In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Verret for a raw conversation about sobriety, anxiety, identity, and the journey of stepping into the clearest version of yourself. Stephen shares what life looked like before quitting alcohol, the panic attack that changed everything, and the mental, emotional, and physical transformation that followed.
Together, we unpack:
• How anxiety, ADHD, and alcohol fuel each other
• The shift from late nights and burnout to choosing clarity
• Navigating weddings, holidays, and social settings without drinking• Sugar cravings, B vitamins, and healthier ways to satisfy the urge
• Nonalcoholic beers, THC drinks, and finding balance• Rebuilding self-trust and redefining fun
• The importance of protecting your time and energy
• Returning to childhood passions and learning who you actually are
We also talk about our new studio, why being “in progress” matters, and how incremental change mirrors Stephen’s entire story. If you are sober curious, feeling overwhelmed, or searching for more peace and presence in your life, this conversation offers perspective, honesty, and real encouragement.
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Connect with Stephen Verret (Verret Studios)📲 Instagram→ https://www.instagram.com/stephenverret/?hl=en🌐 Website→ https://www.verretstudios.com/about
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What you eat shapes how you feel — but how much do you really know about where your food comes from? In this episode of Living Vividly, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Gonsoulin, a seventh-generation Louisiana rancher and veterinarian, to explore the connection between food quality, health, and sustainability.They unpack what grass-fed and grass-finished truly mean, why beef prices fluctuate, how processing impacts nutrition and flavor, and simple ways to cook better-tasting, nutrient-dense meals at home. Dr. Gonsoulin also shares the rich history of his family ranch, the shift toward local food systems, and how mindful eating can support both your body and the planet.If you care about eating well, living intentionally, and understanding what’s on your plate — this conversation is for you.📍 Highlights:Grass-fed vs. conventional beef — what’s the real differenceHow ranching and soil health affect your food qualityWhy beef costs what it does (and how to shop smart)Cooking tips for leaner, cleaner meatThe future of sustainable, local food in Louisiana—Connect with Dr. Shannon Gonsoulin (Gonsouin Land and Cattle)📲 Instagram→ https://www.instagram.com/gonsoulinbeef/🔔 Facebook→ https://www.facebook.com/GonsoulinCattle🌐 Website→ https://www.glcranch.com/pages/meet-our-team?srsltid=AfmBOooYR-emRkqmWuVLCbfNtwVd-Ywy7qCMLQLzc42sHoyM4AimFgfq—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/livingvividlypodcast/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/livingvividlypodcast
Chiropractic care is more than quick cracks. In this episode, Dr. Brennon Kelly from Rise Chiropractic explains how spinal alignment influences the nervous system, pain, posture, and digestion. He breaks down the Gonstead method, why precision matters, and how subtle daily habits can make or break your back.You will learn:How the spine affects constipation, gut motility, and vagus nerve toneWhy small, targeted adjustments can change gait, balance, and energyThe difference between reactive pain care and proactive wellness carePractical posture fixes for desks, wallets, shoes, and standing vs sittingWhen imaging and temperature readings guide safer adjustments—Connect with Brennon Kelly (Rise Chiropractic)📲 Instagram→ https://www.instagram.com/rise_chiro/ 🔔 Facebook→ https://www.facebook.com/risechiro2018/🌐 Website→ https://www.riseacadiana.com/—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/livingvividlypodcast/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/livingvividlypodcast
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is more than eye movements. It is a research-backed therapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so your body can calm down and heal. In this episode, therapist Morgan Thomas explains EMDR in clear terms, from big T and little t trauma to how bilateral stimulation can quiet fight or flight and reduce anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and overwhelm.✨ You will learn:What EMDR stands for and how it worksBig T vs little t trauma and why the body stays on high alertThe eight EMDR phases including resourcing, tapping, and body scansHow EMDR can help with panic, intrusive thoughts, grief, and chronic stressWhat a session looks like, how many you may need, and how to know if you are readyIf you enjoy the conversation, like, comment, and subscribe 🤍—Connect with Jessica Welch (Acadiana Hyperbarics)📲 Instagram→ https://www.instagram.com/_acadiana_hyperbarics_/ 🔔 Facebook→ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554985854024🌐 Website→ https://acadianahyperbarics.com/—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/livingvividlypodcast/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/livingvividlypodcast
From diving medicine to modern wellness, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is having a moment. In this episode, nurse and clinic owner Jessica Welch breaks down how HBOT works in clear, practical language. We cover what a hyperbaric chamber is, why pressure matters, and how extra oxygen dissolving into plasma can reach damaged tissues that red blood cells cannot. Jessica explains Boil’s law in plain terms, shares her own recovery from disc injuries, and tells the story of using HBOT to help her son after a concussion.In this episode, you will learn:When HBOT can support wound healing, brain injuries, autoimmune flares, and athletic recoveryMild vs higher pressure chambers, safety, and how protocols are setWhy repeated sessions drive benefits like angiogenesis, mitochondrial support, and better ATP productionHow HBOT may influence inflammation, cytokines, and the vagus nerve for a calmer nervous systemWhat to expect if you are claustrophobic and how sessions actually feelJessica also talks about complementary therapies at her clinic, including infrared sauna, red light, lymphatic work, and gentle yoga, plus why HBOT should support a whole lifestyle, not replace it.If you enjoy the conversation, like, comment, and subscribe 🤍If you have a medical condition or specific health concern, please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.—Connect with Jessica Welch (Acadiana Hyperbarics)📲 Instagram→ https://www.instagram.com/_acadiana_hyperbarics_/ 🔔 Facebook→ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554985854024🌐 Website→ https://acadianahyperbarics.com/—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/livingvividlypodcast/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/livingvividlypodcast
After learning his only kidney was functioning at just 2 percent, Pesh Patel went from near death to a second chance at life. In this episode, he shares how dialysis, transplant surgery, and rejection led him to find purpose as a kidney patient advocate and founder of A Kidney Life.Join Jackie, Daphne, and Dustin as they talk with Pesh about the realities of living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), managing mental health, and building resilience through community and education.You’ll learn about:Early symptoms and warning signs of kidney failureThe difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysisWhat to expect during the transplant and recovery processThe impact of nutrition and lifestyle on kidney healthHow purpose and advocacy can transform hardship into hopeIf you or someone you love is facing kidney disease, this conversation offers guidance, encouragement, and proof that it’s possible to live fully and vividly at any stage of life.—Connect with Pesh Patel (A Kidney Life)📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akidneylife/🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akidneylife.pesh🌐 Website: https://akidneylife.com/—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/livingvividlypodcast/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/livingvividlypodcast
Today on Living Vividly, Jackie and Daphne sit down with certified sound healing facilitator Lissee Spiller to explore how sound can quiet the mind, relax the body, and help you feel more present in everyday life. Lissee shares her journey from massage and yoga to alchemy crystal bowls, what actually happens in a sound immersion, and why different frequencies resonate for different people. Stay to the end for a short guided mini sound bath you can experience from home.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:What a sound immersion looks and feels like, from setup to integration How humming and breath support vagus nerve tone and calmThe basics of brain waves, alpha and theta, and why they matter for stressWhy certain instruments soothe some people and bother othersPractical ways to bring more calm into busy daysListen, breathe, and reset. If you enjoy the conversation, please like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.—Connect with Lissee Spiller📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisseespiller/🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lissee.spiller.37🌐 Website: https://www.lisseespiller.com/—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → / livingvividlypodcast Facebook → / livingvividlypodcast
In this episode of Living Vividly, we’re joined by Dr. Patrick Thompson, an orthopedic physical therapist, fellowship-trained osteopractor, and co-owner of Flow PT. From his start as a collegiate athlete to becoming board-certified in orthopedics, Dr. Patrick has built his career on helping people move with confidence, get out of chronic pain, and improve quality of life.He shares why physical therapy is about so much more than quick fixes, what makes cash-based care different from the traditional insurance model, and how he uses his “smiles per day” approach to measure success with patients.
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
What “orthopedic physical therapy” really means
Why imaging isn’t always the answer to pain
The power of fellowship training (and what it takes to earn it)
How recurrent injuries often point to deeper root causes
Why treating the whole person matters more than treating a single joint
If you’ve ever wondered what true physical therapy should look like—or how to stay active and pain-free for years to come—this episode is for you.
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Connect with Dr. Patrick Thompson
📍Flow Physical Therapy (Lafayette, LA)
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickthompson/🌐 Website: https://www.flowptwellness.com/
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It’s our birthday week on Living Vividly, and we’re diving into the beauty (and sometimes the chaos) of getting older with counselor and speaker Melissa Bowen. From turning 36 to celebrating 50, we talk about wisdom, boundaries, gratitude, and why aging can actually be the most freeing season of life.In this episode, you’ll learn:✨ Why aging doesn’t have to mean “getting old”🧠 How to reframe midlife from a “crisis” to a reconstruction💬 The power of letting go of people-pleasing and setting boundaries🌙 Why gratitude practices shift how you experience everyday life💖 How to embrace your values and show up authentically at any ageIf you enjoy today’s conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with a friend. Here’s to living vividly at every age.—Connect with Pure Barre📍The Authenticity Center (Local to Acadiana, telehealth throughout Louisiana)📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthenticitycenter/🌐 Website: https://www.theauthenticitycenter.com/home—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/livingvividlypodcast/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/livingvividlypodcast
In this episode of Living Vividly, we sit down with Tanya Feucht of Pure Barre Lafayette to explore how this ballet-inspired low-impact workout builds strength, balance, and confidence without the wear and tear of high-impact training.Tanya shares how Pure Barre blends elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga to target stabilizing muscles, strengthen your core, and improve posture. We also dive into the four class formats, the supportive community that makes every class feel welcoming, and why Pure Barre truly is for every body.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:💪 How Pure Barre strengthens your core and posture in everyday life🩰 What makes it different from HIIT or traditional weight training🤰 How classes can be modified for pregnancy injury or any fitness level🤝 Why community and accountability are key to long-term success🌟 The surprising benefits of small controlled movements—Connect with Pure Barre📍Pure Barre (Lafayette, LA)📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purebarrelafayette/followers/🌐 Website: https://www.purebarre.com/location/lafayette-la—💫 Join the Living Vividly CommunityInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/livingvividlypodcast/Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/livingvividlypodcast
In this episode of Living Vividly, we sit down with Dr. Brandie Courville, owner of Belle Vie Physical Therapy and Pilates, to explore how pilates and physical therapy can enhance core strength, protect joints, prevent injuries, and extend your healthspan. From activating those often-ignored local stabilizing muscles to her 6 Pillars of Longevity, Dr. Courville shows how small, consistent moves can change your future at any age.
Dr. Courville dives into:
💪 Why most of us overtrain “global” muscles and how to wake up deep stabilizers
🧠 Neuromuscular patterns: rebuilding proper firing to relieve pain & prevent re-injury
🧱 Pilates as prehab and post-injury rehab (and how reformer resistance really works)
🧭 The 6 Pillars of Longevity: Movement, Nutrition, Mental Health, Spirituality, Community, Purpose
🚶♀️ “Movement over exercise”: simple, practical ways to hit 150 min/week + 2–3 strength sessions
🧩 Habit stacking, morning routines, journaling/meditation, and tech boundaries for a calmer nervous system
👵 Getting up from the floor, balance, and bone/muscle health—skills that keep you active for life
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Connect with Dr. Brandie Courville
📍 Belle Vie Physical Therapy + Pilates (Lafayette, LA)
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belleviept/
🌐 Website: https://www.belleviephysicaltherapyandpilates.com/
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In this nourishing episode of Living Vividly, we sit down with Heidi LeDoux, a 20+ year stylist who is pioneering holistic hair care in South Louisiana. From battling trauma and stress to creating her signature “Crown Therapy,” Heidi shares how scalp health, nervous system regulation, and clean beauty all connect to your overall wellness.
Heidi talks about:
✨ Transitioning from traditional salon practices to holistic, non-toxic approaches
💆♀️ Creating Crown Therapy, a facial for your scalp that calms the nervous system
🧴 Spotting hidden chemicals and greenwashing in everyday hair products
🌱 How lifestyle and gut health affect your scalp, hormones, and hair growth
🔔 Why stress and trauma often show up first in your hair
Whether you’re curious about cleaner beauty, searching for scalp solutions, or simply craving a new perspective on self-care, this conversation will expand the way you think about wellness from head to toe.
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Got any questions, or would you like to experience Heidi's services?
📲 Follow her on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heidil.studio/
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In this powerful episode of Living Vividly, we sit down with Sophia, a luxury lesbian matchmaker and founder of the Queer Country Club, as she shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in conservative South Louisiana to becoming a bold, faith-filled entrepreneur changing the game for LGBTQ+ love.Sophia opens up about:💔 Escaping a toxic marriage🙏 Reconciling her faith with her sexuality🏳️🌈 Building the only monogamous lesbian matchmaking service in the world💼 Creating a thriving business after losing everything👩❤️👩 Helping queer women find real, lasting loveWhether you're curious about queer identity, navigating faith and family, or starting over from rock bottom, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and uplift.Connect with Sophia Spallino, The Luxury Lesbian MatchmakerGot Qs? DM her on Instagram → @sophiaspallino (https://instagram.com/sophiaspallino)💎 Platinum Private Lesbian Matchmaking – For the woman who wants her FUTURE WIFE® delivered on a silver platter, I do all the screening so you can focus on falling in love.Explore Platinum Matchmaking (https://queercountryclub.com/private-lesbian-matchmaking-service)✨ Exclusive Lesbian Luxury Retreat at Canyon Ranch – A blissful weekend with an intimate group of extraordinary single queer women… curated to spoil your senses and reignite your belief in love and possibility.Join The Luxury Retreat (https://queercountryclub.com/luxe-retreat)❤️ The Queer Country Club® – Our premier dating platform for monogamous queer women who are living amazing lives but missing just one thing… their FUTURE WIFE®.Apply to Join QCC (https://queercountryclub.com/)
In this raw and revealing episode of Living Vividly, Jackie shares the emotional rollercoaster behind closing her thriving IV clinic, Vivid Infusion and Wellness, after sudden regulation changes rocked the industry. From referrals by doctors to panic mode on vacation, she walks us through the tough decisions, personal growth, and the surprising silver linings that followed.Co-host Daphne joins in to reflect on their journey, the birth of the podcast, and why health is more than just vitamin drips—it’s about gratitude, reinvention, and living with intention.Plus, learn about the upcoming Real Food Challenge and how you can reset your health this fall with a supportive, fun, real-life approach to nutrition.👉 Starts Sept 17th – Sign up at: theunconventionaldietitian.com/rfc✨ Topics Covered:Navigating business closures with graceWhy some IV clinics were targetedRedefining health and fulfillmentHow life’s hardest moments can lead to clarityEmbracing gratitude and emotional resilienceStarting over and designing a life you love
Are you obsessing over your weight but ignoring what really matters? In this episode of Living Vividly, Jackie and Daphne break down the difference between body weight and body composition — and why the number on the scale doesn’t define your health.They dive into the myths around BMI, fat, and fasting, and explain how to actually build muscle, eat enough protein, and track real wellness markers (not just weight). You’ll learn:Why muscle vs. fat matters way more than weightWhat’s considered a normal body fat percentageThe role of resistance training and protein in changing your bodyWhether peanut butter is really a good protein source (spoiler: it’s not)How fasting, breakfast, and black coffee all tie togetherThe truth about saturated vs. unsaturated fats (and even hog lard)Whether you're trying to lose weight, gain strength, or just feel better, this episode is packed with science-backed tips and real talk about how to thrive without falling into diet culture traps.
Why are so many women struggling with fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight gain—only to be told their labs are "normal"? In this powerful episode of Living Vividly, hosts Jackie Hettich and Daphne Olivier sit down with physician assistant Ashley Ramsey to unravel the truth about thyroid health, Hashimoto’s, and hormone imbalance.Ashley dives deep into the science of the thyroid, how it’s connected to your metabolism, mental clarity, energy levels, and even your bowel movements (yep, we go there). She breaks down what lab tests to ask for, why "normal" lab ranges might not be enough, and how to truly advocate for your health.Whether you're dealing with perimenopause, mysterious fatigue, or just want to understand your body better—this episode is your ultimate crash course.🎙 Topics Covered:What the thyroid really doesHashimoto’s explainedFunctional vs. traditional thyroid labsHow stress, sleep, and gut health impact hormonesFoods and nutrients that support thyroid functionProgesterone, estrogen, cortisol & their complex interplayHow to work with a provider who actually listens
In this no-holds-barred episode of Living Vividly, Jackie Hettitch and Daphne Olivier finally confront the elephant in the room: injectable weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. With a blend of curiosity, caution, and straight talk, they break down what these GLP-1 and GIP agonists actually do, how they affect insulin resistance, blood sugar, and appetite—and what you're not hearing from mainstream providers.From fat loss vs. lean mass loss, GI side effects, and long-term risks, to ethical concerns, societal pressure, and the pharma money machine behind it all—they cover it. Is it a helpful tool or another quick-fix trap? Should it be used in kids? What lifestyle changes matter most?Whether you’re considering these meds or just trying to make sense of the hype, this episode gives you the insight to make informed decisions—no judgment, just real talk.Subscribe for more real conversations on health and wellnessLeave a comment—what’s your take on weight loss injections?
What does it look like to rewrite your health story—from the inside out?
In this raw and relatable episode of Living Vividly, Amy Bernhard shares her journey from “skinny fat” and hormonal chaos to vibrant health, motherhood clarity, and food freedom. Through Whole30, fasting, nervous system healing, and serious mindset shifts, Amy not only changed her own life—but reshaped the health of her entire family.
Inside this episode:
Why she stopped chasing weight loss and started chasing energy
Her honest struggles with infertility, body image, and mom guilt
How processed foods and artificial sweeteners were keeping her stuck
Using fasting around her cycle (and why she listens to her body now)
Raising kids on real food—and ditching the daily drive-thru habit
Why mindset and nervous system healing matter as much as macros
If you’ve ever felt stuck in all-or-nothing thinking or wondered if lasting change is really possible—this one’s for you.
Summer’s heating up—and so is our curiosity! In this lively episode of Living Vividly, we shake things up with a massive taste test of lemon and lemon-lime drinks. But forget regular soda—these are modern alternatives packed with probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, natural sweeteners, and functional ingredients like ashwagandha and monk fruit.Drinks We Sampled:Leisure Hydration (non-carbonated electrolyte refresher)Olipop Lemon Lime (prebiotic soda alternative)Health-Ade Pop (kombucha brand’s soda alternative)Zevia Lemon Lime (classic stevia-sweetened soda)Culture Pop (real spices + probiotics)Poppi (apple cider vinegar sodas)GoodBelly Sparkling (light, clean probiotic soda)Kevita Lemon Ginger (kefir soda with probiotics)We rate each drink on taste, sweetness, carbonation, and “would we buy it again?” Plus, we dig into the big health questions:Is agave nectar really better than sugar?How do prebiotics and probiotics differ—and why do you need both?Does stevia leave a weird aftertaste?What’s the deal with fiber in drinks?If you’re looking for soda swaps, want to avoid excess sugar, or simply want to sip smarter this summer, this is your ultimate guide. Come laugh (and taste) along with us!
Join us on Living Vividly as we sit down with Brett Guidry, founder of Southpaw Martial Arts, who shares his powerful journey from a life-changing first karate class to training martial arts in China and ultimately opening his own dojo. Brett's inspiring story explores how martial arts can transform physical health, sharpen mental clarity, and enhance mindfulness through practices like Tai Chi and Qigong. Learn about overcoming adversity, embracing new beginnings, and finding your passion, no matter where life takes you. Whether you're interested in improving flexibility, reducing anxiety, or simply curious about martial arts, this episode offers valuable insights to enrich your wellness journey.