Not a Standard with Michele Christine Weinstein

In this eye-opening episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Nick Ige (@the_flyinghawaiian), a former Army Ranger with an impressive ten-year tenure in the special operations community. With six deployments and commendations including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor, Nick shares his authentic experiences and provides a candid glimpse into the challenges faced in the army and the complexities of transitioning back to civilian life. Join us as we explore the depths of Nick's journey, from the realities of military service to the profound impact it has on one's identity and sense of self. Discover the untold stories, gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to serve in the armed forces, and become aware of the struggles army veterans face after leaving the army. But that's not all – we also delve into Nick's inspiring new path at Harvard, where he is studying neuroscience. Learn how his firsthand experiences in the military have ignited a passion for advocating non-standard forms of therapy. From cold plunges to psychedelics, we uncover the potential of these unconventional approaches in promoting mental well-being and healing. Whether you're curious about the realities of army life, seeking guidance on finding oneself after trauma, or interested in exploring alternative therapies, this episode is a must-listen. Gain valuable insights on supporting loved ones who may be struggling and discover resources to seek the support you need. Prepare to be enlightened and inspired by Nick's remarkable journey of resilience, transformation, and his unwavering commitment to promoting mental well-being for all. Are you Not a Standard? Be sure to join the community by following www.instagram.com/notastandard_ and subscribe to this podcast hosted by Michele Christine Weinstein www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein

In this inspiring episode, we are joined by Joyce Kahng (@joycethedentist), a remarkable individual who wears multiple hats as a mom, a wife, and the owner of a dental practice in Orange County, California. During our conversation, we touch on her journey as a dentist and as a mom, and the difficulties she has faced in a pregnancy that led to a stillbirth.  Following the conversation about her life, we talk about the unique challenges and rewards that come with being a “mommy dentist.” We also address the unrealistic standards that are often placed upon women in the field of dentistry. Of course, we couldn’t do this episode without talking about teeth!  On this episode we also dive into various dental care topics, including the best routine for dental care, the debate of which toothpaste is best, whether to use a mouthwash, and the importance of choosing the right floss. Join us for this insightful conversation with Joyce Kahng, where we explore her inspiring journey, the complexities of being a mom and dentist, and the advice that all dentists should be giving about finding the best dental routine. Are you Not a Standard? Be sure to join the community by following www.instagram.com/notastandard_ and subscribe to this podcast hosted by Michele Christine Weinstein www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein

In this empowering podcast episode, we are joined by Jillian Rihl (@t1dchick), a dedicated teacher who has learned to live with Type 1 Diabetes. Join us as we explore Jillian's inspiring story, from her diagnosis as a child to the pivotal rock bottom moment that sparked her determination to take control of her health. On this podcast, we talk about… -what it was like to be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at an early age -the rock bottom moment that caused her to take control of her numbers -the importance of building a supportive community as a T1D and where to find one -dating as a T1D and how you know you’ve found the “one” -how to afford necessary supplies and navigate the healthcare system -the misconceptions surrounding Type 1 Diabetes and what she wishes others understood about living with this condition Whether you're a newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic seeking guidance, a caregiver looking for support, or simply curious about the resilience of the human spirit, this podcast will leave you inspired and equipped with practical knowledge. Join us as we learn how to live beyond the boundaries of Type 1 Diabetes. Are you Not a Standard? Be sure to join the community by following www.instagram.com/notastandard_ and subscribe to this podcast hosted by Michele Christine Weinstein www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein

In this inspiring podcast episode, we are joined by Carolyn Rubenstein (@carolynrubensteinphd), a therapist based in Florida who specializes in anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism.  From the outside looking in, she seems like a “standard therapist,” but if you listen to this episode or follow her on social media, you’d see that she’s very unlike most therapists in that she readily shares her own struggles with anxiety and depression online to show what it means to be  perfectly human. Within this podcast, we talk about…. -Carolyn’s personal struggles as an individual and what inspired her to get into therapy -how to set boundaries without feeling like a bad person -how healing is a double-edged sword (in that sometimes you feel worse before feeling better) -things you should know about social media before checking it -the flaws associated with going inpatient (that lead many to relapse) -how to tackle anxiety and perfectionism -what to do if you are feeling anxious or depressed Are you Not a Standard? Be sure to join the community by following www.instagram.com/notastandard_ and subscribe to this podcast hosted by Michele Christine Weinstein www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein

In this inspiring podcast episode, we dive into the incredible story of Shawn Anthony (@shawnranthony), who is the founder of Pod Pro Max and the podcast host of “School’s Over Now What.”  We discuss how he went from working in retail to becoming one of the most renowned podcast hosts,  interviewing high caliber guests such as Ed Mylett, Grant Cardone, and Jasmine Star. On this podcast we talk about… -the art of networking and how to effectively connect with others to make your dreams come true -how to become a successful podcast host even if you start from a completely different career background -how things like anxiety qualify you rather than disqualify you -how to overcome self-doubt and stay focused on your goals -the importance of self-care as an entrepreneur Are you Not a Standard? Be sure to join the community by following www.instagram.com/notastandard_ and subscribe to this podcast hosted by Michele Christine Weinstein www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein

In this inspiring podcast episode, we dive into the incredible story of James (@make.life.happen), who battled an addiction to alcohol and drugs and found purpose in an unexpected place: his role as a dog dad to two deaf dogs.  Join us as we explore James' journey through the depths of addiction, witnessing the toll it took on his relationships, health, and overall well-being. Through raw, honest, and unedited conversation, James takes us back to the darkest days of his life, discussing the struggles that led him to hit rock bottom and get the help that he needed. Gradually and with the support of rehabilitation program, community, family, and friends James began to reclaim his life, one day at a time.  While it wasn’t perfect or linear by any means, he was able to get his life together... he got married to the love of his life, he found a job, and by doing so, was able to stay sober. However, that goes without saying, there were still tough times in his life. His wife suggested getting a dog, but he continued to say no. But during a really tough time during COVID, he saw a dog’s face on an adoption website and knew that he had to have him... even thought many others would pass him by because he was deaf. Fast forward to today, James has two deaf rescue dogs and has donated thousands of dollars to animal shelters through the support of his Instagram fans.  Through his dogs, he has found meaning…something in the midst of addiction, he never knew he’d actually find. On this podcast we talk about... the addiction that made him feel trapped the habits and routines that have kept him sober for 12 years what he'd tell himself as a young adult before becoming trapped in his addiction and of course, his two deaf dogs: Poundcake and Milkshake (who have gone viral on Instagram) Are you Not a Standard? Be sure to join the community by following www.instagram.com/notastandard_ and ⁠subscribe to this podcast hosted by Michele Christine Weinstein www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Grace (@mindbody_grace) , a former bodybuilding competitor turned holistic health coach. Join us as we explore how Grace's pursuit of having a perfect body eventually led her to a life-changing realization – that doing less (and having balance) can actually lead to more. Within this episode, Grace shares her personal transformation from the world of bodybuilding competitions to a serene yoga retreat in Bali. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the impact this shift had on her overall health and well-being. In this conversation, you will hear about Grace's exploration of various holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. You'll also gain insights into the powerful benefits she derived from adopting a more balanced approach to health and fitness. And you will also hear about cycle syncing, foods in Bali vs the foods here, disordered eating, social media, and why moving to Bali is the answer to everything. If you're curious about the remarkable transformation that can occur when we prioritize self-care, mindfulness, and stillness, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Grace's inspiring story of embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness after years of struggling with disordered eating. Are you Not a Standard? Be sure to join the community by following www.instagram.com/notastandard_ and ⁠subscribe to this podcast hosted by Michele Christine Weinstein www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein.

This weekend, my boyfriend signed me up for a fitness challenge. Not just any fitness challenge, but one run by an ex-marine raider. To say that I was anxious about going would be an understatement. But I went, only to walk into a room with all fitness dudes. As the only 5 foot nada female with hot pink shoes, you could say I was the oddity of the entire group. Listen to see how I dealt with anxiety and the 3 major lessons that I learned. If you want to see some of the footage from the event, feel free to watch on YouTube and/or my Instagram post. P.S. If you like this content and want to see more, feel free to subscribe to this podcast and find the Youtube to watch!

When I was kicked out of outpatient help for anorexia, I didn’t know what to do.  The hospital system, who was meant to help me HEAL gave up on me, and for a second, I really thought if that were the case, I should give up on myself too.  In that second, I really had two options: I could either give up or I could just say screw it, and try to get healthy on my own.  I decided on the later option, not knowing if it would work or not, but in all honesty, it has made all the difference in the world. Since that time, I have healed my body entirely on my own using food and fitness, took a flight to California (despite 9+ years of not flying due to flight anxiety), met Elie Tahari, and started living a life I never thought I could have. And ironically, it’s not because of the medical system.  It’s because of myself. And that’s just the thing… you don’t have to have a standard story or even take the “standard” path in life to get the life of your dreams.  Sometimes, it's about just saying screw it, I want better and moving forward in pursuit of your dreams. Have a story? Tag #screwitdoit on IG! INSTAGRAM (Host): www.instagram.com/michelechristineweinstein INSTAGRAM (Community): www.instagram.com/notastandard_

Screw it and do it. These were the five words that changed my life entirely. In less than 5 years, I was able to heal my body entirely using food and fitness, take a flight to California despite 9+ years of not flying due to flight anxiety, and push the play button on this podcast (despite every excuse not to). And that's just it. We all have struggles in life and we all have excuses to give up. But we also have the option to say screw it and get the life that we love. If you are looking for a community focused on self-improvement with a dose of humanity, this is your podcast (and your community). There will be interviews and solo episodes that will give you both the tools, knowledge, and motivation to enable you to LIVE YOU TO BE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE AND CREATE YOUR BEST LIFE despite not having a "standard" story. Because why be a "standard" (just like everyone else) when you can say screw it, change your life, and create one heck of a story? Feel free to subscribe for the latest episodes!