In this episode, I discuss how mindfulness has become essential for me as a healthcare provider. While I once resisted the practice, it’s now a non-negotiable part of my day—and something I teach to my clients.

Key Points:

• What is Mindfulness?
  A practice of being present, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and environment without judgment.

• Why It’s Important for Healthcare Providers
  Mindfulness helps reduce stress, increase focus, and build emotional resilience, all vital in high-stress healthcare settings.

• Simple Practices to Integrate:

• • Short meditation

  • Deep breathing

  • Mindful walking

  • Journaling

  • Sensory exercises
    These quick practices help manage stress and keep you grounded throughout the day.

To support The Drama-Free Healthy Living podcast, please share with family, friends, and colleagues.

If you like what you hear, leave a 5-star review on apple podcasts HERE.

Connect with me on IG @jesscording

Sign up for my newsletter for more health and wellness content, special deals, and more.

Episode: 218: Exploring Hopeful Skepticism with Dr. Jamil Zaki

📌Make sure to check out Dr. Zakis’ book “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness” https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Cynics-Surprising-Science-Goodness/dp/153874306X

👉In this episode of the Drama-Free, Healthy Living Podcast, host Jess Cording interviews Dr. Jamil Zaki, a Stanford University psychology professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. Dr. Zaki, author of 'Hope for Cynics', shares his insights into empathy, the differences between cynicism and skepticism, and the impacts of these mindsets on our lives.

They discuss the negative effects of cynicism, the role of media in shaping our perceptions, and introduce the concept of hopeful skepticism—a balanced approach to understanding the world. They also delve into tribal cynicism, the importance of human connections, and practical steps to foster positive change.

The episode concludes with Dr. Zaki's views on healthy living, focusing on psychological health through love and meaningful work.

🖋️ Some key points

(00:38) Exploring Cynicism and Skepticism

(02:24) Dr. Zaki's Background and Inspiration

(07:07) Understanding Hopeful Skepticism

(14:23) Cynicism in Society and Media Influence

(27:39) Introduction to Social Shark Attacks

(29:25) Overcoming Social Anxiety

(31:03) Challenging Cynical Assumptions

(33:19) Understanding Tribal Cynicism

(38:23) Hope vs. Optimism

(42:02) Practicing Hopeful Skepticism

(47:29) Final Thoughts and Healthy Living

👉 Dr.Zaki BIO

Dr. Jamil Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. He trained at Columbia and Harvard, studying empathy and kindness in the human brain. He is interested in how we can learn to connect better.

🌎 Connect with Dr Jamil Zaki

LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-zaki-b0b4a9192
Twitter/X https://x.com/zakijam
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/warforkindness/

🎤 Podcast post-production by Seamless Multimedia

In this episode I chat with fellow dietitian Barbie Boules about nutrition and lifestyle to support brain health, mental fitness, longevity, stress management, mindfulness, and more.

Barbie Boules is a registered dietitian, certified health coach, meditation teacher, cognitive wellness specialist, and optimal aging enthusiast. She divides her time between creating vibrant wellness programming for corporations across the U.S., and guiding women - 40 and beyond - to look and feel their best. Barbie is dedicated to helping women prioritize themselves; and experience confidence, excellent health, and genuine joy.

With a deep respect for science and the power of mindfulness, Barbie’s goal is to give her clients customized tools for achieving optimal wellness. She specializes in the unique needs of women over 4o, with a focus on metabolic and cognitive fitness.

Barbie takes an integrative approach that's evidence-based and comprehensive, emphasizing nourishing foods, quality sleep, daily movement, and developing solid stress skills. She’s passionate about a holistic approach to healthy aging, and executes a deep knowledge of the psychology and neuroscience behind our behavior surrounding food.

Connect with her on Instagram @the_cognition_dietitian on Instagram

Website: www.barbieboules.com

📌Make sure to follow Keri via her instagram @kerigans https://www.instagram.com/kerigans/?hl=en

👉In this episode of the Drama Free Healthy Living podcast, host Jess Cording chats with fellow registered dietitian Keri Gans. They discuss the evolution of their field, the impact of social media, and the importance of intentional messaging.

Keri shares her journey to becoming a dietitian, her views on the anti-diet movement, and the responsibility of dietitians to help individuals achieve their health goals. They also touch on the role of social media in shaping public perception and offer tips for identifying credible health information online. The conversation highlights the nuances of dietetic practice, the importance of balance, and the evolving nature of health careers.

🖋️ Some key points

(00:45) Meet Keri Gans

(01:37) Podcast Audio Disclaimer

(02:56) Catching Up with Keri

(06:35) The Journey to Becoming a Dietitian

(11:29) Challenges and Changes in Dietetics

(15:18) The Anti-Diet Movement

(20:07) Personalized Nutrition and Small Changes

(29:18) Making Healthier Choices

(29:58) The Impact of Patient Stories

(31:09) Guiding Clients Without Diet Plans

(32:06) Dealing with Client Anxiety

(32:57) Understanding Diet Mentality

(36:17) Navigating Social Media as a Dietitian

(40:06) Evolving Career and Personal Priorities

(49:52) Tips for Finding Credible Health Information

(53:45) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 Keri Gans BIO

Keri Gans is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Yoga Teacher, and author of The Small Change Diet, a Shape Magazine & Forbes Magazine Advisory Board Member and contributor for US News & World Report. The Keri Report, her own bi-monthly podcast and newsletter, helps to convey her no-nonsense and fun approach to living a healthy lifestyle. Gans is a sought-after nutrition expert and has conducted thousands of interviews worldwide. She lives in Chatham NJ with her husband Bart and 4-legged son Cooper. Gans is a huge animal lover, pseudo-professional TV binge-watcher, and martini enthusiast.

🌎 Connect with Keri Gans

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerigans/?hl=en

Website: https://kerigansny.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerigans
Book: “The Small Change Diet”

🎤 Podcast post-production by Seamless Multimedia

📌Make sure to check out James’ mental health app Happi here: happi.ai

In this episode of the Drama Free Healthy Living podcast, host Jess Cording interviews Dr. James R. Doty, a professor of neurosurgery at Stanford University and founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE).

Dr. Doty, also a New York Times bestselling author, discusses his insights on the neuroscience of manifestation and the misconceptions surrounding it. They delve into the physiological impacts of intentional and unintentional manifestation, the importance of compassion in enhancing manifestation abilities, and the role of self-awareness and emotion regulation.

Dr. Doty shares personal anecdotes, including his transformative experience from a challenging childhood to achieving material success yet finding true fulfilment in being of service to others. They also touch on systemic issues in healthcare, the benefits of compassion in clinical practice, and innovative mental health solutions being developed by Dr. Doty.

🖋️ Some key points

(01:49) Discussion on Manifestation

(07:38) Personal Stories and Reflections

(19:54) Understanding Unintentional Manifestation

(23:04) The Science Behind Manifestation

(29:46) The Influencer Culture Crisis

(31:00) The Power of Authenticity

(31:48) Energy and Its Impact

(34:26) Compassion in Healthcare

(41:07) The Reality of Physician Burnout

(48:38) Manifesting a Healthier Life

(51:09) The Importance of Gratitude

(51:32) Final Thoughts and Resources

James R. Doty BIO
James R. Doty, M.D., FACS, FICS, FAANS is a renowned American neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He retired as a distinguished professor of neurosurgery in 2020 having been affiliated with Stanford University since 1997.

🌎 Connect with James Doty

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jamesrdotymd/?hl=en
ccare.stanford.edu

Homepage and books: jamesrdotymd.com

Mental health app happi.ai (currently being tested)

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting.

📌 Check out Deanna’s exclusive program “Online Entrepreneur Academy” (https://dietitiandeanna.com/online-entrepreneur-academy )

In this episode of the Drama Free Healthy Living Podcast, host Jess Cording sits down with Deanna Wolfe, a registered dietitian, business coach, and pioneer in the online health space.

Deanna shares her journey from working as a hospital dietitian to founding her own business focused on food freedom and business coaching.

They discuss the challenges and realities of being a dietitian today, balancing work and life, managing mom guilt, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Deanna also talks about the importance of setting boundaries, charging what you're worth, and the value of hiring support. Tune in to learn about Deanna's programs and get inspired by her insights on creating a sustainable and successful business in the health and wellness industry.

🖋️ Some key points

(00:35) Introducing Deanna Wolfe: Business Coach and Online Health Pioneer

(01:37) Deanna's Journey: From Hospital Dietitian to Food Freedom Advocate

(10:25) Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Money Mindset

(20:29) The Journey of Pivoting in Business and Life

(21:05) Overcoming Perfectionism and Taking Action

(23:31) The Importance of Niching Down

(24:41) Hiring Support and Overcoming Mom Guilt

(28:02) Emotional Presence and Family Dynamics

(32:16) Charging Your Worth and Making Changes

(34:24) Exploring Deanna's Programs and Offerings

(36:53) Defining Healthy Living

(37:46) Final Thoughts and Farewell

Deanna Wolfe BIO:

Deanna is a business coach and pioneer in the online space, creating a loyal community of over 300K through her Instagram and TikTok @DietitianDeanna and blog, dietitiandeanna.com, and her top 10 mental health podcast DEATS with Deanna where her audience trusts her with sound non-diet nutrition advice and health entrepreneur inspiration. Deanna is featured as "The Most Influential People in Wellness of 2022" by Ness.

Deanna helps dozens of coaches, nutrition, fitness and health professionals grow a sustainable online business in her Online Entrepreneur Academy. She is regularly featured in articles from Health Magazine, The Today Show, the New York Post and speaks to many dietetic & entrepreneur focused organizations.

As a speaker, writer, 7 figure business owner, food freedom activist, and coach, Deanna takes her Instagram community along her compelling journey of disordered eating, motherhood & business growth.

🌎 Connect with Deanna Wolfe

IG: @dietitiandeanna https://www.instagram.com/dietitiandeanna/?hl=en
Website: https://dietitiandeanna.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dietitiandeanna

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-wolfe-ma-lwmc-cpt-8ab52b1a
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deats-with-deanna-discussions-around-food/id1582740459

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting.

To support The Drama-Free Healthy Living podcast, please share with family, friends, and colleagues.

If you like what you hear, leave a 5-star review on apple podcasts HERE.

Connect with me on IG @jesscording

Sign up for my newsletter for more health and wellness content, special deals, and more.

📌Grab a copy of “Rise Above the Story” HERE

In this episode of 'Drama Free, Healthy Living' host Jess Cording, a registered dietitian, health coach, and author, talks with Karena Kilcoyne, a former trial lawyer turned wellness expert and writer, about trauma healing and establishing a more balanced relationship with food and fitness.

Kilcoyne shares her personal journey from facing traumatic experiences and her transformation into a wellness advocate. She discusses the importance of acknowledging trauma and taking steps to heal, the role of the stories we tell ourselves, and how these narratives shape our lives.

Kilcoyne emphasizes the importance of releasing suppressed emotional energy and rewriting limiting stories to find true peace and emotional freedom. The conversation covers a range of topics from early career challenges, the impact of trauma on personal and professional life, to self-care essentials and the significance of acknowledging and honoring emotions. Jess and Karina explore how trauma affects daily life and relationships and offer insights into creating a supportive environment for healing in both personal and professional settings. They conclude with the definition of healthy living as tapping into self-love and changing negative brain patterns.

🖋️ Some key points

(00:37) Deep Dive into Trauma Healing with Karena Kilcoyne

(02:35) Journey from Law to Wellness

(03:17) The Power of Storytelling in Healing Trauma

(06:27) Exploring the Impact of Trauma on Daily Life

(11:40) Taking the First Steps Towards Healing

(22:33) The Role of Therapy and Self-Awareness in Recovery

(30:22) Creating a Trauma-Informed Workplace

(35:02) Self-Care and Emotional Honouring in Healing

(37:55) Connecting with Karina and Closing Thoughts

Karena Kilcoyne BIO

Karena Kilcoyne is a former trial lawyer who specialized in criminal defense, including complex white-collar and civil litigation in federal and state courts. Later in her practice, she worked as in-house counsel for a publicly traded worldwide manufacturing company.

Karena now passionately shares her own personal story of trauma and healing. Through vivid, evocative, and transparent storytelling, she teaches others how to rise above their own stories and find true peace and emotional freedom. She shares these powerful ideas through video and personal posts on Facebook and Instagram. Karena also corresponds regularly with the subscribers of her email newsletter.

When she’s not helping others rise above their stories, she’s curating a colorful life full of books and art from far-flung places. Karena lives in Florida with her husband, David, and their furry son, Irwin.

Learn more about Karena HERE. See VIDEO of Karena discussing the book.

🌎 Connect with Karena Kilcoyne

Website: riseabovethestory.com

Social media: @karenakilcoyne

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting.

In this episode of Drama Free Healthy Living, host Jess Cording speaks with Arash Hashemi, the creator of Kaizen, the world's lowest carb, highest protein rice and pasta, and the founder of the online community Shred Happens. Arash shares his inspiring journey from being a Fortune 100 finance executive weighing 350 pounds to transforming his life and health through diet, mindset, and lifestyle changes.

The discussion covers his favorite Persian dishes, the evolution of Kaizen foods, and the importance of finding sustainable, enjoyable ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Arash also talks about the mental challenges associated with weight loss and the role of social media in shaping perceptions about health and fitness. The episode emphasizes the importance of adapting to life changes and maintaining a positive, practical approach toward health goals.

🖋️ Some key points

00:41 Guest Introduction: Arash Hashemi

01:10 Arash's Health Journey

02:13 Persian Cuisine Favourites

04:11 Creating Kaizen: The Healthiest Pasta

05:29 Jess's Personal Health Adventure

08:49 Arash's Weight Loss Strategies

18:08 Mental Shifts and Small Goals

20:40 The Reality of Fitness on Social Media

21:18 Practicality in Fitness Goals

23:37 Adapting to Life's Changes

26:20 Weight Loss Surgery Considerations

28:44 The Mental Aspect of Food

30:55 Kaizen Foods: A Healthier Option

34:18 Defining Healthy Living

Arash Hashemi BIO

Arash Hashemi is the creator of Kaizen, the world’s lowest-carb and highest protein rice and pasta, and the personality and recipe developer behind @Shredhappens, an online social media community of millions.

A former Fortune 100 finance executive, Arash battled an unhealthy relationship with food for all of his adult life. In 2017 at 350 lbs., he decided to leave his flourishing finance career and devote himself to getting healthy and changing not only his diet, but mindset and lifestyle.

With no immediate plans other than losing weight and discovering health, Arash began @ShredHappens as a simple accountability tool to share recipes and chronicle his weight loss. He fell in love with creating and sharing healthier versions of his favorite foods. The Instagram account quickly grew into an engaged online community, which allowed Arash to focus solely on his passion: creating healthy recipes, often with a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern spin, reflecting his Persian roots.

Despite his remarkable success, Arash missed his favorite food – pasta. He could not find an alternative that suited his new dietary lifestyle. He and his wife Madalina were determined to create an option that would satisfy his cravings and meet his needs.

After years of fine-tuning, Arash and Madalina introduced Kaizen Food Company’s pasta and rice in 2021. Kaizen is a continuous improvement philosophy, which places emphasis on small, consistent changes – like what drove the success of Arash’s health journey. Kaizen is the world’s lowest-carb, highest-protein gluten- and grain-free pasta. Made with lupini beans, Kaizen has 85% fewer carbs and three times the protein of traditional pasta.

Arash resides in Amherst, MA, with his wife Madalina and enjoys traveling the globe in search of inspiring cuisines and time with their two dogs.

🌎 Connect with Arash Hashemi

Website

www.kaizenfoodcompany.com

www.shredhappens.net

Social media links

Instagram

Kaizen: https://www.instagram.com/kaizenfoodco/

ShredHappens: https://www.instagram.com/shredhappens/

Facebook

Kaizen: https://www.facebook.com/KaizenFoodCo

ShredHappens: https://www.facebook.com/shredhappens

TikTok

ShredHappens: https://www.tiktok.com/@ketorecipes

🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting.