In this episode of An Appetizing Life, host Lisa Marie Todd chats with Shilpa Lewis, founder of Omni Mindfulness, about balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Together, they explore the importance of finding your 'why,' navigating the challenges of transitioning from corporate life to solopreneurship, and leveraging the power of storytelling through podcasting.

Shilpa shares her OmniPivot Method, a powerful approach to aligning personal and professional lives, and highlights the role of mindfulness in thriving in today's AI-driven world. The conversation also touches on the significance of energy awareness, the necessity of pausing for reflection, and the empowerment of sharing your voice and unique experiences.

Whether you're considering a big life pivot or looking for practical strategies to find balance, this episode is filled with insights to guide you on your journey!

About Shilpa:

Shilpa Lewis is a mindfulness coach, podcaster, and founder of Omni Mindfulness. With a unique blend of expertise in technology and wellness, Shilpa empowers women who are solopreneurs and mompreneurs—to align their personal and professional lives. Through her OmniPivot method, she helps clients cultivate energy awareness, embrace mindfulness, and find balance in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world.

Connect with Shilpa Lewis:

• Omni Mindfulness Podcast
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Website

Timestamps:

00:00 Finding Your Why: The Journey to Balance

03:00 From Corporate to Solopreneur: The Big Pivot

08:47 The OmniPivot Method: Crafting Your Path

15:08 Balancing Life: The Mompreneur Experience

17:57 Energy Awareness: Managing Your Inner Resources

20:57 The Importance of Pausing: Reflecting on Life

30:03 Creating a Holistic Approach: Energy Awareness Audit

32:46 Empowering Women: Sharing Your Voice and Experience

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In this episode of An Appetizing Life, Lisa Marie Todd sits down with the multi-talented Iona Morris Jackson—an award-winning actress, writer, and director. Together, they explore life's profound and often unexpected paths after 50. Iona reflects on navigating the entertainment industry, growing up with a famous parent, and how her journey ultimately led her to direct her first television show after age 50. With humor and wisdom, Iona shares what it means to embrace each new challenge as an opportunity for growth, offering inspiring insights for women embarking on their second, third, or even fourth acts. Her message? It's never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue what you truly love. Tune in to hear Iona's story of resilience, gratitude, and creative reinvention, and discover why life's next chapter can be the most fulfilling yet.

About Iona:

Iona Morris Jackson is a multi-talented actress, award-winning voiceover artist, and accomplished director whose career spans television, film, and theater. Known for her iconic roles in As the World Turns and Moesha and voicing Storm in the X-Men animated series, Iona's passion for storytelling led her to transition into directing.

Connect with Iona:

• YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@thevisionispossible
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ionalotofgold
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iona-morris-4756385/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iona.morris
• Website: https://www.thevisionispossible.com

Timestamps:

00:00 Famous parent’s impact: blessing and curse.

05:18 I direct one-person shows; reignited acting passion.

10:08 Cherish life's moments; childhood fears shape decisions.

14:11 Frustrated, then grateful; potential directing opportunity awaits.

20:16 Taking risks led to awards and opportunities.

32:00 Leverage connections for support and growth.

34:51 Grateful for daily growth and personal improvement.

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In this episode of An Appetizing Life, I sit down with sisters and co-founders of 729 Beauty, Rhonda Smith, and Michelle Smith, to explore the true art of resilience in life and business. Rhonda and Michelle’s journey is filled with passion and purpose, as they’ve built a brand centered on healthier haircare options for women of color while balancing the demands of caregiving for their mother. Their story reveals what it takes to stay true to a vision, even when life calls for a pause.

We discuss practical strategies for resilience, staying connected to goals, and seeing setbacks as valuable redirections. This episode provides insights to help you find strength in life’s detours.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

04:08 Challenges and Resilience

11:19 Family Dynamics and Partnership

19:37 Balancing Business and Caregiving

23:37 The Importance of Self-Care

24:13 Challenges and Realities of Caregiving

29:49 Support Systems and Resources

38:45 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

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In this episode of An Appetizing Life, host Lisa Marie Todd sits down with her long-time friend and multi-talented performer, Connie Jackson. With a career spanning Broadway, television, and music, Connie shares her inspiring journey, the lessons learned from navigating the entertainment industry, and the value of staying true to oneself. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to start a second act and pursue their passions.

About Connie:

Connie Jackson is an actress, singer, and producer whose career highlights include starring in Dreamgirls on Broadway and recurring roles on NCIS. Known for her powerful voice and vibrant performances, Connie has also worked with legendary artists, including Phil Collins. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she is passionate about volunteer work, including animal rescue and supporting the unhoused community.

Connect with Connie Jackson:

• Instagram: @theConnieJackson
• Website: conniejackson.com
• IMDb: imdb.me/ConnieJackson

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction and welcome
• [00:01:17] Early years and passion for performing
• [00:04:01] Broadway debut and Dreamgirls experience
• [00:13:15] Shifting career focus and navigating industry changes
• [00:20:24] Embracing personal projects and authenticity
• [00:23:10] Volunteering and community engagement
• [00:30:52] Advice for women considering a second act

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In this episode of 'An Appetizing Life,' host Lisa Marie Todd engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with her longtime best friend, Mary Valena Broussard. They reflect on their 30-year friendship, highlighting Mary's transition from a successful actress to balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship. Mary discusses embracing new technical skills, managing alumni networks, and the power of self-care. The episode explores themes of personal growth, the importance of a supportive community, and finding inner strength through challenging times.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to the An Appetizing Life Podcast

(5:22) - Balancing Motherhood and Career

(09:06) - New Ventures and Learning

(13:11) - Advice for Women and Self-Care

(18:30) - Marriage and Partnership

(21:49) - Caring for Elderly Parents

(23:46) - The Importance of Community

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In this episode of An Appetizing Life, host Lisa Marie Todd welcomes you to a space designed to inspire and empower women over 50 as they shape their next chapter with confidence, creativity, and a renewed sense of possibility. Lisa introduces the podcast’s mission—to help you thrive after 50.

On this weekly podcast, you’ll hear stories from inspiring women who have launched new endeavors, embraced exciting adventures, and found renewed purpose in their second, third, and even fourth acts. Lisa will also sit down with experts to dive into the most pressing topics of this stage of life, offering practical tools, strategies, and insights to help you navigate challenges and embrace your best, most vibrant life. Get ready to explore, learn, and laugh as we explore how life after 50 can be the most exciting and fulfilling chapter yet!