
12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast
If you’re motivated to improve your wellness but struggle to fit it into daily life, 12 Degrees is for you. This podcast offers real-life strategies for nurturing full-spectrum wellness. Produced by WPSU in collaboration with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, 12 Degrees blends personal stories, practical tips, and research-backed insights to explore the dimensions of wellness that shape how we feel and function.
12 Degrees is produced by WPSU in collaboration with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
About the Hosts

Senior Producer/Director and Instructional Designer at WPSU
Lindsey Whissel Fenton, MEd, CT is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, international speaker, and grief educator. In her current role as a senior producer/director and instructional designer at PBS/NPR affiliate WPSU, Lindsey focuses on projects related to grief, trauma, and mental health. She is the creator of Speaking Grief and Learning Grief, founder of Empathic Media, and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG). Lindsey earned her bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Digital Arts from Point Park University, her master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State, and is Certified in Thanatology through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). She is a dog-mom, an avid reader, and a rock climber.

Assistant Teaching Professor and Coordinator of Academic Wellness at the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Dr. Christina Lightner is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Coordinator of Academic Wellness at the Penn State University Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. She is an advocate for personal health and well-being and aims to inspire others to live their best life. Dr. Lightner integrates wellness into the College environment through her leadership, connections with faculty and staff, and offering student support. She is a Registered Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (WHNP-BC) in Pennsylvania and has 16 years of experience as a nurse and teacher in labor and delivery, women’s health, maternal-child nursing, and simulation coordination. She is a National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®), a trained facilitator for the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment program, and a Mental Health First Aider. Dr. Lightner earned her Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from Penn State University, a Master of Science in Nursing with a major in Women’s Health from the University of Cincinnati, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Graduate Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation at Penn State, Graduate Assistant at WPSU, and Counselor Intern with Centre Volunteers in Medicine and Centre County Correctional Facility
Deshna Nagar is an emerging counselor, researcher, and advocate. She has worked with diverse communities across clinical, justice-involved, and educational settings, focusing on intersectionality and empowerment. Outside of her work, you’ll find her soaking up nature, creating art, and embracing her inner drama queen.
This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please consult your physician or other qualified health care provider immediately if you are experiencing any suicidal thoughts. If you are in crisis, help is available for free, 24/7 in the U.S by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at: 988. More information is available here: https://988lifeline.org/
Episodes

Amplify, Don’t Outsource: How AI Can Boost, Not Replace, Your Creativity
Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Penn State researcher Paul DiStefano about what human–AI collaborations really mean for our creative wellness.
New 7/9/25 | 14m

The Frog Council and Other Wellness Escapades: The Creative Degree
Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore easy ways to boost creative wellness, from upcycling to improv games—even chili cook-offs. They share simple, fun strategies for sparking creativity on your own and in your community, plus the surprising benefits for problem-solving and connection.
7/2/25 | 29m 16s

Mind Over Mutter: Building Emotional Wellness with MINDSTRONG
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.
6/25/25 | 12m 44s

Feelings, Freakouts, and Finding Your Calm: The Emotional Degree
Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore the power of small, intentional acts of self-care and their impact on mental and emotional well-being.
6/18/25 | 40m 34s

Sweet News for Your Gut
In this episode, Lindsey Whissel Fenton explores the surprising health benefits of cocoa with Penn State food science professor Joshua Lambert.
6/11/25 | 9m 47s

From Bisquick to Breathwork: The Physical Degree
Physical wellness emphasizes maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and preventive healthcare.
6/4/25 | 27m 26s

Rethinking Wellness: Meet the 12 Degrees
The hosts discuss the 12 interconnected degrees of wellness, highlighting the importance of proactive self-care and realistic, sustainable practices.
5/28/25 | 13m 16s

Introducing 12 Degrees: The Full-Spectrum Podcast
In the premiere episode, hosts Lindsey Whissel Fenton, Christina Lightner, and Deshna Nagar introduce themselves and the 12 Degrees podcast.
5/28/25 | 9m 1s

Intellectual
Intellectual wellness involves the continuous pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking. It involves engaging in lifelong learning, problem-solving, and activities that challenge the mind.
Coming Soon

Social
Social wellness is about forming meaningful relationships and maintaining a strong support network. It includes effective communication, fostering trust, and engaging in social activities that bring joy and connection. Social connections mitigate stress, depression, and burnout.
Coming Soon

Financial
Financial wellness is the ability to effectively manage financial resources, plan for the future, and minimize financial stress. It includes budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions.
Coming Soon

Digital
Digital wellness refers to the mindful and balanced use of technology to support well-being. It involves managing screen time, preventing digital fatigue and burnout, and fostering meaningful online interactions.
Coming Soon

Spiritual
Spiritual wellness involves finding purpose, meaning, and connection to values, beliefs, or faith. It is not limited to religious practices but also includes personal growth, meditation, and a sense of peace.
Coming Soon

Environmental
Environmental wellness emphasizes the impact of surroundings on well-being. This includes creating safe, clean, and sustainable spaces at home, work, and in the community.
Coming Soon

Career
Career wellness involves pursuing work that aligns with personal values, strengths, and professional goals and mastering professional competencies while maintaining work-life harmony. Emphasizes finding fulfillment and joy in professional work. Related content: Pennsylvania Pathways Career Readiness Resources
Coming Soon

Cultural
Cultural wellness is the ability to appreciate, respect, and actively engage with diverse cultures, including one’s own. It fosters self-awareness, open-mindedness, and belonging by embracing cultural identity while recognizing the lived experiences of others.
Coming Soon

Service
Service wellness is about contributing to the well-being of others and giving back to the community through volunteer work, advocacy, and acts of kindness. Engaging in service fosters personal fulfillment, social connection, and a sense of purpose, benefiting both the giver and the recipient.
Coming Soon
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