In this special New Year episode, Jenny and Toni sit down to reflect on a year that felt both impossibly long and shockingly fast. 2025 brought duality, growth, intentional rest, and some of the most meaningful work in PATHPod history. Together, they revisit the moments, conversations, and collaborations that shaped the year — and share a glimpse of what’s ahead for 2026.

Highlights from Our 2025 Journey

• Two major PATH retreats — thoughtfully designed, deeply restorative, and filled with community, creativity, and courage.
• A season of intentional simplification — fewer episodes, more space, and a renewed commitment to “allowing” rather than over‑doing.
• Behavior‑change in real time — how trimming, focusing, and negotiating priorities mirrored the work we guide our clients through.
• Solo episodes from Campbell — Toni’s community‑rooted conversations during a season when both hosts were navigating big family milestones.
• Trademarking PATH Positive Approaches to Health — a huge milestone that stretched both hosts into new, uncomfortable, and empowering territory.
• A powerful fall lineup — inspiring guests, innovative approaches, and rich conversations that carried us through the last quarter of the year.

Teaching Kitchen Collaborative Symposium

Jenny and Toni share reflections from the December Teaching Kitchen Collaborative Symposium at 1440 Multiversity — a gathering filled with innovation, systems‑level thinking, and a deep sense of community.

Key themes included:

• The expanding role of teaching kitchens in healthcare and community settings
• Collaboration across chefs, clinicians, educators, and policy leaders
• Sustainability, resourcefulness, and redefining what a “teaching kitchen” can be
• Reconnecting with past PATHPod guests and forging new partnerships

Celebrating Our Guests

From Dr. Jessica’s spotlight episode to the inspiring conversation with Maggie Doyne, the final months of 2025 delivered some of the most meaningful stories and strategies we’ve shared on PATHPod.

Music, Metaphors & Meaning

As always, Toni brings her signature soundtrack — songs that capture the spirit of the year, the joy of collaboration, and the magic of showing up. From Phil Collins to Roberta Flack to Broadway classics, the playlist becomes a playful, heartfelt reflection of the PATHPod journey.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The new year brings a fresh theme, new energy, and another “opening of another show.” With seasons, seasoning, and the ongoing evolution of PATHPod, Jenny and Toni step into 2026 with gratitude, curiosity, and a renewed commitment to helping listeners build their own positive approaches to health.

In this powerful and joy‑filled episode, we sit down with humanitarian, author, and CNN Hero Maggie Doyne for a conversation that left us inspired, grounded, and buzzing with gratitude. Maggie, co‑founder and CEO of the BlinkNow Foundation and subject of the documentary “Between the Mountain and the Sky,” joins us from California during a rare stateside visit. What unfolds is an intimate, honest, and often hilarious exchange about purpose, service, motherhood, grief, art, and the beautiful messiness of being human.

Maggie shares the origin story of her life’s work in Nepal, beginning with a gap year, a chance encounter with children breaking rocks for survival, and the babysitting money that became the seed for a school, a home, and a community that has now transformed countless lives. She reflects on two decades of building the Kopila Valley community, raising children, navigating unimaginable loss, and learning to lead with heart, humility, and hope.

We explore the role of art and storytelling in healing, the decade‑long process of filming her documentary, and the vulnerability of letting the world witness both the triumphs and the raw, unfiltered moments of her journey. Maggie talks about the surprising reactions she’s received from audiences, the importance of showing real women in real bodies, and why authenticity matters more than polish.

The conversation also touches on self‑care in a world that often turns it into another metric of success. Maggie offers a refreshingly grounded perspective on tending to the basics: medical checkups, community, breath, movement, and the small daily practices that keep us tethered. She shares the voices and music that have supported her through dark seasons, from Raffi to Sarah Blondin, and the rituals that anchor her family.

As always, we close with our signature playlist picks, inspired by Maggie’s light, courage, and the emotional landscape of her story. Expect sunshine, resilience, childhood joy, and a few nostalgic gems.

This episode is equal parts heart‑opening and energizing. Maggie reminds us that world‑changing work often begins with one small step, one act of noticing, one moment of saying yes. Her story is a testament to what can happen when compassion meets action, and when we allow ourselves to show up fully—messy bun, milk stains, and all.

Settle in for an episode that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Watch the film, Between The Mountain and the Sky here.

In this pocket episode, Toni and Jenny shine a spotlight on Dr. Jessica Knurick, a registered dietitian and PhD nutrition scientist whose work helps people navigate nutrition, wellness trends, and the misinformation that surrounds them. Both hosts have followed her for years and admire her ability to translate complex science into clear, actionable guidance.

Dr. Knurick educates the public on:

• Nutrition and food systems
• Public health and policy
• Misinformation in wellness
• How marketing, politics, and industry shape beliefs and behaviors

Her gift is making evidence‑based science accessible—without fear‑mongering or sensationalism.

Key Themes

1. Misinformation in Nutrition & Wellness

Toni and Jenny discuss how Dr. Knurick debunks misleading claims and viral trends with compassion. She emphasizes science literacy, spotting trustworthy sources, and understanding the harm of cherry‑picked data.

2. Personal Responsibility vs. Public Health

The conversation highlights the systems influencing our choices, including food access, marketing, policy, built environments, and healthcare coverage. Dr. Knurick helps listeners understand the why behind common challenges and why focusing solely on “personal responsibility” misses the bigger picture.

3. Evidence-Based Guidance That Helps

Listeners will appreciate how she breaks down complex topics, challenges myths with kindness, connects science and policy to real life, and models professionalism—even when addressing detractors.

4. Clear, Compassionate Science Communication

Toni and Jenny reflect on how refreshing it is to find someone who speaks “science” fluently, stays grounded in evidence, communicates without condescension, and helps people feel informed rather than overwhelmed.

Where to Find Dr. Knurick

• Instagram: @drjessicaknurick
• Substack: Dr. Jessica Knurick

Episode Playlist

Inspired by themes of clarity, truth, and empowerment, Toni and Jenny curated a playlist featuring:

• Head Full of Doubt – The Avett Brothers
• Tell the Truth – The Avett Brothers
• Motion Sickness – Phoebe Bridgers
• Wake Up – Arcade Fire
• Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys
• Rise Up – Andra Day
• Straight Talk – Dolly Parton
• I Speak Six Languages – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

DM @thepathpod on Instagram for the full playlist.

Why This Spotlight Matters

In a time when misinformation spreads quickly, voices like Dr. Knurick’s are essential. Toni and Jenny reflect on the importance of trustworthy science communicators, the role of kindness and professionalism in public discourse, and the PATHPod mission to connect listeners with resources that truly matter.

This episode is a heartfelt thank‑you to a scientist doing the hard, necessary work of helping people understand their world—and their health—with more clarity and confidence.

Episode Overview

In this inspiring leg of the PATHPod Road Trip, Jenny and Toni sit down with Justus Flores, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at KIZE Concepts to explore how one young man’s journey of resilience, healing, and purpose has helped shape a company that’s more than just about nutrition bars—it’s about transformation, second chances, and community impact.

From a chance encounter at a nutrition expo to a heartfelt conversation on a park bench in Oklahoma City, Justus’ path to Kize is anything but ordinary. His story is one of overcoming challenges, finding balance, and channeling personal growth into a mission-driven business that nourishes both body and soul.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Justus’s Journey: From a challenging childhood in California to a life-changing retreat in North Carolina, and ultimately to joining Kize in Oklahoma City.
• The Kize Difference: Why these bars stand out in a crowded market—made from scratch nut butters, naturally sweetened with honey and dates, and free from artificial additives.
• Mission with Meaning: Kize’s commitment to feeding the homeless, mentoring at-risk youth, and offering second-chance employment to those overcoming incarceration or addiction is inspirational!
• Community Impact: Monthly block parties in Oklahoma City, partnerships in Denver, and ongoing support for the Hope House orphanage in Haiti.
• Growth & Expansion: From hand-made bars to nationwide distribution in Costco, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Albertsons, and soon Walmart.
• Soulfulness & Humanity: How Justus embodies Kize’s values of continual growth (Kaizen), connection, and hope.

Special Extras

• A playlist inspired by Justus - curated with themes of light, hope, and soulful energy.
• Reflections from Jenny and Toni on generosity, collaboration, and the power of second chances.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• KIZE Concepts: https://www.kizeconcepts.com
• Hope House Haiti – Orphanage supported by Kizes’ mission
• Healing the Heart Retreat – The transformative program that changed Justus’s path
• Father Greg Boyle & Homeboy Industries – Mentioned as a parallel in second-chance employment and community healing: https://homeboyindustries.org/our-story/father-greg/

Welcome back, PATHPod fam! In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jenny and Toni reunite with their dear friend and colleague Dionne Detraz—registered dietitian, cancer care specialist, and now, podcast host! Dionne first joined us back in Episode 81 (July 2021), and today she returns to share the exciting launch of her new podcast, born from years of passion, purpose, and deep healing work.

We dive into Dionne’s “why” behind starting her show, her holistic approach to cancer care, and the powerful role of community, story, and emotional wellness in healing. From grounding rituals to barefoot sunshine moments, this episode is packed with practical tools and soulful reflections that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

What You’ll Hear

• Dionne’s journey from blogging and cookbooks to launching her own podcast in October 2025
• Her three-part podcast format: solo teaching, expert interviews, and real-life cancer journeys
• The importance of understanding the “why” behind cancer and how emotional stress plays a role
• Grounding practices like “Sacred Start” and barefoot sun time to regulate the nervous system
• The concept of “Place as Medicine” and how virtual spaces can be healing too
• Reflections on rituals, co-regulation, and the ripple effect of healing practices

Resources Mentioned

• Dionne’s new podcast, The Ground & Root Podcast launched in October 2025
• Dionne’s company: Ground & Root – focused on holistic cancer care
• Her previous brand: The Rustic Dietitian
• Book referenced: The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
• Guest mentioned: Jenn Gebhardt – known for work on nervous system regulation
• Practice mentioned: “Sacred Start” – a morning ritual of intention, breathwork, or journaling
• Concept discussed: “Place as Medicine” – the healing power of physical and virtual spaces

Memorable Moments

• Dionne’s insight: “If I could help people understand the why behind cancer, then we could be way more proactive in preventing it.”
• Tony’s story of a Spanish teacher using grounding techniques with anxious students before a quiz
• Jenny’s yogi wisdom on the power of rooting down and creating personal rituals

Tune In If You…

• Are curious about integrative cancer care
• Love hearing how podcasts can build community and amplify healing
• Want practical, soulful strategies for self-care and nervous system regulation
• Believe in the power of story, connection, and holistic health

Welcome back PATHPod listeners! In this soul-nourishing episode, we reconnect with the joy of guest interviews and spotlight a lifelong friend of Toni’s and powerhouse healer: Amy Long, CMT. Amy brings decades of wisdom, compassion, and curiosity to her work as a certified medical massage therapist. Amy is a graduate of McKinnon Massage School and UCSF’s prestigious hospital-based medical massage fellowship. Her work spans the full human spectrum—from infants to seniors, including hospice care. She specializes in medically complex conditions, using gentle, nervous-system-focused techniques to support pain management, anxiety, and healing.

After a brief hiatus to host our second PathPod retreat in Boise, we’re thrilled to dive back into conversations that illuminate, educate, and inspire. And this one? It’s a masterclass in healing through touch.

What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between traditional massage and medical massage—and why it matters
• How therapeutic touch can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce reliance on medication
• The power of craniosacral therapy and acupressure in hospital settings
• Why “less is more” when it comes to healing touch
• How Amy’s background in education and her lifelong love of learning shaped her unique approach

Amy’s Takeaways:

• Massage is healthcare. Period.
• Gentle touch can be profoundly therapeutic—even in the most medically fragile situations.
• Respect, autonomy, and presence are key when working with pediatric and adult patients alike.
• Integrative health modalities like massage, acupuncture, and music therapy are gaining traction in hospital settings—and changing lives.

Hear how Amy’s work brought peace and sleep to a friend in crisis at NYU Langone, and how her techniques offer comfort beyond the physical—especially for patients navigating grief, uncertainty, and isolation.

Tune in for a heartfelt, eye-opening journey into the world of medical massage. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or simply curious about holistic healing, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to explore new paths to wellness.

Listen now and get ready to feel the love—one therapeutic touch at a time.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

1. Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM)

S4OM is a leading organization dedicated to advancing oncology massage through education, standards, and practitioner support. Official Website.

2. Healwell

Healwell is a nonprofit organization that integrates massage therapy into clinical settings and offers education for healthcare professionals. Official Website.

Playlist:

Inspired by Amy’s love of funk, soul, and R&B, this episode’s playlist features Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready”—a call to action and a soulful anthem that sets the tone for this transformative conversation.

In this heartfelt, joy-filled and long overdue episode, Toni and Jenny sit down to reflect on the unforgettable PATHPod retreat held in the high mountain desert of Boise, Idaho at the beautiful Tablerock Farm. With 15–20 participants joining throughout the weekend and 8 staying in the home for the full experience, the retreat was a celebration of authenticity, connection, and nourishment.

From Friday night’s wine tasting led by our gracious host Marc Francois, to Saturday’s hike, homemade Pain Perdu brunch (crafted from Peggy’s lovingly prepared sourdough), and a workshop on authenticity and joy, the weekend was packed with meaningful moments. The group also shared a yoga practice and came together in a teaching kitchen to prepare a delicious plant-based meal. Sunday wrapped with another hike and a closing ceremony honoring each participant’s presence and contribution.

Toni and Jenny give shoutouts to the many hands and hearts that made this retreat possible:

• Jenni & Marc Francois for opening their home and hearts
• PATHPod Peggy for the sourdough, starter, and aprons
• Minnie Toledo & Bev Prizi for the cozy beanies
• Minnie & Boot Barn for the warm socks
• Molly Monnito for the handmade cards with ribbon in the swag bags
• Our generous donors: Ivan Bar, Siete Foods, Donsemoir, Sherrill Knezel, Laura Ali & Republic of Tea

They also share additional resources to help listeners stay grounded and inspired:

• Jenn Gebhart’s YouTube video on nervous system regulation
• PATHPod’s January 2024 episodes on Enoughness with JC Lippold and Aly Pesta
• Brené Brown’s latest book, Strong Ground, a powerful read on courage and connection

Tune in for:

• Behind-the-scenes retreat stories
• Reflections on joy, authenticity, and community
• Practical tools for grounding and nervous system support
• A whole lot of gratitude and laughter. And of course, MUSIC!

Join Toni and her “sturdy, spazzy, adorable sidekick” Otis—for a sunny, soulful Sunday morning walk through Campbell, California, as she shares a deeply personal update about the PATH Pod journey, upcoming events, and a flower that sparked inspiration.

What You'll Hear:

• A poetic metaphor comparing an unexpected wildflower to the spontaneous birth of the PATH Podcast
• A heartfelt walk-and-talk reflection on growth, gratitude, and letting go
• A look inward at health behavior change, burnout, and what truly restores us
• Insights into how we build personalized tool kits for wellness—and how the pod helps listeners fill theirs
• All the excitement for the second annual PATH Restore Retreat in Boise, Idaho!

Like a flower breaking through the ground, the retreat idea emerged organically… We will be hosting our 2nd retreat in a stunning high mountain desert home with breathtaking views of Table Rock. The retreat will include a teaching kitchen experience, hiking trails, a pool for rejuvenation, yoga and meditation, a burnout workshop and opportunities to connect deeply with self and community.

Topics That Bloomed in this Episode:

• The unpredictable beauty of letting projects take shape naturally
• Joy & burnout prevention, inspired by The Burnout Epidemic
• Self-care vs. systemic causes of burnout
• Behavior change as a customized puzzle—unique to each individual
• Strategies that fit, nourish, and sustain us

How You Can Join Us???

• Thinking about joining the next retreat? DM us on Instagram @thepathpod
• Want more details? Reach out for info on cost, programming, and application
• Join us whether in person or just through the earbuds—we’re building community with every step

Thanks for walking the PATH with us. Whether you’re under redwoods or riding the burnout roller coaster, we’re here to help you live your best life!