climate. He is inspired by his granddaughter, Kimaya, to achieve a vegan world by 2026. 

Kristy Drutman, or Brown Girl Green, is revolutionizing the image of environmentalism. She hosts a podcast and media series to provide accessible coverage of the climate crisis and other environmental issues. With an intense drive for sustainability and intersectionality, Kristy founded Brown Girl Green and speaks of where her passion originated. She focuses on providing environmental coverage through a lens of low income, Black, and Latinx families. Kristy and Jona Reyes, her interviewer, converse over how she brings people into awareness and provides relatable content that provides resources and support. Kristy expresses her love of story telling, and how she transitioned into environmental story telling in order to fill in the gaps from the media. Kristy and Jona ultimately encourage people to take environmental action immediately if given the opportunity. 

About 

Graduating from the University of California, Berkely in 2017, Kristy has a background in social media marketing and with digital campaigns. She founded Brown Girl Green in 2017 and is the content creator. Brown Girl Green serves as a platform where Kristy interviews environmental leaders and advocates about diversity and inclusion. She provides accessible content and talks of her journey to living sustainably. Kristy offers speaking engagements, workshops, and trainings that operate at the intersection between diversity, media, and environmentalism. 

*Content warning : drug use*

Joni Kamlet keeps her listeners on their toes with her fascinating life journey. She recounts her experience within the American educational system and her struggles learning in a nonnatural environment. Upon spiraling from the use of drugs and drink, she brought herself back into balance by becoming a massage therapist and ultimately healing herself. All her life being aware of the color and energy around her, her mystical experiences became more intense as she nurtured her spiritual side. She became involved with Ashram and speaks of how valuable meditation is to her. Joni’s interviewer and childhood friend, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, commends Joni’s courage and appreciates how she reconnected to herself through her environment. Through her own health issues, Joni learnt natural remedies, which pushed her on yet another spiritual path. Joni ultimately explains that we must take care of mother nature and pay attention to the world around us.

About:

After working as a Bartender and Massage Therapist, Joni started using her abilities in natural health, and worked as a veterinary nurse. She supplied knowledge of nutrition and medicinal supplements for animals for over eight years. Now working for a new company, Aduco, she distributes a line of mushroom powered supplements, 3rd Planet. Joni explains how mushrooms have the ability to heal the planet, as they provide immune support and help with neurology issues such as depression and anxiety.

Manya Gittel, dialing in from Johannesburg, South Africa, discusses her awakening into exercising the full potential of herself. She explains how relationships with others are a massively influential part of her journey. Thriving relationships can truly help one achieve greatness in their life. Manya speaks of her passion as attaining a healthy soul in order to really connect with others. She clarifies that if relationships are good, with no blockages, finding one another can result in a better quality life. Manya and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, break down and simplify the steps to meditate and discuss that meditation can occur in any passing moment. Manya also demonstrates a brief meditative breath work exercise, in which grounds and calms your body. Sharing her daily health practices, Manya sets an example for healthy relationships and the success that you gain from them. 

About 

Manya has attended the Trinity College Dublin, University of South Africa, and University of the Witwatersrand and studied the areas of speech and drama, psychology, and interpretation, power dynamics, and cultural diversity. With experience in plenty of leadership positions, she uses her ample expertise to coach leadership for individuals and groups. Manya specializes in optimizing relationships with KnockKnock Coaching. 

Tuning in from Costa Rica, Sheila Bell is the founder of Balanced Ideal Tai Chi. She shares and teaches how to engage your internal energy and maintain a healthy relationship with your environment. She speaks on the current global ecological disasters, including the water crisis. Explaining that the water crisis is a world concern and that water cycles don't just stop at the borders, she distinguishes just how deeply nature is interconnected. Conservation is vital as every effort effects the whole planet as well as your neighbors. Sheila and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck,  share a passion for conservation and discuss the multidimensional nature of watersheds and the silver lining of the events of the past year. As the environment is interconnected, so is your entire body. Sheila discusses how health problems early on in her life lead her to discover Tai Chi, in which she found her peace. 

About

Originating from Texas, Sheila Bell has spent the past 30 years in Costa Rica. As a very active person in her youth, Sheila acquired many injuries and illnesses. Only turning to Tai Chi did she begin to understand how to stay healthy. She founded the Sigung Richard Clear in 2015 and begun training in the Clear Tai Chi system. Sheila educates others in Tai Chi to create the positive transformation of physical energetic, and spiritual aspects. She strives for people to feel their worth and allow their internal environment to positively effect the people around them. 

We all know about special connections with certain pets, but Lesley Nase digs deeper and asserts the full extent of our connection to pets and animals, even on the quantum level. The positive impact of a relationship with a pet can promote joy and well-being. With children, a pet begins to cultivate their empathy and teach a loving connection. Lesley and her interviewer, Deborah Lee, agree that having a relationship with a pet is important for the longevity of health, wellness, and anti-aging. That relationship nourishes your health as pets often reflect energy and emotions. Lesley Nase discusses her journey to become an intuitive animal communicator and speaks of her shamanic healing modality. In her sessions with owners and pets, she outlines her energy work and describes the way she scans the energy body of the pet. Lesley also includes a guided meditation with an emphasis on energy work, in which will lead to mastering your own energy.

About

Lesley Nase began her journey to becoming a shamanic intuitive animal communicator at the mere age of four! She has a knack for animal communication and she soon found her way to the ancient technique of shamanism at Spirit Hollow. For over twenty years now, Lesley has assisted healing animals, people, and land spirits. Understanding quantum energy, she aids in healing and balancing the energy of her clients.

Marcia Balkissoon, tuning in from Trinidad, shares her insights on experiencing light when you are stuck in the darkness. As an engineer by trade, Marcia discusses her journey to becoming the established author she is today. She explains how she gained power and strength through her writing. Becoming something other than an engineer, Marcia achieved true personal freedom. Marcia gave birth to her daughter in 2012, and talks of her daughter's severe heart problems and ensuring brain damage. With little information to cope, Marcia relied on her intuition and her deep well of hope to aid in her daughter's recovery. Her daughter, Emma, makes a special guest appearance and displays her recent development to our interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck. Elaborating on the struggles of being a special needs parent, Marcia emphasizes that it was Emma who taught her to live in the present instead of getting stuck in the pain of the past and the inadequecies of the future. From Marcia and Emma, we can learn to appreciate the joy in every moment.

About

Coming from an engineering background, Marcia has been a lecturer at the University of the West Indies since 2011. In addition, she is a successful poet and author. She recently published a book, "Lighting the Path: Leaning into A Hopeful Future for Special Needs Parents," which aids other special needs parents as well as health care professionals. Marcia clearly has a thought provoking wisdom that aids her students and readers into gaining a deep understanding of living in the present moment.

Marcia Balkissoon, tuning in from Trinidad, shares her insights on experiencing light when you are stuck in the darkness. As an engineer by trade, Marcia discusses her journey to becoming the established author she is today. She explains how she gained power and strength through her writing. Becoming something other than an engineer, Marcia achieved true personal freedom. Marcia gave birth to her daughter in 2012, and talks of her daughter's severe heart problems and ensuring brain damage. With little information to cope, Marcia relied on her intuition and her deep well of hope to aid in her daughter's recovery. Her daughter, Emma, makes a special guest appearance and displays her recent development to our interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck. Elaborating on the struggles of being a special needs parent, Marcia emphasizes that it was Emma who taught her to live in the present instead of getting stuck in the pain of the past and the inadequecies of the future. From Marcia and Emma, we can learn to appreciate the joy in every moment.

About

Coming from an engineering background, Marcia has been a lecturer at the University of the West Indies since 2011. In addition, she is a successful poet and author. She recently published a book, "Lighting the Path: Leaning into A Hopeful Future for Special Needs Parents," which aids other special needs parents as well as health care professionals. Marcia clearly has a thought provoking wisdom that aids her students and readers into gaining a deep understanding of living in the present moment.

CW: relationship violence, domestic violence, s*xual as**ult 

Coach Nicole, of Detroit, Michigan, draws from her personal experience to discuss the impact of being surrounded by violence. Experiencing violence doesn't have to be the end, but can lead you to discover your path of interconnection between mind, body, and spirit. Nicole found her roots in god and the power of the creator. She discusses how god helped her heal and advised her on her own health and wellness journey. As Nicole's relationship with god grew, she developed a strong spiritual foundation. Nicole and Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck explain how important meditation is to be fully present in body and mind, and deliberate over the environmental problems taught through violence. 

About

Nicole Kirksey spent over twenty years working in the field of health and human services. She also formerly was the host of the Foundational Gifts weekly podcast on the Christian Women Affiliate Network. From this background she became the founder and chief visionary officer at Foundational Gifts Life and Leadership Coaching, where she helps people step into the calling of God.  A very active member of her Church, she is now a curriculum developer and adjunct college professor in higher education. She specializes in the first year experience for non-traditional students and in health care administration.

Irina Lotvin, trained in Classical Chinese Medicine, discusses her switch to Holistic Health Coaching. Passionate about teaching empowerment within one's health journey, Irina enlightens her audience with the concept of using food as a medicine. Irina and Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck share their thoughts on the balance of one's microbiome. There is a true partnership between the mind and stomach, and if one's microbiome is out of balance, the mind will suffer as a result. Irina gives her advice on how to awaken your taste buds and relieve your system. She also talks of her love of supporting Women and Mother Earth. Coming back to nature and acknowledging the connection between plants and people is vital. 

About

Irina Lotvin began her journey with a master's degree in Classical Chinese Medicine with Acupuncture. Transitioning to become an Eastern and Western Medicine Wellness Coach, Irina uses her holistic expertise to compassionately re-wire her patients to develop healthy habits. She also works with menopausal women to correct hormone imbalances. She pours all of her knowledge and understanding of nature into enabling others to nourish their bodies and minds.

Renee Vos De Wael is an animal whisperer. She emphasizes the crucial importance of respecting and being respected by animals, and highlights the impacts that animals can create. While society tends to stigmatize the act of talking to animals, Renee encourages her audience to open their minds and listen to what animals and nature are yearning to tell us. Renee and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, continue to discuss the relationship between humans and animals, and how to respect the cycle of life. With a willingness to listen, we can learn immensely from animals. 

About

Renee is a life coach, educator, group facilitator, and animal communicator. From her earlier years working in the field of teaching and massage therapy, she has developed an open mind which enhances her connection with animals. She has a gift of being able to understand animals, and uses her ability to help others communicate successfully. Loving the idea that we can reinvent ourselves whenever we need to, she has a very flexible attitude towards life.

Gia Cacalano guides us through her method of improvisation. She links improvisation to meditation, and encourages a focused attention and consciousness drawn from sensory awareness and the energy of a space. As improvisation implies, it requires an acceptance of change, which is demonstrated by Gia as she exemplifies her process of moving her studio outdoors. Within the outdoor atmosphere, Gia and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, speak of the benefits of connecting with nature and grounding. The pull of the Earth is certainly attractive, and the landscape of the outdoors is pointed out to be a parallel to life in general. 

About Gia

With a career spanning 30 years, a degree in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College, and a Masters in Improvisation, Gia Cacalano has spent the past twelve years researching improvisation methodologies. She works as an Educator in Physical activity for the University of Pittsburgh, and is an artistic leader in international improvisation music dance ensemble. She is drawn towards the moment of creation in improvisation, intuitive action, and the direct interaction of the performer and the public. To achieve such successful improvisation, it is vital to open one's awareness to their senses and be triggered by the unpredictable. 

Patricia Lemer of Pittsburgh, PA speaks of her experience in the field of Autism, where she identifies problems in key life style factors such as uninterrupted sleep, clean eating, and reducing intrusive chemicals. Patricia and her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck, discuss the development of motor skills and communication. From Patricia’s expertise, it is clear that even the simplest parts of life have major impacts on our development.

About Patricia

Patricia is a Licensed Professional Counselor and practised as an educational diagnostician for over 40 years. She earned a Masters of Education in counseling and learning disabilities from Boston College and a Masters in Business from John Hopkins University, and begun her career working with genetic syndromes in the 1960s. Having an immense background in learning disabilities and developmental delays, Patricia Lemer co-founded and became the Executive Director of Developmental Delay Resources (DDR) in the mid 1990s. She has since authored multiple books on managing Autism and teaches courses on developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders.

Vireo Karvonen of Alberta, CA discusses her work of self acceptance, destigmatizing pleasure, and sex therapy in relation to her interviewer, Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck's, work in holistic optometry and opening the third eye. She emphasizes being in one's own body, the benefits of spending time in nature, and includes a guided breathwork to encourage mindfulness practice. Through Vireo's journey, we learn about giving to ourselves without guilt.

About Vireo

Vireo is an expert in sacred femininity & sexuality. She has been empowering women to feel confident in their female bodies since 2008.Vireo Karvonen is a licensed Belief Re-patterning® Practitioner, Sacred Sexuality Coach, Positive Self Talk Coach, bestselling author and speaker. In March 2020, her chapter “Transforming That Shame” was published in compilation “From Shadows to Light: A Whole Human Approach to Mental Health”. Vireo’s deep-rooted desire to positively impact others goes back to 1996, when she completed her Master’s in Education at the University of Alberta. Drawing on her training and education in ways unique to herself, Vireo is an extremely skilled and intuitive facilitator. She specializes in shame busting around taboo subjects like sex, grief and suicide.

Deborah Lee shares her journey from working in corporate America to owning her own natural anti-aging business. She highlights her tips for holistic beauty and the lessons she learned about human/nature connection from growing up in Honolulu.

Content Warning: s*xual assault, suicide, abuse

Tiffany Taulton discusses stewardship of Hazelwood Greenway, a 183-acre series of nature trails in Pittsburgh, PA. Tiffany is the Director of Community Initiatives for the Hazelwood Initiative, a community development corporation located in Hazelwood--one of Pittsburgh's most racially diverse neighborhoods. In her role, Tiffany oversees community engagement, communications, and grants with an eye towards strengthening equity and inclusivity in the development process.

Prior to working at the Hazelwood Initiative, Tiffany evaluated national clean energy strategies for the Environmental Defense Fund in New York, worked for the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning, where she authored the food chapter of the Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan 2.0, and spent four years working for the Department of Public Information at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. She also has four years of healthcare experience working in hospitals as a Spanish interpreter, doula, and medical biller. Over the last 7 years, Tiffany has been an active member of the Black Permaculture Network, volunteered with the Black Urban Farmers & Gardeners (BUGS) Co-op of Pittsburgh, trained in organic farming in Mississippi under Ben Burkett-2014 James Beard Awardee and former president of the National Family Farm Coalition-led two trips of the CMU in Puerto Rico student group that she founded at Carnegie Mellon University to assist in community-led, climate-resilient, recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and, most recently, taken the training for creating EcoDistricts.

Interviewed by Dr. Elisa Haransky Beck

Tami Gingrow of Pittsburgh, PA talks with Dr. Elisa Beck about her journey to finding health and mindfulness in nature. Tami is a Transformational Life Coach, Holistic Adventure Retreat Curator, Conscious Travel Consultant, Real Estate Investor Consultant, Yogi and Body Worker, Mother of 4, Eco Community and Integrative Retreat Center Developer and Student, on Course to becoming a Quantum Health Coach and Doctor of Natural Medicine.

Jona Reyes of East Pittsburgh talks about her personal journey to healthier eating and spirituality in the face of adversity. Interviewed by Sally Lipsky. Part 2 of the series following Jona's journey.

Content Warning: suicide

Makenna Allen, originally from Santa Barbara, CA, is a senior at Vanguard University in Orange, CA getting ready to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology. She is an advocate for healthy eating and daily exercise in order to produce body sustainability. She strongly believes that no matter your schedule, you’re still able to choose a healthy lifestyle. When she has free time, you can see her surfing, hiking, or enjoying time with her dog, Daisy.

Interviewed by Dr. Sally Lipsky

Sally Lipsky interviews Brittany Jaroudi on how health-issues and family history sparked her journey to plant-based, whole-food eating and education.

Dr. Joanne Kong on her Vegan Journey - Journey Through Health & Wellness Podcast - Interviewer Dr. Elisa Haransky-Beck