Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl
By Jeannine Luby
Uncorked with Funny Wine GirlAug 12, 2021
Creating Mental Health Awareness & Community Connection
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 57.8 million adults live with some form of mental illness. Now add family members and friends to those numbers and basically we are all impacted in one way or another. And...mental health IS part of our overall health so it is something we all need to pay attention to.
My returning guest this week is Nina Judge, founder of the John Malvizzi Foundation who is hosting a Free Mental Wellness Fair on May 4th in NEPA to provide the community an opportunity to connect, learn about available resources, raise awareness around mental health and practice some self-care with laughter yoga and a comedy show that is all FREE!
Even if you live outside of NEPA, you can benefit from this conversation about mental wellness and the opportunity we all have to do our part. Learn about becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid here.
This podcast is sponsored by Budget Through Life. If you're interested in one-on-one personal finance coaching or group classes for your school or organization, check out informative and fun videos by founder Emily Hickox on YoutTube. And follow Budget Through Life on Facebook and Instagram.
If you enjoy this podcast, please remember to subscribe and share with a friend, foe or anyone you know.
And follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Gabbing about Comedy, Therapy & Colonoscopies
Do you like conversations about downstairs diseases, middle-aged women wearing dresses to air themselves out, and colonoscopies? No? That's alright.
Those topics are just parts of our overall fantastic conversation. And as we also discuss, it is healthy and healing to remember that we are all made up of parts. One part might be hurt or anger or disgust or something we're not proud of, but it does not define who we are. It is just one part. And that is something my serial guest Gab Bonesso has learned from her therapist. It's an idea that I love and have been trying to apply to my life.
Join us for this conversation about the release of Gab's comedy album, her insight from therapy, her upcoming trip to make the folks of NEPA laugh and some random things because our conversations always meander...like a Sunday drive!
Gab will unveil her highly anticipated Comedy/Mental Health Awareness album just in time for Mental Health Awareness month on May 1st. "Gab Bonesso: Tragicomedian," the album will be available for $10 exclusively on Bandcamp.
A portion of comedy album sales benefit Disability Pride PA and The Humor Therapy Fund of the Scranton Area Foundation.
Get full details for the May 4th Community Mental Wellness Fair at the John Malvizzi Foundation site.
This podcast is sponsored by Budget Through Life with Emily Hickox who shares her years of knowledge and passion to help people understand their personal finances, credit, debt and how to budget through their life. Check out informative and entertaining videos here.
Please be sure to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend, foe or anyone you know. And if you are interested in supporting the content of this podcast as a sponsor, many levels are available. Contact Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Melissa Is Wild About the Outdoors & Connecting Women
Picture this: nearly 1,000 women gathering in a green space surrounded by trees and a gently flowing river.
No it's not a commercial setting for a Massengill commercial. But it does involve women.
My guest this week is Melissa Roberts, owner of the Ski Shack in Northeast PA and co-founder of Wild Women NEPA --the catalyst for why so many women gathered in a park on a Sunday in August of 2023. The energy of the day was amazing!
Hear how her connection with nature has helped her in difficult times with the loss of her mother, health challenges of her children, postpartum depression and the pandemic. And why she wants to introduce all women to the beauty and power nature holds to help us heal.
If you are a woman in or near northeastern PA and would like to apply to be a vendor or a workshop presenter at this year's Wild Women NEPA Festival on August 25, applications are due by April 30, click here.
This podcast is sponsored by Budget Through Life with Emily Hickox who offers one-on-one personal finance coaching as well as group classes. Visit Budget Through Life on YouTube for practical tips and tricks.
Please remember to subscribe to this podcast and tell a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Financial Literacy Month: Understanding Economic Abuse
April is Financial Literacy Month and there are so many areas to delve into but this week we'll be addressing financial or economic abuse and exploitation of the elderly.
My guest and podcast sponsor Emily Hickox of Budget Through Life shares valuable information and reminds us of the importance of getting involved with and understanding finances in our household and learning about our credit so we can have control over our personal finances. We talk specifically about forms of financial abuse in relationships and about exploitation of the elderly that is rampant in the form of many ongoing scams today.
Learn how to protect yourself by listening to this conversation and following Budget Through Life on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for valuable tips.
Learn more here about how to identify economic abuse, what steps to take to protect yourself and where to go for help.
If you would like to support the content of this podcast, reach out to Jeannine at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com for sponsorship rates or to make an investment of any amount.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for laughs, inspiration and some wine-ing!
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Let's Take Time to Understand Autism Better from A Mom Who Knows
Living in a society in which things are often portrayed and viewed as either black or white, it is important that we realize that few (if any) things are that simple. There are so many shades in between. That holds true when it comes to understanding individuals with autism.
My guest this week is Lyndsay Dragon, the mother of a son with autism and founder of the nonprofit Parenting Autism United (PAU). She will tell you that if you meet one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. It does not mean that you met a person who typifies what autism looks like.
Tune in for this transparent conversation in which Lyndsay shares details around identifying behaviors of her child that caught her attention, her own mental health struggles and how she has dealt with those as a busy mother of two, the stress that parents of children with autism experience and how she is working to help parents, children with autism and everyone to come together to understand and accept one another and to have fun and express themselves!
On Saturday, April 6, check out PAU's Community Day and Silent Art Auction at Wilkes-Barre Area HS from 10AM - 2PM.
Learn more about PAU at their website.
SPONSORS OF THIS PODCAST
I am proud to have The John Malvizzi Foundation as a sponsor of this week's podcast. Learn more about the Foundation's work to break the stigma around mental health conditions and their upcoming community events in NEPA at their website.
And I am so pleased to have Budget Through Life as an ongoing podcast sponsor. Emily Hickox offers one-on-one personal finance coaching and group classes about budgeting, credit and debt. Check out her informative and entertaining videos on YouTube.
Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and share with a friend, foe or anyone you know. And follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Say Hello to My Friend in Humor: Gab Bonesso
“Humor was another of the soul's weapons in the fight for self-preservation.”
These are the words of Viktor Frankl, psychologist, Nazi concentration camp survivor and author of "Man's Search for Meaning."
Whenever I spill coffee on myself, run late after being stuck in traffic, forget to make a bill payment, etc. I try my best to think of him (after cursing a bit) and look for the humor in my situation. If he could find it, I sure can!
This week I talk with my friend and serial guest Gab Bonesso, a Pittsburgh-based comedian, mental health advocate and children's performer about how humor has made her more resilient and how she is spreading positivity in times that can seem dark.
She talks about how she lives in gratitude and is the happiest she's ever been. And she is about to release her latest comedy album with free tracks that will be available on March 30 in honor of World Bipolar Day.
Check out GabBonessoTeeVee on YouTube for her fun antics and watch for her album soon.
Please remember to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend, a foe or anyone you know. If you would like to support this podcast with a sponsorship, please email me at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com.
And follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for running inspiration, nature photos and random funnies.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
This podcast is sponsored by BudgetThroughLife with Emily Hickox. Check our her fun and informative videos on personal finance on YouTube. She is not only knowledgeable and passionate about educating people, but she uses humor to help you retain important information. Emily offers one-on-one coaching and group classes.
Following the Blueprint to Menopausal Wellness
Tossing and turning. Sheets soaked wet with sweat. Pants suddenly tighter thanks to belly fat. Moods swinging like a pendulum. Hormones take charge during perimenopause and many years that follow.
Well it's time to show those hormones who's boss by taking control of our own bodies and making choices that are right for where we are in life.
My guest this week is Adrien Cotton who is going to help us make sense of this topic that is not talked about enough, nor fully understood.
Since founding her wellness enterprise, Adrien leveraged her fitness and wellness background to move women from a place of “giving up” to one of proactive self-care. She focuses on an individual’s lifestyle and key high-impact areas including stress resilience, sleep, calendar management, mindfulness, and menopause.
Adrien brings a breadth of corporate experience, a proprietary methodology, and a unique client-centric perspective.
She is also the creator of the MASTER Menopause NOW! Wellness Program. This course is the culmination of 20 years of research and many years of working with perimenopausal and menopausal women.
To get a FREE copy of Adrien's Wellness Blueprint, click here.
This episode is sponsored by Budget through Life with Emily Hickox. Learn practical budgeting tips and information on credit and debt from Emily at her YouTube channel.
If you would like to be a regular sponsor or sponsor one episode, message me at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com.
Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and share it with a friend, foe or anyone you know. And if you've enjoyed an episode or several, please write a review.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook for nature photos, running inspiration and random funnies.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
She Had A Change of Heart
Change doesn't come easy for any of us. But it is often necessary to make our lives better.
Lynn Dzielak was a nurse making life healthier for others when she realized the choices she had been making for herself were not very healthy. Then she started making changes that have led to a whole new, healthier lifestyle.
Lynn is now a certified massage therapist, runner, running coach and trainer who is about to add plant-based restaurant owner to that list of roles.
Tune in to hear about Lynn's transformation and follow Now and Zen Wellness and Throop Soups on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration and products and services that will help you live healthier.
This podcast is sponsored by Budget Through Life with Emily Hickox. For fun and informative videos on personal finance, visit Budget Through Life on YouTube.
If you are interested in being a regular sponsor or sponsoring one episode to help support the content I create, email me at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com.
Be sure to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend, foe or anyone you know. Sharing is caring!
And follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook for nature photos, running inspiration, and random funnies!
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
She'll Fight to Protect Your Mom As She Does Her Own
If your elderly parent is scammed by a contractor or fraudulent institution posing as a credible business who do you think fights for them? If you're being discriminated against by... who do you think fights for you? State Attorney General fights injustice to protect citizens.
And this week's guest is fueled to take on the fight to protect anyone and everyone who will ever be in a vulnerable position...if only Pennsylvanians give her the chance. My guest Keir Bradford-Grey is one of a handful Democratic candidates running for Pennsylvania Attorney General.
Did you like what Keir Bradford-Grey had to say? You can help her get elected to the office of PA Attorney General by casting your vote in the Democratic primaries on April 23! Learn more about her campaign and how to donate --if you're interested-- by visiting her site.
Get out there and Vote Pennsylvanians (and everyone else)!
Would you like to continue hearing important conversations like these?
Consider making a contribution to my Buy Me A Coffee account or reaching out to me at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com to learn about podcast sponsorship.
You can also show support by sharing this podcast with a friend, foe or anyone you know. Tell someone while standing in line at the grocery store; post to your socials; and/or write a review.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook for funnies, running inspiration, wine whispers and her perimenopause journey.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
She's Planting the Seeds for Healing
You can't kill a succulent. People have told me that. They would turn out to be wrong because I have indeed killed succulents...many! And I know that I'm not the only one. I have simply loved them too much. I guess one could say I drowned them with love (aka water). But that has not stopped me from growing my interest in plants and gardening. And nothing should stop you from growing plants or nurturing any interest or passion you might have.
My guest this week is Collie Turner, the founder of Heroic Gardens, an organization that tends to the needs of veterans by offering them the opportunity to grow gardens and learn so much more in the process.
Collie wants to help you move forward with your dreams. Don't let them wither up and die. Reach out to Collie with questions about anything green or if you're green and want inspiration to create something special. You can email her at: Collie@heroicgardens.org. And let her know if you can help Heroic Gardens fulfill their mission by volunteering or making a donation.
You can support this podcast through a donation to my Buy Me A Coffee page or by sponsoring one or more episodes of this podcast. Email me at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com for details. Remember that you can show support in other valuable ways. Share this podcast with a friend, foe, or anyone you know. Write a review and/or post a link on your socials.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for humorous thoughts, laughter, mini rants about litter and life, nature photos and much more.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Lisa Talks About Lisa Joins A Cult
Have you ever felt lost? I think we all have at one point or another and many of us might experience a moment or few each day in which we're not sure about the direction we're going in. But I imagine it takes a deep feeling of loss to join a group of people you believe offer you the right answers, perhaps purpose and direction. One might call that group a cult. Or not.
This week my guest Lisa VanArsdale shares a bit about how she defines a cult and more importantly, she tells us about her upcoming One-Woman Show and podcast called, "Lisa Joins A Cult." This Lehigh Valley woman will introduce her audience to numerous cults she has visited in Pennsylvania, across the country and around the world. And she will share some of her profound moments and visuals that will tug at heartstrings but also provide a great deal of humor.
Make plans to see Lisa Joins A Cult or listen to her podcast by clicking here.
If you enjoyed listening to this week's podcast or have enjoyed episodes of Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl, won't you show your support through a monetary contribution? Please visit my Buy Me A Coffee Page or reach out to me at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com to ask how you can join other generous women who are becoming podcast sponsors.
You can also show support by sharing this podcast with a friend, a foe, or anyone you know; post a link in your social media, or send to a friend via text or email; and/or write a review or testimonial on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or your social media.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Realizing True Joy IS Wealth
What is your money story? Have you ever stopped to think about that, or what that even is?
How did your parents talk about money when you were growing up? How have you handled money throughout your lifetime? Money intersects with so many other facets of our lives that it is important to talk about it and remove any guilt, shame or fear.
My guest this week, Megan Alpert, who is the founder of Joy World Wealth Partners, uses a holistic approach to help women understand their money story and to change the narrative if needed so they realize true joy.
If you would like to talk with Megan about financial planning and/or attend one of the upcoming events Megan mentioned, visit Joy World Wealth Partners site.
If you would like to sponsor this podcast, reach out to me at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.com or if you would like to show support with a one-time donation, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page.
Remember that you can also provide value and show your love for this podcast by sharing it on your social media, writing a review and/or telling a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for her humorous insights, running tales, nature photos and perimenopause journey.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
The Beginning of A Love Story
Many of us enjoy a good RomCom. I think of it like one of my favorite snacks, a Reese's cup. Only in this case it's "you've got your romance in my comedy; I've got my comedy in your romance."
I've been working on a ladies' night of Rom and Com for women here in Northeast PA for over a year but because of various bad timing and other circumstances, the event has been cancelled three times. Most recently the event was slated to take place in February but LBC Distillery had to close its tasting room rather unexpectedly -- LBC Distillery was home to previous Funny Wine Girl ladies comedy nights and was always a lovely place to gather. We will miss that tasting room!
The concept is to have romance provided by author Tina Gallagher and comedy provided by me (Jeannine Luby) and other hilarious folks like Mary Rapach. In our effort to pivot, Tina and I did a mini virtual Galentine's Evening of Rom and Com on my Funny Wine Girl Jeannine Facebook. If you would like to watch the complete event with Rom and my comedy, visit my YouTube Channel here.
This bonus podcast highlights the Romance solely. So please enjoy author Tina Gallagher reading Chapter 1 from her romance novel "Thick Girls Pole." For more of Tina's romance stories, visit Amazon or her website here.
Nurse Jen Advocates for Patients by Advocating for Nurses
Anyone who has ever flown has heard the line: In case of emergency put on your mask before assisting others. Makes sense right? I promote this idea when I lead stress-reducing laughter yoga sessions, reminding participants that if we do not take care of ourselves we cannot take care of anyone else.
Now imagine healthcare workers not getting the supplies or staff they need and becoming utterly exhausted but the amount of patients under their care continues to grow. How can they properly care for patients when turbulence has made their days too bumpy?
My guest this week is Jennifer Graham-Partyka, a career nurse who believes that nurse advocacy IS patient advocacy. That passion has led her to become active in grassroots movements to elect candidates to office who she believes will do right by nurses.
Join me for this conversation and let nurse Jen's passion ignite something in you.
Jen is on executive boards of the following organizations: Pennsylvania State Nurses Association and the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania.
She is also a very proud Momma. Check out her daughter singer, songwriter Molly Edsell, whose music you can find on Apple Music. Her son Teagan Edsell's music on YouTube.
And see the work her son Brody is doing at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary as the Operations Assistant.
Be sure to follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram. And if you'd like to tip me for this great conversation, please visit my Buy Me A Coffee page or show your thanks at my Venmo.
PA Senator Brown Sees No Place for Divisiveness
Every American should be able to talk respectively and kindly to one another, regardless of their politics. That doesn't seem to be the case these days, sadly; our country is more divided than ever.
This week I talk with PA State Sen. Rosemary Brown, who happens to be a Republican, about her political career, some things she's working on, and how she believes we can come together.
Senator Rosemary M. Brown was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania in November of 2022 after serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for six terms. Brown represents the 40th Senatorial District, which includes Lackawanna, Monroe, and Wayne Counties.
She was appointed to serve as majority Chairwoman of the Senate’s Local Government Committee. She was also appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Women, the Gino Merli Veterans Advisory Commission, and the Local Government Commission.
A longtime Pocono resident, Brown is a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Scranton.
Brown has been happily married to her high school sweetheart, Joe, for 29 years. Together, they have three children.
Read more about Sen. Brown here.
If you enjoy listening to this podcast and want to help it continue, please consider contributing to my Buy Me A Coffee account. Know that you can also offer valuable support by sharing this podcast on your social media; telling a friend, foe or anyone you know; writing a review or testimonial and reaching out to let Jeannine know you're listening.
Be sure to subscribe, share and follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook. Click here for all her things.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Tricia Richards-Service Turns Unbelievable into Believable
About 15 or more years ago, my then improv instructor Chris Barnes of the Comedy Dojo told us we had to walk through the fire to get to the cooling waters. I often think of this when I'm facing a challenge that I know will bring rewards on the other side. It's similar to the quote that Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with (a bit mistakenly), "Do something that scares you every day."
Roosevelt's full quotation is: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
My guest this week Tricia Richards-Service embraces the above sentiment tightly.
A few examples: moving to Europe on a Fullbright research grant and immersing herself and her family into other cultures, to maintaining international friendships and embarking on a new international business "I Need A Speaker." Tricia's confidence grows with each big thing she knows that she can do...because she does it!
Listen to this week's episode for inspiration to accomplish your next big thing and to learn more about hiring professional speakers or getting hired. Whether you are a conference organizer or a speaker, be sure to check out I Need A Speaker and follow on LinkedIn.
If you have enjoyed this week's episode, be sure to subscribe and share. Tell a friend, foe or anyone you know, to listen. If you would like to help support this podcast with a monetary donation, visit my Buy Me A Coffee account. You can also show your support by sharing an episode you've enjoyed on your social media or writing a review or testimonial.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for funnies, nature photos, running inspiration and more.
Amber's Time in Hell
Imagine making a decision that you think is best for your health only to find yourself in a situation that is not only unhealthy but downright harmful.
That's at the center of the story my guest Amber Viola is sharing this week. You may recall Amber was a guest in November talking about her experience in the Navy, her local activism and podcast "Politics But Make It Fashion." This week Amber returns to share the details that led her to write and publish the short story: "72 Hours of Hell: My Time in the VA." Amber tells us about her mental health struggles and how she made the decision to check into the VA for mental health services only to have a series of bad encounters that led her to be transported to Lebanon, PA and be held for an involuntary commitment. Given that nearly 50 million Americans are experiencing a mental illness, this conversation and conversations like this one are vital to the well-being and quality of life for so many affected in this country.
To learn more about a "302" or involuntary commitment in Pennsylvania, read here.
Know that if you do need help, you can always text or call 988 in a time of crisis and if you want to learn more about support groups and education, visit the chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in your geographic area. If you enjoy or benefit from this week's conversation, be sure to subscribe to this podcast and share with others who can gain information and insight. Post to your social media about it and/or write a review or testimonial. And if you would like to support the creation of this content, consider making a donation to my Buy Me A Coffee page.
Whatever you do, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass. Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for everyday funnies, her own stories of health and wellness, nature photos and occasional wine facts.
Kylie Is Just Getting Started
As the host of two podcasts, high school student Kylie Montigney is off to a great start already with her plans to be a professional communicator. Not only is she pleasantly curious, interviewing people from every walk of life on her podcasts "Talk of Fame" and "NEPA Story," but she is also invested in her community in Northeastern PA. She is proud to currently be helping with a project that supports the amazing work of The Food Dignity Movement.
At just 17, Kylie is already making impressive contributions to her community and society in general. I know she will continue to build upon her experiences and be a powerhouse with each year that passes.
If you enjoy listening to Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl, be sure to subscribe and share with a friend, foe or anyone you know. Write a review. And if you'd like to make a monetary investment of any amount, visit my Buy Me A Coffee Page.
Be sure to subscribe to Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl and share with a friend, foe or anyone you know.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for random funnies, nature photos and lots of laughs!
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Saying Hello to 2024 - A Look at What's Coming
Well Hello New Year!
I hope you all had some good times throughout this past holiday season.
As we open the door to 2024, I hope you're being kind to yourself and not feeling too much pressure with the whole "new year new you" frenzy. You're awesome! Whenever you're ready to attempt whatever changes you want to make for the You that you are to be tweaked a bit, I'm sure you'll do just great. And remember that faltering along the way is all part of it.
While I haven't made resolutions for the New Year per se, I have set the goal of "plogging" two to three times per week, which is picking up litter while out for a run/walk. I'll be kept quite busy as there is a lot of litter strewn throughout NEPA. I share a bit about that this week, along with the impact that the Keep America Beautiful (Crying Indian) commercial had on me in the 70s. While effective, this commercial later created controversy. Read about it here.
And I share some information about the guests you will get to hear from in the coming weeks as I kick off Season 5 of Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl!
It's gonna be a great year and I look forward to sharing the goodness with you each week.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Dropping the Mic on 2023
Let's raise a glass to the year that's just about to pass!
I hope you've created memories that make you smile and will warm your heart for a long while.
On this week's episode, I share some stats about the performance of Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl in 2023 that I am proud of, along with my hopes and some guests for 2024.
I also share snippets from the top five most listened-to podcast episodes of 2023, which are:
1. An American in Canada, Eh? -- This conversation with guest Melissa Sanko Hayhoe aired on April 13.
2. She lets NEPA Know what's Happening-- This conversation with guest Paula Rochon Mackarey aired on March 9.
3. Are you Listening to Your Body? It hears you. --This conversation with guests Kristin Martelli and Trish Dickert-Nieves aired in May 11.
4. Christine's Mind Is Set on Helping Relight Your Spark -- This conversation with Christine Souza aired on February 2.
5. Seeing Mental Health Clearly -- This conversation with Nina Judge aired on August 31.
If you enjoy the snippets and want to hear the full podcast conversations, please scroll back through this year's episodes on whatever platform you listen from; the episode titles and publish dates are listed above to make it easier for you to find episodes quickly.
I look forward to having your ears and attention in 2024 as I bring you conversations with more fabulous femmes.
If you would like to help support this podcast, please consider making a donation to my Buy Me A Coffee page, or share my podcast on your social media; write a review or testimonial; or tell a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen.
And please reach out if you have a woman in mind that you think would make an interesting guest or if you have a topic you would like to hear discussed on the podcast.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
A J-Ollie Good Chat
It comes with the calendar. The end of every year offers us the opportunity to reflect on what brought us joy and what we might look forward to with the hope and promise a fresh set of 365 days brings.
This week is a casual and fun conversation with my dear friend Oliver (Ollie) Ord who I've been blessed to have in my life for more than 37 years. We chat about some things he's thankful for as the year draws to a close and we talk a little about what's to come.
Next week I'll close the year with a bit of a recap of some of the best performing episodes of 2023. And I look forward to all of the conversations I hope you'll benefit from in 2024.
Remember that if you would like to help support my endeavor of keeping this podcast alive, consider donating to my Buy Me A Coffee platform; write a review/testimonial on Apple or Spotify; and/or share this podcast with a friend/foe/anyone you know.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Lighten up with Laughter: Fa la la la la ha ha ha ha
There's nothing funny about untangling Christmas lights, right?
Or, maybe there is. It's all a matter of perspective.
I admit that even though I promote the healing power of laughter and humor, I am often the worst student of my own lessons. I tend to respond to frustrations first with an explosion of words that would have Shirley Feeney saying, "Jeannine you have a mouth like a sewer."
But then I tell myself to take it down a notch and shift gears. I breathe in and out and work on finding the humor...because it IS there!
So whether it is an extra amount of work on the job that has you stressing or your shopping and to-do lists with the clock ticking, or sadness/grief that's keeping you from feeling joyful, try to add a bit more laughter to help lighten up your days.
Check out my recent conversation on WBRE alongside of NAMI Northeast Region PA's Executive Director Marie Onukiavage about the importance of self-care and how laughter can be a wonderful resource.
And start your day on a positive note: try some laughter yoga with me each morning in December on my Laugh to Live Facebook page.
If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it with a monetary donation, please visit my Buy Me A Coffee page. Know that you can also show valuable support by telling a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen; share your favorite episode on your social media; and/or write a review.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Holiday Gab A Thon
How do you feel about listening to Christmas songs in October?
Can you relate to George Bailey?
Do you crack nuts?
All of the above are discussed this week with my serial podcast guest Gab Bonesso and...much more of course. When the two of us chat, any topic is fair game.
Gab shares some of her favorite Christmas songs and movies, the contents of her nutcracker collection and how she has managed through the holidays after personal loss.
If you would like to lighten up your holiday season, be sure to follow Gab Bonesso on Facebook and Instagram as well as Funny Wine Girl Jeannine.
And if you enjoy the content of this podcast, please consider showing your support with a monetary investment in my buy me a coffee page here. You can also show support by sharing this podcast to your socials, telling a friend/foe/anyone you know and by writing a review on the platform where you listen.
As always, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
When You're Carrying More Than A Child
Scroll through TikTok or Instagram and you might find posts filled with pink smoke bombs and blue confetti--evidence of gender reveal parties. People who are very eager to share news of a baby on the way.
Now imagine being pregnant with your first child and not wanting to tell anyone or even accept it yourself. It does happen. But you don't hear about it too much.
My guest this week wants to change that. She wants to talk about perinatal and postpartum depression so women know they are not alone and that there is help and hope.
Katie Spencer is a mother of two children and employee of NAMI Northeast Region PA who helps others with their mental health and reflects on her own mental health journey.
In our conversation Katie shares what it was like to be experiencing anxiety and depression at a time of life that is expected to be one of great joy. Today she helps other women with struggles that she has gone through herself.
While Katie still lives with depression and anxiety, she is healthy today and experiencing joy from her two children and husband of nine years.
Remember that if you are having thoughts of suicide, you can text or call 988. Katie also shared this important helpline for women who are pregnant or in the post pregnancy stage: text or call the PSI Helpline at 800-944-4773 for basic information, support and resources for perinatal mental health or visit the website.
If you are a pregnant woman and/or mother in Northeast PA who is experiencing a mental health struggle or feeling overwhelmed, check out NAMI Northeast Region PA's Momma Bears Support Group on NAMI's website; you can also find additional support groups for others struggling with their mental health. For more information about the Momma Bears Support Group, reach out to Katie@naminepa.org or call 570-290-8118.
Remember, you are not alone.
If you like this content and would like to support this podcast with a monetary donation, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page. Know that you can also show support by sharing this podcast on your socials or telling a friend, foe or anyone you know, or by writing a review or testimonial.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
A Serving of Gratitude
Happy Thanksgiving!
It's that time of year when we joke about how much food we'll eat and we scour websites for special Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. We also manage to throw in a bit of "thanks" too.
The truth is, we ought to focus on gratitude all yearlong because it is a practice that is good for our health and wellbeing.
In this week's episode I share research around the benefits of gratitude, ways that you can incorporate it into your life, and some of the reasons I've been grateful over the past year.
Read more about the benefits of gratitude in this article from the Mayo Clinic and from Harvard Health.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Whatever Your Style, Kindness Will Always Look Good On You
For six years fashion designer Kate Spade, known primarily for her handbags that were modern and sleek, battled with severe depression. That battle ended for her when she died by suicide on June 5, 2018 and shocked the fashion and entertainment world.
The Kate Spade company states its social mission on its website that in 2018 they reaffirmed their commitment to their work for women's mental health stating: "Today, our goal is simple: we’re committed to supporting 100,000 women and girls by 2025. This year, we’re investing $5m in women’s empowerment and mental health globally." Learn more about their commitment to women's mental health here.
Fashion and mental health. How do they go hand-in-hand? It is true that how we look can affect how we feel and vice versa.
On this week's episode of my podcast, I talk with fashion blogger and fellow Scrantonian Maggie McGregor who was deeply impacted by Kate Spade's death and who shares more than fashionable looks in her writing and social media content.
She shares her authentic self on her Instagram Reels series "I'm Not A Therapist, But I Go to Therapy" and through her blog Style Mag Daily.
By following Maggie, you will learn about fashion but you will also benefit from her honesty and work to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health.
I hope that you will share this episode with someone who could benefit. And if you would like to help support this podcast, please consider investing as little as five bucks to my Buy Me A Coffee page so I can continue to share conversations with more fabulous women like Maggie. You can also show support by subscribing and sharing the podcast on your socials; writing a review or testimonial; and telling a friend, foe, or anyone you know.
If you know a fabulous and fierce woman who would make a great guest on this podcast, please reach out to Funny Wine Girl Jeannine. And be sure to follow FWG on Instagram and Facebook for running inspiration, nature photos, real reels and random funnies.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Fashionably Political Conversation with Amber Viola
Hillary Clinton was known for her pantsuit. Michelle O'Bama got props for her tone arms and for wearing affordable fashion. That is part of my conversation this week because my guest loves fashion and she loves politics!
This week my guest is Amber Viola, Navy Veteran, activist and podcaster. She talks about fashion, politics and much more on her podcast: Politics But Make It Fashion and this week we're talking about her reflections on her time in the military, starting a conversation about race, and fashion in politics. Also, check out her recently released book: 72 Hours of Hell: My Time in The VA, available on Amazon.
If you would like to show some love (and money) to this podcast, please consider making a small (or large) investment to my Buy Me A Coffee account. You can also show your support by writing a testimonial or review, sharing this podcast on your socials and telling a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen!
Be sure to subscribe and share this podcast.
And follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Budgeting for Happiness
Of all the things I did not learn in school, financial planning/budgeting are among the top skills I miss the most. I guess you could say I've chosen to live a bit by the "ignorance is bliss" motto because I have not sought out seminars or read many books on the subject-- often fearing the truth, that I do not always make financially-sound decisions.
But as my guest and I discuss this week, there is so much more to consider when it comes to financial planning. Good mental health and happiness are among the variables to factor in when planning your yearly budget.
If you would like to talk with Emily more, reach out to her on LinkedIn and watch for her upcoming podcast and posts to offer you even more tips for financial health.
If you would like to support this podcast through an investment--big or small-- please visit my Buy Me A Coffee page. But know that you can also show support by sharing this podcast on your socials; writing a review or testimonial; and telling a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen.
Be sure to subscribe and share this podcast and follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for nature photos, running and wine inspiration, and random funnies.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
2023 Continuation: Are You Sure You Have the Right House?
Last year Funny Wine Girl Jeannine Luby wrote and recorded the original story "Are You Sure You Have the Right House?" The story left off with blood on Catherine's hands and art that she had no recollection of doing.
This year Jeannine picks up that story and takes Catherine (and listeners) on a little journey through time in the hopes of finding answers. But Catherine seems to be plagued by more questions...and more blood.
Enjoy this murder mystery with hints of dark humor and tune in Thursday as Jeannine returns to her regular format with guest Emily Hickox offering tips on creating a budget for you and your family.
If you would like to support this podcast with a monetary investment, please click on Jeannine's Buy Me A Coffee page. You can also show support by sharing this podcast on your socials; writing a review or testimonial; and telling a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on social media for nature photos, wine and running inspiration and random funnies.
"I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass."
Encore Presentation: Are You Sure You Have the Right House?
We've all had mail delivered to us that was not our, but usually it's pretty obvious by the name on the label. In Catherine's case, the package that was delivered to her house had her name and address on it, but the contents were nothing she ordered and it was no gift. So why were these items delivered to her? And how would they color her life?
Tune in to hear an encore presentation of the 2022 original mystery story "Are you sure you have the right house?" written by FWG Jeannine Luby.
Jeannine will continue the story this year with a new episode published for Halloween; if you listened last year, it's a good idea to refresh your memory; and if you're listening for the first time, welcome. You don't want to be left out when it comes to this murder mystery.
Tune in on Halloween for a special bonus edition to hear what happens next to Catherine.
If you would like to support this podcast with a monetary investment of even as little as $5, click on my Buy Me A Coffee page. Your support is also appreciated when you share this podcast; write a review; or tell someone you know--friend or foe!
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Halloween Movies, Comedy and More with Gab Bonesso
Do you have a person you truly enjoy talking to? Someone you relate to and could just chat about anything with?
I have a couple folks in my life that fit that description. One of them is my serial guest Gab Bonesso! I felt it was time to catch up with this Pittsburgh-based comedian, school assembly performer, public speaker, and mental health advocate to see what's new. As usual, we had a very casual, relaxed conversation. This time we talked about a mouse in my house, Halloween and other horror movies, extreme thinking and cancel culture, and what's new with Gab's comedy career.
Watch Gab's latest comedy special and/or learn about her school assembly programs by visiting her channel.
If you would like to help support this podcast, consider contributing a couple bucks to my Buy Me a Coffee page, or you can also show support by sharing this on your social media, telling a friend or foe, and/or writing a review/testimonial.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Wine and Humor Pair Well with Mammograms
Have you ever felt worried about your health? Yeah, it's a pretty relatable feeling, right?
Well as you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I wanted to talk a bit about that. I encourage you to scroll back to October of 2021 to listen to episode 8 of Season 2 to hear "She Wears Her Pink In Her Cheeks" if you have not listened to this episode featuring the smart, funny and brave Nanci Oehrlein. She shared how she handled her breast cancer diagnosis and her husband's wait for a heart transplant that was happening at the same time. She has an amazing ability to use humor in a way that may not be appreciated by all, but I absolutely adore! She finds humor and light in the darkest moments.
In this week's episode, I also share my recent concern over an abnormal mammogram--how I processed that and what I encourage you to do if and when a friend comes to you to share their health concerns.
Finally, this episode closes out with a snippet from my stand-up comedy about how mammograms would be a much better experience if they were paired with wine!
If you would like to show support for this podcast through a monetary investment please visit my Buy Me A Coffee page; or show support by sharing this podcast on social media; tell a friend or foe, or anyone you know; or write a review.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#funnywinegirljeannine #breastcancerawareness
Christina Oyola Is Rising with Resilience
There are days when I'm miserable from a papercut that gets lemon juice in it. Then I meet people who have lived and continue to live through experiences that are much more painful than anything I've known. With that said, I will always believe that we can only truly walk in our own shoes (live our own lives), but we absolutely need to be open to listening and learning from people about their experiences and what they are going through so that we can live empathetically, offering support, kindness and understanding to everyone we encounter.
This week, my guest Christina Oyola shares a raw, free-flowing narrative about her life that includes incredibly sensitive and traumatic material. I will caution listeners that parts of the conversation might be difficult to hear and you may choose to jump ahead or skip this episode. Christina talks a bit about suicide, sexual abuse, family trauma and other personal experiences. But Christina also tells a story of resilience! She will soon earn a college degree after studying over the course of 20 years. Christina has not one, but two, business ventures in motion. And she has an incredible mission to help empower other female veterans like herself who have been through generational trauma.
To support Christina's mission to help female veterans and to enjoy coffee with a label that's as uplifting as its caffeine, visit her site.https://www.thatdaycompany.com/
And to follow Christina's journey, visit all of her socials accessible from this link.
To support this podcast through a monetary investment, please consider making a donation to my Buy Me A Coffee account here. If a donation is not in your budget, please show your support for this podcast by sharing on social media; telling a friend, foe, or anyone you know; writing a review on Apple or Spotify; or just reaching out to let me know what you think.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#FunnyWineGirlJeannine
Using Energy to Bring You Back to You
Do you ever feel stuck?
Most of us experience that feeling at times. But, do we consider that it could be blocked energy that needs to be moved.
This week my guest Jennifer Aleke will talk with me about the relevance of energy in our bodies and how she works with it through her practices as both a Reiki Practitioner and Intuitive Energy Healer. We touch upon many issues in our conversation, including people's perceptions and misperceptions about Reiki and Energy Healing, the importance of focusing our intentions on ourselves rather than the external, and what it was like for Jennifer relocating to Northeast PA.
To book a Reiki session with Jennifer, click here. Jennifer partnered with Edna Cementina, a vibrant woman who owns E's Health Wellness and Fitness Studio in Dunmore, PA. Intuitive Sessions are booked directly through Jennifer by texting 570-682-5566 or emailing Iamjenniferaleke@gmail.com . You can follow Jennifer for uplifting motivation on IG & TikTok: Iamjenniferaleke and on Facebook: IntuitiveFriendJen.
If you've enjoyed this week's conversation, please share the podcast with a friend, foe or anyone you know. Write a review; post on your socials; or invest with a donation to my Buy Me A Coffee page.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for her perimenopausal rants, wine facts, funnies, running inspiration and nature photos.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#FunnyWineGirl
We'll Drink Wine in the After Life
Who would you like to have a drink with in the After Life (assuming that it exists)?
My guest this week would like to raise a glass with Jim Morrison...and me.
I would love to share a Pontarlier glass of absinthe with Vincent van Gogh with stars in my eyes shining as brightly as those in his most famous painting.
This week I'm chatting with my friend and fellow Standardized Patient Julie Esty, who is a recurring guest on the podcast. Julie talks about her recently published book "Center Street Murders" and who she believes might have "dunnit" all those years ago, and we talk about her upcoming, annual Dunmore Cemetery Tour presented by The Dearly Departed Players in Dunmore, PA on Sundays Oct. 1 & 8 at 2PM with free admission. Check out The Dunmore Cemetery Tour on Facebook for more information and fun photos.
If you would like to show some love for this podcast (and Jeannine), a donation of any amount is appreciated by visiting Buy Me A Coffee page. Remember that you can also show your support by writing a review, sharing this podcast on your social media and telling a friend, foe or anyone you know to listen!
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Part 2 We're Not Doctors But We Play Patients IRL
Do you remember where you were on March 13, 2020? That seemed to be the eve of the pandemic lockdown. Our lives were just about to change in a big way as the world shut down and we spent our time binge-watching Netflix, drinking wine and doing 25,000-piece puzzles with family members.
This week in part 2 of my conversation with fellow Standardized Patient Katie Culligan, the conversation picks up with our memories and experiences of when the lockdown began and how the medical schools adapted to continue standardized patient work with med students. Katie also shares how she became a guest on Conan O'Brien's podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend."
Check out Katie's podcast The Standardized Patients Podcast if you want to learn even more, very specific aspects of the Standardized Patient industry.
To show your support for this podcast through a monetary donation of any amount, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page. Please know that you can also show your support by sharing this podcast with a friend, foe or anyone you know. And, if you've enjoyed an episode, please write a review.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
We're Not Doctors But We Play Patients IRL
What are the symptoms?
A little burning during urination and the haunting memories of lost love. To quote the patient, "I burned for her, much like the burning during urination that I would experience soon afterwards."
Any diehard Seinfeld fan will tell you that line above was delivered by Kramer in the 16th episode of the ninth and final season. The episode was aptly titled, "The Burning."
While I haven't done anything like Kramer, such as lighting a cigarette and delivering such dramatic and poetic words, I have been what's called a Standardized Patient at the medical college in Scranton for nearly 13 years...a role that helps real medical students learn how to examine and interact with patients before they enter a real patient setting...and I have sat for eleven pelvic exams in one morning!!! Yes, you read that correctly!!!
This week I speak with Katie Culligan, a fellow standardized patient who has been doing her work in the Washington, D.C. area for several years and loves it so much that she started the podcast, " The Standardized Patients Podcast," which is available on Apple and Spotify. And follow the account on Instagram!
Katie and I talk about our experiences in this role and our thoughts on various aspects of health and wellness. Oh, and I share a bit about those 11 pelvic exams.
This is Part 1 of the 2-part conversation. We had so much fun that we went a bit long and I wanted to share everything with you. So be sure to tune in next week to hear the rest of our conversation in which we discuss the impact of the pandemic on our work and more.
If you would like to help support this podcast, please consider making an investment of any amount at my "Buy Me A Coffee" account here. You can also show your support my writing a testimonial, sharing the podcast on your social media and/or telling a friend or foe, or just about anyone you know!
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook for random funnies, wine selections, running inspiration, nature photos and the thoughts of a woman who is pissed and perimenopausal.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass!
Seeing Mental Health Clearly
Do you see your life clearly? Do you let others see you, really see YOU? Do you see that others care and will help you?
Unfortunately, the stigma that surrounds mental illness makes it difficult for many people to feel comfortable opening up about how they feel, what their struggles are and how tough their day might be going.
We must break that stigma so that EVERYONE with a mental illness feels comfortable talking about it and so that most importantly, they seek help and find hope to keep going.
This week's conversation might be difficult for some of you to hear because my guest Nina Judge and I will be talking about mental illness and suicide. Nina bravely shares the story of her father John's passing to suicide in 2021. And she provides us with hope through the work that she is doing through the nonprofit John Malvizzi Foundation, named after her father. Check out the website by clicking on the foundation name above; learn how to donate; offer help; or join their team for the Out of the Darkness Walk in Wilkes-Barre on 9/10.
While this is a serious conversation, there is light. I encourage you to listen and share your light with others so they know that they are not alone. And if you or anyone you know needs help, please remember that you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; visit the website for more information.
Thank you for listening.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Margaret Helps Women Be Prepared, Not Paranoid about Safety
It's that time of year. The nights and mornings get cooler and many folks start clamoring for pumpkin spice everything. And...it's time to head back to school for many.
For young women headed off to college, this is a time not to be paranoid, but it is a time to be prepared to ensure your personal safety. The time frame from August through about Thanksgiving is known as "the red zone," a period of time when students on campus are most vulnerable to sexual assault. My guest this week, Margaret Pizer of Tsunami Self-Defense, talks with me about how young women (and women of every age) can be better prepared to keep themselves safe from assaults and what they can do if they are targeted. Learn about the training and workshops that Tsunami Self-Defense Systems offers at their website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for valuable information to protect yourself. This is an important conversation that every college student (and every woman) should hear!
If you would like to support this podcast to ensure that Jeannine is able to continue bringing you information, inspiration and entertainment through her fabulous guests each week, consider investing at her Buy Me A Coffee site, or share the podcast on your social media or in person when talking to someone looking for a podcast recommendation. If you enjoy an episode, please reach out to Jeannine to let her know and/or write a review/testimonial on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook for random funnies, wine facts, running inspiration, nature photos and more!
As Jeannine says each week, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#funnywinegirljeannine #uncorkwithfunnywinegirl
Connecting Women of NEPA Who Want to Give Back
The word "philanthropy" or "philanthropic" often conjures up images of black tie events, limos, and the naming of buildings but that notion--along with all remaining glass ceilings--needs to be shattered.
This week on my podcast I talk with Laura Ducceschi , president and CEO of The Scranton Area Community Foundation, about what philanthropy looks like for, by, and of women and how the Foundation is helping to connect women through its Women in Philanthropy program. We talk about how women can invest time and talent when monetary gifts may not be an available option and the value that networking with other women has.
We also take a broader look at some of the other initiatives the Foundation is working on to enrich the region of northeastern Pennsylvania through programs and resources to help nonprofits and so much more. Learn about the upcoming conference for nonprofits in September, how to donate to a fund (like The Humor Therapy Fund) and much more at the Foundation's website.
If you would like to continue hearing conversations like this one, please consider investing in this podcast developed to promote fabulous women each week who uncork with me, sharing information, inspiration and entertainment, through an investment at my Buy Me A Coffee page. If a monetary contribution is not in your budget at the moment, you can also show support by writing a review/testimonial of this podcast; sharing the podcast on your socials; or telling a friend or foe to check it out.
Follow me at Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram as well as Laugh to Live! on Facebook for uplifting content, funnies, nature photos and more.
As always, remember that I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Chatting about Mental Health, Mammograms, Massachusetts & More
When is the last time you sat down with a gal pal over coffee, wine or a cup of some other substance and uncorked...let thoughts and ideas just pour out?
I feel like this week's podcast episode is the product of such a session.
The beautiful, talented, smart and funny Roya Hamadani joins me for this week's conversation--and what a conversation it is. Roya shares what life has been like since she moved to Massachusetts from the Lehigh Valley over a year ago. She talks about her mental health, mics, mammograms and much more!
Be sure to check out Roya's comedy at ComedyPlatz at MusikFest in Bethlehem on August 11 and August 12; in Salem, Mass at Meg Goetz's "Ghosted" comedy night and enjoy her Pigeon City Sketch Comedy in the Lehigh Valley in November.
If you would like to invest in this podcast, please visit my page on Buy Me A Coffee to make your contribution of as little as $5 or as large as you like (think BIG)! Remember that while monetary contributions are nice, you can show your support in other ways: write a testimonial or review; share the podcast to your socials; tell friends and foes to give this a listen!
I do appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Hello August! Here's what's coming your way.
Welcome August and cooler temperatures. My favorite season is right around the corner. And speaking of cool...there are so many amazing women who will be guests this month.
Take a listen to hear what I've got in store for you this month and hear a snippet from next week's guest, the smart and funny Roya Hamadani who performs stand-up and sketch comedy and is just fun to talk to. Be sure to come back next week to hear our full conversation.
If you would like to show your support for this podcast through a donation as small as $5 to $5,000 (why not??!!) check out my Buy Me A Coffee page and show your love there. But remember that you can invest something other than money...just a few minutes of your time to write a review of my podcast, to create a post on your social media and/or to tell a friend or foe about this podcast and how much they would enjoy it!
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for nature photos, running and life inspiration, random wine-ing and funny stuff!
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Mother-Daughter Duo Brings Community Together
What does community feel like to you? What does it mean?
While the pandemic showed us ways to connect with people across the world online, it took away the in-person fellowship and opportunities that build community like patronizing local restaurants and businesses, chatting with people you bump into in the grocery aisles or at a local art event or theater.
Thankfully, we're back out there reconnecting and will hopefully make our ties in the community even stronger going forward. Mother-daughter duo Elizabeth and Sabrina Rodriguez of Scranton are working hard to bring people together in Northeast PA through a variety of creative events and projects that embody everything that community should be. Friend them on Facebook or learn more about their projects through their page Giving Back to the Community.
If you're looking for additional ideas to create a sense of community in your neighborhood, look at what this woman is doing in Brooklyn through Perpetual Stew. Feeding the belly and human desire to connect with others!
If you would like to see this podcast continue, consider showing support through a monetary donation at my Buy Me A Coffee account or reach out to purchase an Uncorked With Funny Wine Girl mug that reads "If it's morning, this must be coffee." And remember, you can also show support by sharing this podcast with a friend or foe; writing a review; or posting about it on your socials.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#FunnyWineGirlJeannine #UncorkedwithFunnyWineGirl
She's Helping Promote Pride in Disability
Have you ever arrived at a business, a party or an event and not been able to gain access to the entrance? Have you ever had someone judge you for the way you process information, think or handle certain tasks?
This week my guest is Vicki Landers, Founder and Executive Director of Disability Pride PA. We're talking about the importance of acceptance, accessibility, understanding, and equality for people with seen and unseen disabilities.
Be sure to check out the Disability Pride website for valuable information on resources and exciting upcoming events like the one on Saturday, July 22 in the Lehigh Valley to celebrate people with disabilities. And remember this is an opportunity for everyone of all abilities to attend and come together!
If you enjoy this podcast, please remember that your support is valuable and appreciated for Jeannine to continue producing original content each week; consider making a donation here. You can show your support in other ways such as: sharing the podcast on your social media; telling a friend (or stranger) who is looking for a new podcast; and/or writing a review/testimonial.
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for nature photos, running inspiration, wine facts and random funnies.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Mini-sode: Can humor be taught?
It's my second and last week of mini vacation. On this week's mini-sode, I talk about humor and the question of whether or not it can be taught. As I prepare for the start of my ECornell class "Using Humor in the Workplace," I'm getting more and more excited about sharing the power of humor for our personal and professional lives! Listen and hopefully you will be excited to incorporate more humor into YOUR life!
And be sure to tune in next week when full episodes and guests return. On July 20, I will share my conversation with Vicki Landers from Disability Pride PA who will bring activities to the Lehigh Valley on July 22, so be sure to check it out!
If you would like to support this podcast with a monetary donation, please visit my account at Buy Me A Coffee , and to show support in general, please share this podcast on your social media and/or tell a friend or stranger on the street and reviews/testimonials are always welcome!
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for running inspiration, nature photos, random funnies and wine stuff.
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Mini-sode Meltdown: Patriotism Is About People
Happy July! I hope you enjoyed a safe and satisfying 4th of July holiday. I'm taking a short break from producing full episodes...for just a few weeks. My fabulous femme guests will return at the end of this month. In the meantime, I'm sharing my meltdown of thoughts and opinions (yikes) in a few mini-sodes like this one. But remember that you can take this time to go back and listen to full episodes from the past two years that are all still available for your ears.
This week I share my ideas on patriotism and connecting with people...nice ones. What's your definition of patriotism? Please feel free to reach out to me and share!
For running inspiration, random funnies, nature photos and wine stuff, follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram.
Thanks for reading this, and listening. If you would like to support this podcast, please consider making an investment here of a small (or large amount, you decide) and/or share your favorite episode with a friend, or write a review. Any support is greatly appreciated!
I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Forget about Whose Grass Is Greener, Grow A Garden Instead
Beautifully manicured green lawns rose to popularity in the 1950s when mothers wearing pearls and high heels were baking cookies. (Was that ever really a thing besides on television?) With the growing urbanization of America, the importance of having a beautiful lawn grew, hence the popular phrase: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence (actually it originated from Roman poet Ovid who said, “The harvest is always richer in another man's field.” And that phrase we know about grass, came from a folk song written by Raymond B. Egan and Richard A. Whiting in 1924. What's the significance? Americans have been in love with their lawns and wanting to have a better one (and better life overall) than their neighbors. But we have abandoned something that needs to return and thankfully is growing in popularity right now---gardens of native plants and pollinators. According to the National Wildlife Federation, one in four people specifically buy native plants and that is up from only 17 percent in 2020.
What are native plants and pollinators and why should you rip up your grass in favor of them? Join me and my guest Shelly Niefert this week as we talk about these plants and much more. If you're thinking, "eh, I don't have a green thumb, this doesn't interest me." Think again, especially if you care about helping to save our planet, food supplies, and so on.
To learn more about pollinators and native plants visit the following websites: Penn State, Monrovia and check out books by Doug Tallamy, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Shelly recommends "Bringing Nature Home" and "Nature's Best Hope."
Visit my page on Buy Me a Coffee to invest in my award-winning podcast (well, it should win awards) and if monetary donations are not possible at this time, then please consider sharing my podcast on your social media or telling friends, family or strangers, and/or write a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help me reach a broader audience!
Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for running inspiration, nature photos, wine stuff and random funnies.
As always, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
Encore Presentation of 2022's No Bummer Summer
Ever spend your vacation under a blanket, shivering from the chills caused by a bad sunburn while the rest of your family and friends are playing in the sand?
This fair-skinned maiden has been there done that. Ever since I was a kid I've been getting bad sunburns...sometimes even with blisters. So before you head off to bike, hike, play at the beach or do anything under the sun, remember to use the proper sunscreen and to reapply. That's just one of the many important topics we discuss in this encore podcast about summer safety.
In 2022, I recorded this episode with Tammy Misewicz-Healey, owner of miEHS Alliance, a company focused on helping corporations make safety a priority for their employees. Tammy shares a bit about her background and offers tips to help us have a safe summer so that we can enjoy every drop of that sunshine!
For running motivation, nature pics, wine fun and funnies, follow me on Instagram and Facebook at Funny Wine Girl Jeannine. And if you would like to support this podcast with a donation, please visit my Buy Me A Coffee account. You can also show support by sharing an episode of this podcast on your social media or through email or by telling a friend or stranger to check it out! So the next time you chat with someone in line at the grocery store or coffee shop, tell them to give Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl a listen.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#FunnyWineGirlJeannine
Danielle Talks about Her Miracle Baby Defying the Odds
Connor Pensack is a miracle baby...born even after his mother had tubal ligation (aka got her tubes tied). So from the start, he was special, defying the odds. That strength is helping him as he undergoes treatment for pediatric ulcerative colitis.
This week, my guest, who is my cousin and mother of Connor, Danielle Pensack, shares her gratitude for all of the medical professionals, especially those at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), for the care they've given to Connor. She explains why she began the Connor Pensack Foundation to raise money for research at CHOP and to raise awareness and education about children who experience IBD. She talks about the health journey Connor has been through and how that has impacted her and her whole family. She is happy to be as honest as possible in the regular blog articles that she writes to let other parents know they are not alone. Some have already expressed gratitude for how transparent Danielle is being.
You can learn more about the Connor Pensack Foundation here. And if you are in northeastern PA, you can support by donating a basket to the raffle and/or attending the Foundation's first fundraiser on July 15 at Pine Hills Country Club on Keyser Avenue in Taylor, PA. Be sure to follow the Connor Pensack Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for updates and future events.
For running inspiration, nature photos, wine facts and random funnies, be sure to follow me at Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram.
As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#FunnyWineGirlJeannine #uncorkwithme
Bipolar Is One Part of Her Life, Not Who She Is
A person living with bipolar disorder isn't their illness. Their illness is a part of who they are, but they are so much more. And that goes for any illness.
My guest this week is Kelly Moran-- a writer, a NAMI volunteer, a political enthusiast, and...a person living with bipolar disorder.
In our conversation, we discuss her work with NAMI to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness, the importance of connecting with others who share our experiences, her love of writing and some topical subjects.
I hope you'll join me for another interesting conversation and gain some perspective from Kelly, who recommends that you check out writer Jenny Lawson.
If you would like me to continue producing these weekly podcast conversations, please consider making a donation to my Buy Me A Coffee account to show your support. You can also help support me and this podcast by sharing my social media posts about it, sharing an episode you enjoyed and telling a friend or stranger you meet waiting in line at your local coffee spot (wine bar, hardware store, farmer's market, etc.).
For running inspiration, nature photos, wine stuff and rando funnies, follow me at Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook.
Remember, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.
#FunnyWineGirlJeannine