Well, Well...

Do you make it a point to have laughter be a part of your wellness routine?  Maybe you should!  Laughter and humor are things we often feel but don’t talk about and they can be incredibly important and vital to health and wellness. Listen to this week’s episode as Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on the health benefits of laughter and talk about how humor fits in their lives both in an outside of the therapy room. Enjoy! As always, don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Do you often struggle to face difficult conversations head on?  Listen in as Rachel and Jor-El delve into their thoughts on dealing with hard conversations and the best ways to move forward even if you're feeling uncomfortable. And why difficult conversations are needed to maintain healthy relationships altogether! And, as always, feel free to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

This week, Rachel and Jor-El sit down with writer and sex positivity advocate Zachary Zane. In this episode,  Zach shares about his personal experience acknowledging his own bisexuality, how he came to write about sexuality and relationships more broadly and the role of of sex positivity in his life. Zach also shares with us how important it is to have queer affirming services in healthcare through the We Need a Button campaign which aims to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ people can get access to affirming supportive services.     You can also learn more about, and keep with Zach on his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zacharyzane_/.   You may also want to check out the following resources which Zach mentioned:Lighthouse www.lighthouse.lgbt (LGBTQIA+ affirming healthcare directory) Bisexual.org (Resouce site on bisexuality) Dating Positives (STI positive dating site) And don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter

Did you know that mental health stigma is highly associated with a lack of engagement in mental health services?  And with 1 in 5 adult Americans experiencing mental illness each year (and only 43% getting treatment), we need to stomp out stigma.   In our latest episode, hosts Rachel and Jor-El talk all about it. They each offer up some everyday examples of how we all may unintentionally contribute to mental health stigma. Our hosts also talk about the role of influencers and how they can be much more helpful in fighting stigma by documenting their stories rather than trying to educate the masses as faux experts.   Take a listen!   And don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

There’s so much pressure these days to live a life of balance. But, what does that really mean? AND IS IT EVEN ATTAINABLE?! Trying to keep all major areas of your life together can sometimes feel like you’re spinning plates, waiting for them all to crash. The pressure leaves many people feeling overwhelmed and very self-critical. In this episode, Jor-El and Rachel talk all things balance and even give you a little insight on how to finally get your piece of the pie (tune in to learn what that means)! Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

In this latest episode Rachel and Jor-El talk with mental health advocate and runner Sasha Wolff. Sasha shares with us how she was inspired by her own hospitalization and mental health struggles to create an online community that’s now spreading out into real life.  “Still I Run” was inspired by the Maya Angelou poem Still I Rise, which has long been a beacon for those hoping to thrive despite difficult circumstances. This is exactly what Sasha hopes to create with her network. We talk with her about how telling her story helped her follow Brene Brown’s lead on reducing shame and embracing vulnerability. Tune in to hear about Sasha’s story of how she found more purpose as she became a voice for reducing mental health stigma. Learn more about Still I Run on their Facebook page. Related: Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability (TED Talk)

This week on the podcast Rachel and Jor-El talk with Henry Calantog, more commonly referred to as Mr. C, Rachel’s past martial arts teacher!  Mr. C talks with us about life as a first generation Filipino, his journey towards reluctant entrepreneurship and how creating your own path and listening to yourself can be powerful keys to success and life satisfaction. Mr. C was so gracious in sharing so much wisdom, and he even shared some great stories about young Rachel along the way. We hope that you enjoy! Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Hosts Jor-El and Rachel chat with Ali Feller: runner, mother, writer and host of the Ali on the Run Show Podcast. In this episode we talk with Ali about her life, the challenges (and benefits) of vulnerability and her fierce advocacy for those living with Crohn's Disease. Ali shares with us the connection between stress and Crohn’s as well as the importance of embracing empathy and compassion in contemporary society and the realities of living with a chronic condition. Related: Ali on the Run blog Listen to the Ali on the Run Show What is Crohn’s Disease? By the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation A Day in the Life with Chronic Pain on the Viva Wellness blog

In our latest episode of Well, well… Rachel and Jor-El talk all things healthy eating! Have you ever been scrolling on Instagram and seen these perfectly curated smoothie bowls or sophisticated meal prep options? Yes, us too! But guess what, most people don’t eat like that regularly, not even those influencers themselves. Tune into this episode to listen to what works for Rachel and Jor-El, two people who have very different nutritional styles and execution but are informed by a shared philosophy. Learn how healthy eating translates into better mental health. Plus, get some insight into what fueling for long-distance running looks like for Rachel as marathon training season starts up.   Relevant posts on the subject:   Jor-El’s Easy Weeknight Meal: Eggplant in Red Sauce Health Chef Julia’s Tips on How to Store Summer Produce How Rachel Eats Healthy Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’

In our latest episode, Rachel and Jor-El talk about some of the most common mental health conditions that people experience and share about: anxiety and depression. Do you know the difference between feeling depressed and clinical depression? What about feeling anxious and experiencing generalized anxiety?  We break down the lines between all of these, providing you the tools to understand these two mental health conditions and to embrace your changes in mood as a healthy part of life (and why self-diagnosis is usually not helpful!). Take a listen and enjoy! As always, if you’re feeling like something might be off, it might be a good idea to talk to a therapist for support and treatment tailored to you. Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

In this latest episode we are joined by super special guest Kathleen Archambeau, author of Pride & Joy LGBTQ Artists, Icons and Everyday Heroes. We talk to Kathleen about how she first came to writing and how it started off as a safe space for her. We also talk about how to be allies for LGBTQ folks, the current state of LGBTQ issues in contemporary society, and Kathleen even shares her advice on how to become more comfortable with your own queer identity. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation. Happy Pride!   Connect with Kathleen on Twitter here @KATHLEENARCHAM2   You might also enjoy reading Jor-El's review on the blog: http://vivawellnessblog.com/2018/06/19/pride/

It started with a couple of tweets from Brad Stulberg about how the CEO of Twitter only eats one meal a day (for any human who loves food, this is appalling) and the term “broscience,” or non-science backed “knowledge” that’s passed around men. You’ve probably seen it:  health claims made usually by someone without any sort of formal health background. Obviously, we're not huge fans of that. Today, we’re talking diet culture and fads from bulletproof coffee to what the Kardashians are promoting. We play a super exciting game of what actually works (not so sexy but usually effective) and leave you with your mission:  to eat something that brings you joy.  Don't forget to tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!  

In this week’s episode, Rachel and Jor-El sit down with Jor-El’s friend Bryan. They talk about Bryan’s journey with mental health and how that intersects with being a Black man as the definition of masculinity changes in our current times. Bryan is kind enough to share his experiences in mental health and how men can deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships by engaging in therapy and ongoing self-reflection. It's a rarity for a man to be open about mental health struggles (especially if he doesn't work in the field of mental health). The conversation with Bryan touches on family, friendships and the importance of participating in therapy throughout one’s life. Please tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes!

Have you been bitten by the entrepreneur bug? If so, then you’ll appreciate our latest podcast episode. This week Rachel and Jor-El talk about their one year anniversary as business owners. They discuss the ups and downs of owning your own business and how it impacts your life and mental wellness.   Do you own your own business? Do you share some of the same experiences as Rachel and Jor-El? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. We'd love to hear from you!

To wrap up African American Women’s Fitness Month Jor-El and Rachel sat down with life coach and multi-hyphenate wellness professional Shanna Tyler. Shanna (@shannatyler_) shares with us how challenges with major depression led her to embracing her deepest desires to help other women by creating community with Self Soul Sport. Shanna also coaches women entrepreneurs on how to best build and maintain their brands. We talk about Shanna’s journey but also what it’s like to be one of few widely recognized female Black wellness professionals online.   We give our thanks to Shanna for sharing with us her background and inspiring story.   Please tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review as well! Sign up for the Viva Wellness weekly newsletter here: http://vivawellnessblog.com/subscribe   Learn how to work with Shanna at Self Soul Sport https://shannatyler.com/self-soul-sport

In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El talk through some of the most common myths that people have when it comes to therapy.  Just call us therapy myth-busters! You’ll hear why therapy is not like having a paid friend and how therapy can be a powerful tool for a wide range of people.  We hope you learn a lot in this one! Please tweet or DM us your questions and feedback. You can reach us at @vivawellnessnyc, @rachelgersten and @jorelcaraballo on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review as well!

We love having guests! This week Jor-El and Rachel are joined by private chef and health coach Julia Chebotar (@healthchefjulia). In this episode we take on meal prepping, common myths about nutrition and the benefits of eating for your individual needs. Also, our mukbang (not sure what this is? You’ll find out on the podcast!) is TBD. We had a lot of fun on this one so we hope you enjoy it. Sign up to our newsletter to receive some special recipes and information from Julia herself on elimination diets. Thanks for listening! http://vivawellnessblog.com/subscribe-to-viva-wellness/ Learn more about Julia at her website: www.healthchefjulia.com

In our latest episode, Rachel and Jor-El talk all things mindfulness! We talk about the problem with mindfulness being a “trend” and the benefits beyond health and wellness. And for those of you wanting to incorporate mindfulness into your day in an easy way, Rachel issues the challenge to try and practice mindfulness once a day for the next seven days. Let us know how it goes! Related reading: What is mindfulness? Mindfulness: You Know What it is, Now Here’s Why it Matters Wise Mind: Experiencing Integration & Intuition Why I Practice Mindfulness How to Practice Mindful Eating (or Drinking)

Do you often feel like you don’t fit the stereotype of “wellness”? That’s OK! In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El open up about their own wellness journeys, discussing what works and what doesn’t and the pressures they feel as health professionals. Rachel also shares her childhood nickname for McDonald’s (which is hilarious).   Please review and subscribe to our show on iTunes!   https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/well-well/id1451731458   Visit our blog too!  vivawellnessblog.com

In the latest episode Jor-El and Rachel take on one of the most misunderstood aspects of personality introversion and extroversion! They talk about their personal experiences being different from one another and how your personality might be influencing your work and relationships without you even knowing it.   Additionally, here are some resources related to the episode: Big Five Factor Personality Assessment  https://www.personalityassessor.com/bigfive/   Assessment Similar to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator  https://www.personalityassessor.com/personality-types/ Are You Shy, Introverted, Both, or Neither (and Why Does It Matter)?  https://www.quietrev.com/are-you-shy-introverted-both-or-neither-and-why-does-it-matter/ Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352153 Are You An Introvert or Extrovert? What It Means For Your Career https://www.fastcompany.com/3016031/are-you-an-introvert-or-an-extrovert-and-what-i