The Compassion Circle

Angela Prior + Kierstin von Frangenberg

Find Healing in the Circle Compassion in Conversation. Healing in the Body. Our purpose is to provide education and heart-centered conversations around mental health and recovery. We believe that true healing requires more than just talk; it requires embodied care.By blending unique, trauma-informed perspectives with a deep compassion for the human experience, we create a space where your story is honored and your body is heard. We aren't just discussing wellness we are practicing it, one conversation at a time.

  1. Oct 20

    Rethinking Hormone Health: The Shift from PCOS to PMOS with Mary Lauren Shelton Vise, RDN, LD, CEDS-C

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into women’s reproductive and endocrine health with registered dietitian nutritionist Mary Lauren Shelton Vise, RDN, LD, CEDS-C, owner and founder of Nutrition DiscoveRD®. We explore the evolving conversation around metabolic and hormonal health—specifically looking at the transition in framing from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) to PMOS (Polycystic Metabolic Ovary Syndrome). Mary Lauren shares how taking a non-diet, weight-neutral, and evidence-based approach helps individuals navigate complex endocrine conditions without falling into restrictive diet traps. In this episode, we cover:• PCOS vs. PMOS: Why shifting the lens toward metabolic health changes how we understand and manage symptoms.• The Non-Diet Approach: Managing endocrine conditions and nourishing your body without restrictive dieting.• Disordered Eating & Hormones: Navigating the overlap between eating disorders, RED-S, and hormonal imbalances.• Sustainable Care: Actionable steps toward peace with food and your body. About Mary Lauren Shelton Vise:Mary Lauren is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist based in Dallas, Texas. Her practice, Nutrition DiscoveRD®, specializes in eating disorders, sports nutrition/RED-S, PCOS/PMOS, and medical nutrition therapy. Connect & Learn More:• Website: https://www.nutritiondiscoverd.com/• Email: mlshelton@nutritiondiscoveRD.com Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating and review on Spotify to help more listeners find us!

  2. Sep 15

    Perinatal Mental Health

    In this episode of The Compassion Circle, we explore perinatal mental health from the highs and lows of pregnancy to the unspoken realities of the postpartum journey. Whether you are navigating newborn life, expecting a baby, or supporting a loved one, this conversation provides grounded insights and direct support to remind you that you don't have to carry it alone. Key Topics Covered:• Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression: Recognizing the signs• Navigating perinatal anxiety and intrusive thoughts• How partners, family, and friends can offer real, practical support• Overcoming stigma and building a strong local care network Help & Crisis Resources:• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA) for free, 24/7 support in English & Spanish.• Postpartum Support International (PSI): Call/Text 1-800-944-4773 or visit postpartum.net for support groups and care directories.• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate 24/7 crisis support. Previous Episode we recorded last season on perinatal mental health https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nJSPLuMKb8QKN2hjF0K2E?si=1618ded5f3834425 Connect With Us:Follow The Compassion Circle on Spotify so you never miss an episode! Leave us a rating and share this show with someone who might need it. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  3. Sep 8

    Navigating Grief, Loss, and Finding a Way Forward with Amy Goins

    Grief is rarely linear, predictable, or simple to navigate. In this episode, we sit down with Amy Goins, LPC, a therapist specializing in trauma, grief, and life transitions, to break down the complex realities of loss and how to honor the healing process without losing yourself along the way. Whether you are carrying a loss of your own, walking alongside a grieving loved one, or wondering if it's time to seek professional support, Amy offers a grounded, compassionate roadmap grounded in relational and somatic-informed care. Inside the Episode: What Grief Really Is: Deconstructing common myths around loss, expanding beyond bereavement to address non-finite losses, and understanding how grief impacts both the mind and the body. How to Support Someone Grieving: Practical ways to show up for others. Moving past platitudes, avoiding silver linings, and holding space without trying to "fix" their pain. Caring for Yourself in Loss: Real world tools for self-compassion, grounding techniques, setting boundaries, and allowing yourself to feel without becoming completely overwhelmed. When to Seek a Therapist: Recognizing the signs of prolonged or complicated grief, understanding how modalities like EMDR and somatic therapy help process deep pain, and knowing when extra support is needed to move forward. Connect & Resources: Guest: Amy Goins, LPC Website: amygoinscounseling.com Topics Covered: Grief & Loss, Mental Health, Therapy, Somatic Healing, Support Systems If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need these words today.

  4. Sep 1

    Back To School and raising resilient Eaters

    Welcome to The Compassion Circle! In this episode, we dive into the challenges of feeding families during the back-to-school season.We sit down with registered dietitian Casey Bonano, founder of Dallas Nutritional Counseling, to explore practical strategies for navigating picky eaters, meal prep hacks, and the crucial role of routine especially for neurodivergent children. Whether you're a new parent or just trying to simplify mealtime, this episode is packed with realistic tips to bring peace back to your dinner table.Key Takeaways: The impact of routine on children's eating habitsHow to deconstruct meals to make them approachable for picky eatersStrategies for introducing new foods without pressureMeal prep tips to ease the back-to-school transition00:00 – Introduction00:30 – Meet Casey Bonano01:07 – Back-to-school feeding challenges04:06 – How parents respond to mealtime stress06:22 – Transitioning smoothly into a school routine10:10 – Practical meal prep strategies18:39 – Navigating nutrition education in schools22:40 – Advocating for your child's food choices28:47 – Spotting the early signs of disordered eating32:00 – Practice emotional attunement at the table37:15 – Actionable tips for picky eaters45:20 – The power of choice in family mealsEpisode Chapters:What's your biggest struggle when it comes to feeding your family? Share your thoughts using the Q&A or Poll feature below!Don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a rating if you found this episode helpful. Connect with Casey: Website: dallasnutritionalcounseling.com Instagram: @dallasnutritionalcounseling | @feedyourselfandyourfamily

About

Find Healing in the Circle Compassion in Conversation. Healing in the Body. Our purpose is to provide education and heart-centered conversations around mental health and recovery. We believe that true healing requires more than just talk; it requires embodied care.By blending unique, trauma-informed perspectives with a deep compassion for the human experience, we create a space where your story is honored and your body is heard. We aren't just discussing wellness we are practicing it, one conversation at a time.