The SpelLIFE Podcast

Today we sit down with author Karen Wilkinson to hear her incredible story of faith, love and advocating for her husband through a health crisis. Karen worked as a respiratory therapist for 15 years at Level One Trauma centers, but never expected she would need to put her skills and faith to the test when her husband, Dr. David Wilkinson, was diagnosed with COVID-19. Learn more about Karen at: https://www.karencwilkinson.com/ Buy Karen's book, On Borrowed Breath: A memoir of faith, love and advocating through a health crisis, on Amazon.   

Kathy Feinstein is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sport Performance Consultant. Since 1998, Kathy's unique practice has empowered children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and teams to achieve greater satisfaction in sport, health, and life. She joins us today to challenge sport parents (and parents in general) on the notion that perfectionism can be helpful or beneficial. We discuss how to recognize and respond effectively, should our children develop or currently experience perfectionistic tendencies. Kathy encourages parents to become aware of how our beliefs about our own performance may influence how we parent “performers”. Be sure to listen and share this episode!

You keep hearing about this word “metabolism”, but what is it really? Everyone wants to “ramp it up”, but what does that really even mean?? Living a healthy, strong, and active lifestyle is what we all want… no matter what age we are. Learning the REAL scientific principles of metabolism, energy expenditure, and other core functions of how we can “ramp up our metabolism” are addressed in this podcast. Chris Edwards B.S., CFT, SFN, SSN, Owner & Managing Director of Tricor Wellness is with us to discuss insight on this important health topic. Do you want to know what metabolism is? Or how you can you maximize your energy expenditure? What is basal metabolic rate? Are steps really that important? Listen, learn, and get all of your questions answered! 

Our guest today is Jennifer Linguidi. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and is considered a Functional Esthetician Health Coach with a full specialty license in skincare. She is owner of Purely You Spa, local here in Naples, FL. In this episode, we talk all about how your skin can give insight into things happening within your body and how to address some common issues we see surrounding the skin. Jennifer gives us some great skincare tidbits you can implement today. Join us as we deep dive into the largest organ in our body- the skin!

Dr. Pat Boulogne is a certified functional medicine practitioner, coach, chiropractor, speaker, and author. She has practiced for the past 35+ years in helping people stop adapting their lifestyle to pain and chronic problems by focusing on the whole person. She helps individuals find out the WHY and CAUSE of the problem. She figures out the what, why, where, and how to begin their health journey to live longer, better, and healthier lives. Dr. Boulogne is the founder and principal of AskDrPat HealthTeamNetwork, a company dedicated to skyrocketing your health, lifestyle, and mindset with strategies and programs that make sense and help you age gracefully, think, move, and feel better, and live longer and happier. Listen today!

Maura comes to us as a trauma informed leader and coach, owner and founder of Maura Delehanty Leadership, Inc. Maura is a seasoned health care executive, former trauma nurse, and life and leadership coach for women. Today, she brings extensive experience in the trauma area- dealing with trauma and helping people go through trauma- combined with a multitude of volunteer experience and giving back to the community. Her experience in acute trauma has led her to her current endeavor, helping people overcome the chronic result of trauma. Take a listen as we start to understand trauma and how bringing breath and yoga to your life can help you manage and overcome it!

Today, we welcome Amber R. Mondock, Esq. to the podcast. Amber is owner of Mondock Law PLLC, a law office with a focus in assisting clients in the areas of Trusts and Estate Planning, Real Estate law, and Business law. She has been continuously recognized for her experience and knowledge in the area as a transactional attorney and is dedicated to serving the legal needs of our community. In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of Estate Planning. Why do you need an Estate Plan and when should you establish one? What types of documents are required? How often do you need to revisit an Estate Plan? Join us as we answer these questions and more!

This episode is a continuation of the last. If you have not yet listened, we encourage you to go back and listen to Part 1. Please note that these episodes are not suitable for all populations. Gaynell Anderson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Manual Therapist, and Pelvic Floor Specialist. 

Over the next two episodes, we talk pelvic floor across the ages. Gaynell takes the stage and enlightens us, as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Manual Therapist, and Pelvic Floor Specialist, she answers some of the most asked questions about what a pelvic floor is and how physical therapy can help. Please note that these episodes are not suitable for all populations. Today, we take a deep dive into some common issues that vary according to your phase of life and experiences. We have podcast editors Rachel Zumstein and Briana Brandon on air as we discuss everything from poop norms to sex. Join us for this intimate conversation as we laugh and cry talking about all things pelvic floor! 

Today's guest is Rachel Holcombe, a Registered Nurse, who graduated from The University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and Bachelor's of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Behavioral Science, Biomedical Science with a Minor in Health Science. Rachel has been a nurse for over 5 years specializing in the emergency department and trauma centers. Over the past three years Rachel has been a travel nurse working in the emergency department from the east coast of Florida to the West Coast of California, during the heart of COVID. Rachel recently traveled and volunteered for The Cornerstone Foundation, a nonprofit, Christian, charitable organization which built and administers a hospital-based outreach on the north coast of Honduras, Central America. Rachel has dedicated her life to traveling visiting 28 different countries and over 37 states.

Bridgett Riley is known for her vivaciousness, dedication, and hard work in becoming a world champion in kickboxing and boxing, as well as a professional Hollywood Stuntwoman. She has performed in over 100 films and TV shows, including The Power Ranger Movies, The Island, Star Treck, Twilight, Million Dollar Baby, The Hanger, and Bad Boys for Life. However, her life took a stand still following a diagnosis of stage 3 rectal cancer in June 2019. After multiple surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, she is now cancer free! Today, she talks about her diagnosis, recovery, and return to her active career.  Bridgett says dedication, hard work, hope, prayer, and community were fundamental in her recovery. We not only discuss her recovery, but she gives us some tidbits on how to help those we know who may be diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer. “If I have a take away, it would be to ADD LOVE, and stay POSITIVE in thinking. Get SCREENINGS because it is ALL about being preventative when it comes to our health.” - Bridgett

Today's conversation will touch home with almost everyone in our audience, if not now then at some point in our future. Our guest today is Annalee Kreger, the owner and developer of CareRight, inc. CareRight facilitates a positive caregiver experience through the implementation of An Aging Plan. In this episode, we discuss how to care for aging loved ones and ways to prepare for the “what-ifs” of aging. Too often, adult children are thrown into the caregiving role without proper conversations or preparation for the situation. Learn all about the choices we may have to make for those we love, as family members take on new roles within the family. Prevent the chaos and prepare! 

This episode brings to light a charity that does amazing work right here in our backyards for a “hidden crime”- Human Trafficking. Today, we talk with Barb Bollinger, Director of Development for Path2Freedom—a local non-profit, family-first organization that helps victims of human trafficking. Human Trafficking is a big, sophisticated, growing crime that is an assault against our most vulnerable in society – particularly children.  It does not discriminate as it can happen in any community, and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality.  It is often a hidden crime because victims rarely come forward, therefore, if you see something, please say something using the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Those that are rescued or brave enough to come forward often experience a long recovery period due to the extensive trauma they have been through. Path2Freedom is here to deliver that long term recovery in a family first trauma informed safe environment. The need for these types of services is great and Path2Freedom has ambitious growth goals to expand providing the hope and healing necessary for long-term restoration of these precious lives. In this episode, we learn that Florida is the “worst state” per capita for human trafficking, a realization that hit hard in the recording studio. While this episode discusses a tough topic, we at SpelLife truly believe in the importance of awareness so we can contribute to making Southwest Florida a better community for everyone. Please listen and learn about the signs of human trafficking, what to do if you suspect human trafficking, and ways to get involved in helping and protecting those in our community who need it most. 

Today we talk with Alyssa Rieckelman, licensed mental health counselor currently practicing in the Naples, FL area with a focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, and couples' therapy. This episode is jam packed with information on mental health- When should you seek out a therapist? How do I know the difference between a bad day/week and depression? What should I expect during my first therapy session? What are some techniques to deal with anxiety? Alyssa reminds us of the importance of “filling our cup” and educates us on techniques to get out of that slump we all feel at some point in our lives. We hope you take away a piece of information that helps to lift you up and motivate you this week!  

This episode dives deep into the spiritual dimension of wellness with Dr. Pamela Girali, an architect for the human spirit and creator of Blueprint for the Human Spirit®- a framework for conscious, compassionate living. We discuss her interesting journey to become a student of spirituality along with steps to take to shift your perception and discover your true essence. She reminds us to let go so we can be free to soar and embrace all that we are! Open your minds and your ears for this enlightening episode!

Water. Life's most essential “power”. Here in Southwest Florida, an even greater portion of our livelihood depends on the cleanliness of our water and we owe it to ourselves to preserve it! Join us as we learn from KC Schulberg- Collier County Waterkeeper. We discuss the Waterkeeper Alliance, the degradation of our waters, and ways we can help to keep our water clean. Lots of tidbits of information that you do not want to miss in this episode, all about the environmental dimension of wellness.

We all have them...those voices in our head that generate negative emotions, causing stress, anxiety and self-doubt and keep us from living the life we want. But what if you could learn to silence those mental saboteurs and develop more empowering patterns of thinking, feeling, and responding to life's challenges? With the help of our guest Lisa Gruenloh you can! Lisa is a positive intelligence coach who helps her clients identify and overcome their saboteurs by cultivating the 5 sage powers already within each of us. You won't want to miss this incredibly insightful and valuable conversation!

Today's episode is packed full of information as we talk with Carrie Kerskie, a highly sought-after national speaker, author and consultant on cyber security, identity theft, and fraud. Technology has become a necessary part of our world today, but how do we stay safe and keep our information protected? We discuss fears surrounding technology, three shifts we can make to keep privacy intact, and even talk about ways to safely store all the many passwords you use online. Join Jill and Gaynell in this eye-opening episode!

Today, we interview Dr. Nancy Snyderman. This talk will focus on a dynamic time in a woman's life.  After children are launched and perhaps in the winter of our careers, we have a chance to re-create ourselves.  This isn't about ticking off bucket list items but more a chance to invest in the best asset we have – ourselves. Nancy tells us about her journey from working in successful medical journalism and surgery to her current state in a ranch in Montana and how that has shaped and redefined her. This conversation brings awareness to the importance of finding a purpose, rediscovering yourself, and the importance of seeing, hearing, or smelling something new every day. Listen for all kinds of tips and tricks to help discover and expand your true potential.

SPELLIFE is a non-profit run by an incredible team of volunteers. Today, Jill and Gaynell discuss the benefits of volunteering, they give insight on their “Real Age”, and interview Sharon Tolnai- the Development Manager at Pace Center for Girls- Collier. The Pace Center for Girls is the benefit charity chosen for the 2022 live SPELLIFE Event. We learn all about their mission, vision, and purpose and discuss ways YOU can help! 

Women's health research is critical to population health. It's important for both sexes to understand both the differences and similarities so that we can optimize health outcomes for both. But also, when considering that 100% of our future populations will be born to women, we need to truly understand how critical the gestational period is, along with its ability to impact the health and wellness of our entire lives. Knowing what to expect and how to properly manage our individual risk factors will allow us to focus on staying healthy instead of managing our sickness. In this episode, learn all about the Magee-Women's Research Institute and Foundation and the ongoing studies that have the potential to change many lives! This is an in-depth look at research you don't want to miss!

Naples Vitality founder, Dr. Linell King, joins Jill and Gaynell for today's episode. Dr. King was traditionally trained in internal medicine and later, found his passion in functional medicine. He integrates both approaches to treat patients through assessing the root cause of health ailments versus treating symptoms. Here, he speaks openly about the journey that brought his practice to where it is today, discusses the benefit of functional and integrative medicine, and brings awareness to 5 essential pillars of health. We learn the importance of taking control of your own body, while finding a mentor to help guide you to optimal wellness. Learn how to ask all the right questions to establish a great mindset that propels you into your best self!

Join us as we talk with “Wonder Woman” Dr. Lindsey Berkson, a thought leader in functional medicine and specialist in hormone, nutrition, and gut health. This morning, we talk about hormones and the role they play in aging. This podcast answers all your questions on hormone replacement therapy—When should I start? Is it good for me? How do I begin my hormone journey? We discuss misconceptions associated with hormone replacement, the many benefits and roles of hormones in our body, and how to love your hormones so they can love you. As Dr. Berkson says, “Life is a gift. But, it is also a war. You need tools and protection to maintain this precious gift we call life.” You really can achieve supreme wellness at any age! 

Today's conversation is with Dr. Eduardo Maristany, a board certified Internal Medicine physician who specializes in functional medicine. We talk about the disease that everyone will experience- aging. What causes aging? Are there ways to prevent aging? Dr. Maristany brings forth encouraging research on anti-aging techniques, discusses ways we can activate different compounds in our body to keep ourselves healthy, and we even interview a patient who underwent cutting edge treatments! This episode is packed full of information. Enjoy!

Today, we welcome Yolanda Beckers to the studio. Yolanda is the Director of the Innerlight Meditation Center and non-profit Health and Wellness Sanctuary in Naples Florida. In this episode, we discuss how stress is created by the response we give to life. It's a learning process that meditation can help to guide. Yolanda teaches us the importance of living in the present, emphasizes breath in calming our nervous system, and gives us tools to practice throughout the day to encourage one-ness in our lives. We discuss the importance of meditation in anxiety and depression, with advice on tips to control your mind. She educates us on the importance of “check and change” to turn our negative emotions and thoughts around and ends with a beautifully guided meditation. Take a listen and let us know what you think!

This morning, Jill and Gaynell interview Chris Edwards, owner and founder of TriCore Wellness. TriCore is a wellness management company that uses 3 core elements synergistically to optimize your metabolism—Fitness, Nutrition, and Recovery. In today's podcast, we discuss ways to monitor health and wellness and the importance of coaching to help understand what your devices are telling you. Chris discusses tools TriCore Wellness uses to get an overall individualized picture of your health, from blood chemistry analysis and food sensitivities to heart rate variability (HRV) and lean body mass. Listen in as we answer many questions surrounding how technology can help optimize wellness and how to start your health and fitness journey!

In this episode, we interview the second of our SPELLIFE founders: Gaynell Anderson. Gaynell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist, Pelvic Floor Specialist, Certified Health Coach, and co-founder of A Euphoric Living Foundation and the SpelLIFE Women's Wellness Summit. Here, we discuss “recovery health”, which requires a fine-tuned balance between injury and repair. Gaynell teaches us the phases of tissue recovery as well as the importance of two systems in our body that must harmonize to maintain and achieve optimal health: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Take a listen as we dive deep into these systems and review techniques to control the balance between them to facilitate an optimal physical recovery.

Join us for coffee as we interview one of our SPELLIFE founders: Jill Ciccarelli Rapps. Jill is a certified financial advisor CFP, Partner at Ciccarelli Advisory Services, an IPEC certified coach and is the co-founder of A Euphoric Living Foundation and the SpelLIFE Women's Wellness Summit. In our conversation, we discuss how our “unconscious mind” has an impact on our money and our financial behavior. Experiences and intrinsic traits contribute to our money management techniques, which can influence our ability to take or avoid monetary risks. We all have different money personalities that influence how we spend and save money. We uncover techniques to recognize these filters and limitations to attain “money harmony” within our relationships and unlock our full financial potential. Resources: Book by Olivia Mellan: Money Harmony: A Roadmap for Individuals and Couples (Timestamp 10:48) Olivia Mellan Moneyharmony Quiz: moneyharmony.com (Timestamp 25:00)

SpelLIFE is an annual women's wellness summit dedicated to sharing knowledge from around the world, as well as local services available in Southwest Florida, that help women live physically, emotionally and financially richer lives. In this series, we're bringing the spirit of the SpelLIFE summit straight to your ears!  Gaynell and Jill are sisters with expertise in the areas of physical and financial health. This podcast covers some of their candid, and at times humorous conversations between each other and interviewed experts in other domains locally and around the world. ​In this show, Gaynell and Jill speak openly about different perspectives of shared experiences between women. These conversations are relatable and intended to heighten our ability to live a full and healthy life. We hope each listener takes away a piece of information that makes their life feel more powerful!