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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

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Episode 16: Richard Stachel
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Stephanie Romero, Ed.D., sits down with Richard Stachel, the Board President of Awaken Pittsburgh and a lifelong practitioner of transcendental meditation. Richard, who is also a university professor and director of the Healthcare Administration Program at Gannon University, shares insights from his extensive research on mindfulness and well-being. They delve into his journey with meditation, beginning in his early teens, and how it has influenced his personal and professional life. Richard discusses his research on improving the subjective well-being of COPD patients through digital tools, as well as his current work exploring the impact of loneliness on college freshmen. This conversation offers a deep exploration of the role of awareness in fostering mental health and resilience in both individuals and 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 Aug 06, 2024
Episode 15: Jackson Kerchis
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
We're excited to invite you to tune into the latest edition of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero, Ed.D. This episode features a compelling conversation with our special guest, Jackson Kerchis. Jackson Kerchis is a speaker, author, and trusted adviser to the US military and private sector clients on employee happiness. He prefers the job title given to him by a Canadian radio host: "Happiness Nerd." He is passionate about happiness research and education. As a former startup executive, management consultant, and Zen monk he brings a unique perspective to the how of happiness. As a program deliverer with Awaken Pittsburgh he loves helping people build the habits of mind which are the foundation for happiness. This is something he covers in his recent book "How to Stick to Meditation: The Science of Habit Meets the Art of Mindfulness."
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Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Episode 14: Summerly Kelly
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
In this edition of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero, Ed.D., we are thrilled to welcome our special guest, Summerly Kelly. Summerly, a graduate of Point Park University with a degree in psychology, is deeply passionate about holistic healing. Her journey through spiritual and psychological contemplation has led her to explore and practice mindfulness meditation and nervous system regulation, which have been instrumental in her own healing. Summerly's dedication to homeopathy and self-care practices, including yoga, has enabled her to overcome chronic pain and achieve a balanced life. Join us as we delve into her transformative experiences and insights on holistic wellness.
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Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Episode 13: Richard Citrin, PhD
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tune in to this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast with Stephanie Romero, Ed.D! This week, we're thrilled to feature Dr. Richard Citrin, a distinguished clinical psychologist, healthcare entrepreneur, and leadership advisor. Join us as Dr. Citrin shares his unique insights on leadership, talent development, and how we can harness our strengths to create real change and success.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation with one of the foremost experts in bridging the gap between business and psychology!
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 Jul 09, 2024
Episode 12: Ashley Cifone
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero, Ed.D., sits down with Ashley Cifone to explore the transformative journey of unlearning individualism and fostering community through nurturing practices. Ashley Cifone, a dedicated counselor and advocate for collective liberation, brings her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to the conversation. With a career spanning over 20 years in service to children and their families, Ashley has seamlessly integrated mindfulness into her approach, promoting deep emotional connections and resilience. Join Stephanie and Ashley as they delve into the significance of relationships in personal growth and the role of mindfulness in nurturing community. Together, they discuss practical strategies for incorporating mindfulness into daily life and the broader impact of social justice work in dismantling systems of oppression.
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 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

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.