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Embark on a journey of self-discovery, health, and wellbeing with The Ripple Effect podcast by Awaken Pittsburgh. 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

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Episode 32: Annie To
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
In this powerful episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with actress and educator Annie To, known for her role on HBO’s The Pitt. Annie shares her journey navigating identity, healing generational trauma, and finding strength in storytelling. Together, they explore how representation in media can shift cultural narratives and create deeper connections across communities. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation on resilience, authenticity, and the ripple effects of embracing your truth.
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Episode 31: Dr. Danella Hafeman
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
In this warm and insightful episode of The Ripple Effect, Dr. Stephanie Romero hosts Dr. Danella Hafeman for a reflective conversation on mindfulness, mental health, and the intersection of personal practice with professional impact. The two reconnect over their shared roots in mindfulness training and discuss the evolution of Dr. Hafeman’s journey—from early exposure to meditation in high school and college to integrating mindfulness into her clinical work through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Hafeman shares how mindfulness became a cornerstone of both her personal growth and her research on emotion regulation among youth.
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Episode 30: David Wible
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero sits down with David Wible for a conversation about career evolution, connection, and purpose. David shares his unconventional journey from heavy industrial manufacturing to e-commerce and digital media, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his path. They explore the power of authentic connections—starting with something as simple as a cup of coffee—and how embracing change can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities. The discussion serves as an inspiring reminder of the ripple effect that small moments and relationships can have on our personal and professional lives.
Learn More About Tim's Services: https://www.vn-co.com/our-story.html
Purchase a copy of his book: https://a.co/d/bmmq3FO
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Episode 29: Tim Van Ness
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero welcomes special guest Tim Van Ness to explore the theme of "welcoming." Tim shares his lifelong journey with mindfulness and meditation, rooted in his upbringing as the son of a Presbyterian minister and a Christian educator. He discusses how his background in music, education, and theater shaped his understanding of presence, connection, and self-awareness. The conversation highlights the power of intentional listening, storytelling, and creating spaces where people feel truly seen and valued.
Learn More About Tim's Services: https://www.vn-co.com/our-story.html
Purchase a copy of his book: https://a.co/d/bmmq3FO
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Episode 28: Dr. Jay Huguley
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In this episode of The Ripple Effect with Dr. Stephanie Romero, Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with Dr. Jay Huguley to discuss their collaborative work and the broader impact of his research. They explore themes of social justice, systemic change, and the power of community-driven solutions. Dr. Huguley shares insights from his experience, offering thought-provoking perspectives on creating meaningful change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the intersection of research, advocacy, and real-world impact.
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Episode 27: Matt Price
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this engaging episode, Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with Matt Price for a thought-provoking conversation about transformation, adaptability, and the power of new beginnings. From rebranding a business to embracing change with confidence, this discussion offers valuable insights for anyone navigating personal or professional shifts. Don’t miss this inspiring exchange—listen now and ride the ripple of positive change!
Learn more about Matt: drumnexus.co
Matt Price is the founder of DrumNexus, a company specializing in drum circle facilitation that uses drumming and rhythm to bring people together. A lifelong drummer, Matt graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2009 and has been teaching drum lessons to individuals of all ages ever since. In 2017, he discovered the art of drum circle facilitation through Jim Donovan, sparking a passion that has led him to lead numerous drum circles for diverse groups and settings. Matt has also trained with Arthur Hull of Village Music Circles and is an active member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild.
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Episode 26: Larissa Evans
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
In this episode of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero Ed.D, Stephanie and guest Larissa Evans delve into Larissa's professional practice and its impact on her life. Larissa shares insights into her career journey, emphasizing the value of mindfulness, self-awareness, and dedication to personal growth.
The conversation explores themes of resilience, the influence of practice on decision-making, and strategies for achieving balance in challenging situations.
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Episode 25: JC Carter
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Stephanie Romero engages in a heartfelt conversation with JC Carter about the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation throughout different stages of life. JC reflects on beginning meditation as a child, exploring abstract concepts like infinite time and space, and later connecting to prayer, spirituality, and self-discovery. They also discuss nurturing in the context of mindfulness, likening it to a therapeutic process of reparenting, where one learns to deeply see, hear, and validate themselves. This rich dialogue highlights the importance of curiosity, playfulness, and compassion in personal growth.
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
Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

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.