Less Stress In Life

Welcome to Less Stress in Life, the podcast where science, compassion, and practical strategies come together to help you live well—even when life doesn't go according to plan.

Hosted by registered nurse and board-certified reflexologist Deb Timmerman and physical therapist Lindsay Vertalka, our conversations explore the connection between stress, pain, the nervous system, and overall well-being. Together, we share evidence-informed insights, real-life experiences, and simple tools that can help you better understand your body and support your health.

Whether you're living with chronic pain or illness, caring for someone who is, or simply looking for practical ways to reduce stress and improve your quality of life, you'll find encouragement, education, and hope here.

Because living well isn't about having a perfect body. It's about learning to work with the one you have.

Contributors

Co-host

Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT

Lindsay Vertulka, MSPT is a physical therapist with more than 25 years of experience helping people navigate chronic pain, injury recovery, movement challenges, and persistent health concerns. Through her own experience with chronic illness and extensive clinical work, she has developed a whole-person approach that recognizes the complex relationship between pain, stress, nervous system function, and healing. Lindsay is passionate about helping people better understand their bodies and find practical, sustainable paths toward improved function and quality of life. You may reach Lindsay via email at indsayvertalkapt@gmail.com

Guests

Guest

Allison Troyer Wiswell

Allison Troyer Wiswell is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation. Through Resilient Pathways Coaching, LLC, she helps high achievers navigate chronic illness and persistent pain. She holds a BS in Exercise Physiology and an MA in Counseling Psychology, with 20+ years of experience in wellness, leadership, and community health. Her background includes diagnostic cardiac testing, worksite wellness at Holtyn & Associates, Executive Director of Activate Barry County through Blue Zones LLC, and Account Executive with the national Blue Zones team. After experiencing chronic neuropathic pain, Allison shifted to coaching resilience, identity, and emotional well-being for people living with chronic illness. A graduate of the Thriving Coach Academy (2025), she is passionate about helping people build meaningful lives alongside pain and uncertainty.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580549755688

Guest appearance on:

Guest

Susie Marsh, LBSW

Susie Marsh is a professional organizer, licensed social worker, and productivity expert dedicated to helping individuals and families create spaces that support calmer, more functional lives. As President of the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), she is a respected leader and advocate for creating environments that reduce stress and improve well-being.

Over the past year, Susie has navigated significant heart health challenges, giving her a personal perspective on balancing recovery, work, leadership, and everyday life. Her experience has reinforced the importance of prioritizing health, setting boundaries, and creating systems that make life more manageable during difficult seasons.

Susie shares her journey with honesty and hope, offering practical insights for anyone facing unexpected challenges. Connect with Susie

https://www.facebook.com/SUSIESORG