Episodes

  • Top Five Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula

    Top Five Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula
    Apr 14 2025
    Ep. 121 This Black Maternal Health Week Kelly Marie explores essential questions to ask when choosing a doula, focusing on training, services, compatibility, availability during labor, and backup plans. Drawing on her experience as a doula, Kelly emphasizes the importance of establishing clear communication and understanding individual needs. She also briefly touches on the impact of doulas in maternal health and offers resources for finding support services. Stay tuned for insights from upcoming guests, Shannon Johns and other doulas, who are transforming the maternal health landscape. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:57 Please tell me about your training and experience as a doula 5:57 Understanding Doula Certification and Medicaid Coverage in New York 10:54 What services do you provide and how much do they cost? 11:25 Do you work with people like me? 12:38 When do you show up once labor begins? 14:07 What happens if you're not available for my labor? 21:16 Mental Health Support and Resources for Challenging Times Crisis helpline phone numbers: Dial 988 for immediate assistance or 741741 for text support Use 211 as the helpline for resources 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC 📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife Email KellyMarie@FrontSeatLife.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Don’t Hire a Doula Until You Hear This: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

    Don’t Hire a Doula Until You Hear This: Questions Every Parent Should Ask
    Apr 8 2025
    Ep. 120 Hiring a doula? Don’t do it until you hear this! As a certified doula in New York State, I know firsthand how choosing the right support for your birth journey can shape your entire experience. In today’s episode of the Healthy Illness Podcast, I’m sharing what I wish every expecting parent knew before hiring a doula—from the questions you should ask during interviews to how to spot a red flag. 🗣️ “This is your birth journey, and I want you to feel empowered to own this part of your experience and ask the questions without shame, without apology.” – Kelly Marie We’ll talk about everything from doula philosophies and training to emotional support, communication styles, and even payment plans. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or something in between, this episode will empower you to advocate for your needs and build a birth team that truly supports you. 🧘🏾‍♀️ Your birth. Your voice. Your power. Let’s talk doulas. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✨ Interview more than one doula—this is a personal decision, and finding the right fit matters. ✨ Ask about training, experience, and familiarity with local hospital or birthing center policies. ✨ Doulas aren’t regulated—so trust, communication, and clear expectations are everything. ✨ Emotional support is just as important as physical support during labor. ✨ Clarify logistics upfront: payment, availability, communication style, and backup plans. 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC 📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife, Email KellyMarie@FrontSeatLife.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal Chapters: 00:00 – Importance of interviewing doulas. 04:01 – General Background Questions 06:01 – Philosophy and Approach 07:09 – Services and Availability 09:08 – Collaboration and Hospital Interaction 10:48 – Support Techniques 13:32 – Emotional and Mental Health Support 16:02 – Logistics and Payment 18:08 – Fit and Communication 20:11 – Backup Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Who’s Advocating for You? The Role of Doulas in Maternal Health

    Who’s Advocating for You? The Role of Doulas in Maternal Health
    Mar 31 2025
    Ep. 119 👶🏾Your voice matters in the delivery room. But is anyone truly listening? The reality is, Black women face higher risks during childbirth—but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. A doula can be your advocate, your guide, and your support system, ensuring that your birth plan is heard and honored. In this episode of Healthy Illness, Kelly Marie breaks down the difference between doulas and midwives, why holistic birth support is more important than ever, and how you can take control of your birthing experience. Plus, she’s offering a FREE session to help you create a birth plan tailored to your needs. Key Takeaways: Black women in the U.S. face significantly worse maternal health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Midwives are medically trained professionals who provide clinical care during childbirth, distinct from doctors. Doulas offer non-clinical support focused on preparing and supporting pregnant individuals through childbirth and beyond. 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life 📲 Instagram @thefrontseatlife FB @thefrontseatlife, Email KellyMarie@FrontSeatLife.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal 🎧 Tap in now—because your safety, your peace of mind, and your birth experience matter. #HealthyIllnessPodcast #BlackMaternalHealth #DoulasVsMidwives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • The Power of Routine: Simple Daily Habits for a Calmer Mind

    The Power of Routine: Simple Daily Habits for a Calmer Mind
    Mar 24 2025
    Ep. 118 ​Are you striving for a more organized and balanced mental state in your daily life? In this episode, we unveil the transformative power of establishing daily routines and mindfulness practices to enhance your mental well-being.​ By integrating structured routines and mindfulness into your life, you can experience reduced stress, improved focus, and a heightened sense of control. Are you ready to embark on this journey toward a more harmonious and peaceful mindset?​ In this episode, you will: Discover the psychological benefits of routine, including stress reduction and improved mental health. Learn simple mindfulness practices to incorporate into your daily habits, fostering a calmer mind. Explore effective strategies for building a personalized routine that aligns with your lifestyle. Understand how consistent routines can improve sleep, diet, and overall mental health. ​ Access valuable resources for mental health support and guidance.​ Join Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC, as she guides you through these insights.​ Connect with us: Instagram: @thefrontseatlife​ Facebook: @thefrontseatlife​ Email: FrontSeatLife@gmail.com​ Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros Support the Show: Rate & review on Apple Podcasts​ Share this podcast from Spotify​ Add this show to your collection on Pandora​ Support with a one-time donation on PayPal​ Resources Mentioned: Suicide Prevention Helpline: Call 988 for 24/7 support​ Text GO to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor​ Call 211 or visit www.211.org for help finding public services in your area​ Podcast Like a Pro! Use Riverside.FM with Promo Code JAZZYCAST for 15% off Remote Recording​ Visit JazzCastPros.com for help launching, branding, or editing your podcast.​ Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Importance of Routine​ 00:03:31 - Incorporating Mindfulness​ 00:09:15 - Creating Personal Structure​ 00:11:22 - Utilizing DBT Tools​ 00:14:31 - Implementing Structure and Stability​ 00:15:56 - The Importance of Creating Routine​ 00:17:08 - Unintentional Matching​ 00:18:31 - The Role of Fails​ 00:19:55 - Building Routine​ #Mindfulness #MentalHealth #DailyRoutine #PersonalGrowth #HealthyHabits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • I'm Back: Finding Strength, Support & A New Purpose

    I'm Back: Finding Strength, Support & A New Purpose
    Mar 3 2025
    Ep. 117 After six months away from the mic, I’m finally back. In this episode of Healthy Illness, I’m opening up about where I’ve been, what’s changed, and how my journey has led me to become a birth doula. I also reflect on the power of community, and how my support system—including JazzCast Pros and my closest friends—helped me navigate these challenging times. The weight of the election, the reality that America still isn’t ready for a woman President, and the painful cuts to programs that support Black and Brown communities hit me hard. I needed time to process, to heal, and to figure out my next steps. If you’re feeling the weight of the world, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about healing, resilience, and the importance of leaning on those who uplift us. 💛 Support Resources: 24/7 Crisis Support: 988 Lifeline Resource Finder: 211 Mentioned in this episode: Ep. 116 Coding AI for the Culture: Minista Jazz on Anxiety & Representation 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC 📲 Instagram @thefrontseatlife FB @thefrontseatlife, Email FrontSeatLife@gmail.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal #MentalHealth #BlackMentalHealth #BirthDoula #Healing #Community #HealthyIllnessPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #BetheLight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Coding AI for the Culture: Minista Jazz on Anxiety & Representation in Digital Spaces

    Coding AI for the Culture: Minista Jazz on Anxiety & Representation in Digital Spaces
    Feb 16 2025
    Ep. 116 Struggling with anxiety? Feeling trapped in your own mind? Minista Jazz knows that battle firsthand. She shares her journey with agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that made it nearly impossible to leave her home. Unable to find a therapist who truly understood her experience, she built her own support system—D-Nana, a digital AI guide inspired by the wisdom and comfort of a Black grandmother. In this powerful conversation, Minista Jazz + host Kelly Marie dive into: ✨ Mental Health & AI – How AI characters like Jerome and D-Nana provide culturally relevant support for anxiety and emotional wellness. ✨ Representation in Tech – Why Black voices in AI are crucial to breaking systemic barriers 🔥 "Code is the new cotton. We need to take that and make it our own." 🔥 ✨ Courage & Healing – Turning fear into fuel to create spaces where we feel seen, heard, and valued. ✨ Community & Ancestral Wisdom – The importance of honoring our roots in the digital age. If you’ve ever felt unheard, unseen, or unsupported in your mental health journey, this episode is for you. Tap in for a raw, transformative conversation on AI, anxiety, and reclaiming digital spaces for our healing. 🎙️✨ #BlackHistoryMonth #AIForTheCulture #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyIllness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Traveling with Friends While Managing Anxiety: Tips for a Stress-Free Trip Abroad

    Traveling with Friends While Managing Anxiety: Tips for a Stress-Free Trip Abroad
    Nov 27 2024
    Ep. 95 Planning a Trip with Friends? Don’t Miss This Episode! Picture this: an upcoming wedding in India with your closest friend. It sounds like a dream, but how do you ensure that dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare? In this episode, I share my approach to navigating the delicate balance of friendship, self-care, and smart planning while prepping for this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Together, we’ll dive into practical ways to decide if a trip is truly worth it, how to plan wisely without losing your mind, and why lists are your secret weapon for stress-free travel. Plus, I’ll reveal the essential steps to maintain healthy friendships on the road—because nothing’s more important than preserving the bond with the people who matter most. ✨ Key Takeaways You Can’t Afford to Miss: 🗣️ Start with the conversation: Honest, upfront chats about the trip’s purpose, expectations, and possible challenges can save everyone from disappointment later. ✈️ Plan like a pro: Be mindful of group dynamics, individual preferences, and even cultural or safety concerns. Preparation is everything! ✅ Lists are life savers: From clothing to meds to must-have documents, a checklist keeps you organized and calm. 🌏 Respect the culture: Understanding your destination’s customs helps you avoid awkward missteps and fully immerse in the experience. 💖 Put yourself first: Prioritize self-care and set boundaries to keep your friendships intact and your energy balanced. “Traveling with friends can be magical, but it takes self-awareness and open communication to make it a positive experience for everyone involved.” – Kelly Marie If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle the excitement of traveling with friends while staying true to yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in for tips, personal stories, and the wisdom you need to make every trip memorable—in the best way possible! Chapters: 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:39 Tips for planning a trip with a friend 0:01:49 Importance of choosing the right travel companion 0:03:19 Background on the upcoming trip to India 0:04:23 Similarities and differences between the friends 0:05:28 Exploring the challenges of traveling to a different culture 0:07:28 The goal of leaving and coming back healthy 0:08:51 Different considerations for international travel 0:10:16 The desire for an immersive experience in India 0:11:54 Three key factors for successful travel with friends 0:12:26 The importance of deciding if the trip is worth it 0:13:54 Determining if the trip is worth it 0:15:07 Exercising wisdom in planning and during the trip 0:16:53 Making lists for clothes, accessories, and documents 0:19:12 Packing medications, snacks, and personal items 0:23:37 Checking bags instead of carrying them on 0:25:07 Managing space and expectations during the trip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Running Thru the Elements: Exploring Movement + Mental Resilience with Run Coach Mary Beth Scott

    Running Thru the Elements: Exploring Movement + Mental Resilience with Run Coach Mary Beth Scott
    Jun 24 2024
    Ep. 115 Kelly Marie hosts Mary Beth Scott, a certified run coach, to discuss the intersection of mental health and physical movement on the Healthy Illness podcast. They explore the importance of finding joyful, accessible movement and persevering through injury and recovery. Mary Beth shares insights on building resilience, setting realistic fitness goals, and balancing life commitments with personal wellness. The episode delves into mental strategies for overcoming fear and staying motivated. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on integrating physical activity as a positive force in life. 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC 📲 Instagram @thefrontseatlife FB @thefrontseatlife, Email FrontSeatLife@gmail.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal Key Takeaways: Embrace a variety of physical activities to find what brings you the most satisfaction and joy, rather than sticking exclusively to one type of exercise. Understand the importance of cross-training and gradual recovery when dealing with injuries to maintain physical and mental well-being. Recognize and confront your fears, focusing on the actual outcomes and how they impact your core identity and relationships. Utilize strategies like breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and maintaining a positive and curious mindset towards challenges. Timing and hydration are crucial when exercising in extreme weather conditions; adapt your routines accordingly to stay safe and healthy. Notable Quotes: “Whatever movement kind of brings you the most... what makes you feel alive and happy and safe and fulfilled?” “The important thing to me about being a coach is, like, building the relationship with people and letting them know that, no matter what, I'm on their team.” “Go be curious about what you can do. Give yourself a chance... maybe it works out great, maybe it feels terrible.” Resources: Mary Beth Scott Website: Onward Run Coaching Instagram: @onward_runcoach Support Resources: 24/7 Crisis Support: 988 Lifeline Resource Finder: 211 About the Guest: Mary Beth Scott is a seasoned run coach and athlete with deep expertise in long-distance running and marathon training. She is the founder of Onward Run Coaching, where she specializes in helping runners of all levels—from beginners to seasoned marathoners—achieve their personal bests. Mary Beth holds a certification in run coaching, has a rich history as a competitive runner, and also serves as a high school cross-country coach. Her passion for running and dedication to movement as a lifestyle have earned her a broad following and a reputation for motivational and inclusive coaching. Chapters: 0:00 Finding Joy in Movement and Overcoming Physical Limitations 8:51 Mary Beth Scott's Journey from High School Running to Coaching 16:22 Running in Extreme Heat: Tips and Adjustments 21:48 Overcoming Challenges Through Mental Fortitude and Small Steps 28:45 Tailoring Training to Fit Busy Lives 35:03 Grace to Try Something New and Embrace Curiosity 38:48 Mental Health Resources and Kelly's Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
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