Monkey Chatter

In a special landmark 50th episode of the Monkey Chatter podcast, Amy, Lara, and Michelle are getting serious about rest! We're not just talking about a long weekend—we're talking about the deep, meaningful breaks that truly fuel creativity and avoid burnout.We’re making a big announcement: the Monkey Chatter crew is taking a much-needed sabbatical for the holiday season! Think of it as a planned hibernation—we're hoping to peel back the layers of stress, find some fresh intellectual jungle, and swing back in the new year with enough energy to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (or at least record another 50 episodes!).Michelle gives us the scoop on the sabbatical—what it is, where this ancient practice began, and how modern monkeys (like us!) can actually make long breaks work. We discuss how taking a proper time-out can be the ultimate defense against the dreaded burnout, how it fuels personal growth, and why sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is the key to getting everything done.Lara recently returned from a yoga retreat in Italy and shares how she found her inner calm (and probably ate a lot of delicious food). We wrap up by discussing the natural, almost primordial, rhythm of taking a break as we swing into winter and the holidays. It's time to follow the lead of the animal kingdom and recharge the batteries.If you’re feeling worn out, need a chuckle, or just want to learn how to master the art of the perfect rest, climb aboard!

This week, the hosts of the Monkey Chatter podcast—Amy, Michelle, and Lara—get real about the habit they know all too well: procrastination. Michelle owns up to it being "one of her things," while even the organized Amy struggles with the occasional task. Lara, however, wonders if a little pre-deadline chaos might actually be a productivity hack!They dive into the psychology of delay, making it clear that procrastination isn't laziness—it's just a fight between your brain and your desire to watch more cat videos.The Highlights ReelIt’s Not Laziness! The monkeys offer a definition of procrastination, separating it from simply being apathetic. It's an emotional battle, not a moral failing.The Frog, The Monkey, and The Deadline:They discuss the "old school" self-help classic, Eat That Frog!, pulling out tips like time blocking and tackling the absolute worst task first.Amy offers the "Little Wins" approach: knocking out smaller, easier things to build momentum before you tackle the monster.Lara argues that the impending pressure of a deadline might just be the focus tool she needs!The Pre-Game Plan: While Amy says procrastination only causes her stress, Michelle and Lara sometimes feel like they're actually working out the plan in their heads until the final deadline arrives.They explore the power of accountability—it turns out the fear of letting someone down is often more motivating than the fear of letting yourself down.Final Tips for Taming the Jungle of Dragging Feet: The hosts share their own ways to force action and accomplish that goalTune in to discover if you're navigating the jungle of your to-do list like a seasoned explorer or just swinging through the tangled vines aimlessly! 

Menopause is no longer a conversation whispered behind closed doors! It's finally having its moment in the cultural spotlight, and we're swinging through the jungle of midlife to talk about it!In this episode, we celebrate the "We Do Not Care" (WDNC) movement spearheaded by the hilarious Melani Sanders (1.87M followers on Instagram!). We explore why this message of radical authenticity is so powerful right now—are we finally letting go of the need to camouflage ourselves? We're embracing our inner primate and asking: do we really care what we wear or what people think of us anymore?We chatter about the hormonal changes, and the symptoms you actually experience, with brain fog being one of the big, frustrating ones that makes finding your way through the vines of life feel impossible. Lara brings her menopause-informed yoga wisdom to the mic, offering gentle, effective ways to manage the change. Michelle discusses challenging our expectations and toning them down so we can still accomplish goals, urging us to stop beating the jungle drums of self-criticism and saying, "I should have...". She also shares her mother's ingenious productivity secret: the 10-inch square tactic for getting big jobs done, which helps us talk about picking that one thing to focus on instead of trying to clear the whole rainforest at once.Of course, it wouldn't be a show about menopause without talking about the classic symptoms that make us want to scream like a howler monkey: hot flashes, anxiety, sleeplessness, bone and muscle loss, and the ever-present cortisol spike! We wrap up by discussing the healthy habits, eating right, and moving our bodies—focusing on what we do care about to keep our monkey minds calm and letting go of what we don't so we can feel as good as possible through the transition.

Welcome back to part two of our Gut Health series, "Mood, Food, and More Poop." If your brain feels a bit like monkey chatter when it comes to gut health, don't worry—we're here to help! This week, we're diving into the resources that have shaped our gut health journey: the books The Mind-Gut Connection and Fiber Fueled, along with the Netflix documentary Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut.Join us as we tackle the "30 plants per week" challenge! You'll hear how Lara and Michelle were both surprised by the jungle of foods they were able to add to their diets. We'll also break down the confusing world of FODMAPs and share our insights on tracking food and mood to better understand our own reactions. Amy even dishes on her food prep hacks, why she despises canned goods, and Michelle reveals the shocking revelation that beans now come in cartons. Plus, we'll give you a quick and easy recipe for roasting chickpeas!We'll also discuss how our gut health impacts everything from our moods and energy to inflammation—basically, our entire well-being. We'll chat about foods we love and hate, the amount of meat we consume, and who on earth is eating "airport kimchi." We'll also give a shout-out to the food scanning app Yuka and then get "down and dirty" with a candid discussion about fecal transplants (pro tip: don't eat dinner while you listen!).Get ready to learn just how influential your gut biome truly is. This episode might just change the way you think about your belly forever!

Welcome to the jungle, friends, and get ready for some serious gut talk! In this two-part series, your favorite monkeys — Amy, Michelle, and Lara — are swinging from the vines to make sense of all the chatter about gut health. It seems like everyone’s talking about it, but is it really the key to everything? What’s all the hubbub? We’ll be your guides on this wild ride, exploring everything from diet and stress to intuition and the surprising connection between your mind and your gut.Jungle Chatter: We’re asking the questions you really want to know, like “how do you even know if your gut is healthy?” and “do we really need all those probiotics?” Amy chimes in with her nutritional know-how, Michelle breaks down the mind-body-gut connection, and Lara gets real about how stress and cortisol can turn your gut into a total jungle chaos.A Turn for the... Sewer? Warning: things get a little messy. We get down and dirty and talk about the ultimate tell-all for gut health: the P-word. That’s right, we’re talking about poop! We even share some TMI about our own potty habits, so you can stop wondering what’s normal (or not!).Swinging into Part Two: Don't miss the next episode where we dive deep into the nuts of knowledge we've gathered from the books Fiber Fueled and The Mind-Gut Connection. We'll also be sharing our thoughts on the Netflix series Hack Your Health: Secrets of Your Gut.

Join Amy, Lara, and Michelle for a lively discussion on the true meaning of wellness. It turns out there's more to it than you might think. The trio dives into the four main categories of wellness, and Michelle, ever the curious chimp, gets everyone to open up about their personal definitions. The conversation takes some unexpected swings, from exploring the connection between wellness and happiness to a surprising reveal about Michelle's "really Catholic" upbringing, and a new book idea from Amy: "Hi God, It's Me Amy; Can You Just Help a Girl Out?" The ladies also share their own wellness journeys, and you'll have to listen to find out who they think needs more sleep!Finally, they offer practical ways to assess your own progress and leave you with seven actionable suggestions to help you on your wellness path.

Are you feeling utterly drained by the endless choices you face, like a monkey swinging through a never-ending jungle of decisions? Join Amy, Lara, and Michelle as they chat about decision fatigue, that sneaky vine that trips up even the most agile minds. We'll explore why your brain's capacity for making sound choices is as finite as a banana supply, and how that can lead to some truly "monkey business" decisions as the day wears on. But don't worry, we've got tricks up our sleeves! Discover how establishing a solid morning routine can clear your path forward, and how streamlining meal prep can tame the "what's for dinner?" beast. We'll also navigate the overwhelming landscape of too many options, from sprawling stores to the Amazonian choices found online – sometimes, more isn't always better.Finally, we're sharing our best strategies for managing decision fatigue. Learn about the power of creating your own "advisory board," how to effectively deal with less-than-perfect decisions, and how to build trust in your own intuition. Tune in and get ready to climb to new heights of clarity and make more intentional choices!

The Mid-Year Reset - Taking Stock of Your Wellness Journey Feeling like the first half of 2025 flew by in a blur of "monkey chatter" and forgotten resolutions? You're not alone! Join us for a much-needed Mid-Year Reset on the Monkey Chatter Podcast, where we're hitting pause, reflecting on our intentions, and setting ourselves up for a thriving second half of the year.In this candid episode, we'll dive deep into:Recap on Intentions: We're pulling out those bold plans we set back in January. Did we aim for mindful mornings, more movement, better sleep, or less digital distraction? We'll revisit what we hoped to achieve and why it mattered.Grading Our Progress: It's report card time! We're bravely assigning ourselves grades on how we've genuinely progressed on our wellness intentions. Expect honest confessions, a few surprising successes, and plenty of laughs.Amy's Check-in: Grade: F. Our very own Amy bravely admits that her intention to prioritize "being" over constant "doing" has largely fallen by the wayside, until we point out some of her successes.Michelle on Grace & Style: Michelle offers profound insights on the importance of giving ourselves grace when intentions fall short, and how to gently, yet firmly, move forward. And do her outfits reflect her intention for a more colorful life?Lara's Spring Awakening: After reviewing her mid-year progress, she's officially decided she'd rather set her major wellness intentions in the Spring instead of the pressure-filled post-holiday January. We explore the merits of this fresh approach.Mick, Deepak, and the Art of Aging Well: In an unexpected but fascinating detour, we discuss how the longevity and vitality of icons like Mick Jagger (still rocking at 80+) and the wisdom of Deepak Chopra (a pioneer in mind-body wellness at 78), and Lara's octogenarian Dad on road trips.Tips for the Remaining Months: Don't despair if your grades aren't what you hoped for! We'll share practical strategies and a fresh perspective to help you make the most of the rest of 2025.It's time to silence the frantic "monkey chatter" about what you should have done and re-energize for a more intentional, balanced, and fulfilling back half of the year. Tune in and reset with us!

Get ready to swing into some serious sunshine and laughter with the latest episode of Monkey Chatter! It's finally summertime, and we're literally going bananas reminiscing about our most memorable childhood and young adults summers. Think summer camps, lakeside adventures, amusement park thrills, plus our favorite treats! This episode is a true jungle of nostalgia!Join us as we chatter about:Michelle's Summer of Horses & Ponies: Relive the glory of Michelle's summer experiences at Sunny Brook Resort – did she have the time of her life, or was it a wild ride? You'll have to tune in to find out!Lara's Equestrian Escapades: Saddle up for a tale of Lara's time at horse camp at the legendary Camp Tippecanoe, where her first kiss may or may not have happened! It was truly a monkey see, monkey do moment... or not?Amy's Memories of Hershey Park: Get ready for a sweet confession as Amy tells us all about Hershey Park. Plus, hear about her stint as a camp counselor, which involved sleeping in a converted pig-pen. (Yes, the pigs are back, folks).Throwback Theme Parks: Michelle takes us on a whimsical journey back to Storytown and Gaslight Village, while Lara and Amy reminisce about the magic of Storybook Forest in PA. These parks were real barrels of fun!Classic Summer Fun: We'll swap stories about trips to the beach and local lakes, the epic battles of capture the flag, the enchanting glow of fireflies, and the irresistible allure of county fairs.Treat Yourself (and Maybe a Little Healthy, Too!): We're dishing our absolute favorite summer treats (spoiler alert: it involves ice cream!). But fear not, Amy's got your back with some surprisingly delicious and healthy alternatives.Local Exploration: Looking for some summer fun close to home? We've got recommendations for exploring your own backyard – no need to trek to the Amazon!So grab a frosty beverage, kick back, and join the Monkey Chatter crew for a hilarious and heartwarming trip through summers past and present!

In this episode of Monkey Chatter, we're diving into Jeff Krasno's book Good Stress! Join us as we explore the book's insights, from Krasno's unique writing style (get ready for a ton of dad jokes and big words!) to the crucial distinction between "hard" and "uncomfortable" that we make in our discussion! Did we love the book? Maybe not, but we found plenty to like...Meet Jeff Krasno: We chat about the author's bio, his writing style, and his love for both dad jokes and expanding vocabularies."Hard" vs. "Uncomfortable". We chatter about how this may change your approach to challenges.Picking Your Hard: Amy shares her perspectiveOur Favorite Takeaways: We discuss what resonated with us most from Good Stress.What's an Ambivert and what is its relevance to the book's theme?The Power of Social Fitness: A shout-out to the book's emphasis on communication and community.Analogies - there are some great ones in the book and Michelle throws in a zinger of her own!What, if anything from the book are we doing or have tried?

Join Amy, Michelle, and Lara as they swing through the digital jungle, grappling with everything from vintage tech like Blackberries and (still!) faxes to the anxieties of a rapidly evolving landscape. What pisses Michelle off about technology?Digital anxiety and fear of changeIs Lara writing bad checks?Amy's 97 year-old great Aunt can use Facebook, why can't we?Technology advances (or annoyances!) in carsLara foils a text scammerBecoming digitally literateand much more meandering about the topic!Tune in as the monkeys hilariously (and helpfully) break down digital dilemmas, share resources, and even offer tips for finding in-person tech support, such as your local library, community college, or senior center!

In the last of our Meet the Hosts series, Michelle and Amy interview Yoga and Wellness Monkey Lara! Lara's journey is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to find your true calling and create a space for healing and well-being. We'll dive into her incredible transition, exploring what sparked this profound shift, the challenges she faced, and the salty wisdom she's gathered along the way. We cover:How she decided to make the jump from a traditional industry to the wellness worldWhy open a Salt Cave and how did she come up with that ideaThe experience of knowing she wanted to make a big change and how that feltWhat struggles she faced early on, and what she learnedHow yoga influenced herMentors and business coaching; support systemsYoga retreats, wellness offerings, and more!Learn more about Lexingon Salt Cave: www.lexsaltcave.com @lexsaltcaveDiscover Italy with a Wine & Yoga Retreat in Tuscany with Lara: www.yogabeyondthestudio.comFollow Amy @bitbybitnutritionYou can find Michelle on LinkedIn (Michelle Mulcahy)As always we love your support! Follow us @monkeychatterpodcast @bitbybitnutrition @lexsaltcave

In this episode, the 2nd in our Meet the Monkeys series, we interview Amy, certified fitness and nutrition coach, owner of Bit by Bit Nutrition, and founder of Faithfully Fit, a community workout group at her church. Amy is also an avid trail runner, dog lover and rescue pet supporter, whose husband Tony created Archie's Blankets Across America.  Listen as Amy discusses:How she handles resistance in her coaching practice and tips on how to combat it, and if she's ever fired a clientSuggestions on how to find the "one thing" you can do to start making a differenceThe importance of a supportive community and what coaching might look likeHer leadership skills and how she acquired themStories of her days on the farm and what Amy knows about pigs, harnesses and sled rides (you won't believe this one)How she started on her own fitness and health journey, and what the heck is Canicross?Hummingbirds vs Jackhammers and the importance of cross-pollinationWhat drives her and why she became a coachContact Amy at: [email protected]'s suggested podcast "Choose Strong" with Sally McRae. Learn about Canicross at https://nacanicross.com/aboutSupport dogs in need with Archies Blankets Across America @archiesblanketsacrossamerica.We appreciate your support! Follow us @monkeychatterpodcast @bitbybitnutrition @lexsaltcave

In this first of three episodes where we interview each other, Michelle chats with us just in time for International Coaching Week, May 12-18th.  Learn all about how Michelle went from sales and marketing guru to being the curious monkey in our circus! We'll hear about:Finding balance with a job in which she felt stifled and pursuing her interestsHow she went from Ag Leadership in New York to Equus Coaching in CaliforniaWhere she developed her curiosity and love of learningThe importance of supportive parents who encouraged reading and outside playHow Michelle discovered the woo-woo with Grandma MillieWhat makes Michelle the "resistance little creature" she claims to beHow childhood trauma can shape your entire life view and affect your risk toleranceWhat this "wise woman" stage of life can teach the younger generationFor more information on Coaching visit the International Coaching Federation website at: www.coachingfederation.orgInterested in coaching with Michelle? You can find her on LinkedIn (Michelle Mulcahy)As always we love your support! Follow us @monkeychatterpodcast @bitbybitnutrition @lexsaltcave

It's a barrel of monkeys as Amy and Michelle travel to Lexington and the monkeys are reunited! This episode is recorded in one location (Lara's couch), and we get to laugh and chatter in person together about transitions and growth, as well as how each of us has navigated these changes throughout our lives. And stay tuned to our socials @monkeychatterpodcast for some branding updates too!

Digital Hygiene with Nishaan Sandhu.Join the monkeys as we welcome mind -body coach Nishaa Sandhu of Nourish Mind Body Spirit for a fascinating discussion about the effects our digital devices have on our lives! Learn about ways to reduce the negative impacts, and become more mindful, effective, and focused! Visit Nishaan's website at www.nourishmindbodyspirit.com

The Monkeys chatter about all things podcasting. How we met, why we decided to start a podcast, whose idea it was to start, lessons learned and the list goes on. We also get a little side tracked from time to time, shocker, and discuss 75 Hard, learning a foreign language, and the fact that we are just "normal" people trying to encourage others that they can do amazing things in life. Listen as we take a walk down memory road with a lot of laughs thrown in.

Check out the Monkey’s ideas for a bucket list, how our lists have changed as we’ve aged, and things we’ve done or think we want to do! And have you heard of a reverse bucket list? Find out which of us wants to fund a cat sanctuary, learn Italian, and go to Turks and Caicos!! Well, let’s face it; we all want to go to Turks and Caicos!

What is it about the beach? Is it the salty water in the ocean in the air? Is it the field of the sand between your toes? Is it just the idea of getting away from your local grind and experiencing something new and tropical? It's been a long and cold February and the Monkeys decide to chatter about all things, islands; lush and green and beachy! Totally off the cuff, we have fun discussing some of our favorite trips and favorite escapes! Piña colada anyone?

Join the Monkeys as they spend some time with Psychotherapist, Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor, Cindy Reed.  The Monkeys get introduced to another Amy (amygdala), as Cindy helps them better understand how their brains work, why anxiety isn't something we can just get rid of, and how to use our senses to turn the thermostat down when we need to.  Listen to the end for a special bonus and join the Monkeys as Cindy leads them through a mindfulness exercise that is simple, easy and most importantly, calms the monkey mind!

Welcome to our second episode of 2025 where we chatter about clutter and how it makes us feel. Listen and laugh with us as we talk about how we deal with it. Each of us falls into a little different category with our clutter clearing efficiency and Amy is clearly the winner! She and Lara turn the coaching tables on Michelle in order to help her get started "bit by bit"! This is a deep topic it seems and it will certainly spark other conversations going forward! 

Join the three monkeys for their first podcast of 2025, where we reveal each of our New Year’s intentions and phrases that we hope will help shape the next 12 months! We chatter about getting unplugged, being not doing, living life in color, nourishing and flourishing! And what do we think about the Funky AI Nanas and their hair color? Listen and find out!

Laugh with the Three Monkeys as we recap our first full year of podcasting! We chatter about some of our favorite episodes and guests, our plans for the future and of course, topics for 2025! This was originally our Podcast + Wine episode, but two monkeys showed up sans vino, so only one got tipsy (just kidding, no monkeys were harmed during the recording of this podcast!). Join us while we crack ourselves up and hopefully share some laughs with you too! 

Welcome to our penultimate episode of 2024, focusing on setting intentions! Michelle, our curious monkey starts us off with a summary of her mentor Lorin Beller's Intention Wheel practice. We discuss setting goals or making resolutions versus creating intentions and how intentions can be touchstones for making decisions throughout the whole year, helping us to meet goals. Amy reviews her recent inspirational phrases (such as "Simply Relentless" and "Live Fearlessly Motivated") and how they impacted her years, how she's feeling now, and what might be in store next! Lara might actually be able to convince her to start a practice of meditation and yoga! We chatter about how the last few months of the year can set the tone for your next year's goals and plans, and why mindset is so important! After this episode, our last 2024 show will be a fun recap (with wine, so who knows what will happen), then we'll be sharing our intentions in the new year, so stay tuned! 

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys! Join the Three Monkeys as we discuss “Letting Go”, what that means to each of us, and how we deal with the Three Ring Circus that most people deal with in their everyday lives. For some, letting go is releasing control of things we can’t control. For others it’s not sweating the small stuff.It could mean allowing past regrets or actions to stay in the past, in others words focus forward!  It’s different each we go down many rabbit holes! Enjoy the performance!

Now that we're fully immersed in the holiday season, our thoughts have turned to perfectionism and how it can impact our lives! While holiday planning and events can certainly bring out the perfection princess in many of us, we also examine how the appearance (many times false) of perfection can affect us. We chatter about Jamie Lee Curtis, Instagram-worthy pics, and the idea of the perfect life, training program, or meal prep. The monkeys examine practice and progress over perfection. We touch on the idea of how always striving to be perfect can lead to setting unhealthy and unachievable goals. Join us to hear our takes on all this and more. And guess how many times this copy was edited to make it perfect! 🙂

Welcome to November, the unofficial start of the Holiday Season, or wait, is it? Does the season seem to begin earlier every year? Doesn't it feel like we're being reminded about the impending hustle and bustle even before Halloween? Join the monkeys as we discuss it all in our Holiday Survival episode. We talk about the various pressures we all feel, how we cope, and what we've learned over the years (what is a Saran Wrap ball you say?).  And we offer tips and tricks that may even work for you! Set an intention to listen, learn, and have the most chill holiday season ever!

Listen as the three chimps chat about all the training, courses, and workshops we've taken or experienced over the years! What we find valuable, what we like or don't like in a course, and what we think makes a great workshop! We get off track on the subject of learning, teaching, and our various abilities to retain information!  And guess what? Focus and Deep Work come right back into the convo!  Guess our Yoga monkey is going to finally have to finish that book!

The monkeys chatter about their various experiences with Retreats (or lack of as it turns out for Amy!). We laugh about our first group retreat to Belize that actually wasn't (listen to hear all about it...), the trips we did take and loved and what makes a retreat great. Shout outs to Lorin Beller Retreats and Yoga In Unique Places! Let us know where our next retreat should take us!

Listen as the monkeys discuss some of their faves when it comes to listening and reading, and yes, audiobooks count as reading! We gab about some of the podcasts we have listened to and loved, or are currently following. Each monkey shares their favorite books list and we discover how our differences make us such a good trio! We cover classics and current titles, fiction and nonfiction, books on breathing, sleeping, eating, and more! This is a lighthearted, fun look into our different personalities and what makes us each tick, and we hope you take home a few suggestions of new reading and listening material.

Join the Monkeys as we chatter about the concept and book Deep Work (by Cal Newport). Deep work is a state of peak concentration that lets you learn hard things and create quality work quickly. Our various personalities shine through as we see who can focus and who finds it challenging! Can you guess which monkey finishes the book and which one of us can’t even get through the preface?

Listen as the monkeys jump into this very broad subject matter, inspired by the book Breath by James Nestor. Begin with an entry level breathing meditation led by Yoga Monkey Lara, then jump into the book's premise and some of its most interesting theories. How significant is mouth or nose breathing to our health? Can the way you breathe change your life? Have you heard of mouth taping, Nadi breathing, breathwork, or the Wim Hof method? These are just a few of the items that pop up as we let our monkey minds jump from topic to topic! 

What does it mean to be Brave? The monkeys discuss this hot topic from a place of personal and heartfelt life experience. We touch on the ideas of Brene Brown and the correlation between vulnerability and bravery. We talk about the ways everyday people show immense courage in the face of adversity. We share our views on taking risks and challenging ourselves. Isn't just getting up and showing up every day for ourselves and those in our lives brave?  Join us for this in depth chat between friends!

The Monkeys welcome Amy's running coach Jaci Wilson of www.jaciwilsonruns.com.  Jaci, who holds a Masters in Accounting and is a self professed high achiever, discusses her background and the corporate burnout that led her to becoming a coach. She touches on the importance of rest, breath, and mindfulness, and we chat about the myth of finding "balance" and how to gain more focus. As a holistic coach, she helps clients discover their WHY, and treats each person individually, designing programs that are specific to their unique needs. We have some good laughs and see why she and Amy are such a good fit! 

Join us for our second guest in this series on Coaching! Sheryl Woolverton describes herself as a Holistic Social Worker, Life Coach, Guide, Mentor, and Cheerleader. She went from Grief Counseling to Coaching, establishing her own business helping high achieving women transition from feeling lost in life or career, and rediscovering their true path!  She is her clients' biggest cheerleader and it shows. Sheryl offers vulnerability about her own life changes and is doing the work right along side her clients.  You can learn more about Sheryl at www.sessionswithsheryl.com and follow her on social media @sessionswithsherylWe hope you  enjoy this candid conversation about what coaching has to offer!

The first in a series of conversations with coaches the Monkeys love, Amy, Lara and Michelle talk to Lorin Beller of Lorin Beller & Co about her 20 plus years as a successful coach.  Listen in as Lorin talks about how her approach has changed over 2 decades, her work with what she now refers to as her Intention Wheel, and the big part hosting retreats on both coasts has had on her business. You can find Lorin at https://lorinbeller.squarespace.com/

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.  Amy and Michelle take a deep dive into their experiences as both coach and client. Is it worth the time and money? What’s most impactful? Is it the accountability, the powerful questions, the safe space to “muck about” or something else.  Missing Lara? Don’t worry she’ll be back for our next 3 episodes when we are joined by coaches that have made a difference in our lives!

Part 2 of this topic needs a whole episode to itself! The monkeys talk about the influence of alcohol on health and wellness, from our own personal lives, our family backgrounds, and what we see in next generation!  We chit chat about the 75 Hard program (we'll explain if you don't know) and the changes alcohol makes in resting heart rate, mental clarity, energy levels, and sleep!  We dive into the concept of living alcohol free spurred by the Rich Roll podcast with Andy Ramage, a former professional athlete turned coach, author, and co-founder of the DRYY app. He believes that living alcohol free can improve every aspect of our lives.  Oh, and what's Nosecco? Let's chatter!

Did you know that there is approximately $14 Billion spent on Food, Beverage & Restaurant advertising in the US each year? And 80% of that is for candy, sweets, and unhealthy foods (especially fast foods!).  The monkeys chatter about how unhealthy food and beverage marketing influences all of us, and the access to cheap, processed foods outweighs the ease of fresh, whole, and healthy options. We discuss our own methods for trying to stay healthy, avoid temptation of the "bad" stuff, and obtain good nutrition (Wait, how many grams of veggies are we supposed to eat?)! The conversation continues with Part 2 focusing on the influence of alcohol on our wellness.

This week the Monkeys get motivated by the impending good weather that Spring & Summer promise! We take you outside to discuss all things nature and trees, specifically Forest Bathing! This episode was inspired by our love of the outdoors and nature in general, but was also influenced by the lovely podcast series The Highland Quietlife, hosted by Nature & Forest Therapy Guide Cath, based in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Forest Bathing and being surrounded by nature offers real health benefits and trees are simply amazing beings! Join us to hear our views and experiences!

To celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, we offer this Bonus Edition of Monkey Chatter! This episode was born out of our shared love of animals, and some special rescue pets that have touched each of our lives. Listen as the monkeys chatter about our current and past rescues, some special organizations we support, and our hopes that more people can adopt and share in the love! Check out the following organizations for more info:  Beagle Freedom Project https://bfp.org/ Archie's Blankets Across America on IG and FB Cruelty Cutter (app) Your Local Shelter!

The monkeys take a deep dive into the renowned book "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker. Join Amy, Lara, and Michelle as the monkeys chatter about the implications of sleep on overall health and wellness as presented by author and neuroscientist Matthew Walker. This episode starts with a brief update from our curious monkey Michelle on her experience with buying workout shoes and socks from the last episode on workout clothes!  Then listen as we discuss the amazing, and sometimes scary effects that quality and quantity of sleep can have on our lives, from weight  management, to learning ability, heart health, and more. We chat about our own struggles and experiences with sleep from the perspective of three different age groups, and challenge our audience to take a close look at their sleep habits!

The monkeys delve into the best-selling book by neuroscientist Matthew Walker, in this two-part episode. In Part I, we examine our own sleep patterns and the premise of this groundbreaking book. Sleep is an incredibly powerful tool to help us feel and perform at our best. The team vows to finish the book, put what we read about into practice, and share even more about what we learned for Part II! 

Wow do we have different views when it comes to workout, yoga, or exercise gear!  This is light episode where we have fun sharing our faves.  Listen as the monkeys discuss their various views on what we wear, and why, from running shoes, socks, and hats, to yoga tops and pants, and Michelle's favorite (and perhaps a little unconventional) walking outfit!  Show Links: www.charmcityrun.com www.swiftwick.com www.constantlyvariedgear.com www.wacoal-america.com www.bodyglide.com www.squirrelsnutbutter.com www.alteregorunning.com

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you insist on a strict A.M. schedule to keep you on track or is  there a relaxed pattern to the start of your day? Or maybe the sound of the alarm fills you with terror as you race to get everything done in order to leave the house on time!  Listen as the monkeys relate their own experiences and routines, and even discuss SAD lamps! What is a SAD lamp you say? Listen and learn friends!  

Join the monkeys as we chatter about the benefits of being grateful and Amy becomes the "Curious Monkey"!  We address having a gratitude practice and what that looks like, as well as how people find ways to feel thankful in so many different scenarios. It's personal and everybody has individual definitions of gratitude, as well as how to find, share, and experience it!

A perfect follow up to our last installment of Monkey Chatter: The Importance of Community, Episode 4 discusses how powerful a group of monkey minds can be when they set the same intention! Listen as we share our personal thoughts on the matter, and chatter about real life scenarios like the Resonate Peaceful Cities Project! There's even a book recommendation or two along the path!

The monkeys chatter about the importance of community and having access to support from like-minded people.  Learn and laugh with us as we introduce a few stats, then discuss our own tribes and share examples of when and how it really matters. We get personal while giving and getting a little love from each other!

Did you know only 8% of New Year’s Resolutions actually succeed? The Three Monkeys take a deep dive into the concept of traditional resolutions and why they typically fail. We delve into the difference between intentions and goals, and share favorite authors and influences. Each monkey offers their unique take on how to succeed with creating intentions. Join us to take a closer look at how you create your best year! Monkey Chatter – Who You Hang With Matters!

Our inaugural podcast introduces you to the Three Monkeys. Three colleagues turned friends, living in three different states, with three views on all things wellness!  What began as candid conversations on being our best selves, morphed from zany Zoom calls into an idea for the Monkey Chatter Podcast, where we share our experiences with the mainstream!   Join Food & Fitness Monkey Amy, Yoga & Meditation Monkey Lara, and Curious Coach Monkey Michelle, as they introduce each other (without rehearsal)! You'll notice the three distinct personalities, probably hear some inside jokes and teasers for future episodes, along with finding out how well they really know each other! Along the way, you'll notice there's a deep friendship and desire to help others delve into the world or wellness! We hope you love our silliness as much as we do!  Monkey Chatter – Who You Hang With Matters!