Lemonspark

n this episode of the Lemon Spark Podcast, host Barbara Za sits down with Tanya Barts, founder and holistic wellness coach at Imperfect AF. Tanya shares her compelling story of receiving a sudden and surprising diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, which led her to reconsider her life's direction. Transitioning from a tech job in user experience to embracing integrative nutrition and holistic wellness, Tanya discusses how her personal health journey ignited her passion to help others find balance and purpose in their own lives. Tune in to hear how Tanya turned her life-altering lemon into a spark that now inspires and supports others on their wellness journeys.00:00 Introduction to the Lemon Spark Podcast00:14 Meet Tanya Barts: Founder and Holistic Wellness Coach01:36 Tanya's Life-Altering Cancer Diagnosis02:35 Transitioning from Tech to Wellness Coaching05:57 The Philosophy of Integrative Nutrition and Holistic Wellness07:54 Personal Journey to Wellness and Certification10:34 The Role of Integrative Medicine in Tanya's Health14:20 Launching Imperfect AF: A New Beginning17:02 Words of Wisdom for Those Facing Their Own Lemons20:26 How to Connect with Tanya and Imperfect AF21:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can learn more about Tonya's service offerings as an integrative nutrition and holistic wellness coach by visiting her company website ImperfectAF.com. 

Have you ever been caught off guard by criticism for something you did or said? That happened to Terri Dietz, a wellness guru and athlete. Several years ago, Terri told a friend she wanted to be a speaker, and what her friend said in response was jarring. But from that hard lesson, Terri began a journey to find her purpose and to thread together all of her many interests and hats into a purposeful career in wellness. Take a listen to Terri's inspiring story and know that even criticism can be a gift if you are willing to see it that way.

Meet Jen Kodadek, a transformation and mindset coach who after struggling to find her true purpose now helps others find their life's meaning. To quote Jen, life should be lived "by design, not default." So many of us struggle with finding out who we really are and what we were meant to do during our time on earth. Jen is here to help. Listen to her tell her story of struggle and how she now helps others live intuitively. To learn more, visit www.infinitejoylifestyle.com or visit Jen's LinkedIn page at Jen Kodadek or Instagram at infinite__joy. 

Meet Craig Nelson, a friend and colleague who 10 years ago lost his position at an insurance company - a place he had worked for 23 years. Suspecting his job was on the line, Craig started to worry about what to do next until his wife planted a seed to start writing the book he always wanted to write. That is how Seasons on Ice, a historical account of Wisconsin Badger hockey, was born. Hear Craig tell his story of overcoming an unexpected job loss and turning it into a chance of a lifetime to dig into all things Badger hockey. Even if you are not a hockey fan, you will enjoy hearing Craig's jovial rendition of his Lemonspark story. To learn more about Craig and buy his book, visit here. 

Meet Jennifer Bouchard, a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner by trade and current functional medicine nurse practitioner. Functional medicine helps individuals find the root cause of their disease or illness and approaches wellbeing with improving nutrition and removing toxins. Jennifer embraced functional medicine after researching ways to help her daughter Hannah, who died of a very rare, aggressive cancer a few years ago. Her mission is now to help others suffering from cancer find a way to tackle the root cause of their illness and improve their wellbeing. It's as though Hannah jumped inside her and led her to this new purpose in life. Learn about Jennifer and Hannah's story in this podcast episode, and learn more about the services Jennifer offers at Hyperion Functional Medicine. 

Meet George Huntley, a multi-talented professional who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. In this podcast, George explains the differences between Type 1 and 2 diabetes, the epidemic diabetes has become in the United States, and how challenging it is for people to manage either type of diabetes. He also shares the joy he feels in helping others with the disease through the many organizations he has both founded and now leads. Here are the links to the numerous organizations in which he is involved and that you can visit to learn more:https://diabetesleadership.org/https://diabetesleadership.org/who-we-arehttps://www.diabetespac.org/https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/

Meet Lisa Elsinger, PhD, Associate Director of Workplace Wellness at Broward College in Florida and expert in mindfulness and wellness. After a recent car accident, Lisa realized the value of staying calm in the face of traumatic events. In this episode, Lisa shares her near-death experience and how the skill of mindfulness helped her survive. She offers some tips for others who may be facing challenging times right now. Here are some links to the resources Lisa discusses in the podcast:Meta Cognition: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-021-00089-5Center for Mind-Body Medicine:  https://cmbm.org/Center for Healthy Minds:  https://centerhealthyminds.org/Dr. Amish Jha book: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Mind-Attention-Invest-Minutes-ebook/dp/B08THNJ978

Meet Niki Bergler, a Wisconsin resident who overcame childhood abuse and neglect from her parents. She lived on the street and eventually found her way to love and success. Hear Niki's incredible story on this podcast and buy her book, She's Done Pretending, at https://nikibergler.com/, where you can also buy her really cool t-shirts and learn more about this fascinating person. 

Losing a child is probably on the top of any parent's list of worst nightmares. Sarah Miller lived that nightmare and suffered even more after losing her 4 year-old daughter. Hear how Sarah received a second chance at life and what she is doing now to help others overcome their trauma. You can learn more about Sarah by visiting www.wellshinecoaching.com, or texting "transforming adversity" to 786-810-4918.  If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please dial 988 for help.

Meet Rita Roushdy, a manifestation coach who tries to help people realize their dreams in 90 days or less. Learn how her experience with harsh discipline as a child and the COVID19 pandemic led her to do the difficult inner work to find the root cause of her feeling unworthy, transforming her to a happy and helpful manifestation coach. You can learn more about Rita on Instagram at @abundance_on_demand and from her website at https://www.abundanceondemand.co.uk/. 

Meet Kira Henschel, owner of Henschel Haus Book Publishing. Kira started her journey that led to her owning a publishing house after her father died many decades ago. Listen to Kira's story that took her to Austria, where she lived for 13 years, back to the United States, and toward her destiny of giving voice to those who might otherwise be unheard by publishing their books. You can learn more about Henschel Haus Publishing by visiting https://henschelhausbooks.com/.

Meet Bridgette Stewart, a Senior Lecturer and Director of Integrative Wellness at the University of West Georgia. Bridgette recently went through a divorce and found herself struggling to make sense of it. But what got her through that difficult time were here kids and making time for self-reflection. Bridgette shares her heartfelt story in this podcast episode. You can learn more about Bridgette by following her on Facebook at Bridgette Stewart, Twitter at stewie4032 and email at bstewart@westga.edu. 

Meet Joric McLean - the ONLY Joric McLean in the world. Born in the United States, he now is an expatriate living in Portugal. But he wouldn't have been so worldly if it hadn't been for a painful childhood full of severe physical and mental abuse by his stepmother. Come hear how Joric managed to live through the many lonely days and nights locked in a cold, dark basement and how that has led him to be the incredible person he is today. You can learn more about Joric by reading his books Magnet of Madness (Volumes I and II), his story in The Lemonade Stand as well as following him on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Some links are below:https://www.amazon.com/Joric-McLean/e/B08Y5PPSS1%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_sharehttps://lemonadelegend.com/joric-mclean-author/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMRmoTqo6SFphbQc0qfz17w

Stephanie Corder was a busy mom living life to its fullest when chronic illness stopped her in her tracks. For seven years, Stephanie struggled to get out of bed and find peace with the pain. Western medicine failed her. But then, by some miracle and her own research, Stephanie found a cure and was able to become active once again. Listen to her inspiring story and learn more about her faith and new way of living as a Facebook Marketer at www.stephaniecorder.biz and follow her on social media under @warriormompreneur. 

Meet Dr. Wendy Labat: an author, speaker, entrepreneur and cancer survivor. Dr. Labat had been helping others achieve financial stability when she decided to practice what she preached and purchased insurance protection for severe illness. Little did she know that not long after that purchase, she received a cancer diagnosis. Listen to Dr. Labat explain how that traumatic experience gave her a new appreciation for financial planning, which she now devotes her life to helping others reach financial security. You can learn more about Dr. Labat's business at https://thefinancialcures.com/. You can also follow her on Facebook and LinkedIn @drwendylabat and on Instagram at dr.wendy.labat.

Meet Michelle Faust, founder of Lemonade Legend and storytelling strategist. Michelle has experienced hearing difficulties since childhood, but she was still able to become a top selling professional in the pharmaceutical industry, until they fired her (probably as a result of age discrimination). But that didn't stop Michelle from finding her purpose. In fact, those lemons led her to her purpose, which is not helping others tell their lemons to lemonade stories through books, podcasts and TV. Listen to Michelle's inspiring story and visit her website at  https://lemonadelegend.com/.

Kristine Binder, teacher, author, runner and mother of five children, can look back now at the time she was going through a divorce because of financial and emotional abuse from her then spouse, and say "100%" that life is now better. Listen to her inspiring story about courage and how she aims to empower women who are experiencing similar challenges through her coaching practice. Learn more about Kristine and the book The Lemonade Stand: From Sour to Sweet, at www.tutulady.org. 

Natasha Hill is a police officer in Devon and Cornwall, United Kingdom. When she was 29 years old, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. She had two children under age two. Never in her life did she expect this kind of lemon, or her ability to handle all that came with it. Take a listen to her story and feel inspired that even when faced with the prospect of death, so much good can occur (though it doesn't feel that way at the time). Follow Natasha Hill on LinkedIn (Natasha Hill); Instagram (Natashaeo) and/or Facebook (NatashaAnn). 

Kathleen McDonough Mundo experienced first had financial challenges as a child. Her father left her family when she was still in grade school, after he had moved the family of eight from Illinois to Wisconsin. Kathleen found distraction and purpose through her local library, which fostered a love for reading and learning. Education became paramount for Kathleen so that she could have more security as a working adult. She went to law school, and has written a memoir of her experience in Badger State: A Wisconsin Memoir. For all the Gen Xer's out there, this book will resonate with you. You can purchase your copy here:  https://www.amazon.com/Badger-State-Kathleen-McDonough-Mundo/dp/1595987878

Meet Michaela Conley, an energetic and inspirational human being who like many of us, has faced many lemons. In this episode, Michaela shares a story of when her two-year old daughter underwent eye surgery, Michaela learned that her husband had been cheating on her. Though crushed, Michaela emerged from the lemon knowing she did not want to be with someone who didn't want to be with her.  Michaela is also legally blind, but she never let that stop her from taking on the world and making a difference in people's lives. Because of these experiences, Michaela has been instrumental in the health and wellness field, and now offers neuromeditation classes to those looking for relief from their own lemons in life. Learn more at www.michaelaconley.com and www.stateofwellness.org

Mega Real Estate Agent Karen Briscoe was thriving as a commercial real estate agent until the U.S. economy tanked in 2008. In addition to the market decimating the real estate market, Karen also lost her business partner to an illness. Karen had to pick up the pieces, but from this difficult experience, Karen was able to pivot to residential real estate sales. She also was able to find a new business partner, which led her to write books and start coaching other realtors as well. In this episode, Karen shares some very wise words and insights about finding time to do the things that bring you joy in life. You can learn more about Karen's books and coaching business by visiting https://www.5minutesuccess.com/. 

Marisa Perhaes is a retired New York City Police Sargent and mom of five, including triplet boys! She is also an author of the book When I was Blue, available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/When-I-Was-Blue-memior/dp/1546373829. Marisa shares her disturbing tale of a fateful night in 2015 when her 15 year old son was beaten and arrested, which also led to her arrest. As she sat in the back of the police car with her son screaming in the background for help, Marisa employed her ways to cope with difficult moments. She shares those coping mechanisms and her lessons learned in this podcast. She also describes how that horrible night led her to becoming a foster mom of kittens, which brings her pure joy. 

Rachel Druckenmiller aimed to start her own speaking and consulting business after years of working in wellness. Barely a year into her new venture, COVID19 hit and then she was hit by a truck. An agonizing back injury gave her perspective like she never had before. Now, her business of helping others become resilient resonates with many people. In this podcast, Rachel shares her own story of resilience and a few things she learned from her accident. Learn more about Rachel at https://unmutedlife.com/. 

In this episode, we speak to author Nancy Peterson, who wrote the book Dear Husband: Letters to an Addict after her husband of many years died from conditions caused by addiction to alcohol and drugs. Nancy shares the complexities of living with and loving an addict, what she did to help her heal and where her path has led her now, which is to start a business capturing the life stories of others. You can learn more about Nancy and Nancy's business, Talk Story Tradition, at https://www.talkstorytradition.com/about-the-author.html. 

Judith Adrian's sister Nancy suffered from Dermatopolymyositis, a debilitating condition that hit her when she was in her forties. Despite this terrible diagnosis, Nancy not only learned how to live with the disease, but she adopted insipiring coping mechanisms that others who are suffering life's lemons can also use. Judith talks about her book, the disease and her sister's incredible personality to help those who are looking for hope and happiness even if they are surrounded by tragedy.You can learn more about Judith and her books, including Nancer the Dancer, at https://judithadrian.com/. 

Meet Bill Zaferos, author of Poison Pen, a funny adventure about a person who writes poison pen letters for hire.  Bill wrote Poison Pen while on an upswing with his bipolar disorder. In this episode, we discuss how many great works of art and impactful people have derived from bipolar disorder. Bill has learned to embrace his "lemon" of bipolar disorder and now works to reduce its stigma. If you are interested in purchasing Bill's book Poison Pen or learning more about Bill Zaferos, visit here:  https://henschelhausbooks.com/?s=poison+pen.

Listen to Nancy Novack, founder of Nancy's List, tell her story of battling Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and what she learned about herself, and the community of cancer patients, in the process. After listening to so many patients express fear about financial loss from cancer, Nancy set out to create a nonprofit that locates resources to help cancer patients and their families get through difficult times. Nancy also helped author a book "I am with You: Love Letters to Cancer Patients," which has helped numerous cancer patients feel hope and peace during their treatments.  Learn more about Nancy and her mission at https://nancyslist.org/. 

Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Mental Breakdowns by Embracing Vulnerability, Neuroplasticity, Control and Perspective: Miguel OlaveMiguel Olave is a successful sales person, but deep down he had unaddressed trauma that at one point led to a suicide attempt and then a mental breakdown. As a Latino man, he was taught that acknowledging mental illness was a sign of weakness, but because of support systems at work, like his employer's EAP, he sought help that eventually led him to open up about mental health to others online. Exposing his vulnerability drew others to him and now, he seeks to change the world's mindset about mental health while also helping people brand themselves. Because as he has learned, people want to hire you first, not necessarily the services you provide.  Miguel discusses neurplasticity in this podcast. To learn more, click here:https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/

Raising a Child with Down's Syndrome and Finding Purpose through Entrepreneurship.  In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Day, take a listen to Nita's story. Nita Ambedkar was loving her corporate job as an IT professional, but when she learned her second child had Down's Syndrome, she needed to find more balance. This change in her life's plan opened new opportunities, such as starting her own IT business, becoming a certified teacher of Yoga and Zumba, and learning from other parents who have thrived with their kids who have all types of abilities. Nita shares her inspiring story of determination and strength, and her wisdom that even if life doesn't turn out as planned, it can still be filled with joy and purpose. Here is the Welcome to Holland document mentioned by Nita, written by Emily Pearl Kingsley in 1987 and still relevant today:  http://www.dsasc.ca/uploads/8/5/3/9/8539131/welcome_to_holland.pdf.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife grew up Mormon in Vermont. One of eight children, Jennifer wrestled with the role of women in her religion, and with not having a feeling of "abundance" when it came to material wealth. These challenges pushed her toward a career in coaching and psychology, with an emphasis on relationships and sexuality for couples dedicated to a religious community like the Latter Day Saints (LDS). Through her many years of helping clients work through conflict involving sexuality, individual desires and religious expectations, Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares numerous nuggets of wisdom that can help anyone struggling to understand their own place in life. For more information about Dr. Finlayson-Fife, visit her website at https://www.finlayson-fife.com/.

Heather Prince from Essex, United Kingdom, shares her story of divorce and trying to discover the meaning of failed relationships. Heather now shares her knowledge with the podcast and with her coaching clients who hire her to navigate choppy relationship waters. If you are interested in joining Heather's Fearlessly Moving Forwards group, learn more at https://www.therootmaster.com/fearlessly-moving-forwards and be sure to follow Heather Prince on social media.

Angus Nelson has transformed his personal and professional life into one filled with purpose, abundance and love. The lemons that led him to this enviable place include divorce, risky behaviors, financial loss (to where he had to sell his 3000 sq. ft. house and move to a 2-bedroom apartment) and job loss. These lemons taught Angus many important lessons, but perhaps most important of all, that all he needed to thrive in live was already inside of him. He just needed to get out of his own way. Once he discovered that, he was able to write books, speak for Fortune 500 companies, and help others navigate through life's lemons. Angus shares a free gift the 10 Minute Motivator, to help others find their way as well.

COVID19 was just another challenge Bobbi Linkemer faced in 2020. She also lost her business, her ability to drive and moved several times, all very stressful events in life. But, the 80+ year old survivor felt "Zen" even through those tough times by leaning on her passion, which is writing. Despite all the chaos, Bobbi wrote her latest book, How to Age with Grace, Living Your Best Life in Your 70s, 80s, and Beyond, in 2020. With over 50 years of writing and editing experience, and going through a divorce when divorce was not very common, Bobbi has learned a thing or two about surviving life's lemons. Join us for this fascinating discussion about Flow, Mission and Knowing that everything has an expiration date, even life's lemons.To learn more about Bobbi and her book, visit www.howtoagewithgrace.com.

Happy Valentine's Day! What a great way to celebrate the day with a story from Syovata Edari, who shares her powerful story of overcoming discriminatory and abusive work and personal relationships by finding a love for making chocolate and supporting small business, particularly businesses owned by those who face disadvantages. Syovata, or Vata, went to law school, succeeded as a federal public defender and fought job discrimination from an abusive boss while working in Kansas. She also endured an abusive relationship with a man who made her feel like she couldn't live without him, until she discovered she not only could live without him, but could be at the very top of her game on her own merit, which has become making chocolate. Her business, CocoVaa, has won over 30 international awards, all because she has the talent and drive to succeed in whatever she does. If you feel like the whole world is against you and the odds of succeeding seem impossible, listen to Vata's story. It will give you the hope and inspiration you seek.Visit Vata's online store at https://www.cocovaa.com/.

Rene Howitt did not set out to be a child advocate, but when life threw two children in need of stability in her lap, Rene discovered her purpose. She immersed herself into the child welfare system, writing a book and joining discussions about the topic. She then founded Cope24, a nonprofit that educates teens through real life videos about the importance and skills of good parenting. Join us as we discover how our purpose does not need to stem from formal education or training, but from mere desire to make things better.More on Cope24: https://cope24.com/

Isaac Johnson of Forward Moving Education, LLC is a true inspiration. Growing up in rural South Carolina, the now educator and entrepreneur shares inspiring messages daily through his social media networks. Listen how Isaac overcame a premature birth, losing his twin sister, embracing special education to become an empathetic and impactful special educator and founder of an emerging artificial intelligence company.

Isabelle Wettergren is a professional coach who specializes in helping workers overcome addiction in their places of employment. Isabelle learned first hand about the disease of addiction and how it influences the way one thinks by battling her own addiction to alcohol and marijuana. Listen to Isabelle tell her story of recovery and hope and how looking back, she is able to use her personal experience to relate to others struggling with addiction.

Kristi Sachs, owner of Workflow Mindfulness, discusses how unexpectedly losing her best friend to an illness led her down a path of reconciliation with her past and taught her how to live in the present, in peace. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation about how lemons have a way of stopping you in your tracks and forcing you to figure out your "why."

Karen Skarra was 18 when she suffered severe physical injuries from a car accident that left her hospitalized for two months and erased at least two weeks of her memory. Hear Karen tell her story of how her accident revealed a universe of people who feel like no one knows or understands their wounds because they are not visible, but just as real as any visible wound. If you would like to purchase the book she mentions in the podcast, you can do so here:https://mykellyf.wixsite.com/blutalksbook

Meet Jillian Schleger, an author and coach about how to tune into and listen to your body so that your mind can find a way forward through traumatic experience. Jillian has helped numerous people overcome negative thinking and life's dramatic events to find peace and a path toward happiness. But you have to want happiness, which, as hard as it is to believe, some people don't want peace and happiness. In this podcast, Jillian and Barbara discuss how it is possible to overcome traumatic events and neutralize them, and how some people identify themselves with the trauma that a path forward seems unfathomable.

In this emotionally-charged and inspiring podcast, hear from Lacey Paige, a young woman with incredible courage and talent. Lacey tells us about her abusive boyfriend and the horrific events that happened as she tried exiting the relationship. Lacey explains how that traumatic experience put laser focus on her art and her mission to express female strength through her art so that others can feel emboldened to be unafraid and unashamed to express and free themselves from life's chains. If you are interested in seeing, purchasing and/or commissioning any of Lacey's artwork, please visit her Instagram account at jonah_ripley_art.

Hear how Dr. Pamela Reilly handled an oppressive relationship with her late husband and how that experience brought her to helping others who face traumatic or difficult experiences. Dr. Reilly provides uplifting and encouraging words to those who are looking for peace and a path forward.

Meet Rob Kanzer, a native of Massachusetts and expert in nonviolent communication training to corporate leaders, small businesses, individuals and couples. Rob found his path after overcoming his mother's death in his early teens, and becoming a father unexpectedly at a young age and before he had any means of financial support. Learn how Rob tuned into his strength and turned around his perception of himself, which made all the difference in overcoming life's lemons.

In this episode, learn about Rachael Rickman, a truly generous person who is determined to help as many people as she can. Hear about her overcoming her own personal challenges, but also finding ways to help those most in need: the homeless.

Meet Colleen Sgroi, an artist from Massachusetts who for 18 years had a booming art studio. When COVID19 hit, however, she was forced to shut her doors. But, the pandemic offered her an opportunity to explore a new way to deliver her artistic talents - and to more people. If you have faced financial loss during COVID19 or because of any other unexpected event, this podcast is for you!

Join Lemonspark Founder Barbara Zabawa for a very brief introduction to why she created Lemonspark. If you have a Lemonspark story to share, please reach out to Barbara at barbz@lemonspark.com.

Adam shares his story of how he found drawing to help him cope after suddenly losing his wife to breast cancer, as well as his father at a very young age, and how he hopes to create an art incubator in Omaha, Nebraska for budding artists of all types.

Join Dr. Grace Hameister as she talks about her journey through losing her juice bar and facing financial debt and how that experience gave her the skills and courage to find her true purpose as a healer.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Karen Johnson, a licensed social worker, who discusses her work with trauma informed education to sensitize others about the impact trauma has on one's wellbeing, as well as how her personal experience involving her son motivated her to do more with trauma informed care.

Debbie Millman of Madison Trauma Center explains how her clinic cares for people suffering from trauma and discusses the importance of hearing Lemonspark stories as part of the healing process.

Megan Tull, Founder of the Passion Belief Method and entrepreneur extraordinaire, shares her journey to finding her true purpose after experiencing several lemons in her life. Through her engaging storytelling, Megan inspires others to stop functioning on autopilot and ask themselves what they want in life. Megan also provides a free gift to listeners at the end of this podcast, so listen all the way to the end!