BWell Saginaw ”Healthier Me” Podcast

Alexandria Rene sits down with Shaunice Wesley, a dedicated doula, childbirth educator, and community health worker who supports families across the region. Shaunice shares how her journey into birth work began at just 12 years old, revealing a calling that has guided her ever since. She also opens up about her personal experience with safe sleep and the lasting impact it had on her life—fueling her passion to help other parents make informed, confident decisions around safe sleep practices. Throughout the conversation, Shaunice discusses what drives her deep commitment to maternal and family health and how she continues to uplift, educate, and empower parents at every stage of their journey. Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/ Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with Dr. Vickie Mello, obstetrician/gynecologist at CMU Health, to talk about something every woman will experience—menopause. As conversations around women’s health continue to evolve, more women, including public figures, are opening up about their symptoms and the treatments that have helped them, including hormone therapy. Dr. Mello shares what to expect during this stage of life, how to recognize common signs, and the options available for managing symptoms. She also offers practical advice on how families and partners can better support the women in their lives through this transition. Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/ Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with Teraiya McGee, mom of two and creator of Strut Like a Woman. After her second pregnancy, Teraiya faced the unexpected challenges of postpartum depression, including crying spells and overwhelming anxious thoughts. What began as simple walks to clear her mind slowly transformed into something much greater. Through therapy, self-reflection, and the healing power of movement, Teraiya created a community walking club designed to bring women, especially moms, together for connection, encouragement, and strength. In this conversation, she shares how prioritizing her mental health led to building a supportive space where women can move, heal, and grow together—one step at a time. Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/ Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with TaRaea Haney-West for a raw and powerful episode. After more than 20 years lost in alcoholism, a devastating divorce, and the unimaginable heartbreak of losing her son to cancer, she believed there was nothing left to live for. This is a story about hitting the lowest point imaginable and discovering that even there, hope can still find you. Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/ Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with insurance agent, mother, and grandmother Cathy Tafel for a powerful conversation about trusting your instincts when it comes to your health. Cathy shares the pivotal moment she realized something wasn’t right and how that feeling led to a serious heart diagnosis that changed her life overnight. She opens up about the fear, uncertainty, and disruption that followed, as well as the strength it took to face recovery head-on. Episode sponsor: MyMichigan Health Learn more at https://www.mymichigan.org/locations/profile/medical-center-saginaw/ Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

In this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene interviews Ryan Lee, creator of Breaking News 989, as he shares his raw and inspiring story. Ryan opens up about his battle with addiction rooted in a rare genetic condition and the difficult road that followed. He speaks candidly about the turning points that changed his life and how he transformed his struggles into purpose. Today, Ryan has built a powerful platform that reaches hundreds of thousands of people daily, using his voice and experience to make an impact. Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/ Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

In this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with the Director of Behavioral Health at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, Dr. Michael Ingram, to explore the rise of neurodivergence and why so many are only now receiving diagnoses for ADHD and autism. They discuss how symptoms are often missed earlier in life, the impact of late diagnosis, and the growing mental health gap facing individuals who are medically uninsured. This conversation sheds light on what these trends mean for individuals — and for society as a whole. Episode sponsor: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers. Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

In this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with singer, wife, and first-time mom Indigo Connolly, who shares her honest journey of seeking government assistance -- only to be told she didn't qualify. Like countless families across the U.S., she found herself caught between need and eligibility. Her story takes a hopeful turn as she reflects on the community that showed up when the system didn't. Episode sponsor: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers. Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

In this episode, host Alexandria Rene sits down with Charles Allen, recording artist and songwriter who made waves on American Idol Season 12, advancing to the top 80 out of 100,000 contestants. Charles was misdiagnosed with bipolar depression. Since learning what his real diagnosis is, Charles is using his platform to bridge gaps in treatment, reduce stigma, and empower people to find balance. This episode includes discussion around depression and thoughts of self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/ Follow BWell Saginaw on social media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw

In this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with Dwayne Parker, retired health care administrator, heart transplant survivor, and founder of Men's Health First. Dwayne opens up about the time leading up to his health struggles. Now, he is on a mission to encourage men to take their health seriously. Episode sponsor: Saginaw Community Foundation. Learn more at https://www.saginawfoundation.org/ Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer & Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

In this episode on Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with Bob Johnson, former editor at The Saginaw News, for a deeply reflective conversation about journalism and loss. After a career spent telling other people’s stories, Bob opens up about the most difficult article he ever wrote – a personal family tragedy. This episode includes a discussion of grief and infant mortality. Listener discretion is advised. Episode sponsor: CMU Health. Learn more at cmuhealth.org. Follow BWell Saginaw on social media! TikTok: @bwellsaginaw Instagram: @bwellsaginaw Facebook: @bwellsaginaw Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer & Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

After battling substance use for 25 years, Donna Clarke now pours that same strength into helping others rediscover their purpose. As executive director of Emmaus House of Saginaw, she offers honesty, hope, safety and support to women coming out of jail, prison and rehab.

Wife and mother of three, Theresa struggled with body image and her weight for years. She tried numerous fad diets and felt that nothing was working. Today she shares the one thing she did to release the weight and gain back her confidence.

Growing up in a family that emphasized healthy eating and physical activity, Dr. Allen developed a deep passion for prevention, which sparked her interest in weight loss as a physician. She observed that many of her patients had medical conditions related to obesity but lacked the necessary tools to lose weight. Dr. Allen joins this episode to share how she is empowering not only her patients but also the Saginaw community to effectively manage weight.

From a young age, Rwaida recognized the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. However, a challenging moment in her early twenties prompted her to prioritize health and nutrition, Since then, Rwaida's journey has led her to embrace self-accountability and create a welcoming space for others to discover their joy and strength.

Elisa Urtiaga-Medina discusses how practicing yoga led her on a path to help influence lives. From Chicago, South America, Baltimore and now Saginaw...Elisa's health journey began when she was just 17 year old looking for a way to manage her chronic stress. Over the years, this mindfulness practice has led her to create her own business called Prem Yoga & Wellness and work as a community activist.

Anthony Brown's health journey began in middle school when he started doing push-ups every other night. He then lifted his first set of weights in high school and has never looked back. Over the years, Anthony's transformation has been fueled by intense discipline, until a devastating moment triggered a newfound passion that resulted in bodybuilding.

Diana was born and raised right here in Saginaw. After experiencing a major bout of depression and anxiety, she took control of her life and worked on improving her mental and physical health. By losing more than 60 pounds, Diana rediscovered her power and is now helping others to thrive in their lives.

While most of her life is dedicated to empowering youth and raising two sons -- Arshen battled with her mental and physical health for over a decade. After hitting a depressive time in her life, she reached out to the people around her, found a village and lost close to 100 pounds.

Growing up, Austin experienced disordered eating -- tracking everything he ate from the number of M&Ms to every French fry. With the help of college-based training, paired with his wife and friends, Austin has redefined what health means to him.

After a troubling relationship, Mariette MacArthur decided to act and work towards healing. The mom of two beautiful daughters -- she transformed her mind, body and her spirit after making one decision.

Coming from a family of 10 children, Jase was not brought up with your typical home life. At a young age, she entered the foster care system where her body took on a series of overwhelming illnesses. From being underweight, to drinking nutritional shakes and being on mental health medications since she was 9 – Jase’s health transitioned to being overweight reaching almost 500 pounds. After undergoing a health operation in 2023– she has lost over 250 pounds and is on a journey to keep it off.

As someone who has always been athletic and strong, Abraham has undergone multiple surgeries -- including being in an induced coma -- yet somehow, he finds his way back to doing what he loves. And that's training others in their health journey.

As a wife and mom to three beautiful boys, Katy went from surviving some challenging moment to inspiring other moms in their health and wellness journeys.

Hosted by Alexandria Jones, Beyond the Hoodie dives deep into the inspiring story of 19-year-old Lionel Baldwin, who was bullied for his weight from the age of six—before he even realized he was “fat.” Despite being one of the biggest kids in his class, Lionel found ways to cope, excelling in sports, academics, and social circles. Now a sophomore at the University of Michigan, he opens up about his transformation—from never taking off his hoodie to embracing a healthier lifestyle and a bright future. Tune in for a raw, honest conversation about resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of personal growth.

In this inspiring episode of BWell Saginaw Healthier Me with Alexandria Rene, we sit down with Jessica Larsen, a Saginaw County working mom who has spent decades battling weight-related health challenges, including PCOS and fertility struggles. Jessica shares her raw and deeply personal story of finding hope through bariatric surgery, and shedding over 100 pounds—not just of weight, but of fear and self-doubt. Today, Jessica has a renewed outlook on life and a beautiful perspective to share with friends and neighbors. She opens up about the physical and mental transformations that have empowered her to reclaim her health. Her journey is a testament to persistence, courage, and the belief that it’s never too late to change your story. Whether you’re struggling with similar challenges or need a reminder that hope is always within reach, this episode will uplift and inspire you. Tune in to hear Jessica’s journey of self-love, wellness, and a life she never thought possible.