Building the Best You

Jeanne Collins

Welcome to the Building the Best You (previously the House of JerMar Podcast).  We provide a destination with tools, resources and concepts to help you reimagine what is possible in your life and then create it.Each week, our host Jeanne Collins, will invite guests to share how they focus on inner wellness through life design.  Jeanne is a TEDx speaker, published author, life coach, and motivational speaker. Her stories and experiences are examples of how to become the designer of your own life.If you are feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure of how to live all in, together, we can learn to create lush inner sanctuaries that fill us with self-confidence, peace, and a feeling of purpose in this world.Welcome to the Building the Best You community. We are honored to have you join us on our mission to empower 1 million women to live all-in!Please subscribe and share with like-minded women to help us build our community.   Please subscribe and share with like-minded women to help us build our community. You can also learn more on our website www.houseofjermar.com.

  1. 6D AGO

    The Power of Sauna & Cold Plunge

    This week, we welcome Ginger Richardson, the founder of Kiin Sauna, for a deep dive into contrast therapy and the path that led her from interior design to a thriving wood-fired, mobile sauna brand at 52. Ginger shares how a simple ritual—eight to fifteen minutes of heat, a guided one to three minute plunge, and a mindful reset—can train your nervous system, boost cardiovascular health, sharpen focus, and leave you with that rare combination of clarity and ease. Ginger walks us through the full experience: cedar, glass, and metal for a clean, non-toxic environment; filtered water and organic essential oils; a curated playlist; and the quiet magic of community. We talk winter sessions in open air, why even standing outside between rounds delivers powerful contrast, and how breath coaching turns the cold from panic into presence. Along the way, Ginger debunks extremes and invites you to listen to your body—whether you start with 30 seconds, splash your face, or commit to the plunge. We also dig into infrared versus traditional heat. Infrared warms you from the inside out at lower temps and fits busy routines, while wood-fired sauna heats the air, creates a faster sweat, and offers a ritual many people crave—the scent of cedar, the glow of flame, the grounding of nature. Ginger shares practical buying advice, including clean materials and low EMF considerations, and a surprising tradition: wool sauna hats that protect your head and extend comfort time. Ginger opens up about boundaries, balance as a single mom, and the books that fueled her reinvention, including Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser. If you’ve been curious about contrast therapy or you’re seeking motivation to start something new, this story and these tools will meet you where you are. More about Ginger: Ginger Richardson is the founder of Kiin Sauna, a mobile wood-burning sauna and cold plunge experience based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Born in Canada and having spent years living in the USA and Asia, Ginger carries a global perspective on wellness that blends cultural influences with the ancient Scandinavian tradition of sauna. As a divorced single mom, Ginger knows firsthand the power of resilience and doing hard things. Her own journey of reinvention inspired her to create Kiin Sauna, not just as a business, but as a way to foster connection, courage, and healing.  www.kiinsauna.com IG: @kiinsauna House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    47 min
  2. DEC 11

    Anne Fontaine: Empowering Women Through Fashion

    A new podcast name deserves a bold beginning. We launch Building the Best You with a rare, in-store conversation with fashion designer Anne Fontaine that links personal growth to intentional style. From a ten-year-old’s scissors reshaping a dull dress to a global brand anchored by the iconic white shirt, Anne shows how small, precise choices create big, lasting impact. We dive into her design process—quiet weeks of sketching on reused paper, themes that evolve into custom laces and prints, and the relentless pursuit of fit that makes women feel seen. Anne’s philosophy is generous: the compliments belong to you; the garment simply reveals your personality. She opens up about sourcing materials from heritage makers, like Italian leather artisans and Greek knit specialists, and why details—zippers that transform sleeves that showcase shirts, and collars that collect like art—turn clothing into tools for individual expression. We also tackle sustainability without shortcuts. Anne shares how the Anne Fontaine Foundation restores forests in Brazil and beyond, and how durability, quality, and responsible partnerships reduce waste while preserving beauty. Beyond the atelier, we talk about mother­hood, entrepreneurship, and balance, and we get hands-on with live looks: reversible jackets, sculpting knits, statement collars, and those surprisingly comfortable “Cinderella” heels that had the room buzzing. Be sure the check out Anne's latest styles at www.annefontaine.com. If you care about style as self-expression, craftsmanship with a conscience, and building a life you design on purpose, this conversation will meet you where you are and invite you forward. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves a perfect white shirt, and leave a review with your favorite insight so we can keep growing together. House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    26 min
  3. DEC 4

    10 Guests Who Impacted Me Most

    This week, I am celebrating 75 episodes of the House of JerMar Podcast with a look back at the conversations that shaped me the most—and opening the door to our next chapter: Building the Best You. My podcast's mission stays the same: wellness starts within. The weekly episodes are there to combine soulful stories with practical tools that help you design a life that fits you. Before we evolve into Building the Best You, I wanted to revisit ten standout episodes that continue to resonate with me. You’ll hear how a near-death experience led Dr. Lotte to medicine and meaning, and how acupuncturist Erica Prince Ben-Zur uses simple physiology to calm the nervous system and reset stress. Jennifer Johnson shares how naming a limiting belief unlocked college and a career pivot, while Andrea Carson reframes discomfort as proof of growth. We make the mystical usable with Remington Donovan’s numerology and angel numbers, and Tarot Lori’s rituals that feel like a conversation with your soul. The toolkit widens with Emma Mumford’s aligned approach to manifesting—the mirror your day holds up—plus recovery coach Stephanie Hazard’s lived-experience bridge for substance change. Ophi Edut shows astrology as a map, not a mandate, and Jennifer Stanley breaks down the Enneagram as a powerful framework for motivations under behavior. Around those anchors, I nod to other listener favorites: intermittent fasting, women’s health, teen performance, sustainable building, dermatology trends, elderberries, Reiki, Feng Shui, the Gene Keys, AI, and more. I also share gratitude for the team and community who made this growth possible, and preview a big premiere with fashion icon Anne Fontaine as we step into the relaunch. If you’re ready to refine your habits, upgrade your self-understanding, and build a life that feels aligned from the inside out, this milestone is your on-ramp. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help us reach one million women. Get ready for the launch of Building the Best You next week with a special on location interview not to be missed. House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    21 min
  4. How to Heal from Within: Nervous System Healing and Holistic Wellness

    NOV 20

    How to Heal from Within: Nervous System Healing and Holistic Wellness

    This week we sit down with Christine Ruch, a holistic transformation guide who’s navigated two decades of MS without pharmaceutical intervention, to explore how inner safety, emotional capacity, and co-regulation can reshape the body’s story. She pivoted from celebrated chef and restaurateur to transformation guide after a series of life changing pivots - intentional business closures, a divorce, and a year and a half in Costa Rica working closely with healers. That journey revealed that external protocols matter, but real change roots in the nervous system. We break down MS in plain language and examine why inflammation is only part of the picture. Christine explains the nervous system as a full‑body interface—felt through fascia, sensation, and energy—rather than a thought in the head. She shares how to build safety from within, stop turning emotions into identity, and use co-regulation and limbic resonance to return to your natural baseline. The difference between change and transformation becomes clear: change is linear and reversible; transformation follows the pace of nature. Her nine-month process mirrors gestation, allowing the body to lead while the mind learns to trust. You’ll get simple, field-tested practices: a quiet morning ritual that precedes screens, an evening pause to release the day, and five-minute micro resets for busy lives. We also talk seasons of life—why freedom and rootedness can both be true, and how to recognize when it’s time to pivot. If you’re navigating MS, chronic stress, or just the weight of modern life, this conversation offers grounded hope and practical steps to reclaim calm without perfectionism. Christine's Book recommendation:  The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope More about Christine: Christine Ruch holds the space for you to walk your path to more authentic health. After spending 20 years healing her own MS naturally through whole food nutrition, nervous system restoration, spiritual practice, plant medicine, deep self-inquiry and many other Eastern and Western modalities, Christine now guides others on their own transformative healing path. Her work bridges science and soul—offering tools to move beyond symptom management and into lasting inner healing. She’s here to share insight, hope, and grounded practices for listeners ready to reclaim their health from the inside out. https://www.christineruch.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christineruch.ms?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    57 min
  5. Finding Hormone Health After 40: Why Finding the Right Doctor Matters

    NOV 13

    Finding Hormone Health After 40: Why Finding the Right Doctor Matters

    This week we are talking about a subject that impacts all women: hormone health! Danielle Stanton joined the show to share how a decade of confusion surrounding her mental and physical health turned into clarity. Through symptom tracking, better labs, and a trusted doctor, she uncovered that she wasn't depressed, her hormones were low! From there, the story widens into practical steps any woman can use: a simple 90–10 approach to food, strength training as therapy, and a sleep ritual built on magnesium, lemon balm, and consistency. The conversation goes beyond HRT myths to the art of adjustment—why labs every six months matter, how switching from testosterone cream to injections reignited energy and muscle, and how gut health, sleep quality, and endocrine disruptors shape results. Danielle is candid about the long game: she set a five‑year horizon for weight loss, chose lifestyle over “quick fixes,” and learned to treat self‑care as part of the job, not a luxury. The payoff isn’t only physical; it’s mental clarity, stable mood, and a life that feels aligned. Then comes the purpose piece. Danielle and her RN husband have built Fuel 4 Ever, a clean‑label brand that invites middle and high school students into every step—flavor design, taste tests, packaging, and label rules. Kids pick winning flavors, and a portion of proceeds funds school projects like gardens, murals, and scholarships. It’s hands‑on access to entrepreneurship and nutrition that turns healthy snacking into pride and community impact. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed, or overwhelmed by shifting symptoms, this episode offers a plan you can start today.  Midlife isn’t the end of anything—it’s a redesign powered by data, patience, and purpose. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find the support they deserve. Danielle's book recommendation: "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell More about Danielle: About eleven years ago, I hit rock bottom. I was dealing with depression and anxiety after my divorce, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that landed me in the hospital, sleep problems that led to a dependency on Ambien, thyroid issues, and unwanted weight gain. Doctor visits only led to more prescriptions, and I knew there had to be a better way. My journey toward holistic wellness, bioidentical hormones, and organic, farm-to-table living transformed not only my health but my life. As CEO of Fuel 4 Ever, I’m focused on creating products that make a real difference—supporting sleep, longevity, and healthy snacking. We’re committed to purpose-driven products that nourish your body while giving back to communities and helping people live better lives. Wellness is a way of life, not a quick fix. My mission is to help you find balance, longevity, and the kind of energy that makes you feel alive every day. https://www.fuel4ever.com/ https://www.instagram.com/daniellenstanton/ https://www.instagram.com/fuel4ever_/ House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    53 min
  6. The 9 Enneagram Types Explained: A Framework for Personal Growth

    NOV 6

    The 9 Enneagram Types Explained: A Framework for Personal Growth

    This week we dig into the Enneagram with coach and podcaster Jennifer Stanley to trace behavior back to core motivation, revealing how nine types, three centers of intelligence, and one core need organize the choices we make—often without noticing. That clarity opens a door: once you see the engine driving your habits, you can steer toward a life that feels aligned rather than reactive. Jennifer breaks down the differences between surface behavior and inner motive, showing how a room-reading Type Three and a power-protecting Type Eight can look similar from the outside but live from very different “whys.” We talk blind spots—like a Two’s pride in being needed or an Eight’s pull toward intensity—and how naming them turns autopilot into awareness. From there we get practical: why online tests can only narrow your type, how to spot your center of intelligence (head, heart, or gut), and simple questions that create space between urge and action. Midlife takes center stage as Jennifer shares Intermission, her cohort that blends deeper Enneagram work, retreat, purpose statements, and private coaching to help women co-author Act Two. We honor Act One for what it taught, make peace with changing relationships, and set boundaries that let us care for aging parents without losing ourselves. Wellness stays grounded in real life—seasonal, personal, and type-aware—whether that means CrossFit, yoga, long walks, or protecting unstructured weekends. If you’re craving a clearer map, kinder relationships, and a next chapter that fits, this conversation offers both language and tools to start now. Jennifer's Book Recommendation: “The Road Back to You" by Suzanne Stabile More about Jennifer: Jennifer Stanley is a life coach and Enneagram expert who helps people see the hidden patterns shaping their lives and relationships. Drawing on years of experience guiding teams and individuals, she brings fresh insights and practical tools that spark “aha” moments and lasting growth.  Whether in private coaching, leading a workshop, cohort, or keynote, Jennifer weaves wisdom and story to inspire authentic leadership, connection, and change. As a former theater performer turned coach, she loves helping others step into their own second act with clarity and confidence. Jennifer lives in Indiana with her husband and has two grown children. She enjoys skiing, travel, long dinner conversations with friends, community theatre, and volunteerism — always bringing creativity and connection into every part of her life. www.livingwellbyjen.com https://www.instagram.com/livingwellbyjen/ https://www.facebook.com/LivingWellByJen https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-stanley-68337613b/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWellbyJen House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    50 min
  7. Dermatology Trends 2025: Skin Microbiome, Immune Health, and the Future of Skincare

    OCT 30

    Dermatology Trends 2025: Skin Microbiome, Immune Health, and the Future of Skincare

    Precision dermatology is rewriting the skin health playbook—and we dig into what that means for you. We sit down with Dr. Elle de Moll, a board-certified dermatologist and entrepreneur, to unpack why the skin is best understood as an immune organ, how biologics target disease without blanket suppression, and where wellness fits as research on the skin and gut microbiome accelerates. The conversation blends rigorous science with real life: female pattern hair loss in perimenopause, evidence-based treatments like spironolactone and low-dose oral minoxidil, and the emotional weight hair carries for identity and confidence. We go deep on sun safety and expect straight forward answers on SPF 30, UV index, mineral vs chemical filters, UPF clothing, vitamin D supplementation, and why prevention beats a future Mohs scar on your lip or nose. For parents, you’ll hear practical hacks to make sunscreen kid-friendly—think brush applicators, texture choices for eczema-prone skin, and knowing when low UV days let you relax the rules. We also clarify medical dermatology versus aesthetics, why access matters, and how to find a board-certified dermatologist through the American Academy of Dermatology or your insurance network. Finally, we talk entrepreneurship and motherhood: deciding to build a medical practice that prioritizes access and continuity, choosing what “glass balls” never drop, and letting the rubber ones bounce. The thread through it all is agency—choosing precision over perfection, asking for help, and making small, consistent choices that compound into healthier skin and a saner life. If this conversation helped you rethink your routine or your care plan, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps us empower more women to live all in—and it takes less than a minute to make a big difference. Elle's Book Recommendation: Wild by Cheryl Strayed More about Dr. de Moll: A Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Dr. de Moll brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice, Elite Dermatology Physicians. Dr. de Moll is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who completed her training at Mount Sinai, in New York City. Dr. de Moll has a passion for solving complex medical dermatology cases. She thrives on helping patients overcome challenging skin conditions that haven't responded to previous treatments. Dr. de Moll takes pride in her collaborative approach and her commitment to finding lasting solutions for her patients. Elitedermct.com https://www.instagram.com/elitedermatologyphysicians?igsh=MTJoeWRuNWFiNDlkYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    46 min
  8. The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living

    OCT 23

    The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living

    What if ambition isn’t the villain—just misunderstood? We sit down with Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, to rewire how we think about drive, success, and self-worth. Amina opens up about the health crisis that forced her to step off the treadmill, how core wounds like rejection or betrayal can fuel “painful ambition,” and the shift to a values-led practice that actually restores energy instead of draining it. Together, we draw a clear line between passion and purpose—one meant to change, the other a steadier constellation that guides choices over time. Amina introduces the Three E’s framework—Exceptional, Excellent, Eh—to help you spot your zone of genius, release the work your brain wasn’t built for, and design a role or business that compounds your best contribution. We also explore the “ambition penalty” facing women and marginalized leaders, why culture rewards the wrong signals, and what it looks like to build teams and careers that honor well-being and impact. The heart of our conversation pairs ambition with contentment, defined as unconditional wholeness—the knowledge of enough. Rather than dulling drive, contentment steadies it, letting you move through seasons of growth, rest, and renewal without burning out. Amina shares the messy realities of publishing, the power of integrity in promotion, and the moments of community that made the work feel alive. If you’re navigating career change, leadership growth, or entrepreneurship, this one delivers practical tools and a kinder map for sustainable success. Amina's Book recommendation: Amber Rae book Loveable More about Amina: Amina AITai (pronounced AH-MIN-UH) is an executive coach and leadership trainer, proud immigrant and chronic illness advocate. A leading coach to notable leaders, executives and founders—Amina's mastery is in connecting us to our brilliance and teaching us to live and lead from it each day. She is the bestselling author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living, with Penguin/The Open Field. Amina has partnered with progressive companies such as Google, Roku, Deloitte, Snap, Outdoor Voices, NYU and HUGE. She's an Entrepreneur Magazine expert-in-residence, a Forbes contributor and was named one of Success Magazine’s Women of Influence. Additionally, she's been featured in goop, Well+Good, The New York Times, Yahoo, NBC, Adam Grant’s Next Big Idea Club and more. www.aminaaltai.com  IG @aminaaltai Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminaaltai/ House of JerMar: houseofjermar.com Empowerment Fundamentals Course: Use Code PODCAST15 for a 15% discount https://members.houseofjermar.com/empowerment-course Instagram: instagram.com/houseofjermar/ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@Houseofjermar Read Jeanne's Book: Two Feet In: Lessons From an All-In Life WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE!

    47 min
5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Building the Best You (previously the House of JerMar Podcast).  We provide a destination with tools, resources and concepts to help you reimagine what is possible in your life and then create it.Each week, our host Jeanne Collins, will invite guests to share how they focus on inner wellness through life design.  Jeanne is a TEDx speaker, published author, life coach, and motivational speaker. Her stories and experiences are examples of how to become the designer of your own life.If you are feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure of how to live all in, together, we can learn to create lush inner sanctuaries that fill us with self-confidence, peace, and a feeling of purpose in this world.Welcome to the Building the Best You community. We are honored to have you join us on our mission to empower 1 million women to live all-in!Please subscribe and share with like-minded women to help us build our community.   Please subscribe and share with like-minded women to help us build our community. You can also learn more on our website www.houseofjermar.com.

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