If you’ve listened to Zestful Aging, you know that I love nature and am fascinated by its healing properties. In this episode we’re going to talk about a profoundly healing practice you may not have heard of. I do ask that you keep an open mind, because it sounds unconventional until you understand the science behind it. Dr. Laura Koniver is a holistic physician, and internationally recognized grounding advocate. Her work has been featured in many news and media outlets. She’s going to explain why grounding is essential to our good health. Find out more about Laura and grounding here: https://intuition-physician.com/ .

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Modern society has conditioned us to see aging as a depressing deteriorating experience with a growing list of pain symptoms and an even longer list of prescription drugs.  Some of our conversations can devolve into a comparison of newly discovered ailments. Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh was an emergency room doctor and experienced her own health crisis. In her search for answers, she was led back to Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of her South Asian roots. She’s written a new book called “The Longevity Formula” with the mission of honoring the passage of years and ushering in the second stage of life as a time full of vitality and wisdom. This book combines Ayurvedic principles and modern medicine to reduce inflammation, enhance cellular repair, and boost vitality.  Find out more at https://www.avantikumarsingh.com/

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You may remember my conversation years ago with documentary filmmaker Sky Bergman. Inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother, she created the film “LIVES WELL LIVED”, where she interviewed 40 people aged 75 and older to find out their thoughts on what was  a life lived well. Based on the success of this film, she’s written a new book, “Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS,” which distills the wisdom gained from the film and celebrates the essence of life shaped across generations. It explores finding purpose, supporting one another, and mastering the art of thriving through life’s ups and downs. Find out more about Sky and her projects here: https://www.skybergmanproductions.com/

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Are you as confused as I am about what to do to prevent Dementia? Are you considering buying the supplements made from jellyfish advertised on TV? Well we get the straight story from a researcher and clinician who is an expert in Dementia. Dr. Mitchell Clionsky is the co-author of “Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain” and he’s going to help us make sense of all of the science. Find out more here: https://braindoc.com/

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Are you one of those women who would rather talk about sex than money? Midlife women can put their heads in the sand about their financial future, and it’s to our detriment. I know for myself money brings up a lot of anxiety. Will I have enough to retire? What about long term health needs?

Ruzanna Queenan helps women who live life to the fullest grow their financial confidence and financial wealth. Growing up in Soviet Armenia with a single mom, she experienced the stress of financial vulnerability. She learned that financial planning has the power to help us feel more in control of our lives. Ruzanna helps women break through the mental and emotional barriers that stand in the way of their financial security through education, community, one on one support, and a long-term investment strategy that is aligned with their needs, values, and purpose. Find out more about Ruzanna’s unique approach: https://www.queenvestllc.com/about

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Many of us are aware that hunger exists in our communities. Some of us may even donate our non-perishables to food banks. Guest Kate Artessa and I talk about the initiative that she directs that brings attention to hunger in our community. Empty Bowls is a grassroots, innovative and creative approach to addressing hunger. It’s a brilliant collaboration of ceramics makers, community restaurants and organizers. The local Empty Bowls is a collaboration with Syracuse University and its Ceramic Arts Department, Clayscapes Pottery, in support of the Interreligious Food Consortium and its mission. For more information, please visit https://www.ifccny.org/

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When our child has mental illness or a substance abuse problem, we often focus on the adult child and getting them help– if they are willing. But how do the adult child’s difficulties impact the mother and how long is she responsible for parenting her troubled child? If he or she is violent, does she call the police on her own child? 

Professor and advocate Dr. Judith Smith has written a groundbreaking book that has sparked a long overdue conversation about the hidden and prolonged struggles of older mothers with adult children facing serious mental health and substance use challenges. The author of “Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change”, Dr. Smith Draws from her extensive research and the heartfelt stories of fifty women, Dr. Smith coined the term “difficult adult child” to describe the strain of dealing with issues such as serious mental health, chronic unemployment, and substance abuse disorder in one’s adult children. Find out more at : https://www.difficultmothering.com

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Would you give a kidney to your spouse? That’s the question that this week’s guest, Michael Small, answered.

We originally connected around his podcast I Couldn’t Throw it Out. Michael has performed in the NYC storytelling show “Tale”, and his plays have been presented in the “New York International Theater Festival” and “The HOWL Festival”. On each episode of I Couldn’t Throw It Out, Michael tells the story behind one of the treasures he has saved since he was 6 — including 15 years of interview tapes from his days as a reporter for People Magazine (Tupac being one of them!). It’s  a great, energetic conversation that spans his fondness for the late folk singer Melanie and his dedication to his immune-compromised wife. Enjoy this highly entertaining and tender episode. Check out his website: https://www.throwitoutpodcast.com/

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One of the great pleasures of podcasting is being able to connect with like minded souls all over the world that I would probably never meet in daily life. And even with all of its problems, FaceBook has introduced me to people I can’t wait to connect with.

Liezel Graham is an indie author, textile artist, and writing-for-wellbeing practitioner who considers beauty to be the antidote to many of life’s difficulties. Her work is informed by motherhood, the resilience of the human spirit, beauty-in-the ordinary, and healing the inner child.

She lives in Scotland and loves nothing more than long walks, taking lots of photographs of moss, and a good cup of tea! Find out more at LiezelGraham.com.

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We are in an era marked by social, environmental and spiritual crises. As a psychotherapist I am seeing more and more people feeling lost and in existential despair. Many of you know that addiction rates and suicide are at record highs. What can we do to respond to these immense challenges with some grace and resilience?

Renowned meditation teacher and author Oren Jay Sofer has created mindfulness programs for organizations, companies, and apps including Apple, Lumosity, Calm, 10% Happier, and Simple Habit to name a few. His new book, “Your Heart Was Made for This”, gives us a practical roadmap to face and transform our greatest personal and global challenges. Find out more at OrenJaySofer.com.

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com