Nobody sees the glass of Cabernet half full like Debbie. She is fresh air with a magnetic flare. Debbie was the winner of the prestigious 'Best Nationally Syndicated Talk Show of The Year' – three years in a row, from American Women in Radio and Television. Risk it or Regret it!
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August 14, 202613 min
What If You Had a Digital Twin… Who Could Help You Live Better?
Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive! — Wellness Wednesday Every week I meet someone who's helping us all Keep the "LIVE" in Alive! This week, I met a guy who made me realize I may be seriously behind. Tony Medrano is 55 years old, training for his FOURTH Ironman triathlon — and apparently works out four, five, sometimes SEVEN OR EIGHT HOURS A DAY. I had one immediate thought: Tony, you're making me feel horrible about myself. LOL. But that's not actually why I invited him on the show. Tony is the CEO and co-founder of LongevityPlan.AI, and what really got my attention was something I'd never heard of before: Your Own AI Digital Twin Yes. A digital version of YOU. The concept is that your personal health information — things like lab work, genetics, DEXA scans, VO2 max, wearable data, supplements and health goals — can help create a digital representation of you. Why? So you can learn more about how different wellness strategies might affect you before experimenting on your actual body. As Tony put it: "Why not do it digitally first?" Now THAT got my attention. Especially because I keep hearing more and more about peptides, biohacking, longevity treatments and all kinds of things people are trying in the quest to feel younger, stronger and better. And some of it sounds fascinating. Some of it also makes me think: Who the heck knows what they're doing? Tony himself stressed an important point: people interested in peptides should learn about them, consult their own doctor who knows their medical history, and proceed from there. The NFL Connection Made Me Go… "Wait, WHAT?" Tony told me he first became fascinated with digital-twin technology while working with the NFL, where he says the concept was being used to help protect valuable players from injury. His thought was basically: Why should professional athletes be the only ones who get this kind of technology? He wanted to bring the concept to regular people, too. And that led to what I thought was the most important message of our conversation. Tony said: "When people are engaged in their health, there is a cascading effect of positive outcomes." I LOVE THAT. Because underneath all the AI, digital twins, peptides and futuristic stuff is a very simple idea: Pay Attention to Your Health BEFORE Something Goes Wrong. Tony admits that for years as a busy tech executive, he wasn't particularly engaged with his own health. Now? He says his energy is through the roof, he feels better, looks better, performs better at work — and has discovered that being active has actually expanded his social life. Apparently, the daytime workout people are a pretty good crowd. I asked him if they were nicer. Tony said: "They're nicer, they're prettier, they're safer." LOL. Okay Tony. Point taken. So maybe I don't need to start training for a 140-mile Ironman tomorrow. But I probably should get on the bike. And maybe that's the real Wellness Wednesday takeaway: You don't have to become obsessed with longevity. You don't have to try every new wellness trend. And you certainly don't have to work out eight hours a day. But becoming a little more curious, a little more informed and a little more involved in your own health? That might be one of the smartest investments you can make in keeping the LIVE in alive. And Tony? We're done here and you can get back on the bike pal. But just know that you're making the rest of us look bad. LOL. — Debbie Nigro Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive! Wellness Wednesday The Debbie Nigro Show
August 3, 202643 min
"Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive!" Birthday Wisdom, A Little Laughter, A Little "Uh-Oh"...and a Whole Lot of Hope!
Every week I go looking for people, products, ideas and research that can help all of us "Keep the LIVE in Alive!" Sometimes I find inspiration. Sometimes I find things that make me laugh out loud. And sometimes I discover something that makes me say... "Whoa…Didn't see THAT coming!" This episode had all three. Another birthday came and went...and I couldn't be more grateful. As we get older, birthdays become less about counting candles and more about appreciating the gift of getting another one. After surviving a few things that could have taken me out over the years, I don't take birthdays for granted anymore. I'm loving my family and friends and making a real effort to spend quality time with them. I'm also reconnecting in person with business associates because I've always believed that's where trust is built. I'm fortunate to be working with some incredibly innovative entrepreneurs bringing exciting new products to market, and I have to admit...I'm feeling pretty good about being at that stage of life where I know what I know. I'm also trying to try more new things...while trying very hard not to get hurt. (Welcome to this new phase of life!) This past year brought its share of aggravating aches, pains and unexpected physical issues. They tested my patience, stretched my sense of humor...but thankfully never took it away. Oh and I noticed something else. I talk to myself a lot more these days. Usually it starts with... "Seriously, Debbie?" Funny...but not funny. Humor, I can tell you for sure, is critical to survival. Debservation: "If you've still got a pulse...you've still got a shot!" SO...I celebrated my birthday a little too enthusiastically. Translation? I overate. I overdrank. 'Recovery' definitely isn't as quick as it used to be. Translation? Took me 3 days to recover from two. Which is exactly why every Wellness Wednesday I go searching for the newest ideas, smartest people and most interesting discoveries that might help all of us age a little healthier—and a whole lot happier. This Week We Talked About... Why red-light therapy and biohacking are exploding in popularity. The growing shortage of blood donations—and why donating could someday save someone you love. Important food, medication and child car seat recalls worth knowing about. Why buying GLP-1 medications online without proper medical supervision may not be the smartest idea. How AI can be incredibly helpful...but still can't replace real human connection...or a real human voice. Guest Spotlight: Red Light Therapy & Biohacking One of my favorite conversations this week was with Reverend Dr. Jessica Chichester, co-founder of HAUTE HEALING OASIS in Stamford, CT. Jessica is one of those fascinating people who makes you think differently the minute she starts talking. She explained how therapies like infrared saunas, red-light therapy and other science-backed wellness technologies are helping people improve energy, recovery and overall vitality by supporting the body's own natural healing systems. I'll admit it... After hearing her explain everything, I was ready to leave the radio station and drive straight there. I even told her I wished she had a "wellness car wash." You'd shuffle in exhausted... ...and twenty minutes later burst out the other side ready to conquer the world! Now that's a business model I can get behind. Debbie's Recall Round-Up Apparently, a big theme in the news this week week was... "Don't eat it, don't sit in it, and don't take the allergy pill." This reported recalls included: 19 million eggs linked to a salmonella outbreak. Lettuce and ready-made salad concerns. Ricotta cheese. Evenflo Revolve360 child car seats. Cetirizine allergy medication. Debservation: "Every time I go to put something in my mouth these days somebody yells...' Wait! Wait!...spit it out that's been recalled!" The upside? This may become the "Didn't See That Coming" Diet of 2026! My Favorite Laughs of the Week I admitted on the air... I think I'm personally one of the few people these days keeping the snack industry in business. Pretty soon they'll invent GLP-1 salad dressing...once we're allowed to eat lettuce again! My three grandchildren together are like psychedelic soup...or Pop Rocks exploding all at once. And grandmas everywhere understand this one: taking a car seat in and out of the car should qualify as an Olympic event. My Challenge To You This Week Do one thing your future self will thank you for. Maybe it's donating blood. Maybe it's cleaning out that spice cabinet from 2013. (Yes...I actually found one!) Maybe it's finally scheduling that wellness appointment you've been putting off. Or maybe it's simply deciding that another birthday is something to celebrate—not fear. One more birthday. One more chance to laugh. One more chance to learn something new. One more chance to help somebody else. That's really what "Keeping the LIVE in Alive!" has always been about. Until next Wellness Wednesday... Remember "If you've still got a pulse...you've still got a shot! Enjoy This Full Show Wellness Wednesday Podcast Episode of "Keeping the LIVE in Alive!" Best, Debbie
August 3, 202613 min
Seeing Red Never Felt So Good! Can Red Light Therapy Really Recharge Your Body in Just 20 Minutes? Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive!
Seeing Red Never Felt So Good! Can Red Light Therapy Really Recharge Your Body in Just 20 Minutes? Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive! Every Wellness Wednesday, I invite you to meet someone who's helping us all keep the "LIVE" in alive. Sometimes it's a doctor. Sometimes it's a scientist. Sometimes it's an entrepreneur—or someone who's simply discovered a better way to live. This week...I found myself seeing red...and it never felt so good. If you've been hearing all the buzz about red light therapy, you're not alone. It's one of today's fastest-growing wellness trends, with people exploring it to support recovery, boost energy, healthier skin, and overall well-being. Naturally, I had to find out what all the excitement was about. So, I recently sat down with one of the most fascinating women I've met in a long time—Jessica Chichester, founder of Hope Healing Oasis in Stamford, Connecticut. This isn't your typical spa. It's a wellness playground filled with cutting-edge therapies designed to help your body do what it naturally wants to do...heal itself. As is typical on my show there are always a couple of laughs. You Can't Make This Stuff Up! Jessica casually mentioned she's taking a group to Ecuador for an ayahuasca retreat. So naturally I blurted out... "All the psychedelics everybody thinks their grandkids are on...but instead it's them!" We both cracked up. Later I told her I wished she had a wellness car wash. You'd shuffle in feeling completely exhausted... ...and twenty minutes later come flying out the other side like a rocket ship! Now THAT'S a drive-thru image I can't get out of my head. Meet This Week's Guest Jessica's story is remarkable. She battled depression as a young woman, discovered holistic health while working in a health food store, went on to become one of the strongest women in America, and eventually reinvented herself after a career-ending injury. Today she's helping others improve their health through therapies focused on energy, recovery, and whole-body wellness. One of my favorite things she said was: "People think they're supposed to stay who they are. That's such a boring lie." I absolutely loved that. Because isn't that true for all of us? No matter our age or stage of life, we always have permission to reinvent ourselves. What I Learned Jessica explained why therapies like red light therapy, infrared saunas, cold plunges, and other wellness technologies are attracting so much attention. Her philosophy is refreshingly simple: Your body already knows how to heal. Sometimes it just needs the right environment. She also explained that red light therapy uses concentrated wavelengths of light similar to beneficial sunlight—but without harmful UV exposure. While research is still evolving, studies suggest it may support cellular energy production, muscle recovery, skin health, and overall wellness. Whether you're brand new to these therapies or already curious about biohacking, Jessica made the science surprisingly easy to understand. I walked away thinking less about machines...and more about giving our bodies every opportunity to do what they were designed to do. Debbie's Debservation I think one of the biggest wellness breakthroughs isn't a machine... It's giving yourself permission to become a new version of yourself. Jessica reinvented herself more than once. Maybe that's the real secret to longevity. Keep growing. Keep learning. Keep changing. Because the minute we think we've arrived... ...we stop living. And I don't know about you, but I'm planning to stay wonderfully curious for a very long time. This Week's Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive! Challenge Try one thing this week you've never tried before to improve your health. Maybe it's visiting a wellness center. Maybe it's relaxing in an infrared sauna. Maybe it's trying red light therapy. Or maybe it's simply spending twenty peaceful minutes outside soaking up some sunshine. Whatever you choose, give yourself permission to explore something new. Your body—and your mind—just might thank you. Catch the Full Conversation Jessica Chichester shares her remarkable personal journey, explains why energy matters more than most of us realize, and offers a fascinating look inside today's world of wellness technologies. You may leave thinking exactly what I did... "Where's that wellness car wash when I need it?" I know I did. Until next Wellness Wednesday... Keep that "LIVE" in Alive! Best, Debbie Nigro
July 31, 202614 min
Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive! Debservation: "Sometimes the Best Nutrition Advice Isn't New...It's OLD!"
Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive! In this Wellness Wednesday Feature Interview , I got a sneak peek at one of the world's biggest nutrition gatherings—Nutrition 2026, hosted by the American Society for Nutrition. Researchers from around the globe gather to reveal the latest discoveries about how food affects our health. My guest was Dr. Diane Stadler, professor of medicine and director of graduate programs in Human Nutrition at Oregon Health & Science University. One of the first things we agreed on? Food really is medicine. I laughed remembering my Italian grandmothers feeding us what we used to call "peasant food"—beans, greens, fresh vegetables and simple meals from the garden. Funny how those same foods are now considered some of the healthiest things you can eat! As I joked on the show: "Our ancestors already knew what to do... somewhere along the way we forgot." Dr. Stadler explained that convenience and processed foods gradually replaced home cooking over the past several decades—and while they've made life easier, they've also made healthy eating more complicated. A Few Big Takeaways Whole foods still win. Whenever possible, choose foods closer to their natural form instead of heavily processed versions. GLP-1 medications work—but nutrition still matters. As these weight-loss drugs become more common, researchers are emphasizing the importance of getting enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and exercise to help preserve muscle while losing weight. Food safety matters too. With recent produce recalls making headlines, Dr. Stadler recommends buying whole vegetables when possible, washing them well, and preparing them yourself. And my favorite surprise? The humble red pepper! When I asked Diane why she always adds one to her salad, she smiled and said: "Red peppers are one of the highest sources of vitamin A and vitamin C... they supercharge my day." By the end of the interview I had officially declared: "I'll always use a red pepper from now on because of Diane!" Debservation: Sometimes the newest science simply reminds us of what our grandparents and ancestors practiced all along. Eat more real food. Move your body. Don't overcomplicate it. That's the kind of wellness advice that never goes out of style. This Week's Keeping the LIVE in Alive! Challenge Add one extra colorful vegetable to your plate every day this week. Maybe it'll be a red pepper... like mine. :-) Hope you enjoy our conversation. Best! Debbie
July 9, 202614 min
Right on Time for Wedding Season: Meet the "Wives-In-Law" Who Chose Friendship Over Family Drama
Right on time for wedding season—when blended families everywhere are blending for weddings, graduations, vacations, and all of life's big special occasions—comes a story that just might inspire everybody to behave a little better at the family table. LOL. Meet Andrea and Heidi: two New Jersey women, moms, grandmothers, successful professionals and small business owners who share something most women don't. They both married the same man. Not at the same time, people. LOL. Heidi married Dan when they were young. They had two daughters and jumped headfirst into parenthood together. Eventually, their marriage ended. The marriage didn't last—but the family they created did. Heidi rebuilt her life, working as a personal trainer, helping in her family's excavation business, and doing whatever it took to keep moving forward. Then she met Bob—a kind man who owned a pizza place and, very importantly, made killer pizza. Heidi and Bob have now been happily married for 20 years and run a small business together. Andrea also married young and had two daughters. Somehow, while raising a nursing baby and a toddler, she made it through law school and went on to become a lawyer and business advisor. Because apparently, in Andrea's family, moms just figured things out. Years later, Andrea met Dan on Match.com—proving that sometimes it takes an international dating site to introduce you to the love of your life who lives just 11 miles away. LOL. Andrea and Dan have now been together nearly 20 years, blending their families and building a life centered around their children and five grandchildren. Andrea is Gigi. Heidi is Grammy. And together, they are... Wives-In-Law. And That's Where This Story Gets Really Good Andrea and Heidi could have chosen tension, competition, resentment—or simply kept their distance. Instead, they chose to try. The friendship didn't happen overnight. It grew through patience, curiosity, awkward moments, misunderstandings, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to making life better—not harder—for the people they loved. At first, they made the effort because they both adored their children and wanted to put them first. But something unexpected happened along the way. They discovered they actually liked each other! Not tolerated each other. Not politely smiled through family events. Genuinely liked each other. Today they share grandchildren, family celebrations, vacations, Broadway shows, late-night phone calls—and yes, even bacon festivals! Their new book, Wives-In-Law, tells the wonderfully imperfect true story of what can happen when people choose respect over resentment, curiosity over competition, and connection over pride. "Hi, I Really Have to Pee" One of the things I loved most about my conversation with Andrea and Heidi was their honesty. Heidi will tell you straight out: the divorce was not friendly. And when she first met Andrea, she was intimidated. There had been another relationship in Dan's life before Andrea that hadn't exactly brought out the best in Heidi, so naturally she wondered: "Oh boy...what's this one going to be like?" Then Andrea showed up at Heidi's house for the first time and basically said: "Hi, I really have to pee." LOL. Apparently, nothing breaks the ice like skipping the formalities and asking where the bathroom is. Andrea remembers coming out of the bathroom to find Heidi waiting with a cold bottle of water and a smile. And somehow, in those little human moments, the walls started coming down. Over time, they discovered something we should all probably remember more often: The stories we make up in our heads about other people are not always true. Heidi assumed Andrea was confident and had it all together. Then she discovered Andrea had insecurities too. Heidi remembers admitting that it sometimes took her two hours to get dressed while throwing clothes all over the room. Andrea's response? "Oh, me too." That's the thing about women. Sometimes we're intimidated by another woman because we assume she has everything figured out—until we get to know her and realize she's standing in front of her closet throwing clothes on the floor too. They Don't Pretend It's Perfect Here's what else I loved about their story: they don't pretend their friendship is perfect. They still misunderstand each other. They get annoyed. They've had arguments. The difference is—they talk about it. They don't automatically leave each other in the dust when feelings get hurt. They ask questions and work through things. As Andrea said during our conversation: Relationships are worth the effort. That's a message that goes way beyond blended families. How many relationships might have turned out differently if we had asked one more question before making an assumption? How many people have we misunderstood because we were reacting to a story in our own head instead of finding out what was actually true? From "Ex-Husband" to "First Husband" Heidi no longer refers to Dan as her ex-husband. She calls him her first husband. She says it feels softer. Love that. And perhaps one of the greatest unexpected gifts of her friendship with Andrea is that Heidi can now genuinely enjoy having Dan in her life again. She can watch him be Grandpa to their grandsons. They can remember the good times without reopening the painful ones. Think about what a gift that is—not only to Heidi and Dan, but to their daughters and grandchildren. And the ripple effect has grown. Their daughters have become friends too. The grandchildren are growing up as friends, not just relatives. And with another family wedding on the horizon, this blended family will once again be showing up together. Not because it all happened by accident. Because somebody had to go first. Somebody had to choose curiosity over assumptions. Somebody had to keep showing up. And eventually, everybody won. Sometimes Tuscany Isn't Really the Dream A few years ago, Andrea realized something every grandparent understands: Childhood moves fast. Six weeks doesn't sound like a long time until you're measuring it in missing teeth, longer legs, soccer goals, and grandchildren who somehow look older every time you see them. Andrea had always imagined a magical family compound somewhere wonderful. Maybe Tuscany. But after a three-year house search, she and Dan found a home connected to her daughter's neighborhood by a paved, almost fairy-tale-like walking path. Now the grandchildren can bike, scooter, or walk over to Gigi's house whenever they want. Watching her five grandchildren grow up together and seeing the blended family become truly connected made Andrea realize something. Tuscany was never really the dream. This was. DEBSERVATION We spend a lot of time assuming relationships have to follow a certain script. Ex-wife. New wife. Stepchildren. Bonus children. His family. Her family. Their family. But what happens when people decide that labels matter less than love? Andrea and Heidi threw out the script. They put their children first. They chose respect over resentment. They gave each other grace. They talked through misunderstandings instead of walking away. And along the way, they created a freundship neither of them expected. Sometimes the person you think is going to complicate your life turns out to be one of the people who enriches it most. And sometimes everybody wins because somebody was willing to go first. A Book Dedication That Says It All The dedication in Wives-In-Law beautifully sums up the heart of this whole story: For our children and grandchildren. You gave us the reason to choose love over pride, connection over conflict, and family over labels. Meet Andrea Cataneo and Heidi Prudente on The Debbie Nigro Show. Because the truth is, nobody tells you what happens after the divorce papers are signed. Nobody hands you a script when your family expands in unexpected directions. This conversation is proof that families don't have to be perfect… They just have to be willing to keep showing up for each other. Now THAT'S Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive!
May 8, 202614 min
"If you're 65 and healthy, you may be living another 30 years." That changes EVERYTHING - Michael Clinton. Longevity Nation
Nothing like a fast-moving, inspiring, laugh-filled conversation about living longer, living louder… and refusing to sit quietly on the sidelines of life. That's exactly what happened on this week's Wellness Wednesday edition of Keeping the "Live" in Alive! when I welcomed powerhouse guest Michael Clinton to The Debbie Nigro Show. Michael — former president of Hearst Magazines and now founder of Roar Forward — joined me fresh off the launch of his bestselling new book, Longevity Nation, which was just selected by the prestigious Next Big Idea Club as one of the books expected to shape conversations for the year ahead. And honestly? I can see why. We're Not Just Living Longer… We're Living DIFFERENTLY Michael shared a staggering reality: "If you're 65 and healthy, you may be living another 30 years." That changes EVERYTHING. Career paths. Relationships. Retirement. Housing. Friendships. Purpose. Health. Identity. Michael explained how countries like Japan already adapted to this "new longevity" mindset far faster than the United States — with cultures intentionally built around connection, community, and aging with dignity and engagement. One statistic that stopped me cold? "Today's five-year-old has a 50% chance to live to 100." Whoa. The Loneliness Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centered around loneliness — a major theme featured in a recent excerpt from Michael's book. Michael talked about how intentional human connection has become critical in longer lives. And one of Michael's BEST lines of the interview? "Texting doesn't count. You need flesh and blood togetherness." YES. He encouraged people to schedule connection, make friendships multi-generational, travel together, gather more often, and stop assuming social interaction will magically happen on its own. I loved hearing about his adventure travel community and how they intentionally stay connected in real life — not just online. Meet the "Re-Imagineers" One of my favorite concepts from Michael's work is what he calls the "Re-Imagineers." These are people over 50 who suddenly realize: "I may have another 25–30 GOOD years ahead of me… now what?" And instead of slowing down, they're: launching businesses learning new skills going back to school traveling creating starting second careers falling in love again reinventing themselves completely Basically… my kind of people. Michael pointed out that older entrepreneurs are often MORE successful because they have wisdom, relationship capital, industry knowledge, and perspective younger founders may not yet have. I nearly jumped out of my chair because I've been saying this forever: "Magic happens in the balance of talents between youth and wisdom." - Debbie Nigro Bottom Line? This wasn't a conversation about aging. It was a conversation about POSSIBILITY. About purpose. About staying curious. About refusing to emotionally retire from life. About finding new reasons to wake up excited. As Michael said so beautifully, this generation is rewriting the script for what life after 50, 60, 70 — and beyond — can look like. Enjoy this inspiring and important conversation with Michael Clinton, author of Longevity Nation on "Keeping the 'Live' in 'Alive'! on The Debbie Nigro Show. It's important insight into how the world of living longer has changed. It's about living longer with purpose, fighting loneliness, reinvention after 50, and why the "Re-Imagineers" are redefining aging.
April 27, 202614 min
Mushroom Coffee? Tried it Yet? Wild Ancient Remedies Are Turning Into Modern Rituals
My best gal pal tried to get me to try mushroom coffee over a year ago. I still haven't tried it. Recently more friends started mentioning they were drinking it. I thought OK well maybe I should look into it. I'm not the biggest mushroom fan, though I do like them sauteed in olive oil well done and I'm always interested in a good marsala dish! But you'll never get me to eat a really wild mushroom that my other half (a former chef ) might pick up excitedly while foraging through the woods. No matter how hard he tries to convince me that wild mushrooms are a delicacy, I refuse to 'go down' from an accidentally poisonous mushroom. Because I follow trends, I have become aware that the trend of 'functional mushrooms and things like mushroom coffee are… well mushrooming! So, I decided to do a little research. On my Wellness Wednesday: Keeping the "Live" in Alive! segment, I sat down with John P. Gorst, founder of Ancient Extracts, to understand what's behind what is clearly becoming more than just a quirky health trend. This Isn't Fringe Anymore—It's a Movement Here's what got my attention: Mushroom coffee interest has surged dramatically in the last 2–3 years It's part of a multi-billion-dollar functional beverage category Some brands are already doing hundreds of millions in sales And it's quietly making its way into mainstream retail There is a definite shift in how people think about energy, focus, and daily rituals. From Coffee Crashes to Steady Energy John's story was interesting. He went from 3–4 lattes a day to trying mushroom coffee and noticing: No more afternoon crashes More consistent energy No desperate reach for a "power nap" What's Actually In Mushroom Coffee? Functional mushroom ingredients like: Lion's Mane for focus & mental clarity Reishi for calm & stress support Chaga & Cordyceps for energy & immunity My guest John P. Gorst also mentioned something called 'Shilajit'. What? It's a hundreds of years old mineral-rich substance that that stinks that literally oozes from Himalayan rocks high up in the mountains. John mixes this stuff every morning into his morning mushroom coffee. I couldn't help but ask; "Who is the heck is climbing these mountains to go get this stuff? And what's the appeal? John says 'Shilajit' … Is packed with trace minerals our bodies need Supports cellular energy Taps into the growing "replace what modern life depleted" mindset Very Wild… but apparently very on trend. Why This Trend Is Blowing Up Right Now This is the bigger story. We are in the middle of a "coffee that does more" revolution. People don't just want caffeine anymore. They want: Focus without jitters Energy without crashes Daily habits that double as wellness tools And yes… even decaf that actually gives you energy. It's a mindset shift. Where This Is Going Mushroom coffee is still a small slice of the overall coffee market, but it's pointing to something much bigger: The rise of functional everything The merging of wellness and convenience And consumers demanding more from everyday products My Take? I went into this conversation skeptical. I came out thinking: "Okay… there's something here." I love innovation. I love when people rethink everyday habits. And I REALLY love when something helps people feel better in a smarter way. So yes… I said it on-air, and I'll say it here: Ok fine fine fine… I'll try the mushroom coffee. John offered to send me some Ancient Extracts Mushroom Coffee to try. I'll report back. Here's a Thought to Consider Maybe pay attention to the things that make you say: "That's weird." Because more than not… those are the things quietly becoming what's next. Enjoy the mushroom education in this podcast of my live conversation with John P. Gorst, founder of Ancient Extracts on Wellness Wednesday on The Debbie Nigro Show where my focus is all about "Keeping the LIVE in Alive!"
April 24, 202615 min
World-Class Sleep Pioneer Says What You Eat Determines How You Sleep
Sleep issues are a BIG deal—just ask someone who's been up all night involuntarily. More than half of all Americans have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Good sleep is critical for "Keeping the 'Live' in 'Alive'! I had a 'Random Run In' with Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, a nutrition scientist and a pioneer in the field of sleep health. I was on an Amtrak to Boston, and I happened to choose the seat next to her. She was working diligently on her computer. I kept sneaking peaks at the bright fun patterned shirt she was wearing that I finally figured out reminded me of my old Peter Max stationery I loved so much as a kid. She was focused so I was quiet. At some point during the 3 ½ hour trip I asked what she was working on. (Couldn't help it - I'm a curious stranger talker) That's how I found out I was sitting next to a very big brain wrapped in a very small feminine body. Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge PhD is THE 'go-to' expert on the connection between food and sleep. Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, is a nutrition scientist and a pioneer in the field of sleep health. She is the author of Eat Better, Sleep Better: 75 Recipes and A 28-Day Meal Plan That Unlock the Food-Sleep Connection (A Cookbook). She wrote it in a fun recipe collaboration with Kat Craddock Editor-in Chief, CEO and owner of SAVEUR the legacy food magazine. Developed with ingredients that trigger the body's dietary melatonin and serotonin, these recipes align with a Mediterranean diet and trigger a healthy circadian cycle, so you feel energetic during the day and ready for sleep at night. Dr. Marie-Pierre is also the founding director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep and Circadian Research at Columbia University, and her cutting-edge research combines her unique expertise on sleep, nutrition, and weight management to address overall health related to sleep. The Big Takeaway for Me From Our Amtrak Conversation Was Learning That Sleep and Food Are Powerfully Connected! The way you eat affects how you sleep The way you sleep affects how you eat It's a loop… and if it's broken? You feel it. Dr. Marie-Pierre made it simple: Better Diet = Better Sleep = Better Life And not in a "perfect eating" way… in a real-life, doable, smart swaps kind of way. So What Should We Actually Be Eating To Sleep Better? No gimmicks here. Just smart, science-backed choices: Fiber-rich foods (hello whole grains) Healthy proteins (fish, salmon, nuts, seeds) Foods with tryptophan (the Thanksgiving turkey effect is real-ish ) Balanced meals—not heavy, late-night overloads And here's something people don't always realize Dr Marie mentioned: Alcohol may help you fall asleep… but it messes with your sleep later. And Wait… "Sweets for Sleep"? I'm Listening… Now THIS caught my attention. There are actually desserts designed to SUPPORT sleep—like: Sesame shortbread cookies Chamomile ginger panna cotta They're: Lower in sugar Thoughtfully balanced Built with ingredients that help your body relax So yes… you can have your dessert and your sleep. Just smarter. Timing Matters More Than You Think One thing I loved learning from Dr. Marie? This isn't about a "magic bedtime snack." It's about your entire day of eating. Because your body needs time to: Digest Absorb Convert nutrients (like tryptophan into sleep-supporting compounds) This is a lifestyle—not a quick fix. But it matters. And About Those Sleep Trackers… I had to ask. Her answer? Refreshingly sane: Use them Learn from them BUT… don't let them run your life Because how you feel still matters. My Debservation? We spend so much time chasing energy… …but we ignore the foundation of it—sleep. And if food is part of the solution? That's empowering. Because it means we have more control than we think. Now back to Dr. Marie-Pierre I have no clue when this sleep expert has time to sleep. Lol She's a very busy woman! Born and educated in Québec, Canada, Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge lives with her family in New Jersey. When I met her on Amtrak, she was working on a presentation that she was supposed to have made in person in Chicago that day. However, airplane delays landed her instead on the Amtrak to Boston where she would do the presentation virtually and still be in the right place for another yet another presentation in Boston. Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD is the recipient of an Outstanding Investigator Award from the NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) at the NIH, and she is a Fulbright Scholar as well as a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. She has authored close to 170 peer-reviewed publications and received scientific achievement awards from the American Heart Association and American Society for Clinical Nutrition. Amazing right? But Even Sleep Experts Get Tired. I noticed after typing for hours in the seat next to me that Dr. Marie-Pierre had started to doze off. When she woke up I offered her a sample Alert Pop™. What are the chances? I was on Amtrak that day heading to Boston to meet a major distributor for a new product called Alert Pop™! I'm a Founding Partner of the company behind this new 'better for you' sugar free caffeinated functional energy lollipop that was invented by my partner Stephen Caldwell to help prevent drowsy driving. Did you know 1 in 25 drivers admit to falling asleep at the wheel? I figured Dr. Marie could appreciate the purpose of the product and told her I'd love her opinion. She liked it! Perked her right up. I thought maybe we could somehow collaborate. Anyway, we exchanged contacts and honestly, I felt she was way too impressive a 'random run in' to keep to myself. So, I'm sharing her and her knowledge with you all today on my Wellness Wednesday Show. Listen to the Full Interview If you missed it, here's my conversation with Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge PhD on The Debbie Nigro Show. It's packed with insights that could genuinely change how you feel every single day. And it starts with a simple and powerful premise... What you eat today will determine how you sleep tonight. And 'Good Sleep' is key to "Keeping the Live in Alive! " Best! Debbie
April 14, 202642 min
The Longevity Trend: Adding More LIFE to Your Years!
Keeping the "Live" in Alive! – This Week's Wellness Wednesday Recap of the upbeat show and podcast. By Debbie Nigro There's a massive global shift happening—and it's all about longevity. Not just living longer… Living BETTER, longer. We're talking: Adding life to your years Not accepting "my best days are behind me" A whole new chapter mindset Your BEST chapter might be coming… but only if you act like it matters. "Longevity isn't about adding years to your life—it's about adding more LIFE to your years." That's the whole vibe behind this week's Wellness Wednesday— from longevity science to lollipops… and astronauts circling the moon. World Health Day Happened Again It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The 2026 Movement Theme?: "Together for health. Stand with science." The multicultural year long campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multicultural cooperation. Needed to turn evidence into action. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Neuro Wellness Is the New Frontier Okay THIS was wild… Welcome to Neuro Wellness—aka: Technology that can track and regulate your nervous system in real time. We're moving from: "I feel stressed" TO "Here's the DATA showing you're burned out" Think: Nervous system tracking Mental fitness training Real-time stress + resilience measurement I mean… imagine your burnout showing up like a weather report? Found a very enlightening article on Outside Online which sparked much of my conversation today. The Rise of High-Tech Longevity Clinics This one blew my mind… Places like Fountain Life are popping up offering: Advanced AI diagnostics Early disease detection Full-body scans BEFORE symptoms show up And yes… Tony Robbins is involved in this one. The big idea: Stop reacting to illness… start predicting it and get ahead of it. Would you want to know everything that might go wrong with your body in advance? I'm still deciding. Sleep Optimization Is a Whole Thing Now Sleep is no longer just… sleep. It's: Hormones Brain recovery Longevity Metabolism EVERYTHING And yes… There are now: Sleep trackers Wearables Circadian rhythm experts (shoutout to my Amtrak seatmate!) Also—fun fact: Babies in Norway nap OUTSIDE in the cold (And apparently sleep better beacuse of it according to some Norwegians I ran into) We Are Overcomplicating Wellness Hot take from me this week: I read we are OVERCOMPLICATING wellness. I agree. Sometimes the answer is: Call a friend Laugh harder Get out of your house Talk to actual humans Because: Connection = Energy Energy = Life That's it. That's what I have always known. My Tai Chi Experiment (Yes… really) I tried Tai Chi at home (rather than embarrass myself first time doing it in a park by a stream) Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion, according to an article from Harvard Medical School. I'm trying it to try and shore up my balance. (Tipping over trying to put on a pair of pants is seriously unacceptable) Tai chi is a low impact, "meditation in motion" practice that combines slow, graceful movements with deep breathing to improve physical and mental health. Key benefits include improved balance and reduced fall risk in older adults, enhanced flexibility, increased muscle strength, stress reduction and better cardovascular health, making it an accessible exercise for all fitness levels. And WOW. Turns out: Breathing alone can energize your entire body Who knew the thing we do for free… …could be that powerful? Could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life! NASA, Artemis II & A Little Perspective Quick detour to outer SPACE (as one does on occasion…) NASA's Artemis II mission had people buzzing again—and it reminded me there's still so much wonder in the world. And reminded me that we are lucky there are some very brave people in the world willing to "Risk It! or Reget It!" on behalf of all of us. When this radio show was live, the Artemis Crew was still up in space. I wanted to see what they were seeing so I went onto NASA's website and sat virtually inside a spacecraft online. TOO COOL and also hard to process that we humans and other life actually exist on this spinning planet. The Artemis Crew has since safely returned to earth after a 10-day record setting mission. The four astronauts traveled farther from earth than any humans in 50 years. I'm thrilled we are collectively appreciating the NASA space missions again like so many of us grew up witnessing in awe together. I'd like to personally salute and thank the astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover. Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen And loved that Artemis II Commander Reid Weisman and his crew named a moon crater "Carroll" after his late wife Caroll Taylor Wiseman who passed away from cancer in 2020. The touching tribute was announced by fellow astronaut Jeremy Hansen during the crew's lunar fly-around on April 6, 2026, as a memorial to her life. He sincerely loved her to the moon and back. Wellness Trends You Should Know (2026 Edition) The Whole Summary The Inside Word Straight from the Outside Magazine piece called: "Tech, Sleep Tracking, and Social Fitness: Where Health and Wellness Is Heading in 2026" 'Wellness culture is shifting away from quick fixes.' Big trends include: Metabolic health focus GLP-1 weight loss drugs (with caution!) Social fitness (goodbye lonely workouts!) Alcohol-free social clubs Run clubs & community wellness Translation: Wellness is becoming SOCIAL again—and I love that. I've written a book to help encourage people to get out and talk to one another in person as much as possible. It's called "How To Talk To Strangers - Advice from a Professional Stranger Talker" It's an ebook and an audio book too that I recorded myself. It's on Amazon. Viral Nutrition Hacks (Worth It or Not?) I also read in Outside Online about the upside and the downside of some trending health 'hacks'. They spoke of... Apple cider vinegar shots Fiber-maxing (more important than Vitamin C!) Water stacking (careful—too much is dangerous!) Chipotle "health bowl" hack Alert Pop™ – My "Secret Weapon" for Staying More Alive Had to sneak this in… If you missed it: I've been working on Alert Pop™ (sugar-free caffeinated lollipops for a year. They recently launched online and you'll soon be seeing them at retail locations around the country. Why Alert Pop™ matters: Created to fight drowsy driving Gentle energy boost No overload on caffeine like energy drinks which can actually harm you. And … Alert Pop™ works FAST because of how it absorbs in your mouth. (Watermelon, Blue Raspberry and Espresso which is my favorite ) I am a Founding Partner. Check them out at AlertPop.com and feel free to use my discount code DN20 for 20% off. Debbie's End of Show "Daily Toast" "If you want to be happy… Don't live in the past. Don't worry about the future. Live fully in the present." Because the present? It's a gift. Final Thought This whole show comes down to one thing: You don't just want to be alive… You want to feel ALIVE! Try something new Call someone you love Take care of your body AND your mind And remember… In the immortal words of myself lol "If ya still got a pulse… ya still got a shot!" - Debservations
April 2, 202614 min
My "Secret" Project Revealed: How a Random LinkedIn Connection Led Me to Alert Pop™ (And Why I'm So Excited About It!)
Okay… BIG moment. I'm finally shared something I've been working on behind the scenes for almost a year—and let me tell you… it's one of those "how did this even happen?!" stories that I LOVE. It all started with a random LinkedIn connection. You know how sometimes you just click with someone instantly? That's exactly what happened when Stephen Caldwell connected with me—serial entrepreneur, big thinker, and now… my partner-in-good-commotion. What started as a simple connection turned into a wildly exciting collaboration built on mutual respect, shared energy, and what I like to call a perfect "balance of talents." Let's just say I think Stephen Caldwell is a genius inventor! And I aint so bad myself when it comes to helping take a great idea to the moon. (Well not the actual moon however come to think of it - since we did go to the moon again this week for the first time in a long while - maybe I should think about getting this product on the next moon trip? Hmm. I'll tuck that away for now, but that's kinda how I think . Hello NASA? Hi It's Debbie Nigro. LOL) And now… I can finally introduce you to what we've been working on. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Meet Alert Pop™ (Yes… It's Exactly What You Might Think It Is) Alert Pop™ is a sugar-free caffeinated lollipop made with organic green tea caffeine designed to help combat drowsy driving. Yep. A lollipop—with a purpose. But it's quickly becoming so much more than that. It's a better-for-you energy option for anyone who needs a little lift without the jitters, crash, or overload—and honestly, the response so far has been incredible. I did not invent it. Stephen did! But wow I'm proud to say I'm a Founding Partner, from out of the gate (actually since the moment the idea came out of his mouth) Stephen has a background in creating and manufacturing food products, so he knew and I knew he could bring this product to life. And he did! And based on the level of interest we're seeing? This feels like it's going to be a BIG winner. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Why This Little Pop Packs a Punch Here's what makes Alert Pop™ so cool: Sugar-free (yes please ) Caffeine equals about ½ cup of coffee per pop Made with organic green tea caffeine We're adding L-theanine + B vitamins for focus No jitters. No crash. Flavors: Espresso / Blue Raspberry / Watermelon And… they actually taste GREAT. But here's the real kicker… It's not just about the caffeine—it's about how your body absorbs it. Because it's a lollipop, the oral stimulation keeps your brain engaged while delivering energy more efficiently. Who knew?! (Apparently… Stephen did. ) My Real-Life "Alert Pop Moment" True story… I'm sitting in my car in a dark supermarket parking lot around dinner time—exhausted, answering texts and emails, trying to convince myself to get out of the car and go food shopping. All I could think was… I need coffee. Then I remembered—I had Alert Pop™ samples in the car. I literally laughed out loud as I opened the espresso flavor thinking, "Let's see if this actually works…" It worked. Up. Moving. Shopping. Back in action. (And slightly amused that a lollipop just saved dinner LOL ) The Story Behind Alert Pop™ (This One Matters) This isn't just a clever idea—it's a meaningful one. Stephen is a family guy. Father of 5. Four are girls. He calls himself a Girl Dad. Married to Lory his partner in life and business forever. It was joyful meeting up with him and Lory and two of Stephens kids Lizzie and Alli Grace for the first time last September in Las Vegas. More good energy. When Stephen joined me here on The Debbie Nigro Show, he shared the moment that sparked everything—and it will get your attention for sure. His daughter Alli Grace ( in the photo wearing white) told him about a close college friend who fell asleep at the wheel after working and studying all night nonstop. He totaled his car. Walked away… thankfully. But it could have been very different. And like all of us, Stephen had that immediate thought: That could have been my daughter. That could have been me. That could have been anyone. That night, he woke up at 2AM and wrote down two words: Alert Pop™ And just like that… the journey began. Let This Sink In… 1 in 25 drivers admits to falling asleep at the wheel. And those are just the ones who admit it. We've ALL had those moments… "Wait… how did I just pass three exits?" So yes—this is a product. But it's also a purpose-driven solution to a very real problem. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Big News… and We're Just Getting Started Things are moving FAST: Named Top 5 Best New Product (out of thousands!) at a major upcoming national trade show Stephen gets to present on the main stage in Las Vegas direct to top retailers Launching in travel rest stops nationwide this summer Getting massive love from: Students Busy professionals Healthcare workers Moms-on-the-move And yes… my 82-year-old Aunt Linda in Florida. (Aunt Linda is literally handing them out to her friends so they can keep up with her—iconic.) And let me just say… The espresso flavor? People are OBSESSED. Like… hiding-it-from-your-friends obsessed. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Male Power & Female Power + Great Partnerships = Magic I have been very fortunate along the way to work with and still do - some incredibly brilliant men at the very top of their game. Men like Stephen Caldwell. Men who are 'best in class' at what they do and 'best in class' in how they treat the women in business who they work with - with total respect and appreciation. It matters. One of my favorite parts of this journey is the entire incredible team behind it—which includes powerhouse men yes but also other totally amazing powerhouse women helping bring this to life. No ego. All energy. Total collaboration. (You KNOW I love that.) And working with Stephen? Like I said I call him a 'genius'. He calls me an "energy bomb" And together? Let's just say—we're on a roll. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT The Bigger Picture This is about more than a product. It's about: Staying safe Making smarter choices Finding better-for-you energy alternatives And proving that great ideas often come from real-life problems that need solving In this case? Drowsy driving was the problem. Alert Pop™ became the solution. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Final Thought (Because You Know I Always Have One…) If you've still got a pulse—you've still got a shot. And maybe… just maybe… Now you've got a better way to stay awake for it. Now THAT'S what I call Keeping the "Live" in Alive! SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Enjoy the podcast of my conversation with Alert Pop™ inventor Stephen Caldwell on The Debbie Nigro Show! If you'd rather read than listen, the full transcript is below. The Debbie Nigro Show airs on Wellness Wednesdays | 11–12 Noon Because it's all about Keeping the "LIVE" in Alive! (because the alternative isn't as festive )
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