Welcome to a new episode, Wise Women! Today my guest is Richard 'RJ' Kedziora, co-founder of Estenda Solutions, a leading company specializing in custom software development, data analysis, and AI for healthcare and medical companies. With a remarkable journey spanning over 30 years, he possesses a deep understanding of designing, developing, and deploying successful projects. His extensive experience enables him to provide valuable guidance and innovative insights, resulting in cost-effective solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Mr. Kedziora received his MBA from West Chester University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Duquesne University, where he received the Excellence in Computer Science Award. Mr. Kedziora is a frequent podcast guest, has spoken at numerous technology and healthcare conferences on a variety of topics, and has written and co-authored multiple articles focused on healthcare information technology, several published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. His work with clients has won multiple awards including a HIMSS Davies Award in 2017 and he recently received the Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award.

In this episode we take the fear out of AI in healthcare by addressing:

🖥️ How AI is used in healthcare today.

🖥️ Your personal health information and AI.

🖥️ Patient empowerment and AI.

🖥️ Misconceptions and biases in AI.

🖥️ Human connection, empathy, and AI.

🖥️ Guarding against over-reliance on AI.

🖥️ AI in wearables and home care.

🖥️ Future of AI in Medicine

🖥️ The resource RJ mentioned in the episode about aging in place.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

☕️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters.

Welcome to the second ever recorded episode of Health Raisers before a live audience during the Herb Symposium at Fernwood Botanical Garden! In part two of a two-part series, my guest is Lindsey Feldpausch. She is The Herbal Academy's Programs Coordinator and a clinical herbalist.

Here's what we learned:

🌿 Lindsey Feldpausch, registered herbalist and Herbal Academy program coordinator, shares her journey from suburban Michigan to clinical herbalism.

🌱 Discover how reconnecting with nature through herbalism can transform your health and wellbeing.

❓ Common misconceptions about herbalism debunked - learn why plant medicine is deeply connected to human health.

🌼 Therapeutic properties of everyday herbs: chamomile, violets, mint and more.

🍹 Creative ways to incorporate herbs into your life through botanical cocktails and mocktails.

💊 How bitters support digestion and natural detoxification processes.

📚 Practical advice on plant identification and recommended herbal courses for beginners.

More about Lindsey:

Lindsey Feldpausch RH(AHG) is the Herbal Academy’s Programs Coordinator. An experienced clinical herbalist, educator, guest speaker, and author, she also serves as a board member of the American Herbalists Guild’s Education Advisory Committee. Lindsey's approach to herbalism is deeply rooted in the belief that humans have an innate connection to the powers of plants. She enjoys making complex herbal concepts accessible for herbalists of all skill levels, bridging the gap between herbal wisdom and practical application. Lindsey is honored to have completed more than 2,000 study hours with knowledgeable herbal mentors, including Thomas Easley and Jim McDonald. She gratefully pairs this knowledge with years of hands-on experience and a degree in Journalism. Lindsey’s calling lies in blending the science and magic of herbalism to help others explore the profound connection of plants for wellness. You can find Lindsey online at www.PlantMatters.org and on Instagram at @plant.matters and @herbalacademy.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

❤️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters, Mak Salon and Spa, and Fernwood Botanical Garden.

Welcome to the first ever recorded episode of Health Raisers before a live audience during the Herb Symposium at Fernwood Botanical Garden! In part one of two, my guest is Dash Lilley, a plant alchemist, serious foodie, and the maker of Three Spirit drinks. Dash Lilley is the co-founder and head of products at Three Spirit. Alongside a team of bartenders and plant scientists, Dash spends his time pushing the boundaries of what defines a non-alcoholic liquid, experimenting with ingredients and extraction methods to harness the full potency of plants and create drinks with function, flavor, texture, and mouthfeel.

In this episode, we dive into the power of the functional drink revolution:

🍹 Helping people reduce alcohol without reducing pleasure by enhancing mood and social experiences.

🍹Crafting functional drinks using adaptogens and nootropics using carefully researched and ethically sourced ingredients.

🍹 "Choosing your Mood" with Livener, Social, and Nightcap.

🍹Purposefully crafting alternatives (not just alcohol-free) for better mental well-being.

🍹 Inspiring adults seeking mindful drinking experiences.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

❤️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters, Mak Salon and Spa, and Fernwood Botanical Garden.

Welcome to another episode of Health Raisers! Today's guest is Kevin O'Connor, author of "Two Floors Above Grief", an Amazon bestseller, in which Kevin reflects on his unique childhood above a family-run funeral home, based on decades of family letters. Kevin guides individuals and families through grief with compassionate resources and insights. Drawing on his background in the funeral industry and family history preservation, Kevin shares thought-provoking perspectives on family-owned businesses, capturing legacies, and preserving family archives. Through his social media handle @thegriefnavigator and a popular newsletter, he supports his readers in navigating loss with clarity and empathy.

In this episode, we learn about:

✉️ how living above a funeral home taught him the importance of community service.

✉️ reflecting on his evolving relationship with mortality due to the impact of his family's profession on his life.

✉️ the importance of addressing grief due estrangement.

✉️ small acts to navigate the loss of our loved ones.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

❤️Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters, Mak Salon and Spa, and Fernwood Botanical Garden.

In this episode we welcome back our friend Michael Feeley to talk about his book, "The Next Act: A Complete Guide to Career Change, Professional Reinvention, and Finding Work That Matters". Michael is a renaissance man whose journey from New York City actor to headhunter to globally sought-after career coach embodies the transformative principles he shares in his book. Michael is dedicated to helping others discover meaningful work and reinvention in their 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's, proving that like fine wine, we truly can get better with age.

In this episode we find inspiration from his book reflecting upon:

💼 The importance of self-reflection, gratitude, and creating opportunities.

💼 The value of transferable skills.

💼 The need to overcome limiting beliefs.

💼 The power of asking for what you want, persistence, and leverage experience to find meaningful work.

💼 The importance of self-reflection before looking for work.

💼 And leaning on community to help find meaningful work.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

❤️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters, Mak Salon and Spa, and Fernwood Botanical Garden.

Want to demystify the mysteries of the pelvic floor? Look no further than the wisdom and experience of our guest, Dr. Nicole Fleischmann, who is board-certified in urology, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Reconstructive Surgery.

She received her medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, NY, where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Fleischmann completed her surgery and urology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and continued her training in a fellowship at NYU School of Medicine.

She is passionate about practicing an integrative approach to urogynecology, correcting the pervasive, unconscious, and paradoxical behaviors that can turn into the structural problems and bothersome symptoms that prompt women to seek care. She is the author of the new book “The Second Mouth,”, which addresses the powerful mind-body connection in functional urology.

Dr. Fleischmann serves as Director of FPMRS at White Plains Hospital Center, where she has been in clinical practice for the last 25 years. She holds an active appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor in Obstetrics and Assistant Clinical Professor of Gynecology and Urology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Additionally, she is a member of the American Urologic Association and Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology (SUFU). Dr. Fleischmann is the author of several research publications and presentations. She lives and practices in New York.

In this episode, learn to:

🚺 Properly "sniff" to engage the pelvic floor.

🚺 Avoid clenching or sucking in the abdomen, as this can damage the pelvic floor.

🚺 Adopt the proper "toilet posture" with a straight back and leaning forward while releasing the abdomen.

🚺 Manage your stress and anxiety for healthy organs.

🚺 Seek the right help for pelvic dysfunction.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

☕️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters.

Hello Wise Women! Today, my guest is Karen Joy. Karen is a bespoke baker, author, Lions International member, ANFT Certified forest bathing guide, and spiritual thought leader. As an intuitive channeler and retreat facilitator, she integrates nature, spirit, and service into everything she does. Karen's work centers the Sacred, reawakening our awareness of the divine that is in and of all things. Through her diverse offerings, she fosters joy, healing, and deep connection in all she does.

In our episode, you will learn:

🌲 Forest Bathing for Stress: No bathing suit required! Discover how spending time in the forest supports mental health and why forest bathing is for everyone, not just athletes.

🌲 Simple Stress-Relief Practices: Karen shares how baking, crafting, and connecting with nature ease stress and cultivate calm.

🌲Lessons from Farming: Learn how the unpredictability of farming activates resilience.

🌲 Accessible Nature Connection: Learn simple tips for finding stress-relieving moments in everyday environments, even without stepping outside.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

☕️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters.

Hello Wise Women! My guest is Sarah Skinner, Director of the Bridgman Public Library (BPL). She completed her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Psychology at Western Michigan University in 2009. She went on to attain her Master's degree in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA. Before joining the BPL team, Sarah was the Adult Services Team Leader at Niles District Library. After almost a decade in libraries, she looks forward to continuing to support life-long learners in Southwest Michigan.

Sarah is a lifelong Michigander currently living in rural Galien with her two daughters, four cats, and two dogs. She enjoys reading (obviously!), gardening, and crochet in her spare time.

In this episode, we talked about:

📚 The library's role in community health and engagement.

📚 The library's role in bringing generations together.

📚 Why the library's more than just books.

📚 Why the library is a place providing real information.

📚 The library's mission to address loneliness by providing a safe space by hosting fun events.

📚 The library staff's dedication to inclusion.

🎙️ Original Podcast Music by Nadine Kelly (drums and vocals) and Tim Buell; Produced by Tim Buell

☕️ Sponsored by Infusco Coffee Roasters.