HUSH Providence, A Wellbeing Podcast

Nicole BenischFounder, Light Spirit Essentials and Reyna CollectiveCertified Yoga Instructor, Herbalist, and Reiki MasterLifelong student of musicMember of HUSH ProvidenceCollaboration with West Side Yoga and Ecstatic Dance in Providence, and Harmony on HopeNicole will take us through her process of finding her purpose and passion through music and community. Her beautiful connection to her grandmother and grandfather guide and illuminate her path all along the way.Light Spirit Essentials is an umbrella for mind, body, and spirit health through meditation, music, reiki, and essential oils as well as the art of vibrational and energetic sound healing using crystal alchemy bowls. Reyna Collective is a free meditation accountability community existing at the intersection of personal care, group support, and community care.An herbalist, model, and kitten lover, Nicole will share her authentic and captivating perspective and full heart. She will also share her gift of music at the end to ground us as we make our way through the holiday season.

Amy SchenckFounder, Ocean State Reiki- Registered Nurse, Integrative Therapy Nurse @ Miriam Hospital- Board Certified, Holistic Nurse- Founder, Ocean State Reiki- Usui Reiki Master Teacher and Shamanic Reiki Master- Member, HUSH Providence and Thrive Tribe CollaborativeFacebook: Ocean State Reikiwww.TM.orgLearn about the role of nursing in holistic healing and the peer support program team at Miriam Hospital supporting our healthcare workers. Amy will share a summary of her recent trip to Chicago to present at the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) National Magnet Conference for Nursing and Miriam’s Magnet designation.Speaking from her heart, Amy will talk about managing grief and anxiety and how we all have the power to re-regulate our nervous system and re-program our beliefs. Holistic therapies have an equally important place in modern medicine. She will talk about her journey to Ocean State Reiki and the Zulu greeting ‘Sawubona’ meaning “I see you. I see you, too”. She will then recite from a favorite reading to shine light on connection and healing.

Michelle ClarkExecutive Director, American Heart Association, Southern New England ChapterFormer Director, AHA Go RED for Women MovementFormer Development and Operations Director, March of DimesMBA George Washington [email protected] more about the mission and purpose of the American Heart Association. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide. What lifestyle changes can you make today to change outcomes? Michellewill share some of the amazing events led by AHA: Annual Heart Ball recognizing Leaders of Impact, Annual Heart Walk, STEM Goes Red, Annual Go RED Luncheon as well as the new, exciting partnership with SHRM and Deloitte focused on health equity in the workforce. Identifying signs of a cardiac event and stroke can mean the difference in a positive outcome. Learn what we should be looking for to make a difference in a moment of need.Michelle will also share her personal health journey from last year, a story of awareness, the importance of listening to our body, resilience, and gratitude. So much of life to celebrate!

Karen and Ellen DeutschOwners, Stewart House, Providence, RIwww.stewarthousepvd.comA new home décor shop on the East Side, founded by sisters, Karen and Ellen Deutsch”For homes with character, and characters.’Celebrating Small Business Saturday, November 25th, just got alot more interesting. Attention to detail from the moment you are welcomed into the space to the storytelling of each unique, curated item, Stewart House offers customers a thoughtful aesthetic that can’t be denied. Karen and Ellen will share their design influences and the importance of building a layered approach to creative expression. Home brings purpose, intention and safety. Curiosity and continued editing allow an ever-evolving narrative of home while at the same time acknowledging the love and stories within the walls. A true partnership, Karen and Ellen complement each other as only two sisters can. Take the time to experience the store but also check out their beautifully designed website filled with Stewart House Stories, a journey of the senses that will immediately draw you in and make you feel at home.

Samantha LomowFounder & CEO, Playworks!Board of Directors, Claire’sFormer EVP, Chief Customer Officer, FootlockerFormer President, Branded Entertainment, HasbroGina MeloneChief Creative, Studio Big RockFormer Vice President, Innovation and Design, HasbroPlay Industry ConsultantRISD Graduatewww.playworks.funLinkedIn (Samantha Lomow or Georgina Melone)‘Play is the highest form of research.’ -Albert EinsteinBuilding on the concept and power of play and using play as a strategic catalyst, Playworks! helps leaders inspire organizations, creating a safe environment to innovate, take risks, and make change happen.Empathy is at the core of the human-centered design thinking approach to creative problem solving. Is creative wellbeing a new focus for the C-Suite addressing the ever-changing dynamic between leaders and employees? Learn from these two respected leaders how play can positively impact health outcomes, promote team building, build community, and stimulate imagination. It is critical now more than ever to acknowledge that the expectations of employees are evolving dramatically. Harness the innate human creative power to drive performance and culture.

Carrie Levine, CNMFounder, Whole Woman Health ClinicAuthor, Whole Woman HealthBS Public Relations and Women’s Studies, Syracuse UniversityRN & MSN, Case Western Reserve UniversityCertified Nurse MidwifeInstitute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitionerwww.carrielevine.com‘Wholeness resides in imperfection, There is beauty in the mess.’Learn how stress, trauma, lifestyle and nutrition affect your overall health and how functional medicine (the medicine of why) can target and prevent root causes of chronic health issues. Why is gut health and inflammation a critical piece in healing? What is the vagus nerve, why is it important and why is everyone talking about it? Learn more about the new field of sociogenomics and the social determinents of health. What’s the difference between true and false anxiety? Why is it important to rename self care to building resiliency? Carrie will talk about all of this plus the importance of regularly assessing consumption. It takes a qualified team to manage the miracle of the human body. Who’s on yours? Her book is a must read!

The Good SeedFounders: Chris Mulhall, Sue Kinnel, Ruth Hardmanwww.goodseedmarket.comA natural, organic foods market located in Seekonk, Massachusetts, founded in 1989 by three friends. Learn more about how our sponsors found their way to building community and impacting the health of three generations of patrons. A member of the Independent Natural Foods Retailer Association (INFRA) gives this local market a competitive edge as well as the support of 300 other store owners.Chris will speak to food industry trends, food insecurity, community support, customer demographics over the years, and their role as a trusted community information resource as customers continue their health and wellness journey. Taking pride while operating as an essentialbusiness during the pandemic and opening doors to a new group of customers dedicated to supporting small business.Check out their website and Facebook page for monthly sale flyers, new product offerings, and recipes. Better yet, visit the store and experience a friendly welcome and take advantage of their generous offer of a 10% discount on your first purchase by mentioning HUSH Providence.

Amy KnightVice President, Global Sustainability at Edgewell Personal [email protected] a commitment to community and an overall goal of delivering wellbeing, Edgewell lives its purpose and employer brand and is recognized as one of USA Today’s ‘America’s Climate Leaders.’With a career spanning over twenty years, Amy has been a strong advocate of the importance of environmental sustainability and will speak to the evolution of this role. Our conversation explores the concept of Human Sustainability which encompasses the development of skills and human capacity to support the functions and sustainability of the organization and to promote the wellbeing of communities and society. Four pillars of sustainability: human, social, economic, and environmental.As a mom of two twin boys entering college, Amy will share her transition and path to discovery as she and her husband enter this new chapter, embracing the loud quiet with intention. Her personal and professional paths connect at the intersection of joy.

Stephanie RobbFounder, Journey IlluminatedMindful Rewilding Outdoor ConsultantKripalu Certified Mindful Outdoor [email protected]‘Each star is a mirror reflecting the truth inside you.’ AberjhaniThe benefits of spending time in nature include both physical and mental wellbeing. By organically activating the senses through noticing, activities such as forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, boost immune system, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and improve cognitive performance. Stephanie will remind us that the outdoors invites you to explore with child-like curiosity. “No matter how old you get, may you always stop to fill your pockets with smooth stones…treasures.” (Nicolette Sowder)A storyteller at heart, Stephanie will recall a pivotal moment and transport us through visualization as we are reminded, profoundly, of the lesson in nature that life truly does go on. A glimmer of hope for us all.

Eowyn AhlstromBrown University School of Professional Studies, Mindfulness & MBSR Instructor/TrainerFounder, Middle Path Healing Arts10+ Years Mindful Movement and Yoga Instructor @ Insight Meditation [email protected]‘The real meditation practice is how we live our lives from moment to moment to moment.’ Jon Kabat-ZinnÉowyn will define mindfulness practice and benefits along with a brief review of traditional anchors: breath, sound, mantra, body scan, loving kindness and visualization. She will touch on extended mindfulness applications: mindful eating, walking, simply noticing, and movement as well as a core element of mindfulness, beginner’s mind which creates openness and curiosity.What is the invitation? Who and what are we inviting in? In response, Éowyn shares an excerpt from her recent blog, Contemporary Wayfaring, yearning for a more authentic, intentional life.Wrapping our conversation with a reading from her book, Mindscapes, Practice Poems, ‘Beautiful Offerings’.

Lori McCarthyExecutive Director/Partner @ Herren Wellness, Seekonk, MALicensed Alcohol & Drug CounselorCertified Arise Family InterventionistCo-Chair Hingham CARES Substance Abuse Prevention [email protected]‘If we understand the beginning, we can help change the ending.’ - Chris HerrenHerren Wellness opened in 2018 by former NBA player, Chris Herren (Boston Celtics) who recently celebrated 15 years of sobriety. The mission is to provide holistic wellness recovery services that positively impact the lives of individuals and families. The focus is on the ‘whole person’ (mind, body,spirit) by combining holistic wellness with medical/clinical collaborations for continuity of care. Key to success is identifying your why through a journey of self reflection and by accessing various modalities of functional and lifestyle medicine. Profound impact on the next generation through the Hingham School Program. Celebrating 36 years of sobriety, Lori will share her personal journey and provide insight into what to look for on ‘the first day’ of substance use as parents, siblings, friends. Powerful framing of hope in time of need.

Jessica BrownAssociate Professor, Industrial Design (RI School of Design)Founder, Lead Designer (Optimistic People Project)Founder Lady J [email protected]‘Her work is rooted in liberation theology, dipped in pop culture references, sprinkled with humor, and packaged in joy.’A true force of nature (je nais se quois), Jessica shares stories of her recent sabbatical adventures and resulting enlightenment. A discussion ensues of her passions, influences, and role as a teacher as she continues to design an authentic, meaningful path for herself and others. Her creative expression takes many forms as a visual performance artist, founding member of ERB, member of Toys2Men, and impactful community activist.Jessica’s understanding of wellbeing transcends all the senses, physical and emotional response and responsibility to honor spaces as well as places in history. Her work on The Green Book Project reminds us of her dedication and compassion to community. Jessica’s powerful voice and perspective comes to life in her latest FLOAT program to shape wellbeing and access to the water for Black Women. An important and impactful conversation.

Beau TompkinsVice President, OperationsRhode Island Blood Center (RIBC)www.ribc.orgTeam member at RIBC since 2008, Beau Tompkins will share the critical need for blood donations, regardless of season, and personal impact to saving lives. His role at RIBC is all-encompassing with blood recruitment, testing, inventory, distribution, and hospital relationships. From a detailed discussion on donor eligibility and debunking myths to the nation’s blood supply to pivoting in a pandemic, Beau’s knowledge and passion convey a message of purpose and caring in the community and his authentic commitment to the next generation of leaders. Six locations in Rhode Island and countless local blood drives make access seamless. The RIBC tagline and call to action say it all: ’Help Someone Else. Donate Blood Now.’In addition, and just as compelling, Beau will take us through his personal transformation to health and awareness of turning toward a clear path all while understanding the importance of surrounding himself with a loving family. His inspiring story is profound in its simplicity…one mile at a time.

Shelby Olivier Crofts, Associate Brand Manager, HasbroSarah Moffitt Knott, Senior Manager, Global Philanthropy & Social Impact, HasbroWelcoming two successful, career-minded URI Grads to share their perspective on being new moms as they balance family life and embrace toddler feng shui.‘The greatest predictor of tomorrow’s health is the wellbeing of today’s babies and small children.”According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard, we improve child outcomes when we invest in the adults who care for them.Discussion on gender roles and realistically prioritizing self-care, can women today achieve a healthy balance with boundaries and intention? Has an inclusive workplace mindset finally taken place that was started two generations ago? Open communication, the benefits of hybrid work schedules, contemporary benefits policies, and supportive family/friends go a long way toward achieving balance. Although much progress has been made, there is more to be done.

Dr. Sandy Musiel, Founder of Plant DocsTagline: Real Foods HealDr. Sandy Musiel will share her personal self-discovery to healthy living and whole foods, and plant-based nutrition. She is one of a group of physicians of Plant Docs, founded in 2019, a non-profit educational program dedicated to preserving health and reversing chronic diseases through whole foods.Through their signature “Jumpstart Your Health’ immersive, four-week session they have science-backed, evidence-based, undeniable outcomes from participants. Using Plant City in Providence as a home base (shout out to Kim Anderson) Plant Docs offers both in-person counseling and online programming removing any barriers to access.Dr. Musiel is currently pursuing board certification in Lifestyle Medicine and shares the six pillars of this specialty: plant-based nutrition, physical activity, stress management, addiction, sleep, and social connection. Find educational videos, recipes, events, and programming on their website:www.plantdocspvd.com

COREY THIBODEAUSenior Manager, Franchise & Consumer Marketing - PlayDoh, HasbroCo-Founder, West Side Yoga (Opened July 1, 2021 – celebrating 2-Year Anniversary)March, 2023 500 Hour Yoga Certificationwww.westsideyogapvd.comLiving purpose through passion both on and off the mat, Corey will share her story of yoga and her evolving ‘practice’. The concept of mat as mirror draws us inward. Balancing life and her invitation to ‘Meet Me on the West Side’ has led her to a very special and growing community of connection. Breathing in and letting go creates a beautiful space and mindset for growth. Taking advantage of opportunities as they appear in your path regardless of perfect timing is a lesson for us all.Corey will present details on her first studio retreat to Joshua Tree in September, the connection to Frank Sinatra, and tease her goal of a second location and podcast. She shares both her captivating smile and her light by encouraging us to be more present in the moment.

Jax Smith, Co-Founder (Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Shamanic Reiki Master Practitioner, BSN, RN)Jessica Xavier, Co-Founder (Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Shamanic Reiki Master Practitioner)www.thrivetribecollab.comwww.thrivetribecafe.comSharing their personal journey to Thrive Tribe Collaborative, Providence, RI and brand extension to the popular, award-winning vegan café, Thrive Tribe Café, Barrington, RIMission: ‘To serve as catalysts for authentic wellbeing through holistic practices and community-driven collaborations using ancient wisdom with modern-day practices. Focusing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components.” Change surrounds us - personally, socially, and societally. Jax and Jessica will take us through the concept of surrender. Learning to let go, let grace in, and live with more ease.Healing Arts Festival, August 20th Event to be held at The Overlook at Meehan, North Providence

Debra HonorDirector, Strategic Accounts, BANKW StaffingLeadership RI Graduate, 2022Board Member, Amenity AidFounder, Heart of Rhode Island Networking Group  Founder, Heart of Massachusetts Networking Groupwww.linkedin.com/in/debra-honor/www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/debrahonor2023“Connection is why we’re here: it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”  Brene Brown Debra Honor is a master at the craft of connection and community building. Both her day job and her personal passion center on curating connection. Her leadership and success with the Heart of Rhode Island has now expanded to Massachusetts! Debra is also a Cantor on Sundays, Board Member at Amenity Aid and Jimmy Fund Team Captain. Her life in service is inspiring and her smile is contagious.

Alana Almonte Owner, Anchored Soul Gallery Pawtuxet Village, RI Intuitive Artist Reiki Master and Teacher www.anchoredsoulri.comAlana shares her personal journey of discovery and healing through art after the loss of her sister. She will share the three keys to healing through art: being present, connecting with intention, and intuitive expression - ultimately using art as a meditation practice. Alana will explore how she gets inspiration from her two daughters and will offer an introductory guide to a Reiki experience, chakra, and crystals. She will also discuss what's new at the gallery including details about her new programming. 

Allie Crowder-Schaefer Senior Manager, Customer Advocacy and Engagement WorkHuman Sharing insights from this year’s WorkHuman Live event in San Diego, Allie will identify trends in the employee experience space through recognition and wellbeing. The evolution of work over the past few years has been transformative in many ways. Providing a culture of care with authentic leadership is more critical than ever before as lines blur in the remote and hybrid work scenario.  Both a personal and professional mantra, Allie is living her purpose every day with customer, employee, and family advocacy.  ‘People will never forget how you made them feel.’ Maya Angelou

Ashley Cotta GrantOwner, Food4Fuel Dietician Newport, RI Registered Dietician www.food4fueldietician.comFood is Medicine. Food is Pleasure. Food is Fuel. Sharing her own path to a healthy lifestyle through plant-based nutrition, Ashley explains intuitive eating. The holistic approach begins with mindset and intention. Encouraging intentional healthy habits and aligning with mindful consumption creates a pattern of success. Healthy lifestyle choices begin at any age and include sleep, hydration, nutrition, exercise, and reduced stress. A new mom-to-be, Ashley shares her plans to pass along her passion for plants to her little one. 

Christina RasieleskiSenior Consultant, Glint People ScienceVolunteer Executive Director, RIEECSharing the ‘20 Tips from People Scientists to be Happy and Successful at Work’ published by Microsoft Viva Glint.  Glint’s mission is to measure happiness as a barometer for employee engagement.  Marrying Christina’s love for HR and passion for wellbeing, her role at Glint brings her authenticity to the forefront.  Cultivating a culture of success begins with mining the employee voice, flexibility, trust, empowerment.In addition to her Glint position, Christina’s years of HR experience and former Bersin, Deloitte role make her the ideal RIEEC (Rhode Island Employee Experience Council) Executive Director.  A group of dedicated HR professionals sharing best practices for more than four years.   

Stephanie SlaughterOwner, The Love of SkinSeekonk, MassachusettsMaster Estheticianwww.theloveofskin.comHealthy skin is a true reflection of wellness. Stephanie will share her expertise in skincare covering everything from the basics to what’s trending. Making sense of aisles and aisles of products and numerous Tik Tok trends, she will help navigate do’s and don’ts of product selection. Stephanie will also counsel on the role of nutrition, stress, exercise, sleep and hydration to achieve a balanced, holistic approach to skincare. And, she’ll discuss her studio services and how you can achieve the best results at any age regardless of the season.

Ilhiana Rojas SaldanaFounder, Owner, Executive Leadership Coach at BeLIVE Coaching and ConsultingCo-President, United Latinas, Inc.www.belivecoachingandconsulting.comEmbracing her heritage and elevating voices otherwise unheard, Ilhiana has carved a remarkable path of impact for future generations.  When she is not leading her own BeLIVE mission, she is writing best selling books, delivering keynote addresses, sitting on several boards or acting as Chief Development Officer at ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America).  Breaking down cultural barriers by living her truth of passion and purpose, Ilhiana’s drive is palpable.

Kristie RaymondOwner, HumanKind Casting DirectorBoston, MAwww.youarehumankind.com”Where Every Body Belongs”  Inclusive forward-thinking casting agency where representation matters in advertising and product marketing truly changing the narrative to reflect the landscape of our society. Whether it’s curating a wellness panel for Rhode Island Fashion Week or spearheading the Changing the Face of Beauty campaign, Kristie is impacting clients, families and the community through her vision and her work and foraging a better path for her daughter and all of us.

Asa AngelOwner, Asa Angel Holistic HealingCertified Reiki Master, Yoga and Meditation Instructor, Intuitive GuideOriginal Member of HUSH Providencewww.asaholistic.comFrom the telling of her name origin and meaning, Asa will draw you into her personal journey to energy healing. She will expertly guide us through the seven foundational chakras and discuss both the physical and emotional benefits of Reiki, including the power of remote distance healing. Asa has also studied with teachers in the fields of evidence-based neuroscience and trauma-informed practices. The conversation will wrap with a lovingkindness meditation as we turn inward to pause and reflect.

Ally PizziAssociate Manager, Social Media, Hasbro, Inc.Whole You Beauty Studio ContributorEast Side Providence, RIwww.wholeyoubeautystudio.comCurrently on a self-discovery journey, navigating motherhood, her career, and her passion, Ally delivers her truth in a real and accessible conversation.  ’Following the breadcrumbs’ and taking back her personal power with intention, her story is inspiring and relatable. Finding meaningful joy and purpose every single day is the mantra for all of us. Embracing a pause, a pivot, and finding her voice along the way. Ally will also share her recent Kripalu experience.

Keely TaylorVice President, Senior Producer (add)venturesHeart Circle MemberMay is Mental Health Awareness Month and the 2023 theme is ‘More Than Enough’. Keely will courageously share her recent story of love and loss.  There are many lessons and her grief journey is at the beginning but in many ways she has gained enough wisdom for a lifetime. Understanding our value, place, and purpose does not always play out how we envisioned. She will lead us with love and bring awareness to a critical and growing crisis – one that we can all help to alleviate. By example, Keely will inspire you to be more present.

Jonathan 'JJ' JacobsFounder, Executive DirectorRAWKSTARS, Inc. and Guitars Behind Barswww.rawkstars.orgLiving at the intersection of Purpose, Non-Profit Leadership, and Social Impact, JJ will take us on a journey of resilience and passion for service.  Using his music as a vehicle to inspire kids of all ages, he is building community by example through music education. Channeling his vulnerability and storytelling, JJ is truly making a difference to many through his advocacy working with the Department of Youth Services. And, he may have shared his story of teaching life skills through music recently on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Katie McDonaldFounder, bNourishedSelf Care StrategistProfessional Keynote Speakerwww.bnourished.comKatie is a master class in self-care. She will take us through not only the actions, but more importantly the mindset required to live your best life.  Finding the solution within and silencing the old narrative is empowering and effective. She lives this purpose every day in her life and has approached the conversation through her own journey.  Fix yourself a cup of tea and take the time to listen to the strategies for success in self-care…’for doers mastering how to be’.

HUSH PROVIDENCE, a wellbeing podcast. Real people, real conversations, real life. We’ll be talking about all things relating to the human experience.  What makes up a life?  What creates joy and happiness? What makes humans the same or different?  How do we care for ourselves and each other? Listen to local topic experts, mentors, leaders, and healers as we journey through self-discovery.