This Way Up Andrea and Emie

Prepare to uncover the secrets to optimizing mental health through the power of nutrition! Francesca Orlando, a science-based functional and integrative nutritionist and health coach, is here to address all your burning questions about the connection of food and mental well-being. Get ready for an enlightening discussion as Francesca dives deep into the impact of nutrition on every aspect of our bodies, with a special focus on the brain.
Discover the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and brain health, and how maintaining a balanced microbiome can lead to stable moods and enhanced mental well-being. Learn actionable strategies to nurture a healthy gut, including the essential foods needed for optimal microbiome health.
Francesca doesn't stop there; she also provides invaluable insights into mindful eating practices and expert tips on coaching picky eaters, ensuring that everyone can embrace a nutritious diet.
Pregnant or planning to be? Francesca emphasizes the critical role of healthy nutrition during pregnancy, offering invaluable guidance on nurturing both mother and baby.
Perhaps most inspiring is Francesca's message of hope and empowerment. By making mindful changes to our diets and those of our children, we have the power to influence epigenetics positively. Through this, we can initiate healing within the gut microbiome, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for both body and mind.
Tune in to this episode for a journey towards unlocking your brain's potential through the transformative power of nutrition.

BIO: 
Francesca is a science-based functional and integrative nutritionist and certified health and wellness coach, strongly emphasizing evidence-based practices. Hailing from Italy, she deeply appreciates the impact of research and scientific advancements on nutrition.
Francesca integrates scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to provide clients with tailored and effective nutrition strategies. She keeps abreast of the latest research, attending conferences and engaging in ongoing professional development. Her ability to critically evaluate emerging evidence ensures clients receive informed guidance, enabling evidence-based decisions about their health.
Outside her professional pursuits, Francesca enjoys family time with her two boys and indulging in outdoor activities like hiking and paddle boarding with her Newfoundland. An avid reader and passionate powerlifter, she balances her scientific expertise with a personal commitment to holistic well-being.
Dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practical application, Francesca strives to make nutrition accessible, transparent, and grounded in scientific principles. Her goal is to empower clients, irrespective of their background, to achieve optimal well-being through an informed and holistic approach. Committed to continuous learning, she refines her skills to provide the highest standard of care, ensuring clients can make evidence-based choices aligned with their health goals.
RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
Healthful Living SD
Healthful Living IG


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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Shockingly eating disorders affect over 30 million people of all ages, regardless of gender? What’s more is, they also hold the highest mortality rate among all mental health disorders. With such alarming statistics, this is an episode that demands attention from everyone.
In this crucial episode, Sarah Archer from Align Eating Disorder Treatment in Escondido, California, sheds light on the challenging subject of eating disorders. She guides us in recognizing the signs, finding effective evidence-based treatments—especially Family-Based Treatment—and navigating the complex cultural pressures surrounding body image.
We'll also delve into how caregivers can offer support to their loved ones, even in the face of unexpected hurdles like exercise intertwining with eating disorders. But this conversation isn't just about highlighting problems—it's about fostering empowerment and instilling hope. Whether you're seeking assistance for yourself or a cherished individual, brace yourself for a dose of encouragement and insight that will equip you with knowledge and confidence.
BIO: 
Sarah Archer LMFT, has been working with adolescents, teens and their families for over 15 years as a behavioral coach, individual and family therapist. Transitioning from Rady Children’s Hospital, Sarah has served as the Program Manager to the UCSD Adolescent Eating Disorder Program for over 10 years. While in addition to providing clinical services, she managed all program admissions, served as the San Diego Unified School District Liaison, trained and supervised staff in Evidence Based Practices and served as Lead of Adolescent Athletic Programming. 
Sarah Archer received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of San Diego in 2005.  She has served as an Adjunct Professor at USD teaching Family Counseling to Graduate Students in 2019 and 2020 and for the past 6 years has been a guest lecturer at UCSD for the undergraduate eating disorder seminar. In 2019 she Co-Founded CounSEL, an animated video-based program teaching adolescents and teens evidence-based coping skills and has served over 30,000 students throughout California.
RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
Align Eating Disorders
F.E.A.S.T. Eating Disorder Support Group


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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Get ready for an awesome episode where we chat with Veronica Alvarez, a true powerhouse in women's sports as the US Women’s National Baseball Team and the coordinator of player development for the Oakland A's. Oh, and did we mention she's also been a firefighter? 
Veronica's kick-ass career is nothing short of inspiring as she forges the way for females in some of the most male-dominated professions. In our conversation, she shares what these life experiences have taught her and how they translate to practical advice just for you!
We dive into Veronica's story, from her days hustling at the fire station or riding the truck to her current gig coaching a team of inspiring women on the baseball diamond. And the wisdom she's picked up along the way is pure gold.
Veronica has an amazing perspective on kids’ sports, thanks to her role as the coordinator of player development for the A’s. She shares her insight on how sports can teach kids (adults too) to handle pressure through techniques like perspective shift and using our breath to control our body’s stress response. Plus, she digs into why getting our kids involved in sports is so crucial for their growth.
But here's the best part: Veronica's got this amazing sense of humor and warmth that just shines through. She's all about resilience, for both kids and grown-ups, and she's got some killer advice on how to build it up, along with the importance of having a solid support system.
So, if you're up for a fun, heartwarming chat filled with laughs and nuggets of wisdom, you definitely don't want to miss this episode. Trust us, you're gonna love it!
BIO: 
Veronica has been on a baseball field for almost her entire life. She was a catcher for the USA Baseball Women's National team from 2008-2015. She participated in three World Cups and one Pan American Game. In 2019, she became one of the first few women to coach for a Major League Baseball franchise, the Oakland A’s.  Currently, Veronica is the coordinator of player development for the Oakland A’s international players in the Dominican Republic, and is the Manager for USA Baseball’s Women’s National Team. We will be cheering them on this summer as they work towards global domination in the 2024 World Cup!
Veronica has thrived in a male-dominated sport and credits her supportive parents and the confidence they instilled in her. Her coaching experiences have given her added insight into the role coaches play in the development of players of any age, both physically and mentally.




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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

In this episode of This Way Up we dive deep into the fascinating life journey of Jumpei Kontani, a man who defied the odds and found his path to joy despite a childhood filled with complexities and challenges. Growing up in Japan amidst a split family, Jumpei faced the weight of cultural norms that viewed divorce as shameful. He navigated not only the challenges of managing this perception but also, the complexities of intense internal family conflicts. But instead of succumbing to the pressures, he embraced his unique journey.
From a young age, Jumpei was influenced by his grandmother, whose wisdom instilled in him a profound understanding of the human spirit and the power of perspective. Fuelled by his natural curiosity and unwavering determination, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led him to mindfulness.
Through mindfulness, Jumpei found a powerful tool for finding peace and joy, even in the face of adversity. It allowed him to reconcile with the turbulence of his past and emerge as a light of positivity and resilience. Today, he shares his story openly, inspiring others to embrace their own paths to happiness.
But Jumpei's journey doesn't end there. He has integrated his philosophy of mindfulness into his professional life as a realtor in San Diego and is known as The Mindful Realtor. Infusing mindfulness into his business practices, he not only assists clients in finding homes but also shares this approach with fellow realtors, guiding them on a path toward inner peace and fulfillment.
Jumpei's story is a testament to the idea that the most challenging aspects of life can ultimately lead to the most profound growth and fulfillment. So, whether you're facing obstacles or embracing the journey, remember: "The more challenging your life is, the more interesting your life becomes."
BIO: 
Jumpei was born and raised in Osaka, Japan, and moved to San Diego 12 years ago. His personal story of growing up in Japan is one of resilience and courage. Silent about the struggles he endured as a child, he navigated the complexities of his past, and as an adult, found perspective and healing through the practices of meditation and mindfulness. 
He is currently a successful real estate broker, skilled at building deep relationships, and has become known as the Mindful Realtor. 
RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
Mindful Reator - Jumpei Instagram



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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Join us on This Way Up as we dive into this with Gretchen Hess, the force behind The High Functioning Anxiety Solution.
Gretchen opens up about her own journey, tracing back to a childhood filled with tension that shaped her into a successful yet deeply anxious adult. Despite outward success, her inner turmoil brewed. With the arrival of her children, stress escalated, and her daughter's anxiety and OCD symptoms only heightened Gretchen's own struggles.
But there's hope. Gretchen shares her path to healing, unpacking her upbringing and retraining her mind to handle anxiety differently. She discovered that by managing her own anxiety, she could positively influence her family dynamic. Now, she's on a mission to empower other women grappling with high functioning anxiety through her coaching at The High Functioning Anxiety Solution. Tune in for insights and inspiration on nurturing mental well-being for you and your children.
BIO: 
Founder of The High Functioning Anxiety Solution which is an intensive  1:1 mentorship program for women who are emotionally struggling to keep it together. 
I was forced to face that I had struggled my whole life with high Functioning Anxiety which often stems from family dysfunctions such as yelling, bickering, highly critical parents, alcohol or addiction, strict and control or divorce. Even when our homes felt "good" our developing minds learned very quickly how to cope and protect. Which as children worked out ok...but as adults creates many problems. 
I created this program after mentoring many women over the years who were also struggling. Many who have grown up like myself in an alcoholic home ( or similar) My passion is to educate women so that we can break these generational cycles that are leading to anxiety in our children and families.
RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
The High Functioning Solution Instagram


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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Have you ever found yourself at wit's end with a rebellious teen? You're not alone. Many parents turn to the troubled teen industry (TTI) for answers, hoping boarding schools and wilderness retreats will save the day. But guess what? Our guest, Ciara Fanlo, knows firsthand that these places often do more harm than good.
Drawing from her own journey, Ciara shares that she has been through it all – residential programs, boarding schools, wilderness retreats – you name it. But instead of being weighed down by these trials, she's flipped the script, using her platform, Homing Instinct, to turn her experiences into something positive.
In our conversation, Ciara breaks down the teenage psyche, giving us a peek into how they see the world and themselves. Plus,she’s got some valuable advice for parents struggling to connect with their teens. 
So, grab your notepad and get ready to soak in Ciara's wisdom. It's time to learn how to build stronger bonds with your teens and set them on the path to success.

BIO
Ciara Fanlo has described herself as a former “troubled teen”, who now dedicates her career to supporting struggling adolescents and their families. As a teen, she experienced depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Her treatment included various medications, hospitalization, wilderness therapy and a therapeutic boarding school. Despite the efforts of doctors and practitioners, she felt that her treatments did not help her address the root cause of her suffering. She is a writer and founder of Homing Instinct, which provides targeted coaching and mentoring for teens and, importantly, parents. Through one on one sessions, workshops and education, she utilizes a broad collection of systems and practices she has learned in order to help teens. For parents, she helps obtain the insight they need so that their kids and their family can build trust, ease, and connection to improve and strengthen their relationships. 
RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
Homing Instinct
Ciara's Article On Wilderness Camps
Netflix Documentary on TTI- The Program






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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.