In this episode of Tearin’ Up My Heart, we’re joined by Dr. Angie Adkin for a vibrant conversation on the power of laughter and gratitude as daily wellness practices—and as essential tools for grounded leadership. We discuss the importance of making time for wellness in a world that often pulls us in every direction, and what it means to lead with optimism while making space for your full emotional experience. Dr. Adkin shares insights on how she reorients her mindset, evaluates her priorities, and contains emotional overwhelm without suppressing what’s real. This one’s equal parts playful and profound.

Dr. Angie Adkin graduated from the University of Florida (UF) with her Ph.D. in Animal Physiology. She also earned her Master’s degree investigating nutrition, reproductive physiology and offspring behavior/cognition in horses. Her Ph.D. research focused on plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens) in animal feeds and how they impact reproduction in a host of species to include domestic animals and the Southern whiteRhinoceros.

Angie spent her childhood in South Haven, Michigan, surrounded by acres of rolling farms nestled quietly near the shores of Lake Michigan. Growing up in a family of third generation fruit farmers, Angie readily developed a love for the outdoors, nature, and all creatures, great and small. Angie attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in environmental biology and zoology. Always up for adventure and international exposure, she spent time traveling South America and Africa before starting her career as a zookeeper at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois.

As a zookeeper, Angie spent seven years learning about, caring for, training, and managing many species of both exotic and domestic animals – from reptiles, to dairy cows, to zebras and camels. While at the zoo, Angie assisted with several research projects that focused on assessing the behavior and activity of sable antelope, Grevy’s zebra and Sichuan takin.

Encouraged by the ever-evolving zoo industry and its need for science-backed solutions, Angie was driven to enhance her knowledge of scientific research and ungulate physiology in order to make a positive impact on zoo animal welfare. This pursuit ultimately led Angie to earning her PhD from the University of Florida in Animal Science. Her graduate research has contributed directly to animal nutrition, reproduction and conservation efforts around the globe. Angie continues to work in higher education teaching animal ecology, behavior, physiology and management as a faculty member at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Florida and moonlights as an adjunct faculty member at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. She is a recognized leader in the industry.

In addition to her work in academia, Angie is a mom of 3 wildly wonderful young boys and is a lover of all things music. She hosts “All Creatures Podcast” with millions of downloads globally. It is a passion project that keeps her humble, curious and striving to do more for animal conservation and welfare.

Connect with Anige via her personal Instagram @angie_miot or via her All Creatures Podcast on Instagram @allcreaturespodcast and Facebook @allcreaturespod

You can learn more about her “All Creatures Podcast” and to support it by checking out their website www.allcreaturespod.com

And if you were as intrigued by listening to Elliot Smith for a good cry as I was, here’s a link to his “Bottle Up and Explode!” track on Spotify that Dr. Angie mentions in this episode.

Thank you for listening. I hope this supports your wellness and leadership journeys. Please support this podcast by giving this episode a like, follow, leave a review, and/or share with a friend!

Connect with your guest host, Narina Brothers on Instagram at @narinabrothers or on her website www.narinabrothers.com

Connect with your regular host, Jenna on Instagram or Twitter at @jheathmoreno or via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaheath0925/

In this episode we dive into CONFUSION with Leadership expert and your podcast host, Jenna Heath! Interviewed by her previous team member, Kass Moore!

Today we will be FLIPPING THE SCRIPT! Where we turn the tables and put the spotlight on the host! In today's special episode, we're flipping the script as we dive into the life, leadership lessons and emotional experiences of our very own podcast host, Jenna Heath.

Join us as we uncover the person behind the voice, exploring Jenna’s motivations, inspirations, and the experiences that have shaped their path as a leader and podcast host

Confusion refers to a state of uncertainty, lack of clarity, or disorientation in which individuals may feel perplexed, bewildered, or unable to make sense of their surroundings, thoughts, or emotions. It often involves a sense of cognitive dissonance, where conflicting information or interpretations lead to a sense of mental turmoil or ambiguity. Confusion can arise from various factors, such as complexity, novelty, conflicting perceptions, emotional distress, or cognitive overload. It can manifest in different forms, ranging from mild confusion or disorientation to more severe states of cognitive impairment. In essence, confusion represents a disruption in the normal cognitive processes that help individuals navigate and understand their environment.

Thank you for listening, I hope this helped support your leadership journey. Don't forget to like, follow, leave a review and share with a friend!

Connect with Jenna on instagram or twitter at @jheathmoreno or via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaheath0925/

Brynn Brothers is a multifaceted creative and leader who wears many hats—entrepreneur, graphic designer, group fitness instructor, and environmental enthusiast. She brings a unique blend of creativity, resilience, and community-driven passion to everything she does.

Brynn has been leading strength & conditioning classes at a rock climbing gym since 2013. She loves watching others progress in ways that go beyond just lifting heavier or moving faster. Beyond fitness, Brynn is a dedicated graphic designer who is especially drawn to projects that align with her environmental values. She feels most inspired when surrounded by nature—whether that’s hiking, surfing, or exploring the depths of the ocean while scuba diving.

A self-proclaimed “Bad Capricorn,” Brynn prioritizes presence and emotional depth over rigid goal-setting. One of her core wellness practices is time management—staying organized, prepared, and intentional about how she spends her time—while still allowing room for growth and flexibility. She values vulnerability and meaningful connections, focusing on how she wants to show up in the world rather than chasing traditional definitions of success.

Outside of work and adventure, Brynn is a proud fur parent to Rufus (dog) and Kiwi (cat), a lover of all things sour, and an avid reader.

Connect with Brynn at her website www.brynnbrothers.com or on IG @brynnbrothers or via LinedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnbrothers/

Finding the right balance of time and energy isn’t about following a perfect formula—it’s about experimenting, learning, and adjusting along the way. In this episode, we talk about how embracing a pro trial and error mindset leads to wellbeing and growth as a leader. Instead of rigid systems, we explore how alignment—between your values, priorities, and daily choices—creates a more sustainable way to lead and live. Tune in for real talk on how to make time and energy management work for you.

Thank you for listening. I hope this supports your wellness and leadership journeys. Please support this podcast by giving this episode a like, follow, leave a review, and/or share with a friend!

Connect with your guest host, Narina Brothers on Instagram at @narinabrothers

Connect with your regular host, Jenna on Instagram or Twitter at @jheathmoreno or via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaheath0925/