• EP #1618: Make this January VeganuaryFor Ultimate Self-Care
    Jan 27 2026

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    Could you go vegan for one month?Many people make the choice to go vegan or vegetarian for their health, but some individuals also make that decision based on a love for animals or to help protect the planet.

    Launched in the UK in January 2014, Veganuary (pronounced vee-gan-uary) is a global campaign that encourages people to try vegan for January.

    Veganuary aims to reduce the suffering of animals by inspiring and supporting people across the globe to go vegan.

    As a non-profit organization, Veganuary is dedicated to changing public attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and enjoyable as possible. Veganuary has had an incredible degree of success in a very short time and is changing lives all over the world.

    Clea Grady is Veganuary’s Marketing Manager. A vegetarian since the age of 12, she became a vegan after participating in Veganuary. Describing herself as “an unconscious vegetarian, but a very conscious vegan,” Clea is passionate about sharing information and ideas, and inspiring others to take part in Veganuary.

    Clea joins Andrea and Lisa to share more about the organization, as well as how you can get involved.

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    10 min
  • EP #1617: How to Protect You Dog from the Deadly Dog Virus Parvo.
    Jan 22 2026

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    Summary

    Elanco Animal Health launched a national campaign to spread awareness about the start of the deadly season for canine parvovirus, one of the most contagious and deadly dog viruses. Dr. Jen Miller explains that parvovirus primarily affects young puppies that are either not vaccinated or not completely through their vaccine series. The virus is spread through contaminated feces and can live in the environment for a long time. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool, and if left untreated, the death rate can be as high as 91%. Elanco's Parvo is Poop campaign aims to increase awareness about parvovirus and provide resources for pet owners to find vets and treatment options.

    Keywordscanine parvovirus, dog virus, deadly virus, contagious, puppies, vaccination, symptoms, treatment, awareness campaign

    Takeaways

    • Canine parvovirus primarily affects young puppies that are not vaccinated or not completely through their vaccine series.
    • The virus is spread through contaminated feces and can live in the environment for a long time.
    • Symptoms of parvovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.
    • Early intervention and treatment are crucial for a better outcome.
    • Elanco's Parvo is Poop campaign aims to increase awareness about parvovirus and provide resources for pet owners.



    Sound Bites

    • "Canine parvovirus, one of the most contagious and deadly dog viruses"
    • "Parvovirus primarily affects young puppies that are either not vaccinated or not completely through their vaccine series"
    • "Parvovirus is spread from contaminated feces or poop"


    Chapters00:00Introduction and the Start of the Parvovirus Season
    08:24The Parvo is Poop Campaign
    15:53Elanco's Mission to Save Puppies from Parvovirus


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    25 min
  • EP #1616: Making New Year's Resolutions You'll Keep For Ultimate Self-Care
    Jan 20 2026

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    While some individuals can follow through with New Year's resolutions, research shows that certain people are more susceptible to failure.The new year is a time when many people make promises to "do better" or "work harder."

    While some individuals can follow through with these resolutions, research shows that certain people are more susceptible to failure. For instance, people who don't like exercising or eating healthy and who may be in recovery from an addiction will fall off the wagon when they've had a close encounter with someone who gives them grief.

    Mark Goulston, MD, author of Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life, says there are ways to combat both the negative people and the tendency to fail.

    It's a very simple plan. Take a sheet of paper and put a line down the middle. On the left side, list the people who drain the life out of you. On the right side, list all the people who give you energy. Then, make a commitment for 30 days (and eventually for a lifetime) to minimize your exposure to the people on the left and maximize the time you spend with the people on the right.

    A key part of the success of this plan is to thank the people on the right.

    Dr. Goulston explains the three parts of a "power thank you." When you contact the recipient, take these steps:

    1. "You did this for me." (be specific)
    2. "You went out of your way."
    3. Explain what it personally means to you.


    Listen in as Dr. Goulston shares more ideas for keeping those resolutions and minimizing the negative people in your life.

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    10 min
  • EP #1615: How a Challenging Pet Relationship Can Lead to Unexpected Personal Growth and Healing
    Jan 15 2026

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    Have you ever wondered if your pet is trying to teach you something about love and healing?

    Many people adopt pets hoping for companionship and love, but sometimes, those pets come with unexpected challenges. This episode delves into a story about a dog with severe anxiety and the profound impact she has on her owner's journey of self-discovery.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • How a challenging pet relationship can lead to unexpected personal growth and healing.
    • Learn about the lengths one person will go to for their beloved animal, from unconventional treatments to emotional exploration.
    • Explore the powerful lessons of selflessness and unconditional love that can be found in the bond between humans and their pets.

    Press play to hear a heartwarming story of how a golden retriever named Edie helped her owner, Meredith, open her heart and heal her past.

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    45 min
  • EP #1614: Resolutions vs. Lifestyle Choices For Ultimate Self-Care
    Jan 13 2026

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    Instead of resolutions this year, perhaps you can take a hard look at some of your lifestyle choices.Immediately after the clock strikes midnight on January 1, many people are geared up for their New Year's resolutions.

    It's evidenced mostly at your now-busy gym. If you're a regular gym-goer, have no fear... it's predicted to be back to "normal" as soon as January 17.

    Why do so many people fail at resolutions?

    For one, resolutions present a great deal of pressure. If you're not ready to actually make adjustments in your life, you're not going to change.

    If you're resistant to change, you need to discover why you're experiencing that resistance. Are others sabotaging your health goals? Are you fearful of change? Are your goals just a bit too lofty?

    Instead of resolutions this year, perhaps you can take a hard look at some of your lifestyle choices. You don't have to wait for January 1 to start, either. You can take note of certain behaviors at any time, and then make the decision to work on them.

    Listen in as Naturally Savvy hosts Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis present some tips for making better lifestyle choices this year and beyond.

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    10 min
  • EP #1613: BOOK:"Another Good Dog: Our Family and Fifty Foster Dogs." AUTHOR: Cara Sue Achterberg
    Jan 8 2026

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    A regular listener Ray brought to my attention that Cara's sound was much lower than mine. I have no idea how that happened. I put together every show and I must have hit something just before bouncing the file. Anyway, I evened out the sound and it's a MUST LISTEN. Cara is phenomenal and so is her book!

    Lisa is joined by Cara Sue Achterberg who talks with Lisa about her book, "Another Good Dog: Our Family and Fifty Foster Dogs."

    Cara shares her experience fostering fifty dogs and in this interview you will get to hear about quite a few of them. In addition Cara's book and this interview touches on mothering older children who don't need you quite as much and the challenges that comes with that.

    Cara Achterberg is the author of seven books, a creative writing teacher, and a shelter dog advocate. Her memoir, Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs was a People magazine ‘people’s pick’ and featured on the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family Show. Her book, One Hundred Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues led to Cara cofound Who Will Let the Dogs Out, a nonprofit initiative to raise awareness and resources for shelter dogs. Cara lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband, three rescue dogs, and a rotating cast of foster dogs and cats. For more information visit CaraWrites.com.BOOK DESCRIPTION:

    In 2015, Cara Achterberg’s Pennsylvania farm became a haven for Operation Paws for Homes, which rescues dogs from high-kill shelters in the rural south and shuttles them north to foster homes. Nine puppies arrived with less than a day’s notice; a heart-worm positive dog; a deeply traumatized stray pup from Iraq; and countless others who just needed a gentle touch and a warm place to sleep. The stories of these remarkable dogs—including an eighty-pound bloodhound who sang arias for the neighbors—and the joy they bring to Cara and her family (along with a few chewed sofa cushions) fill the pages of this touching and inspiring book.When asked how she can possibly say goodbye to that many lovable pups, Cara says, “If I don’t give this one away, I can’t possibly save another.” Filled with humanity and hope, Another Good Dog will take the reader on a journey of smiles, laughs, and tears—and lead us to wonder how many other good dogs are out there and what we can do to help.

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    58 min
  • EP #1612: How to Make the Most Out of the New Year (Hint: Start with Self-Care)
    Jan 6 2026

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    How can you make the most out of the coming year?With the new year comes exciting possibilities.

    How can you make the most out of the coming year?

    A big part of that is discovering what you love and how to make more time for that.

    Oftentimes, it can be as simple as one word, such as "balance."

    Another tactic is to identify your old belief systems and work on changing them.

    For example, if you're constantly berating yourself with negative self-talk, try listening to yourself like you are your own best friend.

    Would you say to a friend, "You're worthless" or "You can't do anything right"? Not likely. You need to learn how to speak to yourself in a loving way.

    Shaman Isabella Stoloff, founder of the Orange County Healing Center in Southern California, joins Naturally Savvy hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about how you can make the most out of this year, as well as specific ways you can leave the negative behind.

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    10 min
  • EP #1611: How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Codependent Behaviors for Healthier Relationships
    Dec 30 2025

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    Do you often find yourself putting others' needs before your own, sometimes to your own detriment?

    This episode explores the often blurry line between empathy and codependency, offering clarity on how to support others without sacrificing your own well-being. It addresses the common struggle of wanting to help while maintaining healthy boundaries.

    Listeners will learn:

    • How to distinguish between healthy empathy and codependent behaviors, recognizing the signs of self-sacrifice.
    • The importance of setting and maintaining boundaries when helping others, preventing overextension and resentment.
    • Practical strategies for offering support without imposing solutions, fostering independence and self-reliance in those you care about.

    Click here to listen and discover how to nurture healthy relationships by understanding the difference between empathy and codependency.

    Keywords: codependency, empathy, helping others, sacrifices, boundaries

    TO WORK WITH DR. JOHN - text him here: 719-310-9495 and let him know you are interested in a 15 minute FREE consultation.

    Get Dr. John's books here:


    Making Movies in Our Minds: Working Through Our Anxiety - July 3, 2023:


    https://tinyurl.com/b7kp2etk


    Connecting In A Disconnected World: Activities That Build Connections With Children:

    https://tinyurl.com/53vswdby



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    24 min