Finding the Balance with Karen O'Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS

Karen O'Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS
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  • Health & Fitness

Finding the Balance is a podcast dedicated to helping women take ownership of their health, reconnect with their bodies, and create lives rooted in balance, strength, and well-being. Hosted by nurse and functional wellness advocate Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS, the show explores the many dimensions of women’s health, physical, emotional, mental, and lifestyle. Through thoughtful conversations with experts, advocates, and everyday women with powerful stories, the podcast focuses on empowering listeners with knowledge, practical tools, and encouragement to improve their quality of life.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 10 Samalie Rivera founder of Oubaitori Wellness

    In this episode of Finding the Balance, Karen O’Donnell sits down with Samalie Rivera, founder of Oubaitori Wellness, to explore the connection between nervous system regulation, somatic healing, women’s wellness, ADHD, and psychedelic integration support. Samalie shares her journey as a Board Certified Holistic Nurse and Health & Wellness Nurse Coach, discussing how yoga, movement, feminine embodiment, and somatic coaching helped her move through burnout and reconnect with herself. Together, Karen and Samalie dive into topics like limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, emotional regulation, trauma stored in the body, and why true healing often requires more than just “thinking positively.” The conversation also explores psychedelic preparation and integration work, including the importance of safety, mindset, boundaries, and nervous system support before and after psychedelic experiences. Samalie explains how she helps clients process insights and translate them into meaningful life changes through embodied healing practices. This episode is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about healing, self-awareness, compassion, and learning to trust the wisdom of the body.  Learn more about Samalie Rivera and Oubaitori Wellness: Website: Oubaitori Wellness Instagram: @oubaitoriwellness Instagram: @somatic.nurse.dm About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    23 min

  2. May 26

    Episode 9: Laurie Gouley of Mystic Market

    On this episode of Finding the Balance, Karen O'Donnell sits down with Laurie Gouley, founder of Mystic Market NH , for a deeply personal conversation about healing, energy work, mindfulness, and creating intentional space for self-care.  Laurie shares her journey from struggling with panic attacks and anxiety at a young age to discovering Reiki, intuitive energy work, meditation, and vibroacoustic therapy as transformative tools for healing. The conversation explores how healers protect their own energy, why self-care has to be scheduled intentionally, and how unresolved trauma can affect both the mind and body.  Karen and Laurie also dive into the science and spiritual aspects behind vibroacoustic therapy, generational trauma, grounding practices, forest bathing, and the importance of creating safe spaces where people can remove the mask and simply heal.  Mystic Market NH is more than a wellness center. It's a gathering place — a hearth for community, sacred circle, and the kind of healing that happens in layers, seen and unseen. We invite you to step through the doorway and begin. 🌿 Learn more about Mystic Market NH:  Mystic Market NH Website 📘 Follow on Facebook:  Mystic Market NH Facebook #FindingTheBalance #WellnessPodcast #MysticMarketNH #EnergyHealing #Reiki #Mindfulness #SelfCare #HolisticHealth #VibroacousticTherapy #HealingJourney About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    47 min

  3. May 19

    Episode 8: Dr. Katie Bean, PA-C

    In this episode of Finding the Balance, Karen O’Donnell sits down with Dr. Katie Bean, PA-C, founder of Escape the Clinic, to talk about burnout, purpose, and what happens when life forces you to rethink everything. Dr. Bean shares her journey from over a decade in emergency medicine to building a business that helps healthcare providers break out of burnout and reclaim control of their time, income, and impact. After experiencing both professional burnout and personal tragedy, she made a decision to stop living on autopilot—and started helping others do the same. This conversation explores:  The reality of burnout in healthcare and why it’s more common than people admit  How personal loss can reshape priorities and force meaningful change  A simple but powerful framework for daily self-care (physical, mental, and spiritual)  Why healthcare providers are more equipped than they think to build something of their own  How online businesses are opening doors beyond the traditional clinic model If you’ve ever felt stuck, overworked, or like your life doesn’t match your priorities, this episode offers a different perspective—and a practical path forward. Connect with Dr. Katie Bean: Instagram: @escapetheclinic – https://instagram.com/escapetheclinic Email: katie@escapetheclinic.com Listen to Escape the Clinic Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escape-the-clinic/id1761218364 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OKavlb8jRqCBGzff63V5h?si=fab88d9d02dd4682 About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    20 min

  4. May 12

    Episode 7: Josh Gorero

    In this episode of Finding the Balance, host Karen O’Donnell sits down with digital media and communications strategist Joshua Gorero to unpack what truly makes branding and marketing work in today’s crowded, content-driven world.  Joshua shares how he acts as a “thought partner” for businesses—helping them move beyond surface-level content to build meaningful, story-driven brands that actually connect with people. From logo design and visual identity to messaging and campaign strategy, this conversation dives into the intentional work behind effective marketing. Together, they explore:  What it means to be a thought partner versus just a marketer  How color, shape, and design influence emotional connection  Why storytelling is the most powerful tool in branding  The difference between random content and strategic messaging  The growing demand for authenticity in an AI-saturated world Karen also shares her firsthand experience working with Joshua on multiple brands, highlighting how collaboration and clarity can transform a vision into something impactful and aligned. If you’re building a business—or trying to refine your message—this episode offers practical insight into creating a brand that resonates on a human level. Find his work: https://www.instagram.com/joshua.cooks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-gorero/ About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    23 min

  5. May 5

    Episode 6: Carolyn Rose

    In this episode of Finding the Balance, Karen O’Donnell sits down with intuitive healer and entrepreneur Carolyn Rose to explore the powerful connection between energy, intuition, and holistic wellness.  Carolyn shares her journey as a psychic medium, Reiki practitioner, and co-owner of Wild Woman Wellness Center, where she helps clients reconnect with their inner guidance through energy work, mediumship, and spiritual development. Together, Karen and Carolyn dive into:  What energy work and chakras really are—and how they impact your physical and emotional health  How intuition shows up in everyday life (especially in caregivers and healthcare professionals)  The role of birth charts and relationship dynamics in self-awareness and growth  Why simple practices like hydration and self-care are foundational to healing  Carolyn’s personal story of embracing her intuitive gifts This conversation highlights how holistic and medical approaches can work together, offering a deeper understanding of how mind, body, and spirit are truly interconnected. Connect with Carolyn Rose: Website: www.carolynrosepsychicmedium.com Wild Woman Wellness Center: www.wildwomanwellness.us Instagram: Carolyn Rose Psychic Medium Facebook: Carolyn Rose Intuitive About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    26 min

  6. Apr 28

    Episode 5: Lacey Jean Beauty

    In this episode of Finding the Balance, Karen O’Donnell sits down with New Hampshire-based cosmetologist and master barber Lacey Jean, owner of Lacey Jean Beauty. Lacey shares how something as simple as a morning routine—especially taking time for yourself while getting ready—can become a powerful form of self-care. From mindful moments in the shower to the confidence boost of feeling put together, she explains how small daily habits can set the tone for your entire day. The conversation dives into Lacey’s specialty in curly and textured hair, and how she’s created a safe, welcoming space for clients who may have had difficult salon experiences in the past. She breaks down the importance of communication, education, and trust in building long-term relationships with clients—and why hair care is about so much more than just appearance. Karen and Lacey also explore entrepreneurship, evolving business models like hourly pricing, and the importance of continuously learning and refining your craft. This episode is a reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated—it can start with the routines you already have. You can find Lacey Jean on all social media as @LaceyJeanBeauty  https://mysite.vagaro.com/theboutique3 Or phone her at (603) 831-4684 About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    14 min

  7. Apr 21

    Episode 4: Dr. Naomi Hall

    Karen O’Donnell sits down with Dr. Naomi Hall—known as the “Burnout Barista”—a speaker, educator, and stress management coach helping high-achieving professionals take their lives back from burnout. With 20+ years in education and leadership, Naomi knows the pressure firsthand. After facing her own burnout, she dove deep into the science of stress and now teaches practical, no-nonsense strategies to break the cycle of overwhelm and rebuild sustainable habits. In this episode, they dig into what burnout really does to your brain and how small, consistent changes in movement, nutrition, hydration, rest, and mindset can help you reset, refocus, and actually feel like yourself again. If you’re running on empty, this one’s worth your time Dr. Naomi Hall's Website and Social Media www.nrhdynamic.com https://www.instagram.com/drnaomirhall/ https://www.facebook.com/drnaomirhall/ www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-hall-stress-management Contact the Doc at naomi@nrhdynamic.com 603-496-5698 https://scheduler.zoom.us/naomi-hall-8bs853/hello-i-am-an-event-card About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    18 min

  8. Apr 14

    Episode 3: Jennifer Carrr RN,BSN

    Karen O’Donnell, RN, sits down with nurse entrepreneur Jennifer Carr, RN, BSN, for an honest, practical conversation about what it really takes to build something of your own—and not burn out doing it. They dig into the fears that hold so many people back from starting (and scaling) a business, and how to move through them instead of waiting for confidence to magically show up. Jennifer shares a clear, no-nonsense blueprint for turning an idea into a functioning business, including the mindset shifts most people overlook. And just as important—they tackle self-care for entrepreneurs, not as a luxury, but as a requirement if you want to stay sharp, present, and sustainable long-term. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, feeling stuck, or running a business that’s starting to run you, this episode gives you both the push and the structure to move forward—without losing yourself in the process. About the Podcast Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life. About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    30 min

  9. Mar 31

    Episode 2: Karen Retardo, ICF-PCC, MA, BSN, RN

    Karen Retardo is a working UM nurse and ICF-certified coach who sits at the intersection of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial identity transformation, a space very few coaches can authentically occupy. She works with nurse entrepreneurs, nurse coaches, and nurse consultants.  As an AAPI nurse, she tends to attract AAPI nurses and women of color coaches who have invested heavily in courses and certifications but still feel stuck. She helps them see that the gap isn't a strategy problem, it's an identity problem. Through her Founder Consciousness Matrix, Karen guides clients through three layers of transformation: aligning their natural wiring, recalibrating their identity from employee to founder, and rewiring the subconscious beliefs that keep them playing small.  You can find her on Instagram and on Substack at Karen-Nursepreneur & RN Coach.   https://www.karenretardo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/karenretardo/ https://karenretardo.substack.com/ About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    17 min

  10. Mar 10

    Episode 1: Laura Piccolo

    In this episode of Finding the Balance, host Karen O’Donnell speaks with Laura Piccolo, founder of PMV Educational Advocacy, about helping families navigate the complex world of special education. Laura shares her personal journey from teacher to advocate after fighting for the support her own daughter needed in school.  They discuss how parents can better understand IEPs, 504 plans, and their rights, why documentation and objective data matter when advocating for children, and how emotional regulation and self-care can help families navigate difficult school situations. Laura also explains how her advocacy services and strategy sessions empower parents with the tools, language, and confidence to support their children effectively. Learn more about Laura Piccolo: Website: https://pmvea.com Socials: @IEPClarityAdvocate (TikTok, Instagram) About the Podcast Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life. About the Podcast: Hosted by functional medicine nurse Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS "Finding the Balance" explores health, wellness, and personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to listen to their bodies and take steps toward improving their quality of life.

    33 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Finding the Balance is a podcast dedicated to helping women take ownership of their health, reconnect with their bodies, and create lives rooted in balance, strength, and well-being. Hosted by nurse and functional wellness advocate Karen O’Donnell RN, BSN, BC-FMNS, the show explores the many dimensions of women’s health, physical, emotional, mental, and lifestyle. Through thoughtful conversations with experts, advocates, and everyday women with powerful stories, the podcast focuses on empowering listeners with knowledge, practical tools, and encouragement to improve their quality of life.

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