Steeped In Wellness (Formerly The Matcha Guardians)

Diana Weil and Elara Hadjipateras
  • 5.0 (9)
  • NUTRITION
  • WEEKLY SERIES

This is how wellness should be discussed. The biggest trending health topics of our time, featuring the greatest and upcoming wellness advocates. Welcome to the Steeped In Wellness podcast, brought to you by Matcha.com. Join certified nutritionist Diana Weil and medical journalist Elara Hadjipateras -as they protect you on your wellness journey by providing vulnerable and genuine takes on the latest wellness trends. From interviews with leading experts in health, fitness, and spirituality to their own personal relationships, they cover different lifestyle topics and formats that impact health. No hard subject is off limits for us. Get ready to sip, savor, and live well with new episodes every Wednesday.

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  1. Bump and Thrive: The Truth About Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness With Lauren Seib

    EPISODE 1

    Bump and Thrive: The Truth About Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness With Lauren Seib

    We've rebranded!  The Matcha Guardians Podcast is now Steeped in Wellness. For our first episode, we sit down with Lauren Seib, a pre- and postnatal fitness specialist, to talk about pregnancy, motherhood, and movement. Elara introduces Lauren, a longtime friend and fitness coach, and we explore how her personal journey from disordered eating and burnout in the publishing industry led her to become a strength-focused wellness expert, especially for moms. Lauren’s passion stems from being told at 22 that she might never conceive, and the transformation she made—mentally and physically—to prove otherwise. We dig into the evolution of Lauren’s career, from spin and barre to CrossFit and NASM certification. Her philosophy is simple: pregnancy isn’t a time to sideline fitness but to adjust it intelligently. She breaks down why blanket advice like “don’t lift weights” or “keep your heart rate under 140” is outdated and unhelpful. Instead, she emphasizes breath work, pressure management, and functional strength. We explore how modifying workouts during pregnancy should be individualized, not fear-based, and how women can be strong and capable through labor and recovery. Lauren explains the anatomy of the core, the importance of pelvic floor engagement (for men too), and how common symptoms like diastasis recti or “coning” can be addressed with intentional breathing and alignment. We also talk through the realities of postpartum life—like how women are often cleared for exercise at six weeks with no real physical assessment. Lauren outlines what realistic movement looks like before and after that six-week mark and explains why early postpartum strength training is less about intensity and more about restoring function and identity. We also touch on the complexity of fitness and breastfeeding—how the body prioritizes milk production over muscle development—and why managing nutrition, sleep, and expectations is critical. Lauren shares how she and her husband divide parenting duties so she can keep fitness a priority and encourages moms to schedule movement the same way they schedule meals or naps. We round out the episode with practical tips on babywearing, glute recovery, and being kind to yourself as your body changes. Finally, Lauren reminds us that strength isn’t just physical. Her mantras—“I am strong” and “movement is medicine”—underscore the power of intentional movement in building resilience, both on and off the mat. Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  2. You’re Not Broken: Befriending Your Inner Parts with Amanda Reedy

    EPISODE 2

    You’re Not Broken: Befriending Your Inner Parts with Amanda Reedy

    In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we sit down with Amanda Reedy, a licensed clinical social worker and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, for an insightful conversation on therapy, trauma, AI, parenting, and emotional regulation. Amanda opens up about her therapeutic approach and explains how IFS works—emphasizing the idea that our minds consist of multiple parts, each formed by experiences, trauma, and adaptation. We explore the concept of a core “Self,” the part of us that holds compassion, curiosity, calm, and choice, and how IFS helps us relate to our inner parts with care rather than criticism. Amanda walks us through real-world examples, including her own internal sixth grader surfacing before the podcast recording. She shares how tuning into this younger, scared part helped her soothe and center herself, showing how IFS promotes emotional attunement rather than avoidance. The conversation also touches on how this therapeutic method allows us to connect with our internal critics, understand their intent, and update them to be more helpful and less harsh. We also talk about the role of AI in mental health support. Amanda describes her experience using ChatGPT as a "pretend therapist" and raises ethical concerns about its inability to detect red flags like passive suicidality. While acknowledging that AI can offer basic support or information, she emphasizes that real human connection—and especially the felt sense of care—is irreplaceable. We agree that tech-based support is no substitute for authentic, relational healing. We also dive into parenting, postpartum rage, and the challenge of regulating our own nervous systems while trying to support our children’s big feelings. Diana shares a moment where she momentarily "hated" her husband, and Elara talks about an "adventure" on vacation with her son. Amanda shares tools for managing emotional overwhelm, like befriending the rage rather than pushing it away. We reflect on how societal discomfort with children’s presence in public spaces often triggers shame in parents and explore how reframing this can ease the pressure. Toward the end, we explore the dynamics of relationships—when and how to recommend therapy to a partner, how to talk about therapy in a supportive way, and what to do when a partner isn't ready. Amanda reminds us that therapy is only one path to healing, and connection can come through friendships, movement, creative expression, and simple moments of presence. She closes with powerful wisdom: “Authenticity is not a threat to connection, it's the key.” Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 4m
  3. Pelvic Floor Health: It's Not Just Kegels!

    EPISODE 3

    Pelvic Floor Health: It's Not Just Kegels!

    This week on Steeped in Wellness, we dive into pelvic floor health with physical therapist Danielle Pasquale. Pelvic health isn't just for women, but critical for men too. Danielle explains her path into specializing in pelvic health, noting that a deep connection to working with women led her to this niche. She shares that pelvic floor strength is foundational for all movement, impacting athletes and non-athletes alike, and that dysfunctions can present subtly, like through chronic constipation or recurring injuries. We move into misconceptions, like the idea that a strong pelvic floor equals a functional one. Danielle stresses that full range of motion and neuromuscular control are more important than brute strength. We discuss how symptoms like hemorrhoids, urinary leakage, and even shoulder issues can stem from poor pelvic stability. Danielle walks us through basic breathing techniques crucial for pelvic health, emphasizing that exhalation should coincide with muscle contraction to properly manage internal pressure. We even discuss vaginal weights and Kegels, with Danielle explaining that Kegels alone miss key muscle groups, and that proper pelvic floor activations require more comprehensive engagement. We also talk about how pelvic floor health affects sexual wellness, with Danielle noting that too much tension, rather than weakness, often impairs sexual function and orgasm, for both women and men. Danielle explains internal pelvic exams and how she creates a comforting environment, reassuring listeners that therapy can be customized to their comfort level, including skippig that internal exam when necessary. We touch on common injuries tied to poor pelvic health, like back pain and core separation.. Danielle explains how dry needling can be used to release tension and improve mobility. More: Performance Optimal Health: https://www.performanceoptimalhealth.com Danielle Pasquale’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.danielle.dpt We shift to pregnancy, where Danielle outlines her trimester-based approach to maintaining pelvic floor health, preparing for labor, and supporting postpartum recovery. We also briefly explore cycle syncing workouts, with Danielle sharing how she tailors her strength and cardio based on hormonal fluctuations throughout her cycle. We close by learning more about Danielle’s practice at Performance Optimal Health and her virtual offerings. The episode is filled with approachable advice, practical breathing techniques, and encouragement for everyone, at any stage of life, to prioritize pelvic health. Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  4. Chef in the Wild: Andrew Dunning on Cooking Without Culinary School

    EPISODE 4

    Chef in the Wild: Andrew Dunning on Cooking Without Culinary School

    In this episode of Steeped In Wellness, we sit down with chef Andrew Dunning to unpack his unique culinary journey and explore the philosophy and craft behind his elevated approach to cooking. We start with Andrew’s first food memory—witnessing a tableside Bananas Foster flambe as a child—and how that ignited a lifelong passion for food. He shares how this early spark eventually led him to work in kitchens during his teenage years, opting out of culinary school in favor of learning on the job through hands-on experience. His current role as a private chef in Sun Valley grew organically, starting with catering jobs and gradually building a high-end private dining business through referrals and word-of-mouth. We discuss the realities of becoming a chef without formal training, the gritty truth of restaurant work, and the difference between social media food aesthetics and professional culinary execution. Andrew explains that while Instagram-worthy plating is popular, it’s the ability to deliver consistent, timely, and professional meals that sets working chefs apart. He also gives tips for home cooks looking to elevate their presentation—starting with good lighting, quality dishes, and white plates that don’t distract from the food. Andrew walks us through how he crafts bespoke menus for clients, emphasizing the importance of using seasonal, local ingredients and how inspiration often comes from what’s fresh at the market. He breaks down the strategy behind executing a seamless multi-course dinner in a home kitchen, underscoring the importance of prep, organization, and designing menus that are logistically feasible. The conversation turns to gear and essentials—Andrew travels with his own chef knives and stresses that a good sharp blade makes all the difference. He shares practical advice for sharpening knives and why it’s often worth paying a pro to do it. He also gives home cooks practical ideas for making simple meals special, like dressing up boxed mac and cheese with citrus, herbs, and chili. Finally, Andrew reflects on lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of patience in building a career and the value of mental grit, a trait he admires in his father. He leaves us with a few favorite cookbooks, including The Food Lab by Kenji Lopez-Alt and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and encourages us to be curious, resourceful, and unafraid of experimenting in the kitchen. More: Chef Andrew Dunning Website: https://www.chefandrewdunning.com/ Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/ Salt Fat Acid Heat: https://www.saltfatacidheat.com/ Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    54 min
  5. Financial Planning Without the B.S.: What You Really Need to Know

    EPISODE 5

    Financial Planning Without the B.S.: What You Really Need to Know

    In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we dive into financial wellness with certified financial planner Cole McClarren. We explore the often misunderstood role of a financial advisor and distinguish between true comprehensive planning and the sales-driven tactics sometimes mistaken for it. Cole walks us through what it means to be a fiduciary and why fee-only, conflict-free advice is so crucial. We learn how his journey began—interning with his father and living on a futon during an internship with a pioneer in the field—eventually finding a career that blends psychology and finance. We explore the emotional side of money: how people feel shame around finances, how couples manage joint versus separate accounts, and the importance of open communication. Cole emphasizes that the foundation of successful financial planning isn’t math but understanding people. Tools and software handle calculations, but building trust and seeing the full financial picture is what sets a good planner apart. We also discuss how and when to start talking about money in relationships—from who pays for the first date to merging finances with a partner. Cole stresses there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but transparency and shared goals are key. We talk about the increasing trend of using financial tools like Klarna and how our generation views debt differently—highlighting the influence of social media and the normalization of luxury spending. Cole unpacks the core principles of comprehensive financial planning: saving consistently, having an emergency fund, and investing in oneself. He reframes financial freedom not as the ability to retire early but as the power to live with integrity—doing work you value and making decisions not dictated by money. We wrap up with advice on college savings, the realities of student loans, and how to talk to kids about money. Cole reminds us to prioritize retirement before saving for our kids' education (funding retirement is harder!), and he reflects on the importance of identifying personal money narratives so we don’t unintentionally pass down harmful habits. We close on a personal note, with Cole sharing his evolving mantra: understanding and expressing what he truly needs, both in relationships and life. More: Cambridge Financial Group: https://cambridgefinancialgroup.com/ ACP: Alliance of Comprehensive Planners: https://www.acplanners.org/home I Will Teach You To Be Rich: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/ Money Quotient: https://www.moneyquotient.com/   Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    56 min
  6. Blue Skies Forever: War Reporter Carlos Boettcher on PTSD, Revcovery and Purpose

    EPISODE 6

    Blue Skies Forever: War Reporter Carlos Boettcher on PTSD, Revcovery and Purpose

    This week, we sit down with Carlos Boettcher, a seasoned war journalist whose life story reads like a history of modern conflict. Born during apartheid in South Africa and raised in a household of journalists, Carlos experienced instability and global upheaval from a young age. He recounts his early exposure to chaos, from the Rammstein air show disaster to watching his father report from war zones on television. Inspired by his father and driven by a search for purpose after 9/11, Carlos left college to cover the war in Iraq, launching a career that would take him to multiple frontlines, including the fall of ISIS, Ebola outbreaks, and the COVID crisis. Carlos opens up about the emotional toll of frontline reporting, describing how the adrenaline of war masked deeper mental health struggles. As he reflects on his post-war years, Carlos discusses how the culture of journalism, particularly in high-stress newsrooms, normalized drinking and gallows humor as coping mechanisms. He shares how these behaviors escalated into addiction, leading him down a path of self-destruction. While his external persona was that of a successful and jovial journalist, Carlos admits that internally, he was struggling deeply. He eventually recognized his PTSD and alcoholism, and after multiple rehab stints, began a difficult but transformative recovery journey. Carlos credits his support system, especially his mother and close friends (including Elara!), with helping him survive and begin healing. Through meditation, sleep, and self-awareness, Carlos developed a philosophy he calls “the elegant path”—a more intentional, holistic approach to life. He talks about breaking cycles of consumption, confronting emotional pain, and using his physical fitness as a meditative practice. Today, Carlos is in a much healthier place, committed to maintaining balance and supporting others who may be navigating their own struggles. We close with powerful reflections on personal responsibility, healing, and the enduring impact of support systems. Carlos reminds us that while rock bottom looks different for everyone, the turning point always comes when we choose to stop digging and start changing. Roald Dahl's The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonderful_Story_of_Henry_Sugar_and_Six_More  Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/ Lust for Life, by Lana Del Rey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP4eqhWc7sI Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
  7. Manifesting Healing, Love & Purpose with Coach Cori Sartori

    EPISODE 7

    Manifesting Healing, Love & Purpose with Coach Cori Sartori

    In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we sit down with Cori Sartori, a certified integrative life and mindset coach, author, breast cancer survivor, and founder of SLC Life Coaching. We begin by exploring her deeply personal journey—from escaping a toxic relationship and struggling with addiction-enabling patterns to discovering healing through yoga, personal development, and ultimately stepping into her purpose as a coach.  Cori walks us through how her transformation began with The Four Agreements, yoga, and vision and goal-setting. We hear how her growth intensified through experiences like Landmark Worldwide and a pivotal trip to Japan, where a reiki session unlocked suppressed trauma and triggered profound self-awareness. That experience, and a life-affirming gesture from her mother, led her to life coaching, which she has now been practicing for nearly a decade.  We clarify the difference between therapy and coaching. Therapy focuses on the past and healing emotional wounds, while Cori’s coaching emphasizes actionable forward movement. She builds holistic plans with her clients, focusing on emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. Accountability is key—her programs include weekly check-ins, goal-setting calls, and deep vision work to support long-term change.  We then dive into manifestation—how it differs from generic positive thinking. Cori explains that true manifestation is about matching energy and intention to vision and belief. She shares a powerful story of healing from breast cancer, where she combined mindset, gratitude, and visualization with medical treatment. We also hear about manifesting her second child after being told she had less than a 5% chance of conceiving naturally. Her process involved nightly visualizations and emotional immersion in the desired outcome.  Cori also opens up about rebuilding a relationship with her now-husband, Jake. Once a codependent and toxic dynamic, their love was transformed through personal growth, forgiveness, and mutual commitment to healing. Gratitude and clear communication are the pillars that sustain their relationship today.  We wrap with advice for skeptics—try it. Just sit with yourself for five minutes and intentionally visualize a better reality. Cori believes we’re always creating our reality, whether consciously or not. Finally, she reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a practice—it’s a lifestyle that has the power to transform everything.  Cori's Website: SLC Life Coaching: https://slclifecoaching.com/ Cori's Book: Thrive and Flourish: Self-Development Strategies for High-Achieving Women in Business and Life https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Flourish-Self-Development-Strategies-High-Achieving/dp/B0C7J3JSP2 Cori's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcorisartori/ (00:00) - Introduction to Cori Sartori  (01:16) - Cori’s Path from Trauma to Coaching  (06:03) - What Is Life Coaching?  (09:28) - Accountability in Coaching  (12:12) - Connecting Habits to Vision  (14:22) - Manifestation vs Positive Thinking  (17:04) - Healing Through Manifestation  (20:25) - Can You Manifest Bad Things?  (24:34) - Manifesting Her Second Baby  (30:41) - Trusting the Process and Timing  (34:38) - A Marriage Reimagined  (42:39) - Relationship Advice for New Parents  (45:42) - Gratitude as a Relationship Tool  (47:28) - Advice for Manifestation Skeptics  (49:24) - Best Time to Manifest  (52:21) - How to Connect with Cori  (52:56) - Closing and Resources Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min
  8. Breath, Boundaries, and the Moon: Regulating the Nervous System Naturally with Bailey Nielson

    EPISODE 8

    Breath, Boundaries, and the Moon: Regulating the Nervous System Naturally with Bailey Nielson

    In this episode of Steeped in Wellness, we dive into the healing journey of Bailey Nielson, founder of Solstice Holistic. Together, we explore what it means to be neurodivergent and how Bailey’s personal experience with childhood trauma, misdiagnoses, and conventional mental health treatments led her to create a trauma-informed, spiritually rooted practice. Bailey shares how traditional approaches left her feeling broken and unsupported, pushing her to explore new ways of regulating the nervous system and reconnecting with the body. We define neurodivergence as a unique way of processing the world—something not wrong, just different—and discuss how masking behavior often forces individuals to suppress their true selves. Bailey emphasizes creating safety in relationships by being patient, nonjudgmental, and curious. We also touch on daily tools for nervous system regulation, from intentional breathwork and cold exposure to co-regulating with animals and embracing somatic practices inspired by how pets and children naturally reset themselves through movement and presence. From there, we explore how small acts of joy and ritual—like listening to audiobooks during chores or creating moon water—can help transform stress into grounding experiences. Bailey teaches us that spirituality can be simple and adaptable, especially for those who are exhausted or overwhelmed. We reflect on how syncing with the moon’s phases can bring us back to nature and deepen our intuition and self-awareness. The conversation then moves into relationships. Bailey stresses that the quality of our romantic connections mirrors our own self-worth and the inner work we’ve done. She encourages listeners not to settle out of fear or societal pressure, but to believe that better love comes when we step into our full authenticity. We talk about being the example for others, loving people through their growth, and celebrating those who are still seeking their person. To close, we talk about boundaries—how they’re not walls but bridges—and how saying “no” with confidence is an act of self-respect that invites deeper, more authentic connections. Bailey leaves us with two core lessons: that slowing down is essential to sustainable success, and that healing begins when we accept our challenges like we chose them. Bailey's Website: https://solsticeholistic.com/ Bailey's Instagram: http://instagram.com/solstice.holistic Connect with Elara and Diana! On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepedinwellnesspodcast Or head over to https://www.matcha.com And use code GUARDIAN for a generous discount on your order of Matcha & wellness boosts! The Matcha Guardians Podcast is produced by by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 hr
See All Season 3 (14)

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9 Ratings

About

This is how wellness should be discussed. The biggest trending health topics of our time, featuring the greatest and upcoming wellness advocates. Welcome to the Steeped In Wellness podcast, brought to you by Matcha.com. Join certified nutritionist Diana Weil and medical journalist Elara Hadjipateras -as they protect you on your wellness journey by providing vulnerable and genuine takes on the latest wellness trends. From interviews with leading experts in health, fitness, and spirituality to their own personal relationships, they cover different lifestyle topics and formats that impact health. No hard subject is off limits for us. Get ready to sip, savor, and live well with new episodes every Wednesday.

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