In today's episode we interview the Director of the Boston Ayurveda School, Kim Valeri Povey. She is a yoga therapist, Ayurvedic practitioner and activist for holistic health. She discussed with us how your specific mind quality can show if you have a tendency towards clarity (sense of calm), over activity (anxiety) or heaviness (depression). She describes her work practicing a healing therapy called Sattva Vajaya and how she first learned to start a dialogue within her own body after a near dea...
May 25, 2021•47 min
In today's episode we interview the fabulous Helen Spignese. She is a mental health counselor and also my sister. She is an advocate for families dealing with an autoimmune disease known as PANS/PANDAS after her son Jackson was diagnosed. This is a condition where inflammation and stealth infections in the gut/body lead to the brain and create neurological symptoms. Helen continues to explore the importance of the mind gut connection to not only help her own family, but to also assist her client...
May 11, 2021•52 min
In today's podcast we interviewed the deeply knowledgeable Dr. Anjali Singh. Dr. Anjali walks us through what Ayurveda is and how it is deeply connected to her upbringing and family. She discussed how she ended up studying Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery at Banaras Hindu University and eventually got a Ph.D in Herbal Pharmacology. She talks about herbs versus herbal formulations and shares important information about synthetic probiotic use. Lastly, she shares Ayurvedic tips to stay healthy as ...
Apr 27, 2021•49 min
In today's episode we interview one of my good friends Mariana Garcia. She is a talented & innovative fashion designer who talks us through how she discovered her creative side after growing up a shy child . She also shares with us how creativity and having confidence are deeply connected. Her experience with going to therapy has also changed her perspective of herself and her overall outlook on wellness. It was cool to learn more about the fashion industry and thinking more consciously abou...
Apr 13, 2021•1 hr 2 min
In today's episode we speak with Alexa Gray who shares her experience working in the health and wellness marketing world. She is also an entrepreneur who has worked as a professional photographer and marketing consultant with Alexa Gray and Co. This was a fun conversation to learn more about the connections between wellness, branding and inclusion. Alexa currently is the Head of Social and Community for Olipop which is a sparkling herbal tonic promoting digestive health. We loved hearing about t...
Mar 30, 2021•1 hr 4 min
In today's episode we interview the fabulous Lucinda Accime. She is one of the most selfless people I know having dedicated her life to helping those in her community. Lucy is the Manager of Employment Services at Jewish Vocational Service in Boston assisting immigrants of various backgrounds obtain employment. She also is a milieu counselor at Teen Learning Choices in Malden. During our chat we discuss the importance of self-care for those who work in human services and how her faith has played...
Mar 16, 2021•36 min
In today's episode we interview the lovely Giovana Malufe. She shares how her chronic gut issues led to other imbalances and walks us through each step of her journey. Her love and dedication to yoga in addition to exploring various lifestyles reveal that healing happens over time and not exactly when we want it to. She eventually discovered Ayurveda and this is when things really started to change. She was able to start nourishing her body and after not having her period for almost 5 years it r...
Mar 02, 2021•1 hr 14 min
In this episode we interviewed the one and only Olorunbunmi. She is an extraordinary writer, attorney with experience assisting asylum applicants and a travel enthusiast now living abroad. I have always admired her drive and dedication to not only accomplishing her goals, but how the intentions she sets improve her quality and passion for life. She also shares some of her story from living in Moldova as a Peace Corps Volunteer and how that changed her perspective on her relationship to health. P...
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 10 min
In today's episode we talk with a group of friends about the most recent 30 day Yoga with Adrienne challenge called Breath. We completed this virtual challenge together and shared our experiences, what we liked, what we didn't like and the one and only Benji, her pet dog who joins her on the mat. If you are new to Yoga or would just want to hear our review then please take a listen. We hope that this might motivate you to implement your own personal challenges with a group of friends which turns...
Feb 09, 2021•43 min
In this episode we have a chat with Denzel and Emily to discuss 2020. Our topics range From Grub Hub's top 10 most popular orders to your most unexpected pandemic purchase! We know there have been many heavy and dark moments throughout 2020 as well, but hope that this episode helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Happy Holidays and here's to a healthier 2021 where we can all be together. Special thanks to my amazing friends Emily Caulfield and Denzel Sanchez for taking the time to ta...
Dec 22, 2020•53 min
In this episode I take you through some of the rituals I have developed over the years that have now become a part of my morning routine. A warm tea, light stretching, deep breathing and making my bed are a few things that help me start my day off on the right foot. I'm not perfect and routines change, but I like to get into this rhythm to be reminded of the things that I am grateful for and what truly matters. Enjoy! Product mentioned: Organic Olivia's Digestive Juice Hosted by Angela Spignese ...
Dec 08, 2020•28 min
In today's episode we thought it would be fun to have a family member on since the holidays are around the corner!!! My mother, Karen Spignese joins us to share a little bit about her upbringing, almost having been misdiagnosed by a doctor for thyroid issues and finally her amazing weight loss which has her close to getting off her diabetes medication. Also, her 69th birthday is just around the corner so what better way to celebrate the most bad ass/mysterious woman I know. Also, she drops some ...
Nov 24, 2020•40 min
In today's episode we talk about the differences between diet culture and intuitive eating. We want you to use this discussion as a way to identify which method (among many others) works best for you to love the body you are in! We also share a little bit about our backgrounds growing up and how our relationships with our parents influenced our eating behaviors. Mark has found that following a diet or more restrictive eating has worked for him and I find that trying to listen to my body and eati...
Nov 11, 2020•44 min
In this episode I interview Christine Job. She is a business strategist, wellness enthusiast and podcast producer/creator living in Barcelona. Her podcast Flourish in the Foreign elevates and amplifies the voices of Black women living and thriving abroad. Christine emphasizes how travel and the lifestyle you choose are directly connected to your everyday wellness. It also is a part of her mission to create space to help women to build their visions/businesses. In this episode she also shares a l...
Oct 13, 2020•1 hr 6 min
In this episode we interview Abby Tai who is the creator and founder of Eczema Conquerors and The Eczema Podcast helping people all over the world heal this chronic skin condition. She is a holistic nutritionist and shares her story of how food and lifestyle choices played a factor in keeping her eczema at bay. She also gives us insight into her life as a mother and entrepreneur, running an online business. We hope this episode will be helpful to any of you out there dealing with any itchy, pain...
Sep 29, 2020•50 min
Welcome back! In this episode Mark and I chat about creativity and how it can serve as a powerful tool during these dark times. We also discuss how it can be hard to access when we are all staying safe at home. We check-in about life updates and let you know what we are focusing on with our personal health goals. Looking forward to sharing a new season with you packed with fabulous guests, laughter and new ways of thinking about our health and healing. Do you want to share your Fall 2020 Health ...
Sep 15, 2020•34 min
Thank you to everyone who has listened to Season 1 of the Salsa Sol Food podcast. Mark and I launched this project right before COVID-19 hit and we are grateful that you still tuned in even though our sound and set up changed. There is a shift happening in the world due to the murder of George Floyd and the necessary global protests supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. We want this time to reflect, recharge, relearn in order to renter this podcast space with inspiring, educational and mot...
Jun 16, 2020•12 min
In this episode I discuss the mind body language connection. Ever thought about how your language contributes to your overall understanding of your health? I recently read Don't Sleep There are Snakes by Daniel Everett where he studied the language and culture of the Piraha tribe in the Amazonian jungle. His findings started to make me reflect on our use of language and how it impacts our views on health and may reflect what matters most to us. It also led me to think about my time in Moldova te...
Jun 03, 2020•39 min
Have you ever had the feeling that certain physical symptoms will lead to death and you can't stop thinking about them? In this episode I interview my good friend Denise Fonseca who is an avid mental health/public health activist. She shares with us her journey with health anxiety, it's connection to grief/trauma and her coping mechanisms and resources. She also breaks down the signs of health anxiety for those of you who have never heard of it before. I want to emphasize that none of us are pro...
May 19, 2020•53 min
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the amount of diets you hear about and don't know where to start? In this episode I break down what an elimination diet is and how this might help you pin point the foods that aren't currently serving you. I briefly discuss why gluten, dairy and sugar are ingredients that tend to cause sensitivities in most people. I know that change is scary so I also give you samples of recipe ideas towards the end that you could try out too. Always feel free to message me wit...
May 05, 2020•32 min
In this episode I discuss my diagnosis with perioral dermatitis, my healing process and some helpful advice for those you have been recently diagnosed. This episode may be for anyone who struggles with a chronic skin condition such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, tinea versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis or any other mystery rash. I know that it sucks and I am here to let you know that you are not alone and CAN heal. Please forgive us for the sound quality. Mark Damon and I have been social distancin...
Apr 21, 2020•34 min
In this episode holistic therapist Jody Grimm discusses her approach to therapy and gives us an inside look at how she works with her clients. She also gives you tips as to where you can start with dealing with your anxiety and general mental health. Stick around until the end because Jody has a surprise for you that you don't want to miss! You can find Jody on Instagram @jodyamelia in addition to her two websites jodygrimm.com and jojosrawkitchen.com. Please send in any questions to: Salsasolfo...
Apr 07, 2020•41 min
In this episode I had the opportunity to interview an amazing holistic therapist, Jody Grimm. Jody brings a unique perspective to mental health guiding her patients in movement/dance, nutrition, meditation and much more. In this episode she discusses her journey, how she has dealt with chronic pain and how she pushed herself outside of her comfort zone to create a life worth living. She also has her own business as a health coach and her own raw chocolate business called JoJo's Raw Kitchen. You ...
Mar 24, 2020•37 min
In this episode I will share some of my favorite travel tips, including my favorite snacks to pack in my suitcase, recommended probiotics/multivitamins and whether or not to filter your water. I started to become more aware of how run down I felt when I had the opportunity to travel a lot over the past two years. I cover what healthy habits helped me discover that I could feel vibrant once I arrived to a new country, but there were some steps I needed to take to get there. I have so much that I ...
Mar 10, 2020•39 min
Welcome to the Salsa Sol Food podcast! In this episode I discuss my health journey and what inspired me to share more. Starting from strange intrusive thoughts and anxiety as a child, a diet full of fast food and King Size Reese's peanut butter cups, using singing and dance as a form of therapy and finally ending up in Peace Corps Moldova where everything came full circle. If you have ever felt alone on your path with mysterious chronic symptoms this episode is for you! Hope you enjoy and find s...
Mar 01, 2020•36 min
In this podcast we will dive into all things health and wellness. My Salsa Sol Food approach breaks down how physical activity, nourishing self-care and intentional eating are all a part of healing our bodies and minds. After many years of mysterious chronic symptoms I wanted to share my health journey and help guide others. We do not take our selves too seriously on this show and want to make you laugh!!! Have questions or comments? Email me at [email protected]. Instagram: @salsasolfood Y...
Feb 17, 2020•50 sec
