Why I Started the Erie Wellness Podcast and What Wellness Looks Like for Me

Fertility, Pregnancy, and Doula Support with Bekah Yawn | Erie Wellness Podcast

What if feeling more confident about fertility, pregnancy, and birth started with simply understanding your body? In this episode, I sit down with Bekah Yawn, a local Erie, Colorado fertility educator, hormone coach, doula, childbirth educator, and perinatal patient advocate, for an educational conversation about fertility, preparing for pregnancy, and feeling more supported and informed throughout the birth experience.Bekah's own journey through infertility and pregnancy loss shaped the work she does today. Together, we explore what women can do before trying to conceive, how understanding your cycle can provide important insight into your health, and why education and advocacy matter throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Bekah shares practical insight into preparing your body for conception, understanding ovulation and fertility, and making lifestyle changes that support your overall health. Along the way, Bekah reminds us that fertility can be the fruit of what's happening inside our bodies—and learning to understand our bodies can help us ask better questions and make more informed decisions. In this episode, we discuss: * What to do before trying to get pregnant * When to consider coming off birth control * Post-birth control changes and hormone health * Natural family planning and understanding your cycle * How conception and ovulation actually work * What the FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management) method is * Why fertility can reflect what's happening inside the body * Lifestyle changes that can help prepare your body for conception * What a doula actually does * The importance of childbirth education and birth planning * How dads and partners can support pregnancy and birth * Building the right birth support team * How to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and childbirth * Bekah's fertility framework and educational resources * Faith-centered support throughout fertility, pregnancy, and birth One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation was realizing how much confidence can come from education. Understanding your body. Knowing your options. Asking questions. Building the right support team. Because pregnancy and birth are experiences a mother may remember for the rest of her life—and feeling informed, supported, and empowered throughout that experience matters. Whether you're thinking about getting pregnant, trying to conceive, currently expecting, or simply want to better understand your fertility, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling more educated, encouraged, and confident advocating for yourself throughout your motherhood journey. Connect with Bekah Yawn: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rharveylive] Website [https://bekahyawn.com/] Course [https://bekahyawn.com/course] Podcast [https://bekahyawn.com/podcast] Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@theeriewellnesspodcast] Be a Guest on the Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6318f61862eef455e2634b30] Advertise on the Erie Wellness Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/67b11671688ac7003ad3f795]

What Is Spiritual Wellness? Finding Peace and Purpose with Jeff Lorimer of Orchard Community Church | Erie Wellness Podcast

What if the healthiest thing you could do this week wasn't another workout—but taking care of your soul? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Lorimer, lead pastor of Orchard Community Church in Erie, Colorado, for the Erie Wellness Podcast's very first conversation about spiritual wellness. Jeff is a Colorado native, former Spanish teacher, husband, father, and pastor who believes that caring for our spirit is just as important as caring for our body. Together, we explore what spiritual wellness really means, why it matters, and how intentionally nurturing our relationship with God can influence every area of our lives. Jeff shares practical wisdom on developing healthy spiritual rhythms, navigating stress and anxiety, finding purpose, and building a supportive community that encourages growth. Along the way, Jeff reminds us that spiritual wellness isn't about trying harder—it's about tending to the soil of our hearts so healthy fruit can grow. In this episode, we discuss: * What spiritual wellness is and why it matters * "You are not a body—you are a soul living in a body." * The coffee bean, carrot, and egg analogy for responding to life's challenges * What the Fruits of the Spirit really mean * Why heart work is hard work * How doom scrolling, anxiety, and distractions can impact our spiritual health * Practical habits to nourish your soul each day * The importance of faith, accountability, and community * How to discern God's voice through Scripture, prayer, trusted relationships, and life's circumstances * Helping children develop a strong spiritual foundation One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation was realizing that spiritual wellness isn't about having all the answers. It's about intentionally tending to your soul so that, when life gets difficult, you become someone who brings hope, peace, and transformation to the people around you. Whether you're returning to your faith, or you're simply curious about spiritual wellness, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged and inspired to take one small step toward caring for your soul. Connect with Orchard Community Church: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/orchardcommunitychurch/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OCC80516/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmozePh1gwc2rFay-UfpBOQ] Website [https://orchardcommunity.church/] Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@theeriewellnesspodcast] Be a Guest on the Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6318f61862eef455e2634b30] Advertise on the Erie Wellness Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/67b11671688ac7003ad3f795]

TMJ, Tongue Ties & Myofunctional Therapy Explained with Dr. Chrissy Stamm of Joyful Body Barn | Erie Wellness Podcast

Jaw pain isn't always just about your jaw. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chrissy Stamm, chiropractor, yoga instructor, and orofacial myofunctional therapist at Joyful Body Barn in Erie, Colorado. Dr. Chrissy specializes in helping both children and adults improve jaw function, breathing, airway health, and nervous system regulation through a whole-body approach. Many people experience jaw pain, headaches, neck tension, teeth grinding, poor sleep, or chronic stress without realizing these symptoms may all be connected. Together, we explore the relationship between the jaw, tongue, airway, posture, and nervous system—and why your body is often communicating something deeper through these symptoms. Dr. Chrissy shares how her own experiences with scoliosis, chiropractic care, and movement shaped her philosophy that the body isn't broken—it simply needs the right support to function the way it was designed. We also discuss orofacial myofunctional therapy, a growing field that focuses on improving tongue posture, breathing patterns, swallowing, muscle coordination, and overall function for both children and adults. In this episode, we cover: • What TMJ dysfunction actually is • Common symptoms of jaw dysfunction • Why jaw pain isn't always caused by stress alone • The connection between the jaw, tongue, airway, and whole-body health • What orofacial myofunctional therapy is • Signs of tongue ties in children and adults • Mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, and poor sleep • Why proper tongue posture matters • Simple exercises you can try at home • How airway health can influence headaches, neck pain, posture, and nervous system regulation • Why improving function can create a ripple effect throughout the body Dr. Chrissy also shares one of my favorite reminders from this conversation: "Your body isn't broken—it's trying to communicate what it needs." If you've been dealing with jaw tension, headaches, teeth grinding, mouth breathing, TMJ symptoms, or poor sleep—or you're a parent wondering if your child's symptoms could be connected—this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on one of the most overlooked areas of whole-body wellness. Sometimes the first step toward feeling better is learning to listen to what your body has been trying to tell you all along. Connect with Joyful Body Barn: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/joyfulbodybarn/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/joyfulbodybarn] Website [https://www.dr-chrissy.com/] Elevate Airway TMJ Sleep [https://elevateairway.com/] Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@theeriewellnesspodcast] Be a Guest on the Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6318f61862eef455e2634b30] Advertise on the Erie Wellness Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/67b11671688ac7003ad3f795]

The Hidden Connection Between Sleep, Breathing & Health with Dr. Heather Stamm of Elevate Airway | Erie Wellness Podcast

Many people spend years treating symptoms without ever addressing the real problem. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Heather Stamm, founder of Elevate Airway TMJ Sleep. Dr. Heather has spent more than 25 years in dentistry and now focuses on helping both children and adults uncover the hidden connections between airway health, breathing, sleep quality, and overall wellness. Like many people, Dr. Heather once believed that feeling exhausted was simply part of a busy life. But after experiencing her own health challenges and discovering the role airway dysfunction was playing in her sleep and wellbeing, her entire approach to health care changed. Together, we explore why so many people struggle with fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, teeth grinding, snoring, and other symptoms without realizing their airway may be involved. Dr. Heather explains how airway health impacts far more than just sleep. It can influence cognitive function, mood, cardiovascular health, energy levels, behavior, and long-term quality of life. We also discuss why many symptoms people accept as "normal" may actually be signs that the body isn't getting the restorative sleep and oxygen it needs. In this episode, we cover: • What airway-focused dentistry is • Common signs and symptoms of airway dysfunction • Why waking up tired isn't normal • The connection between breathing, sleep, and overall health • How airway issues can affect children and adults • Brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and their connection to sleep quality • Teeth grinding, snoring, and other overlooked warning signs • The long-term health risks associated with untreated sleep-disordered breathing • Why many people go years without getting answers • When it may be time to seek an evaluation Dr. Heather also shares one of the most important reminders from this conversation: "Just because something is common doesn't mean it's healthy." If you've been struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, brain fog, chronic stress, or simply wondering why you don't feel your best despite doing all the right things... This episode may help you discover a piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked. Because better health doesn't always start with doing more—it sometimes starts with breathing better. Connect with Elevate Airway TMJ Sleep: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/elevateairway/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ElevateAirway] Website [https://elevateairway.com/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozHQpDNImomwsdM_6QgDVg] Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@theeriewellnesspodcast] Be a Guest on the Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6318f61862eef455e2634b30] Advertise on the Erie Wellness Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/67b11671688ac7003ad3f795]

The Emotional Side of GLP-1 Weight Loss with Gretchen Kahre, MA, LPC | Erie Wellness Podcast

The weight loss is visible, but the emotional journey is often invisible. In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Gretchen Kahre, MA, LPL, founder of Downtown Erie Counseling in Erie, Colorado. Gretchen is a Colorado native, longtime Erie resident, and seasoned mental health counselor with more than 35 years of experience supporting women through life's transitions. Her practice focuses on helping women 40 and older navigate challenges including perimenopause, menopause, caregiving for aging parents, and changing family relationships. Together, we explore a side of GLP-1 medications that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: the mental and emotional impact. While much of the conversation around GLP-1 medications focuses on weight loss and physical health, Gretchen shares why many people experience unexpected emotional shifts as they navigate changes in their body, relationship with food, self-image, and overall identity. We discuss the science behind GLP-1 medications, how they affect both the body and brain, and why many people describe experiencing less "food noise" while taking them. Gretchen also explains why these medications can bring up complex emotions around shame, judgment, body image, and societal expectations. This conversation explores the often-overlooked emotional side of weight loss and offers a compassionate perspective for anyone considering a GLP-1 medication, currently taking one, or supporting a loved one who is. In this episode, we cover: * What GLP-1 medications are and how they work * How GLP-1s affect both the digestive system and the brain * The concept of "food noise" and why it matters * Common emotional experiences before and during treatment * Shame, stigma, and misconceptions surrounding weight loss medications * The connection between weight, genetics, trauma, and life experiences * Why self-image doesn't always change as quickly as the body * How GLP-1 medications can impact relationships and family dynamics * The importance of working with your healthcare team throughout the process * When therapy can be helpful during a weight loss journey Gretchen also shares one of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: "People can lose the weight, but their self-image may be slow to catch up." If you've been curious about GLP-1 medications, wondering about the emotional side of weight loss, or looking for a more compassionate and informed perspective on this growing topic... This episode is a reminder that wellness is about more than physical transformation. True health includes how we think, feel, connect, and care for ourselves throughout every season of life. Connect with Dowtown Erie Counseling: Email [GretchenKahre@DowntownErieCounseling.com] Website [https://downtowneriecounseling.com/] Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theeriewellnesspodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@theeriewellnesspodcast] Be a Guest on the Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6318f61862eef455e2634b30] Advertise on the Erie Wellness Podcast [https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/67b11671688ac7003ad3f795]