A diverse conversation about the mind, body, and wellness journey.

        

5 Stars on Apple Podcasts

The Wellness Evolution Podcast was created as a safe environment to share stories, learnings, and tools about mindfulness, chronic illness, spirituality, and mental health.
Our goal is to learn about various life journeys that found support, strength and inner peace and well-being through challenges and triumphs. We invite you to listen to stories from patients, healthcare professionals, and our community members and to be inspired to open doors to new conversations about the relationship between health and wellness.

This podcast brings together a diverse community to discuss topics such as mindfulness, chronic illness, and mental health, as well as cultural and spiritual similarities and differences that make each of us unique yet very much alike. Through informative and inspirational conversations, we will listen to learn from each other’s experiences.

Check out episodes of Wellness Evolution below — and be sure to subscribe and stay updated on future episodes.

Wellness Evolution Episodes

Check out episodes of Wellness Evolution, with Angel Tapia and Danielle Ali, below and be sure to subscribe for access to future episodes.

Conversations

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Krivohlavek, a proud member of the Cherokee Nation hailing from Oklahoma. Ashley’s health journey started with a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, sparking her to become a passionate advocate. We discuss the health care obstacles faced by indigenous communities and the importance of shared decision-making and cultural sensitivity in health care. Join us for this insightful discussion.

For more information, you can read our article: ‘Health Disparities and Hope: Navigating Indigenous Health Care Across Generations’

Join our host, Angel Tapia, as she dives deep into the intricate layers of Hispanic identity and its profound connection to mental health across different generations with her guests. Through heartfelt discussions, we explore how these stereotypes impact mental health within Hispanic communities and shed light on the varying perspectives that shape these narratives.

Tune in for a special episode of Wellness Evolution with guests Samantha Benn, therapist and licensed clinical social worker, and Felicia Tapia, master’s student in marriage and family therapy.

Join our host, Angel Tapia in her insightful conversation with Dr. Leybelis Padilla, an expert in public health and social justice, as they delve into the critical issues surrounding health equity, mental health, cultural consideration, and social determinants of health within the Hispanic community.

In this conversation, Pamela Price talks about her experience as a Black health care professional who deals with personal mental illness. She shares how her journey led her to work with national and government agencies, where she plays a role in developing and implementing programs to cater to the needs of women and underserved communities. Pamela a sheds light on the challenges faced by health care professionals from marginalized communities and the impact of their work in creating a more equitable health care system.

In this episode, aqua yoga coach Christa Fairbrother talks about her experience with chronic illness and stresses the importance of self-care and balancing personal and professional life. She also shares how yoga has helped her and how others can benefit from it too.

Join Elizabeth Medeiros, a blogger with juvenile psoriatic arthritis (PsA), as she takes us through her diagnostic journey and shares the valuable lessons she’s learned while navigating her health care since childhood. Elizabeth talks about growing up with an inflammatory disease, dating, and how finding love and discovering fun hobbies have added joy to her life.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Stanford, PhD, the CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI) in Houston, TX, talks about mental health stigma, and the role that spirituality plays in how we view and approach mental health.

Dr. Stanford offers tips on supporting loved ones dealing with mental health challenges and his take on the changes in health care policy shaping the patient experience.

Join the conversation with our guest Tammy Jolivette as we discuss the importance of representation and self-acceptance from head to toe.

Learn about the bias in natural hair discrimination, and hair stigmas when growing up in mixed race and BIPOC communities as well as the physical and mental connection that many of us have with our hair.

Dr. Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D., Founder, and Director of The Jung Center’s Mind Body Spirit Institute in Houston, Texas, sits down with host Angel Tapia to talk about his work teaching mindfulness at UTHealth Medical School/ MD Anderson as well as his real-life applications with chronic illness patients.

(07:55) Stress Vs. Stressors
(16:20) It’s not just about the disease; it’s about the illness experience
(18:09) Cultural implications in chronic illness treatment
(28:10) Breathing techniques in treatment plans
(29:43) Importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) research to advance chronic disease treatment
(34:10) BONUS: STOP (stop, take a deep breath, observe, proceed) technique

Since her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, patient Rebecca Council has been through many surgeries and medication trials. In this episode, Rebecca talks about the importance of having resilience as well as support from her wife and her LGBTQ community.

(03:16) Overcoming challenges with loving support
(07:08) Finding community support
(11:58) Different strokes for different folks — what works for you?

In this episode, you’ll meet Jennifer Gabiola, a woman living with rheumatoid arthritis who uses her faith to find comfort and strength through her chronic illness journey. You’ll also learn about her experience with the cultural stigma of work-life balance in the Asian community.

(04:33) Journey of self-acceptance and self-love
(11:28) Cultural standards and balance
(14:20) Accepting love from another
(17:32) Connection with Soul

Guest Gina Hessburg shares her experience being diagnosed with Optic Neuritis and learning to advocate for herself within the health care system.

(04:41) Meet Raphael the inflatable support friend
(09:39) Being your own Advocate
(11:47) The real struggle in navigating mental health and chronic disease
(14:23) Having goals

Mindful Resources

How do we recharge from the never-ending to-do list that is the foundation of our communities, families, jobs, and personal pursuits? How do we build ourselves back up when we think we don’t have enough energy to overcome life’s daily challenges?

Join us for a mindful moment today: a brief visualization designed to provide space for you to build yourself up after life makes you feel depleted.

Join us in a brief visualization to help set your mood and start the day in a positive light. The key to having a mindful moment via visualization is to drop any expectations and efforts to be ‘right.’ Use your breath to clear away intrusive thoughts and emotions and let your body know it’s safe to take this time.

And remember: You can reset your perspective and restart your day whenever you choose.

“I was gifted a plaque by my mother during a really challenging time in my health journey, and it says: ‘One small positive thought can change your entire day,’” says our host, Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst at GHLF.

Many people tend to think of meditation and breathing as one in the same. Today, in our first episode of Breathing Through Pain, we will briefly talk about the differences and guide you through a simple breathing exercise.

Follow along in this five-minute breathing exercise based on the Voo technique, which is used to relax the body and reduce anxiety by stimulating the vagus nerve.

Learn about the technique known as Earth Breathing from the Comprehensive Resource Model Manual written by Lisa Schwarz on Integrative Medicine. Earth breathing provides an opportunity to connect further with ourselves and the environment around us and to stay consciously aware of the present moment to help reduce our fright/flight responses to stress.

Practice Fire Breathing, a powerful tool that has been used by indigenous people for centuries to cleanse and clear attachments that no longer serve them, as well as release emotions like anger.

Join us for another meditative narrative intended to help you find a sense of safety and comfort in your body and reaffirm that “you are okay” and it’s time to relax and fall asleep. In this sleep guide, our host Amy Finkelstein uses positive affirmations to help you bring a close to your day and guide you as you drift into slumber.

To get the most out of this meditation, we recommend listening to the guide while lying down in a comfortable position, in a quiet and darkened room, with your eyes closed.

Join us for a meditative narrative intended to induce relaxation and peaceful slumber. In this sleep guide, our host Amy Finkelstein uses a body scan technique and positive affirmations to calm your body and mind and lull you to sleep.

To get the most out of this meditation, we recommend listening to the guide while lying down in a comfortable position, in a quiet, darkened room with your eyes closed.

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”— Irish Proverb

When all you want to do is crawl into bed and never come out, remember that fatigue is a widespread experience, especially for people with chronic conditions.

Conquering fatigue isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s tailored to your body’s unique requirements. Nevertheless, sometimes a little breathwork and visualization can come in handy. Tune in as we show you how to use the power of your breath and ability to visualize energy to give yourself a boost whenever and wherever it’s needed.

Join us for another meditative narrative intended to recenter your body and mind as you wind down for the day. In this sleep guide, our host Amy Finkelstein uses ear massage to stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a vital role in the body’s digestion, heart rate, and breathing.

To get the most out of this meditation, we recommend listening to the guide while lying down in a comfortable position, in a quiet and darkened room, with your eyes closed.

Take a peaceful pause today and join us for an intentional breathing practice paired with a visualization. Renowned yoga instructor Jennifer Carlin will guide us through an alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana pranayama) designed to ease anxiety.

Take a listen to learn more about your body and how to give your parasympathetic nervous system, which is crucial for relaxation and restoration, a much-needed reset.

Minute Motivation

Energize your day with Day 31 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 30 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 29 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 28 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 27 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 26 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 25 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 24 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 23 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 22 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 21 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 20 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 19 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 18 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 17 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 16 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 15 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 14 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 13 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 12 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 11 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 10 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 9 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 8 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 7 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 6 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 5 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 4 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 3 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 2 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Energize your day with Day 1 of Motivational May!

Tune in for a quick, uplifting message that will inspire and empower you to take on your day with positivity and determination.

Don’t miss your daily dose of motivation.

Behind the Mic

Angel intro

Angel Tapia

Host

My background in the healthcare industry and later within the metaphysical community created an interesting crossroads that led to my interest in the mind and body connection. Initially, I did the research for work, which evolved to learning for my personal growth, and now my goal is to share my curiosity and learnings with all. This podcast is an opportunity to continue exploring the melting pot of the mind, body, and spirit; through the experience of meeting others to share their personal stories, professional perspectives, and insightful conversations within our diverse communities.

Danielle

Danielle Ali

Mindful Moments Host

My life background is that I come from a large multicultural family; I have seen lots of pain and ways people try to subdue the pain this life brings. As a person living with CPTSD, I have learned so much about our central nervous system when trying to manage my challenges. It is a fascinating system; managing our mind and body connection is crucial to our overall wellness. We are all on our unique journeys, and the more we have conversations about all aspects of wellness, the more successful each of our journeys will evolve.

Guest Co-Host

Amy

Amy Finkelstein

Sleep Guide Co-Host

My journey with mindfulness started six years ago when I was diagnosed with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). For me, GAD and the ability to fall asleep go hand-in-hand, and I can recall struggling with racing thoughts while trying to fall asleep for as long as I can remember. My diagnosis helped me make sense of my struggles with sleep and introduced me to the world of self-care. These practices in my waking hours help me sleep much better. I hope these sleep guides will help you make time for mindfulness and open your horizons to new outlets to care for your body, mind, and spirit.

More Resources

Staying well isn’t easy, there’s much to learn about symptoms, management, and treatment. As a non-profit organization dedicated to education, research, and advocacy, GHLF has plenty of free resources available to get you started.

Chronic migraine wellness tips graphic

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Dial 988 for assistance anytime for 24/7 confidential support during a time of crisis

Cartoon image of doctor talking to patient

COVID-19 Patient Support

FREE program  to access updated information, community support, and other resources.

Illustration of group of people in different colors

GHLF Podcast Network

Embracing storytelling as part of our mission to reach the chronic disease patient community where they are.

Subscribe for More Wellness Resources

By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from the Global Healthy Living Foundation. We will never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy.

Wellness Evolution is a new podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation.

The Wellness Evolution Podcast and content are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any content shared is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a physician or qualified health provider.

Back To Top