The Exhale And Explore Podcast
The Exhale and Explore Podcast is a wellness podcast for midlife women ready to live more fully, feel more deeply, and trust their next chapter.
Hosted by Anil Manley, MindBody Counselor and former stylist, and Lauren Fain, Holistic Nurse and former model, this podcast offers real-talk conversations rooted in rest, reflection, and radical care, for self and community.
As two Black women who turned 50 in 2025, Anil and Lauren are redefining what wellness and joy look like beyond the Strong Black Woman trope.
Each episode includes an Exhale Moment, a restorative grounding practice, and an Explore Moment, an invitation to try something new. A soft, bold space to come home to yourself.
Episodes
22 episodes
Ep.22 The Simple Power of Mini Breaks & Rest to Reclaim Your Energy and Well-Being
In this soulful episode, we explore simple yet powerful ways to nurture ourselves amidst life's constant busyness and chaos. Through honest conversations about habits, gratitude, and finding joy, we invite you to reflect on how small mindful ac...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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26:50
Ep.21 Why Your Inner Voice Matters More Than You Think in Staying Grounded
In this episode, we explore how small, intentional self-care practices can transform our energy, relationships, and daily experience. We reflect on the importance of giving ourselves grace, setting healthy boundaries, and showing up authentical...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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28:06
Ep.20 Gentle Structure for Daily Wellbeing
Embracing Gentle Structure: Nurturing Self-Care for Daily WellbeingIn this episode, we reflect on the power of simple, intentional routines to ground ourselves amidst life's chaos. By creating gentle structures, we nurture...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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20:54
Ep.19 Small Daily Steps to Reclaim Hope and Power
In this episode, we delve into the gentle power of small, intentional actions that help us show up more fully for ourselves and others. It’s a reminder that wellness is built step-by-step, with kindness and patience.Key Topics:
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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21:50
Ep.18 How Distractions Are Running Our Lives—and What We Can Do About It
Sometimes, the smallest step forward is enough to start transforming your day and your mindset. If you’re feeling pulled in ten directions—distracted, overwhelmed, or unsure how to prioritize — this episode offers simple, soulful strategies to ...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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17:27
Ep.17 About Those New Year's Goals...
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, hosts Anil Manley and Lauren Fain discuss the challenges of maintaining personal goals amidst the chaos of daily life. They reflect on their intentions for the year, emphasizing the importa...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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27:01
Ep. 16 2025 Gratitude, Reflect & Reset: Lessons Learned & Future Goals
In this episode, Anil Manley and Lauren Fain reflect on the past year, discussing their experiences, challenges, and the importance of gratitude. They explore the significance of grounding practices, finding joy in everyday moments, and letting...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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33:13
Ep.15 Keeping It Simple Series: Prioritizing Peace During the Holidays
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore Podcast, hosts Anil Manley and Lauren Fain discuss the importance of prioritizing peace during the holiday season. They share personal experiences of navigating holiday emotions, especially when feeling...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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28:14
Ep.14 Keeping It Simple Series: Self-Care is Self-Respect
In this conversation, Lauren Fain, RN, HN-BC & Anil Manley, MS, CHES, discuss the significance of self-care and the balance between personal needs and responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing oneself through morning r...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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27:54
Ep.13 Keeping It Simple Series: The Heart of Relationships
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, Lauren Fain and Anil Manley discuss the importance of simplicity in relationships, emphasizing self-respect, boundaries, and effective communication. They explore the significance of reciprocit...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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40:51
Ep.12 Keeping It Simple Series
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, Anil Manley and Lauren Fain discuss the theme of simplicity in a chaotic world. They explore the importance of mindfulness, breathing techniques, and decluttering both physical and mental space...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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27:02
Ep.11 Turning 50 Isn’t What We Expected, It’s Better: Midlife Lessons on Joy & Mindfulness
Turning 50 brought surprises — not all easy, but all worth it. In this Season 2 premiere, we share how midlife has become a time of renewal, reflection, and radical self-care.From letting go of perfection to embracing simplicity and joy,...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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37:28
Ep.10-Hope, Even Now
In this last episode of Season 1, hosts Anil Manley and Lauren Fain reflect on their journey through the first season, discussing themes of peace, joy, and resilience amidst the chaos of the world. They emphasize the importance of intention...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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51:45
Ep.9-Anil's 50th Birthday
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, hosts Lauren and Anil celebrate Anil's milestone birthday as she turns 50. They reflect on the significance of this age, discussing the changes in perspective that come with it, the importance ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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39:31
Ep.8-Rest. Release. Reclaim.
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, hosts Anil and Lauren discuss the themes of rest, release, and reclaiming one's health. They share personal experiences with healthcare challenges, the importance of listening to one's body...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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28:36
Ep.7 Summer FOMO or JOMO?
In this episode, Anil Manley and Lauren Fain explore the concepts of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). They discuss the societal pressures that lead to FOMO, the importance of embracing JOMO, and how to find joy in s...
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31:59
Ep.6 Rest, Rhythm & Real Life
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, Anil and Lauren discuss the importance of rest, intentional living, and finding joy in the midst of life's challenges. They share personal experiences of navigating busy schedules, the importan...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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46:00
Ep.5-Passport, Patience, and Presence
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, hosts Anil Manley, MS, CHES and Lauren Fain, RN, HN-BC, discuss Lauren's recent travels through Southeast Asia, sharing insights on mindfulness, cultural experiences, food adventures, and the d...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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43:26
Ep.4-The Gift of Travel
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, Anil Manley, MS, CHES and Lauren Fain, RN, HN-BC discuss the transformative gift of travel. They explore the importance of mindfulness, group dynamics, and cultural adaptation while traveling. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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38:53
Ep.3-Calm Under Pressure
In this episode, Lauren Fain, RN, HN-BC and Anil Manley, MS, CHES discuss their journeys from careers in fashion and television to the health and wellness space. They explore the importance of mindfulness, breathing techniques, and the need for...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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43:41
Ep.2-Prioritizing Self-Care
In this episode of the Exhale and Explore podcast, hosts Anil Manley, MS, CHES and Lauren Fain, RN, HN-BC, delve into the multifaceted concept of self-care. They explore personal experiences, the importance of mindfulness, and the various dimen...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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35:15