Episodes

Most of us treat pain as something to eliminate, but what if it's actually trying to protect you? Physiotherapist and MSK health expert Jessie Podolak breaks down the difference between acute and chronic pain, why the brain plays a surprising role in how we feel it, and why walking may be the most underrated medicine we have. A practical, hopeful, and insightful discussion for anyone living with pain. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19...

For women navigating midlife - and anyone dealing with burnout, overwhelm, or that nagging sense that your brain just isn't firing the way it used to — this episode is for you. Host Marianne Wisenthal sits down with Erin Wong, certified executive function coach and founder of Thriving Minds at Work, to unpack why focus, productivity, and energy can suddenly feel out of reach. Erin breaks down what the invisible mental load is really costing us, why traditional productivity advice so often stops ...

In this episode, clinical psychologist and LifeSpeak Advisory Board member Dr. Ashleigh Golden explores how AI is influencing mental health, anxiety, stress and emotional coping in subtle but powerful ways. From reassurance-seeking and perfectionism to emotional avoidance and uncertainty tolerance, we discuss how everyday AI tools may be shaping the way we think, work and manage difficult emotions. Learn how to use AI more intentionally while protecting your mental well-being in an increasingly ...

In this episode, LifeSpeak CEO Jason Campana shares his personal experience caring for his mother through dementia and Alzheimer’s. He reflects on the emotional and practical realities of caregiving, the mental health challenges caregivers face, and the lessons this journey has taught him about empathy, resilience, and leadership. This candid conversation highlights the importance of caregiver support, workplace understanding, and the need for more open dialogue about the personal weight of care...

In this episode of the LifeSpeak Podcast, Marianne Wisenthal talks with Dr. Christopher Willard — clinical psychologist, Harvard Medical School educator, author, and LifeSpeak advisory board member — about the neuroscience of negotiating with kids. From toddler power struggles to teen boundary-setting, they explore how parents can help children regulate emotions, advocate for themselves, and develop the negotiation skills they need to handle conflict, build confidence, and strengthen relationshi...

In this episode, Dr. Reena Kotecha talks to LifeSpeak’s VP, Content Marianne Wisenthal about the science of feeling better—without overhauling your life. Together, they explore micro mindfulness, emotional first aid, everyday recovery, and simple, research-backed practices that help you regulate stress, build resilience, and create lasting well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just ready for small shifts that make a big difference, this conversation offers practical tools you ...

Metabolic health affects energy levels, weight management, blood sugar, sleep quality, and how we age. In this episode, endocrinologist and LifeSpeak Advisory Board Member Dr. Hao Liu speaks with Marianne Wisenthal about insulin resistance, fatigue, metabolic syndrome, ultra-processed foods, GLP-1 drugs, and practical, science-based strategies to improve metabolic health and long-term wellbeing—without perfection, restriction, or extremes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...

In this LifeSpeak episode, host Marianne Wisenthal speaks with diversity, inclusion, and violence prevention consultant Trevor Mayoh about men’s mental health, toxic masculinity, and the urgent need for psychological safety at work and in society. Sharing his own journey with anxiety, Trevor reveals how rigid gender norms silence boys and men, and stresses the power of vulnerability, empathy, and authentic conversations to create healthier workplaces, families, and communities. See Privacy Poli...

Geriatric occupational therapist Karen Carney talks to host Marianne Wisenthal about empowering older adults to safely age in place. They explore early intervention, adaptive devices, financial realities, and practical strategies for families navigating cognitive decline, caregiver burnout, and the importance of planning ahead to ensure dignity, connection, and quality of life in later years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priv...

Psychologist Dr. Christopher Willard discusses today's college mental health crisis, the impact of social media and the pandemic, practical resilience-building strategies, and actionable advice for students, parents, and educators navigating these challenges.

Financial expert Shannon Lee Simmons shares insights on empowering tweens and teens with essential money skills, helping them build financial confidence and independence.

Organizational coach Katie Bowkett explores the art of goal setting, resilience, and personal growth.

Gerontologist Patricia McCarthy Faust explores brain aging and shares practical strategies from her book The Boomer Brain on reversing cognitive decline and promoting lifelong brain health through lifestyle changes and neuroplasticity.

Behavioral scientist Dr. Brooke Struck discusses using collective leadership to address conflict resolution.

Health advocate Shirley Weir shares her personal journey through menopause and her mission to educate and empower women.

Jennifer Snowden, a trauma-informed breathing educator and integrative breathing therapist talks about the powerful connection between breath and mental health.

Physician Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa shares her experience being the only black medical student in her cohort at medical school and how it led to her advocacy for Black health and equity in medicine

An advocate for parents of children with disabilities, Michele Rosner talks about her caregiving journey and how she finds joy beyond the struggles.

A discussion about the impact of weight-loss drugs on mental well-being

Two nurses share wisdom and stories from the frontlines to change our perception of the profession.

Author and mental health advocate Leanne Toshiko Simpson talks about her personal experience living with bipolar disorder and her first novel, a romantic comedy about mental illness.

Psychologist Dr. Terri-Lynn Mackay discusses how psychedelic-assisted therapy is being used to treat some mental health and substance use issues.

Reframing our thoughts about middle age.

ADHD in women