I Choose Health Podcast

Healing from within—one story at a time. 🌿The I Choose Health Podcast shares real, powerful journeys of people who’ve overcome chronic illness, addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges through resilience, mindset, and holistic healing. Each episode brings inspiring stories and expert insights from health professionals, therapists, and nutrition experts to help you find balance, strength, and total well-being—body, mind, and soul. 💫#alternativehealth #healthandfitness #mentalhealth #vegan

I Choose Health Podcast is a health podcast hosted by Stefan Lessie, with 89 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Stefan Lessie hosts I Choose Health Podcast, a health show with 89 episodes published.

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  I Choose Health Podcast

  #91: Why Your Life Is Hard: Subconscious Patterns & Self-Doubt | Dr. Tara Perry

  Oct 2, 20261 hour

  Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth Why do you still feel stuck, stressed, or not good enough, even when you’re succeeding? Dr. Tara Perry returns to the I Choose Health Podcast with Stefan Lessie to explore subconscious patterns, imposter syndrome, people pleasing, and the childhood beliefs that can shape our adult lives. Drawing on her background in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and hypnotherapy, Dr. Perry shares her perspective on the mind-body connection and integrative healing. We discuss how parents model emotional patterns, why high achievers struggle with self-doubt, and how mindfulness, breathwork, boundaries, and celebrating progress can support emotional well-being. Get Dr. Perry’s free 20-minute coherent breathing audio: https://consulttara.com/library/coherent-breathing-5-5 CHAPTERS 00:00 Why the mind matters in healing 01:42 BetterHelp sponsor message 02:56 Podcast theme and welcome 03:38 How acupuncture shaped Dr. Perry’s approach 06:05 Mindfulness and natural approaches to stress 08:54 Fear of acupuncture and the stress response 11:52 Hypnotherapy and the mind-body connection 13:16 Acupuncture, foam rolling, and other tools 15:07 Food cravings and subconscious associations 20:34 Are children easier to help? 25:01 How parents can model anxiety or calm 28:13 Helping children feel heard through affect labeling 31:36 Why high achievers feel not good enough 35:28 Imposter syndrome and impossible standards 38:26 Why celebrating your wins matters 39:59 Negative people, people pleasing, and boundaries 43:11 Why an integrative approach matters 45:39 Dr. Perry’s perspective on Western medicine 50:10 Choosing an approach for each person 51:47 Wellness trends and marketing hype 54:05 Lightning round: habits, books, and hypnotherapy myths 56:37 Chickens, nature, and connection 58:22 Thoughts, love, and the quality of your life 58:33 Free breathwork gift and closing CONNECT WITH DR. TARA PERRY Website / Work with Dr. Tara Perry: https://consulttara.com/ ️ Next Level Healing Podcast: https://consulttara.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaraperry/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drtaragraceperry Breathwork gift: https://consulttara.com/library/coherent-breathing-5-5 Subscribe to I Choose Health for more conversations about choosing power, possibility, and purpose. #DrTaraPerry #SubconsciousMind #Hypnotherapy #ImposterSyndrome #IChooseHealth Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health: YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP ️ Shop Merch: https://ichoosehealthpodcast.myshopify.com/collections/all

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  I Choose Health Podcast

  #90: Vegan at 52 & First Vegan at Olympia| Torre Washington

  Sep 25, 202657 min

  Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth At 52, vegan bodybuilder Torre Washington is preparing for the Olympia stage with a lifetime of discipline and his mother’s memory driving him forward.In this collaboration between I Choose Health and Best Life By You, Torre joins Stefan Lessie and Julia Furlipa to share how a childhood dream of becoming a superhero became a journey of strength, purpose, and personal transformation.Torre opens up about losing his mother, overcoming self-doubt, and envisioning his competition wins. He also shares what he eats during prep, how he approaches training, and how coaches Cliff Wilson and Paul Baker helped him develop his physique.From his Jamaican upbringing and Rastafari influences to living vegan since 1998, this conversation explores the experiences behind the athlete and why he believes there is still more to accomplish.What part of Torre’s journey inspires you most? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for more conversations about choosing health, purpose, and possibility. CHAPTERS00:00 Introducing Torre Washington’s Olympia journey01:00 Sponsor: BetterHelp02:13 Podcast intro and welcome02:46 Representation and inspiring others at 5204:40 From childhood bullying to a superhero dream06:20 Kaizen: The drive to keep improving08:18 Compassion, Rastafari, and going vegan12:22 His mother’s sacrifices and lasting influence15:59 Turning grief into purpose20:20 Qualifying for Olympia and visualizing victory24:30 What Torre eats during competition prep27:27 Supplements and focused training29:52 Tracking food and staying consistent31:51 Working with Cliff Wilson and Paul Baker38:24 Why coaches need coaches41:28 Responding to vegan stereotypes and critics44:04 Steroid accusations and a Lenny Kravitz story45:10 Handling judgment with humor50:36 Chris Hemsworth and adjusting to plant-based eating51:32 Final preparations for Las Vegas53:13 Watching Olympia and Meet the Olympians55:18 Support, gratitude, and closing reflections CONNECT WITH TORRE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torre.washington/ Website: https://www.torrewashington.com/ Watch Torre at Olympia: https://www.olympiaproductions.com/ Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health: YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP ️ Shop Merch: https://ichoosehealthpodcast.myshopify.com/collections/all #TorreWashington #VeganBodybuilding #MrOlympia #IChooseHealthPodcast #BestLifeByYou

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  I Choose Health Podcast

  #89: She Hid Childhood Sexual Abuse for 50 Years: Darlene Lekowski

  Sep 18, 202659 min

  Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth Darlene Lekowski carried the secret of childhood sexual abuse within her family for more than 50 years. When she finally spoke up, one of the people she accused sued her for defamation.In this powerful conversation, Darlene shares why she remained silent, how trauma affected her relationships and mental health, the signs parents should look for, and how she learned to release shame, break free, and live forward.Darlene also discusses her memoir, Shattering Silence, her legal victory, survivor advocacy, and why it is never too late to begin healing.Content note: This episode discusses childhood sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and violence.CONNECT WITH DARLENE LEKOWSKIWebsite: https://www.darlenespeaksup.com/ Instagram: / darlenelekowski Buy the book: https://www.darlenespeaksup.com/the-book Survivors Solidarity March: https://www.survivorssolidaritymarch.... Resources: https://www.darlenespeaksup.com/resou... CHAPTERS 00:00 The secret Darlene carried for 50 years 02:50 Meet Darlene Lekowski 03:37 Why she stayed silent 06:14 How abuse changes safety and trust 10:02 Understanding sibling sexual trauma and abuse 11:29 Shame and protecting the family 14:09 When hidden trauma begins to surface 15:30 The unseen effects of trauma 17:54 The moment Darlene finally spoke up 20:19 Her brothers’ responses 22:31 Telling her children the truth 23:57 Sued for defamation 25:35 Living around the people who abused her 28:48 Winning in court did not bring healing 31:12 Choosing peace and living forward 32:32 Apologies, denial, and family division 37:32 Does Darlene wish she had spoken sooner? 38:23 Why children need language for abuse 41:14 Writing Shattering Silence 44:33 Misconceptions about sibling sexual abuse 46:16 Signs parents should look for 49:50 The effect on the wider family 53:12 The Speak Your Truth Act 54:34 What letting go really means 56:35 Darlene’s advice to survivors 57:49 Where to find Darlene and her bookIf this conversation helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear Darlene’s story. Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health: YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP ️ Shop Merch: https://ichoosehealthpodcast.myshopify.com/collections/all #IChooseHealth #DarleneLekowski #ShatteringSilence #SurvivorStory #TraumaHealing

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  I Choose Health Podcast

  #88: Grief Is Making You SICK? The Physical Symptoms No One Talks About -Brenda N

  Sep 11, 20261h 9m

  Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth Grief does not only affect your emotions. It can show up in your body.After losing her husband of 24 years to COVID in just 11 days, Brenda Mundt’s entire life changed. She shares how the Grief Recovery Method helped her navigate overwhelming loss and how breathwork later became another powerful part of her healing journey.In this episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, we explore physical symptoms of grief, including fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, gut issues, and chronic stress. Brenda also explains why grief does not follow neat stages, what NOT to say to someone who is grieving, and why losing someone can also mean grieving the future and identity you thought you would have.We also discuss breathwork, nervous system regulation, rediscovering yourself after loss, and the complicated emotions that can come with finding happiness again.CONNECT WITH BRENDA MUNDTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendmundt/ Heartache, Health and Healing Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... The Stress Reset Method: https://thestressresetmethod.lovable.... The Grief Recovery Method: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/ Chapters 00:00 Can grief affect your physical health? 02:58 Meet Brenda Mundt 03:14 Losing her husband in just 11 days 05:53 The darkest period of grief 08:17 Losing her home and rebuilding life 10:45 Discovering breathwork 12:25 The Grief Recovery Method 15:16 What NOT to say to someone grieving 17:39 The exercise that helped Brenda heal 19:00 Is silence better than saying the wrong thing? 23:23 Grieving the life that should have been 27:40 Why different losses affect us differently 32:59 Helpful vs. harmful things to say 37:00 Grief in the workplace 43:47 Why 3 days of bereavement is not enough 46:27 Grief Recovery vs. conventional advice 48:19 Processing grief vs. functioning through it 50:02 Physical symptoms of grief 52:35 How breathwork affects stress 56:41 Signs breathwork may be helping 58:13 Grieving your old identity 1:00:47 Feeling guilty about finding happiness again 1:03:41 Rediscovering yourself after loss 1:07:51 How to connect with Brenda Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health: YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealt... Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitn... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichooseheal... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealth... Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqB... ️ Shop Merch: https://ichoosehealthpodcast.myshopif... #Grief #GriefRecovery #PhysicalSymptomsOfGrief #GriefSupport #HealingAfterLoss #LossOfSpouse #WidowGrief #Breathwork #MentalHealth #GriefRecoveryMethod #BrendaMundt #IChooseHealthPodcast

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  I Choose Health Podcast

  #87: SHE CUT HIS THROAT AND LEFT HIM TO DIE... BUT HE SURVIVED| Kevin Lessie's Story

  Sep 4, 20261h 12m

  Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth Kevin Lessie trusted the woman he loved. Then, without warning, she tied his hands, covered his face, cut his throat, and stabbed him. She left him alone in his van to die.In this deeply personal episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, Kevin recounts his fight to survive, his mother’s powerful intuition that something was wrong, the lasting effects of trauma, and the faith and family support that helped him rebuild his life. Connect with Kevin and discover his vegan desserts from LK Fusion Treats: https://www.instagram.com/lkfusiontreats/ Content warning : This episode contains detailed descriptions of violence and trauma. Chapters 00:00 Kevin’s attack and fight to survive 01:44 A mother’s intuition 02:16 BetterHelp 03:30 I Choose Health 03:49 Learning what happened to Kevin 05:35 The relationship before the attack 12:34 The day everything changed 17:27 Kevin’s hands are tied 19:41 The attack begins 21:27 Fighting to stay alive 23:57 A stranger calls 911 26:20 Emergency surgery and permanent injuries 28:51 Calling his mother from the hospital 31:10 Living without answers 35:36 How the attack affected the family 38:25 His mother knew something was wrong 43:07 Stefan learns about the attack 46:16 Anger, grief, and unanswered questions 47:45 The two-year search for his attacker 50:11 Trauma, triggers, and vulnerability 54:21 How faith changed Kevin’s perspective 57:00 Family support during recovery 59:15 Losing part of his singing voice 1:02:53 Finding purpose through LK Fusion Treats 1:06:45 How therapy helped Kevin heal 1:09:10 Cleaning the blood from the van 1:11:29 Choosing power, possibility, and purpose Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health: YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP ️ Shop Merch: https://ichoosehealthpodcast.myshopify.com/collections/all #SurvivorStory #TrueCrime #AttemptedMurderSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #MothersIntuition #FaithAfterTrauma #IChooseHealthPodcast #KevinLessie #LKFusionTreats

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