Messy Wellness

108 - Breaking the Cycle: Food Deserts, Hunger, and Hope with Feeding America

Understanding Food Insecurity and How We Can All Make a Difference  In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of food insecurity in America and explore why access to healthy, nutritious food remains a challenge for millions—regardless of where they live, their income, or their resources. Join us as we unpack the concept of food deserts, discuss who is most affected, and examine the serious health consequences of limited food access.  We highlight the essential work of Feeding America, a nationwide network dedicated not only to fighting hunger, but also to prioritizing nutritious food options, supporting specific dietary needs, and building long-term, community-focused solutions. Discover how organizations, volunteers, and advocates are breaking the cycle of food insecurity through fresh produce initiatives, nutrition education, and innovative programs like mobile food pantries and community gardens.  You’ll learn practical ways to help—whether by supporting healthier food donations, volunteering, advocating for policy change, or simply spreading awareness. This episode also offers empowering advice for anyone facing food insecurity, emphasizing that asking for help is a sign of strength, not shame, and providing tips on eating well even with limited resources.  If you care about building stronger, healthier communities, or if you want to understand how you can make a real difference, this episode is for you. Tune in to be inspired, informed, and motivated to take action—because healthy food is a right, not a privilege.  Learn more about Feeinding America at feedingamerica.org Learn more about Podcast-A-Thon at podcastathon.org   Get Started for FREE:  messywellness.com/start Connect with Jolene:  Instagram: @messywellness.jolene  Website: messywellness.com  Email: jojo@messywellness.com [jojo@messywellness.com]   By listening you are agreeing to this disclaimer: messywellness.com/disclaimer

107 - Embrace Messy Choices: Unleash The Power

Let Go of Perfection and Discover Real, Sustainable Wellness  Ever feel weighed down by your choices—or the guilt that follows them? In this honest, empowering episode, we get real about what it means to make choices in everyday life, especially when it comes to food, wellness, and self-care. Forget the rules, the shame, and the never-ending cycle of “good” vs. “bad”—we’re diving deep into how your brain actually works, why willpower isn’t the answer, and what truly drives your decisions when your day goes sideways.  Join me as I unpack the “iceberg moment”—the powerful truth about your conscious and subconscious mind—and reveal why self-judgment holds you back more than any so-called “bad choice” ever could. You’ll learn the Messy Choice Method: five simple, practical steps to pause the shame spiral, tune into your real needs, and build self-trust instead of chasing perfection.  If you’re tired of feeling like you have to start over every Monday, or if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just do better when I know better?” this episode is for you. Discover how to anchor yourself in curiosity, own every choice (even the messy ones), and design a life where support—not superhuman discipline—leads the way.  Tune in to unlock the real power of choice: the quiet, repeatable kind that helps you build lasting wellness—one honest moment, and one choice, at a time. Hit play and reclaim your power, no matter how messy life gets.    Get Started for FREE:  messywellness.com/start Connect with Jolene:  Instagram: @messywellness.jolene  Website: messywellness.com  Email: jojo@messywellness.com [jojo@messywellness.com]   By listening you are agreeing to this disclaimer: messywellness.com/disclaimer

106 - Embrace Your Happy Weight — Real Talk on Health, Joy, & Living Life to the Fullest

Ready to ditch the scale and start living your best life? In this episode of Messy Wellness, we're rewriting the rulebook on "healthy weight" and putting the focus where it belongs: building a body and a life you love, not chasing a number on the scale. Join us for a fresh, uplifting, and science-backed conversation on what it really means to find your happy weight, feel confident in your skin, and thrive at any age.  We’ll dive into why your happy, healthy weight isn’t about getting skinny—it’s about being strong, mobile, and energized for all the adventures you want to say yes to. You’ll hear practical tips for eating real, whole foods, managing stress and sleep, building muscle as you age, and developing a positive relationship with your body. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone ready to move beyond diet culture and embrace a holistic, joyful approach to wellness.  Whether you’re planning your next vacation, chasing after grandkids, or simply want to feel good in your own skin, this podcast empowers you to nourish, move, and celebrate your one remarkable body—imperfections and all.  * Discover the truth about healthy weight (hint: it’s not a number!)  * Actionable steps to support mobility, energy, and longevity  * Real food, real talk, and real-life wellness wisdom  * Body positivity, self-acceptance, and the freedom to live fully  Hit play, join the Messy Wellness community, and start your journey toward a happier, healthier you—one where participation, not perfection, is the goal.    Happy Weight Quiz:  messywellness.com Connect with Jolene:  Instagram: @messywellness.jolene  Website: messywellness.com  Email: jojo@messywellness.com [jojo@messywellness.com]   By listening you are agreeing to this disclaimer: messywellness.com/disclaimer

105 - The Healing Power of Gratitude: A Journey Through Body, Heart & Soul

In this soul-soothing episode, we explore the transformative magic of gratitude - not just as a fleeting feeling, but as a powerful practice that can reshape your health, emotions, and healing journey. Whether you're navigating stress, seeking deeper sleep, or moving through grief, gratitude offers a gentle yet profound way to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. With science-backed insights, mini relfections, and simple rituals, you'll discover how gratitude can become a daily anchor for wellness, resilience, and joy. Take a breath, tune in, and let gratitude guide you home.   Meditation Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCorElLKFQE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCorElLKFQE] Get Started for FREE:  messywellness.com/start Connect with Jolene:  Instagram: @messywellness.jolene  Website: messywellness.com  Email: jojo@messywellness.com [jojo@messywellness.com]   By listening you are agreeing to this disclaimer: messywellness.com/disclaimer

104 - Cravings & Hunger: Who’s Really in Charge Here?

Ever find yourself elbow-deep in a bag of chips wondering, “Am I actually hungry… or just emotionally spiraling?” In this juicy episode we break down the difference between true hunger and those sneaky, dopamine-fueled cravings that hit hard and fast.  We’re myth-busting, science-explaining, and real-talking our way through:  🍕 The difference between hunger and cravings — and why they feel so similar  🧠 Emotional eating and how it hijacks your snack decisions  🥣 What hunger actually feels like (hint: it’s not a cookie craving at midnight)  🔍 A step-by-step guide to decoding your urges  💅 Ten practical, sassy strategies to outsmart cravings — with real-life examples you’ll totally relate to  💖 A powerful affirmation to reclaim your food choices  🧠 A reflection prompt to help you dig deeper and break the cycle  This episode is your permission slip to stop beating yourself up and start tuning into your body with compassion, curiosity, and a whole lot of sass. You’re not broken — you’re becoming. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, you’re getting stronger, lighter, and more in tune with what you really need.  So grab your water, your journal, and maybe a smart snack, and let’s get messy.    Get Started for FREE:  messywellness.com/start Connect with Jolene:  Instagram: @messywellness.jolene  Website: messywellness.com  Email: jojo@messywellness.com [jojo@messywellness.com]   By listening you are agreeing to this disclaimer: messywellness.com/disclaimer