The Viva Podcast: Recent Episodes

Viva

Hi! Thanks for being here. We're Rachel and Jor-El, two NYC based therapists here to make mental health and wellness more holistic, realistic, and accessible. We chat about relevant health topics, bust myths and stigmas, and share our unfiltered thoughts and give practical advice you can use. Catch us every other Wednesday as we help you live your best life possible - whatever that looks like for you.

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Have you ever heard of a parasocial relationship? Are you a fanatic of your favorite celebrity or influencer? Does this get in the way of your relationships our daily life?

Listen to Jor-El and Rachel as they dig into stan culture and navigating relationships with celebrities or influencers (and the complications of it all). We hope this one resonates with you and helps you reflect on what makes these relationships so powerful for you.

And if you like what you hear (or not) please leave a podcast review and share this episode with a friend!

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How good are you at accepting criticism? Challenging feedback can be tough for anyone so there’s no need to feel any shame if it’s hard for you. We're here to support you!

Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo as they talk about navigating criticism and dealing with "haters."

Editor’s Note: You’re not imagining the unfortunate beeping sound. Just chalk it up to NYC living. Sorry!

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Do you choose your relationships over friends? Or friends over your relationship?

On this episode Rachel and Jor-El explore the idea of prioritizing friendships, or how little we actually do that in practice. Press play to hear their thoughts and join in on the conversation on social media. Do you treat your friends as equal to your relationship, or less than? Do you prioritize your partner over all other people in your life? We want to know!

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As companies require more employees to return to in-person office work and discuss hybrid options, there’s a lot of tension about the work from home debate. Where do you fall in the discussion?

Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo share their thoughts on the intersection of work from home, justice and accessibility.  Let us know your thoughts by joining the conversation. Share your thoughts on Instagram @vivamentalhealth.

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In today's episode we're taking it back to a one of our favorite episodes on the difference between intention versus impact. Tune in and join the conversation with us!

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In this episode we're taking it back to episode 67 to talk all things healthcare. If you find yourself stuck in searching for "doctors near me" then this episode is for you!

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How often are you offered unsolicited advice, and how do you feel about that?

How often do you offer it?

Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on this dynamic and give you some things to think about if you’re often feeling compelled to change someone else’s behavior. Thanks for listening!

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Recently, performer Lizzo came under fire for using an ableist slur in one of her newest songs. She quickly issued an apology and changed it. The power that has!

Tune as Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on the power of language and its role in dehumanization. Please give the episode a thumbs up by writing a review and sharing with a friend who would appreciate the conversation. Thank you for listening!

Related reading: The Ten Stages of Genocide (Holocaust Memorial Day Trust)

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Buffalo. Uvalde. Chattanooga. New York City. Taft. Port Richmond. These days it seems almost impossible to keep up with the horror of mass shootings and gun violence in the United States.

In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo share what the news gets wrong about gun violence and steps you can take today to prevent more senseless death and trauma for so many.

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Other than questions about getting started with therapy, one of the questions that often comes up is how do you know when it’s time to end therapy (or “break up” with your therapist)?

Join us for our latest episode as Jor-El and Rachel explore how to terminate therapy and signs that your therapist still keeps your best interest at heart - even while you’re leaving.

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Aging is a natural human process. If that's the case, then why do we have such complicated feelings about it?

Tune in to our latest episode as therapists Rachel and Jor-El talk about our collective relationship to aging and how we can start to see getting older a bit differently.

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Can men and women be “just friends?”

It’s probably a question you’ve come across before but maybe you haven’t heard two therapists talk it through. Tune in as Rachel Gersten, LMHC and Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC reflect on the idea, the assumptions we make about gender (and sexuality), and identify an inclusive path forward.

We are so thankful for you listening to the show! Please rate and review this episode, and, as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments on Instagram (@vivamentalhealth). We’d love to hear from you!

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Are you in a relationship and wondering, “is it time to break up with my partner?” If so, then this podcast is for you.

Relationships are not that black and white, and neither is the choice to leave. It can be tough to sort through. Tune in as therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore some things to consider as a relationship faces its potential end.

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How often do you find yourself deep in shame or self-criticism when things aren’t going your way? Do you feel this when you’re trying to access healthcare, commute or find a therapist? The barrier might be bigger than you or your attitude.

Tune in as licensed therapists and Viva co-founders Jor-El Caraballo and Rachel Gersten dig into the tension between individual concerns and systemic failures. We hope you enjoy!

Related reading:
https://vivamentalhealth.com/please-vote/

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Is high-functioning actually a thing?  If you’ve been on the gram or TikTok then you’d probably think so! Tune in to listen to this episode as mental health experts and licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo break it down.

Rate and review this episode! And, as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments on Instagram (@vivawellnessnyc). We’d love to hear from you! 

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Who do you take seriously these days and where do you get your information?

There's been a lot of changes in how we get information and who we trust (PS believe science!). Why is that?  The rise of social media and influencer culture impacts our lives, the choices we make and who we trust. Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about the rise of amateurism and why we really need to be listening to experts whenever we can. Give professionals their flowers!

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How often do you check your assumptions?

Whether you like the old phrase (you know the one) about making assumptions or not, it’s something that we all do. We can’t escape that! But, if we make it a point to check on our assumptions we can prevent some unintentional harm and damage in our relationships. 

Tune in to our latest episode to hear licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on how assumptions impact our daily lives.

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Let’s face it - we live in a social media world…especially in the middle of a global pandemic. We live a lot of our lives online, but should we be? Social media can be good for us: it offers connection and community where we might not otherwise find it. But, it’s also become another way for us to perform socially and sometimes share intimate details of our lives.

Is it too much? Are you oversharing? Tune in to this episode for some suggestions in evaluating your relationship with social media and privacy.

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We’re getting real folks.

The phrase “mental health crisis” has been thrown around quite a bit as we collectively struggle to grapple with the ongoing pandemic and recent surges. But, what does that mean? Are we REALLY in a mental health crisis as a society?

Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo explore what a crisis of mental health means and how certain figures only talk about mental health when they are experiencing something they don’t like (hint: THAT’S NOT A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS…and its ableist language, to be honest).

And as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments. We’d love to hear from you! Check in with us on our socials at @vivawellnessnyc.

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Have you ever felt the pressure to be happier than you were actually feeling? If so, you might have been dealing with toxic positivity.

All emotions are a part of the human experience and you deserve the right to feel all the feels! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El reflect on toxic positivity culture and offer up some thoughts on embracing how you really feel (and creating space for others to do so too).

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2022 is almost here! No matter what you've been through this year, if you want to take a moment to reflect and process your year then this episode is for you! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El share some thoughts on how to reflect on the year behind you with meaning, authenticity and intention. Enjoy!

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More and more we find ourselves having conversations about accountability, especially when it comes to social causes. But this is something we also run into in our own personal relationships - but what does the word actually mean? What does it mean to hold someone truly accountable...and what about yourself?

Tune into our latest episode as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El talk all things accountability. We hope this helps! And as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments. We’d love to hear from you! Check in with us at @vivawellnessnyc.

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It’s official...holiday season is upon us! How are you taking care of yourself as you navigate this time of year? Many of us are celebrating in ways similar to last year, but as vaccination rates have increased many more people are traveling and reconnecting in person with family members, and loved ones, for the first time in a long while.

Listen to our latest episode as Rachel and Jor-El talk through navigating the 2021 holiday season. Check the show notes for our other holiday season episodes for a bit more support as well. Enjoy!

Recommended listening:

Managing Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Managing Your Mental Health During a Pandemic Holiday Season

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We all have them, but we also shame ourselves for having them. But what’s actually a bad habit and what’s not? HOW CAN WE KNOW?!

Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about the trap of black and white thinking as well as how we view personal habits. We think you’ll gain a lot from this one. Take a listen, share with a friend and rate and review too. Thanks for listening!

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“Well, I didn’t mean it that way!”

How many times have you heard (or said) that? When it comes to relationships and conversations, being vulnerable enough to say that you’re hurt is never easy and being told that what you did hurt someone doesn’t feel good either, especially if you didn’t intend to cause harm. Listen in as Rachel and Jor-El discuss how important intent and impact is (and what matters most).

And yes, we also talk about Dave Chappelle’s recent special.

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How do you feel about dating?

Maybe dating is exciting for you as you get to meet new people and have fun, but for many dating isn’t quite as fun. It often can be draining and nerve-wracking. Well, we’re here to help!

In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk through some of the challenges of dating and offer up some guidance and support for your journey. Take a listen and don’t forget to tell us what you think by rating and reviewing the episode.

Thanks for listening!

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Contrary to popular belief, therapists aren’t perfect because hey, no humans are! In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El share their perspectives on mental health trends and own up to their own petty behaviors. It’s an exercise in modeling imperfection!

Tune in to learn more about our hosts and revel in your imperfections with us.

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Unfortunately, it looks like COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon. This is more true than ever as we now have the Delta variant making its way through communities. How do we cope with the ongoing virus threat? Hosts and licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El offer up some tips on how to manage the next few months and your risk. Also, GET VACCINATED!

Related: 

F* Your Feelings (from the Viva blog)

Looking to the Future & Having Tough COVID Conversations (podcast episode)

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DO YOU LIKE PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA?!

No, that’s not actually what this episode is about but helps us illustrate the point of how judgmental all of us can be (you probably had a strong reaction to that question, right?). This week we’re talking through the fallacy of being a “non-judgmental person.” Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk through how to offer yourself some compassion while also trying to manage your inevitable judgement. 

Please leave a rating and review and share this episode with a friend. And, as always, join the conversation with us on social media @vivawellnessnyc!

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Do you feel the constant pressure to stay busy and productive? If so, you’re not alone. Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk through the perils of productivity and hustle culture and finding the path that works best for you.

Join the conversation with us on social media and share this episode with a friend who could benefit from it. Thanks for listening!

Related resource:

The Nap Ministry https://twitter.com/TheNapMinistry

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The healthcare system has its challenges (particularly in the United States) but how do you go about finding the right care in a seriously flawed system? Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk through some strategies to navigate the realities of the healthcare system. Hopefully it offers up some tips to consider, as well as some very real validation of the difficulties so many of us face.

As always, take some time to join in on the conversation on Instagram @vivawellnessnyc. Thanks for listening!

Related reading:

Healthcare Needs to Be More Accessible

How Can We Advance the Conversation Around Healthcare for All?

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What gets you going when the struggle is real? If you’re feeling a bit stuck then we hope this episode will help you power through.

In this episode licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo get into the nitty gritty of how to find motivation, how it’s like commitment and ways you can push yourself and embrace self-compassion at the same time.

What are you working towards right now? Join the conversation with us on Instagram @vivawellnessnyc. Thanks for listening!

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Do you ever find yourself enraged by the poor behavior of others? Have YOU sometimes been that person?

Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El talk about situations in which this poor behavior comes up (there is a bit of ranting in this episode tbh) and offer a call for us all to be more conscious of treating fellow humans with compassion and respect. As always, we appreciate your thoughts and feedback. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc.

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Have you ever experienced a break up with a good friend? It can be incredibly difficult to cope and that’s exactly what we’re talking about in today’s episode. Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about how this happens, what it feels like and maybe some ideas of how to move forward.

What’s your experience been with breaking up with a friend? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc.

We’d love to hear from you about this episode and what other topics you’d like to see covered on the podcast!

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Recently, pro tennis player Naomi Osaka decided to take some time off from the French Open, and upcoming Wimbeldon tournament, after stating she’d be avoiding doing press for mental health reasons. Her statements caused quite a stir and in our latest episode Jor-El and Rachel discuss the dynamics of the statements, and the fallout, and how it relates to how we all respond to setting limits for our mental health.

Additional reading:

Osaka’s Follow Up Statement (via her Instagram)

Outrage over Naomi Osaka shows what we're still getting wrong about mental health (via USA Today)

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When you’re exploring social justice issues how often are you exploring the realities of ableism? If you’re like most people, then likely not enough. Tune in to our latest episode as we explore what ableism really means and offer some perspective shifts to be a better supporter of those who live with disabilities, remove stigma and improve access.

Additional reading:

Supporting Someone with Chronic Pain via Viva Wellness blog (link)

Disabling Ableism via Dignity and Respect (link)

Spoon Theory Basics (link)

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It’s been about a year since everyone posted those black squares on social media but where are we now?

Social justice issues are still at the forefront of our lives. Black lives are still at risk. Asian people are experiencing violence and harassment at alarming rates. Queer and trans folks still disporpotionately face violence. You want to learn more and do better, but where do you start? We’re here to help!

In this latest episode we break down the theme of social justice and what it means in day-to-day life and mental health. Tune in, join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Related reading:

The Burden of Being Woke & Why It’s OK to Rest (via the Viva Wellness blog)

What is ‘Sealioning’? - A Type of Trolling (via Merriam-Webster)

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Do you think that you handle conflict well in your relationship? Maybe have some areas in which you’d like to improve? Don’t worry, we’ve got you!

Also: do you know where the phrase “piggyback” come from?!

Tune in as licensed therapist Rachel and Jor-El offer some helpful feedback on navigating conflict when you can’t necessarily create a lot of distance. We hope this helps!

You may also enjoy reading:

How to Handle Arguments in a Relationship

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As an increasing number of people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and time charges on, we are getting closer to the next chapter in navigating the coronavirus pandemic. How do you manage conversations around boundaries and challenge yourself, and others, when appropriate?

Therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on these tricky times with some things to consider as you move forward. We hope it helps you practice greater self-awareness, identify ways to share, and better communicate with those around you.

You can view the current CDC recommendations for fully vaccinated people at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

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Unfortunately, mental health has been in the news recently as many have tried to make sense of the high profile gun violence in Atlanta and Boulder. Listen in as therapists Jor-El and Rachel explain why that conversation is problematic and how we should be exploring the relationship between mental illness and violence (among other things…).

Please join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We’d love to hear from you about this episode and what other topics you’d like to see covered on the podcast!

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For most of us we’ve spent a year (or more) living with the pandemic of COVID-19. As more people get vaccinated and things start to open up for more in-person services how do we get back to “normal”?

Mental health counselors Rachel and Jor-El share some thoughts on how you might think about getting to a new normal in this new world and how to manage some of your thoughts and anxieties about it. Tune in to the latest episode and join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. Enjoy!

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What role does fear of failure play in your life?

Unfortunately, failure is a part of life. By understanding what we’re really scared of when it comes to failure, we can learn how resilient we can be. Tune into our latest episode to hear licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore what failure means and some practical things to consider in facing down our fears and anxieties about not succeeding.

Join Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Wanting to move forward on your goals and not feeling the motivation to do so is an uncomfortable feeling. There are many reasons why we might get stuck in these moments and we’re here to help!

Tune in to our latest episode as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo discuss being stuck and offer up some ideas on how to get un-stuck too. What helps you find motivation when you can’t power through? Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to your thoughts.

Related reading:

Get Those Goals

Your Goals Should Be Smart

How to Fight Self-Sabotage

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Do you have a hard time saying no? If so, this episode is for you!

In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on something most people struggle with - saying no! Tune in as they discuss some straightforward strategies to say no and other factors to consider when you’re trying to set a boundary with someone. We think this episode can be helpful no matter the situation you find yourself in.

Please join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. We’d love to read your thoughts!

Related reading:

http://vivawellnessblog.com/2020/07/09/its-not-always-about-like/

http://vivawellnessblog.com/2020/08/13/dont-worry-its-ok-to-say-no-to-people/

http://vivawellnessblog.com/2021/01/25/the-problem-with-self-care/

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Do you consider yourself a productive or a “lazy” person? This is a big conversation that’s happening these days, especially as many of us struggle to stay productive during the pandemic. Well, we can help!

Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El use their experiences as licensed therapists to provide support and insight to help you move forward when you’re feeling unmotivated and unproductive. Hint: you’re not a lazy person! Say it with us, “I am not lazy but I can be lazy.”

And, as always, join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify.

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How are you sleeping these days? Is it easy or difficult for you? Many people struggle with sleep issues each year and today we’re diving into one of the most commonly reported issues in mental - how to get better sleep!

Tune in as Viva Wellness licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk through sleep hygiene basics and finding your own path to better sleep.

Join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify.

Related: The One Yoga Pose I Do Nightly for Better Sleep

Resource: Sleep Hygiene Basics (American Academy of Sleep Medicine)

Sleep tight!

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Whatever happened this year for you, take it with a grain of salt. Tune in to the latest episode as Rachel and Jor-El talk through some suggestions on how to process and reflect on 2020 and what that means for the upcoming year.

How are you reflecting on this year? Join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify.

Take care!

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Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-love...these are all REALLY loaded terms. There’s an expectation that we unabashedly love ourselves, but is that actually even possible? Listen as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on these ideas and share some personal stories of self-acceptance too.

Join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Take care!

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Are you struggling to manage your mental health this holiday season? Us too! Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk about the realities of making it through the holiday season during a pandemic. Learn some suggestions on how to manage your mental health and manage your perspective as you navigate the holidays safely.

Please share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Take care!

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We have a new president-elect! 2020 has been rough and certainly election week has been a tough one for all of us. Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El reflect on the presidential election and how politics affects mental health.

Please share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Take care!

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Do you struggle with accepting, or appreciating, your body? You're probably dealing with the effects of diet culture!

Join the conversation as therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore the problems with diet culture. They talk about the insidious nature of diet culture and how that's even impacting us during the pandemic. We hope you find this conversation helpful. Please share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Take care!

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How is your relationship with social media these days? Probably worth talking about, right? Have no fear as Rachel and Jor-El talk about managing social media and mental health generally and through the dumpster fire that is 2020. In this episode you’ll get some practical tips and things to consider as you work in creating a healthier relationship with social media (pro tip: avoid doomscrolling!).

Doomscrolling During COVID-19 via Healthline

Social Media: Is it Bad For Your Mental Health? via Viva Wellness

You can follow Jor-El on Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.com/jcaraballolmhc/

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In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El are talking all about women in sport! We’re honoring National Women’s Health and Fitness Day by talking about some prevalent issues related to women athletes and spectators as well as highlighting some (but not all!) inspirational women in sport. We hope that you enjoy this episode and take a moment so share it with a woman in sport you find inspirational.

And as always, please leave a rating and review on iTunes and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc.

Related reading:
The Myth of the Falling Uterus

People to follow:

Naomi Osaka @naomiosaka

Caster Semenya @castersemenya800m

Adrianne Haslet @adriannehaslet

Brave like Gabe/Gabriele Grunewald @bravelikegabe

Diana Nyad @diananyad

Lauren Fleshman @fleshmanflyer

Nikki Hiltz @nikkihiltz

Amelia Boone @arboone11

Alysia Montaño @alysiamontano

Mary Cain @runmarycain

Tatyana McFadden @tatyanamcfaddenusa

Kara Goucher @karagoucher

Tianna Bartoletta @tianna.bartoletta

Allyson Felix @af85

Megan Rapinoe @mrapinoe

Serena Williams @serenawilliams

Sue Bird @sbird10

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We’re all for positive thinking around here, but that doesn’t mean lying to ourselves either! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about using the power of positive thinking to help find refuge, even in difficult circumstances. They also share some good news and examples in their own lives to help illustrate the simple practice of paying attention to the good.

John Sterling Calls (on Twitter)

Stumpy: the Labrador is a Hero for Other Dogs

Rachel Wyman (Montclair Bread Co.) on Ali on the Run Podcast

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Losing someone you love is an incredibly painful process. It’s something we all experience at one point or another, but we often don’t talk openly about the messy process of grief. That is unless you're Rebecca Soffer.

This week, Rachel and Jor-El are joined by Rebecca Soffer, the co-founder of Modern Loss. Modern Loss is a community of people living with grief (basically everyone in the world) that offers space to honor the pain, absurdity and humor in the grieving process.

We hope you find refuge in this conversation.Please share your thoughts on grief with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Take care!

Follow up with Modern Loss at www.modernloss.com and on all the socials @modernloss.

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In our latest episode our hosts Jor-El and Rachel talk about mental health issues in pop culture. From public meltdowns (think Kanye and Britney circa 2007) all the way to Yankees Ace CC Sabathia (we love you CC!) Demi Lovato and Amanda Bynes, they weigh in on how public conversations about mental health impact our collective mental health and often reinforce stigma.

Please share your thoughts on mental health in pop culture with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Take care!

Related reading:

My love for CC Sabathia and Visibility

An Open Letter to Yankess Ace CC Sabathia

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How do you stay grateful when times are tough?

In our latest episode hosts and licensed therapists Jor-El Caraballo and Rachel Gersten talk how to practice gratitude during tough times. Obviously, 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us and during tough times it can be hard to acknowledge the positives in our lives. Sometimes it can even feel disingenuous. Listen in as Rachel and Jor-El talk through how they themselves practice gratitude during tough times and how they encourage clients to think about things when times are challenging.

As always, thank you for joining us and please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on gratitude with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc. Also please spread the love and share our podcast with your friends. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Until next time!

Related reading:

Feeling Down? Practice the GLAD Technique for a Positive Boost

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Mainstream wellness tends to look a certain way; white, thin, mostly blonde women fill our feeds with tips on living healthier. But, why aren’t more people of color featured? This is exactly what Carolyn Su sought to change with Diverse We Run (@diversewerun).

Join Rachel and Jor-El as they talk with Carolyn Su (Instagram: @irunfortheglory) about diversity in wellness and why representation is so important in embracing acceptance and inviting internal self-reflection. We think that you’ll learn a lot from this episode and hopefully you’ll join us in the ongoing conversation online.

Thank you for listening and please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc. Also please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Until next time!

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This week our hosts Rachel and Jor-El talk with runner, host and health advocate Jonathan Levitt. Jonathan works for a company called Inside Tracker which offers personalized health and nutrition recommendations based on blood biomarkers (that you typically won’t get from your doctor!). As Jonathan puts it “we remove the opinion” on nutrition and lifestyle and rely on science. What a concept!

This is an incredibly informative episode on the benefits of personalized healthcare and how it can be used to create a more optimal life designed specifically for you.

We hope you enjoy it! You can follow Jonathan on Instagram at @jwlevitt and you can learn more about Inside Tracker at their website.

As always, Thank you for listening and please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc. Also please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Until next time!

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It’s hard to know when to step in when the people you love and care about might be going through a rough time. When is the right time to be seriously concerned about their mental health? And when is it just a slump?

In our latest episode our hosts and licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El answer these questions, and give some tangible examples on how you might respond when you want to offer your support to a loved one.

Here are some related blog posts you might find helpful:

Is there a right way to help?

Want to help? Don’t wait until someone is struggling.

Setting boundaries with friends and loved ones.

What is therapy and how can it help you?

Thank you for listening and please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc. Also please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Until next time!

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In light of recent events around racism going more mainstream, Rachel and Jor-El wanted to offer some therapist-led insight to help you become a better white ally in the fight for equality. In this latest episode, Rachel and Jor-El speak from their lived experiences as people, and as therapists, and model ways that you can move forward in allyship and be a part of progressive change.

In this episode you will learn some tips on how to engage with other white people (and other POC) when they may be behaving or thinking in racist ways. It’s hard, but necessary, work. We hope this helps you on your journey.

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Content advisory: Please note this episode includes discussion of depression and suicide. Please be advised.

In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El have a sit down with writer, social media manager, and mental health advocate Theodora Blanchfield. In this episode Theodora shares about her experiences with depression, grief and suicide. She offers up a story of resilience detailing her experiences with treatment, suicidality and the path forward in therapy and the new treatment that’s making all the difference. Tune in to hear her amazing story!

If you are struggling with mental health issues, depression or thoughts of suicide here are some helpful resources to consider:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

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Have you ever experienced a song or movie that changed your life? We definitely have!

In our most recent episode, hosts Jor-El and Rachel talk about some of the most meaningful media they’ve experienced in their lives (+ some listener submissions!). We hope that you enjoy this fun episode as we share some of our favorites and explore the utility of media in our lives, especially when times are tough.

Would you like to be a part of our podcast? If so, please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc to submit your questions or topics you think we should cover. We greatly appreciate all your feedback. Also, help others find us better and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

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Have you been curious about how to get started in therapy, but felt unsure about how to do it? Have no fear - we’re here to answer your questions!

In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El take on this listener submitted question on how to get started in therapy. They cover everything from how to search for a therapist and how to know if you’ve got the right fit for you. Therapy is confusing and can be difficult too. We hope this episode provides some clarity and inspiration for you to get started.

And if you’re in NY state and interested in working with a member of the Viva Wellness team, hit up the New Clients page.

Thank you for listening and please feel free to reach out to us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc. Also please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Until next time!

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There have been some many (generally helpful) think pieces about how to adjust our lives during COVID-19. In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El talk more about how they’ve been adjusting and how it’s so important to extend ourselves grace during these times. They also talk about the necessity of holding multiple emotions at the same time (like feeling grateful and pissed!) during the pandemic.

We hope this episode helps you better process your own thoughts and feelings about life during this virus. Please feel free to join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo. And if you feel compelled, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

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In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El talk about the importance of information in the digital age. They tackle the dangers of getting incorrect information and how to make sure that you’re being a critical consumer, especially in the age of COVID-19.

Join us and share your thoughts with us! Please send feedback to us directly @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. And please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

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In our latest episode Jor-El and Rachel sit down to talk through what is likely on most people’s minds right now - coronavirus!

Rachel and Jor-El offer up some therapist-approved strategies to help cope with the pandemic as it seems likely we’ll be dealing with the fallout of this for some time. They discuss practicing acceptance & using humor and the benefit of laughter! They also share their favorite tweets and memes also too. We hope that you find the practical suggestions helpful and share with friends near and far. We have to get through this together...but apart #socialdistancing!

To keep with the latest news about how to protect yourself and others, please visit the CDC’s site on COVID-19 or the latest developments from WHO.

And, as always, if you enjoy our podcast please send feedback to us directly @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. And please leave a rating and review on iTunes so that we can grow our podcast even further. Thanks for listening!

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This week Rachel and Jor-El sit down with business woman and photographer Diana Davis. If you follow us on Instagram, you definitely would have seen Diana’s handiwork as she’s been responsible for many of the imagery you’ve seen for Viva Wellness.

In this episode we talk with Diana about her journey into owning her own business and the power of following your intuition and using positive thinking. We talk about leaps of faith, having the right support and believing in one’s self. If you’re looking for inspiration you’ll find it here!

If you enjoy our podcast please send feedback to us @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. And please leave a rating and review on iTunes so that we can grow our podcast even further. Thanks for listening!

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This week we have an EXTRA special episode featuring exemplary athlete and advocate Chris Mosier. If you haven’t yet had the joy of learning about Chris, here’s a brief rundown of his incredible accomplishments:

  • First trans man to make a men’s US national team

  • 6 time team member of Team USA in triathlon and duathlon

  • Has won two national championships in race walking

  • First trans athlete to compete in the Olympic trials in the gender in which they identify

Rachel and Jor-El talk to Chris about living his personal motto “be who you needed when you were younger”, advocating for youth athletes and leaving a legacy as a trans athlete. This episode is definitely not one to be missed!

We also learn more about Chris’ background in sports and who his favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle is. This is a good one filled with heart, humor and purpose.

To learn more about Chris’ advocacy work you can keep up with him on Instagram @TheChrisMosier and transathlete.

If you enjoy our podcast please send feedback to us @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. And please leave a rating and review on iTunes so that we can grow our podcast even further. Thanks for listening!

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Impeachment hearings. Iowa. Toxic and abusive political rhetoric. It’s a lot, isn’t it?!

In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El are diving into politics. This week, the topic is not the policies themselves but how we all can cope and adjust to living in a 24 hour news cycle. Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk through their own reactions to politics now, and in the past few years, and offer up some tips on how to navigate what seems like the longest election period ever.

And, of course, there are always some laughs to enjoy as well.

Thanks for listening!

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Are you struggling with SAD or just dealing with the natural variances in mood during the winter months? Listen and find out!

In our latest episode Jor-El and Rachel talk about one of the most common conditions this time of year, Seasonal Affective Disorder. This depressive condition affects about 10 million US adults. That’s a lot of people! Learn what the signs of SAD are and what steps you can take to make life better if you’re dealing with symptoms.

You may also want to check out our related podcast episode Anxiety and Depression: Myths & Misconceptions.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Do you want to have your question answered on the podcast? Submit your question directly to podcast@vivawellnessnyc.com and your anonymous inquiry may be featured on an upcoming episode!

And please leave a rating and review on iTunes so that we can grow our podcast even further. Thanks for listening!

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We’ve got a special treat for you this week! While a lot of people are thinking more and more about nutrition (especially during the winter months) we thought we would bring in Viva Wellness’ in-house Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Caitie Corradino!

Rachel and Jor-El sat down with Caitie to talk about all things nutrition. In this episode, Caitie clarifies what intuitive eating means and takes some time to use her medical expertise to mythbust some five common nutritional fallacies (Keto, intermittent fasting, veganism, etc.) and the psychological burden of continually striving for weight loss. This episode is chock full of information and we think you’ll learn a lot.

You can always join the conversation and send feedback to us @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. And please leave a rating and review on iTunes so that we can grow out podcast even further. Thanks for listening!

And, as always, thank you for listening!

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In our latest episode our founders Jor-El and Rachel reflect on the past year, as many of us are doing, and offer up some suggestions on how to move forward in 2020. On that note, we have a new resource available for you on the Viva Wellness Resources page. Vision 2020: My Best Year Yet is a handy worksheet to get you to reflect on the past year and move forward with intention. We hope that you find it useful!

And don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes! Enjoy!

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This week Jor-El and Rachel are joined by Emily Merrell, the founder of Six Degrees Society. Emily founded Six Degrees Society to create spaces for women entrepreneurs to establish contact with others and learn from one another. Emily left her job working in fashion to help create warm, accessible environments where people could connect and learn from one another with authenticity and ease. And thus, Six Degrees Society was born!

Rachel and Jor-El talk with Emily about her journey into business, the challenges she faced and how she dealt with them, as well her exciting plans for 2020. Take a listen and don’t forget to send in your questions and feedback to us @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. And please leave a rating and review on iTunes so that we can grow out podcast even further. Thanks for listening!

You can learn more about Emily and Six Degrees Society at the following link https://sixdegreessociety.com/.

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Love it or hate it (we don’t judge!), the holiday season is here! This week, Rachel and Jor-El talk all about the holiday season, the pressures that come with this time of year and some helpful ways to manage your mental health throughout the season.

In the episode, our hosts challenge the notion that there is only one right way to do the holidays. They also offer up some concrete tips on how to make it through the long days which you might be spending alone, with family, or friends. Take a listen and feel free to share with us your favorite ways to survive the holidays!

We also think you might enjoy these related blog posts!

How to Survive the Holidays As a Couple

Making the Holidays Work For You

As always, don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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Do you make it a point to have laughter be a part of your wellness routine? Maybe you should!

Laughter and humor are things we often feel but don’t talk about and they can be incredibly important and vital to health and wellness. Listen to this week’s episode as Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on the health benefits of laughter and talk about how humor fits in their lives both in an outside of the therapy room.

Enjoy!

As always, don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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Do you often struggle to face difficult conversations head on? Listen in as Rachel and Jor-El delve into their thoughts on dealing with hard conversations and the best ways to move forward even if you're feeling uncomfortable. And why difficult conversations are needed to maintain healthy relationships altogether!

And, as always, feel free to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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This week, Rachel and Jor-El sit down with writer and sex positivity advocate Zachary Zane. In this episode, Zach shares about his personal experience acknowledging his own bisexuality, how he came to write about sexuality and relationships more broadly and the role of of sex positivity in his life. Zach also shares with us how important it is to have queer affirming services in healthcare through the We Need a Button campaign which aims to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ people can get access to affirming supportive services.

You can also learn more about, and keep with Zach on his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zacharyzane_/.

You may also want to check out the following resources which Zach mentioned:

Lighthouse www.lighthouse.lgbt (LGBTQIA+ affirming healthcare directory)

Bisexual.org (Resouce site on bisexuality)

Dating Positives (STI positive dating site)

And don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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Did you know that mental health stigma is highly associated with a lack of engagement in mental health services? And with 1 in 5 adult Americans experiencing mental illness each year (and only 43% getting treatment), we need to stomp out stigma.

In our latest episode, hosts Rachel and Jor-El talk all about it. They each offer up some everyday examples of how we all may unintentionally contribute to mental health stigma. Our hosts also talk about the role of influencers and how they can be much more helpful in fighting stigma by documenting their stories rather than trying to educate the masses as faux experts.

Take a listen!

And don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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There’s so much pressure these days to live a life of balance. But, what does that really mean? AND IS IT EVEN ATTAINABLE?! Trying to keep all major areas of your life together can sometimes feel like you’re spinning plates, waiting for them all to crash. The pressure leaves many people feeling overwhelmed and very self-critical.

In this episode, Jor-El and Rachel talk all things balance and even give you a little insight on how to finally get your piece of the pie (tune in to learn what that means)!

Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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In this latest episode Rachel and Jor-El talk with mental health advocate and runner Sasha Wolff. Sasha shares with us how she was inspired by her own hospitalization and mental health struggles to create an online community that’s now spreading out into real life.

“Still I Run” was inspired by the Maya Angelou poem Still I Rise, which has long been a beacon for those hoping to thrive despite difficult circumstances. This is exactly what Sasha hopes to create with her network. We talk with her about how telling her story helped her follow Brene Brown’s lead on reducing shame and embracing vulnerability. Tune in to hear about Sasha’s story of how she found more purpose as she became a voice for reducing mental health stigma.

Learn more about Still I Run on their Facebook page.

Related: Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability (TED Talk)

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This week on the podcast Rachel and Jor-El talk with Henry Calantog, more commonly referred to as Mr. C, Rachel’s past martial arts teacher! Mr. C talks with us about life as a first generation Filipino, his journey towards reluctant entrepreneurship and how creating your own path and listening to yourself can be powerful keys to success and life satisfaction. Mr. C was so gracious in sharing so much wisdom, and he even shared some great stories about young Rachel along the way.

We hope that you enjoy!

Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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Hosts Jor-El and Rachel chat with Ali Feller: runner, mother, writer and host of the Ali on the Run Show Podcast. In this episode we talk with Ali about her life, the challenges (and benefits) of vulnerability and her fierce advocacy for those living with Crohn's Disease. Ali shares with us the connection between stress and Crohn’s as well as the importance of embracing empathy and compassion in contemporary society and the realities of living with a chronic condition.

Related:

Ali on the Run blog

Listen to the Ali on the Run Show

What is Crohn’s Disease? By the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

A Day in the Life with Chronic Pain on the Viva Wellness blog

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In our latest episode of Well, well… Rachel and Jor-El talk all things healthy eating! Have you ever been scrolling on Instagram and seen these perfectly curated smoothie bowls or sophisticated meal prep options? Yes, us too! But guess what, most people don’t eat like that regularly, not even those influencers themselves. Tune into this episode to listen to what works for Rachel and Jor-El, two people who have very different nutritional styles and execution but are informed by a shared philosophy. Learn how healthy eating translates into better mental health. Plus, get some insight into what fueling for long-distance running looks like for Rachel as marathon training season starts up.

Relevant posts on the subject:

Jor-El’s Easy Weeknight Meal: Eggplant in Red Sauce

Health Chef Julia’s Tips on How to Store Summer Produce

How Rachel Eats Healthy

Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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In our latest episode, Rachel and Jor-El talk about some of the most common mental health conditions that people experience and share about: anxiety and depression. Do you know the difference between feeling depressed and clinical depression? What about feeling anxious and experiencing generalized anxiety? We break down the lines between all of these, providing you the tools to understand these two mental health conditions and to embrace your changes in mood as a healthy part of life (and why self-diagnosis is usually not helpful!).

Take a listen and enjoy! As always, if you’re feeling like something might be off, it might be a good idea to talk to a therapist for support and treatment tailored to you.

Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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In this latest episode we are joined by super special guest Kathleen Archambeau, author of Pride & Joy LGBTQ Artists, Icons and Everyday Heroes. We talk to Kathleen about how she first came to writing and how it started off as a safe space for her. We also talk about how to be allies for LGBTQ folks, the current state of LGBTQ issues in contemporary society, and Kathleen even shares her advice on how to become more comfortable with your own queer identity. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation. Happy Pride!

Connect with Kathleen on Twitter here @KATHLEENARCHAM2

You might also enjoy reading Jor-El's review on the blog: http://vivawellnessblog.com/2018/06/19/pride/

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It started with a couple of tweets from Brad Stulberg about how the CEO of Twitter only eats one meal a day (for any human who loves food, this is appalling) and the term “broscience,” or non-science backed “knowledge” that’s passed around men. You’ve probably seen it: health claims made usually by someone without any sort of formal health background. Obviously, we're not huge fans of that.

Today, we’re talking diet culture and fads from bulletproof coffee to what the Kardashians are promoting. We play a super exciting game of what actually works (not so sexy but usually effective) and leave you with your mission: to eat something that brings you joy.

Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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In this week’s episode, Rachel and Jor-El sit down with Jor-El’s friend Bryan. They talk about Bryan’s journey with mental health and how that intersects with being a Black man as the definition of masculinity changes in our current times. Bryan is kind enough to share his experiences in mental health and how men can deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships by engaging in therapy and ongoing self-reflection.

It's a rarity for a man to be open about mental health struggles (especially if he doesn't work in the field of mental health). The conversation with Bryan touches on family, friendships and the importance of participating in therapy throughout one’s life.

Please tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

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Have you been bitten by the entrepreneur bug? If so, then you’ll appreciate our latest podcast episode. This week Rachel and Jor-El talk about their one year anniversary as business owners. They discuss the ups and downs of owning your own business and how it impacts your life and mental wellness.

Do you own your own business? Do you share some of the same experiences as Rachel and Jor-El? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. We'd love to hear from you!

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To wrap up African American Women’s Fitness Month Jor-El and Rachel sat down with life coach and multi-hyphenate wellness professional Shanna Tyler. Shanna (@shannatyler_) shares with us how challenges with major depression led her to embracing her deepest desires to help other women by creating community with Self Soul Sport. Shanna also coaches women entrepreneurs on how to best build and maintain their brands. We talk about Shanna’s journey but also what it’s like to be one of few widely recognized female Black wellness professionals online.

We give our thanks to Shanna for sharing with us her background and inspiring story.

Please tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review as well!

Sign up for the Viva Wellness weekly newsletter here: http://vivawellnessblog.com/subscribe

Learn how to work with Shanna at Self Soul Sport https://shannatyler.com/self-soul-sport

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In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El talk through some of the most common myths that people have when it comes to therapy. Just call us therapy myth-busters! You’ll hear why therapy is not like having a paid friend and how therapy can be a powerful tool for a wide range of people. We hope you learn a lot in this one!

Please tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review as well!

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We love having guests! This week Jor-El and Rachel are joined by private chef and health coach Julia Chebotar (@healthchefjulia). In this episode we take on meal prepping, common myths about nutrition and the benefits of eating for your individual needs. Also, our mukbang (not sure what this is? You’ll find out on the podcast!) is TBD. We had a lot of fun on this one so we hope you enjoy it.

Sign up to our newsletter to receive some special recipes and information from Julia herself on elimination diets. Thanks for listening!

http://vivawellnessblog.com/subscribe-to-viva-wellness/

Learn more about Julia at her website: www.healthchefjulia.com

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In our latest episode, Rachel and Jor-El talk all things mindfulness! We talk about the problem with mindfulness being a “trend” and the benefits beyond health and wellness. And for those of you wanting to incorporate mindfulness into your day in an easy way, Rachel issues the challenge to try and practice mindfulness once a day for the next seven days. Let us know how it goes!

Related reading:

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness: You Know What it is, Now Here’s Why it Matters

Wise Mind: Experiencing Integration & Intuition

Why I Practice Mindfulness

How to Practice Mindful Eating (or Drinking)

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Do you often feel like you don’t fit the stereotype of “wellness”? That’s OK! In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El open up about their own wellness journeys, discussing what works and what doesn’t and the pressures they feel as health professionals. Rachel also shares her childhood nickname for McDonald’s (which is hilarious).

Please review and subscribe to our show on iTunes!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/well-well/id1451731458

Visit our blog too! vivawellnessblog.com

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In the latest episode Jor-El and Rachel take on one of the most misunderstood aspects of personality introversion and extroversion! They talk about their personal experiences being different from one another and how your personality might be influencing your work and relationships without you even knowing it.

Additionally, here are some resources related to the episode:

Big Five Factor Personality Assessment

https://www.personalityassessor.com/bigfive/

Assessment Similar to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator

https://www.personalityassessor.com/personality-types/

Are You Shy, Introverted, Both, or Neither (and Why Does It Matter)?

https://www.quietrev.com/are-you-shy-introverted-both-or-neither-and-why-does-it-matter/

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking

https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352153

Are You An Introvert or Extrovert? What It Means For Your Career

https://www.fastcompany.com/3016031/are-you-an-introvert-or-an-extrovert-and-what-it-means-for-your-career

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In this episode Jor-El and Rachel are joined by special guest Alison Mariella Désir-Figueroa! Alison is a therapist and the founder of Harlem Run and Run for All Women, where she has successfully fused running and social activism. Widely known in the running world and previously named one of The Root 100 as one of the most influential African Americans of our generation, Alison's platforms seek to empower us to bring about social change. In this week’s episode we discuss the pros and cons of activism, maintaining a healthy mind and Alison’s upcoming little bundle of joy. We hope you enjoy it!

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Welcome to our podcast! Listen in as Jor-El and Rachel talk through the goals of the podcast and what wellness means to them. They also play a 'get to know you' game answering questions so that you can learn more about the team behind Viva Wellness. Enjoy!

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Rachel and Jor-El are the founders of Viva Wellness, a holistic health practice located in Brooklyn, NY. Hear a little bit about what you can expect from our new podcast "Well, well...". We'll be talking all things health & wellness and we hope you will join us!