This episode dives into the transformative power of tiny changes, elaborating on the Tiny Habits method developed by Dr. BJ Fogg and his new creative project, Habit Songs for Kids. Listeners gain insight into how simple behavior modifications, music, and emotional understanding can foster lasting change and kindness in children and adults alike in a deep dive discussion with BJ Fogg, Ph.D. and Stephanie Weldy, M.Ed.  About our guests:  BJ Fogg, PhD, founded the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University. In addition to his research, Fogg teaches industry innovators how human behavi ..read more

Our podcast is evolving from ERS Walk Talk to the Buena Vida Podcast, reflecting our commitment to support well-being as we enter 2025. Expect inspiring episodes, expert interviews, and practical tips dedicated to helping you live a "good life." Today's episode covers the following topics:   • Announcement of the podcast name change to Buena Vida • Meaning behind the new name and its connection to well-being • Continuation of quality content and commitment to the listeners • Upcoming topics and notable guests for 2025 • Introduction of the new Money Talks podcast focusing on financ ..read more

In this episode of the ERS Walk & Talk Podcast, host Lacy sits down with Alexis Schminke, a Senior Training Specialist at DPS in the Aircraft Division, and a Certified Holistic Nutritionist with a background in chemistry and exercise physiology. They delve into key takeaways from the book "Metabolical" by Robert Lustig and discuss strategies for understanding and reducing sugar intake for improved health. Key Points Discussed: What is sugar? and how it's hidden in foods. How sugar gets processed in the body How sugar is hidden in foods and why juice isn't good for us The NOVA food scale ..read more

If you’re a State of Texas employee, you might already know about the free fitness classes offered online almost every day of the work week. The new Virtual Wellness Calendar features a range of classes lead by other state employees, including Jewell Smith of Office of Attorney General; Mackenzie McIntyre of Texas Department of Transportation, and , Rachel Schey of Alamo College District. In part 2 of this series  you will hear why these wonderful people are providing this resource and how Virtual Fitness classes may help to support mental health as well!  Join and share this resour ..read more

In this Walk & Talk episode, Lacy skips the walk to talk with three key people about the top 10 takeaways from the many virtual events that made up the 2021 State Employee Wellness Fair. Lacy, Jewell, Tara and Amy share bloopers and the surprising insights they had about themselves throughout the previous week of webinars, jam sessions, and morning check-ins. Warning: this episode contains anecdotes that will make you want to listen to some of the event recordings at the 2021 Virtual Wellness Fair Channel.     ..read more

Explore the transformative world of mental health management with our guest Dale Cook, CEO and co-founder of Learn to Live. Dale shares his personal journey with cognitive behavioral therapy, which inspired him to create a platform that makes mental health support accessible to everyone, everywhere. Discover how Learn to Live is tackling the stigma associated with mental health and offering digital programs that bridge the gap for those who might not seek traditional therapy. From breaking geographical barriers to fostering a proactive approach to well-being, Dale's insights offer a fresh pers ..read more

Lacy talks with Patricia Hord, the Grant Education and Communications Specialist at the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. How does your personality and family background shape your relationship with money and spending habits. Was your family often struggling financially or were you often the recipient of enormous generosity? These experiences can shape a person’s money mindset. Are you a saver/splurger? A compulsive saver or a worrier? A gambler or a compulsive spender? A compulsive money earner are are you indifferent to money? Find out how to manage these tendencies by understanding yo ..read more

Discover how you can finally conquer chronic pain without ever leaving your home. Daniel Perez, the CEO and co-founder of Hinge Health, joins us to reveal how his innovative digital health program is revolutionizing musculoskeletal care. You'll learn how Hinge Health's cutting-edge software and algorithms create personalized exercise therapy plans, health coaching, and educational resources, making physical therapy more accessible and affordable. We also tackle the significant hurdles people face in accessing musculoskeletal healthcare, especially in large, rural states like Texas. Daniel sha ..read more

Ever wondered how a single mom can pay off over $40,000 in credit card debt? Join us as we bring you the remarkable story of Kari Karber, Assistant Director of Customer Benefits at the Employees' Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Kari opens up about her inspiring journey from financial struggle to stability, sharing the practical strategies and mindset shifts that helped her achieve this incredible feat. As a single mother of two daughters, Kari's story is not just about numbers: it's a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of small, consistent steps in transforming one's finan ..read more

What if you could take control of your heart health with the help of a simple app? Join us in this episode as we chat with Mayan Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Hello Heart, a groundbreaking digital health platform. Hello Heart combines a connected blood pressure monitor with personalized AI coaching is nothing short of inspiring. Together, we explore the challenges of managing cardiovascular conditions and the critical importance of tracking vital signs like blood pressure and cholesterol. Discover how Hello Heart is revolutionizing heart health management by bridging the gap between medical di ..read more