If you're motivated to improve your wellness but struggle to fit it into daily life, 12 Degrees is for you! This podcast offers real-life strategies for nurturing full-spectrum wellness. Produced by WPSU in collaboration with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, 12 Degrees blends personal stories, practical tips, and research-backed insights to explore the dimensions of wellness that shape how we feel and function.

Whether it’s the language(s) we speak or the candy we crave, we all carry culture with us. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore the Cultural Degree of Wellness, diving into everything from emoji etiquette and generational slang to disability pride, holiday obsessions, and spicy family recipes. You'll hear personal stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and practical strategies to deepen self-awareness, nurture inclusion, and foster connection.

Whether it’s the language(s) we speak or the candy we crave, we all carry culture with us. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore the Cultural Degree of Wellness, diving into everything from emoji etiquette and generational slang to disability pride, holiday obsessions, and spicy family recipes. You'll hear personal stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and practical strategies to deepen self-awareness, nurture inclusion, and foster connection.

From the Oregon Trail to Red Hands: The Cultural Degree

Could better sex mean a better memory? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Marty Sliwinski, director of the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State, about surprising research that links sexual satisfaction, heart health, and cognitive sharpness as we get older. They unpack what’s really happening behind the sheets and why connection, conversation, and even hearing aids matter just as much as puzzles and leafy greens when it comes to keeping our brains fit for life.

Could better sex mean a better memory? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Marty Sliwinski, director of the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State, about surprising research that links sexual satisfaction, heart health, and cognitive sharpness as we get older. They unpack what’s really happening behind the sheets and why connection, conversation, and even hearing aids matter just as much as puzzles and leafy greens when it comes to keeping our brains fit for life.

Sex, Satisfaction, and Staying Sharp

Intellectual wellness isn’t just about formal education—it’s about staying curious, challenging your mind, and finding joy in the process. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore everyday ways to support intellectual wellness, from aligning with your natural chronotype to reframing negative self-talk and embracing playful learning. Whether you're navigating burnout, learning a new language, or going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole, this episode offers creative, realistic strategies for keeping your brain engaged and your mind open.

Intellectual wellness isn’t just about formal education—it’s about staying curious, challenging your mind, and finding joy in the process. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore everyday ways to support intellectual wellness, from aligning with your natural chronotype to reframing negative self-talk and embracing playful learning. Whether you're navigating burnout, learning a new language, or going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole, this episode offers creative, realistic strategies for keeping your brain engaged and your mind open.

Penguin Knees, WikiRoulette, and Sock-Tasting Butterflies: The Intellectual Degree

We know that stress takes a toll—but what happens when we face it alone? In this episode of 12 Degrees, host Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Jee eun Kang, a Penn State researcher whose work explores the connection between loneliness, emotional resilience, and long-term health. Dr. Kang shares insights from her research on how loneliness can extend the impact of everyday stress and offers practical ways to support emotional recovery—for ourselves and others.

We know that stress takes a toll—but what happens when we face it alone? In this episode of 12 Degrees, host Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Jee eun Kang, a Penn State researcher whose work explores the connection between loneliness, emotional resilience, and long-term health. Dr. Kang shares insights from her research on how loneliness can extend the impact of everyday stress and offers practical ways to support emotional recovery—for ourselves and others.

The Hidden Cost of Disconnection: Loneliness And Stress Recovery

Social wellness goes beyond close friendships—it includes the daily interactions, community moments, and even weak ties that help us feel seen and supported. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore practical ways to build and maintain meaningful social connections, whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between. From redefining community and nurturing friendships to creating inclusive spaces and reframing rejection, this conversation is full of realistic tips for cultivating connection in a busy, often isolating world.

Social wellness goes beyond close friendships—it includes the daily interactions, community moments, and even weak ties that help us feel seen and supported. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna explore practical ways to build and maintain meaningful social connections, whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between. From redefining community and nurturing friendships to creating inclusive spaces and reframing rejection, this conversation is full of realistic tips for cultivating connection in a busy, often isolating world.

Errands Are the New Happy Hour: The Social Degree

Is AI here to take over our creativity…or help us grow it? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Penn State researcher Paul DiStefano about what human–AI collaborations really mean for our creative wellness. They explore why true creativity is more than just generating ideas, how our expertise keeps the human spark alive, and how we can keep our creativity healthy and resilient in the age of AI.

Is AI here to take over our creativity…or help us grow it? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Penn State researcher Paul DiStefano about what human–AI collaborations really mean for our creative wellness. They explore why true creativity is more than just generating ideas, how our expertise keeps the human spark alive, and how we can keep our creativity healthy and resilient in the age of AI.

Amplify, Don’t Outsource: How AI Can Boost, Not Replace, Your Creativity

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s an everyday practice that anyone can incorporate into their life, and it’s great for your wellness! In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore easy ways to boost creative wellness, from upcycling to improv games—even chili cook-offs. They share simple, fun strategies for sparking creativity on your own and in your community, plus the surprising benefits for problem-solving and connection. Join the conversation for plenty of laughter and practical ideas to bring more creativity into your daily life—no special skills required!

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s an everyday practice that anyone can incorporate into their life, and it’s great for your wellness! In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore easy ways to boost creative wellness, from upcycling to improv games—even chili cook-offs. They share simple, fun strategies for sparking creativity on your own and in your community, plus the surprising benefits for problem-solving and connection. Join the conversation for plenty of laughter and practical ideas to bring more creativity into your daily life—no special skills required!

The Frog Council and Other Wellness Escapades: The Creative Degree

What we say to ourselves can shape how we handle stress, setbacks, and everyday life. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Dr. Christina Lightner joins Lindsey Whissel Fenton to talk about MINDSTRONG, an evidence-based program developed at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. From reframing negative thoughts to practicing emotional regulation, learn simple strategies that support long-term resilience and wellness—both inside and outside of healthcare.

What we say to ourselves can shape how we handle stress, setbacks, and everyday life. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Dr. Christina Lightner joins Lindsey Whissel Fenton to talk about MINDSTRONG, an evidence-based program developed at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. From reframing negative thoughts to practicing emotional regulation, learn simple strategies that support long-term resilience and wellness—both inside and outside of healthcare.

Mind Over Mutter: Building Emotional Wellness with MINDSTRONG

Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore the power of small, intentional acts of self-care and their impact on mental and emotional well-being. From creative expression to moments of mindfulness, they discuss how simple practices can offer comfort, connection, and resilience in everyday life. The hosts share personal stories of finding unexpected encouragement and reflect on how these seemingly small gestures can make a big difference. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on honoring your well-being in ways that feel natural, meaningful, and sustainable.

Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore the power of small, intentional acts of self-care and their impact on mental and emotional well-being. From creative expression to moments of mindfulness, they discuss how simple practices can offer comfort, connection, and resilience in everyday life. The hosts share personal stories of finding unexpected encouragement and reflect on how these seemingly small gestures can make a big difference. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on honoring your well-being in ways that feel natural, meaningful, and sustainable.

Feelings, Freakouts, and Finding Your Calm: The Emotional Degree

In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton explores the surprising health benefits of cocoa with Penn State food science professor Joshua Lambert. Much to Lindsey’s delight, research suggests this delicious treat may help reduce inflammation, support metabolic health, and even influence fat digestion. They also discuss Lambert’s USDA-funded study on how cocoa’s effects differ by gender—and what these findings could mean for future health recommendations.

In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton explores the surprising health benefits of cocoa with Penn State food science professor Joshua Lambert. Much to Lindsey’s delight, research suggests this delicious treat may help reduce inflammation, support metabolic health, and even influence fat digestion. They also discuss Lambert’s USDA-funded study on how cocoa’s effects differ by gender—and what these findings could mean for future health recommendations.

Sweet News for Your Gut

Small changes can make a big impact on your physical wellness. In this episode, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna share doable, evidence-informed strategies to support your body in everyday life—even on your busiest days. From breathwork to creative hydration tips to easy ways to add movement, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you feel and function your best. Check it out for realistic, accessible wellness habits you can start right away.

Small changes can make a big impact on your physical wellness. In this episode, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna share doable, evidence-informed strategies to support your body in everyday life—even on your busiest days. From breathwork to creative hydration tips to easy ways to add movement, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you feel and function your best. Check it out for realistic, accessible wellness habits you can start right away.

From Bisquick to Breathwork: The Physical Degree

Wellness can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This episode offers a fresh perspective: less pressure, more intention. Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina share simple, sustainable practices rooted in the 12 interconnected degrees of wellness. From self-compassion to small daily shifts, it’s a reminder that your wellness journey doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Wellness can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This episode offers a fresh perspective: less pressure, more intention. Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina share simple, sustainable practices rooted in the 12 interconnected degrees of wellness. From self-compassion to small daily shifts, it’s a reminder that your wellness journey doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Rethinking Wellness: Meet the 12 Degrees

What does wellness really mean—and why does it so often feel out of reach? In the premiere episode of 12 Degrees, hosts Lindsey Whissel Fenton, Christina Lightner, and Deshna Nagar kick off the conversation with personal stories, relatable struggles, and a breakdown of what wellness, well-being, and health actually look like in real life. They also explore the powerful role of community and systems in shaping how we feel and function.

What does wellness really mean—and why does it so often feel out of reach? In the premiere episode of 12 Degrees, hosts Lindsey Whissel Fenton, Christina Lightner, and Deshna Nagar kick off the conversation with personal stories, relatable struggles, and a breakdown of what wellness, well-being, and health actually look like in real life. They also explore the powerful role of community and systems in shaping how we feel and function.