Welcome back PATHPod listeners! In this soul-nourishing episode, we reconnect with the joy of guest interviews and spotlight a lifelong friend of Toni’s and powerhouse healer: Amy Long, CMT. Amy brings decades of wisdom, compassion, and curiosity to her work as a certified medical massage therapist. Amy is a graduate of McKinnon Massage School and UCSF’s prestigious hospital-based medical massage fellowship. Her work spans the full human spectrum—from infants to seniors, including hospice care. She specializes in medically complex conditions, using gentle, nervous-system-focused techniques to support pain management, anxiety, and healing.After a brief hiatus to host our second PathPod retreat in Boise, we’re thrilled to dive back into conversations that illuminate, educate, and inspire. And this one? It’s a masterclass in healing through touch.What You’ll Learn:The difference between traditional massage and medical massage—and why it mattersHow therapeutic touch can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce reliance on medicationThe power of craniosacral therapy and acupressure in hospital settingsWhy “less is more” when it comes to healing touchHow Amy’s background in education and her lifelong love of learning shaped her unique approachAmy’s Takeaways:Massage is healthcare. Period.Gentle touch can be profoundly therapeutic—even in the most medically fragile situations.Respect, autonomy, and presence are key when working with pediatric and adult patients alike.Integrative health modalities like massage, acupuncture, and music therapy are gaining traction in hospital settings—and changing lives.Hear how Amy’s work brought peace and sleep to a friend in crisis at NYU Langone, and how her techniques offer comfort beyond the physical—especially for patients navigating grief, uncertainty, and isolation.Tune in for a heartfelt, eye-opening journey into the world of medical massage. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or simply curious about holistic healing, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to explore new paths to wellness.Listen now and get ready to feel the love—one therapeutic touch at a time.Resources mentioned during the episode:1.      Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM)S4OM is a leading organization dedicated to advancing oncology massage through education, standards, and practitioner support. Official Website.2.       HealwellHealwell is a nonprofit organization that integrates massage therapy into clinical settings and offers education for healthcare professionals. Official Website.    Playlist:Inspired by Amy’s love of funk, soul, and R&B, this episode’s playlist features Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready”—a call to action and a soulful anthem that sets the tone for this transformative conversation. 

In this heartfelt, joy-filled and long overdue episode, Toni and Jenny sit down to reflect on the unforgettable PATHPod retreat held in the high mountain desert of Boise, Idaho at the beautiful Tablerock Farm. With 15–20 participants joining throughout the weekend and 8 staying in the home for the full experience, the retreat was a celebration of authenticity, connection, and nourishment.From Friday night’s wine tasting led by our gracious host Marc Francois, to Saturday’s hike, homemade Pain Perdu brunch (crafted from Peggy’s lovingly prepared sourdough), and a workshop on authenticity and joy, the weekend was packed with meaningful moments. The group also shared a yoga practice and came together in a teaching kitchen to prepare a delicious plant-based meal. Sunday wrapped with another hike and a closing ceremony honoring each participant’s presence and contribution.Toni and Jenny give shoutouts to the many hands and hearts that made this retreat possible:Jenni & Marc Francois for opening their home and heartsPATHPod Peggy for the sourdough, starter, and apronsMinnie Toledo & Bev Prizi for the cozy beaniesMinnie & Boot Barn for the warm socksMolly Monnito for the handmade cards with ribbon in the swag bagsOur generous donors: Ivan Bar, Siete Foods, Donsemoir, Sherrill Knezel, Laura Ali & Republic of TeaThey also share additional resources to help listeners stay grounded and inspired:Jenn Gebhart’s YouTube video on nervous system regulationPATHPod’s January 2024 episodes on Enoughness with JC Lippold and Aly PestaBrené Brown’s latest book, Strong Ground, a powerful read on courage and connectionTune in for:Behind-the-scenes retreat storiesReflections on joy, authenticity, and communityPractical tools for grounding and nervous system supportA whole lot of gratitude and laughter. And of course, MUSIC!

Join Toni and her “sturdy, spazzy, adorable sidekick” Otis—for a sunny, soulful Sunday morning walk through Campbell, California, as she shares a deeply personal update about the PATH Pod journey, upcoming events, and a flower that sparked inspiration.What You'll Hear:A poetic metaphor comparing an unexpected wildflower to the spontaneous birth of the PATH PodcastA heartfelt walk-and-talk reflection on growth, gratitude, and letting goA look inward at health behavior change, burnout, and what truly restores usInsights into how we build personalized tool kits for wellness—and how the pod helps listeners fill theirsAll the excitement for the second annual PATH Restore Retreat in Boise, Idaho!Like a flower breaking through the ground, the retreat idea emerged organically… We will be hosting our 2nd retreat in a stunning high mountain desert home with breathtaking views of Table Rock. The retreat will include a teaching kitchen experience, hiking trails, a pool for rejuvenation, yoga and meditation, a burnout workshop and opportunities to connect deeply with self and community.Topics That Bloomed in this Episode:The unpredictable beauty of letting projects take shape naturallyJoy & burnout prevention, inspired by The Burnout EpidemicSelf-care vs. systemic causes of burnoutBehavior change as a customized puzzle—unique to each individualStrategies that fit, nourish, and sustain usHow You Can Join Us???Thinking about joining the next retreat? DM us on Instagram @thepathpodWant more details? Reach out for info on cost, programming, and application Join us whether in person or just through the earbuds—we’re building community with every stepThanks for walking the PATH with us. Whether you’re under redwoods or riding the burnout roller coaster, we’re here to help you live your best life! 

Join Toni T as she takes us on a morning walk through Campbell with her trusty pup, Otis, spinning like the town’s unofficial mayor. In this special solo dispatch, she reflects on life’s transitions, recent travels, and how our 2025 words—Create & Community—are showing up in powerful ways.We have been super busy over the last few weeks - Toni has been on the road delivering keynotes on leadership and authenticity while Jenny has been busy with teaching kitchens and culinary medicine. And guess what???? The next PATH Retreat is happening in Boise this September! Our retreat will focus on finding joy in work, self-care, and authenticity—all set against a backdrop of hiking, yoga, and nourishing meals. Be on the lookout for more info in the coming weeks.Tune in, reflect, and enjoy the special curated playlist accompanying this episode. As always, if there’s something you want to hear more about, ping us! 

Take a stroll with Toni and Otis on a sunny Monday morning in Campbell! This bite-sized episode gives listeners a heartfelt behind-the-scenes glimpse into the pulse of PATH Positive Approaches to Health. Toni reflects on the joys and challenges of building this podcast and pulls from our vast archive of episodes—150+ treasures filled with community wisdom, expert insights, and practical tips for tackling your PATH!Whether it's unlocking the power of community with Steve Smith, exploring authentic living with Gustavo Padron, or completing the stress cycle with Elizabeth Aong, this episode highlights Toni’s curated playlist of PATH classics to help guide and inspire you. Plus, get insider details on how to tap into the catalog and connect for your personalized recommendations!It's a public service announcement meets love letter to listeners—a celebration of what makes this podcast "the little pod that could" and how it continues to inspire and surprise us.

Join us for a special milestone episode of Path Pod as we celebrate six incredible years of Positive Approaches to Health! 🎂 Toni & Jenny reflect on the journey of the past six years, sharing heartfelt memories, deepened friendships, and the transformative power of community. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion as they ponder words that symbolize their journey and highlight the podcast's impact.Get ready for an inspiring trip down memory lane and of course, some musical reflections to keep the celebration alive! 🎶 From the laughs to the lessons learned, and everything in between—this episode is a tribute to our dedicated listeners, guests, and the friendships that have blossomed.Key Highlights:• Reflecting on the journey and impact of the podcast• Sharing meaningful words that defined their experience• Special musical reflections to celebrate the occasionJoin us in celebrating six incredible years of Positive Approaches to Health! 🌟

In this short and sweet pocket episode, Toni and Jenny discuss their intentions for 2025. They share their chosen words for the year and delve into the significance these words hold for them and their lives. Through their candid conversation, they explore how these words— Community and Create—are already shaping their daily routines, interactions, and outlooks. They explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, from creating space and boundaries to fostering new connections and projects. Listen to this tiny little episode on your next walk or run for a little does of inspiration and connection!

In this special pocket promo episode of the PATH Pod, Toni sits down with her "collaboration conspirator," the amazing Celestina Brunetti, for an impromptu conversation about an exciting upcoming event. Broadcasting from Newcastle, Australia, Celestina shares her journey of collaboration and how it has shaped her career and life. Together, Toni and Celestina dive into the heart of what makes collaboration so impactful, providing insights and inspiration for dietitians and beyond.Here’s what we cover in this fun and lively chat:Collaboration as a Superpower: Celestina and Toni reflect on their year-and-a-half journey of co-creating a growth seminar for dietitians. They emphasize how passion and alignment are at the core of any successful partnership.The Power of Shared Inspiration: From professional brainstorming to bonding over Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, the duo discusses how mutual inspiration sparks creativity and innovation.Dietitian Hub Growth Seminar: Learn more about the incredible 2025 Dietitian Growth Summit happening January 16-17, featuring Celestina, Toni, and a lineup of high-caliber presenters curated by the amazing Sandy Jablonka of Dietitian Hub. It’s a can’t-miss event for dietitians looking to level up their skills, network, and embrace collaboration. https://dietitianhub.com/?wpam_id=6How to Get InvolvedVisit The Dietitian Hub for details and registration.Follow Celestina Brunetti on Instagram: @thedietitiancollaborative.Stay connected with the PATH Pod on Instagram for updates and more great content: @thepathpod This conversation is a testament to the beauty of connection and the transformative power of working together. Whether you're a dietitian or just someone who values meaningful collaboration, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to make a difference.Thanks for listening, PATH Pod community—stay collaborative and curious!

In this episode of PATH Positive Approaches to Health, Toni & Jenny offer up this BCB as they dive into the challenges of maintaining health behaviors during the busy and stressful holiday season. Both share their personal health struggles—Jenny's diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Toni's knee injury and upcoming surgery—and discuss the toll these challenges can take on health habits.Key Topics in This Episode:1. Health Challenges & Personal Experiences:o Jenny opens up about her recent diagnosis of SIBO and the adjustments she’s had to make to her diet, including adopting a low FODMAP plan.o Toni shares the emotional and physical impact of her knee injury, and how it's influenced her physical activity routine leading up to surgery.o Both hosts reflect on how these health challenges have deepened their empathy for clients and patients who face similar obstacles.2. The Holiday Season: Stress, Boundaries & Self-Care:o The holidays can be a time of added stress, but it’s also a crucial opportunity to prioritize self-care. Jenny and Tony discuss strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress, and carving out space for personal well-being during the season.3. Mindset & Coping Strategies:o A focus on the power of mindset when dealing with health challenges and behavior change. The hosts talk about the importance of courage, problem-solving, and exploring new ways to navigate health obstacles during a time of year when temptations and disruptions are high.4. Grief, Acceptance, and Adaptation:o Jenny and Toni touch on the emotional side of dealing with health changes, including the grief of lost abilities and favorite foods. They share their experiences with accepting these changes and learning to adapt, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion.5. Tools & Resources:o Jenny and Toni recommend tools that have supported them in their behavior change journeys, such as the Fig app and the Monash Diet app. These resources help manage dietary restrictions and promote healthier habits despite challenges.6. Practical Tips for Managing Holiday Stress & Behavior Change:o The hosts share practical tips for listeners to manage stress and maintain healthy behaviors during the holiday season. From trying new recipes and adjusting routines to incorporating gratitude practices, they provide actionable advice to help listeners stay on track.Resources Mentioned:• Fig app for dietary tracking and meal planning. Listen to the founder of FIG, Andrew Hollar in PATH episode 124, February 23, 2023• Monash Diet app for managing the low FODMAP diet and dietary restrictions.Whether you’re navigating your own health challenges or trying to stay on track during the holidays, this episode is packed with empathy, practical advice, and mindset strategies to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage behavior change, even during the busiest time of year.Listen Now: Tune in to hear Toni & Jenny’s candid reflections, practical tips, and empowering advice for making behavior change a priority—no matter what life throws your way.

In this episode, Jenny and Tony take you behind the scenes of the first-ever Path Pod Restore Before Retreat. Over four months of meticulous planning culminated in an unforgettable weekend of rejuvenation and community. They share their thoughts and personal highlights of the experience. The Retreat Included:• Yoga: Guided practices which enabled guests to integrate the welcoming theme into their bodies, hearts and minds.• Forest Bathing: Deep, meditative experiences & connection in nature.• Zen Tangle: Former guest of the Pod Alexis takes the group through a meditative art immersion. • Teaching Kitchen: Hands-on culinary lessons using recipes from some of our former PATH Pod guests.• Beach Walks: Refreshing strolls along the scenic coast, perfect for reflection and connection.Key Themes:• Community and Support: The retreat was a haven of encouragement and shared growth.• Personal Transformation: Attendees experienced profound moments of self-discovery and renewal.• Gratitude: Jenny and Tony express heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to bring people together and are eager to plan future retreats.Special Mentions:• A 5 hour (!) Retreat Playlist: Specially curated by Toni, capturing the retreat’s essence.Jenny and Tony conclude with warm appreciation for each other and their listeners.Tune in to hear all about the memorable moments, challenges overcome, and the joy of building lasting connections. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of Positive Approaches to Health!

Welcome, PathPod listeners!We’re thrilled to mark a special milestone on our journey—this is our 150th episode! 🎉 We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this achievement with all of you and share some big news. Join us as we dive into the significance of our milestone and unveil our upcoming retreat.Episode Highlights:150th Episode Celebration: Toni and Jenny reflect on the journey to this episode and express their amazement at reaching this milestone. Big Announcement - Restore Before Retreat: We’re overjoyed to announce our very first retreat, "Restore Before," taking place on November 2nd and 3rd, 2024, in Aptos, California. This retreat is designed to offer a space for introspection, relaxation, and rejuvenation before the busy-ness of year-end takes over.Understanding "Retreat": Toni and Jenny explore the concept of retreating, both as a noun and a verb. They discuss how a retreat can be a powerful act of self-care and a vital investment in personal health and well-being.Our Retreat Experience: Get a glimpse of what to expect at the Restore Before retreat. From beach walks and forest hikes to meaningful connections and personal reflection, this retreat is crafted to help you connect with yourself and others.Recommended Resources: Toni and Jenny share their favorite books and resources that align with the theme of retreat and self-care. These include: Where to Begin by Cleo Wade Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie Mindful Eating by Jan Chosen Bays Wintering by Katherine May Consolations by David Whyte Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer, illustrated by Cheryl Knezel Sit Down to Rise Up by Shelly Tygielski Engaging with the Community: Whether or not you can join the retreat in person, Toni and Jenny encourage you to explore the concept of retreat in your own life. They invite listeners to connect with them on Instagram or via direct message and share how you are retreating in your own life.Music and Inspiration: And of course, Toni reveals that she’s already started a playlist for the retreat!! It is sure to be an inspiring one!Links and Resources:Instagram: Follow us for updates and information on how to sign up for the Restore Before retreat @thepathpodRestore Before: Ready to join us?? Fill out the application!! We can’t wait to connect! Thank you for being a part of our podcast community. Whether you’re joining us at the retreat or simply taking inspiration from this episode, we hope you find ways to incorporate retreat into your life. Here’s to many more episodes and meaningful moments of connection and self-care!

Join Toni and Jenny as they delve into the heart and soul of the African diaspora and the wonderful cuisine produced by the renowned chefs Todd Richards and Stephan Duran. In this captivating conversation, we explore the rich history, cultural significance, and inspiring stories behind the cookbooks, "Soul" and "Roots, Heart & Soul." Discover the connections between food, family, and community and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you hungry for more.Key Takeaways:The power of food to connect people and culturesThe importance of preserving culinary traditionsThe role of storytelling in the culinary experienceTips for incorporating new flavors and ingredients into your cookingPurchase cookbooks hereFollow Todd on Instagram @cheftoddrichardsFind Stephan on LinkedIn @Stephan Durand

No road trip in this episode – just a conversation between the PATH Pod ladies, Toni and Jenny. They decided to take a minute to consider how their theme of Shift was landing now that the year is half over. The discussion begins with the SHIFT acronym and winds its way to a review of the 2024 episodes so far. Next, they dip into the archives as they highlight some of the episodes that encapsulate the Shift theme. If listening to older episodes sounds enticing but feels overwhelming, Toni and Jenny offer a nice handful to get started. Of course, there is talk of music at the end because it’s still The PATH Pod! Enjoy & Thanks for traveling on the journey with the ladies of Positive Approaches To Health!

On this leg of the PATHPod journey Toni and Jenny head to Austin, Tx where they find Gustavo Padron! Gustavo is an amazing yoga and meditation teacher, a personal trainer and an author of the Grounded Practice journal. He is a healer in every sense of the word and uses breath, posture and the power of words to help his clients manifest their ideal self. He understands the power of going within and harnessing one’s inner guidance system, knowing that getting in the body is key to real and lasting change. There are so many tools to plop into the behavior change toolbox during this conversation along with nuggets of wisdom Gustavo drops on Toni and Jenny during their time together. Listen and fall in love with Gustavo just like Toni and Jenny did when they met him! Learn more about Gustavo and his work here. Purchase his journal, Grounded Practice. Follow him on Instagram @gustavoapadron.

 Toni and Jenny are on the road again in the San Francisco Bay Area. This time they meet up with another old pal from Toni’s high school days – Alicia Guckenheimer. Alicia is an artist and childrens book author, a creative soul who has been creating art as early as she can remember with her father. Eight years ago she traded in her shoe career for the colorful chaos of the classroom where she teaches art t to k-8th graders. She teaches through the beautiful lens of painting a world where everyone shines and weaves compassion and helping others into her art lessons. In her childrens book, Dream Big, Start Small she writes a tale of imagination and compassion and the possibility “if you can dream it you can make it and you can change the world.” The three of them discuss how the messages within the book have a very far reach and speak to the importance of joy, having a starting place, self-empowerment and learning inner strengths in the process of behavior change. You can find Alicia, her book and her art classes on Instagram @dream_big_start_small_13 or on her website.

Toni and Jenny head to Marin on this leg of the PATHPod road trip. They are over the moon about their conversation with Bonnie Wan, author of The Life Brief A Playbook For No-Regrets Living. It is no mistake that this episode is dropping the same day as the total solar eclipse. The event of the eclipse is such a beautiful metaphor for Bonnie’s book – The Life Brief is a practice of going within to distill down what is going on inside of us, getting to the very essence of what we need and want for our lives. So many cultures believe the eclipse is a time of renewal, being in the darkness to truly feel and understand the next path we need to follow. This is the journey Bonnie takes her reader on, helping to discover meaning and purpose in their lives. The practice of creating a life brief can sound daunting but Bonnie creates a structure that allows for making meaning out of life, one beautiful baby step at a time. Learn more about Bonnie, The Life Brief and the community she has created around it here. Follow her on Instagram @bonniewanofficial or LinkedIn @bonniewan.

The ladies of the PATHPod head to a new state for their second National Nutrition Month episode! They traveled all the way up to Boothbay, Maine to visit fellow dietitian Jenny Shea Rawn. Jenny recently finished her first cookbook, Costal Kitchen Nourishing Seafood Recipes for Everyday Cooking. The three of them had so much fun romping through the book and talking about their favorite recipes. As the episode will explain, this is not only a cookbook but a great resource about seafood, which can sometimes feel elusive to people who don’t live on a coast. The cookbook is sectioned off by different kinds of seafood and includes side dishes and desserts - some with local ingredients native to Maine like blueberries and cranberries. The recipes are lovely and not overly complicated, which is a great reason to purchase the book! But on top of it, Jenny includes useful information like how to choose sustainable seafood, choosing between wild and farmed seafood and what fish is richest in omega 3’s. Lucky for the PATHPod community, Jenny and her publishers are offering 30% off of her cookbook using the promo code COAST30 through rowman.com. Follow Jenny on social @Jennyshearawn or visit her website to learn more about her work.

The PATHPod gals head down to Durham, North Carolina on this leg of the journey where they meet up with Judith Scharman Draughon, AKA, Judes or “The 12 Fix Dietitian”. Judes is a registered dietitian who works in the corporate wellness space inspiring businesses, organizations and groups to adopt a healthier lifestyle with group challenge programs. Her 12 Fixes program includes a book and workbook breaking down 12 evidence-based, non-diet strategies for getting and staying healthier. This is a program that anyone can use to help them on their journey to well-being and can be done individually or with a group. The book is designed for readers to create their own meal plans and actions plans right inside! A big part of Judes 12 Fixes is her 12 Fix Affiliate Program. This allows RDN’s to become affiliates and use the 12-Fix Wellness Plan, presentations, and dietitian-designed app to land more group wellness opportunities, allowing for an increase in revenue with less work and greater job satisfaction! The materials are super-customizable – making it easy to fit into a nutrition practice. This episode is for everyone – dietitians who are looking for a game-changing program for their practice or someone wanting to make incremental, healthy changes in 2024 - give it a listen! To find out more about the RDN Affiliate program, contact Judes at judes@12fixes.com. The Living 12 Fixes to Healthy guidebook can be purchased for $10 off on her website 12Fixes.com with promotional code 10OFFGUIDEBOOK. Judes can be found on Instagram @foodswithjudes and can also be found on LinkedIn. 

Toni and Jenny continue their 5 year anniversary celebration as they dig into their intention to Shift in 2024. The two of them have a conversation about what is behind the choice of Shift and what it means to each of them. They also take some time to unpack the last 5 years and the impact this podcast adventure has made on their lives. Of course, there is a lot of talk about connection and community but there are certainly some other gems they uncover. Help the PATHPod gals extend their celebration through the end of the month by giving this episode a listen and sharing your thoughts with them on Insta @thpathpod!

Toni and Jenny celebrate their 5th year of The PATH Pod during this 141st episode that is the first in a two-part celebration of this amazing milestone they certainly did not see coming! They felt like the best way to mark this date of February 12, the day their trailer first dropped in 2019 would be to deconstruct courage – the superpower they both had to call up when they decided to start a podcast. Together they break down courage using a framework created by their former guest, Candace Doby who was on the pod July 25 of 2023. They talk about what courage means to each of them and how this podcast and the amazing people they have met on their journey have sparked even more courage within them. Listen and celebrate with Toni and Jenny as they share their stories and insights. They are so excited to be celebrating this milestone with each other and with their larger PATH Pod community! Thanks for being on the road with PATH, Positive Approaches To Health!