The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life

Embark on a journey of self-discovery, health, and well-being with The Ripple Effect podcast hosted by Stephanie Romero, Ed.D. Dive deep into the transformative power of mindfulness as we uncover how our guests integrate it into their personal and professional lives, igniting ripples of positive change that resonate far beyond the present moment. Join us as we explore the profound impact of mindfulness practices on our mental health while navigating life’s challenges and fostering inner and outer peace.

The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life is a health podcast hosted by Awaken, with 75 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Awaken hosts The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, a health show with 75 episodes published.

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  Episode #75

  Episode 75: Felicia Savage Friedman

  Aug 18, 20261h 1m

  In this inspiring episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with master educator and 36-year Raja Yoga practitioner Felicia Savage Friedman to explore the powerful intersection of embodied mindfulness and anti-racism activism. Together, they discuss breaking free from perfectionism, recognizing rest and joy as innate birthrights rather than rewards, and using the eight-limbed path of yoga to heal internalized oppression. Tune in to learn how grounding your contemplative practice in unconditional love creates a sustainable foundation for both personal resilience and collective liberation. Resources: Books & Foundational Texts The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Translation and Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda) Context: Felicia references studying and following The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by her teacher’s lineage (Swami Satchidananda) as the core text for her 8-limbed Raja Yoga practice. Where to Find It: Barnes & Noble Amazon Organizations, Programs & Centers The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB) Context: Felicia attended their Undoing Racism training in St. Louis in 2014, which provided her with the structural analysis and anti-racist framework that she merged with her Raja Yoga practice. Website: pisab.org National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Context: Felicia brought in NETA to host intensive yoga teacher training certifications earlier in her career. Website: netafit.org American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Context: Felicia worked with Amanda K. Gross conducting community listening sessions through AFSC. Website: afsc.org The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health (Formerly "Birthplace" – Pittsburgh, PA) Context: The birth center where Felicia delivered her daughter Maya out-of-hospital using her Raja Yoga and breathwork practices. Website: midwifecenter.org The Kingsley Association (Pittsburgh, PA) Context: The community center in Pittsburgh’s Larimer/East Liberty neighborhood where Felicia previously taught yoga classes. Website: kingsleyassociation.org Philosophies & Concepts Mentioned Raja Yoga (The 8-Limbed Path): The classical path of yoga outlined in Patanjali’s Sutras involving ethics (Yamas/Niyamas), physical postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and self-realization (Samadhi). Hatha Yoga: A subset of the 8-limbed path focusing on physical postures (Asana) and breath control (Pranayama). Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. The Awaken Collaborative supports Awaken Pittsburgh! Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

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  Episode #74

  Episode 74: Lower Body Awareness

  Aug 11, 20269 min

  In this episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Dr. Stephanie Romero walks us through a gentle, trauma-informed meditation designed to bring awareness to the lower body. Following the practice, Dr. Romero and Josiah discuss the practical applications of using physical grounding to manage panic, anxiety, and daily stressors. Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. The Awaken Collaborative supports Awaken Pittsburgh! Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

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  Episode #73

  Episode 73: Gary Crouth

  Aug 4, 202637 min

  In this episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Dr. Stephanie Romero speaks with Gary Crouth about his path to Zen meditation and his volunteer work with The Still Workers at the Allegheny County Jail. Gary discusses why the stark simplicity and discipline of Zen resonated with him, how engaged Buddhism sparked volunteer efforts in the local criminal justice system, and the real-world impact mindfulness tools have on incarcerated individuals and jail staff alike. Together, Stephanie and Gary reflect on the interconnectedness of all beings, the power of community (Sangha), and how small shifts in individual well-being ripple out to families and communities. Resources Mentioned in the Episode Books & Authors Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda Alan Watts (Writings on Taoism and Zen) Curricula & Frameworks Path of Freedom – A mindfulness-based emotional intelligence curriculum (developed by Fleet Maull / Prison Mindfulness Institute) taught in prison/jail settings. Organizations & Volunteer Programs The Still Workers – Engaged Buddhist volunteer group delivering practice in correctional facilities. Foundation of Hope – Organization managing chaplaincy, the Hope Pod, mentorship, and aftercare programming at the Allegheny County Jail. Awaken – Organization offering re-entry programming at the jail. Buddhist Peace Fellowship – Engaged Buddhism network (inspired the local group's inception). Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh – Local organization linking regional Sanghas and hosting annual Vesak ceremonies. Practice Centers & Sanghas Mentioned Zen Center of Pittsburgh (Bell Acres / Sewickley Heights) Friends Meeting House (Oakland, PA) Theravada Centers / Temples (Allison Park with Bhante Pema; Thai Buddhist community in Monroeville) Temple Llama (Greenfield) Tibetan Center / Olmo Ling (White Oak) Teachers & Key Figures Cited Kyoki Roberts & Nonan (Zen Center of Pittsburgh) Fleet Maull (Founder of Prison Mindfulness Institute / Path of Freedom) Catherine Gammon & Katherine Pepper (Co-founding/early figures in The Still Workers) Robert "Whiffer" Wilson (Still Workers volunteer working with Awaken) Buddhist Concepts Discussed Zazen (Seated Zen meditation) Metta / Loving-Kindness Meditation Dedication of Merit The Three Gems (The Buddha/Teacher, Dharma/Teachings, and Sangha/Community) Vesak (VSAC) (Annual Buddhist celebration) Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. The Awaken Collaborative supports Awaken Pittsburgh! Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

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  Episode #72

  Episode 72: 7-11 Breathing

  Jul 28, 20269 min

  In this episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Dr. Stephanie Romero leads co-host Josiah Gilliam through a practical, accessible mindfulness exercise: 7-11 Breathing. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or dealing with a racing mind, this breath-focused awareness practice offers an immediate reset. By simply extending your exhalation so that it is longer than your inhalation—conceptually inhaling for a count of 7 and exhaling for 11—you can kickstart your body’s natural soothing systems and soothe your emotional state. In this episode, you’ll experience: An Agency-First Approach: Reminders that mindfulness guidelines are always invitations, empowering you to adjust your posture, pace, or focus to fit your needs. The 7-11 Breathing Mechanics: A step-by-step breakdown of how to ratio your breath (and why the exact numbers matter less than making the exhale longer than the inhale). A 4-Minute Guided Practice: A quiet, structured session to practice along in real-time. Beginner-Friendly Tips: Advice on how to start small, handle distractions gently, and build a lasting micro-practice. Whether you have two minutes or ten, tune in to learn a tool you can take anywhere to bring calm back into your workday and life. Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. The Awaken Collaborative supports Awaken Pittsburgh! Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

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  Episode #71

  Episode 71: Stephanie Miller

  Jul 22, 202643 min

  In this episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with composer, performer, and certified music practitioner Stephanie Miller to explore the powerful relationship between music, meditation, healing, and human connection. Stephanie shares how music has served as a meditative practice throughout her life and discusses her work with vibroacoustic harp therapy, using sound and vibration to support people experiencing chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and other challenges. The conversation explores how music can create a sense of safety and calm, help us reconnect with our bodies, and offer meaningful experiences of healing through hearing, touch, vibration, and presence. The conversation also moves beyond the harp to explore the communal power of drum circles, rhythm, toning, laughter, and play. Together, Dr. Romero and Stephanie consider how wellbeing isn't always something we have to think our way toward. Sometimes, we can simply listen, feel, resonate, and allow ourselves to reconnect with ourselves and others. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP) – Stephanie's training in using live music to support healing and wellbeing in healthcare and other settings. Vibroacoustic Harp Therapy – A therapeutic practice Stephanie discusses that combines music and physical vibration to create an embodied experience. Jim Donovan – Musician and educator whose work in rhythm and drum circle facilitation was mentioned in the conversation. Arthur Hall – Referenced in connection with drum circle facilitation and community music. The Fourfold Way – A book exploring the archetypal paths of the Warrior, Healer, Visionary, and Teacher, which Stephanie discusses as an influential resource in her own journey. Music for Life Pittsburgh – A resource connected to Stephanie's music, programming, and work. Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. The Awaken Collaborative supports Awaken Pittsburgh! Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

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