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On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I welcome Kerry Hinds @fertilebodyyoga, founder of Fertile Body Yoga, who shares her inspiring fertility journey and how yoga became an essential part of her path to motherhood. Kerry opens up about her struggles with infertility, navigating IVF abroad, and ultimately conceiving naturally after stepping away from treatments. She also discusses the benefits of fertility yoga for calming the nervous system, enhancing blood flow, and creating a supportive environment for conception. In this episode, you'll learn how yoga can help balance your nervous system, why feeling safe is essential for fertility, and practical ways to integrate fertility yoga into your daily routine. This heartfelt conversation is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical tips for anyone on their fertility journey. Key Takeaways:  Kerry's personal fertility journey and challenges with IVF The pivotal moment when she conceived naturally after stepping away from treatments How fertility yoga supports the nervous system and reproductive health The importance of feeling safe and creating space within the body Practical tips on incorporating breathwork, movement, and mindfulness for fertility Guest Bio: Kerry Hinds @fertilebodyyoga is a certified E-RYT, RPYT, Relax and Renew® teacher, fertility yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner. She founded Fertile Body Yoga to support individuals on their fertility journeys. Drawing from her personal experiences with fertility challenges, including undergoing treatments and experiencing pregnancy loss, Kerry offers compassionate guidance to her students. She leads weekly fertility yoga classes and provides various mind-body support programs through the Fertile Body Yoga Virtual Studio. Kerry is also the host of the "Fringe Fertility" podcast, where she explores holistic and alternative approaches to enhancing fertility. Websites/Social Media Links: Learn more about Kerry HindsFollow Kerry Hinds on Instagram Listen to her podcast: The Fringe Fertility For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com To learn more about ancient wisdom and fertility, you can get Michelle's book at: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/ ---------------- Transcript: # TWF: Kerry Hinds [00:00:00] Episode number 329 of the Wholesome Fertility Podcast. My guest today is Carrie Hines. Carrie is the owner and founder of Fertile Body Yoga, a virtual yoga studio that is dedicated to supporting women navigating their fertility journey. She offers both live stream and on demand fertility yoga classes. and small group programs that embrace the complete journey physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, spiritually, and socially. Carrie has been teaching yoga for over 20 years and has been specializing, teaching, and training almost solely fertility yoga for eight years. Her classes and offerings are informed by her own experiences with pregnancy loss, years of IVF, and eventually completing her family with two children. Carrie has supported thousands of women on their fertility journey so far and is on a mission to help women conceive and birth with yoga and community. Carrie also [00:01:00] hosts Fringe Fertility, a podcast that highlights supportive fertility practices beyond the doctor's office. **Michelle:** Welcome to the podcast. Carrie. I'm so happy to have you. **Kerry:** Thanks for having me, Michelle. I'm so happy to be here and spend some time with you today. **Michelle:** Yes. I would love for you to share your story first of all I love fertility yoga. I always suggest for my patients and my clients to do it It's something that I've personally myself have been really transformed by yoga in general. Many different types of yoga, a huge believer in it. And I also think that it's a, I call it an intelligent exercise. It's something that's been around for thousands of years and [00:02:00] really is a medicine in its own. So I would love for you to share your story and how you personally went through your own journey, but also how you combine fertility with yoga. **Kerry:** Okay. Yeah. I'll try and be a little bit concise cause I could go on and on for the, for a long time about this topic. But you know, as many listeners out there, you know, I didn't really start thinking about having kids till I was in my mid thirties. I took me a while to find the person I wanted to share my DNA with. Right. So when I did, we got married we moved to Germany and We went to Germany with the intention of this would be a good time for me to have kids. He's going to do his PhD. Germany has so many great social supports for families and so on. So we're like, Oh, it's just skim the cream off the top of that social system. And so when we got there, as often [00:03:00] happens, things don't go as planned when it comes to fertility. So we rolled into IUI. So we tried for six months, we found a clinic and. You know, we lived in old Eastern Germany, so it was hard to find English speaking doctors. So it was a very interesting time of my life. Not only was it just stressful in general dealing with what's going on and is this ever going to happen to living in another culture, another country? I didn't have a ton of support around, but then trying to navigate a new language that I was not fluent in. at all. So, I, you know, had one amazing friend there who spoke fluent, fluent German, American woman. And she's like,I will help you. And she went into those appointments with me, **Michelle:** oh **Kerry:** did all the **Michelle:** What a great friend **Kerry:** I know, I know. It was so amazing because I was so [00:04:00] lost at that time trying to figure out, like, just what's going on, but then how to say it in a different language or understand it in a different language. So for anybody who's doing this, fertility journey overseas or is here in North America It's not your mother tongue English, and you're trying to figure it out, I see you, I understand how this can add an extra level of stress to it. So we. You know, during that time, I actually went and did a yoga teacher training cause I was like, this isn't working. I want to do something for myself. So let's go get a yoga teacher training. I'd actually been teaching yoga for years before this was, so I've been teaching yoga for 20 years far before, This, you know, all these 200 hour yoga teacher trainings that, you know, you can sign up for one. No problem now. But back then it was your teacher [00:05:00] tapped you on the shoulder and said, Hey, do you want to be like, let's do this. And so that's kind of how I started yoga. But then when I was in Germany, I was like, okay, I need to, let's make this legit, right? Let's go get the training. I love it. I was teaching in Germany and so on. So that was sort of the, the main integration of the yoga into the fertility journey was just taking that bigger step to get the certification. And then, yeah, we went, we did IUIs. The first IUI was successful in that I got pregnant and, you know, 10 week ultrasound, there was no heartbeat. So we lost that baby. Yeah, and it was again, different culture, different bedside manners, different, it was just so stark. That's the word I could use for it. Shocking. It was just like, okay. The baby has no heartbeat. We're booking you in tomorrow for a DNC. Be there at 6 a. m. [00:06:00] You know, there was no time to, to, to absorb what was, to breathe, to figure out what I wanted. it was just like this snowball that was just like, okay, this has happened. You're going to do this. You're going to be better than you're going to start again. And you're going to keep trying and trying. So that's a whole other rabbit hole we could go down. But yeah, it was, it was a lot. It was a lot. And so we ended up going to do IVF, and this was, you know, 15 years ago. So things were maybe a little different than they are now. LikeICSI was just sort of a, more of a thing, right? It's Ooh, we're going to do this new cool thing. ICSI. I was like, okay. And they're like, and then there's embryo glue and we'll glue your embryo to your uterus. And it was all cutting edge at this time. And We did it. We did many cycles frozen cycles fresh cycles. Yeah, so many cycles and [00:07:00] nothing stuck, right? We had been doing IVF for two years and we kind of just paused and said, Is this, do we want to keep doing this?is this how we envision our life to be? And we wanted kids for sure, but we also wanted to start living our lives again. So that was a very pivotal moment in our journey is when we stepped away from IVF. We said, okay, we're done. I had gained weight. I wasn't feeling like myself. My body was weirdly puffy in different places and just, I was unhappy and I was emotional and I was just like, let's. Let's, let's walk away. And I remember my fertility doctor at the time, he said, you know, your chances of getting pregnant naturally are like one in a hundred million. Like you shouldn't be walking away from IVF. And I was like, you know, I'm okay. Like [00:08:00] I just, I need a break. And I walked away and a month and a half later I was pregnant. **Michelle:** Wow **Kerry:** intervention. And then nine months postpartum, I also was pregnant again by accident because we thought we had our miracle baby, right? So we were like, okay, whatever. And then I was pregnant again and through the whole journey, I was using yoga for my body, but more so for my energetic health, my mental, emotional health. So when we ended up coming back to the U S and moving to Boston, that was one of the first things I did. I did a prenatal yoga teacher training and I said, Hey, can we do fertility yoga? And she's like,I don't, I'm sure. I have no idea what it is. Tell me what it is. I'm like, either do I, but I'll get back to you. And that's sort of how the fertility yoga started. And [00:09:00] nobody was really doing it eight years ago. It was, **Michelle:** It's true **Kerry:** Like, there was nothing. There was a few people, there was a couple books out on it but I really spent a lot of time explaining. what it was that we were trying to do when we were doing like a fertility focused yoga practice. So that's kind of the story. That's the evolution. **Michelle:** Well, I love the story. I don't love that you went through the suffering through the story But I love the fact that you can it Prove with your story that when people tell you when you hear from doctors that you have one in a million chance or whatever that is, that is not necessarily the truth. That is their opinion. They say it very factually, and I think that that's where it gets very confusing for people. They say it very factually, and I'm not dismissing what doctors say because a lot of times it could be very accurate or they can, but I, I, what I don't love is Is when things are predicted because the body can be [00:10:00] so unpredictable. And it can also show so many signs that defy what it's going to do. So that's where, you know, I say just have an open mind or getting a second opinion is great. So, but I do love hearing those stories because I think when people who are going through that now and are probably listening to fertility podcasts because they want to get. Answers and hear other people's stories and when they hear stories like that it sparks some hope in their hearts So I think that that's really important **Kerry:** Yeah, I often get Students they'll ask me well what was it like right because this is what we want This is people don't want to do IVF if they don't have to and they're like, what was it? what happened and I was like, I cannot tell you I can't tell you a hundred percent that it was the yoga that I was doing or you know All the other lifestyle changes I was doing but something came [00:11:00] together You magically all together at the right time and this baby happened and if I had to choose one word for it, it would be exhale because there was this feeling that my body was no longer having to perform like it felt safe because I wasn't going in for you know, all these procedures and like they're. You know, minimally invasive, but you're still like vaginal ultrasounds and people poking around down there and all the operations that come with it. Anesthesia, all those sorts of things. And yeah, it's, it's a lot. So my body was like, whew, thank you. Thank you. Let me just be. And I think the mental piece was just like that. I wasn't going to go back to it. At least anytime soon. So my, my body was actually believing [00:12:00] me, right? And I don't think it's It's something that you can fake. It's not a time, like I had to go through those two years of IVF and pregnancy loss to get to that point. I don't think that there's we can't just kind of skip over it and be like, Oh, I'm just going to think this now and I'm going to get pregnant naturally. So it's a process. That's it. you know, everybody's journey is different and we just need to give ourselves a little bit of space sometimes to integrate what's going on and give our bodies that exhale, which is so important. Mm. **Michelle:** I love that you say that because actually exhaling longer can simulate your, parasympathetic nervous system, which is the rest and digest mode, which many times the majority of us in response to life are in the fight or flight mode. And especially when we feel unsafe. And I love that you use the word safe because when we feel unsafe, Then [00:13:00] we're really not in a creative mode. We don't create even like mentally when we're not feeling safe. **Kerry:** Yeah. **Michelle:** When we feel safe, we're able to create, we're able to let go and our body's able to create, and that's a, it's a state of growth. So I love that you talk about that. And I think that one of the commonalities between yoga and acupuncture, which actually they're related in  many ways. And because it's really about moving the energy because yoga is connected to Ayurveda. Ayurveda has Marma points and yoga is actually a branch of Ayurveda. it's part of the medicine of the physicality of the body and moving the energy. **Kerry:** Yep. **Michelle:** Qigong is sort of the yoga of Chinese medicine. So it's very related. And I think one of the biggest commonalities or one of the ways I think it really works is it's all about the nervous system. **Kerry:** 100 percent it, the nervous system. Like when I, [00:14:00] even these days I, when I'm talking to somebody, I'm like, I'm talking to a person. Yes. But I'm interacting with a nervous system. So with the words that I'm saying my body language or how I look at them, right? Like it, it all is interacting with third nervous system. So how are we working with nervous systems? And when we show up, in fertility world supporting people. For me, the huge part of fertility yoga is how do we harness this parasympathetic, I call it rest, digest and reproduce. That's what I call it, just  **Michelle:** Yeah. I love that. Yes. **Kerry:** Because what it is, it **Michelle:** Yup. **Kerry:** It's what yoga is so good at, sadly, right? Like our Western culture view of yoga has been a little focused almost exclusively on exercise and gymnastic style yoga. But [00:15:00] really traditionally, like you said, it was about the marma. It was about the energetic lines running through you and wherever you find that imbalance, you can work with the energetic field to create balance again. And as you know, the Marma points and acupuncture and pressure points are like following very similar lines and it's powerful. But it's subtle, right?  **Michelle:** Right. it's **Kerry:** explain. Yeah, like it's hard to explain exactly what's happening but it is, it's so powerful and it can really be transformative for how we, how we navigate the journey as embracing that, the quiet side, the quiet side of things. **Michelle:** Yes. And I think that the way we connect with it is through feeling. Right. Because that is ultimately how we do it, but we can't feel or pay attention to what we're feeling when we're distracted all the time by the noise of the world. So we're constantly disrupted by the [00:16:00] noise. It's very disrupting actually for our nervous system. We don't realize it because we're so used to it. You could be used to things that are really not healthy for you and listen, you know, hearing the outside noise. And the loud noises of construction, you know, the normal life, if you're living in the city, the constant sirens and honking, and, you know, those things are actually very taxing on the nervous system. And they put us in a fight or flight mode because our bodies don't really recognize them isn't in the natural world. So it stimulates a more fight and flight response. So having that counter balance with practices like yoga. In calming the nervous system. And what I love about yoga is that it includes breath, all the things that really stimulate the vagus nerve mantra sound. So you're able to tune your vibration and breath. Which is also very calming because if you exhale longer, like there's certain controlled breath [00:17:00] where you're able to control your brain through breath and even movement, somatic energy work and emotions that we can at least much more easily, like that control, but manage with our  bodies.  **Kerry:** Yeah. I couldn't say it better myself, Michelle. That was perfect. I think one thing, right, like we, we, we know that the fertility journey is stressful. We know that life is stressful. We know that we're probably living in a heightened state in our sympathetic more than we, we would like to. And yeah, the yoga piece can just. hit so many things. And one thing we need to remember is that we are created like evolutionarily are, you know, we are more attuned to the stresses, right? For survival. So the loud, the loud noises, it [00:18:00] alerts us to look around and see, Oh, is there something coming for me? Or the bright lights and things like that. Like we're just constantly Like our bodies are looking out to keep us safe all the time. And we're tuned to that, right, that our bodies are naturally tuned to go in that direction. And there's way more stimuli that will take us that way. And then with the other side, the parasympathetic, we have to work harder and more intentionally to go there. And I think that is one of the things that is the hardest is you actually need to train the system to be more fluid. It's not the stress isn't going to go away. Stress isn't going to go away, but if you are training your nervous system to float more evenly back and forth between the two and taking the time to go parasympathetic as best that you can, whether it's with the breath or [00:19:00] with yoga or going for a walk in nature or anything like that You're rebalancing, but we have to make more effort that is just the way we're, we're built. And yeah, like things that will help us be calmer are like dim lights, quietude, support. So like lying down flat. So our body doesn't have to be alert, like even sitting, we have to be alert.  So we might not fall over weight. Unless you're claustrophobic, of course so yeah, there's lots of things that we can add, and yoga does that. Restorative yoga, which is a huge piece of how I teach fertility yoga it, that is what it does. those are the things that we're embracing when we do restorative yoga.  **Michelle:** I love restorative yoga. **Kerry:** Me too.  **Michelle:** Oh, it feels so good. It really just feels so good. And you know what? I love to. I remember taking a yoga class and the teacher after we're laying in Shavasana said, allow the ground to support [00:20:00] you. And I'm like, just the thought of that changes. My experience laying down right now **Kerry:** Yes. Yes I say that too in my yoga classes or I'm like the earth is coming up to hold you and you Let the earth hold you like it's like a two way street. It's like here I am I'm here, but you need to let go into it too. Yeah, it, there's so many wonderful things about restorative yoga. I mean, it's not the only part of fertility yoga the way I teach it, but it is definitely a huge part of what I like to emphasize to help train the nervous system that like,  Oh, Oh, I remember this place of calm and safety, right? And then if we can condition it with at the beginning of every Shavasana or every restorative yoga pose, you do three big, deep breaths, long exhales. The body then starts to put it all together. and [00:21:00] say, Oh, when she takes three big, long, deep breaths, it's time to relax. It's time to release and let go. So we can, there's so much we could do to support ourselves on that level, I think. But yeah, society makes it hard. **Michelle:** Right, so it's almost like a triggering relaxation response To something that you repeat over and over again I always say likeif you do meditation and you burn a specific incense That's clean or something that I'm even in the central oil Like diffuse a specific one every single time you start to meditate you're immediately going to It's almost like pavlov's dog. You're always going to associate it with meditation time and our scent brings us Right there because it's so connected our olfactory nerve, which is really responsible for our sense of smell Is connected to our brains directly **Kerry:** Yeah. And certain smells will be more grounding and, you know, so choose your smells. wisely, I would say, you know, where like,citrus [00:22:00] and high notes are a little bit more stimulating where like the deeper tones like sandalwood and like the earthy green trees, those sorts of things can just be really calming. And then plus the volatile oils that are in evergreen trees are calming to the nervous system. **Michelle:** Yeah. It's not amazing. **Kerry:** You know, so why not put those in your diffuser like use all the tools that you can and and and then things smell good **Michelle:** Yeah.  **Kerry:** like  I just  **Michelle:** who doesn't like that? **Kerry:** Yeah Yeah, **Michelle:** That's awesome. So just take people through, likeif they've never really heard of fertility yoga, like what differentiates fertility yoga from regular yoga  or other types of yoga? **Kerry:** Whoo. So the first I would say are the people that are in the class so it is just really dedicated to holding space for those that are trying to conceive and it can be anybody from, Oh, I'm just [00:23:00] thinking about it, but I, my periods have been a little weird all my life. I just want to get in tune with my body to those who have, you know, eighth round of IVF, like really deep into the journey. So I think the community piece is really important because, People like to be seen and understood. And when we do a check in at the beginning of our classes, even though it's online and there's all these little squares and so on on the Zoom room, people, you see people nodding and oh, and like sending hearts and doing all the things. And just creating community around that as opposed to if you went to a regular yoga class and you walked up to your teacher and said, Oh, by the way, I'm doing a stim cycle right now. They're not going to know what to do with you. They're not going to know how to keep you safe, nor are they going to know how to nurture that part of the cycle. So that's the 2nd piece is. Becoming or recognizing [00:24:00] where you are in your cycle and then matching the energies of that time. So follicular phase is a little more. Woo woo, woo hoo, right? Springtime, and follicles are growing, you have more energy because of the hormones, and an ovulation, you're just like the queen bee, right? So these are the energies that we would say, okay, if you're in the follicular phase, you're gonna do this twist, and so on, and blah blah blah. And then you would say, okay, oh, you're in the luteal phase, things are a little quieter, You might be pregnant, you're in the two week wait, you're post transfer, you're stimming, like all these things, then we need to be a little quieter with the body and give the pelvic area a little bit more space. So we would work with that and do some modifications for that. So really following the cycle. So when I'm teaching, I'm constantly, Okay, if you're in the follicular phase, you're going to do this. If you're in the luteal phase, you're going to [00:25:00] do this. So not only am I keeping people safe, but I'm also like finding the nourishing pieces as well. So it's like,I'm boosting that energy and keeping you safe where you wouldn't be able to do that in a regular class. And then the movement piece. Is really just like slow flow, somatic movement, a lot of it's pelvic centered, but not always because we hold tension and all different places in our body, the chakra system, the energetic system, right? We want it flowing as well as possible for many reasons. So it's lots of ooey gooey, juicy sort of moves in and around the pelvis. So what else did I forget? Oh, and of course the yoga wisdom part of it, right? The energetics, the, the wisdom. So I teach, I'm very thematic when I teach. So I will choose a theme and it may [00:26:00] come from yoga. For example, I did a class or I'm doing a series right now. We're doing an elemental series. So it's five weeks. Perfect. Five elements. Let's do this in yoga anyway, or in Ayurveda. So I'm like, we started with earth, like, why is earth, why is grounding important in fertility, then water and fire and so on. So, yeah, just bringing a new perspective into it, like something to be like, oh, okay, I get it. I get that, I need to be grounded and feel safe for fertility to I don't want to say be boosted, but to be, to feel safe, your body, or to be working at full capacity, whatever is happening in your body, your body needs to feel safe for the fertility hormones. Whew.  **Michelle:** I'm sure there's a lot more even that you might not even realize it, you know, because when we feel safe, I [00:27:00] mean, there's so many things that our bodies naturally do. And our bodies are so intelligent. And it puts us into a growth cycle in general, like our bodies are able to regenerate and repair when it feels like it's getting rest, the proper rest. So, also uh, something that I've noticed, and I do have some patients, it's really interesting because it kind of correlates with jaw tension, but it usually correlates with hip tension. **Kerry:** Hip and pelvic floor, probably. Yeah. **Michelle:** And so that's something that I always think about with fertility yoga is really kind of like getting that area more free because it correlates to the first and second chakra. And the first chakra is really that rooted chakra, the place that we feel safe, and that holds up the second chakra, which is really where our fertility is. So in order to have that active, you know, it depends on that foundation of safety. **Kerry:** Yeah. **Michelle:** So also the blood flow, I'm [00:28:00] sure. **Kerry:** Oh, yeah. Yeah. See, there's so much. I like so many things. But yeah, so that somatic slow flow movement that's pelvic centered, of course, it's like, it's energetic, like bringing energy in and like moving energy, which is really important when we're in our lifestyle of sitting stagnant a lot of the time. And yeah, the blood flow, Like this gentle squeeze and release, right? Like it's constantly bringing in new oxygenated blood into the organs of the pelvis. And I think often in yoga, we don't think, we don't think about the organ level. when we're moving our bodies. And that's what I love about the Ayurvedic yoga. It's more okay, this is happening in your body. let's look at the liver, right? So you're doing side bends and the liver and the spleen and just incorporating more of those, organs, like the systems of the body. It's not just about. the [00:29:00] large muscle groups and releasing tension, which feels great and is lovely and good for energy and marma points and things like that. But we can also work at the organ level and the hormonal level. **Michelle:** Yeah, for sure. And do you also include pranayama? Yeah. **Kerry:** I do breath work. I don't do we're going to do half an hour pranayama every time, but I will integrate breath work or pranayama techniques. When they're suited for the theme or what we're doing with our bodies, sometimes mudra as well. So like, let's, Which is our hand gesture. Yeah. It's like a seal. **Michelle:** again, see, it relates to the meridians and the energetic connections in the body. It's like our body's like a circuit. So putting our fingers together in certain positions will actually link that circuit and, and have it continue. **Kerry:** Yeah, yeah, and [00:30:00] I was never really into mudras  for quite a while of my yoga journey like I was like Oh, yeah, let's I'm gonna stick my fingers together do whatever all the things that you know Yeah, mudra and so on that you see all the time and then someone actually sat down and we we I learned and I experimented with like slowly touching your fingers together and then like you know, do you want to increase something or decrease something, et cetera. And it was actually very profound.  And that energetic piece, I believe it, and it's now Ayurveda as well. And in yoga, energy is the thing that connects. The element that connects body and mind. Right. We're always talking about body and mind, but what is it that's, that's going on to connect those two? It's the energetic body. And pretty soon I am hoping western science will get on [00:31:00] board. It slowly **Michelle:** It is. It's really fascinating. I mean, that's a lot of Dr. Joe dispenses. He's always talking about like energy frequencies, and he talks about how we can connect and he does a lot of scientific research on it actually. So he looks at the brain waves and how they respond to certain meditations and certain energy movements. He does also breath a specific breath. And a lot of people have Kundalini awakenings. That's what it, I mean, he doesn't call it that. He talks about it more scientific and he talks about chakras. He doesn't call it chakras. He calls it energy centers. And it's basically the same thing that we've been, you know, we've been taught years ago, thousands of years ago. And ultimately, I mean, people are having Kundalini rising. They, they see this light, they feel this incredible energy just shooting through their spine from the base. It opens up cause that's where the Kundalini of people haven't really learned about that. They say that there's this [00:32:00] dormant energy at the root of your spine. That's always there, but it's sleeping. And so sometimes  doing. Yep. And when we do breath work or certain types of exercises, it can actually awaken that when that awakens, a lot of people have spontaneous healing, spontaneous remission, and it's really fascinating. So his work is also very much based on quantum physics. And if you look at a lot of the old work and teachings of ancient cultures. They describe pretty much what we're learning as quantum physics. And it ultimately comes down to the fact that we are mostly energy and much, much, much, much less matter than we really think we are. We're like 0. 0000001. It's like a million tons of zeros. And then one, that's how our matter is. And if we actually Take it like the space actually is way more in between the [00:33:00] particles in our bodies and just what we  see. So it's kind of like an illusion. It's really fascinating. So we really are vibratory beings, which is why vibration sound really impacts our bodies. I can nerd. I  **Kerry:** I, I'm going to go, I'm going  to,  **Michelle:** all day long. **Kerry:** I know me too. Well, I, well, there's two things I wanted to talk about, but first I want to talk about space and spaciousness, openness. And I often say to my students, like magic happens in the space. So when we think about the body, We need space in our body, openness, spaciousness, for our body to function, right? between the synapses, there's a little gap, right? It's tiny,  but it's there. And that we have, we need to have space, the womb, let's not forget, that is space. openness, spaciousness, [00:34:00] right? we have to have space in our digestive track and air and things like that to keep it moving. And now I'm like going off the deep end and also Ayurveda of course, right? anything that is moving in our body is the air and ether element and ether is spaciousness, it's openness. And so I often emphasize this idea you in class of creating space. When we move our pelvis, we're creating space. We're opening up, we're releasing blocked energy, if you will, or like stagnant blood, like we are getting things moving. And when things are moving, the magic happens, right? Like the space, we need that spaciousness. Oh yeah. I  **Michelle:** that.  **Kerry:** Yeah. The **Michelle:** Well, it's, it's so cool. I mean, cause, cause that's one of the things that Joe Dispenza does is he first, he almost puts you in an induction with his [00:35:00] meditations and he says space, and he wants you to focus on like this endless space. But the reason why is there's a rhyme. There's a reason for everything that he does is that when our minds focus on space, it actually creates. I don't know how to how he described it. Actually. I mean, I go to so many of his stuff, but I don't remember everything but he said that when you do that, I think it takes you almost to a different mind. Mental frequency brainwave when you start to focus on space. **Kerry:** Well, so Yoga Nidra, which we had talked about previously, but Yoga Nidra, which is like a 5, 000 year old technique that the yogis came up with it is about, it is about that. It is about slowing down your brainwave to delta wave, which is what your brainwaves would be like if you were in deep sleep. And why do we love deep sleep so much? Because that's when we heal, that's when we [00:36:00] process and calibrate and so on. Our organs are doing their cleaning up and all that and it's so important and it's definitely related to fertility that deep sleep state. And Yeah, with Yoga Nidra, we're purposefully going there, but being conscious when we're there. So it's an experience that we would never do. We would never get to that state on our, on our own naturally. Like we'd either be in deep sleep or we wouldn't be in Delta. So this is what I love about Yoga Nidra. And like you were saying, just even the concept of thinking about. Space or expansiveness or you know, you're in an airplane, you look out the window and all you see is infinite space. it never ends. It just goes on and on and on. Right. But yeah, it does, slow us down. It slows down the brainwave so we can get out of the, the gamma or the, you know what we're in right now [00:37:00] talking. **Michelle:** Yes. And it also gives you a sense of freedom. You just feel this like sense of peace and freedom from that space. Cause then you're like, ah, you know, there's just so much, and there's so many possibilities and it's open. And so for people actually who have not heard of yoga, Nidra, can you explain what it is exactly? **Kerry:** Okay. So yoga nidra, like I said, it's thousands of years old. It has so many benefits. I mean, it's so many like deep healing, but also like physical deep healing, but also mental emotional. So it takes, you know, sort of these deeply ingrained, maybe even ancestral patterns that we have, we can start to change those patterns. The body can process all of those things. It's so, it's. It's, it's the Soma we say in yoga, it's the sweet nectar. [00:38:00] It's the nectar that we want for our bodies, especially during fertility, but also to for overall health and longevity. We want to have that sweetness and that nectar in us. And what I use it for, I do a ton of Yoga Nidra in classes. It is It is a progressive deep relaxation technique. It that it has been, Huberman has taken it and called it non sleep deep rest because it's more palpable to Western mind. So it's been an eye rest and all these things. So it's yoga nidra has been taken and repackaged in many different ways for our Western minds. I love the traditional one. Of course, I'm sure you probably do too. And. Yeah, you just, you go  ## Marker **Kerry:** progressively to put your body to sleep. So you go through body parts and you relax those body parts and we can, instill or implant a message. [00:39:00] We call it sankalpa, but you can call it whatever you want. Affirmation, it's not quite the right word. Intention maybe of what deep healing you want to happen. And that's sort of implanted throughout the deep relaxation part. And then yoga nidra is actually a state. It's not the progress of getting there. So yoga nidra is when you are, your body's asleep, you're conscious. But your brain is in these sort of Delta waves and sometimes you get there, sometimes you don't, and sometimes the journey is joyful to, to get there too, right? So it's not oh, you have to get to that state to get any benefit. You're still getting all that parasympathetic work going on. The body feels safe and protected. And most people feel very blissful. afterwards, they often say, Oh, it's like hypnotic that there's like this [00:40:00] hypnosis. And my voice too, I think it's like low and like kind of slow and steady. They're like, Oh, I just hear your voice and I start to relax. Right. So it is a really powerful tool. And if I were to choose one thing, like people say, what yoga pose should I do to help my fertility? If I could choose one thing I would say do Yoga Nidra for at least 40 days straight **Michelle:** Yeah, **Kerry:** and see what happens. I think it's perfect. And I have a program, 40 days, a 40 day program where you have the option to do Yoga Nidra every day if you wanted to, or meditation. So yeah, it's, it's perfect. It's really powerful. really **Michelle:** is so cool. And I'm excited actually to have you as a guest contributor to my fertility hypnosis toolbox. Soon. I know a lot of people, listeners are probably on there, so you guys I'll be very excited. I think by the [00:41:00] time this is out, probably going to  **Kerry:** it. to you. I promise. I will do it. I feel honored  **Michelle:** have time. you have time.  **Kerry:** Yeah, I  know. But I wanted to make it, this is me. I want to make it, I don't want to just maybe take an old recording that, you know, It's, you know, been out there for a while. Like I want to make new things for you and also like, where do we need the yoga nidra the most? Like the two week wait, perfect time, um, after law. So you know, I want to theme them so that there's it hits home for what people need the most. **Michelle:** Well, I'm so grateful for that and I'm grateful for this conversation. I think this is awesome. I can nerd out on this stuff  **Kerry:** too. Me too. Me too. I **Michelle:** I think we're on the same page. **Kerry:** I am **Michelle:** fascinating.  **Kerry:** nerdy about it. And, **Michelle:** Yeah. **Kerry:** and, I mean, I know, I love what you do. All the messaging that you're sending out there to those that are on this journey, I think it's so valuable and, [00:42:00] and needed. we need more voices that are like, here, right? here, **Michelle:**  the ancient stuff, kind of like the bridging that ancient wisdom, that ancient nurturing, really connecting with nature. Cause I know that you also are a big fan of nature and being out in nature. And I think that really just kind of coming home to like our authentic authenticity of, as humans, and sort of the tribalness that, you know, coming home to really our roots and the sacredness that we have also as women. I think that that's there's so much power in that. And I think that a lot of people are thirsting for that. And that's why I nerd out on this. I say, it's you know, I could say my brain nerds out now, but I think my soul nerds **Kerry:** Mm. Oh, I love that. Yes, my soul nerds out on it. That is so good. I love that. I'm gonna use it  if I  can't  **Michelle:** said, well, Carrie, like I, we had such a great conversation also on your podcast, **Kerry:** yes  **Michelle:** guys. Yes. I highly recommend you guys [00:43:00] check out her podcasts. Fringe fertility. So it is definitely like something that I highly suggest. Cause you're going to get more of this amazing conversation on there and she has other guests on there. So yeah, very  **Kerry:** thanks for the shout out for the podcast. Thank you. Yeah. Well, it was a pleasure to be here today and sharing this conversation. I could just do it forever and ever. **Michelle:** for sure. And also before we go, how can people find you? What are the best ways? **Kerry:** sure. So yeah, I have a website Fertile Body Yoga. So it's a virtual yoga studio dedicated to fertility. So fertilebodyyoga. com. That's probably the, the lead in place to find me. I'm on Instagram as well. I'm not a huge Instagrammer though. And lately, I'm feeling like I just might need to walk away because for my mental health. But I do have an Instagram account. It is fertile body yoga there. And yeah, like I'm always doing [00:44:00] some great collaborative workshops and I have a retreat coming up at the end of April. You can cut this out if it's not the right timing, but so an in person retreat in New Hampshire at the end of April with. Two lovely co creators. So that, that's the big thing. That is huge. This has been years in the making and it's  finally  **Michelle:** That's so exciting. Well, congratulations. That's really cool. **Kerry:** Yeah. Thank you. **Michelle:** Awesome. Well, Carrie, this has been a pleasure and we really do have great conversations. I could tell you that we definitely are very aligned in a lot of the way we view the body and really view the fertility journey. And also thank you for sharing your own experience and now sharing your story. Cause I think that a lot of people will be inspired by that as well. So thank you so much. This has been amazing. Perfect.  **Kerry:** Thank you. for having me.[00:45:00] [00:46:00]     

Great Green Energy Stock Picks includes these articles: “How Green Energy Players Are Making Big Waves in the Stock Market,” by Christopher Liew; “2 Canadian ESG Stocks for Ethical Investors,” by Adam Othman; “Why This Under-the-Radar Renewable Energy Stock is a 'Strong Buy,'” by Benjamin Rains; “5 Top UK Sustainable Investment Trusts To Consider In H2 2023,” by Gaurav Sharma; and “20 Biggest Infrastructure Companies in the US,” by Ty Haqqi. Transcript & Links, Episode 109, June 30, 2023 Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to my podcast episode 109 titled “Great Green Energy Stock Picks.” It's presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. And look at my newly totally revised website at investingforthesoul.com! So, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode's podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Now if any terms are unfamiliar to you, simply Google them. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief so that I can get as many companies covered as possible in the time allowed. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Links to an additional 3 articles are included below. ------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Great Green Energy Stock Picks Now the first two articles are from Canada, but they detail opportunities relevant to a global audience. The first article is titled How Green Energy Players Are Making Big Waves in the Stock Market, by Christopher Liew, on fool.ca. Here's some of what Mr. Liew has to say about his three picks. “1. Ballard Power Systems (TSX:BLDP) Market analysts recommend a hold rating. Their 12-month average price target is $22.91, or a 293% return potential. Ballard's competitive advantages include experience in manufacturing fuel cell products (40 years), top-tier long-term customers, and strategic shareholders… The latest product and potential growth driver is next-generation, thin, flexible graphite bipolar plates. Ballard plans to invest around $18 million in manufacturing the plates this year through 2025. 2. Nano One Materials Corp. (TSX:NANO) Nano One outperforms the TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange) year to date (+18.85% versus +1.11%). Market analysts recommend a buy rating, with an average price target of $6.50 (+124%) in 12 months. This $302 million company's contribution to the fight against climate change is the production of high-performance lithium-ion battery cathode materials. According to management, the company's technology applies to electric vehicles, energy storage, and consumer electronics. Besides reducing costs, the low-carbon intensity improves environmental impact. Nano One owns Canada's only LFP (lithium ferrous phosphate) battery production facility. 3. Exro Technologies (OTC:EXRO.F) Exro Technologies develops new-generation power electronics that expand the capabilities of electric motors and batteries… The significant upside will come from continued focus on innovation in e-transition and energy storage market verticals. The addressable markets for its lead products, Coil Driver (motor controllers) and Cell Driver (energy storage), should reach US$133 billion and US$224 billion by 2030, respectively… Market analysts recommend a strong buy rating, forecasting 55% price appreciation in one year.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 2) Great Green Energy Stock Picks Now, the second article is titled 2 Canadian ESG Stocks for Ethical Investors, by Adam Othman on fool.ca. Among Mr. Othman's comments on his two picks are these. “1. Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) might not seem like an ESG stock… However, this Canadian Dividend Aristocrat can be an excellent investment for this purpose. The $105.92 billion market capitalization company headquartered in Montreal is vital to the North American economy. Boasting the only 18,600-mile railway network connecting three coasts in North America… It generates solid financial results. In 2022, it increased its revenue by 18.2% and net income by 4.5%, increasing its free cash flow by 29.2% compared to the previous year…. Sustainalytics gives Canadian National Railway stock a low ESG risk rating due to its Climate Action Plan aligning with international ESG standards. 2. Innergex Renewable Energy (TSX:INE) The $2.73 billion market capitalization company develops, owns, and operates run-of-river hydroelectric facilities. It also has a substantial number of wind and solar energy farms located in North and South America and France. …Operating as an electricity utility company, it has a low-risk business model. 2022 saw Innergex reduce its net loss from $185.4 million in 2021 to $91.1 million. Its free cash flows rose by almost 60% year over year… As of this writing, Innergex Renewable stock trades for $13.39 per share, down by 34.55% from its 52-week high. Currently, it pays its shareholders their payouts at a juicy 5.38% dividend yield.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 3) Great Green Energy Stock Picks And now to a company that's often overlooked according to this Zacks analyst. The article is titled Why This Under-the-Radar Renewable Energy Stock is a 'Strong Buy'. It's by Benjamin Rains and found on zacks.com. Here's some of what Mr. Rains says about Arcosa, Inc. “Arcosa, Inc. (ACA - Free Report) provides infrastructure-related products and solutions across construction, engineered structures, and transportation markets. Arcosa is benefitting from megatrends such as aging infrastructure, as well as the ‘continued shift to renewable power generation, and the expansion of new transmission, distribution, and telecommunications infrastructure…' Arcosa crushed Zacks Q1 earnings estimate in late April and provided hugely upbeat guidance. Arcosa's fiscal 2023 consensus estimate has surged by 44% since its report, with FY24's figure 38% higher. Arcosa's bottom-line positivity helps it grab a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy)… Arcosa's engineered structures division includes utility structures, telecom structures, wind towers, and beyond. Arcosa's wind tower business is booming… since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act… The gusts at Arcosa's back include grid-hardening, electrification of vehicles, connecting renewable energy to the grid, the wireless 5G telecom buildout, and more… Other Fundamentals Zacks estimates call for Arcosa's adjusted 2023 earnings to surge by 27% and then jump another 18% higher in 2024 to reach $3.26 per share… Overall, Arcosa appears to be a somewhat under-the-radar and strong way to gain exposure to multiple long-term trends in the U.S. and global economy. And its recent slip sets up a better entry point.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 4) Great Green Energy Stock Picks Next is this article, also applicable to a global audience. It's titled 5 Top UK Sustainable Investment Trusts To Consider In H2 2023. It's by Gaurav Sharma and seen on forbes.com. Here are some quotes. “Typically listed on UK and Japanese markets, investment trusts are public-listed pooled investment vehicles that generate income by investing in stocks of other companies, bonds (both corporate and government issued), real estate, infrastructure and privately held enterprises, etc.… Based on current dividend yields*, NAV discounts** and exchange rates***, for me the following five UK-listed sustainable investment trusts stand out: 1. Triple Point Energy Transition Plc (LON: TENT) Dividend Yield: 8.27% Listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, Triple Point Energy Transition Plc invests in UK and European renewable energy projects touting its credentials as a stable dividend-paying trust that aims to enable a pan-European transition to a low carbon economy. Furthermore, its 7-8% average dividend yield not only ranks it among the highest in its category but also puts it on the list of the 20-highest dividend-yields among all UK-listed investment trusts. 2. NextEnergy Solar Fund (LON: NESF) Dividend Yield: 7.52% NextEnergy Solar Fund is listed on the London Stock Exchange's main market and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. As the name suggests, it invests in a diversified portfolio of solar energy and energy storage infrastructure assets. Most of its long-term cashflows are inflation-linked via UK government subsidies, and it offers an attractive dividend yield. 3. Renewables Infrastructure Group (LON: TRIG) Dividend Yield: 5.97% Renewables Infrastructure Group has been listed on the London Stock Exchange for over a decade and is also a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. The company focuses on onshore and offshore wind farms and solar parks in the UK and Europe. 4. Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust (LON: ORIT) Dividend Yield: 5.52% With its management trail leading to one of Europe's largest renewable energy investors – Octopus Energy – the Octopus Renewable Energy Infrastructure Trust aims to provide both capital appreciation as well as sustainable dividends by building and operating a diversified portfolio of renewable energy assets in Europe and Australia. 5. Greencoat UK Wind Plc (LON: UKW) Dividend Yield: 5.51% Greencoat UK Wind has the honor of being the first UK renewable infrastructure fund to list on the London Stock Exchange. It is also a constituent of the FTSE 250 index and is focused on UK wind power generation.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 20 Biggest Infrastructure Companies in the US Now, the US economy is currently being lifted by two massive spending bills related to infrastructure. Many ethical and sustainable investors see infrastructure companies as having a place in their portfolios. So, this article might be of interest to many of you. It's titled 20 Biggest Infrastructure Companies in the US. It's by Ty Haqqi and is seen on finance.yahoo.com. Only the public companies and non-fossil-fuel related are included here... and quotes about these companies are limited. “14. Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI) Total revenue (in billions): $58.1 Crown Castle provides shared communications infrastructure in the U.S. including small cells, cell towers and fiber, and counts itself among the largest U.S. infrastructure companies. 13. Fluor Corporation (NYSE:FLR) Total revenue (in billions): $13.8 Fluor Corporation is one of the biggest engineering companies in Texas… The share price of Fluor Corporation has stayed the same over the last one year with its gains being wiped out over the last few months. 12. Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) Total revenue (in billions): $12.7 Norfolk Southern Corporation is one the biggest railroad companies in the U.S., not to mention among the largest infrastructure companies in the U.S. Norfolk Southern Corporation has been in the news the past few months for a massive derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which resulted in the release of tons of toxic chemicals, and has recently been sued by the Department of Justice for the same. 11. American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) Total revenue (in billions): $10.7 American Tower Corporation owns and operates wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure not just in the U.S. but in several other countries as well. 6. CSX Corporation (NASDAQ:CSX) Total revenue (in billions): $14.9 CSX Corporation is engaged in the business of real estate and rail transportation, and is headquartered in Florida. CSX Corporation's ROE has exceeded the industry average in the past though part of that is because of the company's high debt portfolio. 3. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) Total revenue (in billions): $24.9 Union Pacific Corporation is the largest railroad company in the country, and one of the largest infrastructure companies in the U.S., and has provided a return of 61% to its investors in the last 5 years. 2. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) Total revenue (in billions): $120.7 AT&T Inc. is one of the biggest telecom and mobile telephone services company not just in the U.S., but also the world. Recently, AT&T Inc. raised over $4.2 billion in an attempt to buy out wireless minorities. 1. Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) Total revenue (in billions): $121.4 Comcast Corporation is among the most valuable telecom companies in the world and its stock is favored by institutional owners who own around 85% of the company's stock.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Two Other Honorable Mentions 1. Title: 5 Top Alternative Energy Companies on builtin.com. By Margo Steines. 2. Title: Why T. Rowe Price Group is a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock (TROW) on nasdaq.com. By BNK Invest. One Article from Australia Title: The Ethical Investor: El Niño is back! But there's one ASX company that could benefit from a potential drought. By Eddy Sunarto on stockhead.com.au. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Comment Well, these are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips -- for this podcast titled: “Great Green Energy Stock Picks.” Now, please be sure to click the like and subscribe buttons on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you. And please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let's promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these terribly troubled times! Contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for listening and wishing you a wonderful Independence Day if you live in the US and a terrific Canada Day should you live in Canada. Talk to you next on July 14th. And, again, look at my new totally revised website at investingforthesoul.com! Tell me what you think! Bye for now.   © 2023 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul

Diogo Rau is Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer of Eli Lilly and Company ( https://www.lilly.com/leadership/executive-committee/diogo-rau ) where he leads Lilly's information technology, cybersecurity, digital health, and advanced analytics and data science functions. Mr. Rau also serves as Chair of PrescriberPoint ( https://prescriberpoint.com/ ), a digital marketplace, which Lilly was a seed investor in, where healthcare providers can find all of the resources and support they need in one place to get their patients on therapy, for any medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or approved for over-the-counter use. Mr. Rau joined Lilly in May 2021. Prior to joining Lilly, he led information technology for retail and online stores at Apple, Inc. During his 10 years at Apple, he led the development and implementation of the technology supporting the Apple Online Store and Apple retail stores, including the e-commerce platform, mobile point of sale, the Apple Store App and systems used by store team members. Prior to joining Apple, Mr. Rau was a partner with McKinsey & Company, where he led the North America IT organization and governance practice. Mr. Rau began his career as a consultant at A.T. Kearney and later founded GiftGateway, a software company that brought rewards and recognition online. Mr. Rau graduated from Stanford University with a bachelors degree in computer science and a masters degree in industrial engineering and engineering management. Support the show

“A View from the CFO's Office: Scott Armstrong with CONA Services LLC” Supply Chain Now Episode 443 This episode of Supply Chain Now features Scott Armstrong. Scott Armstrong is the CFO for CONA Services LLC, the largest Coca-Cola North America Bottler IT Services Company. Scott is a 30 year veteran of the The Coca-Cola System and has worked extensively in various global financial and IT roles across his KO career. He started his finance career working as an international auditor in Germany in 1989 and then joined Coke Germany in 1991 to begin his KO career. Moving back to Atlanta with his family in the summer of 1996, he has held a variety of financial and IT related roles working on major system transformation initiatives over his career, including positions in Corporate Finance, North America IT and the global Bottling Investments Group. In January 2016, Scott moved into the role of CFO for CONA Services LLC and has been focused on helping build out, operate and enhance this new IT Services organization that supports the North America Bottling System. Upcoming Events & Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Subscribe to Supply Chain Now and ALL Supply Chain Now Programming Here: https://supplychainnowradio.com/subscribe Leave a review for Supply Chain Now: https://ratethispodcast.com/supplychainnow Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gswhite/ Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pauljnoble/ Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-armstrong-bb9006b/ Supply Chain Now Ranked #1 Supply Chain Podcast via FeedSpot: tinyurl.com/rud8y9m Supply Chain Now Ranked #3 Supply Chain YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/yazfegov Register for 6 River Systems' FLOW 2020: https://pheedloop.com/flow2020/site/home/ AIAG Virtual 2020 Supply Chain Conference: https://tinyurl.com/y8axeflc Download the Q2 2020 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: freight.usbank.com/?es=a229&a=20 Register for Reuters Events Supply Chain USA Virtual 2020 Summit Here: https://tinyurl.com/y4mj6jph Check Out News From Our Sponsors: U.S. Bank: www.usbpayment.com/transportation-solutions Capgemini: www.capgemini.com/us-en/ Vector Global Logistics: vectorgl.com/ Verusen: www.verusen.com/ ProPurchaser.com: tinyurl.com/y6l2kh7g This episode was hosted by Greg White and Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnowradio.com/episode-443.

Deception is the watchword on the second episode of Blazed All Our Lives: Desperate Business. Both Rosie Bush and Bianca Wolf are keeping things from their partners. We learn what Jim Brinkman's dark secret is and that Bianca has some of her own. What in her past is so damning that it could destroy Rogue Nun Productions? At the Valducci mansion, Fausto reveals that he's dying and that the family must go to their villa in Alberta to select a new leader. Fiona has her eye on the position but with her brother Vincenzo in the way, there's no chance she'll be selected. What lengths will she go to in order to solidify her place as the most powerful mob figure in North America? It's not all incense and roses over at DeStrange's Bookstore. Dante hasn't been the same since he and Pandora started dating. Not only is he moody, he's using his powers - which he vowed never to do! Should they have just stayed friends? The following day, Sister Indica and Pandora go for one last shopping spree before the baby arrives. While at Goldie's, they have a tense confrontation with Rosie Bush, causing Sister Indica to go into labor! After she and Pandora leave for the hospital, Rosie takes a dramatic fall down a marble staircase! Will she survive or is this the end for the co-President of Apollo Media Enterprises?!

Take part A1-2 and add part D3-5, then turn the middle part top-wise?? This week, we're talking about the world of Gundam plastic models, AKA Gunpla, with special guest, Lauren Orsini—The Otaku Journalist and author of Gunpla 101! Next week: Are you hearing voices? Animal noises? The creme-de-la-creme? The feminine abyss? I'm not sure what any of that means, but we'll be hear to talk Scott Pilgrim with a special guest! Where can I learn more about Lauren Orsini? If you want to learn more about Lauren, you can follow her on Twitter, or read about more of her work on The Otaku Journalist, _Gunpla 101, or the Gunpla 101 twitter! Episode outline Fandom Facts History and Origins: While doing the research for this week's topic and unearthing the history of Gunpla, we inevitably were lead to our guests on words. From Gunpla101.com's "the History of Gunpla": > Mobile Suit Gundam, the first Gundam series ever, aired in 1979. > > Less than a year later, the first Gunpla kit appeared. And for the past 30 years, people of all ages have continued to enjoy this unusual hobby. > ... > - The word “Gunpla” was coined at the same time as the first kit. Like “cosplay,” it’s a Japanese amalgamation of two English words—“Gundam” and “plastic,” as in “plastic model. English speakers will interchange this with “Gundam models,” but we usually say Gunpla because it’s shorter. > - The first Gunpla, released in July 1980, cost just 300 yen, or about $3. Obviously, it was a kit for making the very first Mobile Suit Gundam model. > - The earliest Gunpla kits, released between 1980 and 1989, are nothing like the Gunpla we build today. Instead of snapping together, you had to glue them together with cement. Even trickier, they were all one color, and you’d need to paint them first! You’d get a rigid, hardly poseable model for your reward. Today these are called FG (First Grade) kits. > - The first High Grade was released in 1990 and cost 1000 yen, or about $10. As would become a tradition, the first model of any grade was the original Mobile Suit Gundam. Today High Grade is synonymous with “cheap and easy,” but in 1990 it was considered a more detailed, poseable grade of Gunpla. > - The first Master Grade was released in 1995 and cost 2500 yen, or about $25. It is the first time the original Mobile Suit Gundam was named correctly, as the RX-78-2. The grade was originally designed to be used for a select number of models to commemorate Gundam’s 15th anniversary, but the popularity of these more accurate models is why they’re still being manufactured to this day. > - The first Perfect Grade Gunpla appeared in 1998 and cost 12,000 yen or about $120. Today’s Perfect Grades make this look cheap, often topping $200 or more. Perfect grades come in 1/60 scale and include so much detail that they can take weeks to build. They may even come with wiring for LEDs or other electronic features. > ... > - The first Real Grade showed up just recently, in 2010. It was designed to be a step up from High Grade in terms of realism, without being as complicated as a Master Grade. Search Data: Looking at some of the Google Trends data since 2004, Gunpla has gained some popularity, and is relatively stable in terms of search volume having grown by 50% since 2004. There appears to be some precipitating event around September 2013 where interest picked up quite a bit, possibly in relation to Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin being released in North America? It's unclear. The top ten countries by search volume are: Japan (by a huge margin), Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Canada is 11th, and the United States is 13th. Size of Fandom: Based on a number of different sources: The Gunpla Subreddit has over 48 000 subscribers The Advanced Gunpla Subreddit has over 3000 subscribers "As of 2015, Bandai has sold an estimate 450 million units, with nearly 2,000 different Gundam plastic models" Wikipedia. A simple calculation of units per model gives us over 225 000 units per model (and a good rough estimate of the number of fans). It's safe to say that there are probably more than 100 000 fans. Fan Demographics: We don't have data for this week's fandom, but we do have some data of fans of Gundam from the Gunpla subreddit, which is close (it's at least the same sample population). From a survey conducted by MrUsamaKhan... Most folks got into Gundam via the Anime (79.7%), but a large percentage also got into it via Gunpla (13.5%) Gundam Wing was the first Gundam anime that most saw (42.1%) followed by Mobile Suit Gundam (14.2%), and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED/SEED Destiny (12.7%) There was also a link to Gunpla demographics in Japan which includes some age data and a comparison of 2010 to 2015 (along with when different Gundam series were released): Age: The largest group is folks ages 40-50 (30%) followed by folks ages 30-40 (22%) then folks age 20-30 (20%). It looks like, for the most part, folks are growing up with the hobby, but also, younger folks are getting into it too! From Lauren's own Gunpla 101 stats: Age: About 33% are ages 25 - 30 (the largest group) followed by folks 18-24 (Google Analytics does not report on folks younger than age 18) Gender: Fairly even, with 54% male and 46% female Fanac Fast Facts: There are over 6300 works on Archive Of Our Own in the Gundam series: Age ratings: Teen and up (1900+), General Audience (1700+), Explicit (1200+) Categories: M/M (3700+), Gen (1500+), F/M (1200+) Fandoms: Gundam Wing (5100+), Gundam 00 (400+), Gundam Seed (200+) Japanese researchers discovered in 2005 that in a study of university students, building Gunpla before doing mathematical drills produced a significant improvement in completion time. Last Episode's Famous Last Words Michael How big can the models get? G Are there enthusiasts who don't care about the series at all? T What are the forbidden techniques of Gunpla? (think about Lego) Z Gunpla is the modern day ship-in-a-bottle building. This week's spotlight Gunpla Builders World Cup > “Gunpla Builders World Cup” is the official Gunpla global tournament presented by BANDAI where modelers around the world show off their completed Gundam models. The competition determines the greatest Gunpla builder in the world and let creators fight for the title of Gunpla World Cup Champion! If you happen to be at Otakuthon next week, you can probably participate in the Canadian semi-finals portion of the GBWC! OR if you happen to be at Otakon, you can check out Lauren's panel, 39 Years of Gundam Anime, or the Art in Gundam panel. Race Against Time IV > Now in its fourth year running, the Race Against Time is an annual charity marathon to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Canada by beating the SNES classic, Chrono Trigger, as many times as possible in 24 hours. This year, the event is running every week until August 11 and 12 for the main event (see website for detailed schedule). > > Alzheimer's is a terrible disease that slowly robs those afflicted of their memories, and, eventually, their very sense of being. We are racing to help preserve those memories of loved ones and for a cure to stop it once and for all! > > All donations go directly to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Famous Last Words This week's famous last words around next week's fandom, Scott Pilgrim! T How popular is Scott, as a character within the fandom? G Is the music portion of Scott Pilgrim as important to the GN fans as it is to fans of the movie? Z How divisive was the movie? Lauren What did you think of Lost at Sea?? Do you want to talk about Lost at Sea with Lauren? Where can you find us online? We are everywhere! Most notably though, we like to hang out in a few places on social media: If you want to be part of our podcast (or just want to check us out), we record our podcast LIVE on twitch.tv every Monday at 20:00 Eastern Time! For all the latest updates, check us out on Facebook or Twitter To see the latest hijinx from our conventions or even our daily lives and adventures, check us out on Instagram For our latest convention updates, Let's Plays, and other in-real-life video, check out our YouTube channel We're also on iTunes, and Google Play, and would love it if you could leave a review and rating! if you want to reach us, and for some reason none of those work for you, try nick@thenickscast.com You can check out our website; that will mostly bring you back to this stuff. Everything is thenickscast, so if you can't find us, go on your social network and search for that! What is "Fanthropological"? How did you read this far without asking this question?! Fanthropological is an anthropological (ish) podcast where we bring the fan's-eye view to you! Each week, we take a look at a different fandom, dig up interesting background, trivia, and history, and try to get to why it is that people are a fan. We also try to highlight good causes related to that fandom, and find interesting things that fans have created to share those to the world. Each episode is about an hour. Ish. Who is "The Nickscast"? We are the Nickscast! Three products of late-80s / early-90s pop culture who love exploring fandom and everything geek ... who also happen to have been best buddies since high school, and all happen to be named Nick. Yes, we are super creative (dare we say, the most creative). Ahem We are Nick Green, Nick Terwoord, and Nick Zacharewicz: We started the Nickscast as a labour of love, and as a place to entertain and to discuss our love of fans and fandom, and all that is shiny and interesting in that realm. It's what lead us to start our first podcast, our satellite podcasts, Fanthropological, and so much more. We want to help others learn more about different fandoms, and to create empathy with other fans: We dream of a world where other fans aren't "those Weird-o's", but just folks with different tastes. A world where fandom is full of discourse and analysis, and there are plenty of tools and resources to help. Fans building communities to do good in the world. Because everyone's a fan. Thanks Special thanks to Lauren Orsini for making the time to chat with us, especially as she was in the midst of a move when we had chatted with her! Credits Sources Wikipedia - Gundam Models Gunpla 101 - The History of Gunpla Wikipedia - Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin r/Gunpla - [Results] The Definitive Gundam Survey 2016 - Initial Results Archive of Our Own - Gundam Series and related fandoms Prezi - Model kit building and its effect on the brain Crunchyroll - Social Media Falls In Love With "Gundam" Relationship Story Gunpla 101 - Trust You: The Making of a PG Gundam 00 Diorama Gunpla 101 - How Gunpla First Came To America Wikipedia - Impossible Bottle Instructables - Building a Ship in a Bottle YouTube - Putting a Ship Into a Bottle Marine Insight - Everything About Ship in a Bottle - The Famous Nautical Gift Folk Art in Bottles - The History of Ships in Bottles Wikipedia - Gundman Model The Gundam Wiki - Gunpla Gunpla 101 - About Us Anime Amino - Why Build GUNPLA? (An Introduction to Gundam Model Building) The Escapist - Scientist Says Building Gundam Models Makes You Smarter FROM JAPAN Blog - Why Is Gunpla So Addictive? Quora - Can You Buy Gunpla When You Become Adult in Japan. And Do "Most" People Look Down on You? r/Gunpla - Why Do You Build Gunpla? r/Gunpla - Dear r/Gunpla, Thank You r/Gunpla - Does Anybody Else NOT Watch Gundam? r/Gunpla - Thoughts on SD Gundams Shaolin Wahnam Institute Forum - Model Building, Another Form of Meditation? Music / Sound "Conjuring a New Enemy" by TeknoAXE used under CC BY 4.0 All other music and sound for this week's episode were provided by Nick Green!

Summary Brian Mayer talks about how verbal conflict when it gets out of hand has been correlated to physical ailments and other medical conditions.  As a child, we were told that sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt.  New scientific research says that words can actually hurt just like sticks and stones.  Today we will talk about this important issue.  We hope you enjoy today's episode.  For more information and additional resources please visit our website at http://www.theremarriedlife.com Today's Goodies In relationships and marriages we spend a lot of time working on getting the communication and the connection between two people just right.  This is a good thing for lots of reasons.  It is good to connect on an emotional level.  It is good for the kids, good for families, good for your ability to balance work, friends, and families.  However, did you know that relationships that are happy can also have a positive impact on your health.  This is the piece that most people don't know, but new scientific research has shown a correlation between an unhappy relationship and your physical health.  A study from Ohio State University's Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research worked with 42 couples.  They made some tiny suction wounds on on their hands.  Then the couples were asked to talk about a tense subject.  The researchers also paid attention to the way in which they argued and how long it took for the couple to bounce back. The results of this study were somewhat astounding.  They discovered that couples whose disagreements were marked with lots of criticisms, put downs, interrupting had wounds that healed 40% slower than those couples whose disagreements still had lots of listening, respect, humor, and the ability to move on.  This study and others like it also showed that for women the results are even more tough.  Women according to study are biologically have a different reaction to hostility for a couple of reasons: Women tend to evaluate negativity accurately while men are somewhat oblivious. Men forget exchanges rather quickly while women can replay them over and over again.  The same researchers at Ohio State also did another study of newlywed couples and looked at stress hormone release after an argument or disagreement.  In this study they found that, the stress hormones like cortisol and other remained elevated.  For women, the levels remained elevated much longer.  Other studies, especially one from the University of Utah also took a closer look at women and what is known as metabolic syndrome and the issues surrounding that as it relates to happy and unhappy relationships.  According to the Mayo clinic, Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat especially around the waist, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  All of these factors contribute to the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.  So back to the study – men and women were both assessed for what they saw as positive and also what they saw as negative in their marriage.  Interestingly enough, a higher percentage of women that had depression about their marriage were more likely to have metabolic syndrome than men.  Again suggesting that while marital strain is tough for each gender, that it is tougher on women.  So what does all this mean?  To put it bluntly, you will suffer health consequences and even have the potential to die an early death if relationship problems are not corrected.  Did you know that the secret to living longer may be held in your social life.  According to a Ted Talk by Susan Pinker which is linked in the Resources section, she cited an interesting study that pointed this out.  The tiny Italian island of Sardinia has six times as many centenarians (100+ year olds) as does the mainland and ten times as many as North America It was discovered that two of the keys to long life there centered around being social integrated and also close relationships.  Believe it or not, things like not smoking, not drinking, exercising were found to not have as strong a link as these social and relationship components.  What can you do to fight against these issues? First recognize the cycles of arguments that you get into with each other.  Notice the ways in which you each react and respond.  There is no doubt a pattern that you will see emerge in how you escalate. Secondly, work to know what your triggers are.  Maybe things don't go well between the two of you when you have already been chewed out at work or if one of the kids is sick.  You may react to something different when you are under other stress.  Instead of reacting, make it known in a respectful calm way that you are stressed and that another time to discuss would be helpful.  Ask your partner for what you need.  If that is to be talked to more gently or to be heard a bit more then ask for that.  Talking about how you argue when you are calm can go much better typically.  It is not full proof but can help.  Just remember, your constant escalation of arguments that cause bitterness and resentment are also affecting your body.  Also remember the way in which you speak to partner also has been shown to correlate with their physical health.  Think about this the next time you discussion starts to get off the rails.    Resources The High Price of a Bad Relationship Bad Marriages Harder on Women's Health The Secret To Living Longer by Susan Pinker – Ted Talk Video Thanks For Listening! With so many things that take time in our lives, I more grateful than you know that you took time to listen to this podcast episode.  If you liked this episode and believe that it would be beneficial to a friend, family member, or colleague, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. The Remarried Life Facebook Group is a community of people just like you who get and give support.  Please join today!  ​ As always remember that marriage is nothing something you have, it is something you do.  Talk to you next week unless you are binge listening in the future in which case I will talk to you in about a minute!  Take care.    

 Two Wheeled Nomad / Royal Enfield Two years ago we had Lisa Morris and Jason Spafford, Two Wheeled Nomad, on ARR. At the time Lisa was a newbie to riding, and the trip was just in the beginning stages. Recently, Jim talked with Lisa and Jason about what they've been up to as they plan the next leg of their adventure. Where are they headed to and is there any end in sight to their moto adventure? And on the heels of the grand opening of the Royal Enfield North America headquarters and first flagship showroom opening, Jim had the opportunity to discuss the future of the Royal Enfield motorcycle with Siddartha Lal, CEO of Royal Enfield and Rod Copes, President of Royal Enfield North America. Will an adventure bike be coming to North America? Two Wheeled Nomad - Lisa Morris & Jason Spafford Two years on the road, and still going strong, Lisa and Jason talk about their adventures and future plans. Lisa is a travel writer and Jason is an adventure photographer, both freelancing on the road to help keep up their nomadic lifestyle. Website: https://twowheelednomad.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twowheelednomad/   Royal Enfield - Siddartha Lal & Rod Copes   * From Royal Enfield News Release: Milwaukee, Wis. (Sept. 12, 2016) Royal Enfield North America Cruises Into Milwaukee With the Opening of North American Headquarters and First Flagship Showroom Oldest Motorcycle Brand in Continuous Production Focuses Efforts in North America It was a historic day for Royal Enfield, the fastest-growing motorcycle brand in the world, as it marked the opening of its first flagship dealer experience in Milwaukee, the heart of the North American motorcycle community.   Royal Enfield CEO Siddhartha Lal and Rod Copes, president of Royal Enfield North America, addressed the crowd, including VIPs and dignitaries, at the grand opening event this past weekend.  “Royal Enfield is focused on delivering a ‘Pure Motorcycling’ experience to consumers. Our motorcycles are classically styled, simple, evocative and fun to ride. Royal Enfield creates a unique experience for riders that is approachable and unintimidating,” Copes said at the press conference. “This is the brand’s first stand-alone showroom location in the U.S., which brings to life the 115-year heritage of Royal Enfield – a history we’re very proud of.” The company has also selected Milwaukee as the location of its headquarters and currently employs a staff of 20. “Myself and the rest of the Royal Enfield global leadership are committed to the North American region,” Lal said. “Since 2010, we have increased production from 50,000 units to 500,000 units globally, and we are expected to produce 675,000 by the end of this fiscal year. North America is key to the contribution of that global growth.” Royal Enfield North America will be continuing the brand’s storied history with the unveiling of its North American model lineup, featuring single-cylinder engines currently up to 535 cc. Available models at the 226 N. Water St. showroom include: •The Classic 500 – timeless colors and classic styling ideal for exploring a city or cruising a country road.  •The Continental GT – a light and nimble motorcycle that boasts an aggressive riding position for an exhilarating ride. •The Bullet 500 – in production for seven decades with its unmistakable appearance and distinctive exhaust note, this model delivers a classic, vivid sensory experience on every ride.    About Royal Enfield:  The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its new manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. With more than 50 percent growth every year for the last five years, Royal Enfield is fast becoming a very important player in the global mid-size motorcycle market and is working toward reinventing this space with motorcycles that are evocative and engaging and great fun to ride.    Royal Enfield exports to over 50 countries across the world including the USA, UK, several European and Latin American countries, as well as the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Royal Enfield also organizes and supports many motorcycling events and rides globally, more prominently the Rider Mania – an annual gathering of Royal Enfield riders from all over the world at the lovely beaches of Goa – and the Himalayan Odyssey, the most arduous motorcycle ride over some of the toughest roads and highest mountain passes in the Himalayas. Royal Enfield also conducts the popular “One Ride,” where people around the world ride out on their motorcycles on the first Sunday of April. To learn more, visit www.royalenfield.com/USA, www.instagram.com/ royalenfield_na/ or www.facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica/. ARR is Brought to You By: Max BMW Motorcycles Shop our Online Store featuring parts diagrams for every BMW model. Ordering parts and accessories has never been easier. Choose your bike, look at the diagrams and place your order. We have over 45,000 parts in-stock and our Parts Express team processes and ships orders six days a week via UPS, FedEx and USPS. www.maxbmw.com BestRest ProductsHome of the CyclePump Tire Inflator, TireIron BeadBrakR, EZAir Tire Gauge, and other adventure motorcycle gear.  When you’re on the road you’ll want a compact and reliable method of tire inflation.  The CyclePump runs off your bike’s electrical system and it’ll fill a flat tire in less than 3 minutes.   It’s made in the USA and it comes with a 5-year warranty.  BestRest also makes tire changing and tire repair kits that are small enough to fit in your saddlebag.  The crew at BestRest are adventure riders themselves, so they know what you’ll need when you’re exploring the world. www.CyclePump.com AerostichThe best way to ride more is to make riding your easiest, fastest way to get from A to B…simple everyday commuting and errands, long-distance adventure riding, or whatever. For 33 years Aerostich has been designing, making and selling equipment that makes riding anywhere, in all-weather – easier, safer, more comfortable and more fun. No other riders’ gear offers the proven protection, precise fit or lifelong value of an Aerostich. Prove it to yourself with the Ride-More Guarantee. If you try any Aerostich one piece R-3 or Roadcrafter Classic suit for one month, and are not riding more than you did before receiving it, send it back and you will receive a full refund, no questions asked. For complete details and to view all of the available equipment for riders, and for a 10% discount on your first Aerostich purchase, or free shipping on the next order for existing customers, visit www.aerostich.com/arr. Green Chile Adventure GearOffering American made heavy-duty, innovative motorcycle luggage systems for all types of motorcycles. Tested in extreme weather conditions and terrain to withstand any abuse you can throw at it on your adventure rides.  To complement riders’ needs they are also the exclusive USA distributor of Outback Motortek, a Canadian company specializing in adventure and touring motorcycle protective accessories. Outback Motortek offers ultimate and essential protection for your adventure bike. These accessories could be your best investment to save you from replacing your damaged bike with the ever-expensive factory parts. Available at www.GreenChileAdv.com.    

It's Show Number 3 of the weekly, 1 hour, Hometown Heroes with host Davit Souders. Featuring local and regional artists from Tulsa, Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Includes information on featured artists, history of the city's music scene, and special fun-facts about Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ask yourself, where just where is the 45th largest city in the U.S.and does it have any relation to the 93rd largest city in North America? It's all here plus the electronic/industrial sound of Binge/Purge Society and Tulsa's answer to Wilco, The Mudville Project.This and more, from Tulsa with love. Binge/Purge Society - Hidden The Mudville Project - Rice Check Math Lab - Enough Black Wednesday - Small Town America Tranny - Weighed Down Wreckless Process - Bathed In Fear The Killer Grins - Cannibals and Thieves Congresss Of A Crow - Bad News Phillip Zoellner - Since I've Been Gone The Leveling - Forfeit The Effects - Nineteen This Diabolicast Produced by Dustin Parkhurst for Diabolical Productions, LLC