With one-fifth of Americans living in chronic pain - and countless others carrying pain that is temporary, emotional, or unseen - Darcy Steinke invites us to reconsider something most of us try to avoid. She shares why she believes pain shapes not only the body, but the soul. Darcy has taught at Columbia University, NYU, Princeton, and the American University of Paris, and is the author of nine books, including This Is the Door: The Body, Pain, and Faith.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores how we can nurture both our mental and heart health, and Dr. Irfan Admani, chief of Cardiology at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can maintain heart health.

Healing doesn’t always happen in a doctor’s office. Sometimes it happens on a stage, through story, music, or the courage to begin again. Dr. Joan Liman is a physician, public health leader, producer, and performer whose journey took her from healing bodies in medicine to healing hearts through the performing arts. After holding senior leadership roles in medical education and hospital administration, she retired from medicine and stepped into a powerful second act—producing off-Broadway shows, performing in community theater, and telling her own story through her musical memoir, A LimanAde Life.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores how we can nurture both our mental and heart health.

This episode is sponsored by:

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Following a dream usually starts with a feeling you can’t quite shake, and then a whole lot of persistence along the way. Singer, songwriter, and musician, Stella Crispo, has been following that pull through music for most of her life. From early lessons to performing on stages both near and far, Stella’s journey is a powerful example of resilience - staying true to your passion while pushing through challenges and continuing to grow.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores the powerful practice of choosing a single word to guide your year with intention, focus, and purpose, and Dr. Raunak Singh, a board-certified physician in sports medicine, family medicine, and osteopathic manipulative treatment at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses the importance of staying fit.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Suzanne Trauth is a talented novelist, playwright, and former theatre professor. She is the author of the Dodie O’Dell mystery series, the suspense novel The First to Die, and the award-winning historical romance What Remains of Love. Her plays have been performed across the country, sharing powerful stories of resilience and hope. In addition to writing, Suzanne coaches actors and mentors creative talent within our community. Suzanne shares her inspiring journey and reveals how her storytelling continues to resonate and make an impact both locally and beyond.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores the powerful practice of choosing a single word to guide your year with intention, focus, and purpose, and Dr. Raunak Singh, a board-certified physician in sports medicine, family medicine, and osteopathic manipulative treatment at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses the importance of staying fit.

This episode is sponsored by:

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Organ donation is one of the most powerful gifts a human being can offer. For thousands of people living with advanced kidney disease, that gift is not just meaningful … it’s essential. Behind every successful transplant is the compassion of a donor and the tireless advocacy of people who fight to give patients hope. Donna Tissot dedicates her life to supporting individuals whose kidney disease has progressed to the point where a transplant is their path forward. Her passion, persistence, and heart have made her a voice for those waiting, hoping, and fighting for another tomorrow.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, offers strategies to navigate the holidays.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

The media has always played a powerful role in shaping how we see the world, but over the past few decades, that role has changed dramatically. From the trusted voices of evening newscasts to the endless scroll of social media, the way we get our news — and who we trust to deliver it — has evolved beyond recognition. These changes have left many of us wondering about the cost of this constant flood of information. Tina Pappas brings a wealth of insight to that conversation. She is a veteran journalist with decades of experience across television, cable, and local news. Early in her career, she landed an internship with the legendary Bill Beutel and went on to work at ABC News before expanding into various cable networks in New York City. After relocating to northern New Jersey, Tina returned to her roots in local reporting, where she is most proud of covering the issues that truly matter to her community.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, offers strategies to navigate the holidays, and Dr. Madouna Hanna, chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about the medical side of cosmetic enhancement.

This episode is sponsored by:

Advanced Foot Care of NJ

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

It’s never too late to chase a dream, rewrite your story, or start something entirely new. For many, the second act of life is where the real magic begins. Christine Hablitz is someone who’s living proof that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Christine has returned to school, serves as a councilwoman, organizes events that bring the Little Falls community together, and is constantly finding new ways to make a difference. She shares what it means to embrace change later in life, why community involvement matters, and how leaning into your next chapter can be the most fulfilling move you’ll ever make.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about the importance of gratitude, and Darien Eletto, chief clinical officer of Behavioral Health Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses why some depression doesn’t respond to standard treatment and what new options are offering hope.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Reading is more than just a fundamental skill, it's a gateway to opportunity, imagination, and lifelong learning. In a world increasingly shaped by digital media and fast-paced communication, the ability to read, understand, and critically engage with information is more important than ever. Linda Hoffman understands the transformative power of reading on a deeply personal and professional level. As the director of the Alfred Baumann Public Library, Linda has been a passionate advocate for literacy, learning, and community engagement. Under her leadership, the library has not only expanded its collection and programming but also deepened its impact as a vibrant, inclusive hub for readers of all ages.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about the importance of gratitude, and Darien Eletto, chief clinical officer of Behavioral Health Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses why some depression doesn’t respond to standard treatment and what new options are offering hope.

This episode is sponsored by:

Advanced Foot Care of NJ

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park