137: Losing a Spouse: One Year Later : Cindy Gibson

137: Losing a Spouse: One Year Later : Cindy Gibson

What happens when the person you expected to grow old with is suddenly gone? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Cindy Gibson nearly one year after the loss of her husband to discuss one of life's most difficult transitions: learning how to live after losing a spouse in her early 70's. While grief is a universal experience, the loss of a life partner can leave us questioning our identity, our future, and even our ability to move forward. Cindy courageously shares what the past year has really been like—from the heartbreak of those first days and months to the gradual process of learning that joy and grief can live together. This honest conversation explores the emotional, mental, and physical impact of grief, the challenges of navigating everyday life after loss, and the lessons Cindy has learned about resilience, love, and healing. Whether you have experienced the death of a spouse, are caring for a grieving loved one, or want to better understand the realities of loss, this episode offers comfort, wisdom, and practical insights that can help us all navigate life's inevitable changes. In This Episode: ✔ What grief actually feels like during the first year after losing a spouse ✔ The emotional and physical effects of bereavement and loss ✔ Common myths and misconceptions about the grieving process ✔ How to support a spouse, friend, or family member after loss ✔ The importance of community, connection, and asking for help ✔ Conversations every couple should have before a crisis occurs ✔ Finding purpose, meaning, and hope after profound loss ✔ Lessons about healthy aging, resilience, and emotional wellness Cindy's story is a reminder that grief is not something we "get over." Instead, it becomes part of our journey as we learn to carry both love and loss forward. If you are facing grief, supporting someone who is grieving, or simply want to live more intentionally with the people you love, this episode will touch your heart and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the preciousness of life. Because none of us know how much time we have with the people we love—but we can choose how deeply we love them while they're here. Cindy was also our guest in Episode 90 where she shared about her personal health and fitness journey. Definitely check it out for inspiration and wisdom. It was recorded before her husband died and life was going as expected. Resources & Topics Discussed: Grief and loss • Widowhood • Healthy aging • Mental health • Emotional wellness • Resilience • Caregiving • Marriage • Life transitions • Women's health • Personal growth • Healing after loss • Aging well • Relationships • Life after the death of a spouse *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

136: Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin: The Power of Service, Mentorship & Second Chances

What if changing the world starts with helping just one person? In this inspiring episode of Girls Talk Healthy Aging, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with Justice Verda Colvin, one of only nine justices serving on the Supreme Court of Georgia. Justice Colvin's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Raised in Atlanta by a mother who worked in food service, she became a first-generation college graduate and pursued a legal career despite never personally knowing a lawyer growing up. In fact, the only lawyer she remembers seeing was Claire Huxtable on television. Driven by a deep desire to serve others, Justice Colvin shares how her commitment to service led her from attorney to judge and ultimately to an appointment to Georgia's highest court by Brian Kemp in 2021. Along the way, she wrestled with self-doubt, questioned whether she should pursue each new opportunity, and repeatedly chose courage by saying "yes." This powerful conversation explores: • What justice, leadership, and service truly mean • The women who shaped and influenced her path • Why mentorship changes lives at every age • The role mental health often plays in women's involvement with the justice system • How women sometimes sacrifice themselves while caring for others • Why redemption matters and why people deserve second chances • The importance of women supporting, advocating for, and celebrating one another • Practical ways anyone can begin mentoring and serving their community Justice Colvin also shares moving stories from her years on the trial bench, where she often went beyond her judicial duties to encourage people who had lost their way. Her compassion for those struggling with difficult circumstances shines through every story. Listeners will also hear about her personal journey toward better self-care, including why she chose to begin strength training with Alli at The Pink Physique after realizing that even lifelong servants must learn to invest in themselves. From mentoring children to addressing gun violence, from helping women find hope to encouraging all of us to use our unique gifts, Justice Colvin reminds us that our purpose is larger than ourselves. Her message is simple but powerful: We all have something to offer. We all have the ability to lift someone else. And sometimes changing a life begins with one small act of kindness. If you're looking for inspiration, purpose, leadership lessons, or a reminder that one person can make a difference, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. In this episode, you'll learn about: healthy aging, women's leadership, mentorship, service, mental health, women in law, Georgia Supreme Court, purpose-driven living, community impact, self-care, resilience, second chances, personal growth, and making a difference in the lives of others. *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

135: Why "Normal" Labs Don't Mean You're Healthy | Functional Medicine & Longevity: With Jessica Tsang

Why are so many women exhausted, inflamed, struggling with weight gain, poor sleep, hormone imbalance, and burnout — even when their labs look "normal"? In this powerful episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Shawna Kaminski and Alli Kerr interview Jessica Tsang about functional medicine, healthy aging, women's wellness, hormone health, prevention, and the root causes behind many chronic health symptoms women experience in midlife and beyond. Jessica explains how functional medicine differs from traditional healthcare by focusing on whole-body wellness instead of simply masking symptoms. Together, they discuss how stress, sleep, inflammation, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle habits all impact longevity, energy, metabolism, and aging. Jessica also shares exciting details about launching her new longevity clinic in Calgary later this year, where she'll help patients take a more proactive and personalized approach to preventative health and long-term wellness. If you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, hormone changes, poor sleep, stubborn weight gain, chronic stress, inflammation, or simply want to optimize your health as you age, this episode is filled with practical strategies and empowering insights. In this episode, you'll discover: • What functional medicine really is and why it's growing rapidly • The difference between symptom management and root-cause healing • Why women's hormones, sleep, stress, and inflammation are deeply connected • The most overlooked habits affecting healthy aging and longevity • How to advocate for yourself when your doctor isn't focused on prevention • Simple foundational wellness habits that create lasting health • Warning signs your body may be asking for a deeper investigation • How preventative healthcare can improve quality of life as we age • Jessica's vision for the future of longevity-focused healthcare This conversation is empowering, educational, and packed with practical wellness advice for women over 40 who want to feel stronger, healthier, more energized, and more confident as they age. 🎧 If you're interested in functional medicine, women's health, longevity, preventative healthcare, hormone balance, healthy aging, and holistic wellness, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about Jessica Tsang here: https://directhealthcanada.ca [https://directhealthcanada.ca/] #FunctionalMedicine #HealthyAging #WomenOver40 #Longevity #HormoneHealth #HolisticHealth #PreventativeHealth #MidlifeHealth #Women'sWellness #GirlsTalkHealthyAging *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

134: Single, Married, Divorced or Widowed: Smart Housing Decisions for Every Woman: With Mindy Attaway

Your home impacts far more than your address—it shapes your finances, relationships, safety, stress levels, independence, and even how well you age. On this episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, women's wellness coaches Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with award-winning Macon Realtor Mindy Attaway for an eye-opening conversation about how housing decisions shape women's lives through every stage. With 20 years of experience in real estate, Mindy shares powerful insights from working with buyers, sellers, and women investors across Macon and Middle Georgia. As the 2025 President of the Middle Georgia Association of Realtors, a multi-million dollar producer, 2023 Realtor of the Year, and commissioner on the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission, Mindy brings a unique perspective on the connection between real estate, financial empowerment, community planning, and healthy aging. In this episode, we discuss: • The biggest housing mistakes women make—and how to avoid them • How homeownership impacts financial freedom and long-term security • Smart real estate strategies for single, married, divorced, and widowed women • What women at different ages and stages should consider before buying or selling a home • How real estate investing can help women build wealth at any age • Emotional vs. strategic decision-making during life transitions • Current housing market trends women should understand right now • Questions every woman should ask before choosing a Realtor Whether you're buying your first home, navigating divorce, planning for retirement, downsizing, investing, or simply thinking about your future, this conversation will help you make smarter housing decisions that support your health, happiness, and financial future. If you care about healthy aging, women's financial empowerment, real estate investing, or creating a lifestyle that supports longevity, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe to the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast for expert conversations on women's health, fitness, mindset, aging well, longevity, strength, and building a vibrant life. Learn more about Mindy Attaway here: https://mindyattaway-crowerealty.sites.c21.homes [https://mindyattaway-crowerealty.sites.c21.homes/] *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]

133: She Lost 60 Pounds — Then Gained Some Back. Here's What Happened Next: With Kate Young

What happens after the "before and after" photo? In this inspiring and deeply relatable episode of the Girls Talk Healthy Aging Podcast, co-hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski sit down with former Pink Physique client Kate Young to discuss the real journey of weight loss, setbacks, identity, confidence, and finding your way back to fitness. Fifteen years ago, Kate began her transformation journey training with Alli and the team at The Pink Physique, where she lost 60 pounds and completely changed the direction of her life. But like so many women experience, life happened. After moving out of state and losing her routine, Kate found herself struggling again and regaining some of the weight she had worked so hard to lose. Instead of giving up, Kate chose to begin again. Now in her 30s, Kate has discovered a new passion through Olympic weightlifting and has transformed herself into an international weightlifting competitor — while still embracing her unique identity as a self-proclaimed "gothy nerd," now with more muscle and confidence. In this honest conversation, Alli and Shawna break down: * Why weight regain is incredibly common after major weight loss * The emotional side of getting off track * How routines change through different life stages * Why consistency matters more than perfection * How finding a fitness style you truly love changes everything * The mindset shifts that help women keep going after setbacks This episode is a powerful reminder that your story doesn't end when you stumble. Sometimes the comeback becomes the best chapter yet. Whether you're trying to lose weight, get back into a routine, rebuild confidence, or simply believe in yourself again, Kate's story will leave you inspired and motivated to keep moving forward. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman who needs encouragement on her own fitness journey. Kate Young on Instagram: @darksosu *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:** 📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030] 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com 📧 Email: sapodcast23@gmail.com [sapodcast23@gmail.com] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com [https://shawnakworkouts.com/] Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively). Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com [https://www.thepinkphysique.com/]