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Are you ready for AI in your workplace, or are you worried it might replace you?

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Helena Fowler, DCN and Mike Krause sit down with Dr. Diane Dye, EdD, MCM to explore the nuanced relationship between AI and human performance in the workplace.

Dr. Dye teaches strategic communication, change management, and risk mitigation to executives who want to make a difference in their organizations. She provides connection to technology and resources that aid in transformation.

In this Episode:

🎧 Discover Dr. Dye's insightful framework for understanding AI's impact: Replaceable, augmentable, and utilizable roles in today's evolving workplace

🎧 Learn why "AI makes it possible for anyone to be mediocre" and how human expertise remains essential for truly exceptional results

🎧 Explore how psychological safety and transparent communication can transform fear of AI into embracing innovation

🎧 Understand why organizations overestimating AI capabilities without human oversight face significant performance risks

🎧Gain practical advice for employees concerned about job security in an AI-driven economy

🎧 Discover why Dr. Dye considers herself an "AI hopeful" and envisions a future where automation handles minutiae, allowing humans to excel at what they do best

🎧 Consider the importance of maintaining human integrity when interacting with AI tools and how our inputs shape the technology we're developing

Join us for a balanced, enlightening conversation about turning AI anxiety into opportunity through better understanding, communication, and strategic implementation.

Dr. Diane Dye is an expert in helping organizations solve existing people operations and performance problems, while building stronger systems to prevent future risks. Her work in organizational transformation and brave communication is rooted in the human side of risk management, change management, and strategy. She is the CEO of People Risk Consulting, a management consulting firm that helps companies attain sustainable improvements in employee performance to achieve profitability and growth. Diane holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, as well as aMasters in Communication Management and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership, both from the University of Southern California.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drdianedye
PRC: www.peopleriskconsulting.com
Dr Dye: www.drdianedye.com

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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What role or responsibility do employers have when it comes to employee wellbeing?

Dr. Diane Dye, EdD, MCM, an expert in helping organizations solve existing people operations and performance problems, while building stronger systems to prevent future risks, is back this week, and we’re tackling the intersections of employee wellbeing and organizational risk management.

Dr. Dye explains that effective risk management requires leaders to embrace humility, move beyond ego, and create environments where employees can safely disclose personal challenges. Her fresh perspective shows how supporting employee wellbeing isn't just compassionate, it directly impacts the bottom line by reducing turnover costs and operational disruptions.

In this Episode:
🎧Successful organizations must develop robust risk frameworks to navigate increasing uncertainty – as with other key points throughout history, "it's evolve or die"
🎧True leadership requires balancing visionary thinking with practical risk assessment, creating contingency plans before emergencies arise
🎧Organizations often overlook "thought capital" – the knowledge and skills that leave when employees depart, creating significant operational risks
🎧Supporting employees through personal challenges (caregiving responsibilities, hidden disabilities, domestic situations) isn't just compassionate, it directly impacts performance and retention
🎧Effective accommodations can actually improve compartmentalization between work and home life, increasing loyalty and productivity
🎧Role clarity and defined success metrics are essential for employee performance; organizations often create their own risks by changing expectations after hiring
🎧Replacing skilled employees can cost up to three times their salary, making thoughtful accommodation strategies financially sound as well as ethically responsible

Dr. Diane Dye is an expert in helping organizations solve existing people operations and performance problems, while building stronger systems to prevent future risks. Her work in organizational transformation and brave communication is rooted in the human side of risk management, change management, and strategy. She is the CEO of People Risk Consulting, a management consulting firm that helps companies attain sustainable improvements in employee performance to achieve profitability and growth. Diane holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, as well as aMasters in Communication Management and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership, both from the University of Southern California.

Connect with Dr. Dye

LinkedIn

Dr Dye: www.drdianedye.com

People Risk Consulting: www.peopleriskconsulting.com

Creating Critical Opportunity workbook on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9QjgAsE

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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Ever wondered why some teams thrive – even in toxic environments – while others struggle to stay afloat? 🎯

Join A Coach, a Nutritionist, and Expert Walk Into a Podcast co-hosts Mike Krause and Dr. Helena Fowler, DCN, as they welcome Dr. Diane Dye, EdD, MCM, for a deep dive into the world of psychological safety, leadership, and the surprising power of being “paid to be human.”

Dr. Dye, an expert in helping organizations solve existing people operations and performance problems, while building stronger systems to prevent future risks, helps us understand what really drives high performance at work – and what can sink it!

This discussion on psychological safety kicks off a 4-episode arc with Dr. Dye and continues our journey through the 6 pillars of wellbeing, focusing on career (and workplace) wellbeing.

In this Episode:
🎧 The real reason Dr. Diane Dye started her management consulting firm (hint: it involves a bold move after a layoff!)
🎧 Why organizations often “row in different directions” – and how to fix it
🎧 The difference between KPIs and KQIs (Key Quality Indicators) and why quality matters as much as quantity
🎧 How psychological safety isn’t just a “feel good” concept – it can literally save lives (and companies)
🎧 The sports and space metaphors you never knew you needed to understand leadership and risk
🎧 Why “open door policies” might be a cop-out, and what truly proactive leadership looks like
🎧 The future of work: Why emotional intelligence (EQ) is becoming more valuable than IQ in the age of AI

Tune in for practical tips, real-world stories, and a few laughs as our hosts and expert guest break down how to create workplaces where people and organizations can truly thrive.

Dr. Diane Dye is an expert in helping organizations solve existing people operations and performance problems, while building stronger systems to prevent future risks. Her work in organizational transformation and brave communication is rooted in the human side of risk management, change management, and strategy. She is the CEO of People Risk Consulting, a management consulting firm that helps companies attain sustainable improvements in employee performance to achieve profitability and growth. Diane holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, as well as aMasters in Communication Management and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership, both from the University of Southern California.

Connect with Dr. Dye
LinkedIn
People Risk Consulting
Dr Dye
Creating Critical Opportunity workbook on Amazon

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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When you think of exercise, what comes to mind? What do you think “counts” as exercise? 🧑‍🌾⛷️🏌️💃🏃🏾‍♀️

Dr. Vanessa Cornwell-Chiu, DPT, joins Mike Krause and Dr. Helena Fowler, DCN this week to dive deep into exercising as we age and how choosing the right exercises can make all the difference in your physical wellbeing.

In this Episode:

🎧 Like most things, exercise – especially as we age – is rarely one-size fits all

🎧 Fitting in exercise in the day when it works for you; the pros and cons of routine versus flexibility in times of day

🎧 Connecting with fun and joy in activity

🎧 Perfectionism and misconceptions about what counts as exercise are often blockers to movement and physical activity

🎧 Flexibility and stability as key elements for exercise and physical activity, especially, for older adults

🎧 Benefits and necessity of strength training; the surprising benefits to telomere (the protective structures at the end of chromosomes) length

🎧 The role of body acceptance and body neutrality

🎧 Chronic pain and pain management

🎧 Strategies to manage chronic pain

A proud Bay Area native, Dr. Vanessa has been a dedicated Physical Therapist for over 13 years. Her passion for movement began early through dance, which later inspired her to pursue a career in rehabilitation.

Dr. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science from Sacramento State University in 2006 and went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. With a strong foundation in orthopedics, she is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.

Throughout her career, Dr. Vanessa has held leadership roles at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where she assisted in leading both the Dance Medicine and Concussion programs. She continues her advocacy as a board member for Concussion Box, a non-profit supporting concussion survivors and their families.

Following the birth of her first child in 2018, Dr. Vanessa developed a deep interest in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, expanding her expertise to better support women through all stages of life. In 2024, she took a leap of faith and opened her own practice—Imua (ee-MOO-ah) Physical Therapy in Vacaville, CA—where she offers services in her specialties of Dance Medicine and Pelvic Floor care. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Vanessa continues to fuel her love for the arts as a choreographer and assistant director with the Bay Area Dancers.

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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How do you cultivate creativity, when you need it?

Helena and Mike have both had roles throughout their careers that have required tremendous amounts of creativity. But, for anyone that’s had a role like that, you know that creativity isn’t necessarily an on-demand kind of thing.

This week, MaryAnn Medenas, a movement instructor specializing in yoga and dance, is back and we’re talking about that special intersection between creativity and movement with a generous sprinkle of mind-body connection.

In this Episode:
🎧 MaryAnn’s journey to finding creativity and flow
🎧 Creativity as a tool for clarity, understanding and personal evolution
🎧 Bringing all aspects of you to creativity; acceptance, authenticity and finding courage
🎧 Seeking feedback and doing some proactive research
🎧 Challenging the auto-pilot nature we sometimes get stuck in by using movement to shift our perspectives
🎧 Practical ways to use physical movement to tap into creativity
🎧 The bold challenge to record yourself moving and watching the replay without judgement and ego; embrace the awkward
🎧 Understanding the emotions you tap into when you move
🎧 Using movement to release pent up emotions
🎧 How movement can help you find clarity, intention, solutions to problems and, even, decisions

MaryAnngeline Medenas is a movement instructor specializing in yoga and dance. Driven by a deep passion for movement and its profound impact on the body, mind, and spirit, she founded Kineesi, a virtual yoga studio dedicated to creative sequencing and intuitive movement.

Kineesi—derived from the Greek word for "movement"—offers hundreds of classes that showcase her innovative teaching style and artistic approach. Committed to the healing and transformative power of movement, MaryAnngeline helps students restore balance and develop a deeper connection to their practice. She is passionate about helping yoga students and teachers move beyond burnout, fear, and rigidity to find freedom in their practice, with the ultimate goal of continuing to evolve.

With extensive experience leading yoga teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats, she guides students in expanding their movement repertoire and finding creative expression in their practice. Her diverse background in multiple movement modalities brings a unique and dynamic quality to her teachings.

MaryAnngeline holds an E-RYT 500 and YACEP certification, a Master of Arts in Dance from St. Mary’s College of California, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Dance from California State University, Fullerton. Her expertise in fluid, creative movement and seamless transitions empowers students to cultivate a deeper understanding of their bodies on a cellular level.

Instagram: kineesi.maryanngeline
TikTok: kineesibymaryanngeline
YouTube: kineesibymaryanngeline
Website: www.kineesi.com

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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We can work out alllllll we want, and yet have poor physical wellbeing. What gives? 🫣🤔

This week guest expert MaryAnngeline Medenas, movement instructor specializing in yoga and dance, joins Mike and Helena to explore the intricate relationship between physical activity and physical wellbeing + mental health/wellness.

Our conversation delves into the distinction between mindless exercise routines and truly embodied movement practices. MaryAnn guides us through practical approaches to developing greater body awareness – revealing how tuning into physical sensations can transform not only how we move but how we think, feel, and perform in every aspect of life.

In this Episode:

🎧 The difference between exercise and physical wellbeing

🎧 The opposite of chronic stress is NOT no stress; the need for good stress

🎧 Intentional movement as a gateway to physical vitality and psychological well-being

🎧 Sitting with discomfort

🎧 Lessons in non-attachment and acceptance

🎧 Integrating movement, physical activity and exercise into your daily routine

🎧 Why exercise, alone, doesn't guarantee wellness or improved wellbeing

🎧 The importance of creating mindful, sustainable movement practices tailored to your individual needs

🎧 Developing the connection between body and mind during and outside of exercise

MaryAnngeline Medenas is a movement instructor specializing in yoga and dance. Driven by a deep passion for movement and its profound impact on the body, mind, and spirit, she founded Kineesi, a virtual yoga studio dedicated to creative sequencing and intuitive movement.

Kineesi—derived from the Greek word for "movement"—offers hundreds of classes that showcase her innovative teaching style and artistic approach. Committed to the healing and transformative power of movement, MaryAnngeline helps students restore balance and develop a deeper connection to their practice. She is passionate about helping yoga students and teachers move beyond burnout, fear, and rigidity to find freedom in their practice, with the ultimate goal of continuing to evolve.

With extensive experience leading yoga teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats, she guides students in expanding their movement repertoire and finding creative expression in their practice. Her diverse background in multiple movement modalities brings a unique and dynamic quality to her teachings.

MaryAnngeline holds an E-RYT 500 and YACEP certification, a Master of Arts in Dance from St. Mary’s College of California, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Dance from California State University, Fullerton. Her expertise in fluid, creative movement and seamless transitions empowers students to cultivate a deeper understanding of their bodies on a cellular level.

Instagram: kineesi.maryanngeline

TikTok: kineesibymaryanngeline

YouTube: kineesibymaryanngeline

Website:

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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CORRECTION: Stephanie Cota is an expert working at the intersection of corporate wellness, healthcare, and personal training; she is not a licensed physical therapist as noted in the intro.

___

Sore neck and shoulders. Tension headaches. Low back pain. Sore wrists. 😰

How many of these do you experience on any given day at the end of work? Or throughout the work day?

Tech neck, anyone? Can’t just be us!

This week, Stepanie Cota, an expert working at the intersection of corporate wellness, healthcare, and personal training, is back joining Mike Krause, Mental Performance Coach, and Dr. Helena Fowler, DCN, Clinical Functional Nutritionist, to chat functional movement in the workplace.

In this Episode:

🎧 What even is functional movement?

🎧 The benefits of functional movement and why it matters, especially when we’re at work

🎧 Reducing chronic pain with functional movement

🎧 Practical ways to reduce strain from repetitive movements

🎧 Stephanie coaches us through super-simple actual exercises to do at your desk or office … please don’t try these while you’re driving or engaged in other activities that would make them unsafe

As always, respect your physical boundaries; if you have questions about whether or not you should try one of these exercises, please consult with your qualified healthcare provider. We aren’t doctors, so none of this should be construed as medical advice.

Stephanie Cota has served both growing and established businesses for over 2 decades. She specializes in business growth and helps businesses define and implement their business strategy, marketing, digital marketing, website design and management, and product management. She is an experienced ECommerce Business Management Specialist.

In her product management capacity, Stephanie has helped teams design and deliver marketing, technology, business intelligence, and digital products. Stephanie also has a healthcare and fitness training background and works at the intersection of corporate wellness, healthcare, and personal training. She enjoys helping and becomes a strategic partner to people looking to grow and improve their business and to those looking to strengthen or maintain their fitness and health, improving their quality of life.

Connect with Stephanie

Website www.stephaniecota.com

LinkedIn

Facebook Profile

Facebook Business Page

Instagram

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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💻 Is your business’s corporate strategy undermining its greatest asset—your personal health??

The health and culture of your business and the health of your body are more interconnected than you might think.

In this illuminating episode, co-hosts Mike Krause, Mental Performance Coach, and Dr. Helena Fowler, DCN, Clinical Functional Nutritionist, welcomes special guest Stephanie Cota, an expert working at the intersection of corporate wellness, healthcare, and personal training. The team tackles the critical connection between business success and employee wellbeing.

In this Episode:

🎧 The post-pandemic shift toward prioritizing workplace wellness initiatives

🎧 The interconnection between employee health and business performance metrics

🎧 Challenges faced by modern workers: busy schedules, high stress levels, and burnout risks

🎧 The concept of "business health" and its relationship to employee wellbeing

🎧 Concerns about companies viewing employees as productivity machines

🎧 The lack of preventive maintenance for employee health in corporate cultures

🎧 Balancing wellness program offerings with productivity expectations

🎧 Practical strategies for maintaining personal wellness in intense work environments

🎧 Three signs + symptoms indicating poor work-life balance: burnout, work encroaching on personal life, and physical discomfort

🎧 The importance of clear employer-employee expectations regarding work environment

🎧 The fundamental role of physical health as a foundation for career success

Stephanie Cota has served both growing and established businesses for over 2 decades. She specializes in business growth and helps businesses define and implement their business strategy, marketing, digital marketing, website design and management, and product management. She is an experienced ECommerce Business Management Specialist.

In her product management capacity, Stephanie has helped teams design and deliver marketing, technology, business intelligence, and digital products.

Stephanie also has a healthcare and fitness training background and works at the intersection of corporate wellness, healthcare, and personal training. She enjoys helping and becomes a strategic partner to people looking to grow and improve their business and to those looking to strengthen or maintain their fitness and health, improving their quality of life.

Connect with Stephanie:

Website www.stephaniecota.com

LinkedIn

Facebook Profile

Facebook Business Page

Instagram

Have you tried a Mastering Your BS activity? Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Text us! Look for the link at the top of this page (above the episode description).

Follow us on Instagram @walkintoapodcast.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified medical professional. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and may not be those of the hosts or CoNut Media LLC; we are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.