Jennifer was raised to be strong and independent—and she carried that identity proudly. As a critical care nurse, she believed she knew the answers to what it meant to be healthy and well. But life had other lessons waiting. Her journey shifted in 2002, when her second son suffered a massive neonatal stroke just one hour after birth. The experience awakened her to the many gaps in the healthcare system and inspired her to begin bridging those gaps through energy work, nutrition, and exercise. Several years later, o...
Jennifer was raised to be strong and independent—and she carried that identity proudly. As a critical care nurse, she believed she knew the answers to what it meant to be healthy and well. But life had other lessons waiting. Her journey shifted in 2002, when her second son suffered a massive neonatal stroke just one hour after birth. The experience awakened her to the many gaps in the healthcare system and inspired her to begin bridging those gaps through energy work, nutrition, and exercise. Several years later, on the same day she discovered she was expecting her fourth child, Jennifer learned that her third son—then just two-and-a-half years old—had been diagnosed with high-risk leukemia. Between caring for her children, managing her family, and supporting a husband working long surgical hours, Jennifer's own health began to unravel. She experienced panic attacks, migraines, digestive issues, and chronic tension. She describes years of giving endlessly—until there was nothing left to give. In 2010, a medical episode that presented as a stroke but was later diagnosed as an atypical migraine became her wake-up call. Jennifer recognized the lifelong pattern she was living out: the giver who never learned to receive. It was the turning point that pushed her to let go of perfection, learn to ask for help, and honour her limits. She began to say yes to herself, to rest, to reset, and to redefine what strength truly means. Her story is one of radical self-awareness—of learning that being enough does not mean doing it all, and that real power often lies in the pause. Her key message to the listeners of the show is: You are so much stronger than you think you are, and then you rise; give yourself permission to pause, there is so much power in that pause; it's okay to not to be okay, you are not broken, it is information that you are out of balance, so show up for yourself now.
Guest Bio:
Jennifer Wren Tolo, known as "The Soul Connector," is a former critical care nurse turned award-winning health and wellness educator, transformational life coach, and sought-after speaker. She empowers women to move beyond survival mode and reclaim their happiness, health, and power. Inspired by navigating life-threatening illnesses with two of her four sons, Jennifer created her signature method, the "ABC's of Stress Management," helping clients reconnect with their inner voice and the wisdom of their soul.
A bestselling author and Adjunct Professor at Endicott College's School of Nursing, Jennifer teaches Holistic and Complementary Approaches to Health and Healing. She holds both BSN and Master's degrees and is certified as a Whole Health Educator and Patient Advocate, Personal Trainer, Reiki Master, and in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Jennifer is also the host of the Simple Awakenings Podcast, an executive contributor to BRAINZ magazine, and has been featured in Women's Journal, US Business Insider, and on FOX and ABC News.
URL for shoutout: https://wish.org/
Make-A-Wish Foundation – an organization devoted to bringing hope, joy, and life-changing experiences to children facing critical illnesses, offering moments of light and possibility when families need it most.
Where to find me:
Website: https://jenniferwrentolo.com
Instagram: Instagram@Jenwrentolo
LinkedIn: hLinkedin @Jennifer-tolo-RN-MA
Facebook: Facebook @jenwrentolo
Pillar.io/ Links: https://pillar.io/jenwrentolo
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