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  • From Teen Mom to Birth Doula: Shannon Johns' Journey (Part 1)
    2025/06/02
    Ep. 125 You’ve heard me hint at her. You’ve heard me talk about how she walks the halls like a birth superhero. And today—she's finally here. Shannon Johns, the heart and soul behind Calming Nature Doula Services, joins the Healthy Illness Podcast for a deep and raw conversation about what it really takes to care, to show up, and to reclaim our power—especially as Black women navigating motherhood, mental health, and healing. This is not your typical “how I became a doula” story. Shannon shares her truth—from becoming a mother at 14, to redefining strength, to stepping into her divine calling as a full-time doula changing lives across New York and beyond. Her voice? Unapologetic. Her journey? Unshakable. Her lessons? Universal. ⚠️ WARNING: You will want to take notes. And you’ll definitely want to be back next week for Part 2. 👑 Tap in, tune in, and tell a friend. 🎤 Hosted by Kelly Marie | Produced by JazzCast Pros 📩 Email your thoughts to frontseatlife@gmail.com 💜 Crisis Support: Call or text 988 anytime 00:00 - The Guest You've All Been Waiting For: Shannon Johns is HERE 01:12 - Welcome to the Healthy Illness Podcast 02:12 - Why I Admire Shannon So Much 03:04 - How Calming Nature Doula Services Was Born 07:04 - Becoming a Teen Mom at 14: A Life-Altering Start 09:51 - What We Were Taught About Birth is All Wrong 11:28 - Why They Didn't Want Me to Speak: Telling the Truth About Teen Motherhood 13:56 - Setting a Schedule, Owning the Responsibility 17:27 - A Doctor Who Believed in Me at 13 Years Old 20:02 - Youth Empowerment and Body Ownership 22:48 - The Power of “Knowing” in the Black Community 23:06 - Teaching People to Trust Themselves 24:59 - Why Birth Trauma Repeats Across Generations 25:53 - A Deep Admiration—and We’re Not Done Yet! 26:44 - Crisis Help is Available: Call or Text 988 27:10 - Come Back Next Week for Part 2 of Shannon’s Story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 分
  • Grounding in Faith: Baptised in America's Storm
    2025/05/27
    Ep. 124 As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Kelly Marie leans deeply into her faith—offering a timely reflection on love, compassion, and the power of spiritual recommitment in the face of national uncertainty. “We say we believe in families… but our policies don’t match our prayers.” Kelly shares her decision to be baptized again—an act of public faith rooted not in doctrine, but in divine love. She reminds us that Christian values are not political tools, but spiritual principles grounded in mercy, forgiveness, and grace. ✨ Whether you're questioning your own walk, feeling anxious about the state of the world, or simply seeking reassurance that you're not alone—this episode offers a moment of mindfulness, grounded in truth and filled with hope. 📖 “No matter who you are, no matter where you are, you can rededicate yourself to love—right now, in this moment.” — Kelly Marie If you're in crisis or need someone to talk to, call or text 988 for 24/7 mental health support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 分
  • How the Soft Girl Era Supports Healing and Self-Care
    2025/05/12
    Ep. 123 What does it really mean to embrace your soft girl era? This week, Kelly Marie explores how softness isn’t weakness—it’s a powerful act of self-love. 💅🏾✨ In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother’s Day, Kelly shares how a simple beauty treatment sparked a deeper reflection on mindfulness, self-care, and breaking free from grind culture. 🌸💆🏾‍♀️ 💬 “It’s not about the look—it’s about the healing.” Tune in for: 🌿 A fresh take on the “soft girl era” 🛑 The importance of boundaries 🧘🏾‍♀️ Mindfulness, meditation & emotional wellness ❤️ How to show up for yourself with compassion #HealthyIllnessPodcast #SoftGirlEra #MentalHealthAwareness #BlackMentalHealth #SelfCareIsntSelfish #FrontSeatLife #KellyMarie #HealingOutLoud #MindfulLiving #PodcastForHealing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 分
  • The Weight of the Cape — Healing from the Superwoman Schema
    2025/04/28
    Ep 122: Have you ever felt like if you don't hold everything together, it will all fall apart? If so, you're not alone — and it's time to set yourself free. After giving a keynote speech with the Buffalo Chapter of The Links, Kelly Marie continues the conversation about the Superwoman Schema — the invisible weight you may be carrying. In this episode, you'll explore how the pressure to be strong at all costs impacts your mental and physical health, contributing to issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and untreated depression. You'll be encouraged to rethink the roles you’ve accepted, set healthier boundaries, and embrace the truth that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you've ever felt like you have to do it all, Kelly reminds you: your wellness matters just as much as your willingness to serve others. 🌟 You are human. You deserve care. You don't have to carry it all alone. 🎙️ 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 Resources: 988 - Suicide Prevention Hotline 211 - Local Services Helpline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 分
  • Top Five Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula
    2025/04/14
    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 分
  • Don’t Hire a Doula Until You Hear This: Questions Every Parent Should Ask
    2025/04/08
    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 分
  • Who’s Advocating for You? The Role of Doulas in Maternal Health
    2025/03/31
    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 分
  • The Power of Routine: Simple Daily Habits for a Calmer Mind
    2025/03/24
    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 分