Wellness In Every Season

Autumn Carter

Wellness in Every Season is a twice-weekly wellness podcast exploring burnout prevention, nervous system regulation, sustainable wellness, leadership wellbeing, and intentional living through honest conversations and practical tools for growth-minded adults.

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    If I Can See Fine, Why Do I Need an Eye Exam

    If you can see clearly, do you really need an eye exam? Yes—and your vision is only part of the reason. In this episode of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn talks with Kevin M. Jackson, OD, MPH, an optometrist and Associate Professor in Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics at the Uniformed Services University, about what our eyes can reveal about both eye health and overall health. Dr. Jackson explains why 20/20 vision doesn’t necessarily mean your eyes are healthy, including how conditions such as glaucoma can progress before someone notices obvious changes in vision. He also discusses how examining the eyes gives healthcare professionals a unique look at blood vessels and nervous-system structures—and why findings during an eye exam can sometimes point toward broader health concerns. Autumn and Dr. Jackson also get practical about everyday eye care, including: 👁️ When children and adults should have comprehensive eye exams🚨 Eye symptoms that shouldn’t wait for a routine appointment🏓 Why eye protection matters in sports—including pickleball👓 The difference between opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists🩺 Health conditions and risk factors that may require more frequent eye care😴 What contact lens wearers should know about sleeping and napping in their lenses🦠 Contact lens hygiene, illness, and replacing lens cases💧 Simple habits that may help support the eyelids and tear film🧠 Why protecting your eyesight is part of protecting your long-term wellnessThe takeaway is simple: an eye exam isn’t just a test of how well you can read the letters on a chart. Taking care of your eyes before something feels wrong gives you and your eye-care professional an opportunity to identify changes earlier, protect your vision, and make eye health part of your preventive wellness routine. Learn More From Dr. Kevin Jackson Uniformed Services University profile:  https://www.usuhs.edu/profile/kevin-jackson-od-mph LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-jackson-5a155467/ For reliable eye-health information, Dr. Jackson also recommends resources from the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and National Eye Institute. Disclaimer: The opinions and assertions expressed in this episode are those of Dr. Kevin Jackson and Autumn Carter and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the U.S. Department of Defense. This episode is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical or eye care. For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

  2. 4d ago ·  Video

    What If Getting Help Made You a Better Parent?

    What If Getting Help Made You a Better Parent? — Tiffany GreenWhat if getting help with your children didn’t mean you were doing less as a parent—but actually gave you more capacity to be the parent you want to be? In this episode of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn talks with Tiffany Green, owner of Nounou Nanny, a boutique nanny placement agency serving Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, about the mental and physical load of parenting—and why parents were never meant to carry all of it alone. They explore the pressure many parents feel to succeed at work, maintain their relationships, manage their homes, raise their children, and somehow take care of themselves at the same time. Tiffany explains how creating a trusted support system can give parents breathing room while also adding another caring adult to a child’s world. Autumn also shares her own experiences finding childcare, including the difference it made when her family finally found a babysitter who truly clicked with their children. In this conversation, they explore: 🌿 Why accepting childcare help can feel so difficult🧠 The often-invisible mental load parents carry❤️ How support can create more capacity for your relationship, work, wellness, and parenting🏡 Why raising children with a “village” doesn’t have to mean having family nearby👶 The difference between finding someone who can watch your children and finding someone who genuinely fits your family🤝 Why trust, communication, emotional maturity, and reliability matter in a caregiver💰 Ways to create support even when a professional nanny isn’t financially realistic🧑‍🍼 How mother’s helpers, teenagers, babysitters, friends, neighbors, and community can all become part of a family’s support system💭 Why parents may need to identify their actual pain points before deciding what kind of help they needGetting help doesn’t have to mean stepping away from parenting. Sometimes it means creating enough space to return to your children with more patience, energy, and presence. And sometimes building your village starts simply by admitting: I don’t need to do every part of this myself. Connect With Tiffany Green + Nounou Nanny Website:  https://nounou-nanny.com/ Instagram:  @nounou_nanny For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

  3. Sep 28 ·  Video

    The Art of Delegation

    The Art of Delegation — Gina CotnerWhat if the next step in your success isn’t learning how to do more—but learning what you no longer need to do yourself? In this episode of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn talks with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, about the art of delegation and why learning to let go can be an important part of preventing burnout, developing stronger teams, and creating a life outside of work. Gina’s company pairs successful entrepreneurs and executives with part-time virtual executive assistants, giving her a front-row seat to one of the challenges many high-achieving people face: they’ve become successful by being extremely capable, but eventually their goals become bigger than what one person can reasonably carry. Autumn and Gina explore why delegation can feel so uncomfortable, how to decide what actually requires your attention, and why someone else doing something 80% as well as you might be far more valuable than you doing everything yourself. They also take delegation beyond productivity. What happens when the hours you get back are intentionally invested in sleep, exercise, relationships, hobbies, health, or simply having room to think? Gina shares how delegation has helped her build a business while working roughly 15 hours a week and making space for passions like competitive pickleball, golf, and caring for her long-term health. You’ll also hear Gina’s powerful “crow’s nest” analogy for leadership: a leader’s job isn’t necessarily to stay on deck doing the work alongside everyone else. Sometimes your greatest value comes from getting high enough above the day-to-day work to see what’s coming next. This conversation explores delegation, accountability, trust, boundaries, leadership, burnout prevention, and the uncomfortable work of getting out of your team’s way. And one simple challenge may change how you approach help altogether: the next time someone genuinely offers to help you, what if you simply say yes? Connect with Gina Cotner Athena Executive Services https://www.athenaexecutiveservices.com/ Learn more about working with a part-time virtual Executive Assistant through Athena Executive Services. Gina also shares during the episode that listeners who mention hearing about Athena through Wellness in Every Season can receive bonus hours at no additional cost on their second invoice. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenaea/ Social: @ginacotner_ Continue the Conversation We’re taking this conversation one step further in the Wellness in Every Season Companion newsletter, including Gina’s thoughts on an important question we didn’t have time to fully explore during the episode: How do you find the right executive assistant—and recognize sooner when someone isn’t the right fit for the role you actually need? Join the newsletter at wellnessineveryseason.com to continue the conversation. For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

  4. Sep 25 ·  Video

    Get Unstuck with EMDR

    What happens when you understand what your nervous system is trying to protect you from—and finally have tools to help it feel safer? Autumn talks with Erin Vandermore, Licensed Professional Counselor and creator of Mind Circuit, about trauma, EMDR, bilateral stimulation, and practical tools for supporting emotional regulation between therapy sessions. Erin shares her journey from school counseling and behavioral health to private practice, along with the experiences that led her to create Mind Circuit. After repeatedly hearing clients wish they could take therapeutic tools with them into everyday life, Erin began developing an app designed to make emotional check-ins and coping strategies more accessible. Together, Autumn and Erin explore EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), how bilateral stimulation is used within trauma therapy, and why healing often involves more than simply understanding an experience intellectually. Erin also explains how Mind Circuit combines mood and body check-ins, therapist-informed coping strategies, personalized affirmations, and bilateral visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation. They also discuss what it can feel like when difficult experiences resurface, the importance of finding a therapist who feels like the right fit, and why an app can be a helpful wellness tool without replacing professional mental health care. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, emotional overwhelm, or simply trying to become more aware of what your body and emotions are communicating, this conversation is a reminder to stay curious about what helps—and, as Erin puts it, “be kind to your nervous system.” Connect with Erin Vandermore Mind Circuit: https://mindcircuit.org/ Mind Circuit App: Available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindcircuitapp/ Social: @mindcircuitapp Erin is licensed to provide therapy in Illinois and North Carolina. Visit the Mind Circuit website for information about her practice and current availability. A Note About EMDR EMDR is a structured psychotherapy used by trained mental health professionals. Mind Circuit may provide supportive wellness tools, but an app is not a replacement for individualized assessment, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified mental health professional. For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

  5. Sep 21 ·  Video

    Communicating with Angels

    Episode 177: Communicating with AngelsWhat if the thoughts, nudges, or moments of intuition we experience aren’t always coming from us? In Episode 177 of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn sits down with Michael McAdams, a lifelong seeker of spiritual truth and co-author of An Angel Told Me So, to explore his family’s experiences with what they believe to be communication from angels, spirit guides, and spiritual teachers. Michael shares the remarkable story of his mother, Wilma Jean Jones, who spent more than 22 years recording messages she believed were being dictated to her by spiritual teachers. Michael later helped compile those writings into An Angel Told Me So and says he has experienced spiritual guidance of his own. Together, Autumn and Michael explore questions that people have wrestled with across religions and spiritual traditions: What does communication with angels or spiritual guides feel like?How might we distinguish intuition from spiritual guidance?Can loved ones who have died still feel present in our lives?How can prayer, intention, and discernment fit into a spiritual practice?Can religious faith and broader spiritual exploration coexist?What might happen after death?How do free will, reincarnation, purpose, and personal choices fit into Michael’s understanding of spiritual growth?Michael also shares several of the writings his mother recorded and explains why he believes everyone has the capacity to become more aware of spiritual guidance. Whether your own beliefs closely resemble Michael’s, differ significantly, or you’re simply curious, this conversation offers an opportunity to explore spiritual wellness, intuition, faith, purpose, and the ways we make meaning of experiences we cannot always explain. Ultimately, this episode isn’t about having every answer. It’s an invitation to get curious about your own spiritual life, pay attention to what resonates with you, and consider what helps you feel connected to something larger than yourself. Connect with Michael McAdams Spirit Speaks: https://spiritspeaks.com Book — An Angel Told Me So by Wilma Jean Jones & Michael McAdams: Available through Michael’s website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and participating independent bookstores. Facebook: Michael McAdams Resources Mentioned in This Episode Movies: Defending Your Life — starring Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep Always — starring Richard Dreyfuss and Holly Hunter The Last Mimzy Documentary: No One Dies in Lily Dale Book/Spiritual Resource: The Urantia Book For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

  6. Sep 18 ·  Video

    How Holistic Health Works

    How Holistic Health Works — Victor DedajWhat does it actually mean to look at your health holistically? In this episode of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn talks with Victor Dedaj, Certified Naturopathic Practitioner, Certified Wholistic Health Coach, and Nutrition Expert, about looking beyond one symptom, one food, or one health habit to consider the bigger picture. Victor’s interest in holistic health began after watching friends and family struggle with their health and diving into nutrition and wellness research himself. Today, he helps people examine their habits, nutrition, nutrient intake, and lifestyle as interconnected pieces of their physical wellness. Together, Autumn and Victor explore the sometimes-confusing world of nutrition advice—including ultra-processed foods, food labels, nutrient deficiencies, magnesium, supplements, blood sugar, cholesterol, salt, and foods that have been labeled either “healthy” or “unhealthy” over the years. They also discuss why wellness recommendations aren’t always one-size-fits-all. A food that works well for one person may not work for another, which is why Victor recommends paying attention to your own patterns—including keeping a food diary and noticing how you feel. Most importantly, improving your health doesn’t have to mean changing everything at once. If your current habits feel overwhelming, find your starting line. Walk a few blocks before trying to walk five miles. Replace one food rather than rebuilding your entire kitchen. Learn a little more about what you’re eating, how you’re feeling, and what your body may need. As Victor puts it: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Your version of that “elephant” will be different from someone else’s—and that is exactly why learning to understand your own wellness matters. Connect with Victor Dedaj Website: https://victordedaj.com Free Health Evaluation: https://yourfreehealthevaluation.com Book — How to Be Happy, Healthy and Whole: https://www.amazon.com/How-Happy-Healthy-Whole-Illnesses-ebook/dp/B0D8263MXC/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victordedaj/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victor.dedaj.3 Email: victordedaj@victordedaj.com Continue Learning Victor and Autumn also discuss how difficult it can be to sort through conflicting health information. For a deeper conversation about evaluating research and deciding which health claims deserve your attention, listen to Episode 224: How to Research Your Wellness. A Note for Listeners This episode is intended for education and conversation and is not individualized medical or nutrition advice. Some views shared are Victor’s professional perspectives and may differ from current medical guidance or from recommendations appropriate for your individual health needs. Talk with your physician, pharmacist, registered dietitian, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before changing medications, supplements, or treatment—especially if you have an existing medical condition or take prescription medication. Episode Tags For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

  7. Sep 14 ·  Video

    How to Find Spiritual Balance

    What happens when you’re successful, capable, and doing all the “right” things—but something inside still feels disconnected? In Episode 244 of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn talks with Andrew Grinbaum, a five-time entrepreneur, MBA professor, and ICF-certified coach who combines business strategy with mindfulness, meditation, emotional intelligence, and spiritual principles. Andrew introduces a framework for understanding three different parts of ourselves: the intellectual mind, emotional or gut center, and spiritual or heart center. When we rely too heavily on one while ignoring the others, it can become harder to feel grounded, make clear decisions, or experience the peace we are actually looking for. Drawing from his study of Kabbalah, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and his experience coaching thousands of leaders, Andrew shares practical ways to begin reconnecting these parts of ourselves. Together, Autumn and Andrew explore trusting your intuition without allowing fear to make your decisions, recognizing emotions without turning them into your identity, and creating space between what you feel and how you respond. Andrew also walks Autumn through two practices listeners can try: a short heart-centered reflection and his “Could you? Would you? When?” emotional-release exercise. The conversation becomes especially personal when Autumn uses the heart-centered exercise while grieving the recent loss of her family dog and discovers a different way of thinking about making room for grief, love, and a new chapter at the same time. This episode is ultimately about practice rather than perfection. Spiritual and emotional balance aren’t about never experiencing anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, or grief. They’re about learning to notice what is happening within you, give it space, and develop the tools to return to a more grounded place. Because sometimes the peace we keep trying to create around us begins with learning how to create more space within us. Connect with Andrew Grinbaum SpiritualBiz Institute https://spiritualbiz.org/ SpiritualBiz Newsletter https://newsletter.spiritualbiz.org/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/grinbaum Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andygrinbaum/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/grinbaum YouTube – SpiritualBiz Institute https://www.youtube.com/@Spiritualbiz-Institute A Note for Listeners This conversation includes personal experiences and perspectives related to spirituality, emotional regulation, grief, mindfulness, and mental health. These ideas are not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, or another health concern, work with an appropriately qualified professional for your individual needs. For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

  8. Sep 11 ·  Video

    Intergenerational AI

    What if the family stories sitting in photo albums, recipe boxes, old voicemails, journals, and shoeboxes could become something you could actually interact with? In Episode 243 of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn talks with Miles Spencer, CEO and founder of Reflekta.ai, a Soul Tech company designed to turn family stories into spontaneous, dynamic digital connections. Miles shares the deeply personal story behind Reflekta, including how he now has conversations with a digital reflection of his father, who passed away in 2017, and how his daughter has been able to hear stories from a grandfather she only knew for a short time. Together, Autumn and Miles explore what he calls intergenerational AI: using artificial intelligence not simply for productivity, but for preserving family history, values, voices, humor, memories, and legacy across generations. They talk about the difference between having a family tree and actually knowing the stories behind the names, and how old photographs, journals, recipes, books, recordings, voicemails, letters, and family memories can become part of a richer digital archive. The conversation also moves into more emotional territory. Autumn shares how learning her own family history helped her better understand generational patterns and trauma, while Miles reflects on what it felt like to hear his parents’ voices again years after their deaths. They discuss grief, memory, complicated family relationships, the emotions that can surface when reconnecting with someone who has died, and why this kind of technology may feel meaningful to some people while feeling uncomfortable or unsettling to others. Miles is clear that Reflekta is not therapy and is not meant to replace grief support or mental health care. Instead, he describes it as a way to preserve and reconnect with stories, personality, voice, and family legacy. One of the most powerful questions in this conversation is not just, What do you wish you knew about the people who came before you? It is also: What do you want the people who come after you to know about you? Because preserving family history does not have to begin after someone is gone. You can begin telling your own stories now. Connect with Miles Spencer & Reflekta Reflekta Podcast Page https://reflekta.ai/podcast Reflekta Main Website https://reflekta.ai/ The Soul Tech White Paper https://reflekta.ai/media/soul-tech Miles Spencer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesspencer/ Miles is also the author of A Line in the Sand and former co-host of PBS’s MoneyHunt. For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Wellness in Every Season is a twice-weekly wellness podcast exploring burnout prevention, nervous system regulation, sustainable wellness, leadership wellbeing, and intentional living through honest conversations and practical tools for growth-minded adults.