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In this episode of Real Things Living, host Brigitte Cutshall sits down with Smita Majumder, cancer biologist and founder of AAYU Biosciences, to explore the powerful intersection of modern science and ancient Ayurvedic wisdom. Smita shares her personal journey of overcoming severe endometriosis and achieving a natural, healthy pregnancy after being told conventional options were her only path. They discuss why true healing requires looking beyond band-aid symptoms, listening to your body's innate intuition, and questioning default medical assumptions to find sustainable wellness. Key Takeaways Root-Cause Medicine Over Band-Aids The Power of Body Intuition Prioritizing Joy in Longevity Connect with Smita: https://aayuscience.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aayuscience/ Subscribe to Real Things Living for more honest health and wellness conversations.

Dr. Bobby Chaggar was a fit, healthy dad in Australia when a stroke took his left side, put him in a wheelchair for six months, and paused life as he knew it. A veterinary background, a gratitude prayer, and a stubborn sense of humor carried him through recovery. He turned the experience into his book, Not Gone Yet, and is now studying to become an occupational therapist so he can help others find their way back. 3 Takeaways: Pause and breathe. Box breathing and a simple daily gratitude prayer calmed Bobby’s nervous system when fear took over.Boring repetition rebuilds the brain. Neuroplasticity means other parts of the brain can learn to do the work, one repetition at a time.Recovery is a team sport. Caregivers and survivors do best when they stay together, set goals, and keep a positive outlook.Know someone walking through recovery? Share this episode with them. Then grab Bobby’s book, Not Gone Yet, at https://notgoneyet.au Subscribe to Real Things Living for more honest, hopeful health stories.

Most adults can’t remember their high school counselor. Nancy Regas made sure her students never could say that. On this episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall talks with retired school counselor and author Nancy Regas about guiding teens through one of life’s biggest transitions, building trust with students and parents, the seven skills high school really teaches, and why human connection matters in the age of AI. 3 Takeaways Passion beats talent. Being good at something doesn’t mean you have to build your life around it.Learn the “power of seven.” Time management, organization, responsibility, accountability, accessing resources, knowing when to ask for help, and punctuality carry you anywhere.Find a mentor, not just a search bar. Trust and respect between real people can’t be replaced by AI.Get Nancy’s book, The Art of Being a School Counselor: Leading with Confidence, Compassion, and Authenticity: https://nancyregasvoiceover.com Subscribe to Real Things Living for more real conversations on health, wellness, and living well.

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 17 and told he’d be lucky to reach 50, Jim Stavis went on to receive a first-of-its-kind triple organ transplant (heart, kidney, pancreas). Now 71, he’s an author, speaker, and CEO sharing his story of hope, gratitude, and resilience. On this episode of Real Things Living, Jim talks with Brigitte Cutshall about the transplant, the bond with his donor’s family, grief and caregiving, and why he calls hope an action verb. Get "When Hope Is Your Only Option" (book and audiobook): https://www.jimstavis.com 3 Takeaways Hope is an action verb. It’s something you do, and it can change how you get through hard times.You can’t know tomorrow, so enjoy today. Uncertainty is easier when you stop waiting for certainty.Adversity can become your purpose. Jim’s story is now a roadmap for others facing health, business, and family struggles.Subscribe to Real Things Living for more honest conversations about health, resilience, and living well.

Lifelong learning isn't just a career tool; it's the ultimate survival guide for an unpredictable world. Hussein Rifai has lived in a dozen places, visited 85 countries, and reinvented himself more times than he can count. Born in the West Bank and now based in Australia, he is an entrepreneur, investment banker, and author of "The Chaos Theorem." He joins Brigitte Cutshall to talk about resilience, never pausing your curiosity, and finding humor in the absurd. They also cover the AI-writing debate, lessons from loss and betrayal, and why scars are worth showing. 3 Takeaways: (1) Don’t resist the wave. Accept the change, study it, and find your place in it. (2) Never press pause on learning. Curiosity keeps your mind (and life) moving at any age. (3) Be the bamboo. Gather input, step back, analyze honestly, and stay flexible instead of rigid. Visit Hussein’s website to read his articles and follow his book launch, "The Chaos Theorem" Website: https://www.husseinrifai.com/ LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/bpa3jsf6 Subscribe to Real Things Living and share this episode with someone who needs a positive perspective today!

One breath can change how you handle stress, conflict, and your whole day. Breathwork teacher Anthony Abbagnano, founder of Alchemy of Breath and the ASHA retreat center in Italy, shares simple breathing practices for nervous system regulation, stress relief, and calmer relationships. Host, Brigitte Cutshall, and Anthony talk about the 10-breath reset, the 5-in/5-out coherence breath, listening to your body, nature, dogs, and aging with curiosity. Join Anthony’s free Sunday group breathing session, Breathe the World, at alchemyofbreath.com. 🔗 LINKS Alchemy of Breath: https://alchemyofbreath.com/ ASHA: https://www.asha.global/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemyofbreath/ Book: "Outer Chaos, Inner Calm"

Texas singer-songwriter, Ezra Vancil, joins Brigitte Cutshall to talk about music as “another language.” Ezra shares how he rebuilt his life after a collapse in his 30s, why he walked away from chasing fame, and how writing and touring with his daughter became the best part of his career. It’s a warm, funny conversation about resilience, small moments, and making memories that last. 3 Takeaways: (1) Small moments beat big stages. The song that changed a couple’s night was played to a nearly empty park. (2) Nothing has to come out of it. Play music for joy, and write plenty of bad songs to get to a good one. (3) Make memories on purpose. Try new places and new routines, and create something with the people you love. Pick up an instrument you’ve neglected, or press play on a song that takes you back, then tell us in the comments what it is. Find Ezra on Spotify, Apple Music. Check out his website - https://ezravancil.com/ Subscribe to Real Things Living for more conversations on resilience and living well.

Wesley Warshawer went from studying abroad in India and Korea to a career in tech. When COVID made his job remote, he left his comfort zone and moved to a new U.S. city every four to six weeks, meeting his neighbors one conversation at a time. He joins Brigitte Cutshall to share how stepping outside our bubbles reveals shared values, why ignorance isn’t the same as malice, and how small, uncomfortable steps can spark real growth, no passport required. Wesley’s Substack: https://substack.com/@wesleywarshawer Wesley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-warshawer/ Wesley’s website: https://wesleywarshawer.com/ Subscribe to Real Things Living for more conversations on living curious, connected, and well.

Dr. Olaf Kroneman trained at Mayo Clinic, the University of Virginia, and Mass General before bringing his medicine home to Detroit. He treats patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue condition that can bring POTS, mast cell reactions, and pain that is too often dismissed, especially in women. Brigitte Cutshall and Dr. Kroneman also talk about his novel "Detroit Heroic", doing the right thing when it's hard, and why hope and optimism matter in healing. 3 Takeaways: (1) EDS is easy to miss. Hypermobile EDS has no genetic test, so diagnosis depends on a doctor who knows the signs. (2) Speak up and keep looking. Tell your doctor everything, and if you don't connect, get a second opinion. (3) Hope plus action. Meaning comes through action, and "the secret in the care of the patient is in caring for the patient." Know someone who's been told "it's all in your head"? Share this episode with them. Connect with Dr. Kroneman - https://www.drkronemanconfidential.com/ Check out Dr. Kroneman's new book, "Detroit Heroic" - link included on his website.

Does a "high-risk pregnancy" mean something will go wrong? Fetal medicine specialist, Panicos Shangaris, of King's College Hospital speaks with Brigitte Cutshall; he explains how the label works, why preconception counseling matters, and how AI is changing prenatal care. 3 Takeaways (1) "High risk" means more support, not bad news. It brings in the right specialists and a plan built for you. (2) Start before the positive test. Preconception checks like iron, vitamin D, thyroid, and weight help you begin pregnancy healthier. (3) AI buys time for the human part. Faster scans and letters leave doctors more time to counsel and comfort. Connect with Dr. Panicos Shangaris: • Website: https://shangaris.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonpregnancyob/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panicos-shangaris/ 📌 Subscribe to Real Things Living for more insights on health, curiosity, and intentional living!

Wall Street Journal columnist and author, Meghan Cox Gurdon, joins Brigitte Cutshall on Real Things Living to talk about her new memoir, "Free Range Girl." The true story of the year she spent as a 12-year-old living off-grid on a homestead her father built with his own hands in rural Maine. They talk overparenting vs. freedom, the "anti-fragile" child, why reading aloud is one of the most powerful things a parent can do, and what got lost when childhood moved indoors. Her previous bestseller, "The Enchanted Hour," is also referenced. "Free Range Girl" releases October 20th — pre-order now wherever books are sold. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTTQTD77 Connect with Meghan Cox Gurdon:Website: https://www.meghancoxgurdon.com 👉 Subscribe to the Real Things Living channel for more inspiring discussions on resilience, healthy living, and personal growth!

How do you build a vibrant, purposeful life through every chapter? Brigitte Cutshall sits down with Dr. Sieglinde Othmer, author of the award-winning book Joyous Longevity: An A to Z Fuel Guide. From her childhood escape as an East German refugee to her extensive career in psychiatry research, Sieglinde shares how curiosity, flexibility, and proactive habits keep her thriving at age 85. Takeaways: The 3 Free "S" Supplements: Boost health and balance circadian rhythms using natural morning Sun, spending time in Soil (gardening/nature), and prioritizing Socialization to combat isolation. The MAGIC Formula for Vitality: Cultivate everyday joy through Movement, staying Awake with morning gratitude, Gardening, maintaining Independence, and nurturing Curiosity. Shift Focus in Tough Moments: When feeling stuck or facing adversity, focus on helping others or engaging with those around you to immediately break negative thought cycles. Ready to redefine what it means to age with joy? Visit https://www.joyouslongevity.com - check out Sieglinde's award-winning book, listen to her custom song, and start building your personalized A-to-Z longevity habits today! Subscribe to Real Things Living for more inspiring conversations on health, mindset, and intentional living!

In this episode of Real Things Living, host Brigitte Cutshall sits down with natural pet health advocate and podcaster, Angela Ardolino. Angela shares her personal journey from losing her first dog to toxic standard treatments to helping her second dog live to 17 using holistic care. Together, they dive into the master system regulating pet wellness—the endocannabinoid system—and discuss how feeding real food, removing hidden toxins, and utilizing adaptogens and mushrooms can prevent chronic disease and bring pets back to natural balance. Key Takeaways The Endocannabinoid System is Key. Supporting this system naturally helps manage inflammation and chronic disease. Beware of Filler Ingredients. Over 85% of commercial pet supplements contain useless isolates, synthetic vitamins, and harmful fillers.Nature Provides Root-Cause Healing: Standard treatments often focus on suppressing symptoms rather than finding the root cause.Know it, live it, love it — go rescue a pet, and start reading your pet's supplement labels tonight. Follow Angela's work at https://AngelaArdolino.com and https://SeniorDogStudy.com, and check out her podcast, Your Natural Dog. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with a fellow pet parent!

A 40-year ICU nurse says your response to a diagnosis matters more than the diagnosis itself, and he's built a whole theory of care around it. Winston Meikle — nurse educator, author of "The Power of Love: A Nursing Theory", and founder of Loving Care Partners — joins Brigitte Cutshall to explore how quantum physics, ancient wisdom, and a love-based mindset can transform patient outcomes. They dig into patient advocacy, why nurses may know patients better than doctors do, and the real risks of staying passive in your own healthcare journey. 3 Takeaways (1) Recovery is active, not passive. (2) The Four A's for shifting perspective: Acknowledge, Accept, Adopt, Actualize. (3) Authenticity beats love alone. Love paired with genuine authenticity becomes the real driver of better outcomes. Visit Winston Meikle’s work at https://poweroflovetheory.com and explore his patient advocacy platform at https://lovingcarepartners.org Subscribe to Real Things Living for more uplifting conversations on health, self-advocacy, and resilience!

Youth mental health advocate, Lawrence Harris, breaks down why we need to stop trying to fit the mold when it comes to autism, mental health, and choosing our own path. Brigitte Cutshall speaks with 20-year-old Lawrence to explore neurodiversity, self-advocacy, and bridging generational divides. He shares his journey from childhood adversity to inspiring young people nationwide, offering practical ways parents and teens can build trust and mental well-being. Key Takeaways (1) Question Your Beliefs: Self-discovery begins when you pause, ask why you hold certain beliefs, and separate your identity from social pressure. (2) Listen and Validate: Parents can best support their teens by listening without judgment and protecting their privacy with tools like private journaling. (3) Labels Are Just Context: Conditions like autism or ADHD aren't limits—they are simple frameworks that help us understand unique mindsets. Learn more about Lawrence Harris at https://lawrencecharris.com. Also check out his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@UC9iiryh1sa5QylGuPrjGUzQ Subscribe to Real Things Living for more conversations on resilience and self-advocacy!