Kefi Life
Flourish and feel alive in mind, body and soul - the Greek way! Join radio personality Kiki Vale on Kefi Life, a podcast that will enlighten listeners to discover ways to prosper in life and seize moments. The energy and essence of our episodes is to lead you to a life where all is well - Ola Kala!
Episodes

Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
38. Seasonal Wellness Tips to Guard Your Wellbeing during the Weather Transition of DOYO
Seasonal Wellness is rooted by living in the season, and not resisting it. This seasonal transition is referred to as DOYO in ancient Chinese Medicine, and here to tell us more is Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Christiana Cagnoni. Christiana will shed light on the 5 elements of DOYO focus on the spleen, stomach, centering self, family, and home. You’ll learn what is the color of this transition period. Which foods should you be eating, and if your lips are cracked, what could this mean?
An important thing to note for Seasonal Wellness is the aspect of digestion. It’s beneficial to give your digestion tract a rest. Eat like a king at breakfast, lighter at lunch and consume as you’re a pauper at dinner. Remember, movement is your best friend. Stagnation is the number 1 killer of people, as it does not allow the organs to function optimally.
Time to center yourself with the help of Christiana Cagnoni.
Christiana Cagnoni
Today's Lexi:
Γη — Gi (Earth)
Acupuncture
In this episode:
Christiana Cagnoni is a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has been in practice since 1983. She has worked in Chicago, Illinois for 35 years, northern California and for the past 24 years Prescott, Arizona. Her practice, Healing from the Heart consists of traditional therapies such as Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies and Medical Qi Gong, which is her specialty, along with having a Masters Degree in Shiatsu/Anma therapy. Her practice is designed to “help you help yourself”. Her in-depth in-take and wellness program is designed specifically for the individual. She developed the first International Shiatsu Summit held in the suburbs of Chicago and created Manna Vida Center for Wellbeing. She also developed a raw food company for healthy eating called Matter of Flax, that sold products internationally. Christiana Cagnoni M.T.C.M., C.M.S.T., C.S.T.
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment suggests the option of Acupuncture for pain relief.
Resources:
Currently Christiana sees patients in person in Prescott, Arizona as well as doing evaluations and teaching of the 6 Healing Sounds of Qigong via the internet.
If you are interested in knowing more about Christiana or her work please contact her via phone, 928-308-0880 or by email, christianacagnoni@gmail.com.
http://www.mannavida.co.uk
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Thursday Nov 11, 2021
37. Inspirations for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Table
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
37. Inspirations for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving hospitality begins at the table, and today Interior Designer Andrea Burridge inspires one and all to create a magnificent one.
Andrea Burridge
Today's Lexi:
Τραπέζι — Trapézi (Table)
Dramatic Centerpiece
In this episode:
Be my guest today as Gold List Interior Designer, Andrea Burridge, joins the Kefi L!fe audience to help prepare and plan for a breathtaking Thanksgiving table.
Andrea gets us thinking outside the box to create an element of surprise and awe when guests are seated at a well thought out table.
Today, you’ll hear about the neutral, woodland, traditional and nature themes. The preparation does not have to break the bank, and you will be delighted to know your creativity can be discovered with items in your very own home. How do you create high drama, and what should we know about the lighting at our table? When is it appropriate to bring out the Christmas decorations? Answers to these burning questions and more when you tune into this week’s Kefi L!fe podcast.
Neutral Thanksgiving Table
Andrea's Handmade Floral Centerpiece
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment looks at 5 items that could be in your closet or cabinet to enhance your Thanksgiving table.
Wooden Box With Floral Arrangement
Resources:
AxBInteriors.com
Michaels.com
HobbyLobby.com
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Thursday Nov 04, 2021
36. Rediscovering Greek Medicine: Wisdom from the Hidden Manuscripts and Texts
Thursday Nov 04, 2021
Thursday Nov 04, 2021
36. Rediscovering Greek Medicine: Wisdom from the Hidden Manuscripts and Texts
This week Professor Alain Touwaide, of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions, gives us a rare glimpse at ancient manuscripts in libraries worldwide, revealing truths of Greek Medicine.
Professor Alain Touwaide carefully researching book of ancient Greek
Today's Lexi:
Βιβλιοθήκη — Vivliothíki (Library)
Ancient preserved book of Greek medicine
In this episode:
Greek Medicine is traditionally considered as the source of modern medicine and, more recently, also of the Mediterranean diet. Though essentially correct, this idea hides more than it tells about Greek Medicine.
Today, Professor Alain Touwaide of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions joins the Kefi L!fe audience to tell some of what he discovered during his research for ancient Greek manuscripts in libraries worldwide.
Alain carefully researches book of ancient Greek medicine
You’ll learn more about how daily health and life bring on new meaning with the return of antiquity to present day.
Discover where pepper originates.
Why are medical manuscripts in a monastery of Patmos, Greece?
What type of paper were these ancient manuscripts written on?
How does equilibrium link a person to wellness?
This episode is fascinating, don’t miss it!
Alain & Emanuela researching manuscripts
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment returns to ancient practices and brings them to modern day.
Ancient medical wisdom on original papyrus
Resources:
Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions on Facebook
INSTITUTE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF MEDICAL TRADITIONS INC
GreekMed.org
ByzantineMedicine.org
DigitalHippocrates.org
Emanuela Appetiti on LinkedIn
Patmos - MeanderTravel.com
Ancient manuscripts
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Thursday Oct 28, 2021
35. Healing Modalities for the Mind, the Body, and the Spirit!
Thursday Oct 28, 2021
Thursday Oct 28, 2021
35. Healing Modalities for the Mind, the Body, and the Spirit!
Today, Christiana Cagnoni, doctor of Chinese Medicine, discusses traditional therapies to get you started living in an energetic body with healthy organ functions.
Christiana Cagnoni
Today's Lexi:
Ισορροπία — Isorropía (Balance)
Manna Vida View
In this episode:
Greece and China are ancient civilizations which have a long history of similar holistic medicine. Hippocrates, father of medicine, points out that nature heals disease, and Chinese medicine holds that no evil can attack the body if one’s qi is strong enough, and one’s right qi must be insufficient whenever illness occurs.
Interested? You’ll love today’s episode with Christiana Cagnoni is a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has been in practice since 1983. She has worked in Chicago, Illinois for 35 years, northern California and for the past 24 years Prescott, Arizona. Her practice, Healing from the Heart consists of traditional therapies such as Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies and Medical Qi Gong, which is her specialty, along with having a Masters Degree in Shiatsu/Anma therapy. Her practice is designed to “help you help yourself”. Her in-depth in-take and wellness program is designed specifically for the individual. She developed the first International Shiatsu Summit held in the suburbs of Chicago and created Manna Vida Center for Wellbeing. She also developed a raw food company for healthy eating called Matter of Flax, that sold products internationally.
Christiana Cagnoni M.T.C.M., C.M.S.T., C.S.T.
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment suggests ways to bring energy into the day for all is well!
Resources:
Reach Christian via 928-308-0880 or by email (christianacagnoni@gmail.com)
MannaVida.co.uk/
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Thursday Oct 21, 2021
Thursday Oct 21, 2021
34. Spotlight on Mastiha - a Wonder of the World & Wellness Resin for the Whole Person
Mastiha is beneficial to one’s health, but what is it?
Discover the bountiful advantages to a "gift of nature" exclusively grown on the Greek island of Chios, but available worldwide.
Dimitris B. Kantolios
Today's Lexi:
Χρήση — Chrísi (Use)
Mastiha Trees and Mastiha Sap
In this episode:
Kefi L!fe is honored to welcome Dimitrios B. Kontolios, Supreme President, United Chios Societies of America & Canada, for an inside look at the world renowned Mastiha. Today we discover the wellness benefits of a resin that grows wildly in the microclimate of Chios, Greece. Dimitrios describes what Masitha is, how do you benefit from it, why is the sap so uniquely important and where can you get it?
Since the age of antiquity to modern day living, Mastiha has been a valuable commodity for its coveted medical cures. Doctors have experienced patient improvements with stomach ulcers and oral health because of using Mastiha. The New England Journal reports research shows that even low doses of mastic gum can cure peptic ulcers. This precious commodity is also great in the world of skin care. You can drink Mastiha too, and its delicious after dinner.
Wow, don’t miss Dimitirios, family roots in Chios, as he reveals the beauty of this hidden jewel distinctively grown on of the fifth largest island in Greece.
Sap bubbling from Mastiha tree
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment asks you to consider the proper way to chew.
Resources:
MastihaShop.com
Mastic Gum
Mastic Gum Kills Helicobacter Pylori
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Thursday Oct 14, 2021
33. Coffee - The Most Popular Drink in the Western Civilized World
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
33. Coffee - The Most Popular Drink in the Western Civilized World
Coffee beans, roasting, blends, and the legend behind it all
Cold Brew
Today's Lexi:
Κατσίκi — Katsiki (Goat)
Coffee Break at La Fortuna
In this episode:
Today Kefi L!fe shares the joy of coffee with La Fortuna Coffee Shop owner Angela Lavelli. Angela, the endearing owner of La Fortuna coffee shop in the western suburbs of Chicago, discusses about the goodness and variety of coffee. You’ll get scoop how to select a bean, how to store your beans and furthermore, how was coffee discovered?
La Fortuna Coffee Shop, a place where everyone knows your coffee.
Alejandra Garcia Lavelli and Angela Lavelli
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment the experience of cupping your coffee
Resources:
LaFortunaHinsdale.com
Beans at La Fortuna
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
32. The Splendor of Autumn: Produce, Trees, and All-American Jack Allen with Football Pageantry
Nature's best display of the Autumn (fall) season presents itself in an outdoor canvas of leaves, trees, and healthful delicious produce. AND - Football is all the rage with its players, fans, and pagentry
Saints OL Jack Allen in Action
Today's Lexi:
Δέντρο — Dentro (Tree)
Football Pageantry
In this episode:
This week Kiki uncovers the treasures of the Autumn (Fall) season beginning with four salubrious produce which enhance the mind, the body, and the spirit. Learn all about pomegranates, pumpkins, potatoes, and parsley. You’ll be surprised at the purity and practicality of these seasonal nutriments, and one of them inspires the creation of an excellent housewarming and wedding gift. Find out what it is.
The days are getting shorter, and the day light dissipates sooner, but with that arrives a vibrant and bright landscape. In the good ole USA trees enamor us with their brilliant colors of red, purple, green, crimson and orange leaves. It just feels like the right time to move, relax, and spend time outdoors with its dreamy backdrop. How about on the island of Samos in Greece? Yes, trees cover 40 percent of the island. Kiki shares more on that information.
Autumn also signals the competition and exhilaration of American football, also referred to as gridiron. The fall team sport is played by 2 teams, 11 players and a host of band members, cheerleaders, baton twirlers and mascots. All of it comprises the thrill and excitement of America’s favorite sport. It’s a dose of Kefi on the field!
Today, Kiki takes the opportunity to visit with Jack Allen, All American, 3 time first round captain, All Big Ten champ/Rose- Bowl Citrus Bowl champ and OL for the New Orleans Saints on his view of the game he loves and knows well, along with the pageantry which it accompanies.
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment is all about comfort in shoes- NO BULL!
Resources:
SpartaBand.net
The Warrior Ethos
Fall Fruits and Vegetables
21 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States
NoBullProject.com
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Thursday Sep 30, 2021
31. Iron Man Mental Toughness for Every-Day People
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
31. Iron Man Mental Toughness for Every-Day People
Endure It Sports Club (ranked 6th internationally) owner and Ironman Top Ranking female competitor, Sara Fix, joins Kefi L!fe to mentally inspire all of us to our personal finish line!
Sara competing in Ironman with daughter Olivia cheering her on
Today's Lexi:
Σίδερο — Sídero (Iron)
Sara being interviewed
In this episode:
This week Sara Fix, a fiercely competitive and mentally sharp athlete, shares her story of participating and placing in 28 Ironman Triathlons, and now preparing for her 30th, only 3 weeks away.
Ironman is one of a series of long-distance races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22 mile run raced in that order.
Today, Sara, an athletic champion in every way, talks about the mental grit associated with one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. As a 7th place ranking female in her age group in the world, Sara is privy to information that can address mental toughness in athletics and in life, and this she does during the episode.
Sara addresses the process of Ironman participation and qualification. How does one qualify for an event like this? She tells us about workarounds to obstacles and the most exhilarating moment in Ironman. How does training for a race like this parallel life?
Sara’s 3 Tips to succeed with athletic events and specifically Ironman.
1 - FAMILY FIRST!
Attack your fitness preparation and execution goals by including, not excluding, significant others. Involving loved ones will create and inspire a long-term lifestyle sport vs a conducting a short term goal.
People often think they should hide their training and activity level. They try to fit it in and end up frustrating themselves and their family. The key is to expose the hard work. Make a calendar for the family to see. This way your family and loved ones know what you are doing, and they see the sacrifice. I agree your training should not be on their time it should be early mornings, evenings when things are winding down, times when your family is doing something that does not require your attention. If, you fit your training in and they see you are doing it when it does not affect then they are more receptive. Then there are no secrets, and you can ask for help on days you might need a little more time. Sharing in the journey also allows them the opportunity toget involved… maybe take a swim, ride, or a run with you. Finally, encourage your family to come watch your events they will then have a visual of what compromise, dedication, hard work and commitment to a goal looks like. They will enjoy seeing that you too can work hard. It’s called walking the walk- leading by example and it is priceless
2 - LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
Surround yourself with like-minded people who help to create camaraderie and community. This will ensure it becomes lifestyle long term goal.
Honestly there is nothing you can do for long periods of time without support. Triathlon training has a reputation for being selfish. This reputation started years and years ago. Like any sport golf, tennis, swimming, horseback riding and skiing they take lots of training to be good and there are existing outlets that have been established like clubs, resort, schools, and training centers allowing community around these activities.
Triathlon unfortunately did not have those establishments in place so, people originally spent the hours swimming, biking, and running alone. All you need is your equipment and a road. So, people did not have to join clubs, resorts etc. to practice.
Training can get alienating and isolating. So, I along with others created clubs and put training groups into place to provide community, camaraderie, and assistance in perfecting people’s ability to swim, bike and run. Historically, look at any sport it becomes mainstream and “normal” when you can join a group and enjoy the activity. That is what I have created with developing Endure It Sports and Endure It Triathlon Club. You are part of a group learning a skill, perfecting it, and competing. This will not only allow the sport of triathlon to flourish but, people’s desire to do the sport is met for years.
3 - NUTRITION
Train your brain (mental), train your body (physical), a very important component is that nutrition, which fuels the mind and the body!!!
Nutrition for athletes requires a specific individual plan. The key is to practice consumption of carbs, liquid, electrolytes, sodium, calories all IN TRAINING. On race day, your body should be familiar with absorbing the calories. A very specific outline of sodium mg, ounces of fluid based on seat rate and calories primarily made up of carbs to keep firing your system and burning fats too. This nutritional process is created and practiced over and over in all conditions, so you are ready to meet any challenge and be prepared for the conditions of race day. Recovery is huge and vital, and it requires hydration and plenty of protein.
Remember to fuel like an athlete, fuel your body to be strong and healthy. Food is not a mere comfort indulgence, but rather to fill voids. Use food like you use gasoline for a car to run and keep going.
Finally, join Sara and the entire crew from Endure It Sports on Thanksgiving morning 2021 for the Beat The Bird Race. Links below.
Today's Ola Kala Moment:
Today’s Ola Kala Moment includes four tips to make it to the endzone!
Resources:
endure it! - Beat the Bird Race
Beat the Bird Race Registration
IronMan
Credits:
Music: Spiro Dussias
Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary
Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul.
Insta: kefilife365
For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils.
My.doterra.com/kefilife
This episode made possible in part by:
The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1
https://www.ltlawchicago.com
and
Kingdom Farms Whole Sale Meats
https://www.kingdomfarms.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

Flourish and feel alive in mind, body and soul - the Greek way! Join radio personality Kiki Vale on Kefi Life, a podcast that will enlighten listeners to discover ways to prosper in life and seize moments. The energy and essence of our episodes is to lead you to a life where all is well - Ola Kala!
For more Kefi Life, visit Kefilife.com!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.