In this week’s episode of Redesigning Wellness, Jen sits down with Laura McKibbin, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with experience in the healing and prevention of eating disorders. She is the creator, speaker, and advocate of the “Food for Thought” pyramid as well as the Health at Every Size (HAES) movement. Both exhibit holistic and balanced ways to think about your overall health and wellbeing, rather than just measuring success by the number on the scale.

Tune in to hear more about HAES, an alternative approach to helping individuals who may experience challenges centered around weight, exercise, eating, and body image.

Together, Jen and Laura also break down the differences between mindful eating and restrictive eating, and why one is a healthier and much more successful approach over the other.

Be sure to listen until the very end! You’ll walk away with quite a few unique ways to weave HAES wellbeing strategies into your worksites.

For show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

In this week’s episode of Redesigning Wellness, Jen sits down with Samantha Thomas, Executive Director at Dream Change, Public Relations Consultant, and Founder of The Love Summit. The Love Summit business conference, hosted by Dream Change, aims to help companies, the government, and the public understand how love can be used to drive social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

Tune in to hear about how and why The Love Summit started as well as how Samantha successfully shattered the taboo of using the word “love” in the title of a business conference.  

Jen and Samantha dive into a discussion about why it’s so unnecessarily scary to talk about love in the workplace and ultimately leave the listeners with a few practical ways to infuse a little bit of love into our organizations.

For show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

In this week’s episode of Redesigning Wellness, Jen sits down with Dr. Michelle Robin, international speaker, best-selling author, radio host, and a practicing chiropractor. She is also the founder of Your Wellness Connection, one of the most successful integrative healing centers in the U.S.

Throughout this interview, we discuss Michelle’s approach to wellness, how she is successfully bridging the gap between eastern and western medicine, why people should start with small shifts, and what barriers may stand in the way of implementing those small shifts, especially in the workplace.

Together, we walk through her four quadrants of well-being to further understand how small changes really can lead to big, impactful shifts in one’s wellness journey.

For show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

In the week’s Redesigning Wellness Podcast, Jen sits down with Brett Powell, Vice President and Wellness Consultant at the American Institute for Preventive medicine. He initiated some great research around the different generations in the workforce.

Together, Jen and Brett discuss what he observes clients doing around wellness in the workplace, what advice he gives to them, and how to best build a wellness program that is appealing to multiple generations.

They also dive deep into the multi-generational research that he conducted and published in 2016. Finally, Brett gives the listeners tangible tips on how to apply this research and he generously offers the survey questions that he used so any of wellness professionals can access them and apply them to their current initiatives.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

In today's interview, Jen sits down with Ryan Picarella, President of WELCOA, to get answers to the crowdsourced questions of the Redesigning Wellness Community.

Ryan and Jen discuss the code of conduct and how WELCOA is revising the seven benchmarks, as well as the impact this has on the WELCOA award.

Together, they explore a question we are all beginning to hear more and more often: how should we measure this new world of wellness that is less about ROI and more about kind of the non-tangibles?

Ryan wraps up the interview by telling us a little bit about what was successful and not so successful at this year's summit, as well as what attendees can expect for future events.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

In this episode of Redesigning Wellness, I talk to Bryan Falchuk, Best-Selling Author, Insurance Executive & Leadership Expert.

Bryan has an inspiring story. He went from being obese and depressed to running marathons. He became vegan in just one day. He got his Master's from a top school and rose to a senior executive position in a successful business. And now he's a bestselling author and contributor to Inc. magazine.

Bryan has transformed his life and developed an approach to help others do the same, which he teaches in his bestselling book, do a Day. And he's here today to share that philosophy with us.

On this week’s podcast, Bryan also tells us his very deeply personal story about nearly losing his wife to illness while their young son watched, how he came up with the idea for his book, Do a Day, and he also tells us a couple bad boss stories and how that influenced his current style of leadership.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

Today's episode is all about gratitude. Today's guest is Andrew Horn, a serial social, entrepreneur, speaker, and writer and he's in Brooklyn, New York. He's a global shaper at the World Economic Forum. He was selected for startup Boosts 33 under-33 list for 2017. He received the mayor's community service award in Washington D.C. at the age of 23.

In 2014, Andrew launched Tribute.co which the New Yorker recently called Hallmark 2.0. Tribute is what we're really going to talk about today. Andrew is on a deep mission to spread gratitude and meaningful connection in the world and is responsible for over 50 thousand tributes since he launched.

I'm extremely grateful because Andrew offered all of you, all of my podcast listeners, 50 percent off their first tribute and the code is rwpodcast-all lowercase, no spaces and it's valid through December. Go ahead listen to the podcast. He gives the code on it, but I wanted to also note that there is a great code. 50 percent off and the cost is only $99 anyway, so it's relatively inexpensive.

So in today's interview, Andrew and I discuss how Tribute was formed, how it can be used in the workplace, the science behind gratitude, and some simple systems companies can put in place to foster gratitude. After our conversation, I just felt so good. I felt uplifted and I hope you are, too. 

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

Why is health the set of habits that humans battle with more than any other?

In this episode of Redesigning Wellness, Jen speaks with Andrew Sykes, Professional Speaker, Habit Actuary, and CEO of Habits at Work to tackle this very question. Andrew introduces us to what his organization considers to be the four main contexts of wellness, as well as how he is currently impacting these contexts in the workplace today. Together, Jen and Andrew dive into the three most impactful sets of habits for human beings: habits of health, happiness, and financial security.

Together, Jen and Andrew dive into the three most impactful sets of habits for human beings: habits of health, happiness, and financial security.

From rigorous research in the BRATLAB to real-life theory application in the workplace, Andrew and his team feel they have cracked the code. Tune in to catch of glimpse of his a wealth of knowledge on habit creation, well-being in the workplace, and insight into how we can provide an environment that allows employees the opportunity to leave healthier than when they arrived. 

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

Today’s guest is Dr. Mark Thurston, Ph.D., Director of Educational Programs at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. With an academic background in psychology, Mark has worked for 35 years in adult education related to consciousness, holistic health, and personal transformation.

He is author of numerous books related to personal spirituality, dream psychology, meditation, and the transformation of consciousness. He teaches courses "Leadership and Mindfulness"   "Consciousness, Meaning and Life-Purpose"  

In this episode of Redesigning Wellness, we discuss the one-of-a-kind classes and programs offered by the center, how he and the university defines well-being, and what he personally recommends in order to attain and retain resilience across the lifespan.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

Today's interview was a new experiment, a panel! Today on the podcast, I have 3 past guests who are wellness consultants and speakers - Laura Putnam, Rosie Ward and Brian Passon.

When I was thinking of going out on my own, I wanted to hear from those who have already done it but I only had a couple people who had gone on their own in the wellness space.

Today I bring that advice to you. Today’s guests have been on their own for at least 6 years and talk about what it took to be where they are today.

They tell us what made them decide to go out on their own, their “oh crap” moments and what keeps them going. They leave us with advice for anyone out there who’s looking to make it on their own in the wellness industry. I honestly was surprised by one their answers.

If you go to You Tube and watch the video interview, you’ll meet Brian’s friend Wendy Wellness and see one of his daughters bring him iced coffee. Brian never fails to keep it interesting. It was awesome!

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

In this episode of Redesigning Wellness, I talk to Deb Smolensky, VP and Global Practice Leader, Wellbeing and Engagement for NFP. Deb, an industry leader with over 20 years of wellness experience, is also the Co-Founder and Executive Financial Director of the non-profit organization Global Women 4 Wellbeing (GW4W).

Together, we take an in-depth look at what it means to approach wellbeing initiatives as a private investigator, to really put yourself in the shoes of the client.

We discuss the challenges that come with the current and futures trends of our industry, as well as explain why the think, look, and listen approach is key in our roles as wellbeing professionals. Deb also dives into an unique new approach—customized wellbeing programs based on lifecycle events.

The full transcript can be found at https://redesigningwellness.com/

For this week’s rebroadcast, I’m featuring Rebecca Johnson’s interview on Mindful Eating in the Workplace. If you haven’t heard me mention this, I took over her role as Director of Workplace Wellness for Am I Hungry? and she now has a full time gig at Corporate Fitness Works. Rebecca is the one who introduced me to AIH, Mindful Eating and a whole new paradigm around weight. Nothing but mad respect for her!

Workplace wellness programs tend to focus on obesity and ways to get employees to lose weight. Unfortunately, many organizations rely on weight loss methods that don’t work and may reinforce restrictive eating, yo-yo dieting and ultimately, more weight gain.

In this conversation, Rebecca and I talk about how she got her start into the health and wellness industry, how we can help push the wellness profession forward and the tenets of the Am I Hungry training.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can email me at jen@redesigningwellness.com or visit www.amihungry.com and fill out a contact form.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

For the first time in over a year of producing this podcast, I’m  taking a much needed break (albeit a short one).

I’m spending this break to regroup, schedule and record some awesome interviews and promote the ones I’ve already completed.

Next week, I’m heading to the WELCOA Summit next week for the very first time. I figured it was time to get out of my house, get out of my work out clothes and talk to people face to face. So, if you are going to be there, let’s connect! 

In light of next week’s WELCOA Summit, I’m rebroadcasting my interview with Ryan Picarella, president of WELCOA.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Ryan's career at the Blues of Tennessee and the wellness initiative that seemed to work best with their employees.
• Why you don't need a large budget to have a successful wellness program
• How he got to be President of WELCOA and a friend that nudged him to apply
• His first 6 months on the job and his aggressive course for changing things
• How the ROI conversation put the wellness field in a precarious position

Ultimately, Ryan thinks we're having the wrong conversations around wellness.

He gives us advice on:

• How to change the culture
• Where the wellness function should sit within the org (hint - it's not in benefits)

Ryan is very transparent about the changes he's making within WELCOA and gives us a behind the scenes recap of their brand redesign. He also shares the 3 words that represent WELCOA's brand.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

In today’s episode, Jen interviews Dr. Joel Bennett, coachsultant and president of Organizational Wellness and Learning Systems. Joel is a certified wellness practitioner with 28 years of experience in his field. He creates science-based wellness and learning systems that will help structure and manage wellness in organizations.

In today’s episode of Redesigning Wellness, Joel and Jen take a in-depth look at what it means to approach wellness from a place of wisdom, as opposed to knowledge.  They define the terms, discuss the current trends of workplace wellness today, and explain why wholeness is synonymous with wellness.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

One area that Jen has not yet covered over the life of her podcast, Redesigning Wellness, is the topic of mental health. She found today’s guest, Joseph Rauch, from his articles on Huffington Post that discuss mental health in the workplace.

The heart of this episode is to open up a discussion about mental health and take listeners into a deeper understanding of what one faces when wrestling and coping with a mental illness.

Joseph will graciously share his own story of what it was like to live with anxiety depressive disorder throughout his formative years and now, as an adult in the workplace. Joseph will also share valuable insights regarding how to approach mental and chronic illness in the workplace and how starting the conversation is an incredible step towards awareness and change.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

What exactly is a psychologically safe workplace? And what’s wellness got to do with it? Questions like these are what today’s guest on Redesigning Wellness answers.

Meet Karen Mastroianni, a nurse who’s been running her own wellness company successfully for the past 24 years. Karen is a master on the subject of psychological safety (a big reason the National Wellness Institute asked her to host their webinar on the topic) and believes achieving psychological safety without a holistic approach to wellness is impossible.

Tune-in to hear Karen’s talk about the evolution of the wellness business since the early 1990s, the ascension of psychological safety in the workplace and how unrecognized biases can impact how we practice wellness.

For full show notes visit https://redesigningwellness.com/

Today is a special episode as the tables are turned and listeners get to know Jen Arnold, founder of Redesigning Wellness. Bob Merberg not only convinces Jen that it’s important for listeners to know her story; but interviews Jen himself.

Jen shares her beginnings working as a wellness professional in a corporate setting before pivoting to the entrepreneurial world of wellness. She openly shares about how her shortcomings and lack of knowledge at the outset of her experience and how it motivated her to learn more, teach more, help more, and continue the discussion of wellness through her company, Redesigning Wellness.

Tune into find out the weaknesses of an outcome-based based program when it comes to wellness and the importance of looking at one’s health holistically.

For full show notes visit: www.redesigningwellness.com

As wellness professionals, most of us are supporting employees in living healthier lives. When and why people change their behaviors has always been fascinating to me. Why do some people change when others stay stuck?

Umar Hameed helps people get unstuck from any limiting beliefs or inner conflict that hold them back from accomplishing what they desire. He is an expert in changing individual behavior and improving team dynamics. Umar uses techniques and tools from the world of applied neuroscience and neurolinguistics programming (NLP) to help individuals and organizations become more successful.

Umar believes every behavior and team dynamic has an underlying belief that drives it and one must address these beliefs to create change. Listen in as Umar explains how we get unstuck from our limiting beliefs, inner conflicts and hotwired responses in order to create real change in our lives and business.

If you’re a regular listener, you’ve heard me mention an online wellness community for us (wellness professionals) share ideas. Well, it’s now open!

I decided to make it a closed Facebook group because most of us are on it anyway, so why create another log in and password for any of us.

Let me tell you the why behind this community. A few months ago a friend and colleague emailed me with all of these crazy requests from her boss to defend her role. One of them was “tell me why you can do this job better than an admin”.

I helped her as well as I could but I wanted to get input from others in the field to help her but the only forum we have is email or Linked In….and neither of those felt right. What if I could design a community where she could post the challenge and we could collectively jump in to help her solution?

That’s why I built the Redesigning Wellness Community as a group on Facebook. It’s a closed group so you’ll have to request to join. This is to keep out the spammers and bots but to also make sure to keep it a positive community.

As health professionals, we all know the importance of good sleep but how often do we include in into our wellness initiatives or address it at the workplace? On podcast # 7 I interviewed sleep researcher Dr. Rebecca Robbins and I thought we should re-address this health factor.

Today we talk about:

• What stands in our way of getting enough sleep
• What happens when people don’t get enough of it
• We talk lions, bears and wolves
• He leaves us with his top sleep tips and I’ve implemented one of these right after our interview.

You’ll learn more about my sleep habits then I’m sure you care about and we learn how Dr. Breus's sleep habits defy some common sleep advice.

For full show notes visit www.redesigningwellness.com.

How often do you incorporate or highlight doing good, giving, volunteering, mentoring, etc. within your wellness offerings? It turns out that giving can impact your well-being.

Today’s guest is Dr. Stephen Post. Stephen is an interesting fellow with a lot of knowledge around the benefits to doing good.

In this interview, he defines what doing good means, the health benefits, if you can overdo doing good and how to incorporate doing good into the workplace. Stephen also makes fun of my southern accent and leaves us with a joke that my 4 year old loved.

For full show notes visit www.redesigningwellness.com

Ed Harrold’s mastery in the science of mindful breathing has guided him to apply conscious breathing practices in corporate performance coaching, fitness & athletic training, healthcare trainings, stress reduction and overall health and well-being.

Ed is a contributing health & wellness editor for many publications including Huffington post, Thrive Global, MindBodyGreen, PTOnTheNet, & Corporate Wellness Magazine.

When Ed first reached out I was skeptical (because that’s me) that he could offer something new about breathing and mindfulness to you guys. Let’s just say he delivered! In fact, I was engrossed in what he was saying and kinda forgot it wasn’t a private conversation and I ask an off topic conversation about my childhood and how I was raised.

Other than that, we discussed using therapeutic mindful breathing as a tool for well-being, how it can help you achieve a state of flow, and how you can incorporate these techniques into your day.

For full show notes, visit www.redesigningwellness.com

Most of you have probably heard of or are members of WELCOA (Wellness Council of America). My 5th podcast interview was with the President of WELCOA, Ryan Picarella, where he shared his vision for changing the wellness conversation.

The change in leadership (from former President, David Hunnicutt) has also brought in new blood to help Ryan execute on the organization’s strategy. Todays guest is Sara Rauch, the Director of Strategy and Planning at WELCOA. Sara tells us a bit about the inner workings of WELCOA, some upcoming updates to the Well Workplace Checklist and Award, why WELCOA’s a neutral force in the market and she shares a deeply personal story that led her into the field of organizational/industrial psych and wellness.

Sara mentions several names in the industry worth noting and I’m happy to say almost all of them are past podcast guests!

For full show notes, visit: www.redesigningwellness.com

A few years ago, I was thinking about starting a wellness podcast and decided to search what was already out there. That’s when I found the Brave Endurance podcast hosted by Dr. James Kelley. Although he didn’t know, he inspired me to get off my ass and start my podcast!

James recently rebranded his wellness based podcast to one titled Executives After Hours: Real Conversations with Leaders where he has authentic conversations with real leaders and their personal journeys,

James is also CEO of BraveEndurance, which is a well-being consultancy which he recently relocated to the UAE to expand the organizational footprint to the Middle East.

James and I discuss what organizational well-being is like in the Middle East, a bit about his journey relocating his family of 5 there and a bit about his upcoming book on Authentic Leadership. We also talk a bit about Western Australia where we both spent some time, so forgive the reminiscing.

For full show notes visit: www.redesigningwellness.com