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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you're motivated to improve your wellness but struggle to fit healthy habits into real-life demands, this conversation is for you. Lindsey Whissel Fenton and co-host Dr. Christina Lightner break down what wellness actually means and why it is often more approachable and more actionable than it seems. Christina explains the differences between health, wellbeing, and wellness and walks through the twelve interconnected degrees that shape how we feel and function, from emotional and social wellness to digital, cultural, and creative wellbeing. Together, they explore how wellness does not have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional choices, like taking a mindful breath or swapping five minutes of scrolling for stretching, can create sustainable change over time. It is a compassionate reminder that your wellness journey starts with one doable step and that every small choice truly matters.