Conversations with a Chiropractor

Stephanie Wautier

Conversations with a Chiropractor is a podcast hosted by Dr. Stephanie Wautier, designed to explore the journey to health, healing, and personal growth through chiropractic care and beyond. Each episode dives into inspiring stories of resilience, wellness, and overcoming adversity, featuring diverse guests who share their unique experiences. Whether discussing holistic health, mental wellness, or life-changing events, this podcast offers heartfelt conversations that empower listeners to embrace wellness and transformation in every aspect of life. Join the journey toward better health, one conversation at a time.

  1. My Heart Smiles: Diana Oman on Energy Healing, Lake Superior Roots, and the Power of Forgiveness | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    2 DAYS AGO

    My Heart Smiles: Diana Oman on Energy Healing, Lake Superior Roots, and the Power of Forgiveness | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    My Heart Smiles: Diana Oman on Energy Healing, Lake Superior Roots, and the Power of Forgiveness | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description In this thoughtful and quietly powerful episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier talks with Diana Oman, a longtime healer, teacher, and author whose life has moved through more than one unexpected chapter. Diana begins at Little Girls Point, near the Wisconsin border on the far western edge of Michigan's UP, where she grew up in a family that ran cabins, rented handmade wooden boats, sold agates, and fished Lake Superior. That childhood, shaped by water, weather, hard work, and isolation, gave her a deep relationship with nature and a sense that life held more mystery than most people were willing to name. From there, the story widens. Diana shares the family lore around her grandfather, a "blood stopper" from Nordic tradition, and how that thread eventually reappeared in her own life through energy work, spiritual healing, and years of study with teachers across several traditions. What started as a professional detour into patient advocacy slowly turned into a full-body immersion in alternative healing, forgiveness work, and the idea that unresolved emotional pain has a way of surfacing in the body. One of the most moving parts of the conversation centers on ho'oponopono, the Hawaiian forgiveness practice Diana learned during several trips to Hawaii. She and Stephanie talk about how humility, apology, and emotional clearing are not "extras" in healing, they are often the missing piece. And from there, the episode naturally turns to Diana's book, My Heart Smiles, an uplifting ABC-style affirmation book for all ages that grew out of a bedtime practice inspired by Abraham Hicks and went on to find readers far beyond the UP. The book was published in 2014, is 64 pages long, and was illustrated by Colleen O'Hara. What makes this conversation land is that it never feels abstract for long. Diana's healing philosophy is rooted in real life: forgiveness, reflection, emotional honesty, daily practices, and remembering that even ten quiet minutes can begin to change the state of your mind, body, and spirit. 🎧 In This Episode, Discover What it was like growing up at Little Girls Point, with Lake Superior as both playground and teacher The story of Diana's grandfather and the Nordic "blood stopper" healing tradition How a sabbatical from teaching turned into a whole new life path in patient advocacy and holistic healing Diana's early experiences with energy work and the healer Rosalyn Bruyere Why forgiveness is central to Hawaiian healing traditions, and how ho'oponopono still shapes Diana's life today The common thread Diana sees in many healing modalities: unresolved emotional energy eventually shows up physically How My Heart Smiles was born from an alphabet gratitude practice and grew into a self-published book with a life of its own Why the book resonates with both children and adults, and how it can help people reconnect with joy, memory, and self-worth Stay Connected & Explore Learn More About Diana & Her Work: My Heart Smiles blog / author page: https://myheartsmilesblog.wordpress.com/author/dianaomanmyheartsmiles/ My Heart Smiles bibliographic listing (Google Books): https://books.google.com/books/about/My_Heart_Smiles.html?id=lT7SnQEACAAJ Related Projects Mentioned in the Episode: Yooper Wisdom documentary on Tubi (Wolf Vision Docs, Episode 1): https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/200094098/s01-e01-yooper-wisdom Wolf Vision Docs series page on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/series/300010940/wolf-vision-docs Yooper Wisdom podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yooper-wisdom/id1678546405 Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Meet Diana Oman and Little Girls Point 02:10 Growing up on Lake Superior: cabins, boats, agates, and family business 06:20 Family roots and the mystery of Diana's grandfather the "blood stopper" 11:00 From teaching and coaching to patient advocacy 16:05 Discovering holistic healing and studying with Rosalyn Bruyere 19:15 Energy healing, spirit guides, and what "healing" actually means 23:00 Hawaii, kahunas, and learning ho'oponopono 30:00 Emotional pain, physical symptoms, and the body's deeper priorities 33:15 The accidental birth of My Heart Smiles 39:10 Hawaii, dolphins, and the "L is for Loving" story 42:30 Writing your own alphabet story and using memory as healing 45:00 Why people are starving for reflection, not just nervous system hacks 51:00 Yooper Wisdom, healing sessions, and what Diana wants people to remember 59:00 "Stay curious" and the plot twist perspective on life

    1h 2m
  2. You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    2 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing HAPPINESS PROFESSOR: How to Discover the Meaning of Your Life with Oprah and Arthur C. Brooks from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast What is the true meaning of your life? Does your life have purpose? Are you living a life you love? These are questions many people quietly wrestle with in a time when more individuals report feeling lonely, anxious and uncertain about their place in the world. Oprah is back with the Harvard Happiness professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Arthur C. Brooks. They explore his latest book The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. Arthur explains why so many people today feel stuck in what he calls an “age of emptiness,” and reveals the modern traps that can make life feel like a simulation of endless distraction, doom scrolling and procrastination. These leave people disconnected from their deeper purpose. Oprah and Arthur take questions from listeners including a college freshman caught in what Arthur Brooks calls “the doom loop" struggling to break free from constant scrolling while searching for a sense of direction. The episode also checks in with several of Arthur Brooks’ former students who share how they found meaning through serving others, pursuing achievement with intention and redefining success beyond personal gain. BUY THE BOOK! To buy Arthur Brooks’ new book The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness and to take the quizzes discussed in this episode go to www.themeaningofyourlife.com 00:00:00 - Welcome Arthur Brooks, author of ‘The Meaning of Your Life’ 00:03:40 - Why he took on the meaning of life 00:04:30 - How campus life changed 00:05:29 - Happiness is a combination of 3 things 00:06:20 - The meaning of the meaning of life 00:09:40 - 5 explanations for why things happen 00:16:28 - What is a doom loop 00:17:50 - Finding meaning and happiness 00:24:26 - Creating impact outside of your own life 00:30:50 - Using success in service to others 00:33:00 - How the sides of our brains work 00:38:15 - Redefining your meaning 00:40:10 - How to use your suffering as part of your calling 00:43:25 - What is moral beauty 00:49:00 - How to stay present to the big questions 00:52:00 - How meaning found Arthur Brooks Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 4 MAR

    Laser vs Red Light Therapy: What's Real, What's Marketing, and What Actually Works | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    Laser vs Red Light Therapy: What's Real, What's Marketing, and What Actually Works | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description In this solo episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier tackles a question she's hearing everywhere right now: "Are those at-home red light masks basically the same as laser?" A casual moment at the eye doctor turns into a clear breakdown of what's happening in the marketplace, where marketing claims are loud and the science is usually missing. Stephanie explains the core difference in plain language. Most at-home "red light" devices are LED, meaning the light is non-coherent and scatters like a flashlight. A low-level laser is coherent, tightly focused, and built to deliver targeted energy with low beam divergence. That distinction matters because it impacts depth, precision, and what the device can realistically accomplish. From there, she walks through laser classes, safety, and why not all lasers are the same. She also shares why she trusts Erchonia's approach, their research-backed model, and how different wavelengths (red, green, violet) have different biological effects. The big takeaway is simple: not everything that glows red is "laser," and not every claim deserves your money. She also highlights an important caution: even "gentle" photobiomodulation tools can be contraindicated for active cancer, because the same energy that supports cellular activity can be a problem in the wrong context. If you've been flooded with social media promises about the "fountain of youth" in a $75 mask, this episode will help you shop smarter, ask better questions, and understand what you're actually buying. 🎧 In This Episode, Discover The simplest way to tell LED red light from low-level laser therapy Why "flashlight vs laser pointer" is the best mental model for what's happening What coherence, beam divergence, and depth really mean, without the jargon Why "laser" doesn't automatically mean dangerous, and why class matters How Erchonia's FDA clearances and research approach separates it from hype What different wavelengths are commonly used for in low-level laser therapy A clear caution about active cancer and why stimulation-based tools may be contraindicated The bottom line: heat and light can be useful, but "useful" is not the same as "proven" Stay Connected & Explore Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Today's hot topic: the confusion between "red light masks" and lasers 01:12 What a laser actually is, and why most home devices are not lasers 02:20 LED vs low-level laser therapy, coherent vs non-coherent 03:10 Flashlight vs laser pointer, the easiest way to understand the difference 03:55 "Aren't lasers dangerous?", classes, safety, and everyday lasers you already use 04:35 Why Erchonia matters, FDA clearances, and research-backed claims 05:45 Low-level lasers in chiropractic: pain, inflammation, range of motion 06:25 Low-level lasers in aesthetics: body contouring and the "cascade effect" concept 07:10 Cancer contraindications, why stimulation tools are not one-size-fits-all 08:05 Wavelength basics, red laser and ATP support 09:10 Green laser overview, fat loss, collagen support, cellular regeneration 10:05 Why fat cell destruction can backfire, and why "gentle" matters 11:05 Violet laser overview, antimicrobial applications and nail fungus support 12:05 Final thoughts: don't buy hype, look for proof, know what you're buying

    14 min
  4. 18 FEB

    California to the UP: Valerie Whiteman on Community, Courage, and Full-Circle Life | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    California to the UP: Valerie Whiteman on Community, Courage, and Full-Circle Life | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description In this warm, funny, and surprisingly moving episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier is joined by Valerie Whiteman, the familiar face and steady presence so many patients recognize the moment they walk through the door. Valerie is the kind of person strangers tell their life story to in the banana aisle, and in this conversation, you'll understand exactly why. They start with a detail most people don't know: Valerie once won a game show. Not "kind of" won, actually won, walking away with $8,000 in 1986 and a story that still feels unreal. From there, the episode opens up into Valerie's roots, including the family history that runs from England to Montreal to California, and the adventurous streak she clearly inherited. Valerie also shares the harder chapters: losing her dad at four, moving in with her grandparents, and being shaped by the kind of quiet love that changes your whole trajectory. And then, in a twist that surprises a lot of people who know her today, she talks about going through the police academy and serving as an officer in Southern California, including what she saw, what stayed with her, and how she learned to de-escalate with words. The conversation lands right where it started: real-life connection. Valerie's mom "Grandma Betty" became part of Stephanie's family story, and the two reflect on the weird beauty of time, how life cycles around, and what it means to treat people the way you'd want to be treated. If you like episodes that feel like a front-porch chat with actual depth, this one sticks. 🎧 In This Episode, Discover: The behind-the-scenes story of Valerie winning Card Sharks and what that money meant in 1986 Valerie's family roots from England to Montreal to California, including a candy shop chapter How early loss shaped her, and how her grandparents became a foundation What it was like to live in Hawaii, immerse in Polynesian culture, and carry that experience forward The surprising chapter: police academy, gang detail, and what law enforcement taught her about people Why Valerie's superpower is de-escalation, intuition, and making others feel safe How she landed in the UP, built a family, and became part of the Wautier Wellness "home base" The full-circle story of how Valerie and Dr. Stephanie met, and why it still matters 19 years later What gives Valerie the most joy now, and why family hits different as you get older Stay Connected & Explore Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Intro and why this show is more "fireside chat" than how-to 00:41 Meet Valerie Whiteman, the face everyone knows at the front desk 01:10 The secret story: Valerie won a game show 02:10 Card Sharks, auditions, and the "game of chance" reality 03:05 What $8,000 meant in 1986 and what she did with it 03:45 Family roots: England to Montreal to California 04:30 A candy shop in Montreal and a mother's adventurous bus trip 05:45 Grandma Betty, Stephanie's kids, and why Valerie's mom mattered so much 07:05 Why people tell Valerie everything, everywhere 08:15 Mattel, early Barbie-era stories, and being a "toy tester" 09:30 Valerie's dad, family history, and losing him at four 11:10 Living with grandparents and being shaped by quiet love 12:20 Hawaii, culture, and learning through immersion 14:35 Police academy and serving as an officer in Southern California 16:10 De-escalation, being a woman in law enforcement, and using words to lower the temperature 18:20 Marriage, the Air Force, and moving to the UP 19:35 Building a life in Gwinn, raising three daughters, and the gift of small-town community 21:05 Grandkids, time moving too fast, and full-circle reflections 24:10 How Valerie and Dr. Stephanie met, and why their story feels stitched together on purpose 26:00 Closing thoughts on purpose, people, and treating others well

    27 min
  5. Nervous System 101: What Chiropractic Really Does and How to "Reset" Stress Response | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    11 FEB

    Nervous System 101: What Chiropractic Really Does and How to "Reset" Stress Response | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    Nervous System 101: What Chiropractic Really Does and How to "Reset" Stress Response | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description In this solo episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier tackles a question that still floats around out there: is chiropractic "scientific," and what does it really have to do with stress relief? It starts with a surprising grocery store comment and turns into a clear, practical breakdown of the nervous system, what chiropractors are actually assessing, and why the spine matters for both the central and peripheral nervous system. Stephanie explains the difference between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the network of nerves leaving the spinal cord), then zooms in on the autonomic nervous system, the part most people are talking about when they say "fight or flight" and "rest and digest." She also clears up a common misconception: every chiropractor is working with the nervous system, regardless of technique, because the goal is the same, reduce interference and restore communication. From there, this episode turns into a toolkit. You'll hear simple, doable ways to support a stressed-out system, including breathing patterns that cue safety, sensory grounding, rhythmic movement, vagus nerve stimulators like humming and gargling, and sleep habits that help your body actually power down at night. 🎧 In This Episode, Discover Why "nervous system health" usually means the autonomic nervous system, not the whole nervous system The difference between central vs peripheral, and somatic vs autonomic function Why chiropractic is about communication, not "chasing pain" What "fight or flight" is designed for, and why modern life keeps it stuck on Simple ways to support regulation: breathwork, rhythm, grounding, sleep cues, and naming emotions Easy vagus nerve activators you can do anywhere (yes, even humming in your car) Stay Connected & Explore Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:48 The Nervous System and Chiropractic 02:12 Understanding the Nervous System 02:54 Autonomic Nervous System Explained 05:17 Balancing the Nervous System 07:17 Choosing the Right Chiropractor 09:21 Supporting Your Nervous System 10:00 Breathing Techniques for Nervous System Health 11:15 Grounding and Vagus Nerve Stimulation 11:54 Preparing for Restful Sleep 12:47 Final Thoughts and Closing

    15 min
  6. 17/12/2025

    Beyond Pain to Purpose: Pastor Mike Walter on Ankylosing Spondylitis and Building PPIKids | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    Beyond Pain to Purpose: Pastor Mike Walter on Ankylosing Spondylitis and Building PPIKids | Conversations with a Chiropractor In this episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with local Marquette pastor Mike Walter for a conversation that moves from the most personal kind of struggle to the most practical kind of impact. Pastor Mike opens up about being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis early in life, what it's like to carry an "incurable" label into adulthood, and the daily choices that became non-negotiable as he worked to stay functional, present, and hopeful. He also talks candidly about faith when the pain does not go away, the difference between knowing the right answers and actually living them, and how internal battles can show up even in people who look steady from the outside. Then the conversation widens. Pastor Mike shares the story behind Prodigal Preacher International, including the moments and relationships that pulled him toward refugee support, safety for girls, school sponsorship, and hunger prevention work in East Africa. You'll hear what small donations actually do, why recurring giving matters, and how transparent, consistent support can turn into real protection and education for kids who need it most. If you've ever wondered how someone keeps going with chronic pain, or how to make generosity feel real instead of abstract, this one lands. 🎧 In This Episode, Discover: Pastor Mike's early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and what helped him cope day to day The ways pain and faith collide, and what he learned in the hard seasons His journey to becoming a pastor, including seminary life and the road that shaped him How his connection to African culture began and why it became personal The danger and fear along the border, and the harsh realities of trafficking Real success stories, including refugees who went on to graduate college How PPI supports safety and education for girls, plus feeding programs that meet basic needs Why "small" donations can create outsized impact, especially through Giving Tuesday matches How to help, and what transparency looks like when you give Stay Connected & Explore: Support Pastor Mike Walter's Work (Prodigal Preacher International / PPIKids): PPI Website: https://www.ppikids.org/ Donate (one-time or monthly): https://www.ppikids.org/donate PPI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ppikids.org/ Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Mike's Early Life and Diagnosis 01:55 Coping with Ankylosing Spondylitis 04:17 Faith and Personal Struggles 05:52 Journey to Becoming a Pastor 07:30 Life in Colorado and Seminary Experiences 13:10 Connection to African Culture 20:03 The Danger and Fear Along the Border 20:27 Success Stories: From Refugee to College Graduate 21:21 The Harsh Realities of Human Trafficking 21:42 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Africa 22:27 Providing Safety and Education for Girls 23:49 The Impact of Small Donations 26:26 The Power of Giving Tuesday 27:44 How to Help: Education and Feeding Programs 30:41 Personal Commitment and Transparency 34:41 The Emotional Burden and Call to Action 36:14 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    38 min
  7. 10/12/2025

    "Please Be Kind": Life After 19 Days – Everyday Philanthropy, Second Chances, and Showing Up - Paul Meese 2 | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    "Please Be Kind": Life After 19 Days – Everyday Philanthropy, Second Chances, and Showing Up - Paul Meese 2 | Conversations with a Chiropractor What does life look like after the hospital, after the funeral, after the book? In this follow-up episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier reconnects with Paul Meese, author of 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief, to talk about the next chapter: leaving his HR career, taking his family to Hawaii for Christmas, navigating the isolation of COVID, finding love again, and building a life that quietly runs on generosity. Paul shares how retirement wasn't an escape so much as a reckoning, why he chose a Christmas trip over trying to recreate old traditions, and how donating, decluttering, and "just helping where I can" turned into a pattern of everyday philanthropy. From supporting women's education and animal rescue, to stocking community resources and donating airline miles so families can say goodbye in person, he shows how small choices can carry big weight. If the first conversation was about surviving 19 days of crisis, this one is about what you build in the years that follow—and how "Please be kind" becomes a daily practice, not just a nice phrase. 🎧 In This Episode, Discover: How Paul's grief journey continued into retirement—and why he knew he couldn't stay in his old role forever What a healing Christmas in Hawaii looked like for his family, and why changing tradition mattered How the COVID years pushed him toward decluttering, donating, and living with a lighter grip on "stuff" The story of finding love again, and what it means to build a second chapter without erasing the first Practical acts of kindness: scholarships, food support, community resources, senior dog rescue, and more Why Paul believes time, skills, and attention can be just as valuable as money How to show up for grieving people in real life—what to say, what not to force, and why simple presence matters The ongoing heartbeat of his life after loss: "Please be kind. It's really not that hard." 🔗 Stay Connected & Explore: Learn More About Paul & 19 Days: Paul's Website – 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief: https://20daysandbeyond.com Support Ruth's Legacy: Ruth M. Meese Memorial Scholarship – Front Range Community College (info via Paul's site): https://20daysandbeyond.com/scholarship/ Paul M. Meese '82 Music Endowed Scholarship – Lakeland University (gifts via Lakeland's giving page): https://lakeland.edu/give PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO GIVE DIRECTLY TO PAUL'S SCHOLARSHIP: On the Lakeland giving page above, click the GIVE NOW button and fill out your information. For the "Please direct my gift to:" section, select "Endowed/Specific Scholarship (Specify in Comments)". Continue filling out the form, and at the bottom in the COMMENTS box, specify: "Paul M. Meese '82 Music Endowed Scholarship" as your chosen endowment/scholarship. Organizations Paul Cares About: Give A Mile – Donate miles to help families see loved ones in critical or palliative care: https://giveamile.org Albert's Dog Lounge – Senior & special-needs dog rescue: https://www.albertsdoglounge.org Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Meet Paul Meese: Author and Philanthropist 01:26 Paul's Journey Through Grief and Retirement 04:25 A Healing Trip to Hawaii 07:23 Navigating Life During COVID-19 12:40 Finding Love Again 16:34 Acts of Kindness and Philanthropy 25:52 Discovering Community Resources 26:45 Supporting Animal Welfare 27:14 Give a Mile: Reuniting Families 29:05 Volunteering Time and Skills 32:33 Coaching and Community Involvement 45:47 Spreading Kindness and Final Thoughts

    51 min
  8. 19/11/2025

    19 Days and Beyond: How Paul Meese Turned Grief into a Legacy of Kindness | Conversations with a Chiropractor

    19 Days and Beyond: How Paul Meese Turned Grief into a Legacy of Kindness | Conversations with a Chiropractor What happens when the person you built your life with is gone in less than three weeks? In this deeply human episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier talks with Paul Meese, author of 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief, about the sudden loss of his wife Ruth, the chaos of hospital systems, and what grief actually looks like when you stop trying to be "strong" and start being honest. Paul walks through the 19 days from Ruth's stroke to her passing, the conversations no one wants to have with doctors, and why power of attorney, clear wishes, and real advocacy matter long before crisis hits. He also shares how anger, exhaustion, and loneliness eventually gave way to road trips, counseling, writing, and a choice to keep giving in Ruth's name. From scholarships for women in machining to senior dog rescue and donating airline miles so families can say goodbye in person, Paul shows how grief can grow into something active, grounded, and quietly powerful. If you've lost someone, love someone, or know you'll someday have to step into that advocate role, this conversation will stay with you. 🎧 In This Episode, Discover: How 19 days in the hospital changed everything for Paul and Ruth Why power of attorney, clear medical directives, and asking blunt questions can literally shape someone's final days What grief really looked like for Paul in the first year, including anger at "normal problems" and walking away from his HR career How a solo back-roads road trip and a counselor's suggestion turned into the book 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief How book sales now help fund scholarships in Ruth's honor at Front Range Community College and Lakeland University Why Paul supports causes like Give A Mile and Albert's Dog Lounge, and how small acts of generosity became part of his healing The simple phrase Paul carries forward from Ruth's life and his own journey: "Please be kind." Stay Connected & Explore: Learn More About Paul & 19 Days: Paul's Website – 19 Days: One Man's Journey Through Grief: https://20daysandbeyond.com  Support Ruth's Legacy: Ruth M. Meese Memorial Scholarship – Front Range Community College (info via Paul's site): https://20daysandbeyond.com/scholarship/ Paul M. Meese '82 Music Endowed Scholarship – Lakeland University (gifts via Lakeland's giving page): https://lakeland.edu/give  PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO GIVE DIRECTLY TO PAUL'S SCHOLARSHIP (on the linked page above) click the *GIVE NOW* button, fill out the information. for the *Please direct my gift to:* section be sure to select "Endowed/Specific Scholarship (Specify in Comments)", continue to fill out the information, and then at the bottom where you find the COMMENTS box, please specifiy the "Paul M. Meese '82 Music Endowed Scholarship" as your chosen endowment/scholarship. Organizations Paul Cares About: Give A Mile – Donate miles to help families see loved ones in critical or palliative care: https://giveamile.org  Albert's Dog Lounge – Senior & special-needs dog rescue: https://www.albertsdoglounge.org Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Meet Paul Meese: A Multifaceted Life 01:06 The Tragic Passing of Ruth 01:43 Medical Struggles and Advocacy 05:45 The Final Days and Power of Attorney 11:03 Navigating Grief and Retirement 19:18 A Love Story: From Neighbors to Life Partners 23:31 Ruth's Career and Legacy 25:36 Crafts and Playgroups in Delaware 25:55 Moving to California and Colorado 26:49 Ruth's Role in the Machining Program 28:40 Establishing a Scholarship in Ruth's Honor 29:43 Writing and Publishing the Book 31:22 Supporting Grieving Men 33:20 Charitable Contributions and Volunteering 47:43 Final Thoughts and Legacy

    49 min

About

Conversations with a Chiropractor is a podcast hosted by Dr. Stephanie Wautier, designed to explore the journey to health, healing, and personal growth through chiropractic care and beyond. Each episode dives into inspiring stories of resilience, wellness, and overcoming adversity, featuring diverse guests who share their unique experiences. Whether discussing holistic health, mental wellness, or life-changing events, this podcast offers heartfelt conversations that empower listeners to embrace wellness and transformation in every aspect of life. Join the journey toward better health, one conversation at a time.