AromaThrive with Lisa: Recent Episodes
Lisa Osborn
This show covers all aspects of health & wellness and personal development. From managing stress to the power of a good night's sleep. Find out how good oral hygiene can support a healthy body and about the impact your thoughts and emotions have on your overall well being. You'll also hear about essential oils, anti-aging techniques, mindfulness, natural remedies, and reducing toxins in your environment. This podcast will help you go from merely living to thriving! The show is hosted by Lisa Osborn, an award-winning newscaster, and originates from Santa Barbara, California. Some segments also air on KCBX FM, Public Radio for the Central Coast, in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.
Ready for summer vacation? You'll want to hear these pandemic travel safety tips to help keep you and your family safe. Since the July 4th weekend, COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara and Southern California have dramatically increased. It's prompted health officials to urge everyone - regardless of vaccination status - to mask up.
Keep your immune system strong - it can keep everyone safe. Need recommendations for all natural supplements, green cleaning or personal care products to support your overall well being? Let's talk. Email me at Lisa@Lisa.fm
Autumn Equinox, a time to check in with yourself to review the past three months, release what you no longer want and set your attention on what you wish to create.
In this episode, I offer guidelines for socializing safely during the pandemic, self-care reminders and how to see the 'silver lining' in pandemic life, when things have slowed down and gotten quieter for most of us.
As always, I'm recommending an essential oil aroma to support you during these times: Release is a blend of ylang ylang, sandalwood, citrus and more, to help you release - let go - of worn out feelings, thoughts and ways of being. Visit AromaThrive.com to order Release and transform your personal, nutritional and cleaning routine with quality, plant-based products.
I don't know about you, but putting on a face covering to go out made me not want to breathe, or go out as much. Until now - tune-in to this episode to learn a simple solution that makes mask-wearing more interesting, and breathe-able.
You'll also get ideas for being in the moment, Boosting your wellness by getting closer to nature (and natural products), and imagining your perfect life while staying safer at home.
With all that's happening in the world, did you even notice that Spring has come? It will be followed by a new moon on March 24, which inspires new ideas - it's a good time to plant seeds (goals, ideas) during a new moon that you wish to see come to harvest in 28 days, or even fall.
In this episode I encourage you to B R E A T H E, it can help you relieve stress. I'll walk you thru two breathing exercises, including breath of fire. And, will also offer ideas for grounding and centering - and re-imagining your life, as you may be staying home a lot more often, as so many of us are, during these interesting times.
The essential oils & related items I recommend is this podcast Raven, a respiratory-supporting blend of ravintsara, eucalyptus, wintergreen, lemon and peppermint, and Thieves - both of these oils come in the great-value 'Premium Starter Kit' of 12 oils + diffuser. And - since we're washing hands more than ever - some luxurious foaming hand soaps - in two aromas, lavender and Thieves. You can order these and other all-natural, therapeutic-grade essential oils + infused products at AromaThrive.com
2020 is here - for many, it's a time to set new year resolutions, intentions or affirmations to support your goals. In this episode, Elizabeth Gould of Right Brain University offers tips for setting powerful affirmations.
Discover how to activate the Law of Attraction to work for you - and how to clear inner trauma (or that stubborn inner child) who may be holding you back from accomplishing your most cherished goals.
Aromas are a powerful tool for setting affirmations - the essential oils recommended in this episode include the blend Valor and Frankincense. Both of these oils are included in a Premium Starter Kit of 12 exquisite oils plus your choice of ultrasonic diffuser. order yours at AromaThrive.com
Cover image by Ken Pfeiffer Photography
Science is proving that we inherit more than physical traits like hair and eye color from our biological families. The study of epigenetics has found that trauma and stress responses are also inherited.
In this episode, Elizabeth Gould, author of Your Best Health by Friday, explains how these unconscious reactions are passed from generation to generation. And why, when you are aware of this, you can improve your health and well-being.
The suggested essential oil for this episode is lemon, or a citrus oil. Inhale a drop or two of lemon or other citrus essential oils to bring a feeling of sunshine into your heart. Citrus can provide an energy-brain boost and their aromas equate to happiness for many people. Citrus oils are great to add to natural cleaning solutions - they will help keep your living space smelling fresh and clean.
Lemon and Citrus Fresh are two of the dozen essential oils & blends you'll receive (along with your choice of ultrasonic diffuser) when you order a Premium Starter Kit at AromaThrive.com
The holidays are sneaking up, and extreme emotions sneak up on us, too, this time of year. In this episode, I speak with my friend, author Deborah Richards, who offers insights for shining thru the holidays even if they bring up memories that can feel overwhelming.
In her book, Shift & Shine, Deb details how she survived the death of her husband who committed suicide, and how her belief that they will be together again in the afterlife warms her heart. She also speaks of struggles with two of her children who went thru addiction and recovery. She is blessed this holiday that both daughters are living sober.
Deb shares a five minute morning ritual that enables her to Shift & Shine throughout her day. You can find her book on Amazon.
In this podcast we recommend the essential oil of Frankincense to enhance your listening experience. It's an earthy aroma that can inspire feelings of higher consciousness, and reflection. Order your Frankincense and other essential oils at AromaThrive.com
Here we are heading into the holiday season already! In this episode let's look at the health benefits of being grateful, aromas that can help you get more in the holiday spirit - and, why the average life expectancy of Americans continues to decline.
The suggested essential oils blend for this episode is HOPE, a sweet blend of Melissa, Myrrh and more, to uplift spirits and inspire feelings of hopefulness.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Being part of a tribe - people you relate to, and who get you - can be good for your health. Festivals strive to cultivate a cool vibe that brings together like-minded people for a good time, and there's an art to that.
FestForums, a conference that brings together people who create festivals- and those who provide services that support festivals and live events - is coming to Santa Barbara November 21-23. It's a very cool hang!
In this episode I speak with Laurie Kirby, co-founder of FestForums, about trends in conferences, what it takes to put on a successful live event - and what will be happening at FestForums this year. Special guests at FestForums this year include Penelope Spheeris, Jon Anderson (YES), Skip Parker, Ray Parker, Jr. and many more. And, this is an event where everyone feels like a VIP, being treated to a variety of events and activities from wine tastings - and live performances, to panels, awards and presentations.
I will be there to offer Aroma Experiences, so I hope to see you there. For more information and to register (use the promo code "FRIENDOFLAURIE" for a deal), go to FestForums.com
This is the time of year that the ancestors come to visit - some believe they come in the form of Monarch Butterflies migrating through the area. In this episode, I share ideas for connecting with your inner guidance, and possibly lost loved ones.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, along with Halloween and All Saint's Day all fall within a few days of each other. Tradition says it's the time of year the veils are thinnest between earthly life and the 'other side.'
The suggested essential oils for this podcast are Abundance -a spicy blend of Frankincense, Myrrh, clove and cinnamon - or just Frankincense alone. I will also let you know how to get a bottle of Abundance essential oil FREE in November, along with other essential oils blends known to help raise your vibrational frequency.
Here's to high vibes - peace, and knowing - as we head into the final days of the year - and decade. Visit AromaThrive.com for more information on this high-vibe line of essential oils and other lifestyle products free from harsh toxins and chemicals.
Are you stressed out? Me, too! In this episode I'll offer sage advice on taking care of YOU when life gets bumpy.
The information shared here was created by my partner, Dr. Ken Pfeiffer of PainRelievers.org. I'm sharing it with you today, in part, because I was feeling stressed out about not having as much time as I would like to check in with you in these podcast episodes - and I am going to use this helpful, rejuvenating, information as much as I hope you will - so we can relax, rest and recharge as we head into the the final months of the decade.
The recommended essential oil for listening to this podcast is the blend Deep Relief, which has been my friend lately as I work thru some body aches. You can find a lot of stress-reducing aromas in a Premium Starter Kit of 12 oils + diffuser for an incredible value. Check it out at AromaThrive.com.
How many thoughts roll through your head each day that are the same thoughts as you had yesterday? If you are like me, a LOT! Here's a simple process for weeding your mind garden - downloading the thoughts in your head onto paper so you don't have to keep thinking about them.
In this episode, life coach Jenifer Paredes shares this simple ritual. And, I recommend some 'high vibe' essential oils - including White Angelica with rose and Frankincense - to enhance this powerful ritual.
You can order your 'high-vibe' oils - in a generous premium start kit (big savings!) at AromaThrive.com . Questions about getting started with essential oils and plant based wellness products? Message me and we can book a time to talk.
(photo by Ken Pfeiffer Photography)
So you're moving thru your day - normal routine - and then, BAM! Something comes out of the blue and you wipe out. That's what happened to me the other day when I was rear-ended on Los Angeles traffic. It could have been much worse - so, I can't complain too much.
In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth Gould, author of Your Best Health by Friday, to talk about the link between emotional pain and physical pain. She offers insights into feeling your best, and shares what get her on the road to natural wellness.
The suggested essential oil for this episode is Valor, a blend of Frankincense, Spruce and other pure essential oils. This aromatic blend inspires feelings of confidence and courage, and helps keep me focused on seeing what I want to achieve, rather than being pushed around on the whitecaps of life.
Valor is one of the 12essential oils & blends you'll receive (along with a diffuser) when you get a Premium Starter Kit at AromaThrive.com
Beautiful tributes are on display in the Santa Barbara Harbor for the 34 souls who lost their lives in a dive boat disaster off the coast of the nearby Channel Islands. Walking among the flowers, photos and other mementos, it was hard to not feel a sense of loss - for the victims' families & loved ones, as well as everyone whose lives will be forever changed by this event.
Working through grief can be a roller-coaster of emotions. In this episode, I'm joined by my partner, Dr. Ken Pfeiffer, PhD, a psychologist and expert on the link between emotional and physical pain. He provides ideas for how to get to a place of acceptance without sabotaging the healing process.
The recommended essential oil for this podcast is Frankincense. Its warm, balsamic aroma is a key ingredient in essential oils blends which support emotional well being, including Valor. Both of these oils are included in the Premium Starter Kit of essential oils, along with a diffuser, it's a great way to start using therapeutic quality oils into your healthy lifestyle. Order your kit at AromaThrive.com
You can also see photos of the memorials and tributes to the victims of the Conception dive boat disaster by clicking this link.
Are you struggling with achieving an important goal or desire? Perhaps a life coach could help you overcome the obstacles you're experiencing. In this episode, I'm joined by Santa Barbara-based life coach Jenifer Paredes of JoyofNow.com. Find out what a life coach does - and how this kind of coaching is different from other coaching and therapy programs. The recommended essential oil for this episode is Peppermint - it's an oil that's always in my purse, for an energy boost I put a drop in my palm, rub hands together and inhale. The strong minty aroma helps me to feel more alert. You can also lick a dab off the back of your hand (1 drop or less) to freshen breath. I'll also rub a few drops on my belly for relief when feeling bloated. Peppermint is one of the 12 oils that come in the Premium Starter Kit - along with your choice of cold-air diffuser, starting at $165 (a $400+ value). Order yours - and find out more about quality plant-based personal care and home products that can keep you and your family feeling good at AromaThrive.com.
So many people - maybe you - are turning to CBDs for relief from everything from pain to getting a good night's rest. In this episode, I explain the difference between different CBD variations (full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate). You'll also learn how CBD and essential oils are similar in providing beneficial naturally-occurring chemical compounds, which can put your body in a state to heal itself.
I represent a top-quality line of essential oils and CBDs, including tinctures internal use, roll-on for calming and muscle rub for pain relief. Discover more at AromaThrive.com - and, message me to book a time for us to talk about how these products can support you in feeling and being your best.
"Raising your Vibe" means being at your best - improving. Everything in the world is vibrating at a frequency - and, there are simple things you can do to raise your vibe.
I love the term vibrations - and it always reminds me of a story I heard, Brian Wilson (of the Beach Boys) recalled a time when he was young, walking with his mom and he asked her why neighborhood dogs barked at some people and not others. His mom told him something like it's because everyone gives off vibrations - and some of those vibes will make dogs bark. And, that's what inspired Wilson to write the hit tune Good Vibrations.
So - in today's episode, I suggest ideas for making the vibrations you're giving off - high vibrations (or, as the song goes "Good Vibrations").
The suggested essential oil to enhance your listening experience is SAGE - as Sage is known for purifying air and cleansing. You can receive a F R E E bottle of Sage Vitality essential oil this summer - when you order a Premium Starter Kit of 12 essential oils + diffuder from me - at AromaThrive.com
It's a Santa Barbara tradition that's almost 100 years old. Old Spanish Days Fiesta celebrates some of the city's early settlers, with food, dancing, parades and pageantry.
Santa Barbara native Paula Lopez has been involved with Fiesta since childhood. Her grandfather, Juan Cota, danced in the first Fiesta Pequena at Old Mission Santa Barbara. In this episode, Paula shares tips for making the most of your time at Fiesta.
Paula and her husband, retired judge Frank Ochoa, will host Noches de Ronda Friday night at the Sunken Gardens of the Old Santa Barbara Courthouse. Paula also offers insight into the Historical Parade, and Children's Parade.
The recommended essential oils for this podcast (and Fiesta) are the blend Stress Away, with an extra drop of lime (margarita making!).
Viva la Fiesta!
Two high-vibe events are coming to Santa Barbara:
Wellness with Essential Oils, hosted by me - on Monday (July 29th).
The following weekend - Saturday August 3rd - it's The Nest Fest, a cooperative conscious gathering.
In this episode, I'm joined by The N.E.S.T Fest organizers Alisa Deen and John Beyond Reason - to find out what inspired them to create this safe space for high-vibe souls. Find out more about The NEST Fest by clicking this link.
And - find out more about Wellness with Essential Oils - and how to get started with this line of premium essential oils and wellness products that could rock your world - at AromaThrive.com
Move above the wellness line with these new products, unveiled today at the Young Living 25th Anniversary Convention.
In this episode, I unpack the new product releases, including two new nutritional supplements (Olive Essential, an antioxidant capsule and IlluminEyes eye health supplement); there are two new scents of essential oils - Chivalry and Davana + the popular Peace & Calming blend is now in a roll on. And, the cutest kids diffuser, ever! It diffuses + plays soothing sounds.
Young Living also has CBD oils - and, if you are interested in ordering any of these products, go to AromaThrive.com/order-oils - and, when signing up, please be sure to use my referral #1734225 (enroller/sponsor) so we can be on the same team :-) I am happy to walk you thru the process - and answer all of your questions about how to use these powerful products to support good health.
Are you in the Santa Barbara area? You're invited to attend an upcoming class as my guest. Message me at Aromathrive.com for details!
Imagine being more supportive of all of the wonderful aspects of YOU! Sometimes we are harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else.
In this episode, author & energy healer Dani Antman, talks about being okay with the side of ourselves that we don't want others to see (the shadow). She will also walk you through a guided imagery experience.
The essential oil recommended for this episode include Acceptance - one of my favorite blends, it helps me to feel relaxed and supported in my life, regardless of what is going on. To order your Premium Starter Kit + Acceptance oil, go to AromaThrive.com
Find out more about Dani Antman & her book by clicking here: Dani Antman, author of Wired for God: Adventures of a Jewish Yogi."
Happy Solstice - in Santa Barbara, we are welcoming Summer this weekend with a colorful & creative people-powered parade (no motors, no corporate branding) that draws tens of thousands to State Street to see the spectacle, followed by a celebration in the park.
Wherever you are this weekend, consider taking time to mark this major turning point of the year - equal parts of light and dark. In this episode, I share ideas for a Solstice ritual - as well as findings from a new study that reveals people who spend two hours a week in nature (anywhere, doing anything), reported better well-being and satisfaction with their life (read more in The Guardian).
Plus - how do you use your Premium Starter Kit of essential oils once your order them at AromaThrive.com? I offer some tips for working these pure nature's essences into daily life.
Finally - are you in Santa Barbara Solstice Weekend, you're invited to an essential oils infused meditation/goal setting ritual at the beach. Message me for details, and listen for more at the end of this episode.
For more information and to order your Premium Starter kit of Essential oils, go to AromaThrive.com
If a summer (or longer) romance sounds enticing to you - tune-in to this advice from Lisa Amador of Amador Matchmaking. In this episode she urges listeners to get clear on their goals - What are your deal breakers? What you HAVE to have (or cannot have) in a mate? - then get out into the world to start meeting others.
The suggested essential oils to inspire you as you listen to this podcast (and then take action) - are the blends of Clarity and Valor. The Valor comes in a premium starter kit (12 essential oils & blends + diffuser) you can order at AromaThrive.com
(photo by Rachel Sarah Thurston Photography)
One of my best friends always said 'gratitude is the grease' that helps you attain your desires. So, why is giving thanks so powerful?
My guest Jacque Book, a mindset coach who speaks on gratitude and mindfulness explains the power of gratitude - and how important it is to speak about what you DO want, and not about what you don't.
Jacque shares a simple gratitude ritual she practices daily before she opens her eyes in the morning. She explains how you can do it, and why it's important to work this ritual into your daily routine.
The essential oils aromas recommended to enhance this podcast listening experience are Idaho Blue Spruce and (Jacque's favorite), peppermint. You can order your essential oils at AromaThrive.com - where, you can receive 12 versatile pure essential oils & blends + a diffuser and other goodies all for a bargain price.
Find out more about Jacque and her work at JacqueBook.com
My friends who have migraines tell me they can be so severe they are throwing up, or bed ridden. How do migraines differ from other kinds of headaches? And, what are the latest treatments and alternative remedies being used to treat the discomfort?
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Adam Harcourt of Imagine X Functional Neurology in Santa Barbara, to find out about the latest research and treatments for migraines.
Peppermint is the essential oil recommended to enhance your listening experience for this episode. It's an extremely versatile oil - can be relaxing or uplifting, and it definitely can freshen up a room - or your mood. If you would like to get the essential oils Premium Starter Kit and ultrasonic diffuser mentioned at the end of this podcast, click here, or go to AromaThrive.com
(photo by Lisa Osborn/AromaThrive)
Are you feeling it? Exhausted, unmotivated, cynical, and just not into the daily grind? It could be burnout. This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified burnout as an occupational hazard. Now what?
We're clearly living in stressful times, so working at least a little time for self care and joy into daily life can help to keep you healthy. In this episode, I talk about burnout - and how you can support yourself, even if you only have a few minutes each day.
The recommended essential oil in this episode is JOY, a blend of floral (rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, geranium) and citrus (tangerine, bergamot, tangerine). We can all use a little more JOY in our lives, right?
Also - a new moon is coming on Monday, so wrap up your tasks and goals for the month, and prepare to launch new plans after the new moon arrives on Monday.
Congrats to Young Living! Who celebrated the grand opening of their new global headquarters in Lehi Utah this week. Young Living is the leader in the modern essential oils movement - they are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They are doing something right, for sure, creating the finest essential oils and essential oils-infused vitamin supplements, beauty, personal care and cleaning products, in the world. Want to try some? Visit my site www.aromathrive.com to find out more, and order your premium starter kit (psk) and a bottle of Joy!
Discover how to use sound - and silence - to lead you into relaxation. I speak with producer Richard "Wolfie" Wolf about how meditating has supported him in his career as an Emmy-Award-Winning music composer for TV and Film. Wolf is the author of "In Tune: Music as the Bridge to Mindfulness." He also teaches mindfulness to students at USC's Thornton School of Music and in this podcast he will share with you simple exercises for meditating and will lead a mindfulness exercise at the end of the conversation. Wolf suggests that listening to calming music - and continuing to listen to silence (ambient sound) once the music ends - can help draw you into a meditative state. We breathed in the aromas of tangerine and peppermint essential oils at the beginning of this podcast - and reflected on how essential oils can also be a gateway into mindfulness and meditation. Experiment for yourself - order a Premium Starter Kit of 12 essential oils & cold-air diffuser at AromaThrive.com. For more information about Richard Wolf, go to RichardWolf.net
Discover how to use sound - and silence - to lead you into relaxation. I speak with producer Richard "Wolfie" Wolf about how meditating has supported him in his career as an Emmy-Award-Winning music composer for TV and Film. Wolf is the author of "In Tune: Music as the Bridge to Mindfulness." He also teaches mindfulness to students at USC's Thornton School of Music and in this podcast he will share with you simple exercises for meditating and will lead a mindfulness exercise at the end of the conversation. Wolf suggests that listening to calming music - and continuing to listen to silence (ambient sound) once the music ends - can help draw you into a meditative state. We breathed in the aromas of tangerine and peppermint essential oils at the beginning of this podcast - and reflected on how essential oils can also be a gateway into mindfulness and meditation. Experiment for yourself - order a Premium Starter Kit of 12 essential oils & cold-air diffuser at AromaThrive.com. For more information about Richard Wolf, go to RichardWolf.net
"Wonder" is the theme of this year's Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration, June 21-23, 2019. The annual event attracts thousands of locals and out-of-towners welcoming the warm-weather season with a childlike sense of creativity and awe. It's a great place to get in touch with your inner child.
Pali X Mano, a local artist who lends his creative talents to Solstice each year, shares what inspires him to create colorful costumes and headdresses, along with the grand finale float - a giant, brightly-colored inflatable with aerialists inside swinging from silks or trapezes.
Pali also shares how the Solstice parade got started (in 1974), along with ideas for how you can turn on your playful side by participating in the parade - or as a spectator.
"Inner Child" is the essential oil blend recommended in this podcast episode. Get yours - along with a premium starter kit of 12 essential oils and a cold air diffuser at AromaThrive.com
Whether you're a seasoned dating pro - or single and looking to meet someone new, take in these tips from Lisa Amador of Amador Matchmaking. Lisa is Santa Barbara's matchmaker - and she's also a dating coach. In this podcast she'll offer advice on photos for your dating profile, what to include - and what to definitely leave out - when writing your profile description, and what's up with the latest dating apps.
For the low-tech, or singles who prefer to meet their next match in person. And - because dating can be stressful... the AromaThrive essential oil recommended in this podcast is STRESS AWAY. Enjoy!
(Photo by Rachel Sarah Thurston Photography)
Energy healing - what is it, and is it something anyone can learn to do? I posed this question to my guest, Dani Antman, author of Wired for God: Adventures of a Jewish Yogi." Dani is a Santa Barbara based energy healer. She's internationally known and has trained for years in her craft. She shares information on her work and how everything in the universe has a vibration or energy. The podcast opens with news out of UC Berkeley, where researchers found that anxiety levels among college students are at epidemic levels. I work on a UC campus, and I can often feel the nervous energy when I'm around groups of people. Sometimes, when I feel anxious at the end of a busy day, I'll use Epsom salt with essential oils in a bath, to help me calm down. The recommended essential oils in this episode include Dorado Azul ( for lung and respiratory support) and the blend White Angelica - in honor of Dani, who loves sandalwood oil. To get started with your very own set of Premium Essential Oils, click here. Enjoy!
Earth Day is being celebrated at festivals and events around the world. Did you know that Earth Day began in Santa Barbara, CA? It's true. Following a massive oil spill in the Santa Barbara Channel in 1969, concerned community members rallied to help clean up the coastline, and set guidelines to protect the environment. The activism led to the creation of Earth Day.
In honor of Earth Day, I'll share with you some ideas for being gentle on Mother Earth all year around. Recycling rules are changing in Santa Barbara and in other cities across the USA. Papers and plastics that used to be recyclable are now classified as trash.
From reducing, reusing and recycling, to choosing more wholesome (non-toxic) cleaning and personal products, to considering natural alternatives to medicines and garden care, this podcast will give you a lot to think about.
The recommended essential oil for this podcast is Rosemary. You can receive a bottle of Rosemary essential oil, as my gift to you, when you become a member by ordering a premium starter kit at AromaThrive.com. (Click here to order!)
Keep stress at bay by simplifying your life. In this episode, I encourage you to cut out unnecessary things from daily life - whether it's too many activities/meetings or household & personal care products that could be harmful to your health and well being.
You might shop organic - but, do you ever think about the ingredients in the personal care and cleaning products in your home? Choosing products with ingredients you can pronounce can keep your body from being bogged down with potentially harmful ingredients, such as synthetic fragrances and stuff that can mess with hormones.
And, how about getting out in nature? It's Spring - wildflowers are blooming everywhere - a walk in nature, enjoying fresh air an natural beauty is a great way to recharge your spirit.
Recommended Essential Oil: Lemon.... keeping it simple with this pure citrus aroma. My favorite way to use this oil is to apply a few drops to rough spots on the bottom of my feet after a bath or shower. You could also add a drop to a glass of drinking water, or a few drops to a spray bottle and wipe down your kitchen counters.
Order your lemon essential oil or a Premium Starter Kit today by clicking this link. Thank you!
Spring Cleaning is a tradition for some. But, as you clean your surroundings - do you ever think about cleaning Yourself? Consider using this season of rebirth (and new moon on April 5) to detox your body, or weed your mind garden.
In this podcast, I offer ideas for detoxing using a line of wellness vitamin supplements & essential oils that are pure and natural. In addition, consider your thoughts - some experts say we are creating our future 30 seconds at a time, with the thoughts & ideas we are thinking about.
The suggested essential oils to enhance this podcast are a blend: lemon, lavender and peppermint. This blend is known to support seasonal discomfort, you know, the sniffles, sneezes, itchy eyes. Good news is - each of these oils (lemon, lavender, peppermint) are included in the premium starter kit - a dozen essential oils + electric home diffuser + premium samples, when you order at AromaThrive.com.
I will also tell you about a bill that's making its way through the California Assembly (AB 495) that would ban the 'toxic twenty' cosmetics known to include 'any of the highly toxic chemicals known to cause cancer, reproductive harm or hormone disruption.' Did you know that the US allows many chemicals that are banned in Europe and other countries?
Can you imagine, toxic ingredients like those that disrupt hormones, and cause skin rashes are allowed to be in products sold in the US. Avoid being harmed (as I was recently by using a lipstick that left me with a nasty rash that required a trip to the doctor to treat) by this 'dirty make up' when you shop for clean cosmetics at AromaThrive.com.
Wednesday is the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere - and, this year there's an added bonus. A full moon coincides with the equinox. In fact - it's a Super Full Moon -where the moon appears extra large in the sky because it's closer than usual to earth.
The Equinox - a time of equal light & darkness - is one of four turning points of the year. It's a great time for planting seeds, and setting goals. In this podcast, I offer ideas for honoring yourself, and inspiring your dreams, during this auspicious time.
To shop for the essential oils and other products mentioned in this podcast, go to AromaThrive.com
Do you have a Dream? The stars will be aligning on this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to assist you in anchoring your dreams and goals.
In this podcast, I'll share with you tips for setting goals and intentions during the full moon lunar eclipse and supermoon, which will be visible on the west coast of the USA and all across north and south america on the evening of January 20-21, 2019. This full moon will appear extra large in the sky because of its close proximity to earth, that's why it's a supermoon.
Legend has it that during any full moon humans may be feeling more emotional than usual, and if you quiet your mind and tune-in to your inner guidance, there's the opportunity for an Aha! moment - gaining insights - and coming up with creative new ideas. The full moon might also shine light on what was previously unknown.
A vision board is a powerful way to anchor in your dreams and goals. The Los Angeles Times recently published a story on how to create a vision board, and they turned to my friend, Joyce Schwarz author of The Vision Board book for advice. Click here to read the story, and be inspired to create your own vision board.
The essential oils I recommend to enhance your listening experience during this podcast are lemon & rosemary (for focus!), lemon & peppermint can also help your mind to feel sharp. And, since eclipses have the power to 'eclipse out' something from our lives - I also recommend the essential oil blend Release, to help you let go of people and things that have run their course in your life.
Looking for the best essential oils on the planet? I recommend starting with a Premium Starter Kit from Young Living - you can order at AromaThrive.com , choose 'become a member' and you will save 25% on all of your future purchases.
Young Living is a wellness lifestyle company- they have hundreds of products to support your well being. I mentioned the "Slique in 60 Challenge," which starts in February and can help you to achieve your ideal weight. And, I love Mindwise, the liquid vitamin that supports brain and heart health. I love it because it contains vitamin D3, which provides a natural energy boost.
If you have questions about getting started with essential oils or would like some product recommendations, please get in touch, I'd be happy to speak with you. You can reach me through this page, or at AromaThrive.com.
Here's to you achieving your dreams in 2019!
Photo by Ken Pfeiffer, Ken's Pro Media
So many of us are often thinking of the past or projecting into the future, but being in the moment is where you have the power to guide your destiny.
In this episode of my 'Rituals' series, I speak with Santa Barbara TV news reporter Tracy Lehr, of KEYT News. In order for her to do her job of reporting the news on a tight deadline, Lehr says a key to her success on the job is being in the moment.
The California Assembly recently recognized Lehr as 'Woman of the Year' for her continuous coverage of the two disasters that hit the Santa Barbara area in the Winter of 2018, the Thomas Fire followed by the 1/9 Montecito Debris Flow. Lehr shares how one photographer's single word of HOPE helped her to regain composure after starting to cry on camera in the time following the January 9th mudslides.
Lehr explains what it's like to be a news reporter, being assigned stories with little notices and expected to get them on TV sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. She also shares some tips for what it takes to be a good reporter.
Tracy is also a big fan of essential oils, especially grapefruit and (her new fav) lime. So, these are the recommended scents for this episode to enhance your listening experience. (I'll help you get set up with your pure essential oils & diffuser at AromaThrive.com)
Keep up with what Tracy is covering on social media, you can follow her on Twitter @KEYTNC3Tracy and Facebook, and see her stories on KEYT TV Santa Barbara.
Musician and recording engineer Mike de Martino was introduced to Reiki when he was recovering from cancer treatment. Since then, he's become a practitioner of the natural healing modality, and works with a group that offers no-cost reiki sessions to the public in Ventura County.
In this podcast, Mike explains what reiki is - and how he went from being a bit skeptical to a true believer in the benefits of this practice, which is a relaxing blend of gentle touch and meditation. You'll also hear some music de Martino composed to heighten the reiki experience.
To enhance your listening experience, I recommend the pure essential oils of Peppermint and Frankincense. You can order these oils from me, as part of a Premium Starter Kit which includes 11 essential oils and your choice of diffuser, at AromaThrive.com
And, click here for more information and to listen to more samples of Mike de Martino's music.
(photo: Mike de Martino with his wife, Tracy Lehr)
Whether you're giving a speech or public presentation, or just want to glide through your day with more grace and ease, these Rituals for Confidence can help. Author, hypnotist and public speaker Nancy Segal shares simple techniques you can do to help you to feel more confident.
Nancy also shares powerful tips for turning your self-talk into success. And, she is an advanced BWRT practitioner, so she shares insights into this new neuroscience technique. Find out more about Nancy Segal at http://www.risingaboveit.com
The recommended essential oils to enhance your listening experience are Frankincense, Palo Santo, Peppermint and the Young Living blend Envision. Order yours at www.aromathrive.com
Tradition says that it's easier to make contact with souls who have crossed over to the other side around this time of year. It's Interesting that different cultures celebrate similar traditions like Halloween, Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day in late October and early November. In this podcast, I offer tips for connecting with loved ones on the other side.
Enhance your listening experience with the following essential oils: Palo Santo, Frankincense or Sandalwood. Order at AromaThrive.com
A few minutes of quiet reflection can support you throughout the day. And, developing a simple practice can help you to get in touch with inner guidance and the things that are most important to you.
In this podcast my friend Paula Lopez Ochoa, a media personality and Santa Barbara Realtor, shares her rituals for reflection, and how it helps her be her personal best. As you listen, you might be inspired to create your own ritual, or decide to set aside a few minutes of quiet time in your daily life.
Enhance your listening experience with these essential oils, which promote relaxation and well being: Frankincense, and the Young Living blends Acceptance and Transformation. You can order these oils on my website, AromaThrive.com
Listening to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford share excruciating details of the night she was pushed into a bedroom and assaulted by two teenage boys at a house party when she was 15 years old is triggering memories in a lot of women who can relate to her story.
Dr. Deborah Smilovitz Foster, a psychologist in Santa Barbara, shares ideas for how to work through the painful emotions of past abuse and trauma.
Suggested essential oils to enhance this listening experience include frankincense, lavender, Inner Child, Stress Away and Release. For more information on these essential oils go to AromaThrive.com
You may enjoy being busy, but in stressful times, some of us are finding that less is more. Cutting down on unnecessary demands and commitments could is a good way to nurture yourself and actually can improve productivity.
In this podcast, my friend Paula Lopez Ochoa, a Santa Barbara Realtor and busy mom and grandma offers her secrets for how to keep from being over-committed, and ideas for self care in stressful times.
Essential oils can enhance your listening experience! In this episode we recommend Frankincense (Paula's favorite and top all-around oil) and the Young Living blends "Release," and "Harmony." You can order these oils, along with a premium starter kit (11 oils + diffuser) at AromaThrive.com
There can be so much more to eating than rushing through meals, or eating when you aren't even hungry, or choosing the wrong foods, or, (if you are like me) not even knowing what I want to eat when you get too hungry.
Petra Beumer of the Mindful Eating Institute in Santa Barbara, CA, joins me with her powerful tips for Mindful Eating. Petra says this approach to eating can make you feel more happy and fulfilled.
Enhance your mindful eating experience with Essential Oils! Some of the aromas I recommend to support you while listening to this podcast episode, and practicing mindful eating include: geranium, lavender and the Young Living blends Inner Child, SARA and Release. You can get started on your essential oils lifestyle journey when you join my team at AromaThrive.com
To find out more about Petra Beumer and her work at the Mindful Eating Institute, go to MindfulEatingInstitute.net
How well do you take care of yourself? Emotionally, I mean. Many people (often women) are great at taking care of others - but fall short when it comes to giving themselves the same loving care as they are sharing.
In this podcast, I speak with Petra Beumer of the Mindful Eating Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. Petra coaches her clients on how to nurture themselves. She offers tips for you to incorporate easy self-care tips to support your emotional well-being.
Enhance your emotional-self-care experience with Essential Oils! Some of my favorite fragrances for this include geranium, lavender and citrus oils such as lemon and Citrus Fresh. You can get started on your essential oils lifestyle journey at AromaThrive.com
To find out more about Petra Beumer and her work at the Mindful Eating Institute, go to MindfulEatingInstitute.net
I'm super excited to share with you this simple technique for relaxation, which blends the soothing aroma of an essential oil blend with a brief guided meditation. I'd like to introduce you to my good friend and partner, Dr. Ken Pfeiffer --
Hi there, I am Doctor Ken Pfeiffer, a psychologist. If you suffer from stress or anxiety, or any associated health problems such as headaches, backaches, insomnia, or digestive problems, I have a simple meditation technique that uses the soothing aroma of a natural essential oil that can help you.
Stress is an increasingly common problem in our modern society. Too much to do in too little time is a recipe for stress, anxiety, and anger. Chronic stress harms the body in many ways by increasing stress hormones and muscle tension, and changing normal blood flow and body functions.
To alleviate stress, it is important to put things into perspective and take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. I have three things today to help you:
1) Essential Oils: The sense of smell is intimately connected with the emotional part of your brain. Smells have the ability to create emotions, or to recall emotions associated with the smells. For example, the ingredients and soothing aroma of "Stress Away" essential oil blend are naturally calming. And the more the smell of this oil is associated with actually being calm and relaxed, the more effective the smell is in eliciting calm.
2) Meditation: Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and to relax. There are many forms of meditation, and you can choose whatever technique works well for you. Simple forms such as focusing on the breath or counting the breath work well. I will give you a demonstration of a guided meditation that relies on letting go of body tension, and imagining cooling the head and warming the extremities that I have found very effective. This specific technique counters the "fight or flight" reaction, or the "defensive reflex" that is the opposite of relaxation and calm.
3) Combining Essential Oils with Meditation in "classical conditioning": When events are paired together over time, the occurrence of one event can elicit the other. For example, suppose you usually come home after work, pour your favorite beverage, turn on the TV, and watch your favorite show and relax. Repeatedly pairing the beverage and TV with relaxation causes the beverage and TV to be a cue for relaxation, and can actually cause you to relax in the future.
So what we will do is to pair the unique smell of a relaxing essential oil with the relaxation of meditation to enhance the relaxing effect. The oil will become a cue for relaxation and can be used in the future to help de-stress. It is important that the smell of the oil is unique, and at first you only smell it when you are already relaxed from meditation. Then in the future you can use it to de-stress when needed.
To illustrate this, we are going to do a brief guided meditation of about 8 minutes. To help you relax there will be some background sounds of waves at the beach. Toward the end of the session you can open your little package that contains a stone saturated with the calming aroma of Stress-Away essential oil.**
Practice once a day, and soon you will have a special "relaxation" stone you can use to de-stress anytime you need.
You can order Stress Away oil at AromaThrive.com, purchase a single bottle or, get a 'premium starter kit' including the Stress Away oil and ten other oils, along with an electric cold air diffuser.
Today I'm sharing with you one of my all-time favorite Young Living products, Genesis body lotion. Whatever you rub onto your skin is absorbed into your body and bloodstream - so when you use lotions and other products that contain synthetic fragrances or toxic ingredients you are putting your health at risk.
Just because a product is on a store shelf doesn't mean it's safe. There are several ingredients used in common products in the United States that are banned in other countries. The products I am recommending in this 12 Days of Wellness podcast series are free of formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and other toxic ingredients.
You'll also learn how you can earn essential oils and other Young Living products through their loyalty program. I am such a big fan of these products that I switched out my department store beauty products and drug store cleaning products for these essential oils infused products.
For more information and to get started with essential oils, go to AromaThrive.com. If you shop on the Young Living website, please use my member ID #1734225 as your sponsor and enroller. Thanks!
Wouldn't you rather put your energy into staying well rather than battling illness or disease? That's why I have switched out chemical-laden and synthetic personal care, supplements and cleaning products for similar products infused with pure essential oils.
Essential oils support every system in your body including bones, brain, muscles, respiratory, digestion, healthy weight, hormones and more. In this episode, find out what to look for in choosing an essential oil brand (not all are created equal!). And, why you would want to eliminate toxins and chemicals from your living environment.
Begin your essential oils-infused lifestyle at AromaThrive.com. Or, if you shop the Young Living website, please be sure to use my member ID #1734225 as sponsor & enroller when ordering. Thanks!
Essential oils have been used to support wellness and kill germs and bacteria throughout history. This was demonstrated powerfully in the 1300s, when millions of people were dying from The Plague, one of the worst pandemics in human history.
During this time, a band of innovative robbers used a blend of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cinnamon bark essential oils to anoint themselves before stealing jewelry off of the dead and dying.
As the story goes, when the robbers were ultimately caught, the King demanded to know how they were able to come into contact with those dying of the highly-contagious disease without getting sick. The thieves shared their recipe - which was passed on to the community.
That's how the Thieves blend of essential oil got its name. Consider how this germ-fighting essence could be used to keep you and your family well during flu season, and all year long. You may already know that clove oil was used in early dentistry as a numbing agent. A drop of Thieves oil can ease the discomfort of a sore tooth. And, using Thieves toothpaste and mouthwash can promote good dental hygiene.
In this podcast, I will introduce you to the entire line of Thieves-infused household and cleaning products, including Thieves toothpaste and mouthwash, household cleaner, sanitizing spray and more.
Ready to infuse your home and family with the power of Thieves? Check out the Thieves Starter Kit at AromaThrive.com. If you shop at the Young Living website, please use my Member ID#1734225 when ordering.
In the 1300s, millions of people died from the Plague.
Breathing, we all do it - and, at times, we may have a harder time than others keeping our lungs, throat and sinuses in optimum health. Essential oils, whether applied directly to skin, inhaled, or diffused with a cold air diffuser, can be very effective in supporting respiratory health.
I'm in Santa Barbara, where several homes have burned down in one of the largest wildfires in California history. Residents here are encouraged to wear N-95 masks, and not sweep up or come into contact with soot and ash that's fallen like snow across sidewalks and yards.
Like many others, I had a sore throat, itchy eyes and was fatigued. Here are some of the essential oils that I've been using to keep from being overcome by soot and smoke in the air:
R.C. This blend which includes eucalyptus, pine, marjoram, lavender and peppermint will make you want to breathe deeper. I apply one drop in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together, tent over my nose and inhale.... really soothing on the lungs and sinuses (and R.C. comes in your Premium Starter Kit available at AromaThrive.com)
Peppermint is a very versatile essential oil - it can remind you of holidays past, candy canes, or peppermint cocoa. It can also clear a stuffy nose. I always have peppermint in my purse, and will lick one drop after meals to freshen breath. Peppermint is another oil that comes in the Premium Starter Kit available at AromaThrive.com
Raven Blends wintergreen, peppermint and Ravintsara, lemon and eucalyptus for a more powerful support for upper respiratory problems or viral infections. Super strong
Ravintsara is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-infectious oil which may help open and strengthen the respiratory system. Its fresh scent reminds me of yoga!
You can support wellness and a strong respiratory system regardless of which oil you choose. Diffusing these nature's essences in your living space is a gentle way to kill bacteria and germs while promoting calm and wellness.
For more information on wellness with pure essential oils, go to AromaThrive.com, and, let's connect on Facebook, too.
Vitamins and supplements, along with eating right, exercise and rest, play a big part in a wellness routine. And, not all supplements are created equal!
That's why I shop at AromaThrive.com for my vitamins and wellness products. Young Living oversees all steps of production of their quality vitamins and supplements to Super B, Super C, MultiGreens, as well as OmegaGize (omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D-3 and coQ10), as well as immune supporting products such as Inner Defense and Longevity softgels.
The bonus of using this brand of products is that the supplements are infused with pure essential oils, which offer added support of anti-aging, immune support and more.
The vitamins and supplements I take daily include Longevity (love it for my radiant skin and anti-aging benefits!), Multi Greens, Super B, Super C, as well as the Life 9 probiotic in the evening. Oh, and a shot of Ningxia Red each morning gets my day going in the right way!
Shop at AromaThrive.com, where I'm also happy to answer your questions. Thanks for listening!
Essential oils have been used to support health since ancient times. Young Living has made a science out of essential oils, in developing a pain cream, and a sunscreen - free of toxins and harmful chemicals.
The Cool Azul Pain Cream and Minerals Sunscreen Lotion were introduced at this year's Grand Convention. They are FDA approved (that's why they can use the descriptive words 'pain cream' and 'sunscreen').
I don't know about you - but, I hesitated to slather on chemical based sunscreens because I didn't want the yuck soaking into my skin. Now, I don't have to worry.
Order yours at AromaThrive.com, or, use my member ID# 1734225 as sponsor/enroller at Young Living.
Add some extra cheer to your mornings, with a shot of Ningxia Red! This sweet and tangy juice drink contains a blend of juices and extracts, such as pomegranate, plum and blueberry, along with exotic wolfberries, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
This fun-to-drink supplement can support cellular function, eye health and energy levels. And, adding a drop or two of your favorite Young Living essential oils can make for a unique health cocktail.
If you have questions or would like to order - go to AromaThrive.comor like my Facebook Page
If you order direct from the Young Living website,please use my member ID #1734225 as your sponsor and enroller ID.
When I first started using essential oils, I loved the fragrance but had no idea how powerful they could be for digestive support. I was happy to learn about the Digize essential oil blend, taking a drop on my tongue, or rubbing two drops on my belly soothed that bloated feeling. Now, this is one oil that I always have on hand.
Once I started combining the Digize with Young Living's other digestive support supplements - my tummy felt a lot better - and, today I wouldn't be without them. Here are my top recommendations for digestive support:
- Digize essential oil (comes in the Premium Starter Kit!)
- Life 9 probiotic (one capsule in the evening)
- Essentialzyme or Detoxzyme digestive enzymes
- Digest & Cleanse - (when I need a little extra help!)
If you have questions or would like to order - go to AromaThrive.com. If you order direct from the Young Living website, please use my member ID #1734225 as your sponsor and enroller ID.
Discover the power of essential oils in skincare. Frankincense, sandalwood, geranium, patchouli and other essential oils are powerful ingredients in anti-aging skincare products. Young Living, the leader in essential oils, has a line of skincare products including face creams, moisturizers, serum and even a Wolfberry eye cream.
In this episode I share some of my favorite YL skincare products. I used to shop at department stores, now I shop Young Living because their essential oils infused creams and serums are superior. They contain no synthetics or fillers, super important when it comes to optimum health.
Plus, with their loyalty program, Essential Rewards, I earn points to exchange for free products. Department stores were never so generous!
Shop AromaThrive.com, or message me on my Facebook page for details. When shopping for Young Living, please be sure to use my member ID #1734225 as your sponsor and enroller. thanks!
'Tis the season - for getting your home to smell fresh and cozy and, perhaps, for starting a new wellness regime. In this podcast find out about the benefits of incorporating pure essential oils into your life, from AromaThrive.com.
I've been using Young Living essential oils and essential oils-infused supplements, cleaning and beauty products for years. In this episode of 12 Days of AromaThrive.com, I'll introduce you to the world of essential oils with this Premium Starter Kit, which comes with 11 oils, an electric cold air diffuser and more, all at a value price.
Shop at AromaThrive.com, and subscribe to this podcast so you will receive all 12 episodes of the 12 Days of Christmas AromaThrive podcast!
Your Premium Starter Kit comes with eleven oils including peppermint, lemon, frankincense, Digize, PanAway, Thieves, R.C, Stress Away and more. If you shop directly at Young Living, please be sure to use my ID #1734225 as your sponsor and enroller.
Destiny Cards, Cardology, Magi Cards, each of these names is used to describe an ancient science that blends astrology, numbers and the deck of 52 'playing' cards. It's been around since ancient times, but only now becoming more well-known.
Gina Jones, a 'cardologer' with TheCardsofLife.com offered a peek into how this system works at the Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles.
She used Rhonda Byrne, the author of "The Secret," the book based on the ancient law of attraction which topped best-seller lists a decade ago. Jones explains that Byrne had the 7 of Diamonds, also known as the 'millionaire's card,' in her cards the year she sold millions of books.
"It's the beauty of the cards," said Jones. "It shows you what's coming and when, so you can be.. in the universal flow."
Everyone has a card, known as their 'birth card,' which represents them for life. And, each year, will have a different set of cards which influence your life from one birthday to the next.
Jones founded Cardology.org, an association to bring those who study this ancient science together. In October, the public is invited to learn more about how the system works at the Cardology Conference at the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Millions of people read Susan Miller's Astrology Zone horoscopes each month to gain insight into what's ahead for them. She's been publishing on the Internet since the birth of the World Wide Web in the 1990's.
In my conversation with Susan, she explains how the powerful eclipses taking place in February could impact your life. She offers insight into how the planets are impacting the birth charts of President Donald Trump and the United States of America (yes, countries have astrology charts, too!).
Susan also offers insights into what it's like to run one of the most widely-read astrology sites in the world, and how her site was one of many (including Google and Yahoo!) recently attached by Russian hackers.
I caught up with Susan at the Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles, where she spoke to a crowded ballroom about what's in the stars in the year ahead for each horoscope sign. Susan devotes her life to helping her readers and clients, and her dedication shows in the way that she takes time to speak one-on-one with her readers.
You can read Susan's monthly horoscopes at AstrologyZone.com
(cover art by Ken Pfeiffer Photography)
Welcome to the Year of the Fire Rooster! The Lunar New Year is a powerful time to set goals to revolutionize your good health.
In this podcast I share two health supplements that I use daily, and recommend for good health.
Life 9, a probiotic from Young Living, promotes a healthy digestive system. Remember the old saying "I have a Gut Feeling"? There's truth to this. Science reveals a strong connection between our brain and our belly! So, keep your belly feeling good with Life 9 from Young Living.
NingXia Red juice drink from Young Living is another thing I use every day to keep feeling healthy. Just 2-4 ounces a day can support good health. Google "Wolfberry" to find out about the super-ingredient in NingXia Red.
Click here to order the products mentioned in this podcast, and discover Young Living products for yourself.
(photo credit: George T Bundy)
Essential oils, the most pure form of plants and flowers, have been used since ancient times. From medicinal remedies to religious rituals, oils such as Frankincense, Myrrh and Sandalwood were considered more valuable than gold.
In this podcast, learn more about an essential oil blend called 3 Wise Men, from Young Living. And, find out how you can begin to eliminate toxic chemicals from your living space with health, beauty and cleaning products from Young Living.
Click here to order a Young Living Essential Oils Premium Starter Kit today.
For more information and other essential oils podcasts, go to AromaThrive.com
I came across a fascinating fact the other day - that inhaling the scent of rose oil can eliminate stress in under 30 seconds! Our sense of smell is very powerful, and I am a fan of pure essential oils including rose oil, so it makes sense to me.
In this podcast I share with you the power of using pure essential oils from Young Living to freshen up your living environment. And, also warn of the potential dangers lurking in over the counter room fresheners and other synthetic fragrances.
Find out more about Young Living Pure Essential Oils, including the Premium Starter Kit which contains at least 11 different oils and an electric diffuser at AromaThrive.com - or go to YoungLiving.com and be sure to use my Young Living Member ID #1734225 when placing an order. (Signing up at Young Living - use my ID #1734225 as both 'sponsor ID' and 'enroller ID', thanks!)
It's barely Autumn, and it sure seems as if cold & flu season arrived early this year. I've been using Young Living Essential Oils products to keep from getting the bugs that have been going around the radio station where I work.
In this podcast, I share with you how to use two Young Living essential oils blends, "Thieves" and "Purification," to support good health and eliminate germs year-round.
Essential Oils from Young Living can not only help to kill germs that might make you sick. They can also keep your home and living environment smell fresh and clean. A few drops of Purification essential oil in a diffuser or blended with water in a spray bottle is great for eliminating pet and cooking odors.
Young Living essential oils and home and beauty products contain no synthetics or chemical ingredients, promoting good health and a clean living environment.
To find out more about Young Living products, and to order your premium starter kit featuring at least 11 different essential oils and an electric diffuser, to to AromaThrive.com - and be sure to use my Young Living Member ID #1734225.
A recent story in the New York Times suggested that abrupt changes in personality may be early warning signs for Alzheimer's disease. These changes in behavior can range from - agitation - to depression - to suddenly developing an overactive sexual appetite. It can set in even before the person starts to lose their memory.
To find out more - I spoke with Dr. Kenneth Kosik, co-director of the Neuroscience Research Institute at UC Santa Barbara. Dr. Kosik is the author of Outsmarting Alzheimer's, What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk.
At age 85, Dr. Walter Bortz still runs half marathons, writes books and a weekly blog and is showing no signs of slowing down.
The clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University and author of “DARE to be 100” and several other books talks to me about the importance of “Attitude” and “Renewal” in living a long and happy life.
In this podcast you’ll also find out why ‘Engagement’ is his magic word to aging gracefully, and why he’s embarrassed by his (medical) profession.
Dr. Bortz will be presenting a class, "DARE to be 10 - Science-Based Secrets of Long Life," in Santa Barbara at SBCC's Center for Lifelong Learning, beginning September 19th. Click here for details.
Ground, Release and Refill with this three-step process created by intuitive counselor Lexa Finley, to help you be more 'in the now.' Lexa will walk you through this mindfulness meditation, which can help to release blocks and increase intuition. This podcast is a throwback episode - from 2009
Is it time to stop being so hard on yourself! So many of us can often be - hard on ourselves.
My guest in this podcast, Lalli Dana Drobny invites you to befriend your own goodness through practicing mindfulness.
Drobny, who has been teaching mindfulness classes in Santa Barbara for many years, suggests that practicing 'embodied mindfulness'- listening to your body (mind, heart and gut) - to determine what you are feeling.
Then, if you are able to allow yourself to feel - and stay with - the uncomfortable emotion for 90 seconds, it will dissolve.
Drobny shares a few simple mindfulness exercises, including a 'metta' meditation, in which you repeat to yourself, calmly, while inhaling and exhaling:
may i be safe may i be happy may i be healthy may i be at ease Drobny is leading a mindfulness workshop later this month at Santa Barbara Yoga Center. Click here for details. Click here to listen to another Lisa.FM Thrive! podcast with Lalli Dana Drobny Subscribe to this podcast atiTunes, Stitcher, Tune-In, Libsyn or search “Lisa.FM Thrive!” on your favorite podcast server. For more podcast episodes go to *WellnessTalkShow.com*.
Autism - it's an all-to-common diagnosis for children on the Central Coast and across the country. But, treatment for the disease has come a long way in the past 50 years.
One of the most effective modern therapies for Autism was developed at the UC Santa Barbara Koegel Autism Center. I spoke with one of the center's founders, Dr. Lynn Koegel, to find out more about the Pivotal Response Treatment therapy she and her husband, Dr. Robert Koegel, developed during their 30 years of working in the field.
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, Tune-In, Libsyn or search “Lisa.FM Thrive!” on your favorite podcast server. For more podcast episodes go to WellnessTalkShow.com.
We're living in stressful times. A nasty political battle is underway in the U.S. presidential election race, and violent attacks at venues which were once considered safe places to relax seem to be becoming more common. How can you maintain your equilibrium and keep your family feeling safe amid all of the turmoil and uncertainty?
I spoke with Los Angeles-based psychotherapist, John Tsilimparis, MFT, for tips on how to reduce stress in tense times, as well as how to spot warning signs of depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety.
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, Tune-In, Libsyn or search “Lisa.FM Thrive!” on your favorite podcast server. For more podcast episodes go to WellnessTalkShow.com.
Holding a grudge only hurts yourself. But, how can you let go of old anger, or fear? Hypnotherapist Nancy Segal shares tips for how to release old wounds and live a happier life.
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, Tune-In, Libsyn or search “Lisa.FM Thrive!” on your favorite podcast server. For more podcast episodes go to WellnessTalkShow.com.
More than 29 million Americans are living with diabetes. This number is expected to rise, and many more people aren't even aware that they have the disease.
In this episode of Lisa.FM Thrive, author Michael Bedar explains the dramatic rise in diabetes, obesity and other health problems in America is linked to "the 20 year rule." That's the amount of time that has passed since highly-processed foods arrived on store shelves.
Bedar talks about how to 'eat intuitively,' by choosing and preparing foods in a way that retains their natural colors. The clothes we wear (cotton clothing can be drenched in toxic pesticides) and the water we bathe in also impact our health.
Bedar's novel, "Sweet Healing: A Whole Health Journey," has been described as a whole-life healing-themed "Way of the Peaceful Warrior"-type adventure. It tells the story of how a man on the brink of of retirement learns he has type 2 diabetes. It describes how his family comes together to offer support. The story also features seven touchstones, or inspirational gems, for living a well-balanced, healthy life.
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, Tune-In, Libsyn or search “Lisa.FM Thrive!” on your favorite podcast server. For more podcast episodes go to WellnessTalkShow.com.
Getting into a state of relaxation or mindfulness is a tall order for a lot of people. In this Lisa.FM Thrive! podcast episode, find out how easy it can be to get into a state of 'Zen'
I'm joined by Michiko Rolek, great grandaughter of the first Zen-master to come to the United States. Michiko, along with her daughter Grace, an up & coming voice over talent and actress, share simple tips for reaching an immediate sense of calm and relaxation.
Michiko trained Grace to be calm during auditions using these age-old Zen techniques. You will enjoy listening to them as they share simple tips.
Note: This is a 'throwback' episode of Lisa.FM Thrive!, recorded in the Los Angeles area around 2008. Grace is now, an adult - and, still working in the entertainment industry.
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, Tune-In, Libsyn or search “Lisa.FM Thrive!” on your favorite podcast server. For more podcast episodes go toWellnessTalkShow.com.
(Pictured is Grace showing off her Kung Fu Panda moves with Jack Black. Grace is voice of the 'shy bunny' in the Kung Fu Panda short movie, the bonus disk in the Kung Fu Panda DVD.)
If the idea of speaking in public makes you feel queasy, you're not alone. Public speaking tops the list of fears for many people.
In this podcast, certified hypnotist and author Nancy Seagalshares tips for keeping “CALM” while presenting in public, including an idea for feeling less intimidated in front of an audience, and how to quiet your inner critic.
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, Tune-In, Libsyn or search “Lisa.FM Thrive!” on your favorite podcast server. For more podcast episodes go to WellnessTalkShow.com.
The link between your mouth and overall health is becoming more evident. Developing a good routine of brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly can help you maintain good health into your sunset years.
Dr. Chris Marchack of Pasadena Prosthodontics describes oral systemic health, and the link between periodontal disease and other health conditions, from stroke and heart attack to infertility.
He covers dental health for all ages - from kids (he'll share a story that could convince the little ones in your life to get started on a life-long solid brushing routine) to senior-citizens, and how taking prescription drugs can impact dental health.
You may also be surprised to learn the value of having healthy teeth and gums when recovering from heart valve and knee or hip replacement surgeries.
"There's definitely a correlation between good dental hygiene and
infections," said Dr. Chris.
Along with seeing patients, Dr. Chris trains dentists and speaks to other dental professionals around the world. For more information, visit his website at PasadenaImplants.com
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes. Or, for more podcasts like this, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
A bout of bronchitis kept Roberta "Bobbi" Gibb from running in the 2016 Boston Marathon. Instead, she served as Grand Marshal of the famous race. But, 50 years ago, when women were not allowed to enter the Boston Marathon, Gibb ran the race anyway -making history and forever changing women's sports.
In this episode of Lisa.FM Thrive! Gibb explains how, dressed in her brother's Bermuda shorts, she jumped out of bushes near the starting line to run the race. She talks about what the other runners did when they figured out there was a woman in the race and what happened afterward.
"We had a sense at that moment that things were never going to be the same again," said Gibb.
Learn the reason Race officials gave her for not allowing her to race in 1966, and how she turned the rejection into an opportunity to speak up for social justice. Gibb also shares the experience that moved her to tears at this year's Boston Marathon.
Today, Bobbi speaks up for social change. And, her interests span a wide spectrum - from art to neuroscience. She's an artist, and a fundraising effort is underway to have Bobbi create a sculpture of herself - or a generic female runner - to go on display in Boston. Click this link to learn more or donate. And, be sure to connect with Bobbi Gibb via her Faceook page, click here.
For more podcasts on health, wellness and personal development, subscribe to my podcast on Libsyn, iTunes or your favorite podcast directory. Or, go to my website WellnessTalkShow.com
It seems like allergy season gets longer every year. Whether it’s foods or the environment, a lot of people are suffering from allergies.
In this episode of Lisa.FM Thrive!, Dr. Jacob Offenberger, allergist and specialist with Dignity Health Northridge Hospital talks about the latest trends in caring for allergy sufferers.
Find out why kids living on farms are less likely to suffer with allergies than kids who live in the city; and why Dr. Offengberger recommends that parents introduce their children to a variety of foods at a very young age.
Find out if air purifiers or humidifiers can provide relief, and whether there are any alternative treatments (I use a blend of essential oils to keep my sinuses dry).
Subscribe to this podcast at iTunes. Or, for more podcasts like this, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
A smile is a sign of friendliness that’s understood in any language. What can you do if you were not born with a beautiful smile but would like to improve yours?
In this episode, Dr. Christopher Marchack with Pasadena Prosthodontics offers options for what you could do to improve your smile, as well as tips for how to find a dentist that’s right for you.
For more podcasts like this, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
Listening to the soothing sound of mellow music can promote relaxation. Now, sound technologies are being developed to help people go into a deeper state of meditation.
In this Lisa.FM Thrive! podcast Karen Newell, co-founder of Sacred Acoustics, explains how what she calls 'brain entrainment technology' can help a person get into a deeper state of relaxation during meditation.
To try this for yourself, download the free 20 minute sample on the Sacred Acoustics website.
This podcast was recorded at the 14th Annual Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles
For more podcasts like this, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
Are you looking to improve your life? Feel free to go all out. Research out of UC Santa Barbara finds that it's easier to make improvements to your life simultaneously rather than one at a time.
Michael Mrazek, director of research at UCSB's Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential, conducted the study in which participants were encouraged to eat healthy/whole foods, get a good night's sleep, do yoga or other forms of exercise and practice 'mindfulness.'
"The fundamental skills of mindfulness are the ability to tend to something and release distractions that arise," instructed Mrazak. "In any task that you choose to engage with, try to engage fully with that task."
Mrazek says the combination of eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and practicing mindfulness is very powerful when it comes to making changes in your life. "Mindfulness is easier to cultivate if you are well-rested."
The results were remarkable. Participants noticed positive changes in their lives, along with a a dramatic increase in self esteem.
"Everybody found their own value.... everyone also left with some unique benefits and some unique strategies," said Mrazek.
The Buddy System
If you are very serious about making a big change in your life, it's best to not do it alone.
"Both a buddy and a coach can be invaluable when you're trying to change your life," said Mrazek.
Are you ready to become the person you dream of being? There's no time like the present.
"Every moment counts," said Mrazek "because we chose to help people in so many different dimensions in their lives, they were capturing every opportunity available in every moment to move their lives forward."
Read more on Mrazek's research in the UC Santa Barbara Current
For more podcasts like this, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
You’ve probably heard the old adage "you are what you eat." If this is the case, America's obsession with fast food is becoming alarmingly destructive.
Research out of UCLA recently revealed that more than half of all adults in California have either pre-diabetes or diabetes that hasn't been diagnosed.
In this podcast you'll hear about the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, who is more at risk, and what pregnant women should know about diabetes.
My guest is Ellen Goodstein, executive director of the William Sansum Diabetes Center in Santa Barbara, California. She will explain the work that Sansum Diabetes does, including development of an artificial pancreas, which could be helpful to those who are living with diabetes.
Here are some highlights from the UCLA study:
— 13 million adults in California (46%) have pre-diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes — 2.5 million adults (9%) have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
That adds up to 15.5 million people, 55% of the state’s population
33% of young adults (aged 18 to 39) have pre-diabetes
Read more about the UCLA study here.
For more health, wellness & personal growth podcasts, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
Meeting the demands of daily life can be overwhelming. Developing healthy boundaries – physical and energetic - can help you reduce stress and feel more in control.
In this podcast, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Brian D. Mahan explains why it’s hard for many people to set clear boundaries (because most of us didn’t learn how in childhood).
“We weren’t allowed to have those boundaries in our family situation and then we don’t know how to take that…. Into our social lives.”
“The more we are able to identify what our energetic boundaries are, what our values are, then the more we are able to…… sit in the strength of our own sense of what’s right and wrong,” said Mahan.
Mahan says identifying your core values is key a first step toward establishing healthy boundaries.
“It’s important to get in touch with ‘what’s important to us, what’s not important, what we like and what we dislike.”
When values are defined, he says, a person can make a decision and take action, or what he calls ‘healthy aggression.’
“we have this opinion that aggression is a bad thing, and the reason we have that is it’s usually shamed out of us as children” but, Mahan says ‘Healthy aggression is also discipline, dedication, drive, empowerment.”
In this podcast, you will also learn how Somatic Experiencing (SE) can offer relief to those suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), trauma and other disturbing life events.
Mahan was introduced to SE at the suggestion of his chiropractor. He was suffering from daily panic attacks following a major car crash. He says, after three SE sessions, his panic attacks went away.
The experience was so life-changing for him, he became an SE practitioner and now trains others in this methodology as well.
SE, created by Dr. Peter Levine, is considered one of the world’s foremost approaches for dealing with developmental trauma, anxiety, stress and panic disorders.
Find out more about Brian D. Mahan and SEP at BrianDMahan.com
For more Lisa.FM podcasts, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
Can being overly-responsible be giving you an aching back? Pain relief expert Dr. Ken Pfeiffer says it can! In this podcast, Dr. Pfeiffer explains that many aches and pains are caused by the emotions fear or anger.
“Anytime you experience pain, that experience not only has a sensation but it also has an emotion,” explained Pfeiffer.“ And, the emotions are associated with fight or flight. “
The ‘fight’ emotion is linked to anger while ‘flight’ is associated with fear. “So anytime we’re having any kind of pain there’s also anger and there’s fear.”
Pfeiffer says these emotions have a profound effects on our bodies. “When you’re angry it has effects on your heart. Your heart rate increases, your blood pressure changes….. because our bodies are preparing to fight or flee.”
Pfeiffer warns that chronic anger is associated with long-term profound physiological effects. “Very often people become angry and they don’t even realize it. And so they don’t realize that they have a choice in how to deal with that anger.”
The worst thing you can do, he says, is to try to fight or escape the pain.
In this podcast, Dr. Pfeiffer offers solutions for breaking free from chronic pain, which includes trying to relax and accept the pain, rather than flinching or tensing up in an effort to block it.
Pfeiffer also shares how you can determine if a body pain has emotional roots rather than physical. He offers listeners a technique for easing pain, and explains why back surgery is often not a long-term remedy to relieving chronic pain.
Have you ever awakened from a dream that was so steamy that you wanted to go back to sleep?
Dreams expert Kelly Sullivan Walden offers insight in this Lisa.FM Thrive! podcast. In her latest book "The Love, Sex and Relationship Dream Dictionary," she decodes the meanings of all kinds of dreams.
This podcast goes beyond steamy dreams, Kelly offers a simple tip that will help you to decode any dream in seconds.
Do you have recurring dreams or nightmares? Kelly explains that these happen when you wake up before a dream is finished. In this podcast she will explain how you can get to the ending, and get them to stop.
She suggests getting a free app called Dreams Cloud to record your dreams.
Have trouble remembering your dreams? Make a Declaration. Kelly offers a free 'dream declaration meditation' audio experience on her website.
I caught up with Kelly at the Conscious Life Expo.
Many people have described having near death experiences (NDE), and so has neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander. After coming down with a mysterious illness, he spent a week in a coma, his mind on an odyssey in between worlds.
In his bestselling books, "Proof of Heaven" and "Map of Heaven," Dr. Alexander describes what he experienced, and what he learned about the mind, and consciousness, while he was in a hospital bed unconscious.
I caught up with Dr. Alexander at the Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles, and he shares his experience and what he learned in this episode of Lisa.FM Thrive!
Here are some of the resources Dr. Alexander mentions in our conversation: Eternea.org, SacredAcoustics.com, EbenAlexander.com
To read more on this topic, visit the blog post at WellnessTalkShow.com
Don’t miss an episode of *Lisa.FM Thrive! Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes,* Blubrry,Stitcher, Libsyn, or listen on *Tune-In and WellnessTalkShow.com*.
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The Monkey Mind: That endless stream of troubling thoughts or other distracting chatter can zap confidence, preventing a person from focusing on what is truly important.
In today’s fast-paced world of multi-tasking, working lunches and drive thru dinners, attention spans seem to be getting shorter and shorter.
But, with a little mindfulness, the monkey can be tamed.
Mindfulness?
“Mindfulness means paying attention,” said Lalli Dana Drobny. She teaches classes in mindfulness as well as other subjects at Santa Barbara City College.
Drobny, who has been meditating for 25 years, started offering mindfulness classes in Santa Barbara about eight years ago as a public service
“Because I knew how important it was, and I had seen the difference in my own life.”
Intention is an important component of mindfulness, so Drobny asks students to choose one goal for class.
“Everyone who comes to my mindfulness classes comes for a reason,” she said.
They want to handle their (physical or emotional) pain, they are distracted or angry, they can’t focus, or they want to be able to make better decisions.
“They want to change. They aren’t accepting where they are. (But) it’s a paradox. Because mindfulness is really about accepting what IS in every moment.”
Being ‘in the moment’ can be as easy as sitting quietly and focusing on your breath for a minute or two.
In my Lisa.FM Thrive podcast, Drobny offers three short and simple mindfulness exercises, and the results are remarkable. I was surprised how at ease I felt after just breathing slowly for a couple of minutes.
Drobny suggests bringing mindfulness into daily activities, which can be as simple as paying attention to what you are doing (and thinking) while brushing your teeth, or eating lunch.
“We do a mindfulness eating exercise, where we take four minutes to eat one raisin… You digest your food better, you actually eat a lot less, so it’s good for the environment, good for your budget and things that we are eating.”
A simple mindfulness technique consists of sitting still, feet on the ground. Pay attention to your breath… inhale, pause, exhale, pause… repeat.
It’s okay if your mind wanders, instructs Drobny. Just “kindly, gently, ever so sweetly, bring your attention back to the breath.”
Don’t think you have time for Mindfulness? Think again
“In mindfulness circles there’s a joke,” said Drobny, “If you feel like you don’t have 20 minutes to sit (in meditation) today, sit for 40 minutes. Because time expands.”
Drobny shares a story about one of her students who was having a hard time sitting for a formal 20 minute mindfulness practice. She instructed the woman to incorporate mindfulness into the time she spent with her young child.
“So she was totally mindful as she spoke, watched and listened to her daughter. And, she came back the next week to report that both she and her daughter were happier. So she didn’t add anything extra to her day, she simply did it with a different focus.”
In this podcast, Lalli Dana Drobny walks you through three short and simple mindfulness breathing and focusing exercises.
It’s okay if your mind wanders, just “kindly gently, ever so sweetly, bring your attention back to the breath.”
America’s prescription drug and heroin problem has grown to epic proportions. Across the country, families – many in middle class and affluent neighborhoods - have lost loved ones. Others may have a child, brother or sister who’s actively using, or fighting to beat their habit.
In this podcast you'll hear from "Eric," a 26 year old recovering addict who started using hard drugs as a teenager. He shares his story of being in and out of rehab three times, and achieving three years of sobriety before he started using again a few months ago.
You'll also hear from Dr. Constance Scharff, director of addiction research at the Cliffside Malibu treatment center and author of "Ending Addiction for Good." She will explain how this drug epidemic got started, who is getting addicted and how easy it can be to get hooked.
You may also be interested in these Lisa.FM Thrive! blog posts and podcasts
12 Steps: A Path to Recovery
Healing Emotional Pain
Don't miss an episode of Lisa.FM Thrive! Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Blubrry,Stitcher, Libsyn, or listen on Tune-In and WellnessTalkShow.com. Thanks in advance for sharing this podcast with your friends, rating the podcast and posting reviews!
February is considered the 'month of love' for some romantics. For others, Valentine's Day (or February) is just another reminder of being single. But, if you would like to, chances are it's not too late for you to find a sweetheart. Lisa Amador, owner of Santa Barbara Matchmaking, is a matchmaker and dating coach. She offers dating and relationship coaching as well as personalized matchmaking services to clients who are looking for true love.
In our podcast conversation, Amador offers advice for navigating the world of online dating. For starters, she suggests writing a solid profile and posting flattering, non-blurry (recent) photos (which can be taken with your smartphone).
In the online profile, Amador urged Lisa.FM listeners to show off some aspects of your personality. "Share what's exciting and wonderful about you.... Tell me a story that shows who you are. Or, give something unique to allow the person to see who you are."
"You should be very transparent (in your profile) and let people know what you are looking for so you don't waste your time."
The Santa Barbara matchmaking maven says one of the biggest challenges of her job is helping her clients to get in the proper mindset - to be ready for love to come into their lives. Confidence and feeling good about yourself and your body can translate into a better dating experience.
"You're going to attract what you are putting out... so you want to attract the best," said Amador.
In our podcast, Amador talks about how to choose the best online dating site for your needs. Tinder is known for offering a platform for 'hook ups,' which isn't the best option for anyone who wants true love. But, Amador doesn't rule out any site, since you never know (where you will find Mr or Ms Right).
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Santa Barbara Matchmaking is hosting a "Meet Your Match 2016" party at Globe in Santa Barbara, February 13th from 6:30pm-9:30pm. She says this is traditionally her most successful event of the year. "People come and they're hopeful. They're excited there's a chance to meet somebody."
So, don't be shy if you are looking for love - just go for it! And, please keep me posted on your stories and success!
Don't miss an episode of Lisa.FM Thrive! Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher, Libsyn, or listen on Tune-In and WellnessTalkShow.com. Thanks in advance for sharing this podcast with your friends, rating the podcast and posting reviews!
Best-selling author Laura Day explains how to use intuition as a resource to help create your best life.
Day doesn't like the word 'psychic' to describe her work. She says everyone is intuitive and, when taught how to 'tune-in' to our intuition, it can be used to help achieve goals and make better decisions.
While listening to this podcast, pick a personal goal and she will walk you through the steps toward achieving it.
Connect with Laura Day and find out more about her work at PracticalIntuition.com
For more Lisa.FM podcasts, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
Think it's hard to get fit, lose weight and eat healthy? Maybe you're being too hard on yourself.
"You don't need to spend an entire hour working out," said Lanré Idewu. The former medical student turned certified trainer and celebrity fitness instructor suggests working more activity into your day naturally. "The key is to get moving."
As for strict diets, he isn't a fan. "Everything in moderation, including moderation.... if you eat a piece of cake, don't beat yourself up."
An important key to achieving the body you have always dreamed of is in finding a way to be happy with your appearance now, before you begin your fitness regime.
In this podcast, Lanré explains why strict diets don't always work, how you can easily add more activity into a busy day, and the affects the stress hormone cortisol could have on your body.
Anyone who has attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting has likely heard of the '12 Steps."
The spiritual program based on 12 steps, worked through step by step in consecutive order, was created by Bill Wilson in the 1930s. Since then, it's helped a lot of people overcome their addictions to alcohol and drugs.
Today, the 12 Steps have been modified and are used in many lesser-known self help programs such as Al-anon-Alateen, Adult Children of Alcoholics as well as Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Narconon and many more.
"(Before the 12 steps came along), alcoholism was regarded as a moral weakness," said Dr. Ken Pfeiffer, a Carpinteria-based psychologist and pain expert. "The traditional way of dealing with alcoholics was with scorn, and condemnation and punishment... We know now that this only makes the situation worse."
"What Alcoholics Anonymous does now, is it brings together people with a similar mind, added Dr. Pfeiffer. ".. if you go to AA, you're meeting with other alcoholics who understand your situation.... so there's a lot of love and understanding and camaraderie."
In this podcast, Dr. Pfeiffer will walk you through the 12 steps, and offer ideas, hope and healing to you or your loved one who is suffering with the disease of addiction.
This episode is brought to you by AromaThrive.com, shop for medical grade essential oils and health products, to help keep you and your family healthy during cold & flu season. AromaThrive.com
For more podcasts on health, wellness and personal growth, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
A new year seems like a logical time for making a fresh start. I thought why not do a podcast about reinforcing a new year’s resolution or goal with ritual? So, I turned to one of my favorite yoga instructors to walk you and me through this process.
I’d imagined she would suggest doing something spiritual like lighting a candle and gazing at a crystal cluster in a meditative state. Or, setting some meaningful mementos and fresh flowers in an area of your home that could serve as a small alter, reminding yourself of the person you wish to become.
But, I was wrong. She did suggest the meditation part – sitting still doing deep belly breathing for five minutes a day.
“Meditation is a wonderful ritual every morning, to set space for self respect, to set the tone of our attitude. To realize who we want to be in that day and how we want to meet others,” explained Suzanne Marlow, a Santa Barbara area marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and Insight Yoga instructor at Yoga Soup.
For those who have trouble sitting still she suggested a meditation alternative she calls Beditation, which can be done first thing in the morning.
“Five minutes before you get out of bed, put your hands on your belly. Feel the breath moving in and out. Relax into who you are, and then kind of set your mind to who you want to be.”
She also offered some practical ideas for weaving mindful rituals into daily life, such as expressing gratitude. “Every time you walk through a door, can you slow down a bit, and just take a breath and remember how fortunate you are to be in this moment… even the moments that don’t seem so fortunate.”
Marlow calls cleaning the space inside of us mental flossing. “As we develop into healthier human beings…. we need to think more wholesomely… We need to be honest about what is going on inside (ourselves).”
For more information on Suzanne Marlow’s yoga and counseling services, including her new mindfulness group therapy program, go to Suzanne Marlow.com.
And for more podcasts and blog posts on how you can go from merely living to Truly Thriving, go to WellnessTalkShow.com
It's probably not realistic to eliminate all stress from daily life, so the key is how well can you manage it? Yoga and other forms of routine exercise can work wonders. Essential oils can also be an effective tool for helping to promote a feeling of peace and calm. The products I use are from Young Living, because they are medical-grade (unadulterated), so the quality is top-notch.
Lavender is a great all around oil and has been known to help with relaxation. Rub two drops of lavender oil in your hands then brush across your pillow can help promote a restful night's sleep. Dabbing a drop or two of Stress Away on wrists or temples can help ease frayed nerves. Stress Away (featuring the aromas of vanilla and lime) isone of my favorite essential oil blends from Young Living, and it seems to live up to its name.
I recently spoke with my friend and Young Living mentor, Carla Cohen, about her favorite essential oils for relaxation. In the podcast (click link above to listen), she shares a funny story about how she learned by accident the relaxation-power of Stress Away. Carla also shares another of her favorite de-stressing-oils, which you may have in your kitchen: Marjoram.
"It has an uplifting scent," said Cohen. "Marjoram was known as 'the herb of happiness' for the Romans, and the Greeks called it 'the joy of the mountains.'" But, Cohen went on to explain why you need the pure essential oil in order to enjoy the full uplifting benefit of marjoram, because dried herbs have virtually no manna, or beneficial powers, "It's a living organism with the essential oil," said Cohen.
Ruta-Va-La is another Young Living blend which you may find helpful in calming nerves, promoting sleep and managing stress. It contains Valerian, which is sometimes referred to as 'nature's Valium.'
While I can't promise you that essential oils will work for you in managing stress, promoting a sense of calm or easing anxiety, you may find these oils sometimes known as 'nature's medicine' can be of help to you and your family.
Essential oils have been around since ancient times. They've been used to promote health and induce a feeling of peacefulness in meditation (such as Cedarwood, Hyssop, Frankincense & Myrrh). Today, scientists are studying Frankincense for use as a treatment in brain cancer research, and for promoting healthy brain function.
Because Young Living Essential Oils are very pure, it only takes a drop or two to be effective. You can also add one or two drops to a carrier oil (such as coconut, olive, or other oil) for massage. When ordering these products from Young Living, please be sure to use my ID #1734225, so you join our team!
You might consider getting seven hours of sleep each night a luxury, but your body probably needs at least this much to function properly.
“Sleep is absolutely critical to our overall functionality,” said Dr. Helene Emsellum,medical director for the Center for Sleep & Wake Disorders. “Sleep restores us both physically as well as psychologically. We can take on the next day with a clear head to get to the things we need to do.”
Emsellum says adults need an average of 7-9 hours of sleep a night.
“I like to think of seven hours of sleep as the lower legal limit…. You drop below six hours of sleep a night, we can put you on a driving simulator and you’ll drive drunk.”
Young children need 10-11 hours of sleep, adolescents need 8.5-9.25 hours of sleep a night.
She says our brains need sleep in order to properly store the information gathered each day.
“During the night we have to prioritize information, we need to store the memories we want to keep.”
Sleeping your way to your ideal weight
A good sleep routine can also help a person maintain a proper body weight. “Our weight control is based on adequate sleep.”
“The reality is, if you overstay your welcome in wakefulness … and you don’t get your minimum threshold of adequate sleep, a whole system of hormones in your body ….direct the cells to store more calories at any moment in time.”
If you are on a diet but not losing any pounds, you might want to try getting some extra sleep.
Light is not your Friend
Establishing a healthy sleep routine can be a challenge.
“We live in this crazy 24/7 lit society,” said Dr. Emsellum. “…. it really does take discipline (to get a good night’s sleep). We don’t have ten hours of mandatory darkness our ancestors had 150 years ago at night.”
Because of this, Dr. Emsellum suggests creating a routine that offers ‘wind down’ time that separates day from night. Staring at a bright computer screen too late in the evening can make it harder to get to sleep, so try to log off at least an hour before going to bed. Sleeping in a dark room can also help you get a good night sleep.
Learn more in my conversation with Dr. Helene Emsellum.
This segment was produced by Carolyn Branson.
Christmas is the time of year when a lot of couples tend to get engaged. A new study out of UC Santa Barbara takes a closer look at the economics of tying the knot to determine who is most likely to say ‘I Do.’
Economist & demographer Shelly Lundberg, UCSB’s Leonard Broom Professor of Demography, conducted the study based on previously published research with economist Robert Pollak of Washington University.
Read more about Shelly Lundberg's study here
Most of us never imagined that going to work in an office could be bad for our physical health, even if we don’t like our job. But, now that sitting has been deemed ‘the new smoking’ more people are becoming aware of the potential health hazard of being too sedentary.
Santa Barbara entrepreneur Joel Heath has come up with a solution. He created a board that workers stand on – and now they get a workout while working.
Heath talked to me about his invention and how it’s catching on with big tech companies. He also offers insight into the business start-up scene in Santa Barbara from an entrepreneur’s perspective.
Read more in the Washington Post about the health hazards of sitting
Click here for more information on Fluidstance
Grief, Despair, Depression and Shame are all aspects of emotional pain. And this kind of pain is a part of daily life for a lot of people. But, it is possible to release these emotions and start to heal. Dr. Ken Pfeiffer, a Santa Barbara-based psychologist and pain expert, offers these tips to move toward healing.
More than 5 million people in the USA are suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. While there is no cure for this common form of dementia, experts say there are things you can do to help reduce the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s later in life.
Neurologist Dr. Kenneth S. Kosik has been researching Alzheimer’s Disease for 35 years. The Harriman Professor of Neuroscience Research at UC Santa Barbara, and co-director of the Neuroscience Research Institute, shares these important tips to help ward off Alzheimer’s.
“Know your Numbers”
“Know your blood pressure, know your glucose or sugar level, know your cholesterol or lipid levels,” said Dr. Kosik. If any of these numbers are abnormal, a person is at greater risk of Alzheimer’s.
If your numbers are off, talk to your doctor about what you can do to get them back on track. Keeping these numbers in check can also reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
Small Changes can make a Big Difference
Adopting these five lifestyle habits can help fend off Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Get your exercise
- Keep your brain active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Try to reduce stress
- Maintain friendships
Dr. Kosik goes into detail on these tips, and offers other valuable insights, in our conversation in this Lisa.FM podcast (click below to listen)
You’ll find more valuable information on this subject in Dr. Kosik’s Reader’s Digest story, Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: 8 Daily Habits a Neurologist Swears By.
Pick up Dr. Kosik’s book “Outsmarting Alzheimer’s: What You can do to Reduce Your Risk” (Readers Digest 2015).
A story that a good friend posted on Facebook caught my eye. The headline read “Scented Candles and Air Fresheners Cause Dangerous Health Risks.” It went on to describe how synthetic fragrances in these products can disrupt hormones and make you sick.
Reading this made me feel grateful that I’d discovered Young Living Essential Oils, as these products contain no chemicals or toxins. Diffusing Young Living oils will make your home smell great, and may even eliminate toxins rather than bring them into your living space.
If cutting back on the use of toxic chemicals is on your list of New Year Resolutions, I encourage you to consider Thieves Household Cleaner & home products such as laundry detergent and soap from Young Living. They are effective and infused with pure essential oils, so you will enjoy the fresh aromas while doing chores using these products.
While you’re at it, consider what you are putting on your body. Many cosmetic products and lotions (even the expensive ones) contain harmful ingredients such as propylene glycol sodium laurel sulphate. Young Living beauty products do not contain these ingredients and they come with the extra boost of pure essential oils, which have been used since to promote health and beauty since ancient times.
Certain blends of Young Living Essential Oils can also be used to help you stick to your New Year Resolutions. Tune-in to my podcast with my friend and Young Living mentor, Carla Cohen, to learn how you can use these delicious oils to focus on success, set goals and set the intention to make 2016 your best year ever!
Some of the oils to enhance goal setting include the Young Living blends of Awaken, Abundance,Acceptance and Magnify Your Purpose essential oils.
Conifer oils such as Idaho Blue Spruce may bring your awareness to the areas of your life in which you need to make changes. “A lot of the oils that come from the tree bark or trees, the conifers especially, can be very grounding, while at the same time can be used to help move through emotional barriers.” said Cohen.
If developing a new income stream is your goal in 2016, consider becoming a Young Living team member. It can be a fun way to make extra money while sharing these healthy, natural products with your friends and family. Please be sure to use my ID #1734225 when purchasing, so you join our team!
Expressing creativity can be a great way to free your mind of worry and anxiety, and to help improve your attitude & outlook on life. This podcast features an interview with two emeritus Santa Barbara Poet Laureates followed by a collection of poems read by the artists who wrote them. Listening to this podcast just may inspire you to get in touch with your inner artist!
The poetry world is blooming in Santa Barbara. Local artists recently gathered to celebrate the release of Rare Feathers, Poems on Birds and Art (Gunpowder Press 2015).
The book is a collection of poems inspired by “Flock,” the large art installation (2015) at Ganna Walska Lotusland, the Montecito estate and former home of the late opera singer who indulged in her passion for exotic plants.
Artist Nancy Gifford curated Flock at Lotusland, and served as an editor on the Rare Feathers book. Nancy and her husband, Michael, hosted the party and poetry reading at their home in Montecito.
In this podcast, you’ll hear my interview with Gunpowder Press publishers Chryss Yost and David Starkey, both artists who are also emeritus Santa Barbara Poet Laureates. You’ll also be treated to some of the poems from Rare Feathers, read by the poets who wrote them
Following my chat with Starkey & Host, you will hear several Flock poets reading their poems.
Poets featured on this podcast include Mary Brown, Susan Chiavelli, Gabriella Klein, Perie Longo, Enid Osborn, Melinda Palacio, Christine Penko, Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, Emma Trelles and George Yatchisin.
The bonus content in this episode features my chat with artist Nancy Gifford, who put together the art installations at Lotusland that these poets are writing about.
Lisa.FM Thrive! is a podcast that covers all aspects of health & wellness as well as personal development. You’ll hear from doctors, holistic health practitioners and others about how to go from merely living to thriving.
Topics covered include managing stress, oral-systemic health, integrative medicine, the power of a good night's sleep, tummy tune-up, as well as the power of positive thinking, essential oils, aromatherapy, anti-aging techniques, mindfulness, natural remedies, and reducing toxins in your environment.
This podcast is based in Santa Barbara, California. So, along with experts in the health, wellness and personal development fields, you will also hear from some local artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and others who are living their passions, which I hope will inspire you to also live your dreams.
You can also hear some of these podcast interviews on KCBX FM, Public Radio for the Central Coast, airing in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.