Today we're sharing a special release episode from the war in Ukraine, a war that has taken far too many lives, displaced and orphaned millions, and will lead to food shortages across the world. Even though most Americans view this as a distant war, the ripple effects will likely be felt in unexpected places soon, like our grocery stores, and will force some out of their homes.

Amy Browns Taylor is an American citizen living in Poland. Though she and her family moved for her husband's job, during our chat it became clear to me that Amy's family was brought to Poland to serve a bigger purpose. She found herself unexpectedly involved in the escalating war between Russia and Ukraine.

Poland, a country that borders Ukraine, continues to have refugees flooding into their country in the millions. And the people of Poland have stood up to the challenge in a way that might serve as a model to other countries. She's here today to talk to us about the hard decisions her family had to make to support their international neighbors, human connections that rise out of crisis, and how thousands of others in Poland have opened their doors to the Ukrainian people.

Contribute to Amy's work:

GoFundMe: Support For Ukrainian Refugee Families

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Nearly everyone has been touched by diabetes – either directly or indirectly. More than 37 million people in the US have diabetes, with another 97 million in the prediabetes category. The global prevalence is more than 450 million. Over time, diabetes damages the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves and the eyes. Those with diabetes have a 2-3 fold increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Chronic damage to the blood vessels in the eye result in diabetic retinopathy complications.

Diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease, is the leading cause of blindness in adults. It's caused when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. Nearly 7.7 million Americans have diabetic retinopathy and that number is projected to increase to nearly 14.6 million by 2030. That's only 8 years from now. The good news is type 2 diabetes is largely preventable and, with appropriate lifestyle changes, can be reversed in many.

Dr. John Kitchens is an award-winning, internationally-recognized vitreoretinal surgeon, host of the New Retina Radio podcast and featured on the Discovery Channel's Mystery Diagnosis. And he's joining us today to chat about the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Kitchen's socials:

Dr. John Kitchens

New Retina Radio

American Academy of Ophthalmology

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Chances are you've heard of the baby blues or postpartum depression. But postpartum anxiety (PPA) is an invisible epidemic among American mothers. Nearly 10% of new mothers in the US struggle with PPA. And that number is likely much higher, as many women do not seek help because they do not recognize the need for treatment and care providers often misdiagnose as depression. Unfortunately, there are few resources on maternal mental wellness, but education for mothers and their support network is critical. The good news is PPA is treatable when recognized. Today we're joined by a fitness expert with firsthand knowledge of PPA, and she's advocating for mothers everywhere.

Brittyn King is a marketing professional, certified fitness instructor and rising leader in the maternal fitness community. She's on a mission to help women feel capable and confident in living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. She's championing women – mothers – across the globe to live their strongest lives before, during and after pregnancy. Brittyn joins us to chat with YOU about her pregnancy journey – from her pregnancy surprise to her postpartum experience with anxiety and all the things in between – including her diagnosis with PCOS.

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BFitness

@b.fitness_king

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