Talks with Dr Shafer

Latest Episodes:

Learning to Un-MUTE Yourself Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Annelise McCarthy is a leading voice and expert in communication, known for her work as an international speaker, The CEO of Use Your Voice, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and Communication Expert who has helped individuals from CEOs to Olympians on their leadership journey. Here on this inspiring episode of Talks with Dr Shafer to help give us tips on how to "un-mute" ourselves, Annelise is the friend and mentor we all need who tells us not what we want to hear, but what we need to hear to help us master the communication skills we need to build our most beautiful future.

Connect with Annelise here:

https://www.herspeakingcoach.com/contact

On LinkedIn as linkedin.com/in/annelise-mccarthy-b31533142 and

Instagram as @theannelisemccarthy

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

Photo Credits

Guest: Annelise McCarthy

TWDS: Stephanie Baker Photography

Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse

#annelisemccarthy #communication #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Art and the Heart Behind It Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

Dr Shafer sits down with renowned mixed medium artist Steve Barton for an inspiring discussion about his art, the heart behind it, and how to create a life you want to live. Steve invites us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary moments and find beauty in our everyday lives through his art and the story of his journey.

Learn more about Steve Barton's work here:

https://bartonstudios.com/

Connect with Steve Barton on Instagram @stevebartonofficial, Facebook @stevebartonstudios, and YouTube at @stevebarton

and learn how you can paint along with Steve and bring home a piece of tropical magic.

Thank you Steve Barton for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!

What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk.

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

Photo Credits:

TWDS photos by Stephanie Baker Photography:

Guest photos: Steve Barton

#stevebarton #art #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

The Cowgirl Coach: Whales, Horses, and an Unbreakable Mindset Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer sits down with Alicia VanderGriend, founder of Cowgirl Life Co. and the Cowgirl Coach, a certified yoga instructor, mindset coach, and project management professional with a master's degree in marine biodiversity. Pivoting from a career in marine energy project management monitoring whales for over a decade, Alicia felt called back to her early-life love of horses. Back on land, Alicia founded Cowgirl Life Company and the Cowgirl coach, where she helps horsewomen launch their own purpose-built businesses. Join us for an inspiring chat about embracing the pivot, living with intention and leaning into your passion to live your healthiest, happiest life.

Thank you Alicia VanderGriend for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk

Connectwith Alicia VanderGriend here:

aliciavandergriend.com

and on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at @cowgirllifeco.

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

#horsewoman #cowgirlcoach #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Take Back Your Focus and Reconnect with What Truly Matters Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

"Until you look inward, you will keep modeling the habits, the beliefs and the legacies that you never meant to pass down." - Michelle Machado, PhD, MBA

Dr Michelle Machado, PhD, MBA is a NeuroChange Solutions Consultant, two times TEDx Speaker, author of the upcoming Alive Again: 4 Steps to Reclaim Yourself in a Distracted World, and mentor who supports professionals and moms in building resilience and finding success. A mom of two and world traveller, Michelle Machado has helped people build a resilient mindset across the globe through her work with universities. Michelle is here today on Talks with Dr Shafer to share her story and her tips on how to build a resilient mindset and invest in reconnecting in a disconnected world.

Thank you Dr Machado for being on the show!

What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk

Learn more and connect with Dr Michelle Machado:https://michelledmachado.com/

Pre-order your copy of Dr Machado's new book, Alive Again: 4 Steps to Reclaim Yourself in a Distracted World:

https://www.amazon.com/Alive-Again-Reclaim-Yourself-Distracted/dp/1637635869

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

#michellemachado #aliveagain #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Traveling the World with Baby Brown Bear and Air Supply Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

"No matter if you get in trouble you can always return home."

Life is full of opportunities for adventure, and for mistakes and mischief along the way! This week's guest, Author Cari Hitchcock, shares her delightful children's book series, The Adventures of Baby Brown Bear, where Baby Brown Bear takes us on his travels around the world. From Australia, The Philippines, Mexico and New York City, Baby Brown Bear and his caring humans Mr Kazoo and Pookie Boo not only take us on an inspiring adventure of local delights, they also remind us of the value of connection and forgiveness.

Inspired by her travels with Air Supply band, led by husband Russell Hitchcock, Cari shares some of the real-life mischief that the stuffed animal who inspired the book series get into on their world travels while touring with the beloved classic rock band.

Do you have a stuffy that you or a loved one found to be the perfect travel companion? Let us know!

With every purchase, you’re supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, helping provide treatment, research, and hope for families battling childhood illnesses. How fantastic!

You can get your own Baby Brown Bear with a hand-made Air Supply t-shirt here:

https://theadventuresofbabybrownbear.com/product/air-supply-baby-bear-plush-12-soft-hypoallergenic-teddy-bear/

Learn More About the Adventures of Baby Brown Bear Series (featuring Australia, The Philippines, Mexico and New York, with new adventures coming soon) and Get Your Copies Here!

https://theadventuresofbabybrownbear.com/

Check out the new animated series on Youtube: @CariHitchcock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpwReZ2xlHg

Thank you to Cari Hitchcock for being on the show and sharing The Adventures of Baby Brown Bear with us! ⁠⁠

Love this book, too? Share this episode with someone and share the love! Books aren't pie: the more you share them, the bigger the enjoyment.

Do you have a book that you would love to have Dr Shafer review on the show? Let us know!

Contact at ⁠shaferstedronova@gmail.com⁠ for book recommendations, to recommend a guest or for other questions.

Want to have Dr Shafer come speak at your event about literacy and the power of storytelling!

Go to ⁠www.drshaferstedronova.com⁠ to learn more about Dr Shafer and speaking events.

Photo Credits: Cari Hitchcock

Photo Credits for Dr Shafer: Stephanie Baker Photography

Music Credit: He Has A Way, Riverside Audio

PR: PR from the Heart

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

#nostalgia #airsupply #travel #carihitchcock #theadventuresofbabybrownbear

Embracing Imperfection to Find the Perfect Sound with Recording Artist Pace Randolph May 26, 2026

Show notes

Embracing Imperfection to Find the Perfect Sound with Recording Artist Pace Randolph

Pace Randolph is a singer, songwriter and director of the world's biggest choir, The Choir Imperfect, a project to create community through song that is bringing people together across the globe. With his debut album, Pace Randolph is accepting vocal contributions from his fans to be a part of the magic of music making, inviting 100,000 singers to join him on his debut album in a collective choir unlike anything we have ever heard before. Pace shares his inspiring story with us, from his love of music, his journey to creating the world's biggest choir, and how embracing imperfection and self-discovery have set him on the path to creating music that not only beautifully conveys his story but brings people together in the process.

Thank you, Pace, for reminding us to embrace the imperfect, and that we don't have to be perfect to make an impact.

What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk

Learn more about and connect with Pace Randolph and The Imperfect Choir here:

https://www.thechoirimperfect.com/

Connect with Pace Randolph:

https://www.instagram.com/pacerandolph

https://www.tiktok.com/@pacerandolph

https://www.youtube.com/@PaceRandolph

Connect with Dr. Shafer

⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

#pacerandolph #thechoirimperfect #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Becoming Aesha: Healing and Embracing Her Story May 18, 2026

Show notes

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorders Discussed in Today's Episode

This week on Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer sits down with model, actor, author and counselor Aesha Waks. Aesha shares her experience working in the entertainment industry as a teenager, and how media influenced her body perception, leading to struggles with eating disorders. Aesha shares how she learned how to face her fear of food and face her ED, and how she helps others do the same.What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk
Learn more about and connect with Aesha Waks here: https://www.instagram.com/aeshahashwaks/
Check out books and media by Aesha Waks: https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Aesha-Waks/amzn1.dv.gti.57c3171d-65a8-4643-ab1d-fb930a0d4e1b/

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

#aeshawaks #author #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #eatingdisorders

12 Year Old Author and Advocate Shares the Voices of Shelter Dogs May 12, 2026

Show notes

On this special episode featuring Kids Who Are Changing the World, we sit down with Dr Shafer and Amelie Anastasia, 12 year old Author (Fox Tales, Fox Tales 2, Wolf Tales) of the upcoming Shelter Dogs and Philanthropist. Amelie shares how her love of animals from wildlife to pets inspired her to start using her voice and writing children's literature, leading to opportunities across the country to share her mission for advocating for wildlife conservation and animal adoption. Amelie shares about her experience working on her newest book, Shelter Dogs, and how she aims to raise money for animal shelters throughout America with the project. Would you like to have Shelter Dogs in your local animal shelter as a fundraiser? 100% of profits go to support shelters. Let us know at shaferstedronova@gmail.com!Would you like to have Amelie Anastasia speak at your school, event or animal shelter about animal advocacy? Let us know! Learn more at https://www.amelieanastasia.com and contact at shaferstedronova@gmail.comGet your copies of Fox Tales, Fox Tales 2, and Wolf Tales here: https://amelieanastasia.com/shopListen to What's Up Young Authors! Amelie's Literature-focused podcast, here: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatsUpYoungAuthors-jg4vu

What resonated with you from today's episode? Let us know!

Learn more about sharing your story with Little House of Dreams Publishing at:

https://littlehouseofdreamspublishing.com/

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

#amelieanastasia #animaladoption #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #shelterdogs

Helpful Habits for a Healthier Life When Living with Autoimmune Disease May 05, 2026

Show notes

Building helpful habits for a healthier life when living with autoimmune disease takes focus and dedication. Pharmacist, scientist, host of Autoimmune Health Secrets and coach Amy Behimer, PharmD, NBC-HCW, shares with us how she navigated being faced with several autoimmune diseases and turned her health challenges into a mission to help others take charge of their habits and live a healthy life with their diagnosis. Reframing how we think about health and habits, Amy Behimer gives actionable guidance on reclaiming the story you are telling yourself about your health, and creating a mindset that helps you achieve your goals.

What resonated with you from today's episode? Let us know!

Do you an autoimmune condition and a goal to incorporate healthy habits to reclaim your health? Comment, tag and let us know how this episode inspired you!

Learn more about Amy Behimer, PharmD, NBC-HCW here:

https://amybehimercoaching.com/

Listen to the podcast Autoimmune Health Secrets here:

https://thehabithubpodcast.amybehimercoaching.com/

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

#coach #habits #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #autoimmunedisease #amybehimer

Helping Middle Graders Make Sense of the World Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

We sit down with Dr Shafer and Dana Kramaroff, educator and author of the Middle Grade hit The Do More Club and educator, for an inspiring discussion on this week's episode of Talks with Dr Shafer. Dana shares how her experiences growing up inspired The Do More Club, a story about a Jewish boy who faces an antisemitic attack at school who is empowered to create positive change in his community. In a world that feels heavy and full of conflict, it's not just adults who are feeling the weight: Dana reflects on her experience as a teacher for middle grade and elementary school students, and how parents, teachers and caregivers can support and empower kids through development and challenging times.

What resonated with you from today's episode? Let us know!

Did you have a teacher who empowered you in school?

Comment, tag and let us know how they inspired you!

Learn more about Dana Kramaroff here: https://danakramaroff.com/

Get your copy of The Do More Club at Mavey Books!

https://www.maveybooks.com/browse/filter/t/The%20do%20more%20club/k/keyword

Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more.

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Kids, Rocky Pond Books, and Mavey Books for helping to share stories like The Do More Club with the world!

#danakramaroff #author #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #middlegradeauthor

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