Raising Resilient Kids with Dr. Marion Pierson’s Foundational Wellness Tips
Release Date: 06/08/2025
Kindness & Courage: John O'Leary's Inspiring Healing Journey
Small Changes Big Shifts
From a childhood fire that left him with burns over his entire body to becoming a bestselling author and global speaker, John O’Leary’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of love in action. In this conversation, John reflects on the ordinary people who showed up during his darkest hours—family, teachers, and friends—whose courage and kindness helped him heal. His journey reminds us that we don’t need a cape to be a hero; we simply need to choose love, offer kindness, and believe that even the smallest actions can change a life. With the upcoming release of his film...
info_outline
A Legacy of Kindness: Transforming Lives in Collaboration with SevenDays
Small Changes Big Shifts
Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Soza sit down with Mindy Corporon and Kelly Murphy from SevenDays to explore how kindness can change lives and communities. Mindy shares the heartbreaking story that sparked the creation of SevenDays and how it has grown into a global movement impacting schools, workplaces, and families. Together, they discuss the ripple effect of even the smallest kind acts and announce an exciting collaboration between Small Changes, Big Shifts and SevenDays to expand the annual Kindness Campaign—uniting their missions to inspire more people, across...
info_outline
Generational Wisdom on Living with Purpose with Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Soza
Small Changes Big Shifts
Sometimes the most powerful lessons come when we pause long enough to reflect on where we’ve been. Marking a year since Bayleigh Soza joined Small Changes Big Shifts as co-host, she and Dr. Michelle Robin share heartfelt stories about calling, growth, and the courage to embrace change at every stage of life. Through laughter, honesty, and wisdom across generations, they remind us that thriving isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about finding joy, setting boundaries, building community, and choosing to live in alignment with what truly matters. Key Takeaways: Reflecting on consistent...
info_outline
Jill Tupper’s Journey of Resilience from War Zones to Everyday Life
Small Changes Big Shifts
From the war-torn streets of Ukraine to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, Jill Tupper’s life is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of calm in the face of chaos. With a background that spans neuroscience leadership, yoga, and occupational therapy, Jill shares how resetting the nervous system can transform fear into strength and overwhelm into purpose. Her journey reveals that even in the darkest places, we all carry within us the innate ability to restore calm, reclaim resilience, and rise as warriors powered by love. Key Takeaways: Discover how to reset your nervous system to access...
info_outline
Turning Compassion into Ripples of Change with Peter Samuelson
Small Changes Big Shifts
True happiness isn’t found in wealth or accolades—it’s built through acts of kindness and lifting others up. Peter Samuelson shares an inspiring journey from Hollywood film producer to founder of multiple global charities, revealing how purpose, storytelling, and compassion can create ripples of change that outlive us. His insights challenge listeners to use their unique skills to serve others, embrace opportunities to mentor and volunteer, and discover the deep joy that comes from making a difference in even one life. Key Takeaways: Discover how using your professional skills in...
info_outline
Unlocking Genetic Wellness: Mindset, Nutrition & Longevity with Dr. Sharad Paul
Small Changes Big Shifts
True wellness begins when we start asking not just how long we want to live, but how well. Dr. Sharad Paul blends science, storytelling, and soul in a refreshing conversation that challenges our modern approach to medicine and aging. From redefining healthspan over lifespan to empowering listeners with simple, actionable biohacks, he offers a roadmap for living with vitality, clarity, and purpose. With warmth and wisdom, he reminds us that food, mindset, and community aren’t just lifestyle choices, they’re our most powerful medicine. Key Takeaways: Learn the difference between healthspan...
info_outline
Stop Emotional Outsourcing: Beatriz Albina on Reclaiming Your Power
Small Changes Big Shifts
When you learn to anchor into your own worth, the world no longer gets to decide how you feel about yourself. Beatriz Victoria Albina brings powerful insight and clarity to the conversation on nervous system regulation, emotional outsourcing, and the lifelong practice of coming home to yourself. With equal parts warmth and wisdom, she shares how healing begins when we stop chasing external validation and start reconnecting to the safety, belonging, and worth that already live within us. This conversation is a gentle call to shift from survival mode to self-anchored living—where authenticity...
info_outline
Power of Small Steps: Brianna Wiest on Living a Life Aligned with Your Purpose
Small Changes Big Shifts
Change doesn’t always come with a breakthrough—it often begins with a single small step taken with intention. Brianna Wiest shares her wisdom on how micro shifts, emotional awareness, and self-compassion can transform not only your habits but your entire life. With clarity and heart, she explores the power of slowing down, embracing seasons of transition, and building emotional architecture that supports lasting growth. Her perspective reminds us that the life we’re waiting for is already unfolding—one small, consistent choice at a time. Key Takeaways: Small, intentional actions...
info_outline
Dr. Jill Jenkins on Tongue Ties, Pediatric Oral Health, and Whole-Child Wellness
Small Changes Big Shifts
Healing often begins with the courage to ask questions—and the right guide to walk you through the answers. Dr. Jill Jenkins shares how pediatric oral health connects to far more than teeth, influencing everything from nursing success to sleep, speech, and even a child’s overall development. With warmth and wisdom, she explains how individualized care and a collaborative approach with other practitioners can empower parents to identify tongue ties and make confident decisions. Her passion is a reminder that small interventions early on can create ripple effects of wellness for a lifetime....
info_outline
The Power of Trusting Your Inner Voice with Dr. Carol Phillips
Small Changes Big Shifts
Healing often begins with listening—not just to your body, but to the quiet guidance within. Dr. Carol Phillips shares a life shaped by intuition, faith, and a deep calling to help others heal. From working with newborns to supporting adults in releasing stored trauma, her journey blends science and spirituality into a practice that empowers others to trust their own inner wisdom. Her stories remind us that when we surrender control and allow space for energy, connection, and faith, profound transformation can unfold in ways we never imagined. Key Takeaways: Trusting your intuition creates...
info_outlineWhole-person health starts with whole-family care—and that begins with a provider who sees you, hears you, and truly walks beside you. Dr. Marion Pierson brings decades of heart-led pediatric experience to the conversation, showing how health is more than check-ups and prescriptions—it’s about relationships, rest, and raising kids in rhythm with both structure and freedom. Her passion for serving her Kansas City community is palpable, and her insight into direct primary care reminds us that when families are empowered with knowledge, time, and trust, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
Key Takeaways:
-
Community-based care thrives when families feel seen, supported, and invited into the healthcare process.
-
Simple habits like sleep, hydration, and nutrition can dramatically shift a child’s mood, focus, and overall well-being.
-
Transitions, like summer break, can be both freeing and disruptive—maintaining flexible routines helps children stay grounded.
-
Parents’ self-care directly impacts how children experience structure, safety, and emotional regulation.
The right healthcare fit is like a good relationship—it’s built on trust, time, and open communication.
Resource Mentioned:
Sherrie Ortiz is the owner of Just One Day Travel Tours and a passionate advocate for creating memorable experiences through local travel as KC travel guide. With three years in business, she’s passionate about helping individuals and teams reconnect through shared experiences that spark joy and connection.
Website link: https://justonedaytraveltours.com/
About Dr. Marion Pierson:
Dr. Marion S. Pierson is a Board-Certified Pediatrician currently practicing in the Kansas City area. She received her medical degree from The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in 1993. After graduating from medical school, she completed her residency at Georgetown University Children’s Medical Center in Washington, DC. Since 1996, Dr. Pierson has been serving the Kansas City community. She started at Metropolitan Multi-Specialty Physician’s Group (MMPG) in Kansas City, KS. There, she provided care to children living in underserved communities. Later, she served as a pediatric partner at Cradle Through College Care and Village Pediatrics. Her dedication and exceptional patient care has earned her multiple “Top Doctor” awards over the years. Most recently, she received the “Top Doctors of 2023” award by “KC Parent” magazine. She is also a Fellow of The American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP).
Over the years, Dr. Pierson has achieved a number of awards and recognitions not only in her field, but also within her community. These accolades include:
--Featured on PBS, Fox 4 News, KSHB-41 News and The Missouri Times
--Served as “Doctor of the Day” for the Missouri Senate
--Served as a Board Member in several community organizations
--Advocacy and volunteer work for “March of Dimes” and “SIDS Awareness 5K Walk”
--Partnering with “Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City” to provide pro bono care to students in need
In her spare time, Dr. Pierson enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also is the founder and board president of MO Hives KC, a non-profit community organization that converts vacant lots into honeybee farms across the state of Missouri. In 2022, she was named “Missouri Beekeeper of the Year” by Missouri State Beekeeper Association.
Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:
https://smallchangesbigshifts.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts
https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts
https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.