Small Changes Big Shifts

“Blood sugar is like comparing water to Kool-Aid – while water flows through our body, Kool-Aid can’t flow as well because it’s stickier. When we have too much sugar in our bloodstream, our body has a harder time carrying out the processes it needs to.” - Dr. Georgia Nab   About 1 in 5 people in the United States have diabetes but don’t know it, according to the CDC. While people generally know sugar isn’t good for the body, most people don’t know why our consumption of it needs to be managed – not eliminated. In today’s show, Dr. Michelle Robin invites Dr. Georgia Nab – a Functional Medicine doctor at Your Wellness Connection – to help people understand what’s really happening in the body once we consume sugar and why it’s then converted to blood sugar. If you have ever wondered what glycemic and glucose mean – or the difference between metabolic syndrome (prediabetes), Type I, Type I.5, Type II, and Type III – this week’s episode will give you a clearer understanding of each one in very simple terms. Dr. Nab even dives into how our blood sugar numbers have a tremendous impact on our hormonal levels and anxiety issues in today’s world. She encourages listeners that small changes can make a big difference. At the end of the episode, Dr. Nab will also share why sleep and movement matter in managing your blood sugar – ending with some tips that can help you get on a better path toward wellness. About Today’s Guest:  Dr. Georgia Nab entered the chiropractic industry in 1992 by owning a chiropractic clinic in Wichita, Kansas. From 2012 through 2017, she joined a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin to provide chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and educational training to the employees at the company’s corporate headquarters. While there, she authored her book called 1 Degree of Change, in addition to numerous other publications. In 2015, she graduated with her Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine degree. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Western States for their Master’s program. Dr. Nab is a Certified Nutrition Specialist from the Board for Nutrition Specialist and works with Affiliated Monitors, an independent monitoring company for professionals.  Mentioned in the Episode:  Your Wellness Connection  1 Degree of Change book by Dr. Georgia Nab – contact Dr. Nab for a free PDF version 

“It’s the small choices we make that determine the rest of our lives.” - Robyn Rosenberger   Each year, more than three million children are hospitalized – either for procedures or ongoing treatment for chronic or terminal illness. Additionally, one in six children have a disability in the U.S. such as autism, ADHD, Aspergers, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, to name a few. During today’s show, Dr. Michelle Robin invites Robyn Rosenberger to share her awe-inspiring story about what led her to become the founder of TinySuperheroes in 2013 to help these kids fight unimaginable battles. Since launching her tiny cape organization, she has served over 120,000 children and families by providing capes for each child. Robyn shares how it all started with a little girl named Brenna and tells how the organization has evolved into ways these kids can experience extracurricular activities since 80% of them almost never get to participate in them. By the end of the episode, your heartstrings will be pulled by some of the powerful encounters she has had with kids who have received her capes and all the ways it has transformed their lives by giving them courage and strength. About Today’s Guest and Co-Host:  Robyn Rosenberger is a passionate and dedicated entrepreneur who is committed to making a positive impact in the world. As the founder and CEO of TinySuperheroes, a social enterprise that empowers children with disabilities or illnesses, Robyn has helped thousands of children to embrace their inner strength and courage. Her organization has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CNN, NBC News, and The Huffington Post. She is an inspiring example of a mission-driven entrepreneur who is passionate about building for-profit businesses that create social impact. She believes that businesses can be a force for good. Robyn’s commitment to building a profitable business that makes a difference has resulted in a growing community of supporters and advocates who share her passion for social entrepreneurship. Through her work, she is a true champion for those who face adversity. She is dedicated to helping every other child feel like a superhero and inspiring others to make a positive difference in the world.  Desiree Cole is the Content Director and Brand Manager at Small Changes Big Shifts. She creates, writes, and manages the voice and content for the brand. She has loved all things wellness since she was introduced to the lifestyle in college, where she learned to cook more plant-based food and care for the whole body in holistic ways. She began her journalism career in Chicago and New York City, where she worked in Manhattan as an editor for news agencies, magazines, and book publishing. She’s part of the Small Changes Big Shifts team because she believes words are powerful messengers to the spirit, heart, and mind. Desiree was born and raised in Kansas City and believes there’s no place like it. Her husband (Zach), son (Ollie), and two golden retrievers (Linus and Lucy) live in a loud and happy house with its eight paws and a very joyful little boy who loves his dogs.  Mentioned in the Episode:  TinySuperheroes website  Nominate a child at TinySuperheroes  Sponsor a cape for a child  TinySuperheroes Mission Program  John O’Leary 

Today on Small Changes Big Shifts we’ll check in with Dr. Michelle Robin for an update and what’s to come over the next few months on this show. In the second part of this episode we have Mindy Corporon. Mindy is the mother of Reat Underwood and daughter of Dr. William Corporon, who were murdered by a convicted white supremacist in a hate crime outside of Jewish facilities in April 2014 along with Terri LaManno. Corporon, family and friends created SevenDays — Make a Ripple, Change the World to spread kindness and interfaith understanding.

As long as I have some love in my heart, it mitigates the sense of separation. - Frank Ferrante This week we are sharing Dr. Michelle’s interview with Frank Ferrante from our 2020 Rhythm & Resilience series. Frank is a Sicilian from Brooklyn living in San Francisco.

A lover of life, great food, and a good laugh, Frank was also a drug addict, morbidly obese, pre-diabetic, and fighting Hepatitis C. Estranged from his daughter, single, and struggling with depression, Frank knows that life can be better than this, and looked for a way out. Through Frank’s story of love, redemption, and transformation, the viewers of the May I Be Frank documentary and readers of his book, May I Be Frank, documentary witness the power of change for themselves and the world. It's the essence of the human condition and what it truly means to fall in love again. Join Dr. Michelle and Frank as they talk about: Unpacking his life before the film including health, family, work, and education. How the May I Be Frank documentary completely changed his life and the obstacles he went through including imposter syndrome at the beginning. His COVID-19 lockdown experience and how it allowed him to self-reflect and positively impact his relationships. What guidance he has to share on cultivating long term relationships with the people we meet during our lifetimes. Taking a closer look at how our behavior affects the people in our lives. Why he believes a key part of why depression happens is because we’re not aligned with our core beliefs. What steps you can take right now if you are feeling lonely. Learn new tools to add to your wellness toolbox including: The power of connecting with yourself and how to release thoughts and feelings that are no longer serving you anymore. What process he goes through to get rid of the different voices inside his head and instead just listen to one - his own. Why reaching out and helping someone else can be some of the best medicine for your own wellbeing. Unpacking why we’re the happiest when we’re not even thinking about ourselves but of other people. How we can show up as our authentic selves by focusing on what brings us joy. 
Do something nice for somebody and don't get caught. - Frank Ferrante Mentioned In This Episode SCBS Ep. 18: Raz Ingrasci and Frank Ferrante – Ready to Feng Shui Your Soul? May I Be Frank Trailer Stream May I Be Frank Documentary May I Be Frank Book: May I Be Frank DVD Day 8 - Rhythm and Resilience with Reverend Patricia T. Bass The Hoffman Process Day 6 - Rhythm and Resilience with Teri Griege Byron Katie

Today on this part 2 episode on Small Changes Big Shifts, Dr. Robynne innovative solutions backed by science that can help you improve your digestive wellness today! Have you ever wondered if you need to take a probiotic? Are you one of the hundreds of thousands who has eaten well and still struggle with your weight? Do you wonder if you should take the antibiotic just in case? What about hand sanitizer?

Today on Small Changes Big Shifts I will be speaking with Dr. Robynne Chutkan. Dr. Chutkan is one of the most recognizable gastroenterologists working in America today. She is the author of two bestselling books, Gutbliss and most recently, The Microbiome Solution. And she is the founder of the Digestive Center for Women. 

Discover how to tap into a whole new level of healing and spirituality no matter your religious beliefs. “When your body is free of interference, your body will heal.” - Dr. Gilles LaMarche Dr. Gilles LaMarche was living his best life – a successful chiropractic practice, healthy, fit, active, and raising his children who became incredible human beings themselves. But in 2003 at age 48, his world was turned inside out when he suddenly began having difficulty breathing while doing simple activities like walking from one side of the room to the other. Doctors soon discovered he had cardiomegaly – an enlarged heart that was continuing to enlarge due to breathing difficulties. He was given 24 months left to live, with the only option being a heart and lung transplant that may give him another five years. Because his lifestyle would be extremely limited after the double transplant, he decided to come to terms with the terminal diagnosis and opt out of the procedure. On May 15, 2004, Dr. Gilles woke up with a revelation. He realized he had been preaching the chiropractic paradigm and its healing power for 25 years to his patients, and began wondering about his own spine and nervous system. This episode will have you leaning in to hear every word of his powerful story about how he discovered what was really going on inside of him – and how his body could heal from chiropractic medicine. As he approaches his 25thyear since his diagnosis, he is preparing to run the 2023 Masters World Championship – the toughest race in all of track and field. About Today’s Guest: Dr. Gilles LaMarche is a natural-born leader and one of the greats within the chiropractic world. He is the Vice President of University Advancement and Enrollment, but has also dedicated his life to helping over 750,000 people as a chiropractor over 25 years in Northern Ontario, Canada. He has spoken to audiences throughout Canada, United States, Mexico, Japa, Scandinavia, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean. He is the co-author of more than nine books including Say Yes to Chiropractic Success and the Parker System for Professional Success. He was named Canadian Chiropractor of the Year in 2006 by readers of Canadian Chiropractic Magazine, and has been sharing his story around the world about the healing power of the nervous system in our body. Mentioned in the Episode: Parker’s Principles Gilles LaMarche LinkedIn Diversity Woman Media Conferences Life University

You can’t heal what you don’t reveal. How is the universe holding you today? That is the question our guest this week, Rev. Cynthia Alice Anderson, asks herself every single morning when she wakes up. In this episode, Rev. Anderson and your host, Dr. Michelle Robin dive deep into how you can bring more gratitude to your life, a breakdown of her 7 Spiritual Laws of Release, and how you can take your soul’s journey into your own hands. About Rev. Cynthia Alic Anderson Rev. Cynthia Alice Anderson has been serving as senior minister at Christ Church Unity in Orlando, Florida since 2007. Under her spiritual leadership, Christ Church Unity continues to be a thriving, welcoming community that is dedicated to transforming lives, celebrating diversity and supporting soul growth. Rev. Anderson recently wrote 7 Spiritual Laws of Release and it is in its 3rd printing currently. She has two other books: A Grateful Life: 30 Days of Conscious Gratitude is a 30-day mindfulness and prayer book and her prosperity book, PRSPRTY 4U, is currently being taught in churches around North America. She is also the Founder of the podcast platform, Experience of the Soul. Discover more about Rev. Anderson as she shares: Her life growing up as the youngest of 9 and the struggles her family faced. How the church of her youth differs from her church now as a Unity Minister Her physical healing crisis during her late 20s that awakened her spiritual nature. A big shift that was created in her life when she made the small change of now longer eating any gluten. How she re-organized her refrigerator to reflect her new healthy lifestyle and help her build small habits. Continue your own wellness and spiritual journey by learning about: Steps you can take each morning to tune into the universe and be energetically grounded. Why you’ll be ready to let go of trauma, harm, and forgive others when the healing becomes bigger than the hurt. What we are learning and healing from now as a society in the USA. The power of acknowledging what you do have and what you can do vs. what you don’t have and can’t do. Discover how to tap into a whole new level of healing and spirituality no matter your religious beliefs. Joy is a sign of the wonderful presence of God. - Rev. Cynthia Alice Anderson

Let food be thy medicine; let medicine be thy food. - Hippocrates In the second Small Changes Big Shifts podcast episode with Author of The Paleo Cardiologist and Host of The Healthy Heart Show, Dr. Jack Wolfson, he shares his own personal health journey, how he decided he needed to change his focus both in life and career for better wellness, and what steps we can take to begin to honor and celebrate our own physical bodies, mind, and wellbeing by clearing out all the “noise”. Specifically in this interview, Dr. Michelle and Dr. Jack, discussed how mental health is highly linked to cardiovascular risk if you are facing situations of isolation, depression, stress, or anxiety. Listen and find out how heal and feel better by meeting with a professional health coach, social worker, or psychologist and doing activities such as meditation or yoga to break the cycle. Discover how being outside, eating a Paleo-based diet, and getting enough sunshine can boost your emotions, decrease your stress, and help improve your overall wellbeing. Life is really simple but we insist on making it so complicated. - Confucious

Hope, healing, and happiness all begin in the heart. - Dr. Michelle Robin Why are we given a diagnosis that we’re dying before we really start living? In this very special Part 1 of 2 Small Changes Big Shifts podcast episodes with Author of The Paleo Cardiologist and Host of The Healthy Heart Show, Dr. Jack Wolfson, he dives into the truths and myths surrounding cholesterol, why he decided to become a Doctor of Cause by focusing on helping patients heal through a holistic approach, and why many people believe that the trifecta of aspirin, statin drugs, and blood pressure drugs are winners to help people but this idea couldn’t be further from the truth. Find out how you can make small changes into big shifts by focusing on these four factors that Dr. Wolfson considers to be vital for a healthy heart: Having a primary caregiver who is a functional, holistic doctor. Embracing the power of the natural sun and the nutrients it gives us at all times of the day. Making it a priority to get enough sleep every night. Living in a clean, low-pollution environment at least at home if not your city. The beauty of the sun and sleep is that they’re free. There’s no excuse as to why you shouldn’t be getting enough of both. - Dr. Jack Wolfson Guest Dr. Jack Wolfson The Paleo Cardiologist Author Podcast Host Mentioned In This Episode Free copy of The Paleo Cardiologist by Dr. Jack Wolfson Statin Drugs Are Killing Millions Of People MRFIT Trials Ancel Keys Lipitor Thief of Memory by Duane Graveline Dr. Casey Baker

Today on Small Changes Big Shifts we have Ron Hall. Ron is the author of “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME.” Now turned into a movie, it is the story of an international art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) who must befriend a dangerous homeless man (Djimon Hounsou) in order to save his struggling marriage to his wife (Renée Zellweger), a woman whose dreams will lead all three of them on the most remarkable journey of their lives. Jon Voight plays Hall's father, with whom he reconciles thanks to the revelations of his new life. Ron Hall’s life was centered around a successful career as an international art dealer and a passion for his Rocky Top ranch on the Brazos River. All this changed in 1998 as a result of an encounter with a homeless man who was threatening to kill everyone in sight in the homeless shelter where Ron and his wife Deborah had begun to volunteer two weeks earlier. This life-changing encounter, featured on many television and radio shows, inspired Ron to write his first book SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, a story of hope and redemption. The word-of-mouth hit became a New York Times platinum bestseller and stayed on the list for more than three and one-half years. In 2007, President Bush appointed Ron to the State Department Cultural Property Committee to advise the President on diplomatic matters regarding international art and antiquities. He served through December 2011. Ron is a screenwriter and producer of the movie version of his book SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME. It was released in theaters across America by Paramount Pictures February 3, 2017. He also published SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, Children's Version, also known as EVERYBODY CAN HELP SOMEBODY. Ron and his wife Beth reside in Dallas where they direct the Same Kind of Different as Me Foundation. into achieving better sleep and overall well-being.

Today on Small Changes Big Shifts Dr. Michelle Robin interviews The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Michael Breus about his top tips for small changes in our sleeping habits that truly can lead to big shifts in our wellness. Tune in for practical insights into achieving better sleep and overall well-being.

Dr. Michelle Robin interviews internationally renowned speaker John O'Leary about his incredibly inspiring story surviving a house fire at age 9 that burned 100% of his body. Michelle and John also discuss his book "ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life."

Today on Small Changes Big Shifts we have Melissa Hartwig Urban. Melissa is a Certified Sports Nutritionist who specializes in helping people change their relationship with food and create life-long, healthy habits. She is the co-creator of the original Whole30 program, the New York Times bestselling author of The Whole30 and It Starts With Food, and has been featured by Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, the Wall Street Journal, Details, Shape, Outside, and SELF. Melissa has presented more than 150 health and nutrition seminars worldwide, and provides support to more than 1.5 million people a month through the Whole30 website. Melissa enjoys kettlebell training, traveling, hiking, winter sports, yoga, and riding her motorcycle, and is on the advisory board for Paleo Magazine. She lives in Salt Lake City, UT.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? - Mary Oliver Be grateful. Have faith. Live Oola. Those are the words of wisdom that the OolaGuys and Authors of Oola and Oola for Women, Dave Braun and Troy Amdahl, of OolaLife are spreading to the USA: That we must always be grateful; even be grateful for our past, have faith in the future, and live in the present. As you listen to Dr. Michelle’s interview with them, you will learn what the 7 F’s  | 7 Blockers | 7 Accelerators of the OolaLife are, what sparked them to do the OolaLife Dream Tour, how they’ve incorporated the OolaLife into their own lives, and what big shifts you can make with their 21 Day OolaLife Challenge. Turn small changes into big shifts with their 3 core steps to living an OolaLife by thinking about: Where you are today Where you want to go How you’re going to get there If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time.- Zig Zaglar About OolaLife What is OolaLife all about? The OolaLife isn’t just a book series but a process of life. It allows you to take a day or two every day to step outside of your life and look at it give yourself an honest assessment with where you are with your life, career, family, friendships, and yourself. Once you have assessed that, you can think about where you want to go with your life and how you’re going to get there.  Listen and discover the deep truth that where you are now is simply just that and it doesn’t define who you are. 

"I hear well-being differently every year based on how I’ve grown – and I know you will, too.” - Dr. Michelle Robin  As you approach the New Year, it’s a wonderful time to develop fresh perspective about your goals, dreams, purpose, and overall life. People do this by taking time to reconnect with their heart, utilizing the power of “yes” toward themselves, flexing their empathy muscles, and even zooming out from situations to see from a wider lens. In this solo show, join Dr. Michelle Robin as she talks about the importance of renewing your energy so you can focus on your calling and well-being. She’ll explain why it can be easy to give up on our needs (i.e. self-care) when other needs seem so much greater around you – and she’ll also share why it helps to recall lessons you’ve learned along the way to get you to the next step in life. As she celebrates 10 years of this podcast, she’ll explain why there will be some upcoming changes to the show beginning in 2024. You’ll also get to hear a sneak peek of episodes to come, in addition to some new products she’ll be releasing next year that will continue to pour hope into our community.  About Today’s Guest:  Dr. Michelle Robin is the founder of Small Changes Big Shifts, the Kansas City Wellness Consortium, and Your Wellness Connection. More importantly, she’s a visionary for the well-being of many generations. After opening her chiropractic practice in Kansas City over 30 years ago, she’s become a national influence and memorable leader in the wellness industry. Her simple framework – called the Quadrants of Well-Being – is the key to what many people have been looking for when it comes to discovering their best life. She has spent the majority of her career helping people make small changes that ultimately create the biggest shifts in their well-being. As a chiropractor, author, teacher, holistic healer, podcast host, unshakable optimist, international speaker, and passionate advocate for generational change, Dr. Robin has left an impression on thousands of lives by helping them find their unique path to wellness and enrich their purpose in life.  Mentioned in the Episode:  Your Wellness Connection services  Teen Therapy Group with Stacy Cahalan  “Experience Oola” event with Dr. Dave Braun in Kansas City  Whole 30 website  Quadrants of Well-Being 

"When we operate from the premise that everybody is going through something, we show more grace.” - Matt Miller  For over 30 years, Matt Miller has been serving kids, teachers, and their communities in the education system by helping them reach their potential. Join Dr. Michelle Robin as she invites him to share how he met John O’Leary, what inspired him to join John’s mission in 2016 after that interaction, and why they are on a mission to help people live inspired. Matt will also explain some things he’s learned over the years about people, and why our lives (and the lives of people around us) improve when we decide to love each other more. His story and wisdom will help you see that living a better life isn’t as complicated as we make it – we just need to do simple better. About Today’s Guest:  Matt Miller is a former special education teacher and spent the majority of his educational career as an elementary principal. Under Matt’s leadership, Kellison Elementary went from a low performing school in 2000 to being named a Top Ten High Performing School in the State of Missouri by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2004. Matt transitioned to Stanton Elementary in 2004. Stanton was the lowest performing school in the district. In two years, Stanton was named a Top Ten School in the State of Missouri by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Stanton went on to be one of the first schools in the world to use the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People with students and was named a Lighthouse School by the Franklin Covey Organization in 2011. Matt contributes this increase in achievement to the power of positive relationships. When organizations are focused on people – great things happen... and it’s the little things that make a big difference.  Mentioned in the Episode:  John O’Leary website  7 Habits of Highly Effective People book  John O’Leary podcast episode about igniting your life  Paul Young podcast episode on Small Changes Big Shifts  John O’Leary podcast  On Fire movie about John O’Leary 

"Trust is the firm belief in the truth of something.” - Cory Scheer  Due to the declining trust across the globe, experts say its absence is making it harder to solve key problems than it used to. Join Dr. Michelle Robin as she invites Cory Scheer – author of Closing the Trust Gap – to share what inspired him to begin researching this word 12 years ago and why it’s now inspired him to re-educate people what it means and how to gain it or regain it in a new way. He provides insight and wisdom on just how powerful this word is in our language, and why his father was an influential part of his life when it came to modeling trusting relationships. About Today’s Guest:  Cory Scheer is the Founder and CEO of TrustCentric™ Consulting, an organizational and leadership development firm. TrustCentric™ helps leaders, teams, and organizations become more trustworthy, focused, and productive by using empirical evidence to define reality, implementing a proven trust building framework, and walking alongside clients to develop clear, obtainable, and long-lasting data informed strategies for success. In addition to over 25 years in leadership roles in multiple sectors, Cory has obtained an Executive MBA (Rockhurst University) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (University of Missouri). Cory has worked with small businesses, school districts, corporations, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, ministries, the military, and municipalities to provide vital support and clear direction on how to ensure people, practices, and policies become more trustworthy so that key performance indicators improve. Cory is the co-author of The National Survey on Brand and Trust with BrandCertain as well as the developer of the online course, The Complete Guide to Building Organizational Trust (www.StructureOfTrust.com). Cory is also the author of Closing the Trust Gap: Taking Action on What Matters Most for Leaders, Teams, and Organizations.  Mentioned in the Episode:  Closing the Trust Gap book by Cory Scheer  The Complete Guide to Building Organizational Trust - www.StructureOfTrust.com

"It feels good to be grateful. Gratitude opens your heart and unleashes a power of love.” - Mark Hulet  As we head more into the holidays, this season helps us become more aware of the level of gratitude in our lives. Join Dr. Michelle Robin as she invites Mark Hulet from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City to share some lessons and insights he’s learned over the course of this year. He’ll speak about what it means to reflect and forgive, and why sometimes we can get stuck in a place with relationships by thinking about what should be next – when really it’s important to first pause and find gratitude in those relationships. As he prepares to start his 24th year at the YMCA, he’ll also explain the impact their nonprofit has had on families’ lives in Kansas City this year – and why they couldn’t do what they do in the community without their volunteers.  About Today’s Guest:  In July 2023, Mark Hulet became the 11th chief executive officer to lead the YMCA of Greater Kansas City since it was founded in 1860. Hulet has served as interim president and CEO from January 1, 2023. Hulet’s background includes all aspects of YMCA leadership, philanthropy, operations, and support. He began his YMCA of Greater Kansas City career in 2000 as an executive director of a Y membership center, and has held various positions including chief operating officer, senior vice president of capital assets and risk, and vice president of membership. As interim president and CEO, Hulet successfully launched the current strategic plan to address organizational culture, operational excellence and sustainability as the Y recovers from the pandemic. During the pandemic, Hulet led the reopening of Y centers and programs as chief operating officer, including mobilization of resources and programs to provide childcare for essential workers, combat social isolation for older adults and support vaccine distribution throughout greater Kansas City. Over the years, Hulet has provided operations and philanthropic leadership and established innovative partnerships. Projects have included partnerships for the Y to operate community centers in Platte County and North Kansas City and bringing the University Health primary care clinic to the Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center. In addition, he led capital projects including the construction of the new Kirk Family YMCA in downtown Kansas City, MO, and the renovations of the Linwood and Atchison Y’s as part of the largest capital campaign in the Y’s history. A longtime Kansas City resident, Mark has two sons, Keagan and Killian, and three grandchildren, Gracelynn, Raiden, and Ruari.  Mentioned in the Episode:  YMCA of Greater Kansas City  YMCA – find a location around the U.S.  Your Wellness Connection  Volunteer at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City 

"When I took someone who felt lost, and I would suddenly see the clouds lift and that lightbulb come on for them – that's where I discovered my joy.” - Gina Creek  Did you know there’s a difference between feeling happy and experiencing joy? Experts often describe happiness as a positive state of overall well-being and impacts your outlook on the meaning of life. However, joy is felt in moments such as listening to a friend make a toast or receiving a hug from a dear friend. When we experience joy, it’s less about that overall sense of how life is going, and more about discovering what moments touch your heart. Join Dr. Michelle Robin as she invites Gina Creek to share how she began to lean into those joyful moments early in life, which eventually impacted her career path in a profound way and now helps her experience that same joy throughout the workday. She’ll share about her journey into healthcare and why it was the people who mentored and surrounded her that became a key ingredient to learning what lit up her heart.  About Today’s Guest:  Gina Creek is the Vice President and Chief People Officer for the Mid-America Region. She leads human resources at AdventHealth’s hospitals and clinics in Kansas and Wisconsin, including AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, AdventHealth South Overland Park, AdventHealth Ottawa, and AdventHealth Durand. In this role, she leads human resources initiatives, including attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent; performance management; leadership development and change management for the health care system’s information technology team. She then led the system-wide Emerging Leader Program, developing high potential leaders for executive roles. Starting in 2018, she led AdventHealth’s Leadership Institute, developing multi-level leadership programs and interventions to meet the needs of an 80,000-member workforce. Creek earned her doctorate in leadership and learning from Vanderbilt University, her master’s in organizational development from Avila University and her bachelor’s education from Union College. She is also a publication author in leadership culture.  Mentioned in the Episode:  Junior and adult volunteer opportunities at AdventHealth  AdventHealth website  Your Wellness Connection  Small Changes Big Shifts