In this episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Stephanie Romero sits down with Pittsburgh entrepreneur Adam Lackett to explore the hidden costs of “grind culture” and the deeper work of building a life that is both sustainable and meaningful. Adam shares how early assumptions about success shaped a pressure-cooker approach to work, how burnout and dissatisfaction led him toward therapy, and how mindfulness practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction became a turning point in learning to relate differently to stress, self-criticism, and constant mental noise. Together, they unpack the difference between reacting and responding, why boundaries often begin with the belief that you deserve care, and how bringing wellbeing into the workplace is less about forcing meditation and more about cultivating a culture that supports people over pure production.

Resources Adam Mentioned:

• Books by Jon Kabat-Zinn (including works on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)

• 10% Happier by Dan Harris

• Books and app resources from Headspace

• The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa (a detailed, analytical roadmap to meditation practice)

Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com

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! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

On this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Romero is joined by Lawrence Schuessler (he/him) for a deeply human conversation about mindfulness, embodiment, and the search for ease. Lawrence shares his path to meditation through early instability, sobriety, yoga, and community, and reflects on how learning to be present in the body became an act of healing. Together, they explore Nature Dharma—the practice of mindfulness in relationship with the natural world—and how “outside” can be as simple and accessible as a window, a plant, or a few grounded minutes in fresh air. The conversation weaves through themes of trauma, identity, safety, and liberation, as Lawrence speaks candidly about being a trans person in this moment and why compassion, deep listening, and presence are inseparable from social action. The episode closes with a reminder that our identities evolve, permission matters, and wherever we are on the path, we are already enough.

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! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this new episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Program Deliverer Britt Dorazio gently guides listeners through a grounding practice of self-compassion. So often, we extend understanding and grace to others while holding ourselves to impossible standards. This episode invites a different way of being—one rooted in kindness, presence, and care for our own inner experience. Through a thoughtfully paced, accessible practice, Britt helps listeners notice self-criticism without judgment and cultivate a more supportive inner voice. Whether you are navigating stress, burnout, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, this session offers a calm, affirming space to slow down, reconnect, and remember that compassion begins within.

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! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.