Shows
I Choose Health Podcast#31: How Psychological Trauma Lives in the Body| Vanessa Jacksonđ§ Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthIn this powerful episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, licensed clinical social worker and certified psychoanalyst Vanessa Jackson joins host Stefan Lessie to explore the deep connection between trauma, mental health, and the healing power of physical movement.From the challenges of urban living in a fast-paced city like New York to the importance of authenticity and self-expression, Vanessa offers insights on how to create safe spacesâboth physically and menta...2025-08-0843 minI Choose Health Podcast#30: How To Deal with Conflict |Sara Steinweiss on Ego & HealingStruggling with your health journeyâmentally, emotionally, or physically? đ§ Therapy can help. Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthđď¸ What if some conflicts canât be resolved⌠but you can still heal?In this powerful episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, educator, community leader, and conflict resolution expert Sara Steinweiss joins host Stefan Lessie to talk about what real healing looks like â especially when closure never comes. From childhood trauma and systemic failures in education, to ego, fear, and identity in conflict, Sara opens up with incredib...2025-08-0159 minI Choose Health Podcastđď¸ #29: Somatic Healing & Nervous System Regulation After Trauma | Dr. Elizabeth WisniewskiWhat happens when you're faced with the unthinkable â losing your sight â and instead of giving up, you turn inward and rise?In this powerful episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth Wisniewski shares how she faced over 30 surgeries and progressive vision loss, only to discover that the body holds the wisdom to heal. As an embodied leadership coach and somatic movement therapist, she dives deep into: The role of the nervous system in trauma recovery Why talk therapy isnât always enough How somatic healing creates lasting transform...2025-07-2536 min
I Choose Health Podcast#28: Mindset Hacks for Mental Toughness | Outwork Doubt & Build Resilience with Coach BryantIn this episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, host Stefan Lessie is joined by Coach Bryant ReedâArmy veteran, ultra-endurance athlete, published author, and top fitness coachâwho breaks down the mindset that turns adversity into strength.From overcoming homelessness to running 100-mile races while battling kidney disease, Coach Reed shares how to outwork your doubts, simplify your goals, and show up even when motivation crashes. This conversation is packed with real-life strategies for building resilience, navigating personal challenges, and creating lasting transformation in both mind and body.Whether you're starting your fitness journey, rebu...2025-07-1842 min
I Choose Health PodcastCreating An Effective Workout Plan | Alicia Jamison on Fitness, Mental Health & Success Episode 27đ https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthStruggling with your health journeyâmentally, emotionally, or physically? đ§ Therapy can help. Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthStruggling to build a workout routine that sticks? Wondering how to shift your mindset around fitness and food? In this powerful conversation, fitness coach and educator Alicia Jamison breaks down how to train smarter, overcome emotional eating, and build lifelong healthy habits.From mastering movement patterns to navigating late-night cravings, we dive deep into the connection between exercise, mental health, and sustainable nutrition. Plus, Alicia s...2025-07-1134 min
I Choose Health PodcastHow to Help a Loved One Struggling with Addiction | Kate Duffy on Family Recovery Episode 26đ https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthStruggling with your health journeyâmentally, emotionally, or physically? đ§ Therapy can help. Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth.Addiction doesnât just affect the person strugglingâit impacts the entire family. In this powerful conversation, interventionist and family addiction expert Kate Duffy breaks down how families can stop enabling behaviors and start supporting recovery in a way that lasts. Discover the proven Tipping Point Recovery framework and learn how mental health, presence, and self-care play critical roles in the healing journey.âĄď¸ Whether you're f...2025-07-0436 min
I Choose Health PodcastMetabolic Hacks That Transform Health: Burn Fat, Think Sharper, Live Better| Episode 25: Nancy StarkStruggling with your healthâmentally, emotionally, or physically? Therapy can help. đ§ Start your healing journey with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month: đ https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthCan radical lifestyle changes truly reverse a terminal cancer diagnosis?In this deeply inspiring episode, nurse practitioner and metabolic health coach Nancy Stark shares how she helped her mother heal from stage 4 metastatic cancerâwithout relying solely on traditional treatment. Now at age 82, her mother is cancer-free, lifting weights, and hiking mountains.Nancy reveals how blood sugar balance, mitochondrial health, and mindset are often the...2025-06-2736 min
I Choose Health PodcastMens Mental Health: Breaking the Silence| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 24đ§ Struggling with anxiety, depression, or isolation? You're not alone.This powerful episode of I Choose Health dives deep into menâs mental health, suicidal thoughts, and the healing journey that follows. Host Stefan Lessie shares a raw story of losing a friend to suicideâand how that pain nearly took him down too. But healing is possible, and this conversation proves it.Joined by returning guest Andre Zemnovitsch, they explore:The mental health crisis in menHow adaptogens like Lionâs Mane support brain healthThe danger of digital burnout and emoti...2025-06-1942 min
I Choose Health PodcastFrom Addiction to Purpose â How Mental Health, Family & Nutrition Transformed Adam Sud's LifeIn this episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, Adam Sud opens up about his journey through addiction, the turning point that led him to choose life, and how family, therapy, and nutrition played a critical role in his healing.We explore:đ§ The mental health crisis behind addiction𼌠The impact of high-fiber, plant-based diets on recovery𧏠The science behind The INFINITE Studyđ§đ˝ââď¸ How resilience and community drive transformationđ§ If you or someone you love is battling addiction, this conversation offers both hope and science-based insight.Need someone to talk to?Get 10% off your...2025-06-131h 23
I Choose Health PodcastHow Comedy & Veganism Are Changing Lives | Ace Anderson on Plant-Based Joy & Black Health Episode 22Need someone to talk to? Try therapy with BetterHelpâanytime, anywhere.đ§ Get 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthYour mental health matters.đ¤ In this episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, host Stefan Lessie interviews actor, rapper, comedian, and filmmaker Ace Anderson to explore the powerful intersection of comedy and veganism. đąđTogether, they unpack how humor can spark joy, shift perspectives, and ignite lifestyle change. From Aceâs plant-based transformation (inspired by a documentary and his wifeâs cooking!) to the deeper issues of celebrity vegan brands, cultural f...2025-06-0658 min
I Choose Health PodcastThe Bonds that Free Us- Overcoming Breast Cancer Through Faith and Family with Renie Roberts Holland| Episode 21: I Choose Health Podcastđď¸ Episode Title:"Healing Through Faith, Family & Holistic Health | Renie Roberts Holland's Cancer Journey"đ Episode Description:In this deeply moving episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, host Stefan Lessie sits down with Renie Roberts Holland to uncover her transformative journey through a cancer diagnosis and the healing path that followed. Renie shares powerful reflections on the strength of family bonds, the vital role of faith, and her embrace of holistic healing practices.Together, they explore how emotional processing, dietary changes, and spiritual grounding can help rebuild the body and soul. This episode also highligh...2025-05-3035 min
I Choose Health PodcastThe Future of Cancer Treatment: MDS, AML & Personalized Care with Dr. Shyamala NavadaStruggling with your health journeyâmentally, emotionally, or physically?đ§ Therapy can help. Start healing today with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month:đ https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthIn this insightful episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, host Stefan Lessie sits down with Dr. Shyamala Navada, a top oncologist and expert in hematologic cancers, to explore the future of cancer treatmentâespecially in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Dr. Navada shares her personal and professional journey into oncology, discussing how clinical trials, personalized medicine, and holistic, integrative care are transformi...2025-05-2339 min
I Choose Health Podcast"That's for Us Too!"| I Choose Health Episode 19: Tamara Nelsonđ§ Struggling with mental health or seeking community-centered healing?Try therapy with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month:đ https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthIn this powerful episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, host Stefan Lessie sits down with Tamara Nelsonâyoga teacher and licensed mental health counselorâto explore racial equity in the yoga world, representation in wellness spaces, and the healing power of yoga for Black and Brown communities.Tamara shares her experience navigating predominantly white yoga environments and speaks candidly about the emotional impact of underrepresentation, cultural appropriation, and exclusion. Together, they unpack how yogaâwhen reclaim...2025-05-1651 min
I Choose Health Podcast"Leading By Example"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 18: Lena JamesIn this episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, host Stefan Lessie and Lena James discuss the transformative journey of health and fitness. They explore the importance of baby steps in making lifestyle changes, the impact of environment on health choices, and the role of accountability in fitness. The conversation delves into the societal barriers that affect health, the significance of self-love, and the need to break free from survival mode. Lena shares her personal experiences and insights on nutrition, mindset, and the importance of leading by example to inspire others on their health journeys.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Transformation
02:51...2025-05-1431 min
I Choose Health Podcast"Forgiveness Is For You"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 17: Dr.Fred LuskinIn this enlightening conversation, Dr. Fred Luskin, director of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, discusses the profound impact of forgiveness on emotional and physical health. He shares powerful stories of individuals who have achieved radical forgiveness in the face of unimaginable trauma, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond resentment for personal healing. The discussion explores the complexities of forgiveness versus justice, the influence of community expectations, and practical steps to cultivate forgiveness in our lives. Dr. Luskin also addresses the challenges of forgiveness in a polarized world and highlights the health benefits associated with letting go of grudges.2025-05-0947 min
I Choose Health Podcast"Black Maternal Health & The System"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 16- Nicole PottsThis conversation delves into the critical issues surrounding Black maternal health, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. Nicole Potts, a doula and mental health counselor, shares her insights on the importance of support systems, the role of doulas, and the impact of systemic racism in healthcare. The discussion emphasizes the need for cultural competency among healthcare providers and the significance of mental health support for mothers. Additionally, practical healing practices and the importance of reclaiming joy in the birthing process are explored, alongside the challenges of imposter syndrome in motherhood.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Black Maternal...2025-05-0248 min
I Choose Health PodcastEpisode 15- Let's Normalize Sobriety| Catherine DelheimerIn this episode of the I Choose Health podcast, host Stefan Lessie speaks with Catherine Delheimer about her journey through alcoholism, motherhood, and recovery. Catherine shares her experiences growing up, the influence of her childhood environment on her drinking habits, and the challenges she faced during her college years. After becoming a mother, she struggled with relapse but eventually found the strength to seek help through Alcoholics Anonymous. Catherine discusses the importance of support from her husband and the ongoing journey of sobriety, emphasizing the need for resilience and self-acceptance in the face of addiction.2025-04-2555 min
I Choose Health Podcast"High Energy"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 14- Andre ZemnovitschJoin us as we sit down with Andre Zemnovitsch, a personal trainer, author and friend who shares his inspiring journey from overcoming substance abuse to empowering others. Discover how he integrates a holistic approach, blending various techniques including breathwork and meditation, to guide his clients towards a transformative experience.2025-04-111h 12
I Choose Health Podcast"Empathy First"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 13- Drew ManningIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor, BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
Fitness trainer, author and producer of the hit TV show Fit to Fat to Fit Drew Manning joins us to discuss how empathy works in the world of fitness to help people achieve their goals.2024-04-0535 min
I Choose Health Podcast"Confusion Stops Change"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 12- Maxime SigouinWhole Food Plant-Based Recomp Coach and host of the Fit Vegan Podcast Maxime Sigouin joins us on the show. He's also the founder of Fit Vegan Coaching and Empire Builders Agency.2024-03-1543 min
I Choose Health Podcast"What in the Pelvic Health?"| I Choose Health Podcast- Episode 11- Gaynor MorganIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor, BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
Fitness trainer, Breathing Coach and Pessary Instructor Gaynor Morgan joined us on the show to discuss women's pelvic health and how to tackle pelvic organ prolapse.
Music credit to Moire-Say Grace via uppbeat.io2024-02-2442 min
I Choose Health Podcast"What's Really Important?"| I Choose Health Podcast-Episode 10:Marc Paisant #mentalhealthIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor, BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
Friend of the show Marc Paisant joined us on this special episode to discuss some of the trending topics and news in mental health today.2024-02-091h 14
I Choose Health Podcast"Vegan Mastery" | I Choose Health Podcast Episode 9- Korin SuttonIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor, BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
3X Pro Vegan Bodybuilder, coach, author, and vegan chef Korin Sutton joined us on the show to give us his background and talk about his experiences as a vegan trainer and competitor. I think you all will really appreciate his insights and passion for the work he does.2024-02-0249 min
I Choose Health Podcast"The Impactful Vegan"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 8- Robert CheekeIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
Vegan bodybuilder and NY Times Best Selling author of âThe Plant-Based Athleteâ Robert Cheeke joined us on the show. Robert highlights his impact on bodybuilding and animal activism as a vegan.2024-01-261h 13
I Choose Health Podcast"Don't Fool Yourself: Busting Vegan Myths"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 7- Justin StricklandIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
Justin Strickland (A.K.A Fueledbyplantzz) is a vegan coach and trainer that has helped over 500 people transform their bodies and minds on a vegan diet. In this episodes, he tackles some of the common objections people have to transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.2024-01-1946 min
I Choose Health Podcast"Reconnecting With Yourself"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 6- Falyn MorningstarIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
Functional Health Practitioner Falyn Morningstar joins us on the show today to talk about her work with women.2024-01-121h 06
I Choose Health PodcastI Choose Health Podcast| Episode 5: "It's Cool to Be Me"- Kayleigh & Sandy WilliamsonIf youâre struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.
Kayleigh Williamson and her mom Sandy Williamson join on us on the show to discuss her historic run and the overall significance and impact of it.2023-12-0845 min
I Choose Health Podcast"Loving Life"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 4- Lerubi LopezActress, model and teacher Lerubi Lopez spoke to us about her time growing up in NYC. She also shared her reaction to discovering her ovarian cancer diagnosis and what steps she took to fight it.2023-12-011h 57
I Choose Health Podcast"It's All A Mental Health Discussion"| I Choose Health Podcast Episode 3- Marc PaisantFitness Coach and Host of the Relatively Normal and 6AM Run Podcast Marc Paisant joins us on the show. Marc shares his experiences in both fields and delves into the depths of the mental health discussion.2023-11-2452 min
I Choose Health Podcast"A Work of Art..." | I Choose Health Podcast Episode 2- Matthew Carter(W.A.R)In this podcast episode, we engage in a conversation with Matthew Carter (W.A.R), delving into the origins of his passion for the arts and tracing his career journey as an actor, model, and advocate. Matthew, the founder of A Real Desire, an organization supporting aspiring performing artists with limited resources, opens up about his strong faith, which has been instrumental in maintaining a positive perspective despite facing personal challenges.2023-11-1742 min
I Choose Health Podcast"MR. R&B Vegan" | I Choose Health Podcast Episode 1-HonorĂŠ:16 Why itâs called the âI Choose Healthâ PodcastÂ
1:21 Red Meat Study Replacing red meat with plant-based protein sources may reduce risk of diabetes and provide environmental benefits
People who eat just two servings of red meat per week may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to people who eat fewer servings, and the risk increases with greater consumption, according to a new study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. They also found that replacing red meat with healthy plant-based protein sources, such as nuts and legumes, or modest amounts of dairy foods, was...2023-11-0334 min
6AM Run6AMRun.com & Guest - Stefan LessieJoin 6AMRun.com Ambassador and Host, Marc Paisant, as we welcome the founder of MindCore Fitness LLC, CPT and 6AM Run user, Stefan Lessie. Simply, Stefan wants to help you. He wants to help you meet your fitness goals while leaving all judgment at the door. He knows what it takes to build the discipline and courage to not only start your fitness journey, but stay the course. He is the founder of Mindcore Fitness and is a personal trainer with GYMGUYZ in Brooklyn New York.  His philosophy is simple: If you want to be better...2023-08-0140 min