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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 Nov 05, 2024
Episode 21: Britt Dorazio
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Dr. Stephanie Romero and Britt Dorazio engage in a heartfelt conversation on The Ripple Effect podcast, where they explore the profound impact of kindness, mindfulness, and meditation. Britt shares her transformative journey with mindfulness, emphasizing how it has been a life-saving practice and discussing the importance of integrating these principles into everyday life to cultivate compassion and resilience.
Britt's Resource: Social Change Ecosystem Map
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 Oct 15, 2024
Episode 20: Alex Lisowski
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
In this episode of "The Ripple Effect Podcast," Stephanie and Alex Lisowski reflect on the role of appreciation and mindfulness in personal and professional growth. Alex shares his journey into mindfulness, which began after the loss of his mother, and how practices like yoga and meditation helped him process trauma and anxiety. The discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging both positive and negative experiences, with Alex emphasizing how appreciation—especially for challenging moments—can lead to 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

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Episode 19: Shawn Fertitta
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
In this episode of "The Ripple Effect Podcast," Stephanie Romero interviews Shawn Fertita, who shares his journey of overcoming depression through mindfulness and meditation, discussing the importance of appreciation, connection, and vulnerability in both personal practice and leadership, while also introducing a new retreat series aimed at fostering mindful workplaces and supportive team cultures.
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 Sep 17, 2024
Episode 18: Neysha Arcelay
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
On this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Stephanie Romero and Neysha Arclay delve into the theme of "welcoming," exploring how mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion can help individuals welcome life’s challenges with curiosity. Neysha shares her personal journey with meditation, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, emotional healing, and the ability to observe and welcome one's triggers. Together, they discuss how embracing imperfections and setting healthy boundaries can lead to personal growth and transformation.
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Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Episode 17: Jennifer Blue
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
In this episode of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero, special guest Jennifer Blue shares her journey into mindfulness, which began unexpectedly through writing and evolved into a life-changing practice that helped her navigate personal and professional challenges. The conversation explores how mindfulness can help individuals reclaim control of their lives, make conscious choices, and embrace non-attachment.
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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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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.