Send us a text Have you ever wondered why traditional approaches to health and weight management so often fail, even when you're doing everything "right"? Stephanie Pasniokas, founder of SJP Health and Wellness, brings her fascinating background in neuroscience to explain what's really happening in your body when stress takes over. From childhood food insecurity to corporate burnout that left her obese with pre-diabetes and chronic fatigue, Stephanie's personal journey illuminates the profound c...
Jul 16, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Send us a text Have you ever found yourself giving 100% to so many areas of your life that the math simply doesn't add up? That breaking point where your body and mind finally say "enough" isn't a failure—it's a desperate call to reconnect with yourself. In this deeply resonant conversation, neuroscientist-turned-wellness coach Stephanie Pasniokas takes the mic as guest host to explore what happens when we push ourselves beyond sustainable limits. Together with Melissa, they unpack the biologica...
Jul 02, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Send us a text What if the secret to leadership success isn't finding perfect balance, but mastering the art of the pendulum swing? Jennifer Brown, former US Foreign Service Officer turned leadership coach, reveals why traditional work-life balance is a myth that keeps high-achieving leaders trapped in cycles of burnout and depletion. Drawing from her powerful personal story of physical breakdown after years of putting achievement before well-being, Jennifer shares the exact moment she realized ...
Jun 18, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Send us a text Ever tried to chase peace while dodging curveballs? You're not alone, friend. As I wrap up hosting the Summer Serenity Blueprint, I'm sitting in my own version of life's hurricane season—navigating my husband's retirement after 50 years of service, his recovery from surgery, a 1,100-mile relocation, and our new multi-generational living arrangement... with one bathroom. Talk about a life experiment! The Summer Serenity Blueprint offered three transformative days focused on realign...
Jun 04, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Send us a text Ever caught yourself pouring every ounce of your being into helping someone who simply wasn't ready to change? That gut-wrenching feeling when you can clearly see their potential, know exactly what would help them, yet nothing shifts? That emotional exhaustion isn't just in your head—it's real, and it's draining your precious energy. When we invest more energy into someone else's healing than they invest in themselves, we're setting up a painful dynamic that serves nobody. Drawing...
May 21, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Send us a text Ever had one of those weeks where everything feels impossible—even the things you normally love? That's exactly what happened as I tried to record this podcast episode. Four separate attempts, four brick walls. But instead of forcing it, I decided to get curious about what was really going on beneath the surface. My body was sending signals through back pain and fatigue that something needed attention. As a Gen X woman, I was trained to power through discomfort—to ignore my needs ...
May 07, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Send us a text Grief touches us all, yet we rarely understand its full complexity until we drown in it. Beyond the passing of loved ones, grief emerges when we lose jobs, places, relationships, and even versions of ourselves we've outgrown. When was the last time you allowed yourself to fully feel a loss instead of pushing forward? In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of avoiding grief for decades and the surprising breakthrough that came in my fifties. After rushing past denial, ...
Apr 23, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Send us a text In this week's episode, we delve into the complexities of GLP-1 medications, a topic capturing immense attention in the realms of weight loss and health. As these drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovi, rise to fame as potential magic pills for shedding pounds, we aim to illuminate the shadows they cast. Join us as we explore the historical journey of GLP-1, from its initial isolation in the 1980s to its breakthrough realization utilizing the saliva of the Gila monster, making its wa...
Apr 09, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Send us a text Imagine a time when life wasn't constantly interrupted by notifications, and meaningful conversations weren't overshadowed by the glow of a screen. On this episode of the Lemon Balm Coaching Podcast, I share a heartfelt story from my pre-cell phone days, a time marked by a family health scare, that served as a powerful reminder of both the necessity of phones and the beauty of their absence. This story sets the stage to consider how our modern connectivity, while useful, often pul...
Mar 26, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Send us a text Can the pursuit of balance be an illusion? As your coach and cheerleader, I challenge the conventional wisdom that balance in life is a destination we can reach. Drawing from my years as a dancer, I share that balance is not about stillness but continuous micro-adjustments. Like a unicyclist or a dancer on pointe, life demands constant movement. Together, we'll explore why this ideal of balance might be a myth and what we should focus on instead. We'll also discuss the societal pr...
Mar 12, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Send us a text Imagine redefining how you view aging—not as a battle to be fought but as a natural, beautiful process to be embraced. Join me as we unravel the harmful narrative of the "anti-aging" movement and invite a shift towards self-acceptance at every stage of life. Explore how society's fixation on youthfulness creates unnecessary pressure and internal conflict. I'll share personal insights on how our bodies transform over time and how recognizing the normalcy of wrinkles can lead to a m...
Feb 26, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Send us a text Unlock the secret to a more joyous life by mastering the art of celebration. Whether navigating the complex 40s or beyond, this Lemon Balm Coaching Podcast episode is your ticket to rediscovering joy and meaning. I'm Melissa, and together, we'll explore why celebrating life's moments, big or small, is more than just a festive distraction. We'll dive into cultural and biblical references on memory and learn how these practices can reshape your thoughts and beliefs. If you feel stuc...
Feb 12, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Send us a text Feeling a bit lost or stuck, especially if you’re a woman over 40? Imagine setting sail on a journey where a single word acts as your anchor, guiding you through the year. In this episode of the Lemon Balm Coaching Podcast, I, Melissa, your friendly coach and cheerleader, invite you to explore the transformative power of choosing a guiding word. With relatable anecdotes such as road trips with my kids, I demonstrate how having a clear direction can bring purpose and joy to your li...
Jan 29, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Send us a text What if your family could be defined not just by blood, but by the connections you choose to nurture? On the Lemon Balm Coaching Podcast, we explore the idea of family as a dynamic and evolving tapestry, particularly for women over 40 who may feel life's transitions keenly. Sharing my personal journey with both biological and adopted children, I illuminate how brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin fundamentally shape our emotional ties. Let's consider how children...
Jan 15, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Send us a text 🎉 Welcome to The Lemon Balm Coaching Podcast! 🌿 Hi there! I’m Melissa, and I’m so excited to introduce you to The Lemon Balm Coaching Podcast . Whether you’ve been following me for years as the host of Aromatic Chat or you’re just discovering this space, I’m thrilled to have you here. This podcast is designed for women over 40 who are feeling lost, aimless, or stuck. If you’ve spent years giving to everyone else—your family, your career, your community—and now you’re wondering, ...
Jan 02, 2025•2 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Send us a text In this final episode of Aromatic Chat, I'm sitting down with my big sister to talk about the show and what's next! Get ready for some exciting stuff in 2025. It’s time to rediscover YOU. Join the Reignite Your Flame Facebook group —a supportive community where women like you find peace, joy, and purpose. Together, we’ll nurture your mind, body, and spirit so you can shine again. Don’t wait to start your journey back to yourself. Join Reignite Your Flame HERE Support the show Are ...
Jan 01, 2025•36 min
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the joy of talking with Amy DeLong. Amy specializes in animal aromatherapy. She became an Aromatherapist after hearing about classes through her friend, and this was just the beginning of her incredible story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: How she began working with animals, How she works with intuition, Some of her stories, Her work teaching with Essence Of Time, About her animals and rescues, What she's working on now, H...
Dec 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 115
Send us a text This month on My Take, I'm unpacking my thoughts about Aromatic Chat Episodes 113 & 114, Aromatic Chats with Ann Harmon and Donna Moyer. In this episode, you'll hear about: Connection Understanding The weeds in your life The gift of your body and more CLICK HERE to join my free Facebook group Reframe, Restore, & Refresh for women who want to feel joy and purpose again. It’s time to rediscover YOU. Join the Reignite Your Flame Facebook group —a supportive community where wo...
Nov 27, 2024•21 min
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the pleasure of speaking with Donna Moyer. Donna specializes in making products. She became an Aromatherapist after growing herbs on her balcony, and this was just the beginning of her fascinating story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: how she uses plants, What she has going on right now, Some of what she's enjoyed learning, Some of her other interests, Her parting words. LINKS: BonRetta's Aromatherapy facebook: @BonRetta's ...
Nov 20, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 114
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the joy of chatting with Ann Harman. Ann specializes in distilling and educating on hydrosols. She became a distiller after having an early passion for plants and attending a United Plant Savers conference, and this was just the beginning of her amazing story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: Her passion for plants and distilling, Her stories, Her passion and respect for the work of the vintage aromatherapists, Her work with ...
Nov 06, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 113
Send us a text This month on My Take, I'm unpacking my thoughts about Aromatic Chat Episodes 111 & 112, Aromatic Chats with Ruxandra Meinze & Kathy Wilcox. In this episode, you'll hear about: Mindbody disconnect Hiking through the jungle Remembering Remembering what you've forgotten Intention Community CLICK HERE to join my free Facebook group Reframe, Restore, & Refresh for women who want to feel joy and purpose again. It’s time to rediscover YOU. Join the Reignite Your Flame Facebo...
Oct 30, 2024•19 min
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the privilege of talking with Kathy Wilcox. Kathy specializes in combining disciplines to help clients. She became an Aromatherapist after experimenting with tarot, yoga, and reiki up into her 40's, and this was just the beginning of her incredible story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: How she started in aromatherapy, specifically, How she uses aromatherapy with other practices, Aromatherapy safety, How she decided to combi...
Oct 23, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 112
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ruxandra Meinze an Aromatherapist out of Brunswick, Maryland. Ruxandra specializes in working one-on-one with clients She became an Aromatherapist after looking for a way to help her husband with his PTSD, and this was just the beginning of her fascinating story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: Her journey with essential oils, Her stories from life and school, Her advice for people looking to ge...
Oct 09, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 111
Send us a text This month on My Take, I'm unpacking my thoughts about Aromatic Chat Episodes 109 & 110, Aromatic Chats with Molly Messmer and Joy Bowles. In this episode, you'll hear about: connection and community volunteerism life paths sensitization FOMO Survival and more CLICK HERE to join my free Facebook group Reframe, Restore, & Refresh for women who want to feel joy and purpose again. It’s time to rediscover YOU. Join the Reignite Your Flame Facebook group —a supportive community...
Oct 02, 2024•20 min
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the joy of chatting with Sue Jordan an Aromatherapist out of Arizona. Sue specializes in education. She became an Aromatherapist after working as an RN for 49 years, and this was just the beginning of her amazing story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: How she moved from nursing to aromatherapy, Her work from hospice to the VA, Some of her other passions, What she's working on now, A parting quote and some advice. LINKS: FB: ...
Sep 25, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 110
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the honor of talking with Molly Messmer, an Aromatherapist out of the Pacific Northwest. Molly specializes in massage therapy. She became an Aromatherapist after being introduced to essential oils through an MLM, and this was just the beginning of her incredible story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: How she began working in this world, How she got contact dermatitis, Some of her other passions, Who inspires her, Her parting...
Sep 11, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 109
Send us a text This month on My Take, I'm unpacking my thoughts about Aromatic Chat Episodes 107 & 108, Aromatic Chats with Meredith Murdock and Joy Bowles. In this episode, you'll hear about: money mindset mentors DISC personality Profile Beliefs and Identity Shakespeare Providence practicing Aromatherapy in the United States More CLICK HERE to schedule the conversation to start your healing journey. It’s time to rediscover YOU. Join the Reignite Your Flame Facebook group —a supportive comm...
Sep 04, 2024•26 min
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the privilege of speaking with Joy Bowles, an essential oil researcher out of Australia. Joy specializes in dementia research. She began researching essential oils after getting a science degree, and this was just the beginning of her fascinating story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: How she found a use for her science degree, Her journey in research and writing, The use of active constituents vs oils, Her thoughts on the f...
Aug 28, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 108
Send us a text In this episode of AromaticChat, I have the pleasure of chatting with Meredith Murdock, an Aromatherapist out of Florida. Meredith specializes in making aromatherapy obtainable. She became an Aromatherapist after her husband at the time opened an acupuncture clinic, and this was just the beginning of her amazing story. Tune in and stay all the way to the end to hear: Her early story with aromatherapy, How she began formulating products, Her various businesses through the years, He...
Aug 14, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 107
Send us a text This month on My Take, I'm unpacking my thoughts about Aromatic Chat Episodes 104, 105, & 106, Aromatic Chats with Christie Strickland, Tanya Moulding, and Helen Nagle-Smith. In this episode, you'll hear about: Rapport Dolly Parton Bill Murray Attunement Presence More CLICK HERE to get your free copy of "From Stressed to Your Best: 5 Tips to Stress Less" CLICK HERE to schedule the conversation to start your healing journey. It’s time to rediscover YOU. Join the Reignite Your F...
Aug 07, 2024•25 min
