Finding Contentment

The American Institute of Stress
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Official podcast from The American Institute of Stress. This podcast focuses on stress and stress-related issues and features interviews with healthcare practitioners, stress experts, and professionals with expertise in stress research and management. Hosted by Will Heckman, AIS Executive Director.

  1. DEC 16

    “Check Your SPECS” for stress management with Laurie Couillard

    In this episode, we will be exploring a fresh and practical approach to handling stress in real time with the creator of the Check Your SPECS method. While long-term practices like yoga, mindfulness, or hiking are excellent for building resilience, they don’t always help in those moments when stress strikes suddenly—whether you’re stuck in traffic, preparing for a big meeting, or facing unexpected challenges.The SPECS framework was designed to provide quick, effective strategies that anyone can use to calm their mind and body on the spot, making stress management more accessible in everyday life.  Laurie Couillard is a wellness professional, Certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist, and former early childhood teacher who is passionate about helping people reduce stress and live healthier lives through meaningful connection withnature. As a regional speaker and nature educator, she shares her expertise with communities, schools, and organizations to inspire others to embrace the healing benefits of the natural world. Laurie holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology of Health and Wellness and multiple certifications, including Nature Therapy Guide, Expressive Arts Facilitator, and Certified Worksite Wellness Program Manager. Over the years, she has led health and wellness programs, community outreach initiatives, and patient experience efforts within healthcare settings, blending her love of nature with her commitment to improving well-being. She is also the author of What The Forest Knows, a children’s book that encourages young readers to slow down, notice their surroundings, and discover the lessons nature has to offer. Laurie lives insoutheastern Wisconsin with her husband and finds joy in hiking, kayaking, cycling, and exploring nature with her family. We am also happy to say that her company HEALTHPERCEPTIONS focuses on Empowering Balance in Mind, Body, and Spirit Empowering individuals to manage life’s stress and challenges through a simple nature-centered wellness approach. Health Perceptions supports individualsnavigating life stress and transitions, fostering balance in mind, body, and spirit through research-backed science, stress management techniques and profound connections with the natural world. And is now a certified product byThe American Institute of Stress.

    47 min

  2. NOV 12

    Alpha-Stim For Stress with guest Dr. Kathy Platoni is a retired COL, US Army

    In this episode of Finding Contentment, the podcast from The American Institute of Stress, we’re taking a closer look at stress management within one of the most demanding environments there is—the military. Service members face unique pressures that can take a toll on both body and mind, from the intense demands of deployment to the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.Our guest today has dedicated their career to understanding and addressing those pressures, helping to bring effective, science-based stress solutions—like Alpha-Stim—into the hands of those who serve. We’ll explore how the conversation around stress and mental health in the military has evolved, what’s being done to improve readiness and resilience, and how innovative tools are making a real difference. Whether you’re a service member, veteran, or supporter, this episode is about finding safe, effective ways to manage stress and strengthen well-being.

    50 min

  3. OCT 22

    Less Stress, Live More with guest Dr. Gary Sprouse

    Today we are going to try and learn how to Less Stress, Live More! We will talk about letting go of the pressure we all feel and making more room for joy, balance, and peace of mind. Life comes at us fast—work, family, responsibilities—it can pile up quick. But stress doesn’t have to run the show. We all needa reset from time to time—a reminder to slow down, breathe, and focus on what really matters. So get comfy, relax, and let’s dive into how we can all stress a little less and live a whole lot more.  Joining us today is the Stress Less Doc himself Dr. Gary prouse: Dr. Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. He is now committed to helping people improve their mental health. He has taken everything he has learned about stress reduction and crafted his award-winning book, Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress. Dr. Sprouse has a unique perspective on stress that no one else is talking about. He has uncovered a groundbreaking new way to define where the majority of human stress originates. This new insight and the tools he developed to deal withstress are changing lives. To learn more about Dr. Sprouse, make sure to visit  the lessstressdoc.com

    49 min

  4. SEP 23

    Teen Stress and Mental Health Guest - Chuck Barnard MS, DAIS

    Managing teen stress is crucial because adolescence is a formative periodmarked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. High stress levels can negatively impact a teen’s academic performance, relationships, and mental health, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or risky behaviors. By teaching teens effective coping strategies—such as time management, mindfulness, and healthy communication—they can build resilience and develop lifelong skills for handling pressure. Supporting stress management early helps teens thrive both in the moment and as they transition into adulthood. Coach Chuck Barnard is an author (he has written 5 books), speaker, champion’s mindset mentor, and a father of four. He has a master’s degree in special education, is certified in Advanced Behavioral Modeling, is a Master NLP, Time-Line Therapy®, and Hypnotherapy Practitioner. Chuck has been a skier for 56 years, has walked across burning coals with Tony Robbins on three different occasions, and loves traveling. He has been a baseball player or coach for 50 years. Chuck's greatest passion is to see teenagers become champions not only on the athletic field and in the classroom, but most importantly in life. He is also the founder of Success Institutes and knownas the Champion’s Mindset Mentor, and we are proud to have him as a Diplomate for The American Institute of Stress.

    54 min

  5. AUG 26

    Sound Healing for Stress

    The practice of sound healing or sound bathing is being deeply immersed in sounds and vibrations that can release stuck emotions, reduce pain, stress, and anxiety, and ignite your creativity and activate your own body's healing. Today’s episode is all about the healing power of sound. We’re diving into how certain frequencies and sound therapies can help shift the body out of fight-or-flightmode and into a calmer, more balanced state. From ancient practices to modern research, we’ll look at how sound and vibration can influence the nervous system, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being.Whether it's through music, tuning forks, or sound baths, we'll explore how these tools can be integrated into daily life.

    43 min

  6. JUL 29

    Chelation Therapy and Stress Guest - Douglas Mulhall

    You may have heard that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is re-evaluating approaches like nutraceuticals and chelation therapy as potential, affordable treatments for chronic conditions affecting millions of Americans. But what is chelation therapy—and why all the debate?Chelation involves removing heavy metals and toxins from the body, which may be especially relevant for individuals under high stress who’ve been exposed to environmental toxins. It’s also at the center of growing political and medical conversations. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for example, has been a vocal advocate, criticizing the FDA for delaying access and calling for wider availability of chelation-based treatments.

    57 min
  7. The Stress and Alzheimer's Connection

    JUN 26

    The Stress and Alzheimer's Connection

    Today, our podcast is all about the connection between stress and Alzheimer’s disease, how stress affects brain health, what the science says, and most importantly, what we can do about it. Alzheimer’s is tough, whether you're dealing with it yourself, caring for a loved one, or just trying to keep your brain sharp. And stress? We all have it, but too much of it can take a real toll on memory and overall health. That’s why we’re here—to break things down, talk to an expert, hear real stories, and share practical tips to help you manage stress and protect your mind.

    1h 2m

  8. MAY 28

    Stress Relief Through Massage Therapy Guest - April Heath, LMT

    Today, we are diving into the healing power of touch—how massage therapy can be a game-changer for stress relief, relaxation, and overall health. From reducing muscle tension to lowering cortisol levels, massage isn’t just about luxury, it’s a powerful tool for physical and mental wellness.   We will be speaking with April Heath, an expert in the field, who will uncover the science behind massage therapy and share practical tips on how you can incorporate it into your stress management routine. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, tension headaches, or just need a moment of calm, this episode is for you.

    41 min
See All (89)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Official podcast from The American Institute of Stress. This podcast focuses on stress and stress-related issues and features interviews with healthcare practitioners, stress experts, and professionals with expertise in stress research and management. Hosted by Will Heckman, AIS Executive Director.

Information

  • Creator
    The American Institute of Stress
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The American Institute of Stress
  • Show Website
    Finding Contentment