Shows
This Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersRevelations in Self-Mastery and Holistic Wellness with Matt PlutkoWhen was the last time you felt truly aligned—mind, body, and spirit working in harmony? For too many of us, that sense of wholeness feels increasingly elusive in a world that treats our physical and mental health as entirely separate domains.Matt Plutko, co-founder and Director of Wellness at Revelations Counseling and Wellness, joins us to share a perspective on healing that bridges this artificial divide. "Studies show exercise has the same effect on the brain as Prozac," Matt explains, highlighting the science behind their integrated approach. What makes Revelations stand out is their refusal to si...2025-07-2926 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersS1E5 The Moment Yinz Start Thinking Growth is Possible, You're Already on Your Way!That little word "yet" might be the most powerful tool in your mental toolkit. When you catch yourself saying "I can't do this," adding "yet" transforms limitation into possibility—opening the door to growth where you once saw only roadblocks.In this reflective conversation, we explore the science and practical application of developing a growth mindset based on Dr. Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research. Rather than viewing abilities as fixed traits written in permanent marker ("I'll never be a morning person," "I can't do math"), we discover how adopting the belief that we can develop through effort, learning, an...2025-07-1922 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersThe Last Across the Finish Line: Dr. Tony Kovatch on Legacy, Healing & What Really MattersDr. Tony Kovatch, known as "Slow Tony" after being the last to cross the finish line at the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon, shares insights from his 40+ years as a pediatrician and his philosophy on living a meaningful life shaped by personal struggles and professional triumphs.• Early exposure to his mother's battle with Huntington's disease influenced his decision to become a doctor• Viktor Frankl's logotherapy provided a framework for finding meaning in suffering throughout his life • The importance of treating doctors as humans, not expecting superhuman perfection• How obsessive-compulsive personality traits can be channeled positively • Pediatricians need to focu...2025-07-0842 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersS1E4 Ya Can't Avoid Every Pothole, But Yinz Can Take the WheelLiving with intention means taking the wheel of your life instead of letting it happen to you. We explore practical strategies for making deliberate choices that align with your values and create the life you actually want. Moving from autopilot living to intentional decision-makingWhy setting boundaries might make others uncomfortable—and why that's okayHow meditation and mindfulness can shift your nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-recoverUnderstanding your "why" as a foundation for intentional choices Making small, consistent changes rather than attempting complete life overhauls Using intentional practices to navigate burnout, stagnation, and unexpected setbacksThe importance of giving yourself grace...2025-06-2424 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersReclaiming Your Spirit: A Journey Through BurnoutValerie Pedigo’s journey through burnout began with a shocking moment—finding herself crawling up her stairs, physically unable to walk, yet still answering work calls from the floor. This powerful visual captures what burnout truly means: not just having too much to do, but having nothing left of yourself to give.As a certified life coach, human design reader, and co-founder of Renewed Spirit Adventures, Valerie transforms her hard-won wisdom into a framework that helps women reclaim their authentic selves after burnout. She walks us through the five essential steps of her approach, beginning with the most...2025-06-0737 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving Yinzers#4WINS4YINZWhen life gets heavy, sometimes the best we can do is make a hard day "nicer" rather than "good." That's the powerful distinction at the heart of our new segment and hashtag: #4WINS4YINZDrawing from behavioral science and psychology, we're introducing a simple framework to help you notice your daily progress across four dimensions: spiritual (what gave you peace or purpose)physical (how you cared for your body)mental (what helped your mind)connection (who you meaningfully engaged with)Research shows that celebrating these small wins actually rewires your brain, releasing dopamine a...2025-05-2706 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersS1E3 Yinz on Autopilot? The Quiet Cost of Going Through the MotionsWe explore the concept of autopilot—that feeling of going through the motions without being present and how to break free from this cycle before it leads to burnout.• Autopilot sneaks up in small ways like driving somewhere with no memory of the journey• Our brains default to habits and routines to conserve energy, especially during stress• Warning signs include feeling constantly busy but making no meaningful progress• Small, intentional disruptions can break the cycle—meditation, planning, or pausing before reacting• Being present in little moments makes your whole life feel more alive• The body...2025-05-2023 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersDan the Man: A Ranger's Journey Through RecoveryDan Heffley's journey of recovery and resilience after experiencing a massive stroke at age 31 demonstrates extraordinary courage & determination as he continues to build a fulfilling life despite significant challenges.• Former Army Ranger who suffered a stroke after a carotid artery tear, affecting the entire left side of his brain• Lives with apraxia (difficulty coordinating speech muscles) and aphasia (knowing what to say but being unable to form the words)• Family support played crucial role in his recovery• Maintains an "A+" attitude despite setbacks, says "it sucks, but oh well"• Participates in regular speech the...2025-05-1030 minThis Is It! The Podcast by Thriving YinzersS1E2 Setting the Foundation for a Better Future for YINZSmall daily actions compound over time to completely change the trajectory of your life, whether in health, career, finances, or relationships.• Trying to change everything at once leads to burnout and failure• Starting small creates achievable wins that build momentum• Shifting perspective during challenges is crucial for finding forward momentum• Habit stacking combines new habits with existing routines for easier adoption• The 5-minute rule makes new habits feel achievable and non-threatening• Gratitude practice is foundational to creating a fulfilled life• James Clear's "1% better each day" approach creates remarkable cumulative improvement• "If the first ste...2025-05-0329 min