Chris Schmitt’s recent birthday celebration speaks volumes about who he is: an epic day of hiking and biking. He’s all about testing his limits, embracing adventure, and reconnecting with friends and nature. He knows that this is exactly what he needs to balance the stress and chaos of everyday life.

In this episode, we’ll explore why pushing past your boundaries is so powerful, how Chris does this in his own life, and how it ultimately led him to a career leading executive coaching expeditions.

The El Camino de Santiago in Spain is one of the oldest and most popular networks of pilgrimage routes, drawing people of all ages, backgrounds, and reasons. I’ve always wanted to do it—but time has always held me back. So when this amazing woman told me she biked it, I was blown away! In this episode, we dive into her journey along the French Route and what it was really like to experience El Camino on two wheels.

Our previous podcast featured Karen’s story, including how I met her and how she came to the US. In this episode, I share my personal experience with immigration court and reveal what I discovered about businesses that claim to support immigrants.

Meet Karen- a wife, mother, and immigrant arriving in the United States. We will follow her story for a few days, told from her perspective. Hear about how I met her, how my friend advocated on her behalf, and how she mobilized my community. We will also retrace the journey that ultimately brought her to Seattle. In the next episode, we'll take you inside a day in immigration court.

On today's episode, I share how Yoga Church evolved into what it is today. This unique space is close to my heart because it’s given me the emotional support and space I needed to grow and grieve. It's helped me move through difficult experiences.

Yoga Church is a community created Terilyn Wilder, who I have interviewed previously on my podcast. It’s a one of a kind space, because she is one of a kind. It’s where I go to practice self care and devotion to my spirit. I can give support as well as have my emotional needs met when life serves up challenging moments. It's a weekly reminder for me to take care of myself and continue the practice of yoga.

I really got to know Terilyn this year at the yoga retreat she lead in Nicaragua. You learn a lot about someone when you do a little traveling together... but that will be our next episode.

If you would like to attend yoga church and learn more about Terilyn, here is her info: Facebook- @terilynwylder Instagram- @yoginiterilyn

Yoga Church is held at Dragonfly Yoga and Pilates. Find then on Instagram @dragonfly.yoga.pilates.dance

Tough experiences can bring about the best changes. This was a tough podcast; I describe my relationship with the only parent I really knew. Yet I only knew her for the first 14 yrs of my life. The rest is what I experienced through the few interactions I had with her in the years that followed. Warning: this episode includes talk about child molestation, listener discretion is advised.

Listen to a frank discussion about pregnancies, birthing experiences and becoming a new mom with Cynthia Moore, Physical Therapist. She describes the challenges of connecting with not only a new body, but a new relationship to that body, as well as tools that helped empower her to do just that after childbirth. We also discuss the life of a working mom trying to stay fit. When I first met Cynthia, we bonded over a single conversation on this one topic, and it’s one I wanted to share with you. She is so relatable and easy to talk to, and I know you will enjoy meeting her. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, or adjusting to life as a new mom in a new body, you are in the right place. We look forward to hearing from her again! If you want to ask Cynthia any questions, please contact her at:

C.moore@renew-physicaltherapy.com
or Instagram:
@cynthiaemoore

This is part 3 in a series of conversations about perimenopause and menopause. I've heard from so many women who felt like they went through it alone, or didn't have anyone to confide in or help them through it. So let's normalize talking about menopause - what it can look like, what to expect, and ideas for how to best navigate the inevitable changes that come with this phase of life.

Maria's story is different than Lisa's and Nancy's, in particular because she had 2 babies in her 50s, but if you've listened to all 3 conversations about perimenopause, you will surely recognize some commonalities. And if you are noticing these symptoms yourself - you're not going crazy! There is support available- information, treatments, other women having similar experiences.

Our stories are unique. We are not doctors, nor are we giving medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your health and follow their professional advice.

Here are some books we mention that we have found to be helpful on this journey:
-The New Menopause by Dr Mary Claire Haver
-Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia
-Estrogen Matters by Arum Bluming, MD, and Carol Tavris, PhD