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Embark on a journey of self-discovery, health, and wellbeing with The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life podcast by Awaken. Dive deep into the transformative power of mindfulness as we uncover how our guests integrate it into their personal and professional lives, igniting ripples of positive change that resonate far beyond the present moment. Join us as we explore the profound impact of mindfulness practices on our mental health while navigating life’s challenges and fostering inner and outer peace.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery, health, and wellbeing with The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life podcast by Awaken. Dive deep into the transformative power of mindfulness as we uncover how our guests integrate it into their personal and professional lives, igniting ripples of positive change that resonate far beyond the present moment. Join us as we explore the profound impact of mindfulness practices on our mental health while navigating life’s challenges and fostering inner and outer peace.
Episodes

Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Episode 11: Alex Conley
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Our upcoming episode of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero features special guest Alex Conley, founder of KONO Nutrition. Alex's journey to health advocacy began at just four years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia, a severe blood and bone marrow cancer. After a grueling battle, he celebrated his twelfth birthday cancer-free, a milestone that ignited his lifelong passion for health and fitness. His personal experience and professional insights led him to dedicate his life to helping others navigate the complexities of modern health challenges.
Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Episode 10: Danielle Thum
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
In this edition of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero, Stephanie is joined by Danielle Thum. Danielle serves as the Health & Prevention Program Manager at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Family Care Connection centers. With her extensive experience working closely with families and staff, Danielle has developed a deep understanding of the daily struggles families in our region face in accessing healthcare services and meeting basic health needs. She collaborates with the Community Health team to integrate family input, co-create meaningful health and prevention programs, and address social determinants of health.
Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Episode 9: Dan Jarvis
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
In this edition of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero, Stephanie talks trauma recovery with Dan Jarvis. A retired Deputy Sheriff and Army Combat Veteran, Dan is the co-founder of 22ZERO, an organization dedicated to ending the suicide epidemic in military and first responder communities. He also helped form Anxiety Guys, LLC to provide non-clinical interventions to civilians, addressing the overwhelming requests for help through 22ZERO. Join Stephanie and Dan as they delve into his journey, the mission of 22ZERO, and how innovative approaches are making a significant impact on trauma recovery and mental health support.
Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Tuesday May 21, 2024
Episode 8: Julius Boatwright, MSW, LSW
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
In this episode, we are honored to have Julius A. Boatwright, MSW, LSW, the Founder and Managing Director of Steel Smiling, join us to discuss the importance of kindness during Mental Health Awareness Month. With a wealth of experience in community mental health, nonprofit leadership, and trauma-informed practices, Julius will share his insights on fostering mental wellness and the impact of kindness on our communities.
Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Tuesday May 07, 2024
Episode 7: MaryBeth Salama
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
In this enlightening episode of "The Ripple Effect with Dr. Stephanie Romero," we delve into the profound impact of kindness in our daily lives, drawing insights from the remarkable journey of special guest MaryBeth Salama M.D.. With a wealth of experience as a retired Family Physician specializing in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, MaryBeth has dedicated her life to serving others, even in her retirement.
As Dr. Stephanie Romero guides the conversation, MaryBeth shares how her work experiences have shaped her understanding of kindness and compassion, and how she has seamlessly integrated these principles into her everyday life. From her volunteer work at Awaken and The Neighborhood Resilience Project, providing healthcare to the uninsured, to her involvement with 412 Food Rescue, combating local hunger by redistributing surplus food, MaryBeth exemplifies the transformative power of kindness in action.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into practical ways to infuse kindness into their own lives, drawing from MaryBeth's wisdom and expertise. Additionally, MaryBeth discusses her role as a faculty member at The Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH), highlighting the importance of effective communication and nurturing relationships in the healthcare setting.
Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Episode 6: Dawn Lehman
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
In this enlightening episode of The Ripple Effect, we're joined by Dawn Lehman, an expert in mediation and restorative practices. With over a decade of experience in conflict resolution, Dawn has facilitated more than 100 restorative dialogues addressing issues ranging from minor school infractions to serious violent felonies. A Professional Coach and a steadfast practitioner of mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge on living in alignment with one's ideals.
Throughout our discussion, Dawn shares her insights on how individuals, organizations, and communities can foster environments that reflect shared values and support mutual growth. She delves into the transformative power of restorative practices in healing and strengthening relationships, and provides practical advice for anyone looking to navigate conflicts with grace and effectiveness.
Join us as Dawn Lehman enlightens us on the paths towards peace and understanding, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others, reinforcing the profound impact of mindfulness and empathy in everyday life. Whether you're dealing with personal challenges or professional disputes, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to create more harmonious and effective interactions in their life. Tune in to discover how you can be a part of the ripple effect that transforms conflict into collaboration.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Episode 5: Dr. Randy Bartlett
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
In this enriching episode of The Ripple Effect, host Stephanie Romero welcomes a visionary in the world of education, Randy Bartlett, the Head of School and Founder at City of Bridges High School. With a profound journey spanning over two decades in education and non-profit organizations, Randy has shaped minds across various roles—public school teacher, principal, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and more. His extensive academic background, including a BA in History and Religion, a M.Ed. in Integrated Learning, a certificate in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change, underscores his deep commitment to transformative education.
As someone who has designed and directed the Pittsburgh Urban Teaching Corp and imparts wisdom at Chatham University, Randy brings a wealth of experience and insight into creating educational environments that thrive on mindfulness and appreciation. This conversation delves into how educators can integrate these values into their teaching methodologies to cultivate a more empathetic, aware, and engaged student body.
Stephanie and Randy explore the practicalities and philosophies behind making educational spaces not just centers of learning but sanctuaries of growth and personal development. They discuss the impact of mindfulness practices in the classroom, the power of appreciating diverse perspectives, and the importance of nurturing emotional and social intelligence alongside academic achievements.
Listeners will leave this episode inspired by Randy’s innovative approaches to education, armed with practical tips and thoughtful strategies to bring mindfulness and appreciation into their own educational practices or learning environments. Whether you're an educator, parent, or someone passionate about positive change in education, this episode offers valuable insights into creating more inclusive, mindful, and appreciative educational experiences for all.
Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Episode 4: Brian Walsh
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
We've got a special treat for you on "The Ripple Effect Podcast with Stephanie Romero" this week. Dive into the fascinating world of Online Content Design with none other than Brian Walsh as our guest!
Brian, a proud alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Supply Chain Management, found his calling through mindfulness and giving back to the community. His journey with Awaken Pittsburgh since 2020 has been nothing short of inspiring, emphasizing the transformative power of welcoming not just for the self but for everyone around us.
Join us as Brian opens up about welcoming us into his unique world of Online Content Design. It's an episode filled with insights, stories, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from truly embracing the art of mindfulness and community service.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Tune in to "The Ripple Effect Podcast with Stephanie Romero" on your favorite podcast platform. Whether you're on your morning walk, driving to work, or just looking for some inspiration, let Brian's journey remind you of the incredible impact mindfulness can have on our lives and careers.
Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

The Ripple Effect
Welcome to The Ripple Effect Podcast with your host, Stephanie Romero, Ed. D. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the concept of mindfulness, this conversation promises to inspire, educate, and perhaps most importantly, encourage you to improve your mental health by incorporating the principles of mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine. Discover how the subtle yet powerful practice of mindfulness can create ripples of change in your life, leading to a more centered, balanced, and fulfilling existence.
Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a transformative journey with The Ripple Effect Podcast, where every episode is an invitation to explore the depths of your being and unlock the potential within.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.