The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux

Cynthia Besteman was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and threw out all of her toxic skincare products when she realized that they weren't the "natural" products they promised to be. In 2015 Violets Are Blue is launched. She used her knowledge and passion for naturally-derived skincare ingredients to formulate a consciously-produced line of products, each one a true labor of love. In addition to developing new products for the Signature and Beloved lines, Cynthia provides patients at the Mt. Sinai Dubin Breast Center in NYC with a gifted package of Beloved products upon their first day of chemotherapy. She is also proud to have created a company that supports women helping women, with 10% of the purchase price of all products going toward skincare donations for cancer patients. Born in Seattle, Cynthia first landed in New York City determined to find her way as an actress, after completing a major in theater at the University of Oregon. She worked on Broadway for 10 years before checking out the real estate scene and quickly became one of the top brokers in the city. After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, Cynthia's successful career in the cutthroat world of New York City real estate came to a skidding halt. While undergoing treatment, one of her first actions was to toss out all beauty products containing unsafe chemicals and synthetic fragrances, leaving her medicine cabinet bare. She was shocked by the mislabeling of many skincare and beauty products that were classified as "natural" while containing parabens, sulfates, and other chemicals known to work as endocrine disruptors linked to cancer and reproductive concerns. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Cynthia wanted to bring dignity back to the women being treated for breast cancer. She created her "Beloved" line which is specifically formulated for women dealing with cancer. Cynthia wants women dealing with breast cancer to be called "warriors" instead of "thrivers and survivors" as she believes that puts too much pressure on people. She helped with the Cancer Wellness Expo in New York City – inviting "ultimate warriors" to come together. Loves speaking about her journey – because you can go through something and come out better. She launched her company in her 50s. She says if you know you want to make changes in your life – take action. As long as you have the passion or start the journey to find the passion – it's exciting. CYNTHIA'S 3 BEST TIPS FOR LIVING A GOOD LIFE: Be authentic to you not to anyone else. It's never too late to start something new. It makes you feel younger. Find humor in every circumstance. RESOURCES MENTIONED Safer Cosmetics article with more information on the cosmetic industry. EWG Violets are Blue Skincare on IG Michele on Instagram This episode was sponsored by Design a Life You Love, A Woman's Guide to Living a Happier and More Fulfilled Life. My book includes 52 inspirations, one for every week of the year, each with practical tips to guide you to self-love and success on your own terms. It's a short book that you can read in about an hour, but includes life lessons that will last a lifetime. Thank you for listening to the show!

I am excited to be taking two months off while working on the next season of The Good Life Coach podcast. Please do take good care of yourself and prioritize what matters – family, friends, your health, and having fun! Much love, Michele To access the show notes and Join my newsletter to get a FREE copy of my book, "Design a Life You Love". Michele's Book: Design a Life You Love – To buy a copy for yourself or a friend. Michele on Instagram – reach out and let me know what content you want more of. Thank you for listening to the show!

What are the daily habits that help to optimize your health? How important is sleep? Should you do intermittent fasting and if so, what is the safest way for women to do it? These are just some of the questions I ask Julia Hayes, board certified holistic health coach and integrative health practitioner. If you want to learn how to easily implement healthy habits for optimal health, this episode is for you! All of the show notes and resources mentioned can be found at https://thegoodlifecoach.com/185 This interview is for entertainment purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor or trusted healthcare practitioner for all of your health needs. While on the show notes page, we'd love for you to join our newsletter. You'll receive more inspiration and tips to love yourself and your life. You'll also get a FREE copy of Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love (available for a limited time). WHAT WE DISCUSS: 1️⃣ How to create a foundation for optimal health by incorporating key daily habits. 2️⃣ Why it is better to add in more good foods to your diet instead of focus on restriction. 3️⃣ The importance of protein with every meal. 4️⃣ How women can incorporate daily intermittent fasting safely. 5️⃣ How to create a healthy plate of food for both adults and children. 6️⃣ The importance of sleep and what to do to set yourself up for a good night's sleep. 7️⃣ Sleep tracker tool we both use, and more. RESOURCES MENTIONED Michele on Instagram Michele's Book My interview with Julia Hayes on her podcast talking about using your intuition and the value of self-care Julia on IG: https://www.instagram.com/juliahayeswellness/?hl=en The IG Live I did with Julia on boosting immunity while getting glowing skin. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CT2nBW_o4mr/?utm_medium=copy_link Website: https://equi.life/ – for morning smoothie with vitamins. I am not an affiliate. The Oura Ring – I am not an affiliate. ABOUT THE GUEST Julia Hayes is a board certified holistic health coach and integrative health practitioner. She has been working in the health and fitness space for close to 15 years. She has a passion for educating clients on the way their bodies may be deficient or toxic and how addressing these imbalances leads to a more empowered and fulfilling life. Thank you for listening to the show!

Have you ever heard of the term Highly Sensitive Person ("HSP")? If you've wondered what an HSP is and whether you are one the of the twenty percent that is born that way, you're going to love this conversation. Expert Coach, Heather Dominick is on the show to dive into some of the characteristics – both the strengths and challenges or as she calls them, the shadow side. She is an HSP and a successful entrepreneur and teaches leaders and entrepreneurs how to navigate their nervous system so they can be too. All of the show notes and resources mentioned can be found at https://thegoodlifecoach.com/184 While on the show notes page, we'd love for you to join our newsletter. You'll receive more inspiration and tips to love yourself and your life. You'll also get a FREE copy of Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love (available for a limited time). WHAT WE DISCUSS: 1️⃣ The definition of a Highly Sensitive Person ("HSP"). 2️⃣ Whether a HSPs also tend to be empaths and how that is different from being empathetic. 3️⃣ If HSPs are more tuned into their intuition. 4️⃣ Some of the key strengths of being a HSP. 5️⃣ A few of the shadow sides of being HSP and why it's important to learn how to manage this side. 6️⃣ How Heather ended up combining being an HSP with A Course in Miracles to create "A Course in Business Miracles" to benefit her clients. 7️⃣ Why owning how being a HSP makes you different in a good way, her upcoming book, and more. RESOURCES MENTIONED Michele on Instagram Michele's Book Website: https://www.businessmiracles.com/ IG: Heather on IG Book: Will post when it is available but you can learn more on Heather's website/ Book: The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine Aron ABOUT THE GUEST Can you be highly successful and highly sensitive at the same time?Heather Dominick is a woman who is impressively successful, and highly sensitive. A former high school drama teacher who collaborated with none other than Bette Midler. A graduate of NYU where she received her first coach training. Heather is the winner of the 2015 Best of Manhattan Coaching Award and creator of the 2014 Stevie Award winning virtual event A Course In Business Miracles : 21-Day Discovery Series that attracted close to 6,000 official registrants from all around the world including: Iceland, Nigeria, Russia, Asia, South America, Australia, Europe and the U.S.She has appeared on Lifetime Television and has been published in numerous books including Stepping Stones to Success alongside Deepak Chopra. An exceptional facilitator and teacher Heather is known for creating a safe, sacred environment for true transformation whether delivering training online or in-person. Since 2010, Heather has taught thousands of Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs and Leaders from around the globe how to release life-long limiting beliefs , overcome fears and develop new leadership skills in order to make more impact and more income – with less effort – by doing things differently. Thank you for listening to the show!

Dr. Sara Gottfried, New York Times best-selling author of numerous books geared to empower women with the information they need to live healthier lives joins us to shed light on the relationship between our hormones and food. We discuss her most recent book, Women, Food, and Hormones: A 4-Week Plan to Achieve Hormonal Balance, Lose Weight, and Feel Like Yourself Again. If you want to understand your hormones and how to be healthy, strong, and to create balance in your life – you are going to love this conversation! All of the show notes can be found at thegoodlifecoach.com/183. While on the show notes page, I'd love for you to join our community. You'll receive more inspiration and tips to love yourself and your life. You'll get a FREE copy of Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love. WHAT WE DISCUSS: 1️⃣ What is precision medicine and why it is way she practices medicine. 2️⃣ How healthcare should focus more on personalization and bio-individuality, rather than focus on the population, which is the medicine of the average. 3️⃣ Why women need to demand better care and ask doctors to look at root cause. 4️⃣ Why we need to eat in a way that regulates our hormones, from insulin to estrogen. 5️⃣ How anxiety and depression can be impacted by hormones being out of balance. 6️⃣ Why classic keto doesn't work for many women. 7️⃣ The Gottfried Protocol and how to approach eating for metabolic health. 8️⃣ The important role testosterone plays in women's health. 9️⃣ Dr. Gottfried's daily morning routine and one thing not to do to begin your day, and much more! RESOURCES MENTIONED Website: Dr. Gottfried's website with more resources Book: Women, Food, and Hormones – Book Instagram: Dr. Gottfried Integrative Practice: Dr. Gottfried Michele on Instagram MORE ABOUT DR SARA GOTTFRIED: Sara Gottfried, MD is a board-certified physician, researcher, educator, and NYT bestselling author. She graduated from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and completed residency at the University of California at San Francisco. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Gottfried has seen more than 25,000 patients and specializes in identifying the underlying cause of her patients' conditions to achieve true and lasting health transformations, not just symptom management.Dr. Gottfried is a global keynote speaker who practices evidence-based integrative, functional, and precision medicine. She is Clinical Assistant Professor in Dept. of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, and Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health.Her three New York Times bestselling books include: The Hormone Cure, The Hormone Reset Diet, and Younger. Her new book just came out in September 2021, called Women, Food, and Hormones. Learn more at SaraGottfriedMD.com Thank you for listening to the show!

This is a 10- minute solo-cast inviting you to get connected to what you truly desire and to more of you back into your life. When we are too busy and unable to make time to get still we are can't hear the parts of us asking for more connection, rest, time alone, exercise, creative expression or whatever it is we need. I'll ask you to stop for a minute to ask you some questions to get you re-connected to you. To live a fulfilled life it's important to make space for you. I hope you find it helpful and please share it with anyone who would benefit from it. To access the show notes and Join my newsletter to get a FREE copy of my book, "Design a Life You Love". Michele's Book: Design a Life You Love – To buy a copy for yourself or a friend. Michele on Instagram – reach out and let me know what content you want more of. Thank you for listening to the show!

Did you know that what you eat can impact your mental health? Dr. Uma Naidoo is a Harvard trained psychiatrist, who has studied nutrition and is a trained professional chef. She helps us understand the gut-brain connection and how what we eat can have a direct impact on our mental well-being. In her book, "This is Your Brain on Food," she teaches us how our diet can fight depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, ADHD and more. We dive into her research in this interview and you will learn so much! All of the show notes and resources mentioned can be found at https://thegoodlifecoach.com/181 While on the show notes page, we'd love for you to join our newsletter. You'll receive more inspiration and tips to love yourself and your life. You'll also get a FREE copy of Michele's Book, Design a Life You Love (available for a limited time). WHAT WE DISCUSS: 1️⃣ How she became a pioneer in nutritional psychiatry. She also defines what that means for those who are unfamiliar with the term. 2️⃣ How she realized nutrition was an important part of mental health and decided to incorporate it into her practice. 3️⃣ How the pandemic shed a spotlight on the mental health crisis and just how important what you eat is to your mental and physical health. 4️⃣ The gut-brain relationship. 5️⃣ The impact inflammation has on your mental health. 6️⃣ Specific foods that make anxiety worse and others that help relieve it. 7️⃣ What Dr. Naidoo eats in a day to maintain a healthy gut-brain relationship, and more. RESOURCES MENTIONED Michele on Instagram Michele's Book Book: This is Your Brain on Food Website: https://umanaidoomd.com/ IG: Dr Uma Naidoo on IG ABOUT THE GUEST Michelin-starred chef David Bouley described Dr. Uma Naidoo as the world's first "triple threat" in the food and medicine space: a Harvard trained psychiatrist, Professional Chef graduating with her culinary schools' most coveted award, and a trained Nutrition Specialist. Her nexus of interests have found their niche in Nutritional Psychiatry. Dr. Naidoo founded and directs the first hospital-based Nutritional Psychiatry Service in the United States. She is the Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) & Director of Nutritional Psychiatry at MGH Academy while serving on the faculty at Harvard Medical School. She was considered Harvard's Mood-Food expert and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Dr. Naidoo is also the national best selling author of This Is Your Brain On Food. In her book, she shows the cutting-edge science explaining the ways in which food contributes to our mental health and how a sound diet can help treat and prevent a wide range of psychological and cognitive health issues, from ADHD to anxiety, depression, OCD, and others. Thank you for listening to the show!

This is a 12- minute solo-cast inviting you to let go of worry, fear, and the feeling of disconnection from everyone. In this episode I'll guide you with a brief meditation to connect to love and our humanity — to remind you we are one. This is not my typical show but I wanted to offer a way to stay grounded and joyful, even for just a few minutes. Please share it with anyone who would benefit from it. To access the show notes and Join my newsletter to get a FREE copy of my book, "Design a Life You Love". Michele's Book: Design a Life You Love – To buy a copy for yourself or a friend. Michele on Instagram Thank you for listening to the show!

How do we reclaim our authentic self and live life with our full, true voice expressed? That is what you'll learn about in this beautiful interview with Dr. Thema Bryant, the best-selling author of Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self Dr. Thema is a clinical psychologist and ordained minister. She explains why we get disconnected and how we can come back to ourselves in spite of the stress and traumas we may experience. This is a beautiful and uplifting conversation and you can tune in now to access the show notes and link to her book at https://thegoodlifecoach.com/179 Join my newsletter and get a free copy of my book, "Design a Life You Love". WE DISCUSS: 1️⃣ What is homecoming and how do we get on our path to reconnecting to our true voice. 2️⃣ Signs we are disconnected from ourselves. 3️⃣ What gets us disconnected and specific things we can do to get on the path to reclaiming ourselves. 4️⃣ How people pleasing is one way we disconnect from ourselves. 5️⃣ If everyone has a vocation and how we can get attuned what ours is. 6️⃣ How the energy we put out into the world isn't always what is reflected back to us. 7️⃣ Suggestions of spiritual practices we can incorporate and begin our days with so we fill our own cups every morning. 8️⃣ A beautiful prayer that she shares with us from her book, and more. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Thema Bryant is a clinical psychologist and president-elect of the American Psychological Association. She is also a professor of psychology at Pepperdine University and an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Thema earned her doctorate from Duke University and completed her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. With more than twenty years of experience in trauma recovery, she has appeared as a mental health expert on television, radio, and print media. Dr. Thema raises awareness about mental health issues on The Homecoming Podcast and her social media platforms. RESOURCES MENTIONED Book: Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self Website: https://drthema.com/ Podcast: Homecoming Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.thema/?hl=en Michele's Book: Design a Life You Love Michele on Instagram Thank you for listening to the show!

"Stress can drive aging forward like gasoline on a fire." – Dr. Fitzgerald Can we reverse our biological age and create a healthier life? That is what we explore with the cutting edge research of Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, the author of "Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better". "By eating delicious foods and establishing common-sense lifestyle, study participants reduced their bio age by just over 3 years in only eight weeks!" Dr. Fitzgerald helps us understand epigenetics, the role of DNA methylation in aging, the future of nutritional epigenetics, and more! This is a fascinating conversation and you can tune in now and access the show note at https://thegoodlifecoach.com/178 Join my newsletter and get a free copy of my book, "Design a Life You Love". WE DISCUSS: 1️⃣ Epigenetics – the science of studying what turns on gene expression. 2️⃣ The way we turn gene expression on and off is through DNA methylation. 3️⃣ How as we age our DNA methylation starts getting "wonky" and how lifestyle management can help. 4️⃣ How bio age is the biggest risk factor for chronic disease. 5️⃣ Her study and how it showed that they could turn back aging by just over 3 years in 8 weeks. 6️⃣ How reversing biological age by just one year would save trillions on healthcare in the US 7️⃣ The studies that show how our ancestors trauma impacts our gene expression. 8️⃣ "Meditation can change our epigenetics towards longevity." – Dr. Fitzgerald ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Kara Fitzgerald is the first-ever recipient of the 2018 Emerging Leadership Award from the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute in recognition of her work on DNA methylation. As a leading voice in the intersection of nutrition, epigenetics, and aging, Dr. Fitzgerald's work has been featured in media outlets such as Prevention, Fast Company, MSN, Everyday Health, and many more. Receiving her doctorate from National University of Natural Medicine, she is on the faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and is an IFM Certified Practitioner with a clinical practice in Newtown, Connecticut. She's also the author of "Younger You: Reduce your Bio age and Live Longer, Better". RESOURCES MENTIONED Book: Younger You Website for Program: Youngeryouprogram.com Practice/Podcast Website: Drkarafitzgerald.com App: 3YY – find it on apple store IG: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/?hl=en Michele's Book: Design a Life You Love Michele on Instagram Thank you for listening to the show!