Podcasts about Vonda

Episode 351:   What do flight delays, a rainy team retreat, flower shop ownership, and a ship taking on water have in common? More than you might think.In this episode, Vonda and Lori are fresh off the Flower Clique team retreat and reflecting on what happens when you step away from the day-to-day, spend real time with your team, and create space for honest conversations. From one-on-ones that helped team members feel seen and heard to the reminder that everyone has their own little quirks, the retreat reinforced just how important connection is to building a strong team.Then the conversation turns to mindset and one powerful idea: all the water in the world can't sink a ship unless it gets inside.As business owners, there will always be things we can't control: tariffs, rising costs, employee dynamics, difficult customers, travel delays, the news, and plenty of opinions about what we should or shouldn't be doing. We need to be aware of what's happening, but we don't have to give every outside influence permission to take up space in our minds.Vonda and Lori talk about learning to separate thoughts from facts, focusing on what you can control, and recognizing when it's time to simply put a thought “on the train” and let it keep moving.Because protecting your mindset doesn't mean ignoring reality. It means refusing to let the things you can't control become the anchor that keeps you and your business from moving forward.Guard your mind. Protect your focus. And keep the water out.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 350: What does it really take to run a profitable flower shop?In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with floral industry CPA Derrick Myers of Crockett Myers to talk about the numbers that can make, or break, a flower shop. After more than 40 years working with florists, Derrick has seen firsthand where shops are losing money, where opportunities are being missed, and what the most profitable owners do differently.Derrick shares the unlikely story of how he went from studying chemistry to becoming one of the floral industry's best-known accounting experts, including the legendary tiki hut that helped him build his business one florist (and frozen margarita) at a time.Then, the conversation gets down to business. They dig into the three areas every florist should be watching closely: cost of goods, labor, and delivery. Derrick explains why rising flower costs can't simply be absorbed, why your landed cost matters, how often you should be evaluating pricing, and why worrying about what the flower shop down the street charges could be costing you money.They also talk delivery fees, labor percentages, website delivery matrices, wire services, and the financial benchmarks Derrick uses with more than 160 flower shops across the country.But his biggest piece of advice has nothing to do with a spreadsheet: profitable owners learn to work ON their business instead of spending every day buried IN it.If you've ever wondered whether you're charging enough, spending too much, or truly making money on every order, this episode will give you a whole new way to look at your flower shop.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book   Have you ever driven a car with a broken fuel gauge, never quite sure if you're running full or running on fumes? Your body works the same way.    Today I break down the fifth major time bomb of aging: deregulated nutrient sensing, or what I call "fuel gauge malfunction." Our organs need the right amount of fuel, not too much, not too little. Built-in nutrient sensors act like biological traffic lights to keep us in range. But through menopause, or menolescence as I like to call it, those lights get damaged. Estrogen drops, insulin sensitivity falls, and visceral fat creeps in. This isn't inevitable but by feeding your gut, building your muscle, optimizing your hormones, you can repair those traffic lights. Longevity isn't passive. It's built by design. What we cover: - How your body's nutrient sensors work like biological traffic lights. - Why declining estrogen lowers insulin sensitivity and drives visceral fat storage. - What insulin signaling, mTOR, and AMPK do inside your cells. - Why chronically elevated mTOR blocks your body from clearing damaged cells. - How your gut microbiome triggers GLP-1, the pathway behind Ozempic. - Why muscle is the master of metabolism and how resistance training recalibrates it. - The three shields build metabolic health: nutrition, strategic load, hormone optimization.  

Episode 349: What would happen if you actually left your flower shop and took the vacation?In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with floral industry power couple Jenny and Charles Ingrum (Jenny Ingrum AIFD • PFCI • EMC • AAF • CEJ and Charles Ingrum owner of Dr. Delphinium Dallas, TX) for a conversation about creativity, business, leadership, and building a life beyond the shop.Charles shares how he went from software and numbers to purchasing Dr. Delphinium—and how learning to work on the business instead of in it helped him build a team that doesn't need him to make every decision. From intentional delegation and clear roles to empowering employees to take care of customers without asking permission, he explains what it really takes to create a business that can thrive when the owner isn't in the building.Jenny brings the creative side of the equation, sharing how her career as a floral designer, educator, competitor, and former shop owner has evolved—and how she and Charles have influenced each other's perspectives on both business and design.They also talk about the importance of staying curious, recognizing potential in young designers, stepping back up to the design bench when the team needs you, and why floral professionals can benefit from experiencing both the creative world of AIFD and the business education and community of SAF.And, of course, there's the question every overworked flower shop owner needs to hear:Can you really take the vacation without everything falling apart?Charles and Jenny say yes. Start small. Empower your people. Look at your numbers. Find the slow week.And then?Book the ticket.Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your business—and yourself—is give your team the opportunity to figure it out without you.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book Zombie movies are fun but Zombie cells are not. They are inside your body that have reached the end of their natural lifespan and simply refuse to die.  Today I break down the fourth major time bomb of aging: cellular senescence, and how these "zombie cells" quietly accelerate the way you age. These damaged cells actively poison the healthy cells around them, releasing signals that drive chronic inflammation and pull neighboring cells into the same broken state. This accumulation is directly linked to neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and for women, it speeds up dramatically as estrogen declines through the menopausal transition. The good news is that you have more control than you think. I walk you through exactly how to activate your body's cellular cleanup crew through movement, hormonal optimization, and precision nutrition, so you can stop surrendering to frailty and start building longevity by design. What we cover: - Cellular senescence: what zombie cells are and why they matter - Macroautophagy: your body's natural cellular cleanup process - Aging and cleanup decline: why senescent cells accumulate over time - Noxious cytokines: how zombie cells spread chronic inflammation - Disease links: senescence, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and cancer - Estrogen and menopause: why senescence rises during the transition - Aerobic exercise: forcing cellular cleanup through movement - Muscle health: your master regulator of cellular hygiene - Senolytic nutrition: fisetin, quercetin, and resveratrol - Hormonal optimization: defending against cellular senescence  

Today's guest, Vonda, has been a midwife longer than Lauren has been alive! She is an HJ graduate, HMU student, and wise-woman midwife.Lauren and Vonda discuss birth team processing or, “Backstitching,” as an absolutely necessary process as a midwife. They talk about how it is a common temptation of midwives to just move on with life instead of integrating and processing that birth experience, however small or however simple the birth.Lauren shares her saying that “The birth is not over until you have recovered,” and now adds that neither is it over until the birth team processes together!Lauren & Vonda talk aboutThe Biblical reason Vonda chooses the third day to process the birthHow the birth team becomes stronger when they are able to process together & be honest with each other5 ground rules for the birth processing experienceHard birth experiences and forgiveness among birth teamQuestions to ask to take the process deeper: How have we shared Jesus during this birth? What has the Lord showed me/changed in me/etc. through this birth?The handwashing ritual Lauren started for after birthsProcessing and experiencing hard births with your mind & bodyHow to process if you don't have a birth teamThe difference between a helpful birth team & a “birth party”Musings on the size of the birth teamSupporting not just the birthing couple, but also the birth teamYou can find Vonda atEmail: Vonda@CreatedByDesign.websiteFind her on FacebookVonda generously shares her process in the form of a PDF for birth processing. We would love to hear if you use it and found it helpful!Connect:Email us to say hi: ⁠hello@hearthmotherministries.com⁠Hang out with us and other Holy Wild Women in our private community (off Facebook): ⁠https://hearthmotherministries.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/community/home⁠Become a holy, wild birthkeeper with us inside ⁠Hearthmother Journey⁠From Lauren:Midwifery consults: Email ⁠rootedinedenpma@gmail.com⁠From Brooke:⁠Trust God, Trust Birth Workshop⁠ - a 5-part high-level roadmap to a confident home birth (pay what you can)⁠Faith-Filled Home Birth Workshop ⁠- a free, 3-part video series delivered to your inbox⁠Embrace Birth Journey ⁠- comprehensive and holistic faith-based home birth preparation (courses + private community)Intro and Outra Music Credit -Betty Dear By ⁠Blue Dot Sessions⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Creative Commons License⁠.

Episode 348:  We're back from SAF Convention and maybe still recovering a little.In this episode, Lori and Vonda are joined by Ellie LaFever as we all share our roses, our thorns, and the moments that made this year's convention one to remember. From an emotional awards banquet and inspiring education sessions to hands-on floral design, Flower Clique meetups, Next Gen connections, and even a late-night pizza party on the beach, there was a lot to take in.But one theme kept coming up: connection.We talk about why face-to-face time with industry friends and Flower Clique members is worth the energy it takes to get there, how Next Gen is creating a stronger sense of community for the future of floristry, and why the value of an industry conference goes far beyond what you learn in a classroom.We also share a few favorite sessions, what made this year's convention feel different, and why sometimes the conversations between sessions are every bit as valuable as the sessions themselves.It's a little tired, a little sentimental, and a whole lot of appreciation for the people who make this industry what it is.Plus, we're already looking ahead to the holidays with our upcoming Holiday Countdown: From Concept to Cooler workshop with FlowerBuddy.Register here: The Holiday Countdown: From Concept to CoolerSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book We feel the fatigue, yet we push through anyway, telling ourselves the exhaustion is just part of getting older. But that midlife tiredness is often something deeper.  Today we talk about the third time bomb of aging,  mitochondrial dysfunction, and why your cellular power plants hold the key to your energy, your metabolism, and your longevity. Here's what most women never hear: when you stop demanding energy from your body, it stops building the engines that create it. Weak, dysfunctional mitochondria pollute your cells and quietly fuel inflammation and insulin resistance. The good news is that you can reverse the trend. I'll show you how to trigger biogenesis and mitophagy through movement, precision nutrition, and hormonal optimization, so you can rebuild your cellular power and stop accepting exhaustion as the price of getting older. What we cover: - Midlife fatigue: why it's a mitochondrial crisis, not just poor sleep - ATP production: how mitochondria fuel your heart, brain, and muscles - Sedentary living: how inactivity stops new mitochondria from forming - Cellular pollution: how weak mitochondria drive inflammation and insulin resistance - Biogenesis and mitophagy: building new engines and clearing damaged ones - Muscle and movement: how aerobic exercise engineers cellular power - Nutrition and supplements: omega-3s, antioxidants, B vitamins, CoQ10, and creatine for ATP - Hormonal optimization: how estrogen and thyroid protect mitochondrial function  

Episode 347:  Passwords, verification codes, fingerprints, Face ID… why does simply logging into your own accounts have to be so complicated?In this episode, Vonda and Lori tackle the love-hate relationship we all have with multi-factor authentication (MFA)—and why those extra 20 seconds of frustration could save your flower shop from a much bigger headache.They talk about the places floral business owners may be most vulnerable, including email, banking, point-of-sale systems, websites, social media, payroll, vendor accounts, and shared employee logins. Plus, they explore how AI is making cybersecurity even more important as scams and phishing attempts become harder to recognize.You'll walk away with practical steps you can take today to better protect your business, your customers, and your team—without needing to become a cybersecurity expert.Because MFA may be annoying…but getting hacked is a whole lot worse.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book   There's a heat you can't feel until it's already aging you.   Let's talk about something quietly ticking away inside all of us. In this solo episode I'm getting into inflammaging, the second great time bomb of aging, and what happens when your body's emergency crew never clocks out. Think alarm bells ringing around the clock, sirens that never quiet down.   And here's where it gets personal: perimenopause. That's the wake-up call, the moment declining estrogen strips away one of your most powerful anti-inflammatory shields, and suddenly the fire's raging and no one tells you why.   So I'm not leaving you there. I'll walk you through the real blueprint to put those flames out: how you move, how you eat, your hormones, and how you meet your stress. Because hear me on this one. Longevity doesn't just happen to you. You build it. On purpose. By design. What we cover: - Chronic inflammation vs. acute inflammation: what your body actually needs. - Estrogen decline in perimenopause: losing your anti-inflammatory shield. - Inflammaging effects: joints, heart, brain, and metabolism. - Physical activity and myokines: your systemic fire extinguisher. - Gut microbiome diversity: fueling or fighting inflammation. - Processed sugars and inflammation: what to eat instead. - Hormone optimization: working with a clinician to calm inflammation. - Mindfulness, breathwork, and sleep: lowering inflammatory cytokines.  

Episode 346:  What makes a great leader? It turns out, it's probably not having all the answers.In this episode, Vonda and Lori unpack a list of management lessons that still ring true after 20 years of leadership—and talk about what they look like in the real world of small business and flower shops.They dig into why great leaders have to repeat themselves (more than they think they should), how a lack of clarity can look like a performance problem, and why motivating your team may be less important than removing the friction that's getting in their way.They also tackle one of the biggest challenges for flower shop owners: letting go. How do you build systems, delegate responsibility, and create a team that can keep the “flywheel” spinning without being dependent on you for every decision?And then there's the leadership lesson that might sting a little: your team copies what you tolerate, not what you say.From difficult employees and avoided conversations to trust, consistency, curiosity, ego, and emotional regulation, Vonda and Lori share what they've learned from leading the Flower Clique team—and from years of conversations with flower shop owners.The biggest takeaway? The longer you lead, the more you realize leadership isn't about certainty. It's about staying curious, keeping an open mind, and being willing to ask, Could there be a better way?Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book   Your DNA is not your destiny. It's the blueprint, but you are the master builder.    In this episode, I unpack the first major time bomb of aging, DNA changes and damage, and the small daily decisions that build an unbreakable lifestyle. We'll talk about telomeres, the protective end caps on your chromosomes, why they shrink faster for women during the menopause transition, and how movement can quite literally make your cells younger.   What we cover: - DNA vs destiny: why 70% of aging is lifestyle, not genes - Gene expression: how one workout shifts over 9,000 genes - Telomeres explained: the protective end caps of your chromosomes - Menopause and telomeres: why estrogen decline speeds cellular aging - Strength training: 90 minutes weekly linked to younger cells - Aerobic exercise: improving telomere length in six months - Longevity shields: nutrition, hormone optimization, and stress management  

Episode 344: Empathy is not something you either have or you don't - it is a skill you can practice, strengthen, and sometimes struggle to access.In this episode, Vonda and Lori continue their conversation about empathy in leadership by exploring the framework from Empathy Is Not a Weakness by Lauren Sanders. They break down the word EMPATHY into practical behaviors leaders can use to create stronger teams, healthier communication, and more psychological safety in the workplace.From examining personal blind spots and managing mindfulness to practicing perspective, communicating tactfully, and replacing “no way” with “tell me more,” this honest and humorous conversation challenges leaders to look closely at how their words, reactions, and facial expressions affect the people around them.You'll also hear real-life stories about difficult conversations, leadership mistakes, design instructors who build confidence - or tear it down - and why listening for understanding can be more powerful than immediately offering advice.Empathetic leadership does not mean lowering expectations. It means learning how to lead people with clarity, dignity, self-awareness, and care.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

The latest episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes explores how the overdose crisis has evolved from 2025 to 2026 and what these changes mean for laboratories and healthcare providers. Host Josh Casey is joined by Vonda McAllister, Director of Global Product Management at QuidelOrtho, to discuss emerging drug trends, new ADLM guidance for toxicology testing and the growing challenges posed by counterfeit medications, polysubstance use and novel synthetic opioids. This episode reinforces an important message: as the drug landscape continues to change, healthcare organizations must adapt testing strategies, strengthen collaboration and ensure clinicians have timely, actionable information to support patient care.   About Our Speaker:  Vonda McAllister, director of global product management for QuidelOrtho Vonda's diagnostic experience spans from R&D and program management to marketing. Now a member of the Point of Care business unit, she previously managed the Triage™ portfolio of assays and the clinical labs team for North America. Vonda is currently focused on supporting the global regions with our PlGF tests, that is, placental growth factor, and toxicology assays, as well as expanding the Triage toxicology and women's health testing portfolio. She also serves as global leadership co-chair for the QuidelOrtho Women's Leadership Network.

Episode 343: Empathy is not just about feeling someone else's emotions—it can shape how we communicate, lead our teams, serve customers, and respond when someone needs help.In the second of this series, Lori and Vonda explore the three types of empathy: cognitive, somatic, and compassionate. They break down how each one appears in everyday flower shop situations, from helping an overwhelmed customer and responding to a delivery complaint to supporting a grieving family or stepping in when an employee is falling behind.They also discuss the risks that come with each type of empathy, including manipulation, emotional exhaustion, burnout, and creating dependency instead of growth. Through personal stories, flower shop examples, and plenty of honest conversation, Lori and Vonda explain how empathy works through the head, the heart, and the hands—and why healthy boundaries matter.This episode will help you recognize the empathy you already use, understand your natural tendencies, and become more intentional about how you connect with your customers, employees, and community.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 342: Can empathy really make your flower shop more profitable? In this episode, Lori shares the key lessons from her leadership presentation at AIFD Symposium and explains why empathy isn't just a personality trait, it's a skill that can be learned and strengthened.Lori and Vonda unpack the biggest misconceptions about empathy, including why understanding someone's perspective doesn't mean you have to agree with them. They explore the difference between sympathy and empathy, how empathy builds stronger teams, and why business owners need healthy boundaries alongside genuine care.The conversation also dives into practical, real-world situations every flower shop owner faces: supporting employees through difficult seasons, handling challenging customer interactions, creating loyalty through authentic leadership, and avoiding burnout by practicing what Lori calls “professional empathy.”Along the way, Lori shares a deeply personal story about losing her brother and the friend who showed her what true empathy looks like, not by fixing the pain, but simply by being there.You'll also hear:Why empathy is a learnable leadership skillThe difference between sympathy and empathyHow empathy improves employee engagement, creativity, and retentionA simple 10-minute leadership technique for difficult employee conversationsWhy boundaries are essential for empathetic leadersA preview of the three types of empathy: cognitive, compassionate, and somaticAnd before the leadership lessons begin, Lori shares an exciting personal milestone: after talking about it for two years, she's finally taking her very first pickleball lesson, a small but meaningful step toward practicing the work-life balance she encourages others to pursue.Whether you lead a flower shop, manage a team, or simply want to become a better leader, this episode offers practical insights that will help you build stronger relationships and a healthier workplace.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

The Clinton Mafia by Vonda Crocker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCRXPLMM Vondacrocker.com A group of drug runners in Mobile, Alabama have been traveling north to the small southern town Clinton to hide cocaine in fudge then continuing to Kansas City . The plot thickens as the local mafia becomes suspicious and begins investigating.

Episode 341: Fresh from AIFD Symposium 2026, Vonda reflects on the moments that mattered most and they weren't always found on the stage. In this heartfelt solo episode, she shares why kindness, mentorship, and making first-time attendees feel welcome are essential to the future of the floral industry. Join us for a conversation about community, belonging, and the ripple effect of one encouraging word. Because the greatest thing we can arrange isn't just flowers - it's confidence in another person.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 340: What does it really mean to “make it pretty?”In this first Moments with Marlin episode, floral industry favorite Marlin Hargrove joins Lori and Vonda for a conversation that's about so much more than flowers. Together, they explore the responsibility florists carry as the keepers of the pretty—taking a customer's vision, interpreting it with care, and delivering something meaningful to the person receiving it.Along the way, they discuss:Why listening is the most important design skill you'll ever develop.The surprising secret to finding great designers (hint: grow your own).How letting go of perfection makes you a better leader.Wedding trends, fearless color, and what's changing in floral design.Lessons learned from educating florists through Green Mountain Floral Supply.Why “pretty” is deeply personal—and how every arrangement tells someone else's story.Filled with wisdom, laughter, and Marlin's unforgettable one-liners, this episode is a reminder that florists don't just arrange flowers—they translate emotions, preserve memories, and carry beauty from one heart to another.Because in the end, our job isn't to make it perfect… it's to make it pretty.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 339:  In this episode, Vonda and Lori explore a surprising truth about leadership: knowing better doesn't always mean doing better. Drawing from recent research on behavior change, Lori unpacks why people resist advice, struggle to adopt new habits, and often become defensive when faced with feedback.The conversation dives into the role of empathy, psychological safety, cognitive overload, and communication in creating meaningful change within teams. Lori shares the BRIDGE framework—a practical approach to helping employees grow through trust, collaboration, accountability, and ongoing dialogue.Whether you're managing a flower shop, leading a team, or simply trying to influence positive change in others, this episode offers valuable insights into how people learn, grow, and ultimately transform.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Get Dr. Vonda's insights Want to understand what's happening in your body — and what to do next? Each week, Dr. Vonda shares science-backed guidance on strength, bone health, muscle, and longevity — the same way she speaks to her patients. Clear. Practical. No noise. Join the newsletter: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=YqJKtR&g=Ww3gx3&   I sit down with Dr. Doris Day, board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at NYU, to explore what perimenopause and menopause are really doing to your skin and what you can do about it from the inside out.   What We Explore:   - Why skin is the first organ to feel estrogen loss, sometimes years before other symptoms appear. - How collagen collapse accelerates around menopause, with up to 30% lost in the first five years. - Why facial bone resorption changes your orbital structure and jawline as you age. - How simple facial posture exercises can preserve muscle tone without surgery. - Why sugar and alcohol accelerate skin aging and how diet supports skin from the inside out. - What hydrolyzed collagen supplements actually do in the body. - How hormone therapy, retinoids, and topicals work together as a nighttime protocol. - Why deep sleep and REM are among the most underrated factors in how your skin heals.   About Dr. Doris Day: Dr. Doris Day, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and longevity dermatology. She is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Health, where she has been recognized with the Award for Dedication and Excellence in the Teaching of Dermatology. Her leadership in aesthetic dermatology has earned her the AAD Presidential Citation and the American Skin Association Award for leadership in dermatology.   Connect with Dr. Doris Day: Website: https://dorisdaymd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdorisday/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdorisday YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DorisDayMDCosmeticDermatology Timestamps   Intro (00:00) Why Skin Is Your Most Important Organ (01:46) Skin Loses Estrogen Before Your Brain Does (05:21) How to Stop 30% Collagen Loss After Menopause (07:10) Why Your Face Sinks: The Bone Changes Explained (09:34) Stop Chasing Your 20s Face (11:25) The Ear-Lift Trick That Replaces Forehead Botox (17:00) What Hyaluronic Acid Actually Does (And What It Can't) (22:24) Why One Treatment Will Never Be Enough (26:01) Sugar Is Poison for Your Skin, Here's the Fix (28:33) The mTOR Switch Making Your Skin Age Faster (36:23) The 3 Ingredients Every Woman Over 45 Needs (44:07) The Sleep Metric That's Aging Your Face (47:35) What Women Who Age Powerfully All Have in Common (49:38)  

 Get Dr. Vonda's insights Want to understand what's happening in your body — and what to do next? Each week, Dr. Vonda shares science-backed guidance on strength, bone health, muscle, and longevity — the same way she speaks to her patients. Clear. Practical. No noise.  Join the newsletter: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=YqJKtR&g=Ww3gx3& Most women don't think about their bones until something breaks. But by the time your doctor orders a bone density scan, you may have already lost 20% of your bone density - silently, without a single symptom. The window to change your bone health trajectory isn't 65. It's now. In this video, I'm walking you through the 8 Pillars of Building Better Bone - the exact research-based framework I use with my patients to get in front of bone loss before it becomes a crisis. Whether you're 40, 45, or staring down 50, there is still time to move the needle. But that window is closing faster than you think. Your bones are not a static structure. They are a dynamic, ever-remodeling system, and what you do today will determine how you age for the next 40 years. Are you ready to build them like they matter?   Women's Health Conversations 2026  Three days of world-class speakers, wellness activations, and 1,000+ women choosing themselves. Join us this November.   Grab your spot: https://theunbreakablelifestyle.com/whc-2026  Start your Unbreakable journey Most women are never given a clear plan for how to stay strong as they age. The Unbreakable Lifestyle is where that changes. This is the home of Dr. Vonda's method - built from 20+ years of clinical work and designed for real life. Inside: - Unbreakable Assessment - know exactly where you stand - Training plans - build muscle, protect bone, improve performance - AI Dr. Vonda - get answers and guidance anytime - Community - women committed to staying strong and engaged - Exclusive education - what actually works, all in one place This is not another program. This is how you build strength with direction.  Join the Unbreakable Lifestyle: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/  Build stronger bones Bone loss starts earlier than you think, and speeds up in midlife. Dr. Vonda's Unbreakable Bone Health formula supports bone density, strength, and long-term skeletal health with clinically researched ingredients. Foundational. Not optional.  Shop now: https://shop.drvondawright.com/    Read the book Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age.  Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book     About Dr. Vonda Wright Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic sports surgeon and leading expert in women's health and longevity. For over 20 years, she has helped women build muscle, strengthen bone, and extend their health span with science, not guesswork. Her mission is simple: help women age with power.   Connect with Dr. Vonda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Substack: https://drvondawright.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374 Website: http://www.drvondawright.com

According to Dr. Vonda Wright, almost everything we believe about aging and muscle loss is wrong. The research that told you to expect decline was built on populations where 70 percent of participants barely moved. Which means the trajectory most of us are bracing for is not biology. It is behavior. You do not have to be a statistic.Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic surgeon, researcher, and the founder of PRIMA, the Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes at the University of Pittsburgh. She has spent her career studying what happens to the body when people stay active, not what happens when they don't. Her book, Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power, distills what that research actually shows about muscle, bone, hormones, and aging in midlife.What you will explore in this conversation:The three MRI images that upended what we thought we knew about aging muscle, a visual comparison between a sedentary 74-year-old, an active 70-year-old, and a 40-year-old, that has become widely shared because of what it shows about what is actually possible.Menalescence, Dr. Wright's term for the hormonal, physiological, psychological, and social upheaval of perimenopause and menopause, and why naming it the way we named adolescence changes how women advocate for themselves in the doctor's office.The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, a connection between estrogen loss and total-body joint pain that has been documented in medical literature since 1925, is still not taught in most medical schools.The critical decade from 35 to 45, why this window is the highest-leverage moment for building the physical body you will have for the rest of your life, and exactly what to do if you are past it.Why lifting heavy is not optional for women in midlife, and what four reps, four sets actually does for strength and power that lighter lifting cannot.How much protein you actually need, why the math most people do is probably too low, and the leucine argument for animal protein.If you have been told that your MRI findings, your arthritis, your bulging disc, or your bone density numbers mean you cannot or should not lift, this conversation is for you.You can find Vonda at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptNext week, I am sitting down with Sari Botton to talk about why the life you keep putting off might be the most honest thing about you — and what it actually takes to stop waiting for permission to live it. Be sure to follow Good Life Project wherever you get your podcasts, so you don't miss it. Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 338: Most florists have seen the AFE logo, but many don't realize just how much the American Floral Endowment impacts their business every day.In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Debi Chedester, Executive Director of the American Floral Endowment, to uncover the research, scholarships, internships, grants, and industry initiatives happening behind the scenes that help florists succeed.Debi shares her unique journey into the floral industry, what surprised her most about the people who make it special, and how AFE has spent 65 years investing in the future of flowers. From flower quality and consumer research to sustainability, travel grants, and recruiting the next generation of industry professionals, this conversation highlights why AFE matters to every florist, whether you realize it or not.In this episode you'll learn:What the American Floral Endowment actually doesHow AFE research improves flower quality from seed to consumerFree resources available to florists right nowTravel grant opportunities for industry eventsThe growing importance of sustainability and SustainabloomWhy consumer and Gen Z research matters more than everHow AFE is preparing the industry for the next 5–10 yearsWays florists can support and get involved with AFEWhether you're a retailer, wholesaler, grower, designer, or simply passionate about the floral industry, this episode offers a fascinating look at the organization quietly working behind the scenes to help flowers - and florists - thrive.Because when we invest in the industry together, everyone blooms. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Get Dr. Vonda's insights Want to understand what's happening in your body — and what to do next? Each week, Dr. Vonda shares science-backed guidance on strength, bone health, muscle, and longevity — the same way she speaks to her patients. Clear. Practical. No noise. Join the newsletter: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=YqJKtR&g=Ww3gx3&   In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Iris Nafshi, a researcher, triathlete, and leadership expert who spent years studying what she calls the "IronMoms," to unpack the interplay between athletic grit and maternal guilt. We dig into what her PhD research actually found, why women disappear from themselves for decades only to rediscover who they are in midlife, and how the way we define our identity versus our role shapes everything from our fitness journey to how we age.   What we explore:   - How Dr. Nafshi's 30 years of putting herself last became the catalyst for her research on maternal guilt. - What the "third shift" is and why athletic moms carry a burden that does not exist in research on fathers. - What the SHERO framework is and how it builds a trainable mindset for aging with power. - Why consistency over intensity is the most practical shift for women who struggle to show up for themselves. - How an Ironman race strategy for staying present applies to managing anxiety and mom guilt in everyday life.   About Dr. Iris Nafshi: Iris Nafshi, PhD, is a leadership development consultant, researcher, and endurance athlete. As the former Global Head of Leadership & Management Development at Microsoft and founder of LeadIN Consulting, she brings over two decades of experience developing leaders across global organizations.   Connect with Dr. Iris Nafshi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris_strongcore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irisnafshi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL04YgedWPYBJotZxo-VuWwY8zco9l2Ojw Follow Strong Core Podcast and leave a review if this episode resonated with you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595413 Find the show on Instagram for more on what it takes to keep becoming yourself: https://www.instagram.com/strongcorepod/   Timestamps Intro (00:00) How a Triathlon Dream Became a Research Mission (01:13) Disappearing From Yourself for Decades (05:38) Why Athletic Moms Carry What Fathers Never Have To (10:01) What 350 IronMoms Revealed (14:03) Consistency Over Intensity (18:25) Debunking Assumptions About Guilt and Work (21:34) Why Midlife Women Feel Invisible and How to Reclaim Yourself (28:36) The SHERO Framework: Building Trainable Mindset Skills After 45 (34:49) Can You Harness Mom Guilt? (40:31) The Ironman Memory Strategy for Everyday Life (44:08) What Women Who Age Powerfully Do (47:22)   Women's Health Conversations 2026  Three days of world-class speakers, wellness activations, and 1,000+ women choosing themselves. Join us this November.   Grab your spot: https://theunbreakablelifestyle.com/whc-2026 Start your Unbreakable journey Most women are never given a clear plan for how to stay strong as they age. The Unbreakable Lifestyle is where that changes. This is the home of Dr. Vonda's method — built from 20+ years of clinical work and designed for real life. Inside: - Unbreakable Assessment — know exactly where you stand - Training plans — build muscle, protect bone, improve performance - AI Dr. Vonda — get answers and guidance anytime - Community — women committed to staying strong and engaged - Exclusive education — what actually works, all in one place This is not another program. This is how you build strength — with direction. Join the Unbreakable Lifestyle: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/ Build stronger bones Bone loss starts earlier than you think — and speeds up in midlife. Dr. Vonda's Unbreakable Bone Health formula supports bone density, strength, and long-term skeletal health with clinically researched ingredients. Foundational. Not optional. Shop now: https://shop.drvondawright.com/   Read the book Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book    About Dr. Vonda Wright Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic sports surgeon and leading expert in women's health and longevity. For over 20 years, she has helped women build muscle, strengthen bone, and extend their health span — with science, not guesswork. Her mission is simple: help women age with power.   Connect with Dr. Vonda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Substack: https://drvondawright.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374 Website: http://www.drvondawright.com  

1 Million Downloads, Venus in Leo, and How to Get the Most Out of an Astrology ReadingThe Awake Space has officially surpassed 1 million downloads and listens, and Laurie takes a moment to celebrate this milestone with the community that made it possible.Join the Awake Space Community http://theawakespacepodcast.comIn this episode, Laurie reflects on the journey from recording podcasts in her backyard to building a globally listened-to, listener-supported show. She shares updates on Healing the Money Wound™, Living by Luna, and upcoming plans for The Awake Space community.Then Laurie is joined by astrologers Damien Shelby, Susie, and Shelby for another installment of the Astrologers Roundtable, where they discuss how to prepare for an astrology consultation, how to ask better questions, and how astrology can help you navigate major life transitions with more confidence and clarity.Finally, Laurie explores Venus in Leo, discussing confidence, self-worth, visibility, creativity, and what it means to stop seeking permission from others and start owning who you are.LINKSuse code SAVE10% to save 10% on all readings when you book an astrology consultation at wokeastrology.com/book-online 00:00 Welcome and celebrating 1 million downloads02:15 How the podcast began and why listener support matters04:35 Updates from The Awake Space community and magazine06:40 Updates on Living by Luna and Healing the Money Wound™08:55 Future plans for teaching, Laurie's Lab, and upcoming projects11:00 Social media updates, recovery, growth, and new branding15:30 Personal update: dental health and self-care18:00 Community updates and future astrology training opportunities20:55 Astrologers Roundtable begins21:30 How to prepare for an astrology reading23:10 Why specific questions create better results25:30 Examples of successful consultations27:50 How astrologers create a safe and supportive environment30:20 Why prepared clients get more from readings32:40 Common fears about transits and astrology35:00 How astrologers communicate difficult information38:00 Final advice from the astrologers40:15 Roundtable wrap-up and consultation information41:50 Venus enters Leo44:15 Confidence, presence, and "being queen"48:50 Self-worth, security, and the deeper meaning of Venus50:45 Working with the Gemini New Moon53:15 June magazine, journal prompts, and community resources54:15 Final thoughts and closing messageNew Supporting Members:Steph, Zoe, Dakota, Michelle, Carrie, Jalil, Claire, Jackie, Sarah, Dawn, Kathy, Chels, The Community Garden, Priyanka, Jen, Vonda, May, Cara, Demi, Jazmin, Kristin, Unbotheredhan, Joey, Lezlie, Shira, Katie, Jason

Get Dr. Vonda's insights Want to understand what's happening in your body — and what to do next? Each week, Dr. Vonda shares science-backed guidance on strength, bone health, muscle, and longevity — the same way she speaks to her patients. Clear. Practical. No noise. Join the newsletter: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=YqJKtR&g=Ww3gx3& I've spent years telling women to lift heavy, but this conversation reminded me why that message matters more than ever.   In this episode, Dr Stacy Sims, a world-leading exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, and I go deep on what it really means to be muscle-centric. Not for vanity, but for your brain, your bones, your metabolic health, and your future. We talk about the broken baselines in women's sports science, why wearable data is lying to you, and what a real week of training should look like at 42 versus 62. We also get into the protein debate, creatine, intermittent fasting, and why guilt has no place in your fitness practice.   This is one of those conversations that will change how you see your body and what you believe is possible.   What we explore:   - Why muscle-centric training protects your brain, bones, and metabolic health. - How sports science was built on male data and what that costs women every day. - Why your fitness tracker flags ovulation as illness and what needs to change. - How a 10-minute morning check-in is the foundation of smarter training. - Why guilt has no place in fitness and what showing up really means. - What a training week looks like at 42 versus 62. - Why strength and power matter more than hypertrophy as you age. - How protein requirements for women were based on sedentary male cadavers. - Why branched-chain amino acids cannot replace real protein. - Why weight loss is still the wrong goal for over half of women. About Dr. Stacy Sims:    Connect with Dr. Stacy Sims:    Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:39 What Drives Stacy Sims 03:24 Title IX and the Sports Science Gender Gap 08:32 Why Wearables Are Built on Male Data 11:13 When the Baseline Is Broken for Women 16:41 The 10-Minute Morning Wellness Meeting 21:35 Periodization, Guilt, and Permission to Deload 24:12 The 80/20 Fueling Framework 26:19 Creatine, Vitamin D3, and Magnesium for Women 28:35 Why the Protein RDA Was Set on Male Cadavers 32:39 BCAAs vs. Real Protein 35:45 Training Week Design for Perimenopausal Women 39:25 Strength vs. Power Training After 40 43:59 How to Phase In a 62-Year-Old Safely 46:24 Why Weight Loss Is Still the Wrong Goal Start your Unbreakable journey Most women are never given a clear plan for how to stay strong as they age. The Unbreakable Lifestyle is where that changes. This is the home of Dr. Vonda's method — built from 20+ years of clinical work and designed for real life. Inside: - Unbreakable Assessment — know exactly where you stand - Training plans — build muscle, protect bone, improve performance - AI Dr. Vonda — get answers and guidance anytime - Community — women committed to staying strong and engaged - Exclusive education — what actually works, all in one place This is not another program. This is how you build strength — with direction. Join the Unbreakable Lifestyle: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/ Build stronger bones Bone loss starts earlier than you think — and speeds up in midlife. Dr. Vonda's Unbreakable Bone Health formula supports bone density, strength, and long-term skeletal health with clinically researched ingredients. Foundational. Not optional. Shop now: https://shop.drvondawright.com/   Read the book Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book    About Dr. Vonda Wright Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic sports surgeon and leading expert in women's health and longevity. For over 20 years, she has helped women build muscle, strengthen bone, and extend their health span — with science, not guesswork. Her mission is simple: help women age with power.   Connect with Dr. Vonda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Substack: https://drvondawright.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374 Website: http://www.drvondawright.com  

Get Dr. Vonda's insights Want to understand what's happening in your body — and what to do next? Each week, Dr. Vonda shares science-backed guidance on strength, bone health, muscle, and longevity — the same way she speaks to her patients. Clear. Practical. No noise. Join the newsletter: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=YqJKtR&g=Ww3gx3& Your feet take 5,000 steps every single day, and most of us don't think about them until something goes wrong. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Timothy Miller, DPM, FACFAS, to talk about the one body part that literally holds everything else up. We cover everything from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis to bunions, big toe arthritis, and fallen arches, and what you can do right now to stay strong, mobile, and pain-free for decades to come. This is the conversation I wish every one of my patients had before they ended up in my office.   What we explore:   - How foot dysfunction travels up the kinetic chain and causes hip, shoulder, and neck pain. - Why perimenopause triggers arch collapse and shoe size changes. - What a biomechanical evaluation is and why every woman over 40 should get one. - Why barefoot shoes are not for everyone and how to know if you are ready. - How estrogen loss accelerates Achilles tendon damage and raises rupture risk. - Why bunion splints do not fix the underlying problem and what actually works. - How foot hygiene is a serious longevity strategy, especially with pre-diabetes.   About Dr. Timothy Miller: Timothy J. Miller, DPM, FACFAS, is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon specializing in lower extremity reconstruction, deformity correction, trauma, limb salvage, and advanced ankle surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery.   Connect with Dr. Timothy Miller: Website: www.sunshineankleandfoot.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineanklefootexperts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-miller-dpm-facfas- 4ab18359/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshineanklefoot/   Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:46 Gait Exam: How Your Walk Predicts Pain 04:19 How Feet Affect Your Hips, Shoulders, and Neck 06:30 The Case for a Preventive Foot Visit 09:26 Perimenopause, Relaxin, and Arch Collapse 12:06 Orthotics, Shoes, and Foot Strengthening 14:41 The Truth About Barefoot Shoes 21:00 Achilles Tendon: Estrogen, Damage, and Rupture Risk 27:10 Active Rest vs. Sedentary Rest 31:26 Flat Feet: Causes, Tests, and Treatment 36:36 Big Toe Arthritis and Bunions 43:39 Rapid Fire: Best Habits and Aging with Power Start your Unbreakable journey Most women are never given a clear plan for how to stay strong as they age. The Unbreakable Lifestyle is where that changes. This is the home of Dr. Vonda's method — built from 20+ years of clinical work and designed for real life. Inside: - Unbreakable Assessment — know exactly where you stand - Training plans — build muscle, protect bone, improve performance - AI Dr. Vonda — get answers and guidance anytime - Community — women committed to staying strong and engaged - Exclusive education — what actually works, all in one place This is not another program. This is how you build strength — with direction. Join the Unbreakable Lifestyle: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/ Build stronger bones Bone loss starts earlier than you think — and speeds up in midlife. Dr. Vonda's Unbreakable Bone Health formula supports bone density, strength, and long-term skeletal health with clinically researched ingredients. Foundational. Not optional. Shop now: https://shop.drvondawright.com/   Read the book Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/unbreakable-book    About Dr. Vonda Wright Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic sports surgeon and leading expert in women's health and longevity. For over 20 years, she has helped women build muscle, strengthen bone, and extend their health span — with science, not guesswork. Her mission is simple: help women age with power.   Connect with Dr. Vonda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Substack: https://drvondawright.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374 Website: http://www.drvondawright.com  

Get Dr. Vonda's insights Want to understand what's happening in your body — and what to do next? Each week, Dr. Vonda shares science-backed guidance on strength, bone health, muscle, and longevity — the same way she speaks to her patients. Clear. Practical. No noise. Join the newsletter: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=YqJKtR&g=Ww3gx3&   Most of us know our bones matter. But very few of us understand what it actually takes to protect them and how much power we truly have to change their future. In this third episode of the Unbreakable Bone Mini Series, I'm walking you through the eight evidence-based "shields" that will help you build stronger, more resilient bone at any age. This isn't a program. It's not a quick fix. It's the framework for a lifestyle that compounds over time, one that starts with how you think about aging and ends with the daily decisions that either protect or deplete the scaffolding your body depends on. What we cover: - How shifting your mindset away from worshiping your youth is the foundation for everything else. - Why estrogen loss during perimenopause drives rapid bone loss and how to make a hormone decision based on facts, not fear. - Why your bones need four times your body weight in load to trigger bone building. - Why walking alone is not enough and which movements actually meet the threshold. - How resistance training builds bone even if you can't jump, and which muscle groups matter most. - Why protein, calcium, and vitamin D work as a system and what happens when any one piece is missing. - How chronic inflammation from smoking, alcohol, and diet silently breaks down bone density over time. - Why consistency across all eight shields beats any short-term program.   Start your Unbreakable journey Most women are never given a clear plan for how to stay strong as they age. The Unbreakable Lifestyle is where that changes. This is the home of Dr. Vonda's method — built from 20+ years of clinical work and designed for real life. Inside: - Unbreakable Assessment — know exactly where you stand - Training plans — build muscle, protect bone, improve performance - AI Dr. Vonda — get answers and guidance anytime - Community — women committed to staying strong and engaged - Exclusive education — what actually works, all in one place This is not another program. This is how you build strength — with direction. Join the Unbreakable Lifestyle: https://www.theunbreakablelifestyle.com/ Build stronger bones Bone loss starts earlier than you think — and speeds up in midlife. Dr. Vonda's Unbreakable Bone Health formula supports bone density, strength, and long-term skeletal health with clinically researched ingredients. Foundational. Not optional. Shop now: https://shop.drvondawright.com/?utm_s   Read the book Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power A clear, science-backed roadmap to building strength, supporting your body, and taking control of how you age. Get your copy: https://theunbreakablebook.com?utm_so    About Dr. Vonda Wright Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic sports surgeon and leading expert in women's health and longevity. For over 20 years, she has helped women build muscle, strengthen bone, and extend their health span — with science, not guesswork. Her mission is simple: help women age with power.   Connect with Dr. Vonda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Substack: https://drvondawright.substack.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374 Website: http://www.drvondawright.com  

Episode 335:  This week, Lori is back and fresh off one of the most meaningful experiences of her life: meeting her new grandson.As the conversation unfolds, what starts with sweet stories of new life and family quickly turns into something deeper. Together, Lori and Vonda reflect on empathy, growth, and the people who shape who we become, often without us realizing it in the moment.They revisit last week's conversation about mentors and life lessons, sharing personal stories of the individuals who challenged, encouraged, and quietly influenced their paths. From college professors to unexpected opportunities, it's a reminder that the experiences we have, and the people we encounter, often lead us exactly where we're meant to go.The conversation also weaves into real-life business moments, from preparing for a major floral photo shoot to navigating creativity, trends, and the balance between personal taste and what truly serves your customers.It's heartfelt, honest, and full of those “aha” moments that make you pause and think about your own journey.Because sometimes, the things that shape us the most… don't make sense until we look back.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

"I love for people to come when the pipes leak instead of when they burst." — Vonda TiedelWhy do so many couples wait years before finally seeking help?What actually happens in the therapy room, and what is the therapist really doing?Are there situations where couples therapy can do more harm than good?Couples therapy is one of the most misunderstood tools in marriage. People assume it means something's broken, that the therapist will pick a side, or that it's too late. None of that is true.In this episode, Kenna sits down with two trusted colleagues and fellow licensed marriage and family therapists, Ben Baker and Vonda Tiede, for an honest, behind-the-curtain conversation about what couples therapy actually looks like, who it's for, and what gets in the way of people starting sooner.They cover the myths that keep couples stuck, the difference between a disagreement and a full-blown fight, what "containment" really means in the therapy room, and the specific situations where couples therapy is actually contraindicated. They also share the one thing they each wish every couple knew before they ever walked through the door.Whether you're considering couples therapy, currently in it, or just curious what happens in that room, this episode will give you real answers, not vague reassurances.Chapters(00:00) - "Your marriage is my client"(00:28) - Welcome and guest introductions(02:14) - Highs and Hards(08:25) - Why couples therapy feels so mysterious(09:35) - How Ben and Vonda chose marriage and family therapy(14:01) - Individual therapy vs. couples therapy(18:38) - Myths and misconceptions therapists want to dispel(33:56) - When to come and when to wait(52:18) - The one thing each therapist wishes every couple knew(58:03) - Challenge by choice(01:00:27) - Closing prayerLinks and Resources:Martin Center for Integration - https://martincenterforintegration.comVonda Tiede, LMFT - https://www.vondatiede.com/Related episodes with Ben Baker: Men and Mental Health, Men in Relationships, Triangulation - https://martincenterforintegration.com/show-notes-70Related episodes with Vonda Tiede: Marital Intimacy, What Happens in Individual Therapy - https://martincenterforintegration.com/show-notes-21Support the showThank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!Join our email list and never miss an episode or an eventVisit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.Follow us on Instagram & FacebookInterested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for IntegrationMusic: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

Episode 334: This week's episode is a solo, heartfelt reflection as Vonda takes the mic while Lori enjoys the first precious days with her new grandson.What begins as a simple story about gardening and a neighbor turns into something deeper—a reminder that the people who enter our lives often shape us in ways we don't fully understand in the moment. From mentors who challenge us, to employees who test us, to customers who lift us up or wear us down, each experience leaves its mark.Vonda shares honest, real-life moments from her journey—lessons in leadership, team dynamics, and the quiet awareness it takes to protect the culture of your business. She reflects on the hard decisions, the unexpected teachers, and the growth that comes from both joy and difficulty.This episode is about perspective. It's about recognizing that even the most challenging situations are preparing you for what's ahead. And it's about understanding that every person who crosses your path has something to teach you—if you're willing to listen.Because in the end, it's all shaping who you are becoming.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist