In this powerful and deeply encouraging episode, Shelly O’Neal welcomes Danette Mahabeer Turner—Mrs. Kentucky Petite USA 2025, domestic violence survivor, and serial entrepreneur—for a raw and empowering conversation about healing, starting over, and redefining wellness. Danette shares what it was like to rebuild her life from the ground up while seven months pregnant, the resources that helped her survive, and how she’s turned her story into purpose through advocacy and business.

Together, they explore how mindfulness, self-care, and community support can transform even the most painful seasons. Danette offers tangible, cost-free wellness practices that helped her reconnect with herself and reclaim her power. Whether you're in the middle of a hard chapter or supporting someone who is, this episode reminds us that wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

Key Takeaways:

• Rebuilding after abuse: Danette shares her experience of starting over with no job, no car, and a baby on the way—and how she found strength through therapy, family, and legal aid.

• Turning pain into purpose: Her journey led her to become a certified life coach and launch businesses that empower other survivors.

• Wellness without a price tag: Simple practices like longer showers, nature walks, and journaling became powerful tools for healing.

• Mindfulness as a mindset: Danette explains how being present helped her regulate her nervous system and find clarity in chaos.

• Manifestation and vision: Through affirmations and visualization, she shaped a future she once thought was out of reach.

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Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, life coach, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com

Connect with her online:

https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-39a310aa/

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The guest on this episode is Danette Mahabeer Turner, Mrs. Kentucky Petite USA 2025, a domestic violence survivor, published author, certified life and business coach, and the founder of multiple successful businesses. After escaping an abusive relationship while seven months pregnant, Danette rebuilt her life from scratch—channeling her healing journey into advocacy, entrepreneurship, and public service. She is the creator and host of Voices of Victory, a TV show dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence by amplifying the voices of survivors, advocates, judges, and psychologists. Passionate about wellness and mindfulness, she’s currently developing a new aromatherapy-based wellness facility in Paducah, Kentucky.

Learn more and Connect with her online: https://www.instagram.com/danettemahabeer/

Love is more than just an emotion—it’s an energy, a force, and a deep connection that transcends time. In this episode, Shelly O’Neal is joined by Dr. Raj, a renowned physician with a passion for exploring love, spirituality, and human connection. Together, they take a deep dive into the transformative nature of love—from its cultural and spiritual significance to the way it imprints on us and shapes our lives.

Dr. Raj shares his perspective on love as a spiritual experience, drawing from his upbringing in Punjab, India—a place known for its deep-rooted romantic and poetic traditions. He and Shelly discuss how love is felt beyond the physical, why it has the power to reshape who we are, and the way it can elevate or challenge us. They also explore the science behind love, the intense neurological effects of romantic connection, and how love continues to evolve over time.

Key Takeaways:

• Love is timeless. No matter your age or life stage, the emotions and depth of love remain just as powerful.

• First love leaves an imprint, but love itself is ever-evolving. Early relationships shape us, but love grows, transforms, and takes on new meanings over time.

• Love is more than physical attraction. It is an energetic and spiritual connection that can be felt deeply across lifetimes.

• Romantic love isn’t the only kind of love that transforms us. Love in all its forms—familial, platonic, or romantic—has the power to elevate and heal.

• True love should nourish the soul. A fulfilling relationship should help you grow, feel safe, and become a better version of yourself.

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Host Shelly O’Neal is a therapist, life coach, substance abuse professional, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. She is an entrepreneur, owner of two companies, along with being the founder of a non-profit that assists children and families dealing with issues such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and suicide.

Shelly is the founder and CEO of a healthcare company with several locations in Kentucky. Her company provides both mental health and psychiatric medical services to children, teens, and adults in Kentucky.

SO Wellness, is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on helping both individuals and companies develop wellness programs to improve employee mental health and corporate wellness.

Shelly addresses the needs of C-Suite individuals and high-profile clients. She has been featured on various media outlets including ABC’s WKM, NBC’s WSMV-4, MorningLine and Yahoo! Finance along with publications such as Authority Magazine, Medium Magazine, and Bellevue City Lifestyle

Learn more about Shelly and SO Wellness on her website: shellyonealwellness.com

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The guest on this episode is Dr. Raj Sharma. Born and raised in the land of Ancient wisdom and Love “India”, Dr. Raj has practiced a wholesome way of life since childhood. Dr. Raj is a world renowned American Gastroenterologist. He attended prestigious Loma Linda University, California.

Dr. Raj has stayed true to his Eastern cultural philosophy, yet adapted to the western philosophy to create a quintessential balance that furthers the understanding and acceptance of all health and healing methods where East meets West.

He has received multiple professional awards throughout his illustrious career.

Dr. Raj has been featured on PBS, ABC, Fox, CBS, NBC, and SiriusXM Health/NYU Langone. He frequently speaks at numerous universities and professional meetings. He believes in the transformative power of love, and is a romantic at heart. His first passion during childhood was to be a movie star, but he was shy- a trait which he metamorphosed out of with hard work, dedication, and love.

Born in the romantic state of Punjab, India where love flows in the water, adds fragrance to the air, and is core to most poetic literature, it would not take much for his already romantic heart to drench in love, and start palpitating.

In this episode, Shelley O'Neal welcomes Lauren Reed Williams, CEO of REED Public Relations in Nashville Tennessee, to discuss the integration of wellness and leadership. Lauren shares her journey of prioritizing mental well-being within her company, achieving a platinum-level certification from Mental Health America. She highlights the importance of a supportive workplace culture, viewing turnover positively, and the lessons learned from personal and professional challenges. Lauren also introduces her new book on conscious leadership, which blends her experiences in public relations with insights from astrology. Listen in for actionable insights on resilience, continuous growth, and maintaining a balanced life.

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Shelly’s guest on this episode is Lauren Reed Williams. There was no parachute. When Lauren quit her job as a senior director at a national PR and marketing agency, she jumped without a net. There was no next job lined up. No lucrative book deal signed. No beach villa in St. Tropez waiting for her new life as a trophy wife. Lauren didn’t need any of that. She had faith in herself. Faith that she would stick the landing. No safety net or parachute needed. Within a few weeks – yes, weeks – she’d started REED Public Relations and had a roster of amazing clients. Just like that, the agency was well on its way to making a lasting impact on the Nashville PR scene.

Industry accolades back up Lauren as a rising star. She earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation in 2010 and is a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Women Presidents’ Organization, former president of PRSA Nashville and recipient of the PRSA Nashville 2011 Mercury Award, which recognizes the top young PR professional in the Nashville market. Most recently, Lauren was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and its Most Admired CEO list in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. REED PR has also been named one of the Business Journal’s Best Places to Work, and Lauren has been named to Nashville Post's In Charge List in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Even with all of her awards and the tremendous work she has done, she still says one of her greatest professional accomplishments was creating REED PR’s Be The Good program, which reserves a portion of the agency’s revenue to provide travel grants to individuals who want to do volunteer or mission work at home or abroad.

Connect with Lauren and Reed PR online:

Email: lauren@reedpublicrelations.com

Website: www.reedpublicrelations.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reed_pr/

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Shelly O’Neal is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur and wellness consultant. As owner of Emerald Therapy Center, a 6-location healthcare group, she has an undeniable understanding of the corporate landscape making her one of the most sought-after wellness counselors for C-suite employees, entrepreneurs and other high-profile leaders and individuals. She conducts training and presentations with many companies and C-Level executives to help improve workplace retention and performance.

Learn more about Shelly O’Neal:

Website: www.shellyonealwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-wellness-so-wellness-39a310aa/

In this episode, Shelly O'Neal sits down with Sydney Dumler, the founder of Forza Pilates in Nashville Tennessee. The conversation highlights Sydney's unique approach to Pilates, blending her Italian and Japanese heritage into the studio's ethos, emphasizing strength, resilience, and the holistic benefits of movement. Sydney shares insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the wellness industry, and discusses how Pilates serves as a gentle yet powerful tool for improving both physical fitness and mental health. The episode explores the importance of community, the therapeutic effects of movement on anxiety and depression, and the personal practices that contribute to Sydney's self-care and mental health. Through their discussion, they illuminate the profound impact of physical health on emotional well-being, encouraging listeners to integrate mindfulness and movement into their daily lives for overall wellness.

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Shelly’s guest on this episode is Sydney Dumler. Originally from Colorado, Sydney Dumler founded Forza Pilates in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood of Nashville, Tenn. Her brand was created to celebrate inner strength and beauty in all forms. The space encourages its clients to build strength and practice self-care.

Sydney is an advocate of both mental and physical wellness within herself, her clients and her teams.

Connect with Sydney and Forza Pilates online:

Website: https://forza-pilates.com/ Sydney’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneydumler/ Forza Pilates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forzapilates/

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Shelly O’Neal is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur and wellness consultant. As owner of Emerald Therapy Center, a 6-location healthcare group, she has an undeniable understanding of the corporate landscape making her one of the most sought-after wellness counselors for C-suite employees, entrepreneurs and other high-profile leaders and individuals. She conducts training and presentations with many companies and C-Level executives to help improve workplace retention and performance.

Learn more about Shelly O’Neal:

Website: www.shellyonealwellness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-wellness-so-wellness-39a310aa/

In this episode, Shelly O'Neal sits down with Teresa Bailey, president of Waddell and Associates in Nashville. Shelly and Teresa explore the deep connection between financial and emotional health and illuminate the psychological underpinnings of financial decisions, the significance of early financial literacy, and the challenges women face in a historically male-dominated field. They offer insights into overcoming these challenges through a holistic approach to wellness and the importance of a proactive financial and emotional wellness plan. This conversation is a compelling guide for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy, understand the impact of emotional health on financial decisions, and pursue a balanced approach to achieving financial and emotional wellness.

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Shelly’s guest on this episode is Teresa Bailey. Teresa Bailey is a Wealth Strategist who actively orchestrates the financial affairs of executives, entrepreneurs and other driven individuals. At W&A, she is known for enriching her clients’ financial worlds and building the W&A name by coordinating brand development, planning client events and developing educational content. Teresa is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® practitioner who was named one of Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2016. Striving to stay involved with her community, Teresa regularly speaks about the importance of financial planning and connects industry professionals with one another. She formerly chaired the Greater Memphis Chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Teresa now chairs the programs committee for the Nashville chapter of The Private Directors Association, helping private companies within the community create and upgrade their boards while developing and promoting talented candidates.

Connect with Teresa online:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresajwbailey/

and

https://www.wealthstrategists.com

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Shelly O’Neal is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur, and wellness consultant. As owner of Emerald Therapy Center, a 6-location healthcare group, she has an undeniable understanding of the corporate landscape, making her one of the most sought-after wellness counselors for C-suite employees, entrepreneurs, and other high-profile leaders and individuals. She conducts training and presentations with many companies and C-Level executives to help improve workplace retention and performance.

Learn more about Shelly O’Neal:

Website: www.shellyonealwellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-wellness-so-wellness-39a310aa/

In this episode, Shelly O'Neal sits down with Sonda Kunzi, CEO of Coding Advantage, to delve into the complexities and nuances of billing and coding in the mental health sector. Kunzi shares her extensive experience and passion for supporting behavioral health providers, emphasizing the importance of understanding each organization's mission to provide tailored billing solutions. They discuss the challenges of navigating insurance billing, the crucial role of advocacy in ensuring patient access to necessary services, and the personal wellness practices that support their professional endeavors.

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Shelly’s guest on this episode is Sonda Kunzi. Sonda is the CEO of Coding Advantage and the host of the podcast Behind the Scenes with Sonda. With over 30+ years of experience in all aspects of the business side of healthcare, Sonda has built a successful healthcare consulting and billing company.

To listen to Sonda’s podcast go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-scenes-with-sonda/id1706022382

Connect with Sonda online at: https://www.instagram.com/codingadvantagellc

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Shelly O’Neal is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur, and wellness consultant. As owner of Emerald Therapy Center, a 6-location healthcare group, she has an undeniable understanding of the corporate landscape making her one of the most sought-after wellness counselors for C-suite employees, entrepreneurs and other high-profile leaders and individuals. She conducts training and presentations with many companies and C-Level executives to help improve workplace retention and performance.

Learn more about Shelly O’Neal:landscape,
Website: www.shellyonealwellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-wellness-so-wellness-39a310aa/

In this episode, Shelly O'Neal sits down with Liza Graves and Susan Griffin to delve into the intersections of mental health, beauty, and wellness in the workplace. Together, they discuss the profound impact of societal pressures and social media on mental well-being. They also talk about the vital importance of confidence and the challenges of work-life balance, particularly as working mothers.

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Shelly’s guests on this episode are Liza Graves and Susan Griffin. Liza is the Founder and CEO of Style Blueprint, Inc and Susan is the Co-Owner of Nashville Cosmetic Surgery. Both live in Nashville and lead teams whether in person or remotely in caring, not only for their customers, but also for themselves.

Learn more about Liza:  
www.styleblueprint.com

Susan can be found working behind the scenes at:
www.nashvillecosmeticsurgery.com    

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Shelly O’Neal is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur and wellness consultant. As owner of Emerald Therapy Center, a 6-location healthcare group, she has an undeniable understanding of the corporate landscape making her one of the most sought-after wellness counselors for C-suite employees, entrepreneurs and other high-profile leaders and individuals. She conducts training and presentations with many companies and C-Level executives to help improve workplace retention and performance.

Learn more about Shelly O’Neal:

Website: www.shellyonealwellness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-wellness-so-wellness-39a310aa/

In this episode, Shelly O'Neal and Briar Harvey explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity and accessibility in the workplace. In this riveting conversation, Briar provides an in-depth look at the neurodivergent brain, encompassing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dysthymia, shedding light on both the positives and negatives of these diverse traits. Shelly and Briar also delve into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in obtaining diagnosis and accommodations, shedding light on the journey to empowerment, understanding, and advocacy in the corporate world.

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Shelly’s guest on this episode is Briar Harvey. She’s a storyteller and systems witch. For more than a decade, she’s been helping people figure out what the next step is, and sometimes, how to take it. She also writes a blog about business, productivity, feminism, trauma, and mental health, because those things are surprisingly interconnected.

Learn more about Briar Harvey:
www.briarharvey.com
www.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com  

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Shelly O’Neal is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur and wellness consultant. As owner of Emerald Therapy Center, a 6-location healthcare group, she has an undeniable understanding of the corporate landscape making her one of the most sought-after wellness counselors for C-suite employees, entrepreneurs and other high-profile leaders and individuals. She conducts training and presentations with many companies and C-Level executives to help improve workplace retention and performance.

Learn more about Shelly O’Neal:

Website: www.shellyonealwellness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyonealwellness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-o%E2%80%99neal-wellness-so-wellness-39a310aa/