Show Details

Biography

Hope, Healing and WellBeing with Mary Treacy O’Keefe

As a result of her own experience as a breast cancer survivor, Mary is the co-founder and President of Well Within, a nonprofit holistic wellness resource center in St. Paul, MN. (www.wellwithin.org) She has a master’s degree in Theology, is a spiritual director, author, inspiring speaker and retreat leader. Her presentations and writings are designed to help reduce stress and anxiety and foster hope, healing and spiritual growth for a variety of audiences.

Mary has also has been trained as a Cancer Guide and as a Mind, Body Skills facilitator by the Center for Mind Body Medicine in Washington, D.C. She is passionate about helping individuals become ‘well within’ and live as fully as possible, especially when they or their loved ones are facing health crises and other life transitions. Mary’s first book, Thin Places: Where Faith is Affirmed and Hope Dwells, received Honorable Mention from the national Independent Publishers Book Awards. She is currently completing her next book, Meant to Be: Do Things Really Happen for a Reason?

Archived Shows

• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Stage Climbing with Michael Broder, PhD

  Dr. Michael Broder’s new book, Stage Climbing: The Shortest Path to Your Highest Potential, identifies seven distinct stages from which we view our lives. Once you recognize the stage at which you are currently operating in an aspect of life, you can then choose a target stage consistent with the goal you are aspiring to. Dr. Broder discusses his system for getting people to their highest potential in their professional, personal, spiritual and all other aspects of life. In any given moment, we are living in one of seven stages. The seven stages are: Stage One: Infancy and when people are profoundly dependent upon others, Stage Two: Toddlers and living without internalized limits, resulting in undisciplined behaviors. Stage Three: Usual stage for late childhood and adults who are rigid rule abiders. Stage Four is adolescence and when someone has many neurotic and approval-seeking behaviors. Stage Five is the typical for adults, where you are a role juggler and function fairly well. Stages Six and Seven are the target stages that most people aspire to by enabling them to live at their highest potential. Stage Six is the mature adult who operates according to his or her unique internally generated values and passions. Stage Seven is the highest stage attainable when we find fulfillment as the result of our benevolence and unique contribution to others.

  Dr.Broder describes how to identify and get rid of the various ‘hooks’ that can cause people to get stuck in the lower stages. Once we get rid of the blocks that prevent us from achieving our highest potential, we can better discover our passions, which often helps us discover our purpose in life. Our passion, fueled by gratitude, helps us attain fulfillment when we reach out in altruistic compassion and love for others. For more information, including how to obtain free gifts (including from host Mary Treacy O’Keefe) when you order Stage Climbing, please visit www.stageclimbing.com or www.drmichaelbroder.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Reluctant Donor with Suzanne Ruff

  In her book, The Reluctant Donor, author Suzanne Ruff shares the story of growing up under the shadow of a PKD, Polycystic Kidney Disease, which claimed numerous members of her immediate and extended family. PKD continues to affects 19 members of their family. In this show, Suzanne and her sister Joanne discuss how their family dealt with the threat of a terminal illness that could affect any of them. PKD is the most common life-threatening disease in the country. The disease causes kidneys to fail quickly and there are only two options for treatment: dialysis and kidney transplant. When Joanne collapsed from PKD herself, she was put on dialysis until a donor could be found. Suzanne was the best match for her sister’s kidney transplant, yet she was very resistant to donating her kidney to Joanne. The journey towards eventually agreeing to donate her kidney was filled with life-altering lessons and a deeper realization about the love she has for her sister.

  Suzanne and Joanne share a few of the many “God-wink” incidents that seemed meant to be. Suzanne interpreted some of them as being ‘thin place’ signs from her mother and a beloved aunt who both have died. These events were very faith-affirming and helped Suzanne and Joanne cope with the fear and anxiety of living with a life-threatening illness. Suzanne now says “count every day is a blessing and cherish the ones you love.” Both women discuss the impact of their faith as the greatest gift their mother gave them and how their faith was strengthened after what both women went through during the transplant process. Suzanne helps us understand the miracle of organ donation, both from living and deceased organ donors. She tells how she prepared for the surgery by getting into excellent physical shape and this also helped her heal more quickly. She also prayed and elicited the support of friends around the country. Be inspired by this conversation between two loving sisters who shared a transformation experience of kidney donation. For more information, please visit www.thereluctantdonor.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – What Really Matters with Paul Batz

  Paul Batz is seasoned coach, facilitator, business consultant and author of What Really Works: Blending the Seven F’s for a Life That Matters. The 7 Fs for a meaningful life are Family, Family, Friends and Fun Finances, Fitness and Future. Along with his co-author, Tim Schmidt, Paul doesn’t believe in concept of “work-life balance” which so many people struggle with. Rather, the team advocates ‘blending’ various important aspects of our lives, creating an interplay of the 7 Fs. After surveying thousands of individuals about their lives, Paul concludes that “our lives that are most satisfying are when we blend together many of the 7 Fs” in specific activities. He recommends having ‘articulate goals’ for doing this. His research shows that eople are most satisfied with family life and least satisfied with their fitness and finances. A sense of wellbeing is enhanced by gratefulness and when you are grateful for a good financial situation, satisfaction is highest. He shares some of the stories of people who have high satisfaction in the area of the 7 Fs to demonstrate techniques that help people One important tip is “What get scheduled, gets done.” He discusses the role of faith and grace on people’s ability to cope with life’s challenges. Paul also gives advice for fostering meaningful friendships and discusses the difference between male and female friendships. For more information, please visit www.paulbatz.com and www.whatreallyworks.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of a Positive Mindset with Edith Namm

  This week’s guest is Edith Namm, a inspiring 86 year-old counselor, handwriting analyst, author and survivor of thyroid, breast, colon and liver cancer. We discuss the latest of her eight books, Change to a Positive Mindset and Extend Your Lifeline: A Journey to Miles of Smiles, Positive Energy Power, Hope, Health and Happiness.
  An increasing body of evidence supports the concept that we think affects what we believe, what we believe affects our attitudes, our attitudes affect how we act and how we act influences our relationships with others. Our words have the power to generate both positive and negative energy concerning our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. Edith discusses some of the 11 ways to increase our “Positive Energy Power” (PEP) by focusing on positive thoughts and actions.

  Host Mary Treacy O’Keefe was inspired and motivated by Edith’s amazing attitude towards life, which enabled her to discover many positive aspects of surviving her various cancer diagnoses. Despite healthy living, Edith overcame the genetics within her family, many of whom died from cancer. Using her expertise in handwriting analysis, Edith discovered how our handwriting can reveal many things about ourselves. Handwriting is ‘brain-writing’ whereby our brain retrieves information and express our emotions through every message we write in longhand. Thus, it can become a way to get in touch with inner feelings like anger, sadness, depression. By expressing both positive and negative feeling through handwriting, people can improve how they feel when they write about happy, healthy thoughts. For example, when you eliminate ‘No, Not, and Never” from messages and replace them with “yes, yes, yes!” you switch from negative to positive energy. It’s helpful to write a letter expressing why you are upset, to get those feelings “out of your system” then tear it up. It’s also important to express our appreciation for others and ourselves in written notes.

  She also discusses the power of the foods we eat and to become aware of when negative emotions manifest themselves in poor food choices. Edith’s mission to help people become aware of the impact of their choices and the consequences of emotional stress.

  At the end of the interview, Edith shares a ‘meant to be’ story about how her initial cancer diagnosis resulted in her retirement from counseling and propelled her interest in graphology. She is grateful for what’s she has learned about how writing positive messages can enable us to live longer and more fully.
  For more information, please visit www.share-a-smile-ambassadors.com and www.enamm.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Healing Spaces with Dr. Esther Sternberg

  Dr. Esther Sternberg, author of Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and WellBeing explains how she was drawn to the field of mind/body medicine by the interactions with a single patient, whose recovery motivated her to discover the connection between the brain and immune system. She describes how the body responds to stressful events. Fortunately, our bodies have many stress-reducing mechanisms, including the ‘relaxation response’ which is a way to ‘reset’ the stress response and bring balance back into our lives.

  She shares some of the anecdotes from her book, Healing Spaces, including how views of nature enhance the healing process, especially for people who are hospitalized. Art and music therapy are also potent forces for healing. When someone looks at certain scenes, it can evoke pleasant memories that can help replace stressful feelings. There are sacred locations that also offer healing, even when there is no physical cure. At places like Lourdes, France, sometimes miraculous cures do occur. She also discusses other many health benefits that result from prayer, meditation, and creating a healing space between two people who care about each other. For more information, please visit www.esthersternberg.com

  NOTE: Dr. Sternberg will be speaking at 4:00pm on Monday, April 30 at the University of Minnesota, with the Center for Spirituality and Healing ( www.csh.umn.edu) and May 1, at 7pm at The Marsh in Minnetonka, MN ( www.themarsh.com)

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Making Nutrition Fun for Kids with Melanie Nelson

  Childhood obesity has become an epidemic. So we invited Melanie Nelson, Founder and CEO of Learning ZoneXpress, to discuss how we can make nutrition fun for kids so they don’t become obese. Using her background as a family and consumer science teacher, Melanie is committed to creating helpful products that encourage children to eat healthy foods. In this interview, Melanie discusses the My Plate concept that has replaced the Food Pyramid as a guideline for healthy eating. She then shares various tips for parents. For example, If a child consistently eats fruits and vegetables first during meals, they will not develop a weight problem. Melanie discusses low cost ways for getting the best foods into a child’s diet. Fortunately, school systems are being responsive to the concern about children’s eating habits. Learn how several positive changes have occurred regarding children and nutrition. However there is still more to be done as far as educating children in a creative way. Melanie’s company, Learning ZoneXpress, has developed a video that encourages children to consume enough water, to laugh, limit themselves to 2 hours of screen time or less, and engage in 1 hour of activity. For more information, please visit www.learningzoneexpress.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – You Can Heal Your Life with Julie Silver, MD

  Our guest, Julie Silver is a doctor at Harvard, mom, cancer survivor and author of You Can Heal Yourself: A Guide to Physical and Emotional Recovery After Injury or Illness. Dr. Silver shares her own experience of “knowing something was wrong,” despite 2 physicians reassuring her that “everything was fine.” Eventually she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Based on her own and her patients’ experiences, she discusses the pros and cons of accepting a ‘new normal’ before a person’s post-treatment quality of life is actually experienced. Dr. Silver shares her observations regarding the effect of stress and the impact of positive and negative emotions.Then, she discusses some of her own self-care practices including movement and exercise. Exercise can speed up the healing process. It improves memory and concentration and is the most powerful medicine we can take, affecting every cell in our body in a positive way.

  Regarding pain,mood and sleeplessness, these often are cluster symptoms that worsen when all are present together. Specific strategies can help reduce stress, sleeplessness and pain, after we first check to see what the cause of these symptoms might be. For example, one suggestion for sleeplessness is to first reflect up why it’s so hard to fall or stay asleep. Then develop a ‘sleep hygiene” strategy, including avoiding heavy meals, caffeine, and exercising before bedtime. Tune in for more great suggestions from Dr. Silver. For more information, please visit www.juliesilvermd.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Unconditional Forgiveness with Mary Hayes Grieco

  Mary Hayes Grieco’s new book is Unconditional Forgiveness: A Simple and Proven Method to Forgive Everyone and Everything, which is based on her work as founder and director of Midwest Institute for Forgiveness Training. Mary begins our conversation with a description of a recent forgiveness training she did for women in Kuwait. Her model for forgiveness includes eight “stages to freedom” which are spiritually based but very appropriate for people of all faith backgrounds and traditions. To Mary, forgiveness is a process for releasing an expectation that is causing us to suffer. it’s a private act that one does for oneself to release stuck energy. The benefits of forgiveness are for the forgiver but also ripple into the person’s relationships with others. She shares stories that demonstrate the effect of a person’s ability to forgive another. The eight steps are 1) Being willing to move forward, 2) Express and release emotional pain 3) Release expectations from your mind, 4) Restore your personal boundaries, 5) Open up to get your needs met in a different way. 6) Receive healing energy from the Universe; 7) Send unconditional love to the other person or situation and release them; See the good in another person and discern what was learned from the experience. Mary discusses some of the steps and shares powerful stories about people who’ve forgiven others that have done them tremendous harm. Mary provides hope and inspiration for anyone who also may have experienced trauma in their own lives. For more information please visit www.maryhayesgrieco.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Taking the Temperature of Your Home with Margaret Lulic and Dr. Alex Lanning

  Dr. Alex Lanning and Margaret Lulic discuss how our homes have a tremendous influence on our health and wellbeing. Dr. Lanning is a holistic chiropractor and Margaret is a consulting philosopher and author of Home Inspired by Love and Beauty. They share ideas about what we can do in our homes to make them healthier. Margaret suggests people ‘listen to the sounds of their home” and decide if they are healing and calming or have a negative effect upon us. Sounds affect the beauty of your home. Alex discusses the importance of using natural cleaning products and reducing clutter. “Taking the temperature of our home” is like noticing the ambient temperature of our bodies so our homes should be too warm or cold. We can take the temperature of our home by noticing how we feel when we enter our homes: is our heart racing or do we feel relaxed? Margaret stresses the need for creating a workplace environment that also fosters wellbeing, including incorporating plants.

  Host Mary Treacy O’Keefe describes how the Well Within office was created to be a healing and welcoming space for all who visit it. The colors were determined by a Feng Shui expert, who, together with the staff, cleared then blessed the space before anyone moved in.

  Alex and Margaret will be speaking at an event, From House to Home on March 24 in the Twin Cities, where they will discuss more about having a relationship with your home that enhances your health and wellbeing. For more information please visit our guests’ websites: www.kinetichealing.com and www.mlulic.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Belief with Dr. Eldon Taylor

  New York Times bestselling author of more than 300 books, articles and audio programs, Dr. Eldon Taylor, discusses his just-released book, I Believe: When What You Believe Matters. He shares some of the results of over 25 years of research, plus personal and other anecdotes that demonstrate how our beliefs affects our health, and personal and professional success. For example, when both an individual and his or her physician share the belief that a cure is possible, it’s much more likely that it will occur for those living with serious illnesses. Our environments and the inner messages we tell ourselves also have a profound effect upon healing and wellbeing. Eldon has developed a patented InnerTalk program and includes a free CD with his new book.

  He also discusses the dichotomy between the value of visualizing good health and the need to detach from specific outcomes in order to empower healing. From a spiritual standpoint, when we turn our requests over to a greater plan and Higher Power, miracles happen. He shares an effective prayer for detaching: “This or something better according to the highest good of all concerned.” He recommends thinking of ourselves as an experience or verb, rather than a noun. When doing this, we define ourselves by the relationships we have with others rather than material possessions. To Eldon, integrity is the foundation of his most important beliefs and values.

  At the end of the interview, Mary shares a ‘meant to be’ story about three signs that recently brought comfort to a grieving mother. For more information about Eldon Taylor and how you can obtain numerous gifts (including a free gift from Mary) after purchasing his new book, please visit www.eldontaylor.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Empowered Healer with Dr. Susan Allison

  All healing is self-healing, coming from within, according to Dr. Susan Allison in her new book, “The Empowered Healer: Gain the Confidence, Power and Ability to Heal Yourself.” She illustrates this by sharing her personal story of fostering healing for her husband who was diagnosed with larynx cancer, part of which was inoperable. By using a powerful use of a meditative trance involving visualization and calling in guides and helpers, all trace of his cancer disappeared ( although it did reappear years later). Dr. Allison explains how each person’s path toward healing differs, so a program of healing must resonate individually. An effective healing team consists of both a “spiritual” network of guides and an “earthly” one that includes a medical doctor plus whatever holistic therapists are most useful.

  The belief that we can heal ourselves is crucial. Intuition is “God’s reset button” so it’s important to tune into the wisdom that comes from it. Our bodies, minds and spirit are our friends in the healing process. Dr. Allison’s book contains several exercises to help us tune into these sources of information. In discussing the difference between miracles and self-healing, she offers the insight that we are co-creators with God, as ‘part and particle of God’, when we do our own work yet also allow the Spirit coming through us to foster healing. The first step toward self-healing is to clear any negative beliefs about ourselves and deal with unresolved issues. Another technique is visualization so Dr. Allison shares a simple visualization technique that involves going to a personal sacred space in your mind. Meditation is another powerful tool for healing, by creating a peacefulness inside us, enabling us to handle health challenges with grace. Another important step is the “Buddhist Breath” meditation, which also helps with sleeping. To learn more about Dr. Susan Allison, please visit www.empoweredhealer.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Finding Your Sparkle with Joan Steffend

  This week’s guest is Joan Steffend, popular TV and personality and author of And She Sparkled. Although her professional success and personal accomplishments have filled her with gratitude, Joan always felt as if there was much more to life than what she had already achieved. Her book is a little gem of wisdom about a young woman who learns to honor her own specialness and brilliance. Joan describes how the book relates to her own experience of not feeling valued enough and how this insecurity affects so many of us, despite the outward appearance of our success. She shares suggestions for how parents can help their children “find their sparkle.” She also provides information about how doing meaningful work helped her ‘find her sparkle’, especially regarding her current passion, a non-profit organization, Peace Begins with Me Project. For more information, please visit www.joansteffend.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life with Paul Hammerness, MD and Margaret Moore

  Do you often feel overwhelmed by ‘information overload’ caused you to be constantly distracted and disorganized? This week’s guests will help you! They are the co-authors of a fascinating book, Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life: Train Your Brain to Get More Done in Less Time. Paul Hammerness, MD is a clinical researcher on ADHD and assistant of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Margaret Moore, aka Coach Meg, is the founder and CEO of Wellcoaches Corporation, a leader in building international standards for professional coaches in health and wellbeing. She also is affiliated with Harvard Medical School as a founding advisor of the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine.

  Dr. Hammerness and Coach Meg have developed six “Rules of Order” to help us better manage our emotions and harmonize and focus the various “thinking” parts of our brains. When our mind is better organized, we become better-focused, more attentive, less distracted and able to adapt to new situations. We discuss their book’s organizing principles or “Rules of Order” that are the hallmarks of an attentive, focused brain, one that can shift, adapt and function at maximum effectiveness. The first step is Taming the Frenzy which gets the thinking areas of the brain more engaged to help manage negative emotions and manage distractions. Second step is Sustain Attention, which helps us become more mindful of how we are feeling and how to stay more focused on our tasks. Applying the Brakes, the third step, means exercising “inhibitory control” when we become able to restrain or regulate our attention. In discussing step four, Dr. Hammerness explains how to “Mold Information” and not jump to a different task and use our memory to stay focused and become better organized.

  Coach Meg explains step five, “Shift Set”, the ability to be flexible in thoughts and behaviors. She provides tips for improving our memory, including the value of shifting perspectives rather than being rigid, which enables us to be more “cognatively agile.” Cognative flexibility enables us to shift attention fully to something else yet still be able to return and complete other tasks rather than multi-tasking. The final rule of order is “Connecting the Dots”, which can enhanced by working with a coach to help us elicit new insights and perspectives to obtain new clarity and focus, enabling us to “connect to the dots” and see the big picture and act on it.

  For more information about our guests and their new book, please visit: www.organizeyourmind.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – A Journey to Redemption with Rob Cabitto

  This week we discuss the incredible memoir written by our guest, Rob Cabitto, author of The Fractured Life of 3743: A Journey to Redemption. Rob is a Native American Indian from the Karuk Tribe, and 3743, his tribal roll number, identifies his Native blood and heritage. After nearly being set on fire by his biological father and because of the severe addictions of his parents, Rob was put up for adoption when he was five years old. He shares his story of living untethered to any spiritual, tribal, or social belief system and the consequences associated with living an amoral lifestyle. His young adult years left him homeless, penniless, jobless and battling numerous addictions, bereft of meaning or direction. Rob speaks authentically about how he overcame tremendous obstacles as a child only to make self-destructing choices into adulthood.

  Rob also informs us about how some of the Native American traditions, including a vision quest, helped him heal. His journey toward wellbeing is insightful, inspiring and filled with a universal message of hope. For more information please visit www.robcabitto.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Living a Heart Healthy Life with Dr. Steve Smalley

  In honor of American Heart Month in February, we’ve invited cardiologist Steve Smalley, MD to provide a comprehensive overview of invaluable information about how to determine the risks and prevent heart disease. He also discusses the symptoms of a heart attack, which are often different for women, and what to do immediately after someone has one. Some of the most significant risk factors are family history, smoking, poor diet, inactivity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. For a healthy meal plan, Dr. Smalley recommends the DASH diet as the best overall diet, especially for lowering blood pressure. The concept of “broken heart” syndrome is also explained, including how it is caused by stress and grief. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating stress reduction techniques including the programs and classes offered at Well Within.

  For Twin Cities listeners, Dr. Smalley will be discussing the value of moderate amounts of dark chocolate and red wine at a special Well Within event in Lake Elmo on February 16, from 6:30-8:30pm:, Protect Your Heart with Wine and Chocolate

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Stress, Sleep and Supplements with Dr. Julie Chen

  Dr. Julie Chen, an internal medicine physician, helps us understand the effects and symptoms of stress, including the importance of managing it before it becomes overwhelming. Stress cues include jaw pain, eating differently, sleep and exercise disruptions, getting colds and other illnesses. The effects of stress include increased inflammation and has a great impact upon our physical health, including heart disease. She recommends cognitive behavior therapy, which can be very helpful because it teaches us to reframe and rephrase our perception of certain situations. In this way, we can use our minds to come up with new ways of thinking and perceiving to alter behavior in a more positive way. The correlation between sleep and stress is that we must have enough sleep to repair and heal ourselves in order to better deal with everyday anxieties and stress. Dr. Julie provides tips for how to determine the optimal amount of sleep, and how to get that amount of sleep. She recommends certain supplements and herbs that can help with sleep disorders, reducing stress, and increasing energy. Green tea and exercise are also very helpful for energy. To learn more about Dr. Julie Chen, please visit www.makinghealthyez.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the Lies Women Tell Themselves

  This week’s guest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, discusses her book, Set Free to Live: Breaking Through the Lies Women As a internist who listens to her patients’ stories, she has learned that women often tell themselves seven lies about areas of their lives. These areas concern perfection, envy, image, control, balance, emotions, and limits. She has found that lies about balance and envy/image are two of the most common ones women tell themselves. Tune in to learn how to live more authentically, especially in these areas of your own life. For more information, please visit www.drdaltonsmith.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Soul of a Leader

  Margaret Benefiel, PhD, is a spiritual director to corporate executives and author of numerous books, including The Soul of a Leader: Finding Your Path to Success and Fulfillment. She discusses the meaning of leadership as being “conscious of our influence on others.” She interviewed influential leaders like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and shares what “soul” means to him and his work with the Truth in Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. Prayer and spiritual direction was crucial for him during his leadership of that process. For Tutu and other leaders, spiritual guidance helps them become more soulful leaders by helping them find how God is directing them and enables them to respond to God’s nudges to act. A leader’s spiritual journey often includes “dark night of the soul” experiences that can lead to growth and wisdom. Gratitude is also important for individual and a group’s wellbeing. Developing a culture of gratitude can be a powerful tool in the work place when incorporated into leadership training and for showing appreciation to both employees and customers.To learn more about Dr. Benefiel, please visit www.executivesoul.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Finding Purpose and Passion in 2012

  As a dynamic inspirational speaker and business owner, Naomi Rhode, CSP, CPAE, has been helping individuals and corporate clients discover passion and purpose in their personal and professional lives for over 40 years. She discusses the importance of good communication by connecting deeply with others for a more meaningful work life. After surviving a stroke that left her temporarily blinded and paralyzed, she continues to live with ongoing pain with dignity and grace. Learn how a crisis can become an impetus for tremendous spiritual and personal growth by embracing one’s ‘new normal’ with a positive attitude. Create a life mission statement to help identify our purpose, then passion becomes the fuel for fulfill purpose. Another effective tool is to determine a theme for each year to provide guidance about how to live a more meaningful life. For more information, please visit www.naomirhode.com

  NOTE: Host Mary Treacy O’Keefe and Naomi Rhode will be featured presenters at an upcoming conference in Minnesota on January 20-21:, Fire of Hope: A Girlfriends Getaway for God

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Three Simple Steps for Spiritual and Financial Fitness in the New Year!

  Barnsley Brown, PhD, helps people create balanced, prosperous lives, doing the work they love. We discuss information from her newest ebook, “Get Out of Debt and Get On with Your Life: Every Woman’s Guide to Create Prosperity With What You Have Right Now.” She discusses how debt is often a state of mind, when we have erroneous thoughts about people and situations, and how abundance and wealth are states of consciousness. The first step for attaining spiritual and financial fitness is to release the old junk—mentally, emotionally and physically— to make space for what is for our highest good. Get rid of clutter, which is a block for your energy, and let go of stuff you don’t need! In this step, self-care is also important, including energy work (Reiki, healing touch, tapping techniques) and meditation.

  In Step Two, you need to know what your highest values are (health, family, fun, creativity, etc) and write them down. Align spending of your time, energy, money, and other resources with your values. In Step Three, share your spiritual and intellectual assets and tithe your time, talents and treasures. Look for opportunities for using your spiritual and intellectual gifts to help others and be happier and live longer. For controlling spending, it’s important to write down all purchases and track spending habits and use affirmations. For more information and a free report from Dr. Brown, please visit www.spirited-solutions.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Pathway to Love: Create Intimacy and Transform Your Relationships through Self-Discovery

  One of the most important dimensions of living a healthy life is the amount of love in our lives, given and received. Strong loving relationships can help us live longer, keep our immune systems strong, help us fight illness and enjoy life more fully. Our guest, Julie Orlov, has devoted over 24 years to helping people transform their lives through her work as a psychotherapist, executive coach, trainer, speaker and consultant. She shares four stages of developing an intimate relationship, as described in her book, The Pathway to Love: Create Intimacy and Transform Your Relationship Through Self-Discovery. The first phase is Object-Fantasy, the initial phase of becoming attracted to a potential romantic partner. Phase two is Self-Discovery, followed by Personal Transformation. Phase four is Relational Transformation when we seek to find new meaning and purpose within our relationship. Join us to learn more about how to better understand these phases of romantic relationships. Stay tuned for Mary Treacy O’Keefe’s “meant to be” story that demonstrates how love never dies. For more information please visit: www.julieorlov.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Coping with Grief during the Holidays

  JoAnne Funch is founder of Heartache To Healing, an on-line grief support site and author of an ebook, Coping with Grief During the Holidays. She is committed to educating, inspiring and providing hope to those who are grieving loss from death by sharing her personal story of surviving loss. In 2005, she lost the two people closest to her—her mother and, a month later, her husband. In this interview, she shares numerous tips for coping with grief, especially during the holiday season. Whether you have lost a loved one, or are trying to support someone who is newly bereaved, this show provides invaluable advice and guidance. For more information, please visit www.heartachetohealing.com/blog

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Food and Mood: 9 Steps to Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings

  Our guest, Trudy Scott, is a Food Mood Expert and Nutritionist, speaker and author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood&End Cravings.Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder. Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help reduce anxiety and diminish the severity of symptoms of many illnesses. Trudy shares nine helpful steps for dealing with anxiety, including the importance of reducing gluen, avoiding sugar, and adding probiotics and amino acids and other supplements to our diets. She’ll also let listeners know how to get a free consultation with her. Trudy publishes an electronic newsletter entitled Food, Mood and Gal Stuff, available at www.everywomanover29.com and www.antianxietyfoodsolution.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – FibroWHYalgia with Sue Ingebretson

  This week’s guest, Sue Ingebretson, author of FibroWHYalgia: Why Rebuilding the Ten Root Causes of Chronic Illness Restores Chronic Wellness, discusses the challenges of living with Fibromyalgia, a chronic syndrome. After becoming frustrated with not receiving an accurate diagnosis for many years, Sue eventually embarked on a journey of moving from chronic illness to chronic wellness. Her healing included a “restoration trio” of nutrition, fitness and emotional wellness. She shares some effective techniques, including tapping and good nutrition, along with spirituality which will be helpful for anyone living with a chronic health issue. For more information, please visit http://www.rebuildingwellness.com/

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – It's OK to Tell with Lauren Book

  There are an estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in America. As you’ll hear from this week’s guest, Lauren Book, the effect upon victims is devastating. More often than not, the perpetrator is not the stranger we warn our children about, but someone they know and should be able to trust which makes the abuse even more horrific. Lauren was a victim of childhood sexual abuse for six years at the hands of her nanny. Her memoir, It’s OK to Tell: A Story of Hope and Recovery, helps us understand the many dimensions of abuse from the perspective of a victim. As someone who refuses to let herself be defined by her traumatic experiences, Lauren’s story is one of hope and forgiveness in the face of extreme adversity. As founder of Lauren’s Kids, she now empowers others to address abuse issues in their own lives plus try to prevent it within their families. Her story demonstrates the incredible power of an individual’s ability to recover and embrace life. For more information, please visit www.laurenskids.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Eat to Live, Don't Live to Eat with Gabi Rose

  It’s the holiday season and the temptation to overeat is greater than ever. But for some people, every day is a struggle to make healthy choices about what to eat. Our guest, Gabi Rose, knows what it’s like to be unhappy with her weight. After losing 130 pounds, she now is committed to helping people “eat to live” instead of “living to eat.” She helps people as an internationally renowned obesity and weight loss expert. She discusses how obesity as a disease affects a person financially, emotionally and spiritually as well as physically. Gabi describes how she helped her children conquer their own compulsive eating. To receive Gabi’s free ebook, Eat to Live, Don’t Live to Eat, sign up for her newsletter here.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Dealing with Fear and the "Little Voice in our Head" with Dr. Dike Drummond

  Dr. Dike Drummond discusses how fear and an inner critic voice can prevent us from living fully and successfully navigating life transitions. He says these inner voices often “mark the boundary of our comfort zones.” As part of our ego, they try to get our attention so we will respond to them. Several helpful tools for dealing with negative messages are discussed, including a journaling exercise called Active Imagination. This exercise was developed by Carl Jung, who recommends engaging in a written dialogue with a negative emotion to learn what that emotion might be trying to tell us. For more information, please visit www.threehourmidlifecrisis.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Homeopathy with Jerri Johnson

  Have you wondered about the efficacy of homeopathic remedies? Jerri Johnson, a founding member of the Minnesota Homeopathic Association, discusses how homeopathy is a very effective way to promote self-healing for acute and chronic illnesses, injuries and overall wellness. She describes the process for treating specific illnesses, and how remedies are created, Homeopathy doesn’t just treat symptoms, but can be used to heal mental and emotional symptoms of illnesses. Jerri explains how to self-treat oneself with remedies, including Arnica Montana and others, especially to heal trauma and injuries, including before and after surgery. For more information, please visit vitalitypath.vpweb.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Feel Younger and Live Longer with Acupuncture with Dr. Jun Xu

  For atleast one fourth of the world’s population, acupuncture is more commonly used than aspirin for medical treatment. Our guest, Dr. Jun Xu, author of Magic Needles: Feel Younger and Live Longer with Acupuncture, explains how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, can be very effective treatment for asthma, bronchitis, addiction, headaches, weight loss, nausea, pain and many other health conditions. As a licensed MD physician, board certified acupuncturist and Chinese herboligist, Dr. Xu is an expert in using TCM to complement Western medical treatment. He describes how acupuncture helps balance our bodies, plus gives examples of how it helps people cope with chronic pain, deal with the side effects of cancer treatment, loose weight and even prevent illness. For more information, please visit http://www.tcmpage.com/.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – When Cancer Hits Home with Patrick Maguire, MD

  Our guest, Dr. Patrick Maguire, author of When Cancer Hits Home: An Empowered Patient is the Best Weapon Against Disease, discusses how to take charge of our health, by helping to prevent cancer and, if we get it, how to foster healing and wellbeing. He discusses some of the most common myths regarding cancer prevention. Then he suggests simple lifestyle changes, including why it’s so important to avoid being obese. He also shares some of the 10 Cancer warning signs that should not be ignored. We discussed the often-controversial topic of screening, which revealed his views on the efficacy of mammograms and PSA tests for prostrate cancer. For more information, including the list of Top Ten Warning Signs of Cancer, please visit http://www.thecancermd.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Eating Vegan with Ellen Jaffe Jones

  Ellen Jaffe Jones, author of Eat Vegan on $4/Day, discusses how it’s possible to eat healthy and economically by incorporating more vegetarian meals into our diet. Her own journey towards good health included switching to a plant-based diet to avoid a hysterectomy and various illnesses experienced by her family. She provides information about how it’s possible to get plenty of protein from “greens, grains and beans,” including from local resources such as CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Ms. Jaffe makes a compelling argument for how plant based diets enable us to avoid the pesticides and toxins often found in meat. To know which fruits and vegetables are best purchased organically, she recommends checking the list of dirty dozen of fruits and vegetables . For more information, please visit www.vegcoach

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Mindfulness and the Art of Choice with Dr. Karen Sherman

  Pyschologist and author of Mindfulness and the Art of Choice, Dr. Karen Sherman describes how choosing to practice simple mindfulness techniques can help us deal with the pain of our past experiences. Learn how to become aware of the signals that indicate we are responding in an old “knee-jerk” reactive patterns. By developing new ways of responding to previous hurts, it’s possible to turn off old negative thought patterns and heal leftover emotional wounds. Dr. Sherman shares specific exercises, including visualization, mindfulness and free association writing. She also discusses the impact of fear on our ability to live as fully as possible, and suggests ways to diminish it. For more information, please visit http://yourempoweredrelationship.com/

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Growing Ageless with Richard E. Bush

  Richard (Rick) E. Bush shares suggestions for living a long and healthy life from his new book, Growing Ageless: The Simple Act of Health and Longevity. As the result of suffering from depression and other health problems, Rick traveled to Thailand to learn holistic techniques and develop skills to foster healing and wellbeing. He now advocates incorporating simple, quick practices throughout the day. His recommendations include focusing on relaxation as a self-care technique. Learn about some of his favorite exercises including a “mood elevator”, “sitting cardio” and breathing exercises. These exercises are particularly helpful for people living with depression. The essence of his program is to combine Relaxation + Movement + Energy = Health. For more information, please visit www.growingageless.com.

  In this week’s “meant to be” story, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe shares an anecdote about Well Within’s Circle of Life Coaching Circle which enables partipants to learn various self-care tools and techniques.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Writing to Recover from Grief and Loss with Harriet Hodgson

  After her elder daughter and former son-in-law were killed in separate car crashes, author Harriet Hodgson found that writing about how she felt helped her heal. She also realized that writing affirmations enabled her to regain a positive attitude toward life. In discussing her book, Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss & Grief to a New Life, Harriet shares advice and exercises to help people navigate the difficult journey through grief including the pain of loss of dreams, hopes and goals. As a grandparent raising grandchildren, she has learned that the practice of gratitude and affirmations has also helped her raise her daughter’s children with hope and love.

  At the end of the interview host, Mary Treacy O’Keefe shares a ‘meant to be’ story about a sign from her deceased father that encouraged her to begin her own writing career.

  For more information, please visit www.harriethodgson.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Unlearn Your Pain with Howard Schubiner, MD

  The problem of chronic pain affects millions of people, impacting every aspect of their lives and preventing them from living as fully as possible. Unfortunately, billions of dollars are spent on treatments that are often ineffective. Many of us suffer needlessly from pain diagnosed as migraines, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, or chronic neck, back, abdominal, and pelvic pain. Our guest, Dr. Howard Schubiner, author of Unlearn Your Pain: A 28 Day Process to Reprogram Your Brain, says the real cause for many of these types of pain is Mind Body Syndrome. Using cutting-edge research, Dr. Schubiner has discovered that the underlying reason for much chronic pain is nerve sensitization and learned nerve pathways, rather than actual tissue destruction. He has used this new understanding to develop a unique program to actually reverse pain and research studies support the effectiveness of the program.

  We discuss various types of pain and why sometimes it remains after an injury or illness has healed. For example, sometimes pain is manifesting unresolved stress, possibly from childhood, or from traumatic events in adulthood. Certain personality traits (which affects how you respond to stress and how much pressure you tend to put upon yourself) and gender also affect pain levels. According to a self-diagnosis assessment developed by Dr. Schubiner, the first step of treating pain is understanding it, including how negative emotions (fear, anger, bitterness, etc.) are often barriers to recovering from pain. Believing that you can recover is another important aspect of the healing process, as are various integrative techniques including meditation, mindfulness and acupuncture. For more information, please visit www.unlearnyourpain.com.
  NOTE: Dr. Schubiner will be giving a free presentation on Unlearn Your Chronic Pain on Wednesday, September 21, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m at The Marsh in Minnetonka, MN.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife with Donna Henes

  Millions of accomplished, vibrant, educated women are entering or in the midst of midlife. No longer Maidens, nor actively being Mothers, and not yet old Crones, where do these dynamic, accomplished middle-aged women fit into the traditional description of the three stages of womanhood? In her latest book, The Queen of Myself: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife, our guest, bestselling author, spiritual teacher and urban shaman, Donna Henes proposes a new paradigm: the midlife Queen, an archetype that more accurately reflect the wisdom, confidence and creativity of women today.

  Join us for a lively discussion of how to embrace midlife as a self-assured Queen. Donna shares her own story of becoming a healer and ceremonialist, including ideas about turning the challenges of middle age into opportunities for growth and leadership. Through the use of reflection and ritual, women are encouraged to embrace the gifts and talents they are meant to share with the world.

  At the end of the interview, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe discusses her own ‘meant to be’ midlife story of leaving a lucrative corporate career to become a hospice volunteer and founder of Well Within, a nonprofit holistic healing center. For more information about Donna Hennes, please visit www.donnahenes.net.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Clear Your Clutter to Transform Your Life with Sue Rasmussen

  This week’s guest, Sue Rasmussen , a Master Certified Coach, writer and speaker, defines clutter as “anything that does not add joy or vibrancy to your life.” Sue helps people “learn how to let go of the clutter (the stuff, papers, email, activities, clients, to-dos, and self-sabotaging beliefs) that drains our energy and blocks our ability to move forward – and reconnect with what actually brings us joy.” As our guest on this week’s show, she defines 7 different types or levels of clutter: physical, ‘virtual’ (electronics), time, (how you use it), relationships, body, senses, mind, (negative messages), and as what gets in the way of connection with spirit. Sue demonstrates an exercise to help us determine what is really clutter in our lives, and it’s impact upon us. Then she helps us develop a process for getting rid of it and free ourselves from what we truly don’t need, thus creating space for more beauty, peace and less stress in our lives. For more information, please visit www.unclutter-organize-transform.com

  At the end of the show, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe, shares a “meant to be” story about how getting rid of clutter enabled her family to find a letter, written 45 years earlier, that comforted her family after her father died.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – In anticipation of Suicide Prevention Month, in September, we invited Nancy Rappaport, MD, to help us understand the tragic diminsions of suicide. We discuss her compelling book, In Her Wake: A Child Psychiatrist Explores the Mystery of Her Mother's Suicide, written from her perspective as both a child psychiatrist and as a daugther who lost her mother to suicide

  In anticipation of Suicide Prevention Month (September), host Mary Treacy O’Keefe invites Nancy Rappaport, MD,  to help all of us to understand the tragic dimensions of suicide. Dr. Rappaport discusses her compelling book, In Her Wake: A Child Psychiatrist Explores the Mystery of Her Mother’s Suicide, written from her perspective as both a child psychiatrist and as a daugther who lost her mother to suicide.  In addition to sharing her own powerful story, Dr. Rappaport offers suggestions about ways to help prevent this tragic event; including how to detect the warning signs that often proceed a suicide attempt. She also offers sage advice to families who are grieving the loss of their loved one to suicide.

  “I didn’t want to turn my mother into a case study,” says Dr. Nancy Rappaport of her book.  While her mother may or may not have been Bi-Polar, Nancy chooses instead to focus on her personal feelings toward her mother, and how her loss changed her life.  Currently 19 years older than her own mother was when she died, Dr. Rappaport examines her life with Mary Treacy O’Keefe: Has she surpassed her mother? What’s it like to share her mother’s looks as well as her name?

  What are the signs to look for when someone is contemplating suicide? Are the treatments for clinical Depression and/or suicidal tendencies the same or different? How should someone you know, on the verge of suicide, be treated?  Learn the answers to all of these questions and many more!

  At the end of the show, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe shares a “meant to be” story about a comforting “sign” that occured three times within the week after the suicide of her son’s best friend.

  Additional helpful resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK, www.save.org, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Other Kind of Smart with Harvey Deutshendorf

  Mary Treacy O’Keefe’s guest, Harvey Deutschendorf is an Emotional Intelligence (EI) coach and the author of The Other Kind of Smart: Simple Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success.  EI, or “people skills,” is another dimension within the growing field of positive psychology. Aspects of EI include emotional self-awareness, empathy, independence, interpersonal relationships, social responsibility, impulse control, stress tolerance, optimism, and happiness. Emotional intelligence affects every aspect of our lives and contributes greatly to our ability to live fulfilling lives. Throughout this episode, you’ll be learning how to increase your Emotional Intelligence, overcome the barriers that are preventing you from realizing your true potential, and improve your personal and professional well-being!

  “Emotional Intelligence is our ability to recognize and to manage our own emotions and the emotions of others around us,” starts Deutschendorf.  Whether or not we can actually control the emotions of others is debatable; however, Deutschendorf claims that, with practice, we can certainly influence the emotions of those around us in our favor.

  If you were to die today, would you be able to die knowing you’ve accomplished everything that you wanted to?  Are you happy with the way you’re living your life?  Fifteen years ago, Harvey Deutschendorf asked himself these very questions and found that his answer was “no.”  But then he discovered Emotional Intelligence and his life took a turn.  Listen in as Deutschendorf and O’Keefe discuss how you can apply these same principles to your own life to be able to live the life YOU want.

  Is Emotional Intelligence something we’re all born with?  Something we have to develop?  Something we learn?  And why do some people seem to have more of it than others?  “The first step is the recognition that there are certain areas we need help in,” says Deutschendorf, on how to become more attune with one’s EI. “We can’t just read about it, we have to actually do things.”

  For more on the secret to unlocking your inner control of your emotions, tune in now!

   

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Saying Goodbye: Finding Renewal Through Loss with Dr. Barbara Okun and Dr. Joseph Nowinski

  Today’s medical treatments have resulted in the possibility of living months and sometimes years after a terminal diagnosis. Death has become a process rather than a sudden, unexpected event. As death has changed, so has the way we grieve. “The new grief”, as guests, Joseph Nowinski, PhD and Barbara Okun, PhD refer to it, in their new book, Saying Goodbye: How Families Can find Renewal Through Loss , is complex and challenging for both patients and caregivers. But, it can also be one of the richest and most meaningful periods a family will ever share.  Join in as host Mary Teacy O’Keefe interviews Joseph Nowinski, Ph.D, Supervising Psychologist at UConn Health Center; and Barbara Okun, Ph.D, a professor of counseling psychology at Northeastern University and a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School.  They’re here to offer wise advice for anyone faced with living with–or caring for someone living with–a terminal or life-threatening illness.

  Throughout the episode, Drs. Okun and Nowinski encourage individuals and families to cope with terminal illness in collaboration with the patient. They present a 5-stage model of grief that reflects the contemporary realities of extended death and dying. We’ll discuss in depth each of the five stages: Crisis, Unity, Upheaval, Resolution and Renewal. This show provides invaluable information, not only to families living with a terminal illness, but it encourages all of us to prepare for the inevitability of the end of our lives. When we do this, we can focus on living fully for however much time we have to live.   Are you ready to grieve in a whole new way?

  At the end of the show, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe, shares a “meant to be” story (from her book, Thin Places: Where Faith is Affirmed and Hope Dwells) that demonstrates how her own family successfully navigated some of the issues that emerged during the final days of her father’s life.  Keep the Kleenex box handy: This is one heart-felt episode you’re not going to want to miss!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Wisdom of the Healing Wound with Dr. David Knighton

  “Life is full of wounds–physical, emotional, and spiritual. The wounded psyche and spirit heal in much the same manner as physical wounds,” writes Doctor David Knighton, one of the leading experts on wound healing and what they can teach us as covered in his new book: The Wisdom of the Healing Wound:A New View on Why We Hurt & How We Can Cure Even the Deepest Physical and Emotional Wounds.  Join in as host Mary Treacy O’Keefe interviews this fascinating doctor on wound healing and the role of forgiveness.

  As one of the leading experts on wound healing and one of America’s Top Doctors in the early ’90s, Dr. Knighton established wound healing clinics early in his medical career.  Knighton was subsequently one of a small group of experts from the Wound Healing Society to create medical definitions of wounding and healing that today are used throughout the world.  In his new book, he explores how the physical nature of wounds–and the healing process involved–can be transposed to healing emotional and even spiritual wounds.

  Dr. Knighton discusses the roles of forgiveness, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) massage therapy, and vitamins in enhancing healing.  “Emotional wounds are very humbling.  So are physical wounds.  But especially emotional wounds [because] they force the process of growth,” says Knighton.

  He also shares information about a third type (in addition to embryonic and adult stem cells) of stem cell, called “wound-derived stem cells.”  These stem cells were first discovered in late 2009 in his research lab and may speed up the healing process in the future.

  And stay tuned to the very end to hear host Mary Treacy O’Keefe share a “Meant to Be” healing story about how her own recovery from Breast Cancer surgery eventually motivated her to open Well Within, a nonprofit holistic wellness center in Woodbury, Minnesota!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Super Health Diet with KC Craichy

  Due to a whopping two-thirds of Americans being either overweight or obese, learning to eat for both weight loss and optimal health is more important than ever before. This week’s guest, KC Craichy, is a leading health researcher, speaker, and consultant on optimized natural health, nutrition, and fitness. KC’s collaborative work and research with many of the top medical and nutritional practitioners and researchers in the United States led to the founding of Living Fuel, one of the fastest-growing, high-end nutritional companies in the world. KC and host Mary Treacy O’Keefe discuss his latest book, Super Health Diet:The Last Diet You Will Ever Need.

  KC Craichy starts off the interview by explaining his motivation for writing his most recent book–going into detail about his own obesity as a young adult and his wife’s former health issues.  Is the Super Health Diet truly “the last diet you will ever need?”  KC says “yes!” and is here to explain why.

  “Hydration is a huge issue,” says KC.  What’s the best way to get hydrated?  If you said “Water” then you’re on the right track!  But what kind of water should you drink? What’s the best filtration system? Of the bottled water brands, which is the best?  And what about herbal tea?  Wouldn’t you like to know before putting any old thing into your body?

  Is the Fountain of Youth real?  According to KC, in a sense, it can be: Through diet.  He goes on to explain that if one focuses on nutrients rather than calories, they’ll not only feel better, but they’ll look better too!  Are you ready to look younger?

  KC Craichy also discusses Sarcopenia (which can result from not getting enough protein), the benefits and drawbacks of fasting, and why we shouldn’t snack between meals.

  Are you tired of being overweight, unhealthy, and unhappy?  Then maybe it’s time you listened in on this informative episode!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Healing from Commercial Sexual Exploitation with Rachel Lloyd

  This week’s guest on Hope, Healing, and WellBeing is Rachel Lloyd, founder of GEMS (Girl Education and Mentoring Services) and the author of the deeply moving memoir Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not for Sale, an Activist Finds Her Calling and Heals Herself.  Rachel discusses the harm done by the largely misunderstood epidemic of the commercial sexual exploitation of children in the US.  Yet, as she demonstrates, it is possible for healing to occur for the young women who have been exposed to the horrors of sex trafficking. Rachel speaks from experience as, beginning at the age of 13, she found herself spiraling into a life of abuse as a victim of commercial sexual exploitation.  In this inspiring interview, Rachel shares how she escaped this horrific life and went on to empower other young women to do the same.

  Many falsely assume that sex trafficking is only in “other” countries, but it’s right here in the United States.  Host Mary Treacy O’Keefe and Rachel Lloyd discuss the annual statistics of girls being lured into prostitution in the US (most of them between the ages of 12 and 14!).  How do these young girls become involved in this lifestyle?  Does this lifestyle stem from a background of trauma and abuse?

  “I thought I was an adult. I was 13 and I thought I could handle everything…” says Rachel of her troubled childhood.  Rachel’s emotional vulnerability eventually lead her to a life of domestic trafficking.  Rachel then goes on to explain the stigma behind prostitution and why changing the language–the semantics of the term–can help people get past their assumptions and misconceptions on the issue of sexual exploitation.

  “Girls have been trained by society, period, but often times by their pimps, not to trust other girls,” says Rachel Lloyd.  “Girls come in like ‘I don’t want to be in a program with all girls.’”  But, in the end, GEMS becomes their family.

  This is an episode that will inspire you like no other Hope, Healing, and WellBeing ever has before.  Don’t miss out!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Who and What You See Before You Die with David Kessler

  This week on Hope, Healing, and WellBeing, Mary Treacy O’Keefe welcomes David Kessler, world-renowned expert and lecturer on death and grief.  Kessler talks about healthcare, hospice professionals, the unique experience of dying, and shows off his lastest book: Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die.

  Kessler starts off the interview by sharing what made him decide to write his new book.  He goes on to share how the death of his mother (he was 12 at the time) affected not only his entire life, but his entire life’s work.  “I came away from that somewhat scarred,” admits Kessler. “I’m really a product of that day [my mother died].”

  On the subject of his new book, Kessler explains the meaning behind the title: Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What you See Before You Die.  He also explains the format of the book and the type of research that went into creating it.  Not only does Kessler’s latest book include interviews with doctors, patients, priests, and rabbis on the subject of “what happens immediately before death,” but he’s also included a look at death “visions” from a historical and literature perspective… and a legal perspective?  Kessler explains how the “Law of Hearsay” can be bent for someone’s “dying words.”

  Kessler shares his personal experiences of being with people when they’re dying and shares his advice on how to remain calm and completely at ease when faced with the death of a loved one.  Kessler says, when comforting someone on their death bed, he tries to bring about the feeling of “We may see each other again and this might not be the end” and encourages others in similar situations to do the same.  O’Keefe agrees, having touched upon this subject in her own book, Thin Places.  And what advice did Mother Teresa give Kessler on the subject before her own death?

  Listen in to what you can learn from the dying.  Find out what might happen when you die.  And learn how it all ties into living a life of hope, healing, and well-being.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Making the Most of Midlife Crisis with Dike Drummond, MD

  For millions of “Baby Boomers,” as well as the 10,000 people who turn 50 every day, a midlife crisis can be a tremendous challenge!…Or it could be an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. In this episode, Well Within founder Mary Treacy O’Keefe interviews Dr. Dike Drummond, a business coach and former physician who has helped thousands of people use their midlife crisis as a calling to live a more authentic, meaningful and fulfilling life. Join in as Mary and Dr. Dike teach how to successfully navigate the second half of your life.

  Dr. Dike refers to “midlife” as “[age] twenty-five to dead.”  There’s a vast amount of time in which the so-called “midlife crisis” can occur.  And what of the typical midlife crisis cliches?  The husband who gets the red hot convertible and the new younger girlfriend?  Do any of the common conceptions hold up in the real world or are they myths created by Hollywood?  What does a real midlife crisis look like?

  Looking back at the original definition of “crisis” (a decision), Dr. Dike explains that the midlife crisis that’s experienced by so many is actual a “moment of awakening”–a moment in their lives where they must make an important decision.  A turning point.  Dr. Dike also talks about the three biggest mistakes that people going through this turning point make.

  Divorce, children growing up and moving out, retirement…  Any number of things can trigger a midlife crisis.  “I’m here to take the struggle and the drama out of a midlife crisis,” says Dr. Dike.  Whether you’re “frozen” and even though you could make a change for the better in your life, you don’t; or if you’re taking the opposite destructive path and “burning [your life] to the ground;” Dr. Dike has advice for YOU.

  Remember, “midlife” isn’t the end of your life.  It’s not too late to achieve your dreams and have a better, more fulling life.

   

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Caring for Elderly Parents with April Fan, RD, CD

  In this episode of Hope, Healing, and WellBeing, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe interviews April Fan, a registered dietician who works with senior citizens and is committed to helping adult children take better care of their aging parents.  O’Keefe and Fan discuss several of the issues facing caregivers today and how to cope with them.

  The fear of being a burden to their loved ones runs strong in many elderly parents.  “Sometimes they start to hide or deny that they need help or find it tremendously difficult to ask for assistance,” says Fan, addressing this troubling issue, adding, “It’s really our job to find out what is going on in their hearts.”  Fan then details the 9 Questions Everyone Should Ask Their Elderly Parents before it’s “too late.”

  Learn “why caring for aging parents on your own is dangerous to your health and what to do about it.”  Learn how to address your parents’ living situation.  How to find a good nursing facility.   Learn how to put together a plan over time.  And how to handle the situation if you live far away from your parents.  Fan encourages early–and frequent!–communication with elderly parents and dishes out practical tips and advice for adult children in all stages of the “Should I or Shouldn’t I?” parents-into-a-nursing-home dilemma.

  Fan also discusses the resentment many senior parents feel about “role reversal” (they were telling you what to do your whole life and now you’re telling them what to do!) as well as the difficulties that come with raising children of her own while attempting to be a caregiver to her parents.

  O’Keefe also brings up the “Magic Bullet” mentality that many caregivers have when it comes to seniors and food.  “We [think we] can give them a can of Ensure or whatever [and they'll be fine],” says O’Keefe.  Fan displays her skills as a dietician and tells why a “food first” mentality is important when making seniors as comfortable–and healthy!–as possible.

  From food to family to living arrangements, April Fan has the answers.  Tune in!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – An Exploration of Addiction and Recovery with Burt Nordstrand

  In this episode of Hope, Healing, and WellBeing, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe interviews award-winning author Burt Nordstrand!  Nordstand opens up about overcoming multiple addictions (including food!), his latest book, and how he ended up founding the Compulsive Overeaters Retreat.

  Nordstrand discusses the ongoing battle with his “enemy,” an addiction to sugar and compulsive overeating, for which he has been in recovery for over 30 years.  “With drugs or gambling–abstinence–you can just stop!…With food addiction, you can’t just stop,” points out O’Keefe of the dilemma many overeaters struggle with daily.  “Everything wonderful in my life today…is related to my recovering from my addictions,” says Nordstrand, pointing to sugar as the number one most detrimental addiction he had to overcome.  “[Sugar addiction] needs to be looked at as a disease,” says Nordstrand.

  “Whether it’s carbohydrates which turn to sugar in our bodies, alcohol which turns to sugar in our bodies, or whether it’s sugar, it affects the way people feel and it definiately changed the way I felt,” says Nordstrand.  He and O’Keefe talk about the effects of sugar on the body and how a sugar addiction can contribute to an addiction to alcohol.

  “There was just half of me that felt insecure and just not normal,” says Nordstrand, explaining his initial attraction to sugar and other harmful substances.  “I would take it to the edge and say ‘this isn’t working for me’ and then switch to something else,” he says.  Moving from one substance to the next, living a life riddled with addiction, Nordstrand was eventually left with only one substance to abuse that really “worked” for him: Food.

  Throughout the interview, Burt Nordstrand details his secret life of shame: A successful businessman to the public and an addict spiraling into the depths of despair in his private life.  Tune in to listen to his struggles, triumphs, and how he learned to pick himself up by his bootstraps and get on with his life–addiction free!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Touch and Baby Massage with Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider

  Well Within co-founder Mary Treacy O’Keefe talks to Elaine Fogel Schneider, PhD this week on the art of baby massage.  As one of the country’s leading experts in baby massage therapy, Dr. Elaine describes the many benefits of touch and explains some of the techniques included in her book, Massaging Your Baby:Effective Techniques for a Healthier, Happier, More Relaxed Child & Parent. Learn everything you ever wanted to know on the power of touch today!

  The power of touch is not only beneficial for your infant’s body, but their mind as well:  “The cells of the skin are the same cells that are in your brain so, as you’re stroking the skin, it’s like you’re stroking the brain,” says Dr. Elaine.  Touching is important for your baby’s brain-growth development, their neurological development, their circulation, their hormones, and–as a terrific bonus!–it also relaxes them (and you!).

  Dr. Elaine details her experiences helping clients solve their baby troubles through Touch Time massage.  In particular, she discusses a very intense case involving a fussy infant who was driving her parents right up the wall.  With the help of Dr. Elaine’s techniques, the baby girl went to sleep easily for the first time in five months.  Miracle cure?  Perhaps.  Can YOU do it?  Absolutely!

  Are you tired of not sleeping through the night?  Are you exasperated beyond belief with the sound of your baby’s crying?  The power of touch can help!  But what are the other benefits of baby massage for you?  “What is going on with the adult is that relaxation occurs and their blood pressure lowers,” explains Dr. Elaine. “The benefits include the adult body as well as the child’s!”

  Baby massage isn’t just for parents!  Grandparents, siblings, friends, and other caregivers can reap and share the benefits as well.  Dr. Elaine’s patented methods work well for anyone.  Give the gift of touch today!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Present Moment Parenting with Tina Feigal, M.S, Ed.

  Well Within President and Hope, Healing, and WellBeing host, Mary Treacy O’Keefe welcomes parenting expert Tina Feigal to her show!  In this informative, extremely useful interview, Feigal teaches how to cope with and improve the behavior of the “intense child.” As founder of the Center for the Challenging Child, LLC, she provides helpful tools and techniques, including some from her book, The Pocket Coach for Parents: Your Two-Week Guide a Dramatically Improved Life with Your Intense Child.

  Did you know that the philosophies of mindfulness practices can be applied to parenting?  Feigal talks about applying these practices to your parenting techniques–especially when it comes to raising an “intense child.”  Whether your child has ADD, ADHD, autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attachment Disorder or is simply just too gifted to focus on the mundane things the rest of us consider “normal,” you’re going to want to tune in to this episode.

  Are you having trouble engaging your child?  Does your child know just how to press your buttons?  O’Keefe and Feigal discuss what’s going on in your child’s mind–the synapses that fire inside their brain and make them tick–and what you can do to get on board their train of thought.

  Feigal also explains the differences between positive and negative reinforcement.  Which is better for your child?  Reward?  Punishment?  A happy medium?  But how to you achieve that “happy medium?”

  Are you yelling way too much?  Are you constantly repeating requests to your child, only to be ignored?  You’ve struggled with child problems long enough!  Tina Feigal shares some of her best tips from her new book and helps to get you, and your child, back on track.  Don’t let your “intense child” get in the way of your positive parenting.  You can do it!  And O’Keefe and Feigal are here to help you do it.  Let’s get parenting!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Living a Life That Matters with Rabbi Harold Kushner

  In this episode of Hope, Healing, and WellBeing, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe interviews  Rabbi Harold Kushner author of the international bestsellers When Bad Things Happen to Good People and Living a Life that Matters.  Rabbi Kushner describes how integrity, gratitude, our relationships with each other and with God help us live more significant and meaningful lives, even in the midst of difficult times.

  Rabbi Kushner talks about his books and the messages that lie within their pages.  He also reveals a bit about his writing process and talks about an important choice he had to make when his first book tour coincided with 9/11: To go or not to go.  “I said, ‘No, I want to keep on doing what I do.  I want to get on that plane and go around and talk about this message and give people hope and I’m not going to let the terrorists scare me out of doing what I like to do!’”

  “Death is the end of life like the period is the end of a sentence–it doesn’t rob the sentence of meaning, it defines what the meaning of the sentence was,” says Rabbi Kushner.  O’Keefe and Kushner hit all the major topics in this interview: Life, Death, God, Success, and everything in-between.

  Learn the difference between why bad things happen to good people and when good things happen to good people.  Learn how to respond and cope when bad things happen to you or someone you love.  Kushner discusses dealing with grief, hope, and struggling with his own religious beliefs when faced with a pain that not only changed his life but defined his character.

  How will you be remembered when your time comes to “move on?”  Are you ready to step up and make a difference?  Are you ready to live a life of meaning?

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Relationships in Psychoanalysis and Buddhism

  In this episode, Mary Treacy O’Keefe, the award-winning President of Well Within, welcomes Pilar Jennings PhD to share his insights as a researcher, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, Buddhist practitioner and author of Mixing Minds: The Power of Relationships in Psychoanalysis and Buddhism.  In this fascinating interview, Jennings reveals the connections between therapy, religion, and Buddhism.  Tune in to learn the “clinical applications of Buddhist meditation practices.”

  Due to the recent visits from the Dalai Lama around the world, there has been a renewed interest in Buddhism.  Why?  What is it?  And why is it so appealing to today’s society as a spiritual endeavor?  “Buddhism is attractive because it doesn’t seem to come with all the trappings of a traditionalist religion.  So, for people who have had a negative experience with religion in their childhood, Buddhism seems to offer a way to get the fruits without the toxic fruit,” Jennings explains.  “It appeals to Westerners because it seems so grounded in logic…it’s less about blind Faith.”

  Jennings examines the differences between traditional Tibetan Buddhism and the more Western idea of “Agnostic Buddhism” practices.  Jennings also addresses the controversy of Buddhism as a religion that does not include a monotheistic god as a part of their devotion.

  Is there a connection between the relationship one has with their therapist to the one they have with their Buddhist spiritual teacher?  Jennings says, “In both relationships–if they’re healthy, functional relationships–there’s a deep sense of trust that ‘I can bring all my humanness and all that entails to this person and have it be safely received.’  And in the clinical space, that can feel deeply spiritual.”  The connection between the two deepens every day.  O’Keefe and Jennings talk about how mindfulness practices are integrating themselves into traditional clinical therapy.

  Learn how Buddhist practices, mindfulness, and psychotherapy can help you overcome low self-esteem, depression, and live an overall better life!  Tune in!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Healing Happens with Your Help with Carol Ritberger, PhD

  In this episode, Mary Treacy O’Keefe interviews Carol Ritberger, Ph.D. the author of Healing Happens with Your Life: Understanding the Hidden Meanings behind Illness.  Join in as Mary and Carol discuss fields of personality, typology, behavioral medicine, and the latest updates on taking a psycho-spiritual approach to sickness.

  A medical intuitive known for her innovative approach to self-help, Carol Ritberger talks about developing her intuition on an emotional and physical level to connect with someone in a way, “from a medical standpoint,” that she can connect with their physical body and recognize patterns of thinking, emotion, and energy that can tell her the well-being of the body itself.  “A medical intuitive is a puzzle master,” Ritberger explains of her craft. “It’s a very specific use of intuition for the process of giving a holistic perspective.”

  After being declared “medically dead” for just over three minutes in 1981, Ritberger came back to life with the gift of medical intuition.  A left-brained analytical researcher by nature, Ritberger was surprised to be suddenly blessed with the Sight to see the auras of others.  She now uses this gift as a tool to help others find their path to healing.

  “Change your thoughts, you change your body, you change your reality… It’s true!”  Whether you well up with anger or have a constantly looming sadness in the back of your mind, you too can use your emotions as a barometer for your physical health.  Learn where your emotions are held, physically, within the confines of your body–and how to release those emotions to cure the physical pains that accompany them.

  What’s does Hippocrates have to do with spiritual being?  What’s the difference between a soul and a spirit?  What is the largest living organ in the human body?  What is Energy?  Tune in to find out the answers to all of these questions and more!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Living in Gratitude with Patty Hlava, PhD

  In this episode, host Mary Treacy O’Keefe interviews Dr. Patty Hlava, author of Living Gratitude.  Dr. Patty Hlava is a licensed marriage-family therapist with a Masters degree and a Doctoral degree on the subject.  Dr. Hlava’s research focused on the topic of gratitude.

  Gratitude is one of the emotions included in “Positive Psychology.”  But what is Positive Psychology?  Mary and Patty discuss positive emotions and how it can help you feel better, help to manage your problems, and think more clearly.

  Even when you’re alone, you may have moments of clarity where you find yourself feeling “so connected to everyone and everything” and, even though this isn’t one of its more recognizable forms: You’re experiencing gratitude.  Thankfulness has many beautiful and varied forms.  Dr. Patty Hlava discusses the different forms of gratitude (from its more common forms to its complex “spiritual experience” connections), in particular how gratefulness can change and better relationships.

  In this interview, Dr. Patty Hlava not only talks about this complex emotion–sharing poignant stories from her own life as well as those of people she’s worked with for her research–but defines it as well.

  Gratitude is a “compound emotion” and can benefit your life in many ways: More energy, better responses, less physical pain, better sleep habits, and an overall better felling of well-being.  Learning how to harness this positive energy can increase your happiness by 25% or more!  Feeling grateful “is one of the things that can literally change people’s lives!”

  Most importantly, when you practice good will in your relationships, you come into it with more love, more passion, and more understanding.  Dr. Patty Hlava teaches how to use that feeling of thankfulness to get rid of the hostility and resentment in your intimate relationships.

  What are you most thankful for?  What are you least thankful for?  What is gratitude anyway?  And how can it benefit you?  If you’ve ever wondered, this is the podcast for you!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Play with Dr. Stuart Brown

  Discover why Dr. Stuart Brown, author of PLAY: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, has been identified as the foremost “practical champion of the knowledge of play.” Learn how play supports brain development/prevents dementia and depression, enhances health and wellbeing and enables us to live more fully. For more information, please visit www.stuartbrownmd.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – What to Do About Lyme Disease

  Because May is Lyme Disease Awareness month, our guests, Paula Quinlan and Rose Oakley, will teach us how to cope with this difficult illness. Paula shares her experience as someone who lived with undetected Lyme disease for several years, which contributed to several other serious health issues. Rose Oakely, an RN who works with Lyme patients, will discuss possible ways to avoid getting Lyme Disease and how to test for it. Both women share both traditional medical and holistic treatment options.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – A Couple's Journey Through Alzheimer's with Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle

  Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle’s book, Ten Thousand Joys & Ten Thousand Sorrows, is a compelling and inspiring memoir about how she and her husband, “Hob”, maintained hope, grace, and humor while living with Alzheimer’s. Using their Buddhist practices, including meditation, their journey became an opportunity for growth and deepening their love. Olivia shares her wisdom and spiritual perspectives that encourage us to find blessings within challenging situations, including living with a long-term illness. For more information, please visit www.tenthousandjoysandsorrows.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Healthy Connections via Yoga & Friendship

  Laurie Ellis-Young, a globe-trotting yoga teacher for over 35 years, and Nancy Chakrin, a multi-talented artist and photographer, will discuss their book, Friendship: The Art of the Practice. Together, they’ll help us understand how yoga and friendship enhance health, healing and longevity. For more information, please visit www.breathethechange.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Be Your Own Shaman with Deborah King

  Bestselling author Deborah King discusses her newest book, Be Your Own Shaman: Heal Yourself and Others with 21st Century Energy Medicine. She’ll share information about how to develop your own inner talents and become the natural healer you are meant to be, for both yourself and others. For more information, please www.deborahkingcenter.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Finding Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life

  Intuitive counselor Colette Baron-Reid is renowned for helping people create the purposeful and authentic lives they desire. Hear some of her tips as we discuss her latest bestseller, The Map: Finding Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life. For more information, please visit www.collettebaronreid.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Lighten Up: Win at Losing Weight with Jane H. Percy

  Learn how hypnosis can assist with weight loss and promote healthy habits. Jane H. Percy, author of Lighten Up: Win at Losing, shares numerous helpful tips to help you overcome the challenges of trying to loose weight.For more information, please visit http://www.riverlightcenter.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Worrywart's Companion with Dr. Beverly Potter

  Do you lie awake up at night, fretting about things that could happen in the future? Dr. Beverly Potter, author of The Worrywart’s Companion: Twenty-one Ways to Soothe Yourself and Worry Smart, shares numerous ideas for calming your fears, letting them go, and discovering peace of mind. For more information, please visit www.docpotter.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Conversations with Your Home with Carole Hyder

  Carole Hyder, international Feng Shui expert and author of Conversations with Your Home: Guidance and Inspiration beyond Feng Shui, shares stories, techniques and insights to help us enhance our relationship with our homes and foster healing and wellbeing for our families. For more information, please visit www.carolehyder.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Home Inspired by Love and Beauty with Margaret Lulic, MA

  Margaret Lulic, author of Home Inspired by Love and Beauty, explains how our homes have energy that can help us heal and contribute to our happiness. She’ll share specific examples of how our homes can foster creativity, reflection and peacefulness. For more information, please visit http://www.lulicbooks.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Then I am Strong with Meg Blaine Corrigan

  Meg Blaine Corrigan, author of Then I Am Strong: Moving From My Mother’s Daughter to God’s Child, shares her inspiring and hope-filled story of overcoming the trauma of living with an alcoholic mother, being sexually assaulted at gunpoint, coping with a painful chronic illness and other difficult experiences. Her journey helped her find God and demonstrates how she refused to become a victim of her past and, instead, chooses to help others who also have suffered. For more information, please visit www.megcorrigan.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Antidepressant Antidote with Bethany Butzer,PhD

  Bethany Butzer, PhD, author of The Antidepressant Antidote, discusses five steps for getting off antidepressants safely and effectively. Her insights emerge from her perspective as both a Mental Health and Wellness advisor and as someone who struggled with getting off medication herself. For more information, please visit www.bethanybutzer.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Healing and Transformation Through Guided Imagery

  As you’ll learn from our discussion with author and psychotherapist, Leslie Davenport, guided imagery offers numerous benefits for a variety of health conditions. She’ll share helpful information and stories from her new book Healing and Transformation Through Guided Imagery. For more information, including sample recordings, please visit www.lesliedavenport.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Make Your Dreams Come True with Marcia Wieder

  Marcia Wieder, known as America’s Dream Coach and author of numerous books, discusses how achieving our dreams helps us live longer and more fully. She provides tools, tips and stories that demonstrate how to “make your dreams come true.” For more information, including her free ebooks, please visit www.dreamuniversity.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Coping with Anxiety, Depression and Multiple Sclerosis with Patricia Farrell, PhD

  Dr. Patricia Farrell’s new book, It’s Not All in Your Head: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Swings and Multiple Sclerosis, contains invaluable information for people living with MS or any chronic illness. She’ll share tips and tools designed to help both patients and caregivers become more resilient when dealing with depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges of a serious illness.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Integrative Health and Healing with Ronald Stram, MD

  Dr. Ronald Stram discusses his reasons for becoming a primary care holistic medical practitoner and eventually opening The Center for Integrative Health and Healing in Delmar NY. His story illustrates how integrative medicine combines the best in conventional and complementary therapies to promote wellness of the body, mind, heart and spirit. For more information, please visit www.cihh.net.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – From Fried to Revived with Joan Borysenko, PhD

  Bestselling author and spiritual mentor, Joan Borysenko, discusses her new book, Fried: Why You Burn Out and How to Revive. Learn about various stages of burnout, and the connection between being ‘fried’ and depression, stress, personality and faith. For more information, please visit www.joanborysenko.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Eat by Choice, Not by Habit with Slyvia Haskvitz, M.A., R.D.

  Slyvia E. Haskvitz will discuss her book, Eat by Choice, Not by Habit: Practical Skills for Creating a Healthy Relationship with Your Body and Food. As a certified trainer for the Center for Nonviolent Communication, she’ll describe how to dig deeper into the emotional consciousness that underlies eating patterns and develop a healthier relationship with food. For more information, please visit www.eatbychoice.net.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Meditation with Tom Von Deck

  This week’s guest, Tom Von Deck, is a personal and workplace meditation trainer, stress management speaker and author of Oceanic Mind – The Deeper Meditation Training Course and The Deeper Meditation Audio Course. Learn about the benefits of meditation and different types of meditative practices. Relax and enjoy a specific meditation technique that Tom shares during the interview. You can download a free section from The Oceanic Mind at http://www.DeeperMeditation.Net.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – How to Help Families Living with Eating Disorders

  Becky Henry is a Life Coach and author of Just Tell Her To Stop: Family Stories of Eating Disorders. We’ll discuss her just-released book and her work as the founder of Hope Network, Inc., which helps families “put on their own oxygen mask” when they are living with anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders that affect nearly 11 million people in the U.S. Learn how to watch for ‘red flags’ and help loved ones who have an eating disorder. For more info, please visit www.hopenetwork.info.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Finding God in the Midst of Grief

  Bestselling author Trudy Harris, RN, shares stories from her new book, More Glimpses of Heaven, that demonstrate God’s presence and comfort at the end of life. She also provides advice about how to help grieving families during the holidays. For more information, please visit www.glimpsesofheavenbook.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Reluctant Pilgrim with Enuma Okoro

  Author and theologian Enuma Okoro discusses her witty and elegantly written spiritual memoir: The Reluctant Pilgrim: A Moody, Somewhat Self-Indulgent Introvert’s Search for Spiritual Community. We talk about her search for God, (both within and outside organized religion), discernment, grace and the importance of female friendships in fostering spiritual growth. For more information, please visit www.enumaokoro.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Nuturing Hope in Difficult Times

  Julie Neraas, an ordained minister, spiritual director and college professor, discusses her book, Apprenticed to Hope: A Sourcebook for Difficult Times. As a person who lives with a chronic illness, Julie shares her own story, plus discusses some of the research she’s done about the nature of hope, especially during difficult times. Learn about how you can maintain hope and help others do so too. For more information, please visit http://www.julieneraas.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Glimpses of Eternity with Dr. Raymond Moody

  Dr. Raymond Moody, the world’s leading authority on “near-death experiences” revolutionized the way we think about death and dying with his first book, Life After Life. His new book, Glimpses of Eternity, is the first book to talk about the phenomenon of ‘shared death experiences,’ when at the time of death, loved ones also have inexplicable experiences. Join us to learn more about this fascinating topic and visit www.lifeafterlife.com for more information.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Brain Drain with Dr. Charles F. Glassman

  Charles Glassman, MD, helps us discover how our mind is different from the automatic brain–the ever-present, primitive brain that often prevents us from living as fully as possible. Learn how to attract more positive energy into your life and foster spiritual growth by incorporating Dr. Glassman’s tips for avoiding ‘brain drain.’ For more information, please visit http://www.charlesglassmanmd.com/

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Chemistry of Calm with Dr. Henry Emmons

  Anxiety disorders affect nearly 1 in 5 Americans each year. In his new book, The Chemistry of Calm: A Powerful, Drug-free Plan to Quiet Your Fears and Overcome Your Anxiety, Dr. Henry Emmons explores the anxiety epidemic as a breakdown in resilience. In this week’s show, he shares ideas from his insightful and holistic approach
  to overcoming stress and anxiety by integrating body, mind, heart and soul. For more information, please visit www.partnersinresilience.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Tibetan Healing with Miriam Cameron, PhD, RN

  Dr. Miriam Cameron discusses the process and benefits of Tibetan Healing. Plus she’ll talk about her book, Karma and Happiness: A Tibetan Odyssey in Ethics, Spirituality, and Healing. Her book provides a model for integrating diverse wisdom traditions into our personal spirituality—allowing us to find meaning in life, to live ethically, and to transform life’s challenges into healing experiences. For more information, please visit
  http://www.tc.umn.edu/~camer008/

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Fight Less, Love More

  Author Laurie Puhn, JD, shares techniques for developing a loving relationship, one of the most important aspects of living fully and longer. She’ll talk about the five “dumbest arguments smart people often get into” and share examples of “5 minute conversations to change your relationships without blowing up or giving in.” For more information, please visit http://www.lauriepuhn.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us

  Our guest, Robert Putnam, has co-authored (with David Campbell) American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, the most comprehensive survey published about religion in the past 50 years. He shares fascinating research about America’s diverse yet remarkably tolerant religious beliefs and practices, which also foster happiness and wellbeing.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Your Map to the World of Complementary & Alternative Therapies

  Are you trying to figure out where you are with your health problems, where you need to go and the best way to get there? Our guest, Alan E. Smith, can help, as you’ll learn during our conversation about some of the 339 holistic therapies described in his book, How to UnBreak Your Health: Your Map to the World of Complementary and Alternative Therapies. Learn more at www.unbreakyourhealth.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Growing Through--not just Going Through--The Narrow Spots

  Ruth Bachman shares her inspiring story as a cancer ‘thriver’ who lost her dominant hand, yet finds purpose and meaning within her situation. She now helps others “grow through” their own “narrow spots”–the challenges and difficulties in their own lives.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Preventing and Treating Heart Disease

  Dr. Alan Gass is a cardiologist and Medical Director of the National Institute of Whole Health in New York. He will share suggestions and stories that demonstrate the efficacy of using complementary therapies to develop and maintain a healthy heart.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Seeker's Path: Exploring Questions of Life, Heart and Spirit

  With so many babyboomers in midlife and other seekers experiencing various transitions and crises, the quest for purpose, meaning and spiritual growth is more pronounced than ever. Therapeutic Life coach and author Sandy Thibault discusses some of the questions and issues people face today and how to discover possible answers and solutions.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – On Gratitude

  Just in time for World Gratitude Day (Sept. 21), we’ll discuss Todd Jensen’s just-released book, On Gratitude. Discover the benefits of gratitude, and hear about some of the fascinating interviews Todd had with celebrities who shared their own stories of gratitude.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Power of Adversity

  Having overcome family estrangements, serious illnesses and addiction, Al Weatherhead, shares his enlightening insights and tips for how adversity can transform our lives. We’ll discuss his book, The Power of Adversity, an inspiring testament to his belief that “tough times can make you stronger, wiser and better.” For more information, please visit www.powerofadversity.net.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Voice that Calls You Home

  As a hospice chaplain, cancer survivor and a chaplain at Ground Zero following September 11, Andrea Raynor discusses her unique perspective on the meaning of life and the importance of feeling connected to something greater. She’ll share inspiring stories from her book, The Voice That Calls You Home, thus reminding us to be open to the blessings that are all around us, even in the midst of our greatest challenges. Learn more about Andrea at http://www.revandrearaynor.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Dealing with Digestive Disorders

  Did you know that exhaustion, premature aging, acne and stomach aches can be symptoms of digestive disorders? Over 45 million Americans live with these uncomfortable health conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Author Laura Knoff will share holistic suggestions for preventing and treating various digestive problems.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Healing Grieving Hearts

  Our guest, Dr. Gloria Horsley, is a bereaved parent with 23 years in family therapy, a board member of The Compassionate Friends, and co-host of a radio show called The Open to Hope Show. She’ll share her wisdom about how to find hope and healing while grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information please visit www.opentohope.com and http://www.thegriefblog.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Conquering Sugar Shock with Connie Bennett

  Have you struggled with a desire to conquer sugar cravings, loose weight and develop a plan for healthier eating? Connie Bennett will motivate you to accomplish these goals and more in our discussion of her bestselling book, Sugar Shock: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life–and How You Can Get Back on Track.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Breaking the Argument Cycle

  Sharon Rivkin, MA, MFT, shares wisdom from her book, Breaking the Argument Cycle: How to Stop Fighting Without Therapy. She’ll share case histories and describes a simple three-step process–Peel, Reveal, Heal–to empower couples to identify why they argue and resolve conflicts within their relationship.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Glimpses of Heaven

  As a former hospice nurse, Trudy Harris felt called to be “at the bedside of God’s children.” During the sad but sacred time of the dying process, she observed incredible, faith-affirming moments. Her stories bring hope and peace and will comfort anyone who has or will soon loose a loved one.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Spring Forest QiGong for Healing and Wellbeing

  Spring Forest QiGong (SFQ) is a practice of breathing, focusing your mind, doing simple body movements and meditating. Our guest, Jim Nance, M.A., S.F.Q. M, will discuss some of the research and benefits of using these simple but powerful techniques to foster wellbeing and healing of depression, pain, and numerous other health issues. Join us and to learn more about SFQ, please visit www.bornahealer.com.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – An Ounce of Prevention

  Fifty years ago, Dr. James D’Adamo, discovered the correlation between a person’s blood type and their dietary and exercise requirements. In this show, he will discuss updated research contained in his new book, Just an Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure, designed to help you to create a personalized program for optimal health.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness

  In her book, A Happy You, Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., has developed 26 ‘prescriptions’ plus includes inspiring stories, research and practical strategies for creating more happiness in our lives. Join us to discover how to bring more joy into your own life. Visit www.AHappyYou.com for more info.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – More Health, Less Care

  This week, we visit with Dr. Peter J. Weiss, an internist and health care executive, to discuss his new book, More Health, Less Care. Learn why traditional health care falls short and how we can partner with our medical team to enhance our own healing and wellbeing. Dr. Weiss introduces his simple but effective program for better health: The Personal Prescription for Life Long Health. For more information please visit  www.drpeterjweiss.com

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Overcoming The Fear-Factor

  Fears can make us feel powerless even if we realized that these feelings can be irrational. Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.D., a practicing psychologist and fear-expert, is the author of Fearless: The 7 Principles of Peace of Mind. She’ll share these principles and other insights to help us learn how to dissolve any fear and transform it into strength.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Wake Up to Your Weight Loss

  Alyson Mead will share insights from her book, Wake Up to Your Weight Loss: Using the Art of Personal Narrative to Achieve Your Best Body, designed to be a companion piece to a healthy eating program. Her unique perspective combines meditation, follow up exercises and instruction on how to identify and redirect the internal stories we tell ourselves all the time.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Forgiveness: A Key to Health and Freedom

  Mary Hayes Grieco, Director of the Midwest Institute for Forgiveness Training, has been teaching people how to forgive for over 20 years. She’ll share her powerful 8-step method for forgiveness that can lead to healing of mind, body and spirit plus free people from anger, hurt, and victimization.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Posture: Get It Straight

  Good posture helps you look younger and thinner, ease back pain and headaches and improve your performance at workouts and sports. Janice Novak will share tips from her book Posture: Get it Straight, including a one-minute Better Posture Technique that instantly helps correct alignment and improve your appearance.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Finding Hope and Comfort in the Midst of Grief

  The loss of a family member or beloved friend is devastating, especially for parents who have lost a child. After her son was killed in a car accident, Carol Morgan found comfort and hope in what seem to be signs of his continued presence in her life. This show will help ease the grief of anyone who has loved and lost someone close to them.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Spirituality and Healing

  The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness can lead to profound spiritual and personal growth. For our guest, Alexa Umbreit, MS, RNC, CHTP, and her husband, a breast cancer diagnosis became the impetus for a healing journey that incorporates complementary therapies, including spirituality, along with conventional medicine. She’ll discuss the importance of hope, faith, service to others, and the self-care practices that continue to foster her wellbeing.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Mindful Woman

  One of the most effective self-care practices is mindfulness. By focusing on living in the present moment, you can reduce stress, anxiety and fear and live more fully. Our guest, Sue Patton Thoele, will discuss the benefits of mindfulness as included in her book, The Mindful Woman: Gentle Practices for Restoring Calm, Finding Balance, & Opening Your Heart, and share several practices for incorporating mindfulness into your own life

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – The Emergence of Optimal Healing Environments

  This week’s guest, Valerie Lincoln, PhD, will describe the optimal healing environment created at Woodwinds Hospital and Health Campus. Learn how various integrative healing therapies, holistic nurses, and a soothing physical environment help reduce pain and anxiety, and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Lincoln also will share ideas for how to optimize healing at home.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Maximized Living

  Want to learn a fun, effective exercise routine that takes only minutes to perform yet speeds up metabolism and weight loss? Brenda Kress, DC will share this tip and many others, including how to avoid toxic foods, strengthen your nervous system, and live a ‘maximized life’ of health and wellbeing. Join us and learn how to achieve optimal health results and live life to the fullest.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing - The Lonely American

  According to recent studies, social isolation in the U.S. is an increasing threat to people’s health and wellbeing. Author and psychiatrist Jacqueline Olds, MD, will discuss her book, The Lonely American, which alerts us to this alarming situation yet also offers suggestions for fostering meaningful relationships with others. Learn about the importance of community and making connections in creating a happy and balanced life.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Thinking Skinny

  Nadia Giordana lost 88 pounds without surgery, pills or fad dieting. She’ll share her successful formula of using visualization exercises, healthy eating and a daily dialogue with God to achieve her goal. Her story will provide inspiration and motivation, along with practical tips, to help anyone trying to lose weight and become healthier.

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing – Finding Hope in the Midst of Crises

  How does someone find hope when a crisis hits? Our guest, Barb Greenberg, found hope after her daughter nearly died in a car accident and, a few years later, when she became divorced after over 30 years of marriage. Learn how she did it and how you can too!

  
• Hope, Healing and WellBeing - Becoming Well Within

  Our guest on the first Hope, Healing and Well-Being show is Cami Smalley, MA, the program director of the Well Within Center in St. Paul, MN. Cami will discuss the benefits of using holistic treatments to foster healing and good self-care. She also describes some of the programs offered at Well Within. Learn about the importance of friendships, finding meaning in our lives and sharing our stories with each other. Join us to learn more about becoming “well within!” And for more info, please www.wellwithin.org.