The Wellness Paradox Michael Stack

Unlock the keys to a sharper mind and an invigorated life with Sarah Lenz Lock from AARP in our latest episode. As we explore the lesser-known truths about cognitive health and aging, Sarah provides a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies to improve brain health throughout our life. Her insights into AARP's groundbreaking research and initiatives offer fitness professionals the tools they need to revolutionize the way we approach exercise and wellness in the aging adult community. Discover how physical activity intertwines with mental acuity, and why this combination is key to thriving across our lifespan. 
Embark on a journey through the pillars of brain health as Sarah unravels the power of social bonds, mental challenges, restorative sleep, diet, and exercise in fortifying our cognitive reserves. We tackle the stereotypes of aging while also addressing the critical issue of social isolation, especially poignant in the wake of the pandemic. For fitness professionals, this episode arms you with the knowledge and resources to transform how you approach aging and brain health with your clients.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode121


Our Guest: Sarah Lenz Lock, J.D.
Sarah Lenz Lock is Senior Vice President for Policy and Brain Health in AARP’s Policy, Research and International Affairs (PRI).  Ms. Lock leads AARP’s policy initiatives on brain health and care for people living with dementia, including serving as the Executive Director of the Global Council on Brain Health, an independent collaborative of scientists, doctors, and policy experts.  Ms. Lock coordinates AARP’s role in the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations. 


Ms. Lock is a frequent writer and public speaker on issues related to healthy aging.  She has been quoted or appeared in numerous media outlets including The New York Times, NPR, Good Morning, America, The Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, CBS News, the Baltimore Sun, and the Chicago Tribune.


 Sarah serves on numerous boards and is a member of the American Society on Aging, the Gerontological Society of America, the Dementia Friendly America National Council, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the National Institute on Aging’s IMPACT Collaboratory, and the National Academy of Social Insurance. Sarah represents AARP on the Milken Alliance to Improve Dementia Care and serves as a Health and Aging Policy Fellow Program National Advisory Board Member.   She formerly served as a Commissioner for the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging and on the HHS Administration on Community Living Aging and Cognitive Health Technical Expert Advisory Board.


Ms. Lock received a B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College, and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law where she was a member of the law review. 




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When Melissa Merkle stepped into the fitness industry, her personal battles with mental health illuminated the path to a more holistic approach in health coaching. In our latest Wellness Paradox podcast episode, she shares how deep listening and cultivating relationships with clients go beyond the typical workout regimen to address mental health. We unravel the complexities fitness professionals face in supporting their clients' mental well-being and the transformative potential of exercise and lifestyle changes. This eye-opening conversation underscores the necessity of a tailored approach in exercise and nutrition programming for those navigating mental health challenges.

Bridging the gap between the fitness and medical communities, our discussion spotlights the instrumental role fitness professionals can play in mental health. With insights into the art of truly hearing clients and the delicate balance of maintaining professional boundaries, we navigate the intricacies of fostering trust without crossing into therapeutic territories. The episode peels back the layers on how fitness professionals can serve as crucial allies for individuals facing mental health issues, providing evidence-based strategies to complement the care offered by healthcare providers.

Show Notes Page:  https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode120

Our Guest: Melissa Merkle
Melissa is a ​Speaker and Health and Fitness Expert, specializing in ​Mental Health & Wellbeing. With 20+ years in the wellness industry, she's observed ​countless women (including herself) trapped in cycles of ​unhealthy diets and workout routines that only left them ​feeling defeated, depressed, and unwell.
After battling her own mental health issues, she is on a ​mission to change the way the world views and treats ​mental health. She believes that mental health is really brain health, and there’s ​a lot you can do to keep your brains running efficiently.

Her one-of-a-kind program, Nutrition for ​Mental Wellbeing™, incorporates research-based ​nutrition strategies to improve brain health, boost ​energy, rediscover a positive, resilient mindset, and find ​freedom from stress and depression. She believes that what you eat isn’t about the number on the ​scale.  It’s about keeping your brain healthy in order to feel ​your best.


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Embark on an enlightening exploration with Drew Smithson, whose journey from healthcare executive to lifestyle medicine advocate epitomizes the transformative power of wellness. Throughout our conversation, Drew opens up about his career evolution, fueled by an unwavering passion for fitness and bolstered by his experiences in nutritional science and healthcare administration. His personal battle with weight gain amidst the pressures of the industry and the pivotal moments leading to the creation of DescendingUpwards are not just his story, but a reflection of the broader struggle within the healthcare sphere to prioritize genuine well-being.

In today's healthcare climate, the irony of tireless leaders overlooking their own health is a paradox we unravel with Drew, particularly through the lens of his pilot program aimed at recalibrating the health of those on the front lines.  His transition to a clinical focus showcases an evolving perspective on patient care that champions the proactive integration of lifestyle factors.

Lastly, we navigate the synergy of fitness and healthcare, where Drew underscores the pivotal role that exercise professionals should play in patient wellness. Through our discussion, we dissect the opportunities and obstacles of incorporating fitness into traditional healthcare, the potential of wearable technology in everyday fitness routines, and the promising partnerships emerging between health and fitness experts. Drew's experiences and insights offer a compelling blueprint for a more proactive, comprehensive care model, aiming to bridge the gap and enhance the health and well-being of patients everywhere.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode119

Our Guest: Drew Smithson
For the past 20yrs, Drew has had a very rewarding and blessed leadership career acting as a mentor, colleague and friend across the continuum of care being Acute, Ambulatory and Post-Acute care.  Drew served in many leadership capacities, but always kept a focus on Clinical Operations because it’s where strategy and practice come together to serve the clinical team and ultimately provide the best possible care to the communities they serve.  
Life events happen when you least expect them and have the potential to change one’s life focus and course.  He had just moved for a new role leading a major tertiary campus.  Soon after his family’s arrival, COVID hit and as life changed for many, same did for Drew.  Drew began experiencing health events while working long, strenuous hours in a new home, city, state and organization.  Life events such as major family moves and new jobs can be stressful, but add into it an emerging pandemic and less than ideal health status to the mix.  Within 6-8wks, Drew experienced several health events that led to a hospital visit and soon after several clinic visits that resulted in the words if I don’t change my current lifestyle, there is a high probability within 5-10yrs I could have serious health events. This was Drew’s major wake up call and led to his re-ignited passion for Medicine and Lifestyle.  While he continues to focus through the lenses of an business leader, his interests and inspirations have shifted towards strategic innovations such as value (health) based care models and clinical integration efforts that are laser-focused on delivering high impact solutions that will impr
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Discover the enlightening journey of how GetSetUp, under the guidance of co-founder Lawrence Kosick, is redefining the engagement of aging adults with technology and wellness. In an engaging conversation, Lawrence unveils the origins of this transformative platform, born from a commitment to enhancing senior lives, particularly in the shadow of the pandemic's challenges. With a seamless blend of tech education and an enriching curriculum, GetSetUp emerges as a beacon for seniors seeking connection, activity, and mental sharpness within a digital realm crafted for their security and ease.

Venture into the landscape where health and wellness converge with the underserved, yet burgeoning market of the aging population. In an era where business acumen meets altruistic vision, we dissect the strategic importance of embracing this demographic, not only for entrepreneurial success but for the betterment of public health. The conversation illuminates the spectrum of programs GetSetUp offers, from nutritious cooking classes to dynamic exercise routines, all tailored by listening intently to the community's pulse.

Wrapping up, we examine how exercise professionals can significantly influence the senior care sector by forging alliances with health organizations and facilities.  The episode culminates with actionable insights on how fitness experts can integrate with the medical landscape, fostering a future where communication bridges are built, and the health of our older generation is fervently championed.

Show Notes Page:  https://www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode118

Our Guest: Lawrence Kosick
Lawrence is the co-founder of GetSetUp, a learning platform and community for older adults. He was inspired at a young age by the wisdom and potential of the older residents at his father's assisted living facility. With support from founders of LinkedIn, Yahoo, and Zynga, as well as executives from United Healthcare and Rally Health, Lawrence and co-founder Neil Dsouza launched GetSetUp, a virtual platform where older adults can discover and learn what they need to live happy, healthy, and independent lives. Previously, Lawrence oversaw Business Development and Partnerships for IFTTT, led Sight Machine's APAC operations, and was VP of Global Partnerships at Yahoo. Based in the Bay Area for the last 25 years, he is an avid cyclist and trail runner.


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Imagine transforming the darkest moments of your life into a beacon of hope for others. That's exactly what Lynne and Victor Brick did, channeling their personal pain into the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation. Join us as we uncover the power of fitness in mental wellness and discuss the foundation's pioneering Mental Wellbeing Certification. The Bricks' heartfelt stories, paired with their innovative approach, provide enlightening insights into how holistic lifestyle behaviors can serve as a cornerstone in the treatment and improvement of mental health.

As we wade through the aftermath of a global pandemic that has left an indelible mark on our collective mental health, the conversation has never been more pertinent. We tackle the importance of discovering a fitness routine that sparks joy and breeds consistency, underscoring the power of personal preference in fueling mental wellbeing. The episode navigates the nuanced interplay between different forms of exercise and specific mental health outcomes, arming fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike with science-backed strategies to champion mental health through movement.

In an era begging for collaboration, the trailblazing work of the John W. Brick Foundation and the Mental Wellbeing Association shines a light on the path forward. Delving into their extensive resources, we underscore the role of credible, scientifically validated wellness practices. By fostering a union between the fitness industry and medical professionals, the Bricks gift us a 'dose of happiness' roadmap, demonstrating the profound impact of knowledge and communication in revolutionizing mental health care and community wellbeing.

Show Notes Page: www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode117

Our Guests: Victor & Lynne Brick

Victor Brick, M.Ed. and Lynne Brick, B.S.N, M.A began their journey in the fitness industry over 40 years ago. They founded Brick Bodies Fitness Services which operates 3 full-service gyms in the Baltimore, MD area. 
In 2007 they co-founded Ohana Growth Partners, LLC (OGP) which is one of the largest franchisees in the Planet Fitness health club system, operating clubs throughout Maryland, Washington DC, Tennessee, Washington state, California, Florida, and Australia. OGP has earned numerous awards from Planet Fitness, including inaugural franchisee of the Year in 2014, Highest Average Brand Excellence Review (BER) Score winner in 2015, and Developer of the Year in 2014 and 2015. 
In 2015 Victor and Lynne founded the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation in memory of Victor’s oldest brother John, who suffered from schizophrenia and died of complications from the disease.  The mission of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation is to change the way the world treats mental health. They do this by funding and promoting research and programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices as part of the mental health care delivery system. In 2020 Victor and his wife Lynne were recipients of the Global Wellness Summit Debra Simon award for leadership in furthering mental wellness.


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For years we’ve understood the strong link between exercise and physical health. What has been underappreciated is the link between exercise, physical activity, and mental health. Our guest in episode 116, Dr. A'Naja Newsome knows this well, but also knows the narrative is changing. This paradigm shift is not a moment too soon given the severity of the mental health crisis in America. As Dr. Newsome points out in our conversation the burden of disease from mental illness is on par with chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Dr. Newsome reminds us that all is not lost. Physical activity and exercise can play a prominent role in reducing depression, anxiety, and help us cope with stressors better. Those of us who exercise regularly certainly know this already. Sadly, as we’ll discuss, this perspective isn’t adopted and broadly operationalized in the mental health community. Dr. Newsome is seeking to change that through her research, advocacy, and education of fitness professionals. Join us as we dive into the critical concepts fitness professionals need to consider about helping their clients improve their mental health and treat mental illness through movement.

Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode116

Our Guest: Dr. A'Naja Newsome PH.D., CEP, RCRSP
A respected educator with a doctorate in interdisciplinary education with an emphasis in exercise science, public health, measurement and research from the University of South Florida, Dr. Newsome is a nationally recognized presenter and has represented a number of leading organizations as a master trainer, including American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and Technogym USA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and master’s degree in Sport Administration. She is a Certified Exercise Physiologist through ACSM and Certified Health Coach through American Council on Exercise.


As an educational consultant with rigorous training in research and program evaluation, Dr. Newsome works to engage higher education professionals in organizational assessment with a broad focus on student wellbeing and a specific emphasis on the impact of physical activity and exercise on student success outcomes. She offers theoretical and practical solutions to communicate program utilization and effectiveness to a variety of stakeholders.




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