The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero Ed.D

In this powerful episode, psychiatrist Dr. Kenneth Thompson joins Awaken Pittsburgh’s Executive Director, Stephanie Romero, to explore the deep connections between mindfulness and Integrative Community Therapy (ICT). Together, they reflect on how collective healing, compassion, and community dialogue can complement individual mindfulness practices to build stronger, more resilient communities.

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In this heartfelt episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Lora McKnight—Vedic meditation teacher, community builder, and COO of Vibrant Pittsburgh—opens up about her personal journey with anxiety, healing, and the transformative power of stillness. She shares how meditation helped her reconnect with herself during motherhood and the pandemic, and how that practice now shapes her approach to leadership and community.

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In this episode of The Ripple Effect, Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with Dr. Alice Fox Thompson, co-founder of Visible Hands Collaborative and a psychiatry resident at the University of Texas, Austin. Drawing from her background in political science, community organizing, and medical training, Dr. Thompson shares how an unexpected detour during the pandemic led her to discover Integrative Community Therapy—a grassroots mental heal...

In this latest episode of The Ripple Effect, Stephanie Romero sits down with longtime friend and educator Kathy Flynn-Somerville for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, resilience, and mindfulness. Kathy shares how a formative experience as a child led her to a lifelong career in special education and why creating an “equal playing field” for all students became her guiding principle. She also opens up about her early introduct...

What happens when two lifelong friends and educators sit down to reflect on decades of shared experiences, growth, and purpose? In this heart-opening conversation, Dr. Stephanie Romero and Christine Tapu explore the power of education, resilience, and relationships that stand the test of time.

Christine shares stories from her 30+ year career as a public school and ESL tea...

In this deeply personal and enlightening episode, host Stephanie Romero welcomes Annamarie Fernyak, a lifelong spiritual seeker, author, and mindfulness teacher, for a powerful conversation about the transformative path of awareness. Annamarie shares how her Catholic upbringing and early exposure to diverse world religions sparked a lifelong journey toward personal growth, curiosity, and spiritual awakening.

Listeners will hear abo...

In this heartfelt episode of The Ripple Effect, Stephanie Romero welcomes Don Brucker, a lifelong public servant whose path to becoming a fire marshal was deeply influenced by family legacy and meaningful community connections. Don shares how early memories with his grandfather and a desire to understand the "why" behind fire scenes sparked a lifelong journey of learning, service, and resilience. Their conversation explores how see...

In this deeply moving episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero sits down with Dr. Lovie Jackson Foster—researcher, educator, and advocate—for an intimate conversation about trauma, healing, and the powerful role mindfulness can play in breaking intergenerational cycles of harm. Dr. Foster shares her personal and professional journey into mindfulness, sparked by a vision to support survivors of sexual abuse—especi...

In this moving episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Stephanie Romero sits down with Helen Stickney—an experienced meditation guide, grief companion, and end-of-life doula—to explore the intersections of mindfulness, mortality, and healing. With over 40 years of meditation practice and a background in both hospice administration and green burial, Helen brings profound insight into how we can meet death, grief, and the unknown with ...

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Romero speaks with special guest Shawn Meredith about the transformative power of vulnerability, healing, and leadership shaped by lived experience. Shawn shares his powerful journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and incarceration, revealing how these painful experiences ultimately led him to a path of redemption and service. The conversation highlights the role of ...

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Stephanie Romero sits down with Dinnie Goldring—psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher, and former midwife—for a profound conversation about healing, presence, and transformation. They explore the power of embodied awareness, the wisdom gained through life transitions, and how spiritual and emotional growth ripple outward into our communities. Tune in for a calming, insightful dialogue th...

Join host Stephanie Romero in a heartfelt conversation with artist and activist Sheba Gittens as they explore collective healing, emergent strategy, and the power of dreaming new futures into being. Together, they reflect on community-building, radical imagination, and how vulnerability shapes the movements we long to see. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that invites you to show up authentically in the work of transformation.

Lea...

In this powerful episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with actress and educator Annie To, known for her role on HBO’s The Pitt. Annie shares her journey navigating identity, healing generational trauma, and finding strength in storytelling. Together, they explore how representation in media can shift cultural narratives and create deeper connections across communities. Don’t miss this heartfelt ...

In this warm and insightful episode of The Ripple Effect, Dr. Stephanie Romero hosts Dr. Danella Hafeman for a reflective conversation on mindfulness, mental health, and the intersection of personal practice with professional impact. The two reconnect over their shared roots in mindfulness training and discuss the evolution of Dr. Hafeman’s journey—from early exposure to meditation in high school and college to integrating mindfuln...

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero sits down with David Wible for a conversation about career evolution, connection, and purpose. David shares his unconventional journey from heavy industrial manufacturing to e-commerce and digital media, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his path. They explore the power of authentic connections—starting with something as simple as a cup of coffee—and how...

In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero welcomes special guest Tim Van Ness to explore the theme of "welcoming." Tim shares his lifelong journey with mindfulness and meditation, rooted in his upbringing as the son of a Presbyterian minister and a Christian educator. He discusses how his background in music, education, and theater shaped his understanding of presence, connection, and self-awareness. The c...

In this episode of The Ripple Effect with Dr. Stephanie Romero, Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with Dr. Jay Huguley to discuss their collaborative work and the broader impact of his research. They explore themes of social justice, systemic change, and the power of community-driven solutions. Dr. Huguley shares insights from his experience, offering thought-provoking perspectives on creating meaningful change. Tune in for an inspiri...

In this engaging episode, Dr. Stephanie Romero sits down with Matt Price for a thought-provoking conversation about transformation, adaptability, and the power of new beginnings. From rebranding a business to embracing change with confidence, this discussion offers valuable insights for anyone navigating personal or professional shifts. Don’t miss this inspiring exchange—listen now and ride the ripple of positive change!

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In this episode of The Ripple Effect with Stephanie Romero Ed.D, Stephanie and guest Larissa Evans delve into Larissa's professional practice and its impact on her life. Larissa shares insights into her career journey, emphasizing the value of mindfulness, self-awareness, and dedication to personal growth.

The conversation explores themes of resilience, the influence of practice on decision-making, and strategies for achieving bal...