(Ep 348) Defying Age: The Powerful Journey of Fitness and Transformation

<p class="bn-inline-content">Mary Crafts shares empowering insights on strength training after 70, emphasizing that it's never too late to begin a fitness journey. At 71, she reflects on her transformative path from weighing 284 pounds to achieving overall wellness. Mary discusses crucial steps like avoiding calorie-laden drinks, not eating after 5 PM, and embracing strength training to enhance longevity and core stability. She also explores emotional well-being, nutritional wisdom, and family influences, highlighting the importance of holistic health. Join Mary as she inspires listeners with her journey towards becoming strong, resilient, and empowered.</p>  </p> Key Takeaways: <ul> <li>Embrace change by recognizing the driving force behind your desire for transformation; let it outweigh the fear of change.</li> <li>Start with simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding calories from drinks and implementing early evening fasting.</li> <li>Focus on holistic wellness by nurturing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health collectively.</li> <li>Strength training is crucial, especially for those over 70, to maintain balance, stability, and muscle mass, contributing to longevity.</li> <li>Maintaining a nutritious diet with natural foods while avoiding processed sugars and fats is essential for a sustainable healthy lifestyle.</li> </ul>  </p> Resources: <ul> <li>Follow Mary Crafts on her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts">I</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts/">nstagram.</a></li> <li>Check out Mary's training videos in the Reels section on her social media profiles.</li> </ul> Tune in to the full episode on "Crafting a Meaningful Life" to gain deeper insights into Mary's transformative journey and learn how you too can embark on a path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Stay tuned for more enlightening content that will inspire and empower you on your wellness journey.</p>

00:37:42

(Ep 347) Discovering Self-Care: The Path to Living Your Best Dreams

Mary Crafts welcomes Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, psychologist and author, to explore the transformative power of self-care and holistic well-being. They delve into the importance of prioritizing one's mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, emphasizing that self-care is not selfish but essential for living one's best life. Dr. Hammond shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies from her book, "Mindset Training," aiming to inspire listeners to take small steps towards embracing their dreams and achieving personal peace. Discover how to initiate this life-changing journey with just a minute of self-reflection daily.</p> Key Takeaways:</p> <ul> <li>**Holistic Self-Care**: Dr. Hammond emphasizes the importance of addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health, teaching that self-care is not selfish but essential.</li> <li>  **Journey of Personal Growth**: Both Mary Crafts and Dr. Hammond share personal journeys of overcoming challenges to find empowerment and health.</li> <li> **Mindset Training*<em>: Through her book, Dr. Hammond provides a blueprint for cultivating a mindset that champions self-worth and self-awareness.</em></li> <li>**Practical Steps for Change**: Simple, minute-long practices of self-reflection each day can significantly impact one's mental and emotional health. *</li> <li>**Dreams and Purpose**: Understanding and pursuing your dreams require clarity, self-reflection, and sometimes seeking help from others to fully realize</li> </ul>  </p> Find out more about Dr. Hammond: https://drnekeshiahammond.com/</p>

00:36:09

(Ep 346) How Vulnerability Can Lead to Healing and Connection in Our Lives

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts converses with Brighton Bridges, a 23-year-old podcast host of "Brighten Your Day." They delve into Brighton's personal journey, discussing her childhood, struggles with depression and anxiety, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path to self-discovery. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, love, and connection in overcoming life's challenges. They also explore the impact of societal pressures and the generational differences that influence personal growth. The episode emphasizes the power of sharing experiences to foster understanding and inspire hope for the future.</p> Brighton's Podcast: <a href="https://brightonyourday.podbean.com/">https://brightonyourday.podbean.com/</a></p> Brighton on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMf0GodKTkS6XlxqO_2XNqw?app=desktop"> YouTube</a></p> Brighton on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brightonbridgess/">https://www.instagram.com/brightonbridgess/</a></p>  </p> Get Mary's Book Today! https://marycraftsinc.com/</p> iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892</p> Follow Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts</p> Follow Mary On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.crafts4</p>  #crafting a meaningful life, #gratitude practices</p>  </p>  </p>

00:48:55

(Ep 345) Breathe Easy: Unlocking the Secrets to Mental Resilience with Brandon Condie

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts speaks with clinical psychologist Brandon Condie about mental health awareness, focusing on suicide prevention. Brandon discusses his journey into psychology, his private practice, and the development of a mobile app designed to connect individuals with trusted contacts during mental health crises. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, with practical techniques like diaphragmatic breathing to manage stress. Both Mary and Brandon highlight the importance of self-trust, simplicity in solutions, and a balanced approach to mental and emotional well-being.</p>  </p> Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:</p> Proactive Mental Health Support**: Brandon introduced his innovative mobile app, "One You," designed to connect individuals with trusted contacts during mental health crises. This proactive approach aims to provide support before reaching a crisis point.</p> Interconnectedness of Mental and Physical Health**: We delved into how mental and physical health are deeply intertwined. Addressing one can significantly impact the other, leading to overall well-being.</p> Practical Stress Management Techniques**: Brandon shared the power of diaphragmatic breathing to manage stress and emotional responses. This simple yet effective technique can activate the body’s relaxation response, helping to calm the mind.</p> The Role of Emotions and Logical Thinking**: We discussed the importance of balancing emotional responses with logical thinking, utilizing the prefrontal cortex to regulate emotions and make thoughtful decisions.</p> Natural Healing Methods**: Brandon and I explored the benefits of naturalistic approaches to mental health, emphasizing the importance of listening to our bodies and trusting our instincts.</p> Aligning Heart and Mind**: We touched on the fascinating research suggesting that the heart has its own set of memories and communicates with the brain. Aligning the heart and mind can lead to profound clarity and confidence in our decisions.</p> I’m confident that this episode will resonate with you and provide valuable tools to navigate your mental health journey. Don’t miss out on this enriching conversation!</p> Listen to the full episode now and start crafting your meaningful life today!</p> Get Mary's Book Today! https://marycraftsinc.com/</p> iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892</p> Follow Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts</p> Follow Mary On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.crafts4</p>  #crafting a meaningful life, #gratitude practices</p>

00:43:06

(Ep 344) Women's Wellness Summit: A Journey to Connection and Healing

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts interviews Carolynn Williams, who is organizing a women's wellness summit. They discuss the importance of wellness, female connections, and the upcoming summit designed to empower women. Carolyn talks about her background, postpartum challenges, and her vision for the summit, which includes diverse wellness activities. They emphasize the significance of community support and encourage women to attend the event to invest in their well-being and foster meaningful connections.</p>  </p> Women's Wellness Summit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-wellness-summit-tickets-954369764657 Key Lessons and Ideas: <ul> <li> The Power of Connection: Carolynn and I met through an event called "A Bolder Way Forward." Despite our different life experiences, we instantly connected over our shared passion for personal growth and helping others. This episode is a testament to the magic that happens when women come together.</p> </li> <li> Wellness is Essential: Carolynn’s journey from the corporate world to organizing a wellness summit is truly inspiring. She opened up about her postpartum challenges and how they fueled her desire to create a supportive space for women. Her story is a powerful reminder that wellness is a journey worth prioritizing.</p> </li> <li> A Summit for All: The upcoming wellness summit is designed to be accessible and enriching for everyone. With general admission at just $69 and a VIP experience for $149, there’s something for every budget. The summit will feature a variety of activities, from yoga to financial planning, ensuring a holistic approach to wellness.</p> </li> <li> Community and Support: One of the most touching parts of our conversation was discussing the importance of community. Carolyn emphasized that no woman should feel alone in her struggles. The summit aims to create a safe space where women can share their experiences and support one another.</p> </li> <li> Embracing Vulnerability: We talked about the insecurities many women face, especially in new environments. Carolyn introduced a fun "code word"—"twinkle toes"—for attendees to use if they need support or companionship at the summit. It’s a beautiful reminder that it’s okay to ask for help and that we’re all in this together.</p> </li> <li> Investing in Yourself: The summit is not just for those who are struggling but also for women who want to continue filling their "buckets" of wellness. It’s an opportunity to invest in yourself, explore new wellness practices, and connect with like-minded women.</p> </li> </ul> Event Details: <ul> <li>Date and Location: The summit will take place at Utah Valley University.</li> <li>Activities: Expect a vibrant expo center with various vendors, hands-on experiences, and breakout sessions covering a wide range of wellness topics.</li> <li>Tickets: General admission is $69, with an optional $10 box lunch. The VIP experience is $149, offering exclusive perks like meeting speakers and reserved seating.</li> </ul> I encourage you to listen to this episode and consider attending the summit. It’s a chance to prioritize your well-being, connect with an amazing community, and embrace your journey towards a meaningful life.</p> Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me. Let’s continue crafting meaningful lives together!</p>

00:37:28

(Ep 343) Crafting Impact: Lindsey Hadley's Journey in Transformative Storytelling

In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts sits down with the remarkable Lindsay Hadley to delve deep into the power of choice and the role of storytelling in crafting a meaningful life. From her roots in a small town to traveling the globe with her family, Lindsay shares her transformative journey towards becoming a global citizen. Her experiences of working in international humanitarian projects significantly shaped her worldview and ignited a lifelong passion for service.</p> Lindsay discusses her transition from grassroots humanitarian work to high-profile fundraising, which led her to produce large-scale events like the Global Citizen Festival. The conversation reveals insights into how Lindsay’s knack for building impactful relationships and fundraising has allowed her to drive enormous change. Currently, she is pioneering the Harbor Fund, a groundbreaking 501(c)(3) film fund aimed at leveraging philanthropic dollars to create commercially viable yet socially impactful television and movie content. Throughout the episode, Lindsay and Mary underscore the importance of storytelling for social change and reflect on the potential for media to shape global perspectives.</p> Key Takeaways: <ul> <li>Empowering Choice: Lindsay emphasizes the transformative power of realizing that we can craft our own destinies, a mindset shift that can liberate people from feeling like victims of circumstance.</li> <li>Storytelling for Impact: Through her work with the Harbor Fund, Lindsay illustrates how storytelling in films and television can drive social change and address pressing global issues.</li> <li>Global Citizenship: Early exposure to international cultures helped Lindsay understand the interconnectedness of our actions and the broader ecosystem we inhabit.</li> <li>Innovative Fundraising: Lindsay's role in large-scale fundraising events like the Global Citizen Festival showcases innovative ways to leverage global talent and resources for humanitarian aid.</li> <li>Family and Legacy: Lindsay believes in involving her family in her philanthropic endeavors, showing how generational connection to meaningful work can create lasting legacies of impact.</li> </ul> Lindsay Hadley is a global standout consultant with 20+ years experience in the nonprofit sector and international development. Lindsay’s journey began with hands-on humanitarian work across the globe, including as a founding member and Executive Producer of Global Citizen. As Executive Producer on a slate of in development films, documentaries and television shows she realized founding Harbor Media Fund was the most natural next step. Lindsay has leveraged her exceptional philanthropic fundraising acumen has directly raised millions and mobilized billions for causes through impactful campaigns and events. Resources: <ul> <li>Lindsay Hadley: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-hadley-6796a748/">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://www.hadleyimpact.com/">Website</a></li> <li>Harbor Fund: <a href="https://harbor-fund.org/">Website</a></li> </ul> Don't miss this insightful episode where Lindsay Hadley shares her unique journey and powerful insights into crafting a meaningful life through storytelling and philanthropy. Tune in to learn how you too can make a global impact and stay inspired!</p>  </p> Get Mary's Book Today! https://marycraftsinc.com/</p> iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892</p> Follow Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts</p> Follow Mary On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.crafts4</p>  #crafting a meaningful life, #gratitude practices</p>

00:38:48

(Ep 342) The Power of Choice in Shaping Our Lives with Dr. Heather Penny

<p class="bn-inline-content">Join host Mary Crafts as she engages in a profound and insightful conversation with Dr. Heather Penny, a distinguished life coach and author. In this episode, Mary and Heather explore the power of choice, the importance of living authentically, and how to foster personal growth through embracing clarity, confidence, and courage. Heather shares her journey from teaching third graders to becoming a transformative life coach, providing invaluable insights into the human capacity for self-improvement.</p> Dr. Heather Penny: Dr. Heather Penny is a renowned professional and life coach, author, and speaker who specializes in the journey of individuals towards becoming their best selves. With a strong focus on women's empowerment, she helps clients harness their unique strengths and embrace clarity, confidence, and courage. Her work includes leadership retreats, workshops, and personal coaching sessions. Dr. Penny holds a PhD and is recognized for her allegory-based approach to personal growth, notably through her book "Grace Space."</p>  </p> Key Takeaways: <ul> <li>The Power of Choice: We hold the ability to choose who we want to be, regardless of past circumstances or external pressures.</li> <li>Understanding ‘Bracelets’: Evaluate and possibly remove the metaphorical bracelets that weigh us down to reclaim our true self.</li> <li>Finding Your Tire Swing: The importance of identifying personal activities that bring joy and rejuvenation, and prioritizing them in our lives.</li> <li>Embracing Grace: The dual practice of offering grace to oneself and others as a pivotal aspect of personal growth.</li> <li>Overcoming People-Pleasing: Strategies for balancing personal integrity with social obligations, and the significance of saying “no” when necessary.</li> </ul>  </p> Resources: <ul> <li>Dr. Heather Penny’s Book: <a href="https://heatherpenny.com/books/">Grace Space on Amazon</a></li> <li>Mary Crafts’ Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/UNBOUNDED-Sorrow-Summit-Mary-Crafts/dp/B0BJYJGBWV"> Unbounded: From Sorrow to Summit on Amazon</a></li> <li><a href="https://heatherpenny.com/">Heather Penny Website</a></li> </ul> Don't miss this insightful episode where Mary Crafts and Dr. Heather Penny offer empowering strategies to inspire and guide you in crafting your meaningful life. Stay tuned for more enriching content!</p>

00:40:26

(Ep 341) Impowered: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce

Mary Crafts delves into supporting others through struggles with special guest Carrie Hill. They discuss Carrie's journey from personal crisis to empowerment and her new ebook, "Impowered," a guide for navigating a spouse's mental health, preparing for divorce, and accessing resources. They talk about overcoming fears, finding support, and rebuilding. Carrie shares her mission to stop divorce-driven poverty and help women transition back into the workforce. Discover how to find strength and empowerment in life's toughest moments.</p> Carrie Hill Carrie Hill is an influential advocate and thought leader, known for her work in supporting women through divorce and overcoming financial hardships. With a rich background in public relations and personal branding, Carrie has been actively creating resources to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges. She is currently the force behind the initiative "Impowered," a program aimed at helping women reintegrate into the workforce and achieve financial independence. Carrie is also passionate about mental health awareness and leveraging her personal experiences to uplift others.</p> Key Takeaways: <ul> <li>Navigating Spouse's Mental Health Issues: Carrie provides actionable advice and personal insights on how to support a partner through mental health challenges while maintaining one's own wellbeing.</li> <li>Preparing for Divorce: The importance of preparing emotionally, financially, and practically for a divorce, and how to create a stable path forward.</li> <li>Empowered Program: Details about the eight-week program aimed at equipping women with valuable skills for gainful employment.</li> <li>Resources and Support: Carrie emphasizes the importance of finding personal and professional resources to navigate life changes successfully.</li> <li>Overcoming Fear: Steps to move from fear-based living to love-based living, underscoring the significance of emotional resilience and support networks.</li> </ul>  </p> Resources: <ul> <li><a href="https://chillconsultingagency.my.canva.site/chill-consulting-agency"> Carrie Hill Website</a></li> <li>eBook: Impowered: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gnh66yXsiSn0upxNznYDi049pWvQvPnW/view?usp=drivesdk"> Get it HERE</a></li> <li> You can find Carrie on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chillconsultingagency/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/chillconsultingagency/</a> Carrie on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stopdivorcedrivenpoverty/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/stopdivorcedrivenpoverty/</a> </li> </ul>  </p> Get Mary's Book Today! https://marycraftsinc.com/</p> iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892</p> Follow Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts</p> Follow Mary On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.crafts4</p>  #crafting a meaningful life, #gratitude practices</p>

00:41:04

(Ep 340) Trust and Technology: Building Safe Online Communities for Youth

Mary Crafts delves into the opportunities and challenges of social media with guest Jakob Noble, highlighting his innovative platform "Numbrd." This episode explores how Numbrd seeks to provide a safe, growth-oriented online environment, especially for younger generations, by leveraging AI and user participation. Jacob shares personal anecdotes about overcoming isolation and failures through video games, now aiming to transform those experiences into real-life growth and fulfillment. Join us as we unpack strategies to navigate virtual connections meaningfully and safely.</p> Jacob (Jakob) Noble: Jacob is the founder of Numbrd, an innovative platform designed to connect individuals through personalized growth and development paths. Drawing from his compelling personal history as a Cambodian refugee and a former gaming addict, Jacob leverages his experiences to create tools that help people fulfill their potential. With a deep understanding of virtual disconnection and the importance of genuine human connection, Jacob's platform aims at fostering growth, trust, and meaningful interactions.</p> Mission of Numbrd: Jacob Noble's platform is focused on connecting individuals through personalized growth paths, using AI and gamification to encourage real-life achievements. Youth and Social Media: The discussion highlights the significant concerns around youth spending excessive time in virtual worlds and the potential social isolation that can result from it. Safe Online Spaces: Numbered aims to create safe virtual spaces where users can trust each other, fostering environments that promote personal and social growth. Personal Growth Journey: Jacob shares his transformative journey from isolation and gaming addiction to finding fulfillment and starting a socially impactful business. Ethical Considerations: The importance of ethical practices in data usage and investor selection is emphasized to ensure the platform remains trustworthy and aligned with its growth mission.</p>  </p> Website: <a href="https://www.numbrd.com">www.numbrd.com</a></p> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/numbrd/">Numbrd LinkedIn</a></p> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Numbrd.Inc">Numbrd Facebook</a></p>

00:40:55

(Ep 339) Exploring Spiritual Growth and Healing with Dr. Jeff O'Driscoll

Mary Crafts welcomes back Dr. Jeff O'Driscoll, a former ER physician and spiritual author, as they discuss his new book, *Zen’s Garden.* Jeff shares his journey from science to spiritual enlightenment, the personal loss that paralleled his novel’s storyline, and the profound lessons he's learned about self-love and perfection. Together, they explore the importance of living in the present, embracing one's true self, and finding comfort in shared experiences. This episode promises deep insights into personal growth and the interconnectedness of all life paths.</p> Find out more about Jeff and get his book: <a href="https://www.jeffodriscoll.com/">https://www.jeffodriscoll.com/</a></p> Get Mary's Book Today! <a href="https://marycraftsinc.com/">https://marycraftsinc.com/</a></p> iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts/id1336191892</a></p> Follow Mary on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts">https://www.instagram.com/marycrafts</a></p> Follow Mary On Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.crafts4">https://www.facebook.com/mary.crafts4</a></p>  #crafting a meaningful life, #gratitude practices</p>

00:38:04