Recent Episodes and Interviews
Episode 265: Transforming Mental and Spiritual Health Through Biblical Meditation with Jennifer Tucker
Jennifer Tucker is a bestselling author, artist, graphic designer, wife, mother, grandmother, devoted follower of Jesus, and advocate for mental health. She is the author of Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul. Her new book Present in Prayer: a Guided Invitation to Peace Through Biblical Meditation is available now. Key Topics: - Jenn’s heart behind mental health advocacy - The story behind her first book and breath prayers - How Lectio Divina anchors her during difficult times - What Biblical meditation is and how it’s different from what people are used to - How “going and doing” prevents us from being still and making space for transformation - The practice of lectio divina and each of the five steps - How to get started with a meditation practice Learn more about Jenn at littlehousestudio.net. Grab her latest book at presentinprayer.com. Sponsor: Go to ro.co/sparking and find out if you're qualified for GLP-1 meds for free
Episode 264: How to Use Peptides and GLP-1 Medication Efffectively with Dr. Tracey Stroup
Dr. Tracey Stroup is a Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Natural Health Professional, a Level 2 Digestive Specialist, Master Herbalist, and an Aroma Therapist. Tracey has been in the health and wellness industry for over 25 years. She is a sought out clinician, speaker and presenter for medical freedom and educator for integrative and complementary care for medical professionals. Tracey specializes in Post Covid/Jab Recovery protocols, chronic health issues, MTHFR mutation and biblical health. Most importantly, Tracey is a wife, mom, and a lover of Jesus Christ. Key Topics: - What peptides are and how they impact our health - The brain-hormone connection - The pathways to create GLP-1 - Why peptides are working so well right now - The importance of individualization and not overdosing GLP-1 - What to do today to impact your metabolic health - Where to get peptides individualized to you Grab Dr. Tracey’s course on peptides for $27 here: https://theacademyofabidingwellness.thinkific.com/courses/DownandDirty?ref=1d5065 Learn more about working with her here: https://www.traceystroupnd.com/
Episode 263: Managing Stress After a Crazy Election Season with Erin Kerry
This episode with integrative health coach Erin Kerry takes on two parts: what stress does to our health and nine ways we can manage it post-election, without dieting. Mental stress impacts every physiological process of the body, but there are ways to help support the body in spite of ongoing stressors. Key Topics: - The downstream effects of chronic stress (the why) - The tools for managing stress, including meditation, scheduling nothing, getting off social media and the news, and creating more routines - Exercise and digestive practices that support stress management For monthly emails, stress-free meal plans, and recipes, go to: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Sponsor: Manage your stress with CBD. Go to tanasi.com and use the code sparking to get 25% off your Tanasi CBD/CBD4 combination product.
Episode 262: The Part of Your Brain That Triggers Failure and How to Create Lasting Changes with Dr. Kyra Bobinet
Kyra Bobinet is a physician, public health leader, and behavior change designer focusing on tranquility, transformation and healing to build optimal health and fulfilling, meaningful lives. She is the author of Unstoppable Brain: The New Neuroscience That Frees Us From Failure, Eases Our Stress, and Creates Lasting Change. In this episode, Dr. Bobinet addresses topics such as behavior change and personal growth, and what long-term neuroscience research reveals about habits and lifestyle change. Key Topics: - Exploring the habenula, the part of your brain that tells you you’re a failure and keeps you from overcoming setbacks - How the habenula predicts what you’ll do and keeps you from success - How to check in on yourself - The importance of iteration to create lasting change - Why people quit when they’re doing so well - The impact of trauma on the habenula - How to create mental firewalls to filter out negativity Learn more about Dr. Bobinet and get her book at https://drkyrabobinet.com/ Thanks to our sponsor: Get GLP-1s at a fraction of the price when you go to ro.co/sparking. Memberships start at $99 a month. Medication cost is separate.
Episode 261: Five Things Your Body Needs to Lose Weight with Erin Kerry
Do you feel pressure to try another diet to lose weight? Are you drawn to the new weight loss drugs and curious if they’d work for you? Host and health coach Erin Kerry combines her personal story with her functional medicine training to bring you a different perspective on the weight loss conversation. Before you start thinking about your January weight loss goals, consider these five things your body needs to safely lose weight and keep it off. Key Topics: - Erin’s dieting philosophy. - Erin’s thoughts on intuitive eating and the anti-diet movement as it is promoted in social media. - How ultra-processed food companies sponsor medical groups and dietitian groups, which leads to conflicting messages about health and weight. - The five things your body needs to start your weight loss journey. - Should you intentionally pursue weight loss? - What about GLP-1 drugs? Grab Erin’s Food is Mood Guide here: https://mailchi.mp/055b20577ebc/food-is-mood-guide Get her favorite glucose metabolism products here with $10 off code: https://shareplex.us/share/jl16tIj Thanks to our sponsors: Seed: Get 25% off your first month of Seed’s DS-01 Daily Symbiotic with the code 25SPARK at seed.com/spark Tanasi CBD: Go to tanasi.com and use code SPARKING to get 25% off at checkout on any CBD product.
Episode 260: How Genomics Take Precision Medicine to the Next Level with Dr. Matthew Dawson
Dr. Matthew Dawson is the co-founder and CEO of Wild Health, a Precision Medicine service providing personalized, genetics-based care to help patients achieve optimal wellbeing. In that, Dr. Dawson has trained thousands of physicians in Precision Medicine through online education, and has lectured in over twenty countries around the world. Dr. Dawson also co-hosts the Wild Health Podcast, a tool for teaching thousands about personalized, genetics-based Precision Medicine. His passion to help patients maximize their health span and perform at their absolute best considers all aspects of health: mental, physical, and spiritual. Key Topics: - Why Dr. Dawson got into genomics and why this approach is a helpful tool - What SNPs are and how to test them - Why MTHFR isn’t the big deal you think it is - Your genetics only account for 20% of health outcomes - Mood health and epigenetic factors - How to increase better cognitive and mitochondrial health - The most important indicator of health and longevity - How disconnection plays a role in health Learn more and get your genes tested here: https://www.wildhealth.com/executive Use the code SPARK to get 15% off when you sign up for Wild Health
Episode 259: How an Eating Window Can Support Weight Loss as You Age with Laurie Lewis
Laurie Lewis is the founder of Fast Forward Wellness. For Laurie, menopause dealt a crushing blow: brain fog, lack of balance, memory loss, intense joint pain, and the sudden gain of 50 pounds. She tried everything she knew to feel better. After years of struggle, Laurie read about Intermittent Fasting and started that very same day. Not only did she shed the stubborn 50 pounds, but the menopausal fog and pain lifted! She had more energy and felt “like herself” again. Now, at 61 years old, Laurie’s thriving coaching programs guide clients with a dream come true: keep an Eating Window and enjoy your life feeling vibrantly well. Key Topics: - Laurie’s story of struggling with sudden weight gain of fifty pounds in perimenopause - How to make gentle changes with fasting as you age - Appetite correction that comes with intermittent fasting - How intermittent fasting increases body partnership over punishment. - The best way to break a fast - Fasted or non-fasted exercise - Supplements and drinks that break a fast - What to do if you’re struggling to lose weight while fasting Connect with Laurie: WEBSITE: WWW.FASTFORWARDWELLNESS.COM FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FASTFORWARDWELLNESS INSTAGRAM: @FAST_FORWARD_WELLNESS Sponsor: Get Tanasi CBD for 25% of at checkout with the code sparking at tanasi.com.
Episode 258: The Power of Herbs for Lyme and Chronic Disease with Dr. Bill Rawls
For over 30 years, Dr. Bill Rawls has dedicated his life to medicine. When a health crisis with chronic Lyme disease abruptly changed his quality of life, he came face to face with the limitations of modern medicine and began to explore the vast possibilities of alternative treatments. Restoring his health through holistic and herbal therapies inspired him to share his revelations on the importance of cellular wellness for defending against microbes and other root causes of illness. Today, he works to bring life and vitality to others as he helps them establish their own paths to wellness through modern herbology. Through his bestselling books, Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution, Dr. Rawls demonstrates why crucial herbal phytochemicals are key to protecting cellular health and strengthening the body's defense against illness. Dr. Rawls is also the founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company, where he developed the signature Restore Kit™, an advanced herbal protocol that has helped thousands to reclaim vibrant health. In this episode, Dr. Rawls shares his story and how he uses herbs to support the immune system and prevent against chronic disease. Key Topics: - Dr. Rawls’ history with Lyme disease - The shortcomings of the current medical system - Getting to the root causes of illness - What causes cellular stress and what cells need - Studies that support using herbs - How herbs protect the cells against stress - The problem with antibiotics s - Four stages of the immune system - Which herbs are protective to cells To learn more about Dr. Rawls, go to vitalplan.com and RawlsMD.com.
Episode 257: Why Your Cortisol Is Waking You Up at Night with Renee Kindler
Renee Kindler is a Family Nurse Practitioner helping busy women to boost their energy, sleep better, and think more clearly by balancing their nutrients and hormones so they can show up in their life everyday exactly how they want! She is the founder of Aonani Functional Medicine. She earned her MSN from Gonzaga University and is passionate about sharing the tremendous impact of identifying what is disrupting your sleep, making you tired, and stealing your focus. Key Topics: - What cortisol is and why you need it - When cortisol starts working against you - Symptoms of low cortisol and how to test - The cortisol-blood sugar connection - The difference between cortisol and cortisone - Why sleep is so important for managing cortisol - Reasons you’re waking up in the middle of the night - The best way to prep for good sleep - How melatonin plays a role in cortisol balance Get Renee’s free tips for better sleep handout at https://www.reneekindler.com/sleep Thanks to our sponsors: Factor: Head to Factormeals.com/spark50 and use code spark50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month. Seed: Go to seed.com/spark and use code 25spark to get 25% off your first month of Seed’s DS-01 Synbiotic.
Episode 256: Tools to Create Safety in Your Nervous System with Grace Secker
Grace Secker is founder & CEO of Elevate Therapy & Wellness, a private practice for therapy and coaching, and the creator of the Mind-Body Healing Method, is a holistic licensed psychotherapist, certified yoga therapist and nervous system coach for people who struggle with chronic pain, fatigue and disordered eating. She has more than ten years of experience in working with clients in a holistic approach helping clients go from bed ridden with pain, fatigue and food sensitivities to being able to exercise without pain, eat anything they want and have the energy in their life to thrive knowing they don’t have to fear chronic conditions. After healing her own eating disorder, chronic pain and fatigue using the mind-body connection, Grace now specializes in helping people understand the connection between their minds and bodies so they can get back the life they love and get out of mental and physical patterns that keep them stuck. Key Topics: - Grace’s story of overcoming pain, fatigue, and mental health issues - Why we need to understand the mind-body connection in order to heal - The hidden root causes of chronic pain and fatigue - What the nervous system is and what it does - How to strengthen the nervous system response to manage stress response - Somatic practices and why they’re trending - When to choose a bottom-up or top-down approach to healing - How to learn to stop dissociating Learn more about Grace and work with her at https://www.elevatetherapywellness.com. Follow Grace on Instagram at @heal.with.grace Grab Erin’s stress-busting nutrition guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide
Episode 255: Decrease Codependency in Your Marriage to Increase Connection with Richard Kerry
Richard Kerry is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with couples and individuals. In this episode, Richard and Erin discuss Richard’s work as a marriage therapist and the most common issues he sees with marriages in conflict (codependency and faulty core beliefs from trauma). They share stories from their own marriage and ways they try to work on their individual issues in order to decrease codependency and connect consistently with each other. Key Topics: - The biggest challenges in marriage today - When to know if you need individual counseling or counseling as a couple - Creating healthy emotional and physical intimacy - Connecting with your partner in a vulnerable way - The importance of differentiation in a marriage - Conflict styles that stall a marriage Sponsor: Use the code sparking to get 40% off the yearly pass at Beducated here: https://beducate.me/september
Episode 254: How to Address Female Hormone Imbalances with Dr. Erin Ellis
Dr. Erin Ellis began her career working with her business degree in restaurant management and though she enjoyed this line of work, she knew she was meant for more. In 2010, she was diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 31. Receiving this diagnosis and kicking its butt gave her the drive, the motivation and the determination to get out of her own way and become that doctor that she always wanted to be. Having had a cancer diagnosis at such a young age, her mission and passion now is to empower those to take control of their health. This diagnosis proved to her that life is too short to feel sub-optimal and given the right tools, your body has the innate ability to heal itself naturally. Key Topics: - How a cancer diagnosis took Dr. Ellis on a journey to heal the root - Female hormone imbalances: normal or not? - How the birth control pill is not supposed to fix an imbalance - Why you should start listening to your hormone communication system - How to deal with uncomfortable symptoms naturally - The role adrenals play in sex hormones - The best time to test hormones and what kinds of tests to use - The impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on hormones long-term. Social Media Links: * Dr. Erin Ellis website: https://drerinellis.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.erinellis/ * Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drerinellisnmd/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drerinellisnmd * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.erinellis?lang=en * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drerinellis/ * Period Tip Tuesday SignUp: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/129653/79456790668903797/share * Fix My Period FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/470429440943215 Freebies: * Menstrual Cycle Nutrition Guide: https://detox.drerinellis.com/ * 7 Hormones Affecting Weight Loss Goals: https://weightloss.drerinellis.com/
Episode 253: How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy and Avoid Postpartum Depletion with Melissa Dean
Melissa Dean (she/her) is a midwife and the founder of Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center, located in Los Gatos, California. As a functional and integrative medicine practitioner, Melissa combines her expertise in women's health with her midwife practice. She provides care with an emphasis on holistic health modalities to bring wellness to women in every stage of their health: including childbirth, transition to motherhood and beyond. Key Topics: - Postpartum depletion: what it is and how it affects us - How Melissa got into the midwife business - Labwork to get to prepare for a healthy pregnancy - What to prioritize in the postpartum period - The most important meal of the day for new moms - Handling depression and anxiety while depleted - Checking for gestational diabetes (without the nasty drink) - Supporting yourself after birth trauma Grab Melissa's guide to 5 Nutrition Tips and Overcoming Postpartum Depletion at https://casa-natal.com/postpartum-depletion/ and follow her on Instagram @casanatalbirthcenter
Episode 252: ADHD and Relationships: Practical Tools for Building Bridges with Dr. Tamara Rosier
Tamara Rosier, Ph.D., is the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she and her staff work with individuals with ADHD (and their families) to learn strategies and develop new skills to live effectively with ADHD. Dr. Rosier is also the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. She is the author of Your Brain’s Not Broken. She is a popular conference and keynote speaker is a frequent guest on podcasts and has published numerous articles about living with ADHD. Her new book, You, Me and Our ADHD Family is available for pre-order now. Key Topics: - How a neurodivergent brain works differently than a neurotypical brain - Working memory issues are not character flaws - The difference in an interest-based nervous system and importance-based nervous system - All the “monkeys” in the brain that make up ADHD parts - How to find your window of tolerance when you have ADHD - How to support your big emotions and those of your loved ones - The difficulties with rejection sensitivity, masking, and people-pleasing for those with ADHD Preorder Dr. Rosier’s book here for 40% off: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/579833 Sponsor: Go to seed.com/spark and use code SPARK25 to get 25% off Seed’s DS-01 synbiotic.
Episode 251: Why You Should Try Tapping to Reduce Your Stress with Brad Yates
Brad Yates is known internationally for his creative and often humorous use of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Brad is the author of the best-selling children's book "The Wizard's Wish," the co-author of the best-seller "Freedom at Your Fingertips," and a featured expert in the film “The Tapping Solution.” He has also been a presenter at a number of events, including Jack Canfield's Breakthrough to Success, has done teleseminars with “The Secret” stars Bob Doyle and Dr. Joe Vitale, and has been heard internationally on a number of internet radio talk shows. Brad also has over 1000 videos on YouTube, that have been viewed over 48 million times. Key Topics: - How Brad went from professional acting to tapping - Emotional freedom techniques and how they help release stress - How stress impacts the body - The science behind tapping - What issues tapping is good for and how it rewires beliefs - The basics of EFT and a live demonstration Get Brad’s 5 Day Program at tapwithBrad.com and follow him on social media and YouTube at TapWithBrad. Sponsor: head to FactorMeals.com/spark50 and use code spark50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month. Use the code spark50 at checkout.
Episode 250: Mid-Summer Reset and Back-to-School Tips with Erin Kerry
I hired myself as a health coach this summer, so I’m sharing the five things I did to reset my health this summer, in hopes that it will be helpful for you to try something new! Here are five changes I made mid-June. 1. I started running again, in a way that is supportive to my body. 2. I added in a daily devotional. 3. I stopped eating two-three hours before bed, most days per week to give my digestive system a break by bedtime. 4. I started taking a prebiotic drink again. 5. I started tracking my sugar grams to be more mindful of excess sugar consumption and how it made me feel. In this episode, I also cover: - How I increased connection and intimacy with my husband after healing from trauma. - The functional lab tests I offer to help support your body’s needs - Ways to support your child’s mental health through nutrition as you get ready to go back to school Grab my upgraded lunch ideas here: https://mailchi.mp/cb1896af2a48/upgraded-kids-lunch-ideas Sponsor: Beducated. Use the code sparking at https://beducate.me/podcast50 to get 50% off a full year of sex and intimacy education.
Episode 249: Surprising Facts About Histamine Overload and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome with Tracy Harrison
Tracy Harrison is the Founder and Lead Educator of The School of Applied Functional Medicine. She is deeply passionate about transforming healthcare with the powerful combination of functional medicine and savvy clinical partnership. A scientist who left the high-tech corporate world in 2007, Tracy built a wildly successful, multi-modality practice utilizing functional medicine principles, and in 2011, she founded The School of Applied Functional Medicine™. SAFM is well-respected for its scientific rigor as an accredited continuing education program rooted in both the science and practical application of functional medicine. The school’s tribe of diverse healthcare practitioners represents 20+ different clinical modalities from 70+ countries around the world. Tracy is a beloved educator and prized mentor in the field. A scientist and systems engineer at heart, Tracy holds three degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and further graduate education from Bridgeport University and The Institute for Functional Medicine. She also holds a certification in health coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. In this episode, Erin and Tracy dive into the world of histamine overload and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, identifying root causes behind the increase in these disease states today. Key Topics: - What brought Tracy to the world of functional medicine and education - What is histamine overload and how does it show up? - How histamine is connected to inflammation - Histamine overload symptoms that might surprise you - How Mast Cell Activation Syndrome starts in the gut - The enzyme that degrades histamine and how enhanced intestinal permeability factors in to histamine overload - The surprising hormone connection to histamine - Nutritional considerations and supplements Get clinical insights from SAFM on social media at @appliedfunctionalmed. For health professionals looking to expand your career, register as a student at schoolafm.com. Sponsor: Get 25% off your first month with Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic. Use code 25SPARK at seed.com/spark.
Episode 248: Nutritional Psychiatry and How Your Diet Affects Your Brain with Dr. Georgia Ede
Dr. Ede is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in nutrition science and brain metabolism. Her twenty-five years of clinical experience include twelve years as a college psychiatrist and nutrition consultant at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, where she was the first to offer students nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medications. She speaks internationally about dietary approaches to psychiatric disorders. She co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant mental illnesses, developed the first medically accredited course in ketogenic diets for mental health practitioners, and was honored to be named a recipient of the Baszucki Brain Research Fund’s first annual Metabolic Mind Award. Her new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind was published in January 2024. Key Topics: - Remission from psychiatric illness is possible - Patterns of eating that aren’t brain-supportive - How nutrition studies get twisted to make us fear brain-supportive foods - Food that makes neurotransmitters function better - The “unholy trinity” that throws off neurotransmitter balance - How sugar literally creates stress in the body - The myth of the perfect brain superfood Learn more about Dr. Ede’s work and her book at https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/ Grab Erin’s FREE Food is Mood Guide here: https://mailchi.mp/055b20577ebc/food-is-mood-guide Sponsor: Factor Meals! Head to factormeals.com/spark50 and use the code spark50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off the next month.
Episode 247: Reasons Your Fitness Routine May Be Creating More Anxiety with Molly McNamee
Molly McNamee is an online fitness coach who specializes in chronic stress and pain relief. Her clients call her “The Moving Therapist” as she helps them heal their anxiety through movement. In this episode, Erin and Molly discuss how exercise can be used as an anxiety modulator - either to increase it or reduce it. Key Topics: - The messages about exercise that can do more harm than good - How high intensity cardio can cause panic attacks - Five signs your workout routine is the reason your anxiety is high - How stress leads to weight gain - Movement that is healing and doesn’t spike anxiety - The importance of connecting breath to movement - How to recover post-workout to bring safety back to the body - How nature resets your nervous system Learn more about Molly and work with her at mollymcnamee.com and follow her on Instagram at @mfitworkouts. Grab Molly's FREE anxiety resource here: mollymcnamee.com/anxiety Grab Erin’s high protein breakfast ideas here: https://mailchi.mp/a793b6756b9b/high-protein-breakfast-ideas
Episode 246: Fascia: The Mind-Body Network You Need to Know About with Julia Blackwell
Julia Blackwell is a fascia release practitioner, educator, and creator of The Fascia Remedy. Julia was born with severe nerve damage to her right shoulder and grew up going through the broken Western medicine system. After 23 years of being told her condition would never improve and feeling no lasting relief from any treatments, she was introduced to a unique type of fascia release bodywork in 2010. In just three months of this fascia specific work, she saw more improvement in the feel and function of her arm than she had in sixteen years of traditional treatments! In this episode, Erin and Julia discuss Julia’s story of healing and how fascia is the biological fabric that holds everything together: mind, body, and spirit. Key Topics: - Julia’s story of healing from chronic nerve damage she thought would never resolve - What fascia is and how it functions to hold the body and mind together - The way fascia works separately from the nervous system but also is affected by stress - The factors that make fascia unhealthy - Rehydrating, retexturizing, and repatterning the body by supporting fascia - Three movements that release tight fascia - Best foods for supporting fascia Get Julia’s roller remedy course at movementbyjulia.com. Sponsor: Get 40% off a yearly pass of sex and intimacy education at beducate.me/sparking-July.
Episode 245: Supporting a Child's Diagnosis of PANDAS with Andrea Jones
Andrea Jones is a registered nurse, functional hormone coach, as well as life and health coach. In this episode, Andrea is sharing all about her debut book, Wrapped in Kindness, which details the journey she took as a mother to advocate for her daughter’s mystery health issues. In this episode, Andrea shares her daughter’s diagnosis with PANDAS, and she shares how she overcame shame and her own triggers in order to help her daughter find healing using a functional medicine approach. Key Topics: - What led to Andrea’s daughter’s diagnosis of PANDAS - An explanation of the brain-immune connection - Other environmental triggers that activated the diagnosis - The providential meeting that led to finding a functional medicine practitioner - The shame Andrea experienced when she couldn’t “fix” her daughter - How Andrea supported her own nervous system following her daughter’s diagnosis - The importance of asking for help when your child is struggling Follow Andrea on Instagram at @abundantwellnesswithandrea and find her book, Wrapped In Kindness, available on Amazon now!
Episode 244: Helpful Parenting Strategies for ADHD with Dr. Ray Christner
Dr. Ray W. Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist in Pennsylvania, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a nationally registered health service psychologist. He specializes in clinical and school psychology, and he is board-certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology. He maintains a private practice in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and provides telepsychology services in 39 states. He works with children, adolescents, and adults with psychological, developmental, social, behavioral, and learning differences. Whether you have ADHD, your child has ADHD, or you work with children with ADHD, this episode teaches helpful ways to recognize symptoms and encourage executive function. Key Topics: - How one gets a diagnosis of ADHD - The way the brain works differently for those with ADHD - How symptoms manifest differently depending on temperament - Parenting support and tools to improve executive function in kids with ADHD - Directive and supportive strategies for redirecting - Various temperaments that impact symptoms of ADHD Learn more about Dr. Christner at drraychristner.com and check out his podcast Psyched to Practice, wherever you get podcasts.
Episode 243: The Thought Pattern That Prevents You From Living Your Most Authentic Life with Dr. Jonathan Marion
Dr. Jonathan Marion is a transformational life coach, consultant, and speaker who helps all kinds of accomplished professionals find fulfillment in their lives. Jonathan believes that when we live, connect, and communicate authentically, we create a ripple effect that turns the world into a more caring and connected place. He draws on decades of experience teaching diverse audiences and is trained in Emotional Intelligence, Group Coaching, Positive Psychology Coaching, Clear Beliefs Coaching, and Somatic Coaching. His mission is to be a catalyst for transformation, supporting his clients and audiences as they transcend external accomplishments as measures for success and lead more rewarding, meaningful lives. Key Topics: - Intentional steps we take along the way to lead us to change - How stress impacts our daily lives, including the “shoulds” we stress ourselves out with - How too much knowledge can be dangerous for health - How to change the should to could - How internal dialogue is formed by early life cultural expectations - Shifting from shame to responsibility - Shifting from intention to interest - Micro-stressors we all face that inform our perspective - How somatic awareness brings us to the present Learn more about Jonathan and work with him at stepsalongtheway.global. Get Erin’s recipe book, Brain Food for the Whole Family, on Amazon.
Episode 242: How Your Attachment Style Impacts Your Self-Talk with Dr. Judy Ho
Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and author of Stop Self-Sabotage. An avid researcher and a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award, Dr. Judy maintains a private practice where she conducts neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic evaluations, serves as an expert witness in legal cases, conducts clinical research, provides expert commentary to media, and is a sought-after public speaker. In this episode, Dr. Judy shares all about her book, The New Rules of Attachment, a revolutionary approach to attachment theory that teaches readers how to heal their inner child to change their anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment style in relationships, friendships, at work, and home Key Topics: - What attachment styles are and how they show up in our lives - Breaking down the four different styles - How your self-talk is impacted by your attachment style - Connecting your child self with your adult self by reparenting to heal attachment wounds - How to help your children develop secure attachment Learn more about Dr. Judy and her books at https://drjudyho.com/. Sign up for Erin’s monthly emails and meal plans here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 241: How to Have a Healthier Relationship with Your Body with Marla Mervis-Hartmann
After years of struggling with her own dysfunctional body-relationship, Marla Marla Mervis-Hartmann has transformed her experiences into services to help women discover honor and appreciate their bodies. Marla has been featured at TEDx Salinas. Marla has followed her passion for women's health down many study paths, including women's sexual wellness; postpartum care; Restore Your Core educator; Tantra teacher certification; Yoga teacher training, and massage therapy. She has a Certification in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy. Marla is author of the upcoming book “BE-Friend Yourself~ A Guide to Freedom with Food, Peace with your Body & Confidence in your Life.” Key topics: - how female body image issues are normalized in our culture - The negative messages women hear about their bodies from childhood on - The connection between negative body image and emotional eating - How your relationship with food impacts the way you show up in the world - How to shift negative self-talk - The difference between liking and loving your body - How we bypass our feelings about our bodies and what to do instead - The message behind Marla’s new book, Be-Friend Yourself - The concept of pleasure and how it plays a role in a healthy relationship with food and your body Learn more about Marla and preorder her book at loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/book. Grab Erin's FREE Mental Health Toolkit here: https://mailchi.mp/70a7b1d81de4/mental-health-toolkit
Episode 240: Why You Should Chew Your Food 32 Times with Dr. Anjali Agrawal
Dr. Anjali Agrawal is a family chiropractor, functional nutritionist, founder, and speaker. Dr. Anjali helps families navigate their journey from conception to adulthood. As the founder of Back In Balance, Dr. Anjali integrates gentle chiropractic adjustments, functional nutrition, ergonomics, and a variety of unique diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of symptoms. Key Topics: - How basic ergonomic tips for the kitchen and home can reduce your stress load - “Tech neck” and how it impacts whole body stress - The way changing your posture changes your physical response to stress - Why chewing 32 times impacts digestion - The connection between middle of the night wake-ups and afternoon digestion - How hair and saliva testing can individualize support for your entire body Get your free gift from Dr. Anjali, an anti-inflammatory guide, when you go to backinbalancehealth.com/podcast. Grab Erin’s recipe book here: Dr. Anjali Agrawal is a family chiropractor, functional nutritionist, founder, and speaker. Dr. Anjali helps families navigate their journey from conception to adulthood. As the founder of Back In Balance, Dr. Anjali integrates gentle chiropractic adjustments, functional nutrition, ergonomics, and a variety of unique diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of symptoms. Key Topics: - How basic ergonomic tips for the kitchen and home can reduce your stress load - “Tech neck” and how it impacts whole body stress - The way changing your posture changes your physical response to stress - Why chewing 32 times impacts digestion - The connection between middle of the night wake-ups and afternoon digestion - How hair and saliva testing can individualize support for your entire body Get your free gift from Dr. Anjali, an anti-inflammatory guide, when you go to backinbalancehealth.com/podcast. Grab Erin’s recipe book here: https://erinbkerry.com/shop-page/
Episode 239: Understanding the Purpose of Anxiety with Erin Kerry
Erin Kerry is a certified applied functional medicine practitioner and survivor of mental illness. Her deepest desire is for those who struggle with mental illness to live beyond their labels and perceived limitations. One limitation and factor affecting everyone at some point is anxiety. In this episode, Erin breaks down what anxiety is from a Biblical and scientific standpoint. She also shares how to know your triggers and introduces her brand new course, Healing From Trauma. Key Topics: - What is anxiety and how does it show up in the body? - How anxiety is described in the Bible - When is Anxiety a bad thing? - How to use anxiety alerts to check in to what’s causing it - The physiological triggers of anxiety - The environmental triggers of anxiety Purchase Erin’s course here: erinbkerry.com/healing-from-trauma-course/
Episode 238: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Neuroinflammation with Dr. Roseann Cappana-Hodge
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a mental health innovator and founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann, LLC, dedicated to reshaping mental health perceptions and treatments. Through her Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and trademarked BrainBehaviorReset® method, she provides science-backed holistic therapies to tackle conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, OCD and PANS/PANDAS. Author of three books including "It’s Gonna be OK!™", and podcast host of It’s Gonna be OK!™: Science-Backed Solutions for Children’s Behavior and Mental Health. Dr. Roseann offers a reassuring voice in the parenting and mental wellness sphere, emphasizing science-driven tools for brain calmness and family harmony. i Key Topics: - Defining PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalopathy - Medications for pediatric mental health: are they working? - How infections trigger immune response to the brain - How psychiatric medications affect a developing brain - Signs and symptoms of PANS and PANDAS - Myths and misinformation about tick-borne illness - The connection between oxidative stress and neuroinflammation - Support for neuroinflammation Go to drroseann.com to learn more about Dr. Roseann. Listen to her podcast “It’s Gonna Be OK” wherever you get podcasts. Download Erin’s Mental Health Toolkit here: https://mailchi.mp/70a7b1d81de4/mental-health-toolkit
Episode 237: Top Intimacy Interrupters and How to Reconnect with Richard Kerry
Richard Kerry is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works couples and individuals. In this episode, Richard and Erin discuss why so many couples struggle with intimacy. They share stories from their own marriage and ways they try to connect consistently. Key Topics: - What intimacy is and why we need it - Intimacy is not just sexual, but it’s emotional and spiritual as well - Myths of male emotional needs - The importance of creating safety in the relationship, especially for trauma survivors - Why you should flirt and make out more - Myths of male physical needs - How to set the right expectations - Ways to connect daily to restore intimacy in marriage - How to have a holistic approach to intimacy You can learn more about Richard and work with him at livingwelltyler.com. Sponsor: Get access to Beducated courses for 50% off the year at https://beducate.me/sparking.
Episode 236: Parenting with a Nurtured Heart Approach with Jennifer Nathanson
Jennifer Nathanson is a functional medicine provider and parenting coach. She firmly believes feeling confident in parenting impacts our overall well-being by decreasing/removing one of our main stressors - self doubt as a parent. Key Topics: - Components of the Nurtured Heart approach to parenting - How this approach changes what we model to our kids - How to support neurodivergent and sensitive kids - Learning to pause before reacting - How a negativity bias impacts your parenting - How the pace of life impacts kids’ mental health - How to support self critical or perfectionistic kids - Handling poor behavior in a calm way Work with Jennifer at jennifernathanson.com and follow her at @jennifernathanson.
Episode 235: Hormones, Faith, and Your Weight with Dr. Tabatha Barber
Dr. Tabatha Barber, known as The Gutsy Gynecologist, has dedicated her life to giving women a voice and a choice when it comes to their health and well-being. Overcoming struggles as a young girl, including self-esteem challenges and the hurdles of being a high school dropout and teenage mother, she emerged as a successful physician through faith and perseverance. Her unwavering commitment to women's health is evident through her triple board certifications in obstetrics and gynecology, menopause, and functional medicine. Dr. Barber's new bestselling book, Fast to Faith, teaches women how to incorporate intermittent fasting and faith into their lives. Key Topics: - Dr. Barber’s personal story of teen pregnancy and medical trauma - How functional medicine gives women a voice and a choice to advocate for their health - The role of sugar on women’s health today - Fascinating insights on the body’s ability to heal, if given the right tools for support - The real reason you’re gaining weight - Estrogen dominance and its impact on your health - How stress causes weight gain Get Dr. Barber’s book and learn more at fasttofaith.com and DrTabatha.com. Listen to her show, The Gutsy Gynecologist, and follow her on social media at @thegutsygynecologist
Episode 234: How to Use Food to Support Your Mood with Erin Kerry
In this solo episode, Erin covers the topic of “food as mood,” sharing highlights from her all-new Food as Mood Guide, available below. Key Topics: - The importance of getting raw materials to support mental health - How to increase nutrients in a practical way - The importance of eating hygiene - How blood sugar balance plays a big role in supporting mood health - Ingredients that confuse the body and make it feel unsafe to thrive - Top brain foods for mental health - New AAP warnings against GMOs in kids’ food - Finding hormone balance and what to test for Download the new FREE Food is Mood Guide here: https://mailchi.mp/055b20577ebc/food-is-mood-guide Sponsor: Go to thorne.fit/wholeness and get 10% off your first order of Thorne supplements. Erin’s pics: Basic B Complex, Magnesium Bysglycinate, GI Relief.
Episode 233: Integrating Self-Care to Enhance Marital Intimacy and Connection with Naketa Ren Thigpen
Naketa Ren Thigpen is the world's number one Balance and Relationship Advisor. With a groundbreaking approach that merges psychotherapy, trauma expertise, and relationship wisdom, Naketa challenges norms and ignites transformative change. She’s the host of the Balance Boldly Podcast and author of "Selfish: Permission to Pause.” This episode covers the complex topic of managing your stress so that you can better show up for your relationships. Naketa provides many inspirational, realistic, and practical tips that all busy people will be able to utilize. Key Topics: - Why self care matters for relationships - How negative self-talk hinders your ability to show up in relationships - How being “intentionally selfish” helps relationships - Avoiding burnout and reactive stress - How to instantly shift your nervous system - How to improve your sexual connection when you’re exhausted - The importance of being assertive and asking for what you need Learn more about Naketa at Thigpro.com and listen to her podcast Balanced Boldly. Follow her on social media at @asknaketa. Download Erin's stress-busting nutrient guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide
Episode 232: How Your Brain Impacts Chronic Pain with Dr. Afton Hassett
Dr. Hassett is a licensed clinical psychologist who is an Associate Professor and the Director of Pain and Opioid Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan (UM). She conducts interdisciplinary research related to exploring the role of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in chronic pain. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and is a leader in the field of resilience and pain. She is the author of “Chronic Pain Reset: 30 Days of Activities, Practices and Skills to Help You Thrive,” an innovative pain self-management book for patients and their clinicians released earlier this fall. Key Topics: - Examining the epidemic of chronic pain - How chronic pain impacts mental health and vice versa - The neurotransmitters impacted by chronic pain - How stress and burnout play a role in pain conditions - Pain is often a response to trauma - Enhancing positive emotions impacts chronic pain - How to gain motivation to try something new - Reducing anxiety before surgery Learn more about Dr. Hassett and her book at AftonHassett.com. Free download: grab Erin’s stress-busting nutrition guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide
Episode 231: How Functional Lab Testing Can Validate Your Health Concerns with Amy Campbell
Amy is a functional health consultant who specializes in women’s hormone balance and supporting gut health. With over 10 years of experience as a nurse. She has recently received her Applied Functional Medicine Certification through the School of Applied Functional Medicine where she spent nearly 500 hours of rigorous training. Amy works with women to get to the root cause of their health struggles. She understands the complex interconnectedness of our bodies and considers the whole person while taking an individualized approach with each client. She combines science-based research, sustainable lifestyle practices, and individual goals to achieve long-lasting wellness. Key talking points: - How Amy’s infertility journey led her to functional medicine - What to do when your labs are “normal,” but you feel anything but normal - How the DUTCH test answers questions about hormones and cortisol - Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) testing and what it’s good for - The importance of mineral balance in the body - Top tips for women experiencing stress and burnout - How balancing blood sugar doesn’t always mean what you think it dowse - How to support your body with lifestyle changes that are sustainable - A faith-based perspective of honoring your temple Work with Amy at amyraeco.com and follow her on Instagram at @amyraeco. Sponsor: get started with OneSkin with 15% off using the code spark at oneskin.co.
Episode 230: Nutrition Hacks You Need to Know for Optimal Digestion with Dr. Anjali Agrawal
Dr. Anjali Agrawal is a family chiropractor, functional nutritionist, founder, and speaker. Dr. Anjali helps families navigate their journey from conception to adulthood. As the founder of Back In Balance, Dr. Anjali integrates gentle chiropractic adjustments, functional nutrition, ergonomics, and a variety of unique diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of symptoms. This episode covers the importance of digestion for optimizing absorption of nutrients. Parents will also learn some helpful tips for improving kids’ nutrient load as well. Key Topics: - The importance of optimal digestion - You are what you absorb and digest - You may crave what you can’t digest or break down - How to make sure food is digested - How to increase nutrient load for kids and picky eaters - Starting places for healthy choices for families - The importance of ergonomics Learn more about Dr. Anjali at backinbalancehealth.com Sponsor: Go to thorne.fit/wholeness for 10% off your first order of Thorne products.
Episode 229: How Trauma Impacts the Brain at Different Life Stages with Dr. Marc Hauser
Dr. Marc Hauser’s scientific research, including over 300 published papers and seven books, focuses on how the brain evolves, develops, and is altered by damage and neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on the processes of learning and decision-making, as well as the impact of traumatic experiences on development. This episode focuses on his research and brain-based methods for teachers, clinicians, parents and anyone working with children who have different disabilities, including especially those that result from a history of traumatic experiences. Dr. Hauser’s new book, Vulnerable Minds: The Harm of Trauma and the Hope of Resilience offers a hopeful new pathway to understanding children’s trauma and providing effective interventions to build healthier communities Key Topics: - The lasting impact of early childhood adversity - How different trauma signatures lead to different types of resilience - What the Adverse Childhood Experiences study really shows (and it may surprise you) - Dr. Hauser’s framework to determine the impact of adversity - How trauma impacts the brain at different developmental stages - How the pandemic impacted children’s brain development Learn more about Dr. Hauser and get the book at marcdhauser.com. Sponsor: Get a free electric mixer and 40% off mushroom coffee at trumeta.com/spark.
Episode 228: Nurturing Your Child’s Relationship with Food and Body Image with Heidi Schauster
Heidi Schauster, MS, RD, CEDS-S, SEP is a nutrition and body image therapist, Somatic Experiencing (SE)™ Practitioner, and Embodiment Warrior who writes about whole-self wellness. She is author of the award-winning book Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Body and Self and new book Nurture: How to Raise Kids Who Love Food, Their Bodies, and Themselves. Key Topics: - The importance of body image support for kids - Disordered eating behaviors and what to look out for - How to speak about food and eating without creating a disordered relationship with food - The power in connecting to our true appetite - The rise of orthorexia: what it is and how to prevent it - Prioritizing pleasure at mealtimes - What to do about picky eaters Join the Nourishing Words mailing list on her website https://www.anourishingword.com or follow her on Instagram @nourishingwords. Find her books wherever books are sold. Sponsor: Get a free electric mixer and 40% off mushroom coffee at trumeta.com/spark.
Episode 227: Anti-Aging Foods You Need to Try Today with Dr. Michael Greger
A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Michael Greger, MD, is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. His new book, How Not to Age, lays out practical strategies for achieving ultimate longevity. Key Topics: - The reason Dr. Greger focused on aging in his recent book - Eight anti-aging foods - How to maximize the process of autophagy in your body - Pathways of aging - The anti-aging serum he shares in his book - How to wipe out “zombie” cells that create inflammation Find How Not to Age wherever you get books and go to nutritionfacts.org for more nutrition articles. Sponsor: get 40% off Trumeta mushroom coffee and a free electric mixer at trumeta.com/spark. Sign up for Erin’s monthly recipes and meals here:https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 226: How to Live a Longer, Healthier Life with Chris Burres
Chris Burres is the founder and chief scientist at MyVitalC, where he manufactures a Nobel Prize winning molecule responsible for the single longest longevity experimental result in history, a full 90% extension of life. Chris is also a published author and host of the Uncovering the Secrets to Longevity Health Summit. In this episode, Chris shares about the molecule that increases longevity by 90%, and he shares about his upcoming longevity summit. Key Topics: - The molecule that leads to 90% increase in longevity - Why longevity is important - How long can humans actually live in health? - Why Chris decided to host the upcoming longevity summit - Biggest surprises and takeaways from the longevity summit Click to sign up for the Longevity Summit: https://secretstolongevity.byhealthmeans.com/?idev_id=29911 Use the code sparkingwholeness to get $15 off at myvitalc.com/sparkingwholeness Sponsor: get a free mixer and 40% off mushroom coffee at trumeta.com/spark.
Episode 225: The Superfoods That Boost Your Libido with Leslie Bumpas
Can your diet impact your sex life? The answer is yes! It involves the same function that keeps your heart and brain healthy - blood flow. For this special Valentine’s episode REPLAY, Erin welcomes Leslie Bumpas back to the show. Leslie is a certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner whose passion is helping women thrive in all ages and stages. In this episode, Leslie shares all the tips and tools to redeem romance in your life - using nutrients in food! Key Topics: - Superfoods every woman should include to increase bloodflow and act as an aphrodisiac - Men's health topics: foods to boost testosterone, decrease erectile dysfunction, and support blood flow - The vitamin D/testosterone connection - Herbs that improve libido in women - What spinach does for your sex drive - Improving female health through nutrients - The real truth behind "an apple a day" - What to avoid and look for with hormonal imbalances Learn more about Leslie and her approach to health or book a call with her at go.redeemingwellness.com. Sponsor: Grab 40% off Trumeta coffee plus a free mixer at trumeta.com/spark. Sign up for Erin’s monthly tips and meal plans here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 224: Intermittent Fasting for Hormone Health with Cynthia Thurlow
Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, author of the best selling book Intermittent Fasting Transformation, a 2x TEDx speaker, and the host of Everyday Wellness podcast. Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in intermittent fasting and women’s health. This episode covers the benefits of intermittent fasting for women, taking into account specific needs during phases of their menstrual cycle. Key Topics: - The benefits of intermittent fasting - How certain hormonal phases of your life make you less stress resilient - The best and worst times to fast for hormones - Weight loss resistance as a symptom of a bigger issue - Why protein is king - Exercise and fasting - What breaks a fast Learn more about Cynthia and get her book at Cynthiathurlow.com Sponsor: get a free electric mixer and 40% off mushroom coffee at trumeta.com/spark Sign up for Erin’s monthly meal support here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 223: Evidence-Based Tools for Trauma with Dr. Christine Gibson
Dr. Christine Gibson is a family physician, trauma therapist, and author of The Modern Trauma Toolkit. She’s on social media as TikTokTraumaDoc with over 130k followers. She runs an international non-profit Global Familymed Foundation, a cooperative, and a new company to train professionals how to manage workplace trauma - Safer Spaces Training. In this episode, we dive into the topic of the nervous system and how it plays a role in the entire body to help us to feel regulated and safe. Key Topics: - How a medical doctor got focused on trauma - Trauma’s role in mental health diagnoses - How to get out of freeze mode - How to calm the nervous system with the container method - How to use tapping as an evidence-based tool for PTSD Get her book, The Modern Trauma Toolkit, wherever books are sold. Learn more about her programs at saferspacestraining.com Sponsor: get a free electric mixer and 40% off mushroom coffee at trumeta.com/spark. Download Erin’s stress-busting nutrition guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide
Episode 222: How to Improve Gut Health Using Digestive Bitters with Meg Gerber
Meg Gerber RD, LDN, IFNCP, CGN is a Functional Medicine Dietitian, Yoga & Meditation Teacher and Founder of Grounded Nourishment (a private virtual nutrition practice). She is also the co-founder of JÜJ Digestive Bitters. JÜJ bitters are uniquely formulated, gluten free digestive bitters that optimizes digestion while also bringing more joy to the social experience of sober curiosity and drinking. This episode is for anyone who is looking to improve gut health, create better nutrient absorption, and start becoming more mindful with their nutrition. Key Topics: - How digestive bitters improve health - How alcohol negatively impacts health - Acid reflux and bitters - How bitters improve bile flow - How to take bitters and use them in mocktail recipes - The best way to improve digestion and absorption by 20% - - - Follow Meg at @groundednourish on Instagram. Learn more about bitters at livewithjuj.com and on Instagram at @jujbitters. Get 10% off your order of Juj bitters when you click this link and use the code spark: https://livewithjuj.com/?ref=SPARK Sponsor: go to trumeta.com/spark to get a free electric mixer and 40% mushroom coffee plus free shipping.
Episode 221: Why Multi-tasking is Bad for Your Brain and Other Brain Health Tips with Dr. Julie Fratantoni
Dr. Julie Fratantoni is a cognitive neuroscientist who specializes in making neuroscience approachable and creating tools that help people become proactive about their brain health. She leads the user experience and content creation for The BrainHealth Project™ – a 10-year, longitudinal research study seeking to define, measure, and improve brain health and performance across the lifespan. She leverages behavioral science for the development of the online BrainHealth dashboard and mobile app where participants access assessments (BrainHealth Index), coaching, and training. Dr. Fratantoni also leads the Center’s Kindness Enterprise, a research and translational program seeking to uncover wand harness the brain’s capacity for kindness, empathy and compassion as critical components of overall brain health and well-being. Because we live in a world of constant activity and attempted multitasking, keeping your brain sharp is more important than ever. In this episode we discuss keys to maintaining a healthy brain in the new year and beyond. Key Topics: - Dr. Fratantoni’s journey in the field of neuroscience - How to manage the modern era of information overload and what it does to the brain - How to get more focus by reducing common brain stressors - How kindness, empathy, and compassion change the brain - Best food for brain health - Easy action steps to prevent cognitive decline - The importance of cognitive challenge Learn more about Dr. Frantantoni’s work at drjuliefratantoni.com and Instagram at @drjuliefratantoni Join the Great Brain challenge from The Center for Brain Health here: https://centerforbrainhealth.org/great-brain-gain Download Erin’s mental health toolkit here: https://mailchi.mp/70a7b1d81de4/mental-health-toolkit
Episode 220: Learning to Heal From the Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Impact of Trauma with Andrea Jones
Former two-time guest Andrea Jones and Erin Kerry join forces to get real about how trauma symptoms impacted their life in the past year. They talk about how these symptoms impacted them physically, mentally, and spiritually, because of course - we are designed as very interconnected humans and you can’t bump one part without impacting another. If you are experiencing mental or physiological dysregulation, or maybe even a block in your spiritual walk with the Lord, this may be a great way for you to consider how stored trauma may be playing a role. Key Topics: - The importance of distinguishing between trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD - The different triggers that caused re-emerging trauma symptoms for Erin and Andrea - The physical symptoms of a trauma response - The mental symptoms of a trauma response - How trauma can put up a block in spiritual health - Practical tools to support a dysregulated nervous system, from neurofeedback to supplements to exercise and sleep Learn more about Andrea and work with her at abundantwellnesswithandrea.com or follow her at @abundantwellnesswithandrea on Instagram. Sign up for Erin’s monthly tips and meal plans here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 219: How to Improve Your Body Image This Year Without Dieting with Heather Creekmore
Heather Creekmore writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week, inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. The host of the internationally popular Compared to Who? podcast, she has been featured on Fox News, Huff Post, Morning Dose, Church Leaders, and For Every Mom, along with dozens of other shows and podcasts. She was a contestant on Nailed It, the hit Netflix bake fails show. Heather and her Marine-fighter-pilot-turned-pastor husband, Eric, have four children and live in Austin, Texas. Heather’s new book, The 40 Day Body Image Workbook is available now. This episode features all the nuances between wanting to take care of your body without obsessing too much and getting caught in diet mindset. Key topics: - How to have a better body image focus in the new year - How diet culture negatively impacts your relationship with your body - How focusing on your body causes self-objectification - How diet culture negatively impacts your relationship with God - How God views your eating habits Learn more about Heather and work with her at improvebodyimage.com. Find her books wherever books are sold! Grab Erin’s FREE Mental Health Toolkit now: https://mailchi.mp/70a7b1d81de4/mental-health-toolkit
Episode 218: How I Overcame the Labels of PTSD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder with Erin Kerry
By popular demand, this episode replay features host Erin Kerry sharing her mental health journey. It will inspire listeners to become their own mental health advocates and continue digging for root cause solutions. While she was diagnosed with three different mental health conditions by the age of 18, she now lives symptom-free. *The original episode aired in spring of 2022, so some date ranges may not be completely accurate. Key Topics: - The root causes to her mental health issues and how she struggled to find treatment that supported her mental well-being - The medication weaning process and how she was able to get off medication she had been on for 18 years - The tools she used to support healing and how she prioritizes her mental health to prevent recurring issues Grab Erin’s Mental Health Toolkit and sign up for monthly meal plans here: https://mailchi.mp/70a7b1d81de4/mental-health-toolkit
Episode 217: Customizing Your Mental Wellness in the New Year with Dr. Stefani Reinold
Dr. Stefani Reinold is a board-certified integrative psychiatrist and women's mental health expert. She is author of the bestselling book, Let Your Heart Out, podcast host of the show, The Dr Stefani Show and It’s Not About the Food. She’s founder of Wholehearted Integrative Psychiatry in Dripping Springs, Texas and the Creator of the HEART Method: a self-led therapy tool helping with emotional self-awareness and resiliency. In this episode, Dr. Reinold discusses the innovations being made in integrative psychiatry and how to customize a mental wellness toolkit for YOUR unique brain. Key Topics: - How integrative psychiatry is different from traditional - Why there is no one sized fits all when it comes to mental health - Healthy brain habit changes for the new year - The basics that are often overlooked - The importance of connection - Sleep hygiene tips that everyone can benefit from Learn more at stefanireinoldmd.com Sponsor: Get up to 39% or up to $300 off an Air Doctor air purifier with the code SPARK at airdoctorpro.com.
Episode 216: How to Raise Non-Toxic Kids in a Toxic World with David Steinman
Episode 215: How to Raise Non-Toxic Kids in a Toxic World with David Steinman David Steinman is an award-winning journalist who has written best-selling and critically acclaimed books on the environment and health. His work in the area of safe cosmetics, taken from the forthcoming book Raising Healthy Kids is featured in the HBO Max documentary Not So Pretty. His investigative reporting and writing have won awards from Best of the West, California Newspaper Publishers’ Association, Sierra Club, and the Green Book Festival. He’s also the full-time chief officer of the non-profit Chemical Toxin Working Group (CTWG, also known as the Healthy Living Foundation), a public-interest environmental and consumer advocacy organization that takes legal action and litigates on behalf of consumers and the environment. CTWG has won major court and legal cases against brands such as Herbal Essences, Pantene, Chicken of the Sea, Bumble Bee, Alberto VO5, Trader Joe’s, and Mrs. Meyers for selling products with high amounts of toxic chemicals that required their removal or labeling. Key Topics: - What the research says about toxins - How toxins harm our health - How to avoid fragrance in products and the impact on kids’ brain and reproductive development - Myths about toxins and eating organic - What products to avoid - Where to start limiting toxins Pre-order David’s new book Raising Healthy Kids and learn more about him at DavidSteinman.us Sponsors: Kiwico - get your first month free at any crate line at kiwico.com/spark AquaTru - get 20% off any AquaTru air purifier at aquatru.com and use the code spark
Episode 215: How to Use Nutrition and Sauna Workouts to Improve Your Mental Health with Erin Kerry and Tiffany Martinez
In this episode, host Erin Kerry breaks down two ways to use nutrition to support mental health this holiday season and two ways to use movement for mental health. Tiffany Martinez is the Operations Director for Hot Worx in Tyler, Texas. She shares why she got started with Hot Worx and how it supported her mental health and physical health. She shares the unique approach to getting a 3D workout that creates maximum health benefits in a small amount of time. To learn more about Hot Worx and to find a location near you, head to hotworx.net. Research studies mentioned: Antidepressant Foods: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147775/ Hot yoga for depression: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/10/heated-yoga-may-reduce-depression-in-adults/ Walking reduces all-cause mortality: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230808201935.htm For your FREE Mental Health Toolkit, click here: https://mailchi.mp/70a7b1d81de4/mental-health-toolkit Buy Erin’s recipe book, Brain Food for the Whole Family, on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Food-Whole-Family-Kid-Friendly/dp/B0C2S6B5B6
Episode 214: How to Show Up as a Perfectly Imperfect Parent with Melanie Domen
Melanie Domen is a parenting coach with a true passion for the development of children and how we, as parents, can raise responsible, considerate, loving children we (and others) enjoy being around. Melanie is an independent facilitator of the Parenting the Love and Logic® Way Curriculum. She also speaks to churches and groups, helping parents build strong relationships with their children, while establishing healthy boundaries, communication, and connection. She believes that the relationship between the Parent and Child is one of the single most important relationships we have in our lifetime and her goal is to strengthen that relationship using tools from Love and Logic and strategies she has picked up along the journey of her own parenthood. Key Topics: - What is perfectly imperfect parenting? - How to parent your own way - How to increase quality time with kids at any stage and season - The five minute rule for connection - The echo method for handling conflict - The nine minutes that are the most important to your child’s day - More tips from Melanie every parent needs! Download “What to Say Instead of How Was Your Day” at Melaniedomen.com Sponsor: head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code SPARK to save up to 39% off or up to $300 on an air purifier.
Episode 213: Stress, Science, and Scripture: Finding Peace in the Holiday Season with Erin Kerry
In this solo episode, host Erin Kerry brings listeners a special message on how to find calm during the chaos of the holiday season. This message combines science, Scripture, and Erin's practical coaching tips to bring much needed supportive tools during what can often be a stressful time. Key Topics: - Understanding the body's response to real or perceived stress - Three takeaways from Scripture that everyone can utilize to support their stress response this season - A practical strategy to take captive every thought and rewire the brain - Bonus resources and tools that can help bring stress relief in the holiday season. FREE downloads mentioned in the episode: A Guide to Stress-Busting Nutrients https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide Seven Days to a Sound Mind Scriptural Devotional: https://mailchi.mp/2ae95e4952b9/7-days-to-a-sound-mind-meditation-ebook
Episode 212: How Anxiety Might Be a Good Thing with Dr. David Rosmarin
Dr. David H. Rosmarin is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of Center for Anxiety, which services over 1,000 patients/year in multiple states. He is an international expert on spirituality and mental health, whose work has been featured in Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Through his work as a clinical psychologist, scientist, educator and author, Dr. Rosmarin has helped thousands of patients and organizations to live happier and more productive lives. His most recent book is Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You. Key Topics: - The current anxiety epidemic and what is causing it - Anxiety as a stepping stone to connection - How fear is a natural alert - How anxiety makes us connect to others better - The difference between stress and anxiety - How anxiety enhances spirituality - Hope for the person who’s drowning in anxiety - The least known contributor to anxiety Learn more about Dr. Rosmarin and get his book at drrosmarin.com and centerforanxiety.org. Sponsored by Kiwico. Get your first month FREE on any crate line at kiwico.com/spark.
Episode 211: How to Support a Teen with Anxiety or Depression with Dr. Alina Olteanu
Dr. Alina Olteanu is the founder and president of “Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas”. She is the only pediatrician in the DFW area trained through the prestigious Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, founded by Dr Andrew Weil. She is board-certified in pediatrics but also in integrative medicine through the American Board of Physician Specialties and the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. She also has additional training in integrative psychiatry. She has extensive knowledge of herbs, supplements, homeopathy, aromatherapy, functional medicine, energy medicine, mind-body medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which she practices in combination with traditional, allopathic medicine. Key Topics - The rising epidemic of teen anxiety and depression - Red flags for parents to be aware of - How stress impacts the brain - The common stressors that kids are dealing with - How the gut-brain connection plays a role in mental function - The need to reconnect with nature and physical activity - How a parent’s neurochemistry impacts the child’s Learn more about Dr. Olteanu at wholechildtexas.com or on Instagram at @dralinaolteanu. Grab our kid-friendly recipe book here: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Food-Whole-Family-Kid-Friendly/dp/B0C2S6B5B6
Episode 210: How Cycle Syncing Suppports Hormone Health, Fertility, and Sex Drive with Susana Puelles
Susana Puelles is a holistic hormone & fertility specialist who's been helping women heal their wombs and get pregnant for over a decade. As a Functional and Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, she helps women reverse decades of damage and replenish reserves to fix their cycle, live pain and medication free, while boosting their success at a safe, natural pregnancy. Most women don’t know the concept of cycle syncing and how empowering it can be to track every phase of your cycle and support your body accordingly. This episode goes into detail about the importance of understanding hormone fluctuations that impact fertility, health, and even sex drive. Key Topics: - The concept of cycle syncing and why it matters - Why we need to talk about every phase of the menstrual cycle - The cycle phases every menstruating female needs to know - How cycle syncing impacts fertility - How to support a body that has been chronically depleted - Herbs to help your body throughout your cycle - Nutrition to help your body throughout your cycle Grab a FREE download to support your fertility at yonisync.com. Sponsor: Get 20% off an AquaTru water purifier at aquatru.com and enter the code spark at checkout.
Episode 209: Parenting with Neuroscience with Dr. Sandy Gluckman
Dr. Sandy Gluckman specializes in healing children’s learning, behavior and mood challenges, preferably without medication, where possible. She describes her personal and professional quest as, saving the next generation from being over-diagnosed, over-medicated and misunderstood. Her practice is called, “Parenting That Heals,” This is an integrated approach that treats the whole child. She calls this 'spirit-brain-body medicine.' Her work is and is based on the neuroscientific principal that 'when parents heal, the children heal.' Her primary goal is to show parents how to use a healthy parent-child relationship to heal children’s learning, and mental health problems. Dr Sandy’s approach is based on her unique blend of Functional Medicine, Neuroscience and Psychology. Her Parenting That Heals Program is attended by parents from all parts of the world. Dr. Gluckman also offers Online Video Coaching Programs for people who cannot consult with her. Key Topics: - What the phrase “when a parent heals, the child heals” means - Why parents shouldn’t get defensive of their parenting techniques - How each person has a different stress tolerance, and we pass that to our children - Understanding of the science of interpersonal neurobiology - The problem with just sending a child to therapy - How to support healing from the inside out - Three steps to support healing your nervous system Subscribe to Dr. Sandy’s newsletter, “Parents Take Charge” here: drsandygluckman.com Sponsor: Kiwico - get your first FREE month on any crate line at kiwico.com/spark.
Episode 208: Get Your Best Sleep Ever, Starting Tonight with Morgan Adams
Morgan Adams is a holistic sleep coach for women who struggle with getting a good night's sleep consistently. Her goal is to help women feel better and live better, and the key to both begins with a good night's sleep. Morgan is also a former insomniac who spent almost a decade using prescription sleeping pills despite knowing that her overall sleep quality suffered. She’s also a two-time breast cancer survivor who advocates for a lifestyle of disease prevention and integrating holistic strategies for cancer treatment. Key Topics: - Why 8 hours of sleep might not be right for everyone - What kind of wind-down routine we need for great sleep - Morning routines are more impactful than anything else - The magic of a morning walk - Why you don’t have to give up your screens before bed - The two most powerful interventions to help you sleep better - The downside to sleep medications - How to avoid middle-of-the-night wakeups For a sleep clarity call with Morgan or her free course, go to morganadamswellness.com. Sponsor: Head to airdoctorpro.com and use the code spark to get up to 39% off and up to $300 off plus a free 3 year warranty on any model!
Episode 207: Weight Loss, Gut Health, and Trauma Through a Functional Medicine Lens with Amber Satterfield
Amber Satterfield is a Functional Medicine and Nutrition Consultant, Author and Health Advocate. After almost 2 decades of struggling with her health after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes and cancer, she found healing through Functional Medicine. She has now successfully been free of medications and symptoms since 2015. Amber and Erin both recently finished their studies at The School of Applied Functional Medicine, and this episode is a breakdown of their biggest takeaways. Key Topics: - The three things Amber learned about functional medicine - How gut health impacts everything - Foundations of autoimmune disease - Why the way you view labwork matters and the right practitioner helps - The three things that contribute to all disease Learn more about Amber at feelgoodnourishment.com. Learn more about applied functional medicine certification at afmccertification.com. Sign up for Erin’s monthly meal plans here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 206: Hormones, Nutrition, and Strength Training As You Age with Linda Stephens
Linda Stephens is a personal trainer and nutrition expert with a focus on helping women feel great as they age. Having experienced numerous changes herself, Linda understands the importance of addressing these concerns. Her motto is, “midlife should be the bridge to your new life”. Linda has developed a comprehensive 6 week program taught virtually to women around the globe called “Midlife Mastery”. Linda guides women by educating them on how their bodies change in midlife. Women involved in the program learn cutting edge, science backed data for hormone balance, longevity, mood, libido and weight loss. Linda holds her masters degree in nutrition, competed as an IFBB Figure Pro and is a NASM certified personal trainer. Key Topics: - The importance of hormone balance as you age and testing before you feel symptoms of imbalances - Managing caffeine and hydration - Effects of alcohol on hormones and health - What to do with midlife weight gain - Whey women need more protein - How to build muscle as you age - The importance of muscle and fitness for longevity Learn more about Linda at lindamstephens.com and @lindastephensfit on Instagram Grab Erin’s FREE high protein meal pack here: https://mailchi.mp/3b36a5b0f751/high-protein-nutrient-dense-recipe-pack
Episode 205: How to Get Out of Survival Mode and Find Balanced Nourishment with Erin Kerry
Living in a state of survival disconnects us from living out our purpose, fully connected and nourished. In this episode, Erin breaks down what survival mode looks like for her and how she breaks out of it to find whole body support. Other Key Topics: - Why it’s important to connect with the whole body - Why we live in survival mode and the problems it creates - What holistic nourishment is and what it can look like in daily life - The importance of creating safety in the nervous system for creating an improved perception of reality - Five pillars of nourishment that create intentionality Sign up for Erin’s 21 Days of Nourishment group and learn ways to support your own unique body here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1b-M5C8jEes3kxZdso5ODKw0j5YOFMVaNPLO2kQQDiMc/edit Grab Erin’s nourishment journal here: https://www.amazon.com/Nourishment-Journal-Daily-Check-ins-Your/dp/B0CGMC2W6S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P4TDFQH2H6BW&keywords=nourishment+journal+erin+kerry&qid=1695747902&sprefix=erin+kerr%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1 Sign up for FREE monthly meal plans here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 204: How Stress Impacts Your Weight with Dr. Gala Gorman
Dr. Gala Gorman is a licensed Acupuncturist, Naturopath, and author who offers practical advice and programs to reverse health issues resulting from chronic stress. She helps women relieve their symptoms, restore their energy, and reclaim their "Super Woman" status. Dr. Gala advocates for getting to the root cause of the health issue and treating it naturally. She encourages patients to be their own health advocate ... or PCP (primary care person). Key Topics: - How eustress (good stress) impacts the body - How hormones work to support stress - The “kryptonite” impacting your health - Common sources of kryptonite - Experiencing and understanding symptoms instead of suppressing them - The stress-weight gain connection - Why calorie-counting doesn’t work - Fasting and supporting detoxification - The importance of observation Learn more about Dr. Gala at Drgala.com Sponsor: get 50% off your first month plus free shipping on any crate line at Kiwico.com/spark
Episode 203: The Real Reason You’re Exhausted and How to Get More Energy with Allison Samon
Allison Samon is a Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner helps people to get out of chronic illness, escape from mystery symptoms, and help re-design their lifestyle so they can be fit, energized, and pain free in ways that are easy, fun, and sustainable. Allison struggled with unexplained chronic pain for over 10 years. Her remarkable healing journey became the basis for her programs: Reboot from Chronic Illness and the Chronic Illness Recovery Blueprint. She’s also written an ebook “Detoxing Endocrine Disruptors: Essen to ref tial Checklist,” and is a featured author in the Amazon International Best Seller: Teach Your Expertise. Key Topics: - Allison’s story of dealing with chronic pain - How constipation may be common or normal but it’s not optimal - How symptoms can be interconnected - Why so many women struggle with fatigue - How to start the repair process and get more energy - Why being more mindful helps Learn more at AllisonSamon.com or follow her on Instagram at @healthallie Sponsor: Go to magicmind.com/wholeness20 to get 56% off your subscription with the code wholeness20
Episode 202: Transforming Pain into Purpose: Navigating Health, Emotions, and Faith with Alisa Keeton
Alisa Keeton is the founder of Revelation Wellness, a nonprofit ministry that uses physical and mental health practices to spread the gospel by inviting participants to become integrated and whole beings through biblical teachings, on-line events, productions, and in-person retreat experiences. A fitness professional for over 30 years, Alisa is the author of The Wellness Revelation and Heir to the Crown and hosts the popular Revelation Wellness podcast with over 7 million downloads. Her new book, The Body Revelation, is available now. Key Topics: - The purpose behind The Body Revelation - Why it can be so difficult to partner with the body - How pain is stored in the body and our bodies can be used to move through the pain - How our bodies aren’t problems to be solved - The way movement can help to renew the mind with truth - How you can befriend your body and brain when you feel like it’s betraying you. Learn more about Alisa and Revelation Wellness at alisakeeton.com and revelationwellness.com. Get Erin’s FREE stress-busting nutrient guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide
Episode 201: Why Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad with Abbie Halberstadt
Abbie Halberstadt is a happy wife, homeschooling mama to ten rad kids, bestselling author, blogger, fitness instructor, and reigning family Nertz champion. But most importantly, she’s a Bible-believing Christian who desires to know God and make Him known. She lives by the motto “hard is not the same thing as bad” and loves encouraging women to dig deep in the everyday trials of motherhood for the treasures of joy and growth that are there in abundance if we’re only willing to look. She, her husband Shaun, and their double handful of children live in the Piney Woods of East Texas. She is the author of M Is For Mama and the upcoming release, Hard Is Not the Same Thing As Bad. In this discussion, Erin picks Abbie’s brain about motherhood misconceptions and how to make choices as a mom that put you on a path beyond survival mode. Key Topics: - What the phrase “hard is not the same thing as bad” means to Abbie - How it’s possible to get out of survival mode as a mom - The difference between mom guilt and conviction - What to do when you feel stuck - How to teach kids flexibility - How to make time for yourself to get into an exercise habit - The cultural perspective of mom burnout versus self-infliched mom burnout - How Abbie prioritizes motherhood - The Halberstadt penny reward system and how it helps Grab Abbie’s ebook about her penny reward system at https://misformama.net/penny-reward-system-2 and grab her new book wherever books are sold! Sponsor: Redefine learning with play. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on any rate line at kiwico.com/spark.
Episode 200: Ask Me Anything! Healthy Swaps, ADHD, Anxiety, Insomnia, and More with Erin Kerry
In this special 200th episode, Erin answers listeners' most commonly asked questions. Key Topics: - Healthy swaps to have in your kitchen - Getting to the root of anxiety - Natural support for ADHD - How to support insomnia - Preparing for menopause - How to adjust to a gluten-free lifestyle Join Erin's monthly subscription for FREE and receive a meal plan and recipe every month here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Buy Erin's recipe book, Brain Food for the Whole Family, on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Food-Whole-Family-Kid-Friendly/dp/B0C2S6B5B6
Episode 199: Forever Chemicals That Could Be Harming Your Health with Dr. Syra Madad
Dr. Syra Madad is an internationally recognized public health leader and epidemiologist in infectious disease and special pathogen preparedness and response. She is Senior Director, System-wide Special Pathogens Program at New York City Health + Hospitals, the nation’s largest municipal healthcare delivery system overseeing special pathogen preparedness and response efforts across 11 acute care hospitals in addition to post-acute/long-term care facilities and ambulatory care sites. Dr. Madad’s work focuses on the preparedness for, response to and recovery from infectious disease outbreaks with an emphasis on health care and public health biopreparedness. Dr. Madad has led multiple outbreak responses including Ebola, Zika, Measles, candida auris, and recently, COVID19. Dr. Madad has over 50+ publications, and has been a guest speaker at over 70 scientific and medical conferences around the world. Key Topics: - What are PFAS and why are they “forever chemicals?” - The latest studies happening on PFAS - How PFAS were put into use and where they are found - What to do to minimize the risk - Products that contain the most forever chemicas - Problems with tap water - How to support health this year - Bonus: Erin’s four-tiered tips for supporting immune resilience this year! Lear more about Dr. Madad on Instagram at @syramadad. Grab Erin’s stress-busting nutrition guide here: https://mailchi.mp/5bf7e5c21f62/stress-busting-nutrition-guide Sponsor: Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/sparking.
Episode 198: Eat Like the French Do and Be Healthier with Caroline Lamont
Caroline Lamont is a holistic health coach, certified Autoimmune Paleo coach, and a functional medicine practitioner with the School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM). She is also a leader with SAFM, supporting new functional medicine practitioners during their studies. She combines health coaching and functional medicine to help clients control the immune response that’s causing their conditions reduce inflammation in your body, and minimize the pain and discomfort that inflammation causes. Key topics: - Caroline’s unique nutrition perspective from her time in France and England - Differences in French culture and US with health outcomes - Eating practices that negatively impact health - French culinary differences and the importance of eating seasonally - Caroline’s passion for autoimmune health and her own journey - How to view an whole foods elimination diet from a less stressful lens - The importance of moving slowly toward health goals Learn more about Caroline at greatingreatout.com and follow her on Instagram at @carolinelamonthealthcoach. To get Erin’s FREE monthly meal plan and recipe list delivered to your inbox every month, click here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 197: How Understanding Your Genetic Blueprint Can Reverse Disease with Kashif Khan
This episode will challenge the notion that genetics determines our health outcomes and shed light on the role of lifestyle factors in shaping our well-being. From debunking the claim that obesity is primarily genetic to uncovering genetic imbalances and finding effective solutions, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered to take control of your own health. Kashif Khan is an author, speaker, visionary entrepreneur and investor. He is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The DNA Company, a digital health company that uses genetic insights to develop genomics-based health management applications that offer patients precision healthcare tailored to their unique biology. In his newest title, The DNA Way: Unlock the Secrets of Your Genes to Reverse Disease, Slow Aging, and Achieve Optimal Wellness (May 16, 2023 / Hay House), Kashif gives an action plan based on your unique genetic makeup to help you live your best life. Key Topics: - What is functional genomics and how does it impact health? - Debunking the claim that obesity is genetic - Why Ozempic is not the best option for weight loss - The toxic pollutants harming your health - Reversing chronic disease with genomics - How Khan healed his niece’s anxiety with genomics - How to work with systems Learn more at thednacompany.com, follow Kashif on instagram at @kashkhanofficial and find his book The DNA Way anywhere you buy books! Grab Erin’s FREE high protein breakfast recipe pack here: https://mailchi.mp/a793b6756b9b/high-protein-breakfast-ideas Buy Erin’s kids’ recipe book here: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Food-Whole-Family-Kid-Friendly/dp/B0C2S6B5B6
Episode 196: What You Need to Know About Perimenopausal Weight Gain with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a renowned expert in the field of women's health, specializing in menopause and its various stages. With a deep understanding of the confusion surrounding menopausal terminology, Dr. Haver aims to educate and empower women to navigate this significant phase of their lives. In this episode, she sheds light on the intricacies of menopause and empowers women to understand and navigate the changes associated with declining ovarian function. Her educational background and her own experience led Dr. Haver to develop the national bestselling book and online program, The Galveston Diet. Dr. Haver is working on her second book, The New Menopause, which will be released in the Spring of 2024. Key Topics: - The surprising timeframe of perimenopausal symptoms - Why perimenopausal symptoms get missed by some providers - The nutritional disparities in medicine today - Symptoms of perimenopause and how to support them sooner rather than later - Hormone Replacement Therapy - what it is and who needs it - Nutritional support for menopause - The micronutrients women need to stay healthy Learn more about Dr. Haver, her program, and her books at galvestondiet.com. Sponsor: Get 50% off your first month with Kiwico, plus free shipping on any crate line at kiwico.com/spark.
Episode 195: Why You're Drinking Your Coffee at the Wrong Time and Other Health Tips with Dr. Robert Silverman
Dr. Robert Silverman is a chiropractic doctor, clinical nutritionist, national/international speaker, author of Amazon’s #1 bestseller Inside Out Health, and founder and CEO of Westchester Integrative Health Center and author of Immune Reboot. Dr. Silverman is on the advisory board for the Functional Medicine University and is a seasoned health and wellness expert on both the speaking circuits and the media. He is also a chief clinic consultant for KBMO Diagnostics and Erchonia laser LTD and holds a science board position with Nutri-Dyne. With over 23 years of clinical experience, Dr. Silverman is a thought leader in his field and practice and a frequently published author in peer-reviewed journals and other mainstream publications. Key Topics: - The number one health concern people face today - What is the big concern with gluten? - Symptoms of food sensitivities - What food to avoid - Food for kids’ brain health - Best fish and immune-strengthening foods - The role of the vagus nerve in our health - Best support for sleep - More on Dr. Silberman’s book, Immune Reboot Follow him on Instagram at @drrobertsilverman and learn more at DrRobertSiverman.com. Sponsor: Try AG1 and get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free sample packs ar drinkAG1.com/spark Subscribe to Erin’s monthly tips here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Episode 194: How to Thrive with a Cancer Diagnosis with Kelly Lutman
Kelly Lutman has been fascinated by the power of food ever since she helped resolve her son’s ADHD by simply changing what he ate. A health coach certified in Applied Functional Medicine, Kelly firmly believes that symptoms are the body’s cries for help, and that the body can heal when provided the building blocks it needs. She meets each client where they are, helps them understand what is happening in their body, and guides them in identifying the changes that will help them experience the vitality they were missing. Her new book is called Thriving Through Cancer Key Topics: - Kelly’s training in functional medicine and why she chose to focus on cancer - How to support whole body health with a cancer diagnosis - What the body truly needs to heal and thrive - Benefits of nature for pain control - How to get out of “fight or flight” mode when facing a new diagnosis - The problem with most nutritional recommendations - The connection between chemo, leaky gut, and food sensitivities Learn more about Kelly at KellyLutman.com Sponsor: give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/sparking
Episode 193: Tips to Support Your Child's Gut Health with Jillian Smith
Jillian Smith, RDN, is a registered dietitian with a special focus in functional medicine for the gut. She is the lead dietitian for GutPersonal, whose unique, personalized approach to wellness involves customized supplements, gut testing, and health coaching to help you achieve lasting relief. Her passion is to uncover the root cause of gut issues and get rid of symptoms — for good. For years Jillian bounced through doctor appointments, completing lab work and other tests, just to be told that everything looked "normal". Through the right testing, proper nutrition, personalized lifestyle, and supplement interventions, she now helps clients heal their gut and experience life symptom-free. Key Topics: - Myths and misunderstandings about kids’ gut health - Symptoms in kids that indicate gut health issues - What parents can do to support gut health - Allergies and the gut connection - The skin-gut connection - What to do about constipation - The most harmful things for your gut - How GutPersonal supports gut health Use the code sparking to get a supplement discount with gutpersonal.com Follow Jillian on Instagram at @jilliansmith.rd Grab Erin’s FREE resource, “Brain-boosting Meal Ideas for Kids,” here: https://mailchi.mp/c19b398984bd/kids-brain-boosting-meal-ideas
Episode 192: Using Food to Boost Your Mood with Sandra Beck
Sandra Beck is the host of Motherhood Talk Radio, Military Mom Talk Radio, Coach Talk Radio, and Powered Up Talk Radio. She is the founder of Beck Multimedia, where she has spent years empowering others to use their gifts of communication. She is also Erin's mentor. In this simulcast episode, Erin and Sandra discuss the importance of using food to support mental health, especially when life gets chaotic. Key topics include non-stressful meal planning, ways to remember to slow down to decrease stress, the importance of protein, and how to add vegetables to support mental clarity. Sponsor: Try AG1 and get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase at drinkAG1.com/SPARK Grab Erin's favorite high protein recipes and subscribe for monthly tips here: https://mailchi.mp/3b36a5b0f751/high-protein-nutrient-dense-recipe-pack
Episode 191: How Toxic People Harm Your Health with Linda Kreter
Linda Kreter is a serial entrepreneur, with five successful companies and deep experience from startup to sale. She is the host of the top-ranking Wise Health for Women podcast. She specializes in adaptability and growth, sharing skills and capabilities to intentionally respond – not react – to life’s circumstances. Her lived experience with Durable People Thrive™ and Self-Care and Resilience programs address human problems that may hinder individual progress: fear, uncertainty, self-awareness, values-based living, and especially clarity in communications. In this episode, we explore the concept of toxic people and the long-term impact on your health. Key Topics: - How toxic people deflate you - What makes toxic people so toxic - Personality traits that attract toxicity - How to know if you’re in a toxic relationship - How toxicity shows up in the workplace - When to walk away from a toxic relationship - The negative health impacts of toxic relationships Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/sparking and get on your way to being your best self. Kiwico: Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/spark.
Episode 190: Unlocking the Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimie Apigian
Dr. Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH is the leading medical expert on how life experiences get stored in the body and restoring the body to its best state of health through her signature model and methodology, The Biology of Trauma™. She is a double board-certified medical physician in Preventive Medicine and Addiction Medicine. She is also a Certified Functional Medicine physician and has training and certifications specifically in neuro-autoimmunity, nutrition, and genetics for addictions, mental health, and mood and behavioral disorders. Dr. Aimie offers science-based solutions on how to rewire the nervous system with The Biology of Trauma. Accelerating the healing journey through recovery to resilience, presence, and aliveness. Dr. Aimie is the founder and CEO of Trauma Healing Accelerated, offering her foundational online course: “The 21 Day Journey to Calm Aliveness”, which is an experiential journey into the nervous system that is open to all as well as her 8 module certification course for practitioners, “Biology of Trauma” that teaches the protocols of addressing The Biology of Trauma on the different systems of the body. Key Topics: - Redefining trauma - trauma is not just one big event - What a trauma response looks like - Safety physiology vs. threat physiology - How trauma doesn’t allow the body to bounce back - The disconnect between mind and body and where it comes from - How we can get out of a trauma response mode - An explanation of somatic experiencing and how it brings safety to the body Learn more about Dr. Aimie’s programs at traumahealingaccelerated.com
Episode 189: Practical Nutrition Tips for Immune Resilience with Dr. Kamilah Stevenson
Dr. Kamilah Stevenson is a published author, counselor, and healthy lifestyle advocate. With a firm belief in the importance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health for all individuals, she has dedicated her life to helping others become their best selves by learning how to take care of themselves physically. Dr. Kamilah is a passionate advocate for the science of the immune system and its impact on overall health and quality of life. She believes that addressing our immune system is crucial to achieving our purposes in life, as being sick or low on energy can negatively affect every aspect of our lives, from our careers to our relationships. She believes that there are many factors that can impact our immune system and that we can make changes to our lifestyle and decisions that will boost its quality and, in turn, improve other areas of our bodies, such as our brain and emotions. Key Topics: - The importance of a healthy immune system - Food and nutrients for healthy immune system - The importance of bioindividuality - The impact of stress in immune health - How to adjust exercise for stress levels Follow Dr. Kamilah on Instagram at @kamilahstevenson or at her website kamilahstevenson.com. Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/sparking. Athletic Greens is giving a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchases. Go to athleticgreens.com/spark.
Episode 188: How Functional Medicine Addresses the Root Causes of Disease with Dr. Tamika Henry
Dr. Tamika Henry is a board-certified family physician with an emphasis in functional medicine and the founder of Unlimited Health Institute where she sees patients virtually all over the world. Based out of Los Angeles and with a roster of celebrity list of clients, Dr. Henry's specialty is Functional medicine which is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. In her practice, Dr. Henry works with patients nationwide, including a wide roster of celebrity clients. She also is a Best-Selling author with her book “The Unlimited You Detox” and number one podcast Rock It with Dr. Tamika • A podcast on Anchor. Key Topics: - Why Dr. Henry takes a functional medicine approach to health - Why more people are looking for a functional medicine practitioner - The most common health issues people are struggling with today - Gut-brain issues and the way functional medicine addresses them - The growing concern with pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome - Importance of remembering the basics Follow her on Instagram at @iamdrtamika. Learn more about Dr. Henry at unlimitedhealthinstitute.com Get Erin’s recipe book, co-authored by pediatrician Dr. Alina Olteanu, on Amazon here: Brain Food for the Whole Family: Easy, Kid-Friendly Recipes, Packed with Nutrients for Whole Body Health https://a.co/d/gnjY6s2
Episode 187: How Your Brain Talks to Your Body with Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary
Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, MD, is a neurologist, neuroscientist and an internationally recognized expert in the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine. Chaudhary is the author of “The Prime” (Penguin Random House, 2016) and “Sound Medicine” (Harper Collins, 2020); is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine and is a highly sought-after speaker, researcher and adviser for Healthy Directions. Key Topics: - New research on the gut-brain connection - The brain-gut connection and how to r brain speaks to the gut ecosystem - How modern medicine backs up what was known for thousands of years - Herbs you need for mental health and stress management Learn more at drkchaudhary.com Sponsor: Athletic Greens is giving listeners a FREE one year supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/spark.
Episode 186: What You Should Know about the ADHD Brain with Dr. Tamara Rosier
Tamara Rosier, Ph.D., is the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she and her staff work with individuals with ADHD (and their families) to learn strategies and develop new skills to live effectively with ADHD. Dr. Rosier is also the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. She is the author of Your Brain’s Not Broken. She is a popular conference and keynote speaker is a frequent guest on podcasts and has published numerous articles about living with ADHD. Things you need to know if you suspect you have ADHD. Key Topics: - The difference between convergent and divergent thinking - Erin’s “pinball machine brain” and the trouble with focusing on too much all at once - Hyperarousal and fixation versus avoidance behaviors - Compulsive learning and ADHD - Self-criticism, perfectionism, and shame - How motivations come from emotions and what to do about it - The battery life and solve-it grid to manage energy - How neurotypicals can support those with ADHD Get Dr. Rosier’s book, Your Brain’s Not Broken, wherever you get books or at tamararosier.com or follow her on Instagram at @drtamararosier Sponsor: Get 50% off your first month at kiwico.com/spark and explore hands-on projects that build creative confidence and problem solving skills with Kiwico.
Episode 185: What You Should Know About the Psychedelic Renaissance with Matt Zemon
Matt Zemon is the Co-Founder of HAPPŸŸ, a mental wellness company that specializes in psychedelic-assisted ketamine therapy along with digital therapeutics that promote life-transforming outcomes. As an entrepreneur in the well-being sector, Matt was the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Psychable, an online community connecting people who would like to explore the healing power of psychedelics with a network of practitioners and psychedelic-based treatments, and the co-founder of Take2Minutes, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental health and well-being. Matt is the author of Psychedelics for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to these Powerful Medicines for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Expanding Consciousness and received his Master of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health with honors from King’s College London. In this episode, we take on the slightly controversial topic of psychedelics for mental health, and how they’re being used today when all other options fail. Key Topics: - What are psychedelics and how are people using them today? - The three paths to psychedelics and the de-criminalization of their use - What happens to the brain on psychedelics - How to have a safe psychedelic session - The impact for treatment-resistant mental health issues - Who shouldn’t do psychedelics Find Matt’s bestselling book, Psychedelics for Everyone, and learn more about him at mattzemon.com. Get Erin's recipes! Brain Food for the Whole Family is available now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Food-Whole-Family-Kid-Friendly/dp/B0C2S6B5B6
Episode 184: Five Health Imposters and Five Things You Should Always Consume for Your Mental Health with Erin Kerry
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode with functional medicine trained health coach Erin Kerry is kicking it off with what your body really needs. Your body needs to feel safe to heal and thrive. That’s true for emotional safety, and it’s absolutely true for physiological safety. Unfortunately, due to fancy food marketing and years of junk science twisted to benefit the food companies, we have commonly consumed foods that are keeping your body in an unsafe, stressed out state. We have strayed so far from food that our great-grandparents ate that our bodies are sounding the alarm on every level - yet we keep trying the newest things. This a list of the five "health imposters" that Erin believes are creating long-term chaos in the body's ability to function optimally - from a cellular level to neurotransmitter level to every area in between. These five trends masquerading as health could be extremely destructive, especially when habitual. Erin follows that list up with five things that could be beneficial for just about everyone’s mental health. There is hope! Learn more mental health tools at sparkingwholeness.com and on Instagram at @sparkingwholeness. For the Sleep Time supplement recommended in this episode, head to https://nutritionalfrontiers.com/?ref=26641
Episode 183: A Biblical Perspective on Health and Nutrition with Carly Stagg and Chelsea Blackbird
Carly Stagg and Chelsea Blackbird are co-creators of The School of Christian Health and Nutrition. They teach holistic health rooted in Biblical principles and certify people who are passionate about health and Jesus to become Christian Health Practitioners. Carly is a Family Nurse Practitioner and functional nutritional therapist. Chelsea is Christian Health Practitioner and nutritional therapist. They have combined the very best of their functional health training and clinical experience to offer a comprehensive program that fully integrates spirit, mind and body. In this episode, both practitioners share their heart for a holistic, Biblical perspective on health that is often missing in the world of health and nutrition. Key Topics: - Why there is a need for The School of Christian Health and Nutrition - The Genesis prescription - What most holistic health practitioners are missing - How to charger your water battery - Supporting your infradian rhythm by eating seasonally - The body’s resilience and using the nervous system for healing - Using targeted lab work to understand baseline health - Who this program is for - How to start integrating mind-body-spirit Sign up or learn more at christiannutritionschool.com and follow on Instagram at @christiannutritionschool.
Episode 182: How to Solve Your Period Problems with Andrea Jones
Andrea Jones is a Registered Nurse, Functional Hormone Coach and Inner Healing Pastor. She has spent the majority of her nursing career in hospital settings before transitioning to nursing education and finally out of the conventional medical system altogether. She now works with women all over the world to uncover the root causes of their hormone imbalances so they can get back to thriving. Key Topics: - What is a functional medicine approach to hormones and why do we need it? - Ways your period is a barometer of your overall health - What your hormone symptoms say about your body’s needs - The liver’s role and the gut-brain connection - Support for progesterone - The brain’s role in hormone health - The role of trauma with menstrual issues - Lifestyle red flags for hormonal balance - How Andrea’s work as an inner healing pastor supports her work as a hormone expert Follow Andrea on Instagram at @abundantwellnesswithandrea Sponsor: Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/spark.
Episode 181: How to Biohack Your Body for Optimal Energy with Dr. Molly Maloof
Dr. Molly Maloof is passionate about extending healthspan through her medical practice, personal brand, entrepreneurial and educational endeavors. She provides personalized medicine to world class entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Dr. Maloof is on the frontier of digital health technologies, biofeedback assisted lifestyle interventions, and science-backed wellness products and services. In this jam-packed episode, Dr. Molly breaks down the definition of biohacking and how we can optimize our health and enhance our energy by hacking our biology. Key Topics: - What is biohacking and how is biohacking different for men and women - Ways to biohack as a woman - How to biohack a menstrual cycle - Optimizing the health of your body through exercise - Fundamentals of health that help you age backwards - Fasting and stress on female health - Biohacking blood sugar Find Dr. Molly’s new book, The Spark Factor, wherever books are sold.
Episode 180: The Missing Puzzle Piece to Your Mental Health Struggles with Rachael Bevilacqua and Dr. Kate Henry
Sanare Today is a revolutionary set of thirteen clinics that combines therapy, natural medicine, nutrition, and coaching to help people thrive. Rachael Bevilacqua is the Vice President of Sanare Today. She has a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is a personal trainer. Her passion for combining revolutionary therapy techniques, food, and movement comes from her experience as an athlete, coach, and clinician. Dr. Kate Henry is the Director of Functional Medicine at Sanare. Kate’s study of nutrition, botanicals, and lifestyle medicine allows her to offer unique expertise and cutting-edge solutions for mental and physical health conditions including depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, and more. She’s passionate about doing the medical detective work to help people find their root cause and become free of the things that are holding them back. Key Topics: - Why functional medicine and therapy complement each other - Why treating the root cause is instrumental for healing mental health issues - What treating the root cause looks like for someone suffering from bipolar disorder - How a whole-person approach to mental health works - The immune-brain connection in disorders such as PANDAS - How to break away from food stress and food fear - The raw materials you need to make neurotransmitters - The food-mood-movement connection for mental health. Learn more about Kate, Rachael, and Sanare Today at sanaretoday.com
Episode 179: Holistic Support for Healthy Perimenopause and Beyond with Leslie Bumpas
Leslie Bumpas is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and expert in Women's Wellness. Over the last ten years she has helped frustrated, mature women overcome the hurdles of aging by utilizing science-backed protocols designed to bring energy, vitality, and beauty back so they can enjoy life to the fullest. There should be no fear about aging: no dementia, no frumpy, dumpy, and old. Leslie incorporates a unique approach to anti-aging that few in the healthcare world have access to. In this episode, we tackle all things related to healthy hormones in perimenopause and beyond. Key Topics: - Cultural misconceptions of female hormones - What really helps balance hormones - Early signs of perimenopause - What kind of tests to run for hormone support - How to consider menopause a “second spring” - The importance of managing stress for your hormone health - Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome as you age - Mood symptoms during menopause - Adaptogenic herbs that balance hormones - Castor oil packs for liver support Check out Leslie’s free supplement guide at https://www.agelessbeauty.life
Episode 178: How Intergenerational Trauma Impacts Physical Health, Eating Disorders, and Substance Abuse with Dr. Carolyn Ross
Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is an internationally known author, speaker, expert, and pioneer of intergenerational trauma's effect on one's body, brain, and beliefs. A graduate of Andrew Weil’s Fellowship Program in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Ross is the CEO of The Anchor Program™, online coaching for food and body image issues including binge eating, substance use disorder, and emotional stress-eating. The former head of the eating disorder program at internationally renowned Sierra Tucson, Dr. Ross is currently a consultant for United States treatment centers that want to include her unique integrative medicine approach to help clients recovering from eating disorders and substance use disorders. She is the author of three books, the most recent of which is The Food Addiction Recovery Workbook. Key Topics: - What is intergenerational trauma and what does the current research tell us? - The impact of trauma on the HPA axis - How childhood adversity impacts adulthood - Trauma doesn’t change DNA, but it can change its expression - Racial trauma and the impact on future generations - Toxic stress versus chronic stress - The Anchor Program and how Dr. Ross’ clients move from addiction to recovery Learn more about Dr. Ross’ work at https://www.anchorprogram.com/ OR https://carolynrossmd.com/ Thanks to our sponsor: Get started with EveryPlate for just $1.49 per meal by going to Everyplate.com/podcast and entering the code spark149.
Episode 177: Root Causes of Adolescent Depression with Erin Kerry
The CDC reported that three out of five teen girls experienced persistent feelings of hopelessness in 2021. There are many things contributing to adolescent hopelessness, and while there are differences between the world of today and the world when Erin Kerry was diagnosed, the treatment options haven’t changed. The treatment options available in the 90s are the same being offered today, 30 years later: medication and therapy. Unfortunately, those limited options are not treating the root of the issue, and in some cases, may make things worse. Erin created a list of contributing root causes to her depression from the functional medicine lens, in hopes that it will help someone take a closer look at potential factor that are not being offered through traditional treatment. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure, and does not take the place of medical advice given by a practitioner. Key Topics: - How the oral birth control pill may increase depression - How antidepressants increase the risk of depression and suicidality in some teens and adults - Toxic thoughts and the impact of low self-esteem on physical health - The way antibiotics contribute to mental health issues - Unresolved trauma and how talk therapy rarely makes a dent in healing it - Overly processed foods and what they do to neurotransmitter function - How exercise continues to be the most powerful tool for mental health in the research Plus, other root causes and a call for parents and medical practitioners to fight for these teens! For research articles that contributed to this episode, please see the condensed article version at sparkingwholeness.com.
Episode 176: Understanding ADHD with Dr. Tamara Rosier
Tamara Rosier, Ph.D., is the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she and her staff work with individuals with ADHD (and their families) to learn strategies and develop new skills to live effectively with ADHD. Dr. Rosier is also the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. She is the author of Your Brain’s Not Broken. She is a popular conference and keynote speaker is a frequent guest on podcasts and has published numerous articles about living with ADHD. This episode is dedicated the busting the myths of ADHD and how ADHD impacts the everyday functioning of those who have it. Key Topics: - What is ADHD? - What makes the brain of a person with ADHD different - How the concept of time is different for ADHD - How to use your hyperfixation as a benefit - Does everyone with ADHD have hyperactivity? - How to make the mundane tasks easier to do - The reverse sleep cycle with ADHD - How to handle habits and short term memory setbacks - Increasing self-awareness with ADHD - The importance of accurately diagnosing Find her book, Your Brain’s Not Broken, wherever you get books or at her website, tamararosier.com.
Episode 175: How to Focus Better and Get More Stuff Done with Sandra Beck, Linda Kreter, and Erin Kerry
Sandra Beck is the founder of Beck Multimedia and the host of many popular podcasts, including Motherhood Talk Radio. Linda Kreter is the host of Wise Health for Women Radio. In this simulcast episode, we give you practical tools to help you focus and get more things done! Whether you are a stay at home mom, working mom, elder caregiver, empty nester, or single, you will learn various tips to help make the stress of everyday life more manageable. Key Topics: - How to use a timer for tasks - The OHIO method for cleaning up - Breathing and transition breaks - Nature benefits
Episode 174: The Real Deal with Gluten and Other Digestive Truths with Meg Gerber
Meg Gerber is a Functional Medicine Dietitian, best-selling author, and the founder of Grounded Nourishment. Meg specializes in working with individuals who struggle with cognitive digestive issues. Through her own journey of digestive struggles and autoimmunity, Meg has learned the power of being in your body and listening to its needs. Her #1 bestselling cookbook is available for purchase on Amazon. Key Topics: - Meg’s journey with the diagnosis of celiac disease and going gluten free - How stress impacts digestive health - The process of digestion - The deal with gluten today - The problem with glyphosate and the gut - How to know if you have gluten issues - Ideas for going gluten free and gluten free bread that tastes good! Learn more about Meg at groundednourish.com Thanks to our sponsor: Get started with EveryPlate for just $1.49 per meal by going to everyplate.com/podcast and entering the promo code spark149
Episode 173: How the Way That You Breathe Changes Everything with Dr. Justin Ternes
Justin Ternes is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mental/Emotional Health Coach, Breathwork Facilitator and Human Performance Optimizer. His work is centered on three main pillars: psychophysiology, pain science and breathwork. Dr. Ternes is passionate about helping every patient/client address their physical and/or emotional pain, distress and life limitations in order to find long-term health and fulfilling quality of life. In his spare time he studies and practices a variety of mind-body approaches so he can continually learn new ways to help patients holistically create physical and mental resiliency. He regularly hosts Men's Mental & Social Health Workshops, as well as Holistic Breathwork Retreats. Residing in San Diego, CA, Justin is a nature-lover, community builder, and passionate teacher of his work. Key topics: - How Dr. Ternes got into the mind-body connection - How breath impacts the nervous system - for better or worse - Why taping your mouth shut can benefit your health - Using breathwork to become more kind/body aware - How men are disconnected from emotions and overly connected to stress - The association with chronic pain and negative emotions Follow Dr. Justin at trueself.health on Instagram.
Episode 172: How to Be a Calm and Connected Parent with Eli Weinstein
Eli Weinstein is a Social Work therapist (LCSW )who has worked in a psych hospital, intense outpatient clinic and currently runs his own private practice in NY + NV. He created ELIvation, The Dude Therapist Podcast and became a therapist to fill a need and create a modern outlook on mental health to create a more digestible and relatable view on mental health to help those in struggling times and add some extra inspiration and motivation into everyday life. Eli has been featured on Kelly Clarkson show, The Trauma Therapist, Mimosas With Moms, Holding Space, Breaking Taboo, Therapy Thoughts w/ Tiffany Roe and on multiple podcast ranging from parenting, relationships, mental health and infertility In this episode, we cover the topic of parenting in the modern age, how to connect emotionally with our kids instead of stressing them out, and how to be a calm and connected parent. Key Topics: - How parenting advice has changed over the years - How to look at the context of the situation for each individual child - Nervous system regulation for parents and kids - How to stay away from comparing parenting styles - Myths of connected parenting - How to be on the same page with your partner in parenting Find Eli on Instagram at @eliweinstein_lcsw, check out with podcast The Dude Therapist or work with him at www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com.
Episode 171: How Cold Therapy Can Benefit Your Health with Jono James
Jono James is the inventor and CEO of Odin Ice Baths. Jono was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a terminal illness that affects his lungs and other vital organs. When he was first diagnosed, doctors told his parents he had less than 10 years to live. Fortunately, his parents didn’t accept that prognosis and thanks to their unwavering commitment to keep him alive, he is now 34 years old and never been healthier. Jono started experimenting with different treatments and therapies when he was 14 years old because he was acutely aware of the fact that he might only have five years to live. After trying more than 150 different therapies and treatments he finally discovered the therapeutic benefits of saunas and eventually ice baths, and hasn’t looked back since. Unfortunately, like many other people, he noticed that there weren’t a lot of good quality, affordable ice baths on the market, so that’s when he decided to make his own. Hence the birth of the Odin. Key Topics: - Jono’s personal story and his health journey with Cystic Fibrosis - The many benefits of sauna and cold therapy - Why Jono launched his own ice bath company - How to do cold therapy the right way - The mental and physical benefits of a cold plunge Learn more bout Odin Ice Baths at odinplunge.com
Episode 170: Gut Health, IBS, and Innovations in Gut-Brain Disease with Alexander Martinez
Alexander Martinez is the CEO and Co-Founder of Intrinsic Medicine and a former Silicon Valley corporate lawyer turned biotechnology entrepreneur. His thorough understanding of the industry and areas for improvement, in parallel with his own patient journey, inspired him to make a public health impact and seek novel medicines for broad patient populations that have been previously underserved by the traditional pharmaceutical industry. Intrinsic Medicine is a therapeutics company leveraging human milk biology to transform irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) disorders. Key Topics: - The gut microbiome and ecosystem of bacteria that lives there - How our understanding of “bad bacteria” is changing - Germ theory and the harm of overusing antibiotics - The gut-brain connection and understanding the vagus nerve - How the microbiome modulates genetics - How the gut lining is broken down by physical and emotional stress - New treatments for IBS and other gut-brain issues using human milk oligosaccharides - Ways to improve your microbiome now Learn more about these new gut health developments at intrinsicmedicine.com
Episode 169: The Superfoods Wrecking Your Health with Sally K. Norton
Sally K. Norton, MPH holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Public Health. Her path to becoming a leading expert on dietary oxalate includes a prior career working at major medical schools in medical education and public health research. Her personal healing experience inspired years of research that led to her forthcoming book, Toxic Superfoods, which was released on December 27 everywhere books are sold. As a leading expert on oxalates in food, Sally’s work has been featured by podcasters, radio shows, and several online and print journals. In this episode, we discuss the research behind oxalate overload, the problems with promoting superfoods that contain these toxins, and how to learn to start your own low oxalate journey. Key Topics: - What are oxalates and why are they so bad? - What oxalates are in which foods? - How can you know you’re having issues with oxalates? - The gut health connection to the toxicity in these superfoods - The way oxalates deplete your body of nutrients - How to taper off oxalates - What foods to include to start to feel better now Learn more about Sally and her book at sallyknorton.com/toxic_superfoods/
Episode 168: Transform Your Health Using the Power of Awe with Jake Eagle
Jake Eagle, LPC, is a psychotherapist, mindfulness instructor, fellow/member/trainer of the International Association of Neuro‑Linguistic Programming. After thirty years in private practice, he now works part-time as a meta-therapist, working with people who want to go beyond the bounds of traditional therapy. He is co author of the new book, THE POWER OF AWE: Overcome Burnout & Anxiety, Ease Chronic Pain, Find Clarity & Purpose—In Less Than 1 Minute Per Day Key Topics: - The three levels of consciousness model Jake uses as a meta-therapist - The premise of the new book, The Power of Awe - The one question you should ask yourself every morning - The scientific research done for this awe method using frontline workers in the pandemic - How to enter a state of awe at home - How to reduce depression by 24% in 21 days - The way awe reduces inflammation and improves vagal tone To learn more and get the book, go to thepowerofawe.com or the new page, Moments of Awe. Sponsor: proven, quality sleep is life changing sleep. Find new offers at sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 167: Five Things I'm Doing for My Health in 2023 with Erin Kerry
Happy new year! It's the time of year when people are setting goals, creating self-improvement plans, and looking forward to change that sticks. As a health coach, I know that creating changes that stick have to do with small, sustainable habits. In this episode, I break down the five things I'm going to be doing for my mental, spiritual, and physical health this year. Contact me for one on one coaching or upcoming programs at sparkingwholeness.com. For the three day reset kit mentioned in the episode, head to plexusworldwide.com/erinkerry
Episode 166: Why Sugar is a Drug and How to Quit It with Dr. Nicole Avena
Dr. Nicole Avena is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and a Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University. She graduated from Princeton University with her PhD in Neuroscience and Psychology, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at Rockefeller University in NYC. She is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction, with a special focus on nutrition during early life and pregnancy, and women’s health. Her research achievements have been honored by awards from several groups including the New York Academy of Sciences, the American Psychological Association, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In addition to over 100 peer-reviewed scholarly publications, Dr. Avena has written several books, including What to Eat When You’re Pregnant, What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler and What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant. She has the #2 most watched TED-ED Health talk, How Sugar Affects Your Brain, with over 13 million views and counting. Key Topics: - Why is sugar bad for you? - How sugar affects a developing brain - The addictive properties and the way the brain adapts to more and more - Withdrawal symptoms of quitting sugar - What the science says about the argument that sugar isn’t addictive - Practical ways to reduce sugar intake - Artificial sweeteners and the affect on the brain - How to read labels for hidden sugar - How to have a healthier relationship with sugar Learn more about Dr. Nicole and get her new book, Sugarless, on DrNicoleavena.com. Follow her on Instagram @drnicoleavena
Episode 165: Practical Tools to Support Kids' Mental Health with Dr. Nicole Beurkens
Dr. Nicole Beurkens is a leading holistic child psychologist, as a licensed clinical psychologist with advanced degrees in psychology, education, and nutrition. She has dedicated her 25-year career to providing parents with research-based strategies that get to the root of children’s attention, anxiety, mood, and behavior challenges so they can reach their highest potential. She founded and runs a multi-disciplinary evaluation and treatment clinic in Grand Rapids, MI, and is a best-selling author, published researcher, award-winning therapist, media expert, scientific advisor, and experienced mother of four. Key Topics: - the connection between mental health and physical health in kids - The impact of adult stress on kids’ stress - Basics of bedtime and sleep hygiene - Why kids shouldn’t have electronic devices in their bedrooms - Nutrition and kids’ mental health - How to model good nutrient dense practices with kids - Swaps for healthier family eating - The power of connection Learn more about Dr. Nicole at DrBeurkens.com and Instagram at @drnicolebeurkens
Episode 164: How Stress Impacts Our Physical Health and What to Do About It with Sandra Beck
Sandra Beck is owner of Beck Multimedia and Motherhood Incorporated. She is the host of Military Mom Talk Radio, Motherhood Talk Radio, and Coach Talk Radio. In this episode, Sandra and Erin discuss how stress impacts our physical health and ways to manage the constant load. Key Topics: - How stress manifests in our lives - The distinction between what is urgent/important/emergency - When stress becomes normal - How our thoughts impact stress - Finding breaks to breathe and manage stress - How to tell if you are chronically stressed and to check in with yourself
Episode 163: How to Be Happier This Holiday Season with Pamela Gail Johnson
Pamela Gail Johnson founded the Society of Happy People in 1998, created the first three globally celebrated happiness holidays, and is the author of Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life. She was an award-winning salesperson for American Express and Staples, and now helps leaders and teams create happier workplace cultures. - Why is the Society of Happy People even more important today than it was in 1998? - How happiness isn’t the “absence of challenges” - How to identify happiness zappers - Happiness zappers in the holidays - Why Practical Happiness is different from other happiness books - The four principles of happiness Free gift! Go to sohp.com/gift to download Pamela’s 31 types of happiness! Sponsors: Proven, quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Go to sleepnumber.com/wholeness for special offers. Get 20% off your at home lab test at everlywell.com/spark.
Episode 162: Innovations in Psychiatry for ADHD, Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety with Dr. Brent Turnipseed
Dr. Brent Turnipseed is the Co-Founder of Austin-based Roots Behavioral Health. Dr. Brent Turnipseed, Roots’ Medical Director, is a board-certified psychiatrist with a deep interest in innovative approaches to providing behavioral healthcare. Brent is on the Scientific Advisory Board for Ninnion Therapeutics and previously practiced psychiatry in clinical and law enforcement settings in Texas. Key Topics: - Description of holistic psychiatry and what distinguishes it from more traditional forms of psychiatry - Why we are seeing an increase in ADHD and how digital use plays a role - Overuse of ADHD medications and the dangers - New healing modalities for mental health, including Botox for depression, and when medication are needed - Ketamine treatments, the benefits, and what the research tells us - How ketamine works at the brain level - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and how to increase it Learn more about Dr. Turnipseed’s practice at rootsbehavioralhealth.com.
Episode 161: Mental Roadblocks on Your Health Journey and How to Move Past Them with Daniel Mangena
Dan Mangena is an International Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Broadcaster and Coach. He is best known for his highly successful Micro2Millions program, being the author of Stepping Beyond Intention and his Do it With Dan and Beyond Success podcasts. He is completely self-made and has spent decades perfecting his world-class coaching methodology. Key Topics: - What limiting beliefs are - How limiting beliefs can actually be good - How to get out of negativity - Mindfulness practices and how to be present where you are - Breaking through negative self talk habits - Having a mindset of abundance - The flow funnel and financial abundance programs Go to dreamwithdan.com or listen to the podcast Dream with Dan to learn more about Dan and his principles.
Episode 160: How to Have a Healthy Weight Loss Mindset with Sandra Beck and Erin Kerry
Sandra Beck is owner of Beck Multimedia and Motherhood Incorporated. She is the host of Military Mom Talk Radio, Motherhood Talk Radio, and Coach Talk Radio. In this discussion and simulcast episode, Sandra and Erin explore how to have a healthy mindset toward the topic of weight loss, especially as we age and different life seasons complicate things. Erin starts the conversation with a bonus seven minute coaching session with a reminder that weight gain or loss may be an indicator that something else is out of balance in the body. Addressing your body with kindness and self-compassion is a huge missing piece in most weight loss conversations. Key Topics: - Weight loss goals as we age - Benefits of daily exercise breaks - Snacks and protein hacks for energy - Habits of health and emotional eating To have your own 15 minute discovery call with Erin, sign up here: https://sparkingwholeness.com/coaching/
Episode 159: How to Let Go of Trapped Emotions Using Emotion Code with Dr. Bradley Nelson
Dr. Bradley Nelson is one of the world's foremost experts on natural methods of achieving wellness. Through his studies of ancient medical practices and modern quantum physics, Dr. Brad developed The Emotion Code®, a simple yet powerfully effective method anyone can learn to release the trapped emotions that block us from wellness. Using his expertise as a computer programmer, Dr. Brad codified his techniques and created a "mind mapping" system that made his work highly reliable and repeatable. He explains these techniques along with step-by-step instructions for working with the body's energy healing power in his bestselling book "The Emotion Code: How to Release Your Trapped Emotions for Abundant Health, Love, and Happiness." In this episode, I share my personal experience with this groundbreaking therapy, and Dr. Brad explains how it works and has helped thousands of people break free from negative emotions. Key Topics: - Why our trapped emotions are causing issues in our physical bodies - What is emotional baggage? - How emotions get trapped and the protective mechanisms of the body - What a heart wall is and how it plays a role in health - How releasing baggage can lead to freedom - The subconscious impact of emotion code Dr. Nelson’s books are available wherever books are sold and find more info on emotion code at discoverhealing.com. Thanks to our sponsors: Discover special offers for a limited time on a Sleep Number bed at sleepnumber.com/wholeness.
Episode 158: Five Things You Do Every Day That Impact Your Hormones with Amanda Hinman
Amanda Hinman is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who specializes in helping successful women over 40 who are struggling with hormone imbalance and exhaustion to heal naturally and gain 3 hours of energy every day so they can maximize their impact on their career and family. Amanda founded the Hinman Holistic Health Institute and together she and her team have helped 100s of women reclaim their health from the terrors of Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, anxiety, PCOS, pituitary tumors and more. Key Topics: - Why it’s “common” to feel exhausted, but doesn’t need to be normal - It’s okay to be different and take control of your own health - Five things you can do every day to impact your hormones - How to change your morning routine to tell your body it’s safe - How beauty products and toxins affect hormones - Breathing breaks and the impact on hormone health - The magic behind chewing more and slowing down when you eat - How our thoughts play a role in our health - Where we often fall short in supporting chronic health conditions Hinmanholistic.com Sponsor: get 20% off an at-home lab test at everlywell.com/spark.
Episode 157: How to Heal Your Brain from Emotional Pain with Rachelle McCloud
Rachelle McCloud, LCSW is a Mental Health Therapist and Emotional Wellness coach. Through years of successfully helping clients move their anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders into remission, she has developed a program that empowers people to skillfully get rid of symptoms and heal. She is also the facilitator of the Facebook group Releasing the Baggage of Anxiety, Depression, and Traumatic Stress, where she delivers free training on leading interventions that work well for getting rid of symptoms, not just coping or managing them. Her mission is to empower people to do their own healing work effectively, safely, and skillfully. Key Topics: - Why we need to optimize brain function - How the brain responds to our experiences - Viewing symptoms as opportunities for healing - What happens when we suppress or avoid symptoms - How to heal emotional pain without re-traumatizing ourselves - Rachelle’s approach to thought-filled therapy - EMDR and its affect on trauma - Energy medicine and how it’s not as “woo woo” as you’d think - Practical tapping tips for kids and families Learn more about Rachelle's work at rachellemccloud.com
Episode 156: The Nano Antioxidant that Levels Up Health: Personal Product Review with Christopher Burres
Christopher Burres is the owner of SES Research, the first company to deliver carbon nano materials, and MyVitalC, the world's first nano antioxidant. When Chris realized a Nobel Prize-Winning chemical tested by NASA had been proven to almost double the lifespan of mammals, he decided to make ESS60 into a household item. He's now on a mission to help people live longer, healthier and pain-free lives one dose at a time. This episode is a personal product review and follow up to Episode 147, where Chris first shared his revolutionary product. Key Topics: - Brief background on the Nobel-prize winning molecule - Why antioxidants are so necessary for our health - Why this particular product improves sleep - How this product improves skin tone and breakouts - How it supports a healthy menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms - How peptides support longevity Try My VitalC out for yourself with our exclusive listener discount at myvitalc.com/sparkingwholeness
Episode 155: Creating Mind-Body Balance Through Ayurvedic Medicine with Dr. Ram Tamang
Dr. Ram Tamang is an Ayurvedic Physician, Master Herbalist, Educator and High Performance Coach, based in Southern California. Dr. Ram was trained as a doctor at the esteemed Ayurvedic University, MGR Medical University in Coimbatore, India, gained his Master Herbalist Certificate from GCNM in the USA and is one of 700 in the world to receive his certification as a High Performance Coach (CHPC). As a child of nature, Dr. Ram grew up in the foothills of the Himalayas in Kathmandu, Nepal, learning about herbs and nature-based medicines from his grandmother. Dr. Ram works side-by-side Allopathic Doctors, providing his unique perspective of how Ayurvedic Medicine can be used along with Westernized and Modern Medicine for a truly holistic and holistic approach to healing. Key Topics: - What is Ayurvedic medicine? - The mind-body connection and need to create holistic balance - Importance of sunshine and getting morning sun as a daily rhythm - How our body systems are connected and how the body stores emotions - Ways to support healing - How to balance masculine and feminine energy - How Ayurveda helps align the body’s balance and support health - Creating health goals individualized to your needs Learn more about Dr. Ram’s work at thehealingardens.com Sponsor: Quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Discover special offers on a Sleep Number bed at sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 154: How to Decrease Stress Through Nervous System Regulation with Carly Stagg
Carly is a former nutritional therapist turned family nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine. Her professional practice focuses on autoimmunity, hormone balance, and thyroid care, as well as complex chronic conditions such as mold, Lyme, PANS and PANDAS with a nurturing, gentle approach. She is passionate about the innate self-healing capacity of the body and especially practicing medicine in a way that supports the body in regaining balance rather than competing with its natural state. She currently sees patients via telehealth at Ritual Functional Medicine. She has partnered with Chelsea Blackbird in creating the upcoming School of Christian Health and Nutrition, a 9-month training program focused on empowering and equipping those who feel called to work in the field of health and nutrition. Key Topics: - What is the nervous system and what does it have to do with stress? - Why stress is impacting us more than ever before - How polyvagal theory shows how our bodies respond to stressors - What fight, flight, or freeze looks like - How to know what nervous system state you’re in - Why befriending your body is so important - How to support whole body healing - New therapies that support healing the nervous system Thanks to our sponsors: Get 10% off your first three months at ritual.com/spark Get 20% off at home lab testing from Everlywell at everlywell.com/spark
Episode 153: How Adverse Childhood Events Impact Your Health with Dr. Patrick Wanis
Patrick Wanis, PhD, helps people rapidly change their behavior. As a Human Behavior & Relationship Expert, Wanis has developed SRTT therapy (Subconscious Rapid Transformation Technique) and is now teaching it to other practitioners. Wanis has also developed multiple online psychological and behavioral assessments on Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Mindfulness, Relationship Breakups, Self-Defeating Behavior, Individual Core Values, and Authenticity. His clientele ranges from celebrities and CEOs to housewives and teenagers. CNN, BBC, FOX News, MSNBC & major news outlets worldwide consult Wanis for expert insights and analysis on relationships, sexuality, human motivation, trauma, communication, body language, and persuasion. Over five million people have read Wanis' books in English and Spanish. https://www.patrickwanis.com/ Key Topics: - The definition of trauma as a real or perceived threat - Attachment styles and unmet emotional needs in childhood - Stress shrinks the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and other brain impacts of chronic stress - Adverse childhood events and the impact - How ACEs create physical issues in the body long term - The trauma and autoimmune connection - How SRTT helps people find healing For more on how trauma impacts the body, click here: https://www.patrickwanis.com/traumas-lifelong-impact-on-health-and-how-to-heal-trauma/ To book a session with Dr. Wanis click here: https://www.patrickwanis.com/phone-consultations-book-session/
Episode 152: How to Heal Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Christina Bjorndal
Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND is an authority in the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders and eating disorders. Having overcome many mental health challenges, Dr. Chris is recognized as one of the top NDs to follow by two independent organizations. Dr. Chris has helped many patients achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. She has written four books on mental health as well as created two courses – a 10-week course for individuals and a Clinician's Integrative Mental Health 10 week course. Key Topics: - Dr. Chris’ personal journal with mental illness - Background on the gut/brain connection - Four aspects of health and how they connect - Getting to the root of anxiety and how to control our thoughts - Psychoneuroimmunology and how all systems are connected - How to get out of a depression - The role of the nervous system in mental health symptoms - How to support kids’ mental health - How to look beyond the label or diagnosis Learn more about Dr. Chris and her work at drchristinabjorndal.com.
Episode 151: This is Your Child's Brain on Processed Food with Dr. Joan Ifland
Dr. Joan Ifland, PhD, MBA, FACN, is a Nutrition Researcher & Processed Food Addiction Counselor. Dr. Ifland is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and she holds her PhD in Addictive Nutrition. She has 20 years' experience in the field of food addiction and recovery. The Founder of Food Addiction Reset, Dr. Ifland is a leading expert in the field, author of the textbook on the topic. Processed food marketed to children has a powerful impact on their brain function with long-term consequences. This is a tough conversation, but it is important to be aware of the way our kids' nutrition impacts mood, concentration, focus, and overall health. Key Topics: - The effect of processed food on developing brains - How food marketing impacts kids’ brains and cognitive function - The four step process companies use to create addiction in children - What parents can do to protect their kids from addictive substances - How the need to belong factors in and creates addictive behaviors - The long-term impact of processed food on the brain Go to processedfoodaddiction.com or foodaddictionreset.com to start your healing journey. Sponsor: proven, quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Discover special offers now at sleepnumber.com/wholeness.
Episode 150: Limiting Beliefs that Impact Your Eating Habits with Brittany Braswell, RD
Brittany Braswell is a Registered Dietitian who runs a private recovery coaching practice helping Christian women ditch food rules and negative body image so they finally get off the dieting hamster wheel and experience true and lasting freedom in Christ. She has been featured as a guest expert on podcasts, at virtual summits, in blogs, and at universities. She is the creator of two exclusive courses -- one on improving body image, and another on recovering from disordered eating on her website www.brittanybraswellrd.com/bodyimage both of which serve women using a Christ-centered approach. In this episode, we tackle the tough topic of how our disordered relationship with food can often reflect a disordered view of ourselves and our purpose. Key Topics: - How to know if you have a disordered relationship with food - Eating issues are a symptom of a deeper issue of tuning in with your body’s needs - Limiting beliefs and themes that show up in people who struggle with disordered eating habits - Issues with worthiness and comparison - Issues with capabilities, confidence and mindset roadblocks - Control issues and procrastination - Fear of failure and what limits us Follow Brittany on Instagram at brittanybraswellrd. Sponsor: get 20% off an at-home lab test or supplements at everlywell.com with the code spark.
Episode 149: What to Do When Psych Meds Aren't Working with Dr. Julia Britz
Dr. Julia Britz specializes in supporting people who are struggling with mental health issues such as OCD, disorders eating and psychiatric medication tapering. Her passion for working with individuals suffering from these lonely conditions is that she too was a “hopeless case”, but got better. Dismissed by doctors, she was told over and over there was nothing else she could try beyond pharmacotherapy, and so was inspired to create myocddiary.com, a site dedicated to documenting the daily life of OCD and related disorders. Through this project and holistic therapies, she found new levels of wellness, and in 2014 did a TED talk called “MyOCDdiary: an imperfect story.” She utilizes natural and integrative modalities including targeted amino acid therapy, peptide therapy, micronutrient therapy, bioresonance, botanical medicine and epigenetic analysis, many of which are discussed in this episode. Key topics: - When meds are needed, when they aren’t - Why psych meds don’t seem to work long term - Long-term data on medication - Side effects of commonly used medication - How medication plays a role in dissociation - When it is helpful to name a diagnosis - What is akathisia - How to develop a healing mindset toward mental health - Foundations of mental healing - Lab testing and genetic aspects of mental illness - The immune-brain connection Learn more about Dr. Britz's work at www.drjuliabritz.com.
Episode 148: Overcoming Cancer, Crohn's, and Other Autoimmune Disease with Amber Satterfield
Amber is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and the Founder of Feel Good Nourishment, where she specializes in helping people who suffer from gut health issues and autoimmune diseases. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2008, followed by rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and cancer in the subsequent years. It wasn’t until she found functional medicine that she says her life & health changed forever. After her own journey, Amber became passionate about helping others do the same in their own bodies. Amber is now sharing her personal healing story in her new book, “Thriving with Autoimmune Diseases”, coming out later this year. Key Topics: - Amber’s journey overcoming multiple autoimmune diseases and cancer - How autoimmune disease starts - The impact of stress on the body - Bringing balance to the nervous system - Chronic illness and how toxic beliefs and mindset play a role - Triggers for illness and getting to the root cause - Amber’s work with those struggling with chronic disease Amber’s website is feelgoodnourishment.com. Sponsor: Get 10% off your first three months with Ritual at Ritual.com/spark
Episode 147: The Surprising Secret to Health and Longevity with Christopher Burres
Chris Burres is the owner of SES Research, the first company to deliver carbon nano materials, and MyVitalC, the world's first nano antioxidant. Chris has an extensive background in a diverse range of areas including Mechanical Engineering, Comedy Improv Artist, Oil and Gas Explosives, and Competitive Soccer to name a few. He's also the co-host of the most popular internet marketing podcast on iTunes since 2009. When Chris realized a Nobel Prize-Winning chemical tested by NASA had been proven to almost double the lifespan of mammals, he decided to make ESS60 into a household item. He's now on a mission to help people live longer, healthier and pain-free lives one dose at a time Key Topics: - The Nobel Prize winning background story for ESS60 - How Chris got started in the carbon nanomaterials industry - The problem with 50% of supplements - How aging is related to inflammation and oxidation - What antioxidants do to support healing - Migraine and menopause relief - How ESS60 improves sleep without grogginess - Who could benefit from MyVitalC Get $15 off your first order of MyVitalC with the code sparkingwholeness Sponsor: Proven, quality sleep is life-changing sleep at sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 146: Why You Need More Protein for Your Mental Health with Christina Veselak
Christina T. Veselak, MS, CN, LMFT, is the founder and director of the Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition which teaches practitioners around the world how to use diet, along with amino acid and nutrient therapy to help prevent cravings and recurrent use by restoring neurotransmitter function and keeping blood sugar in balance. She has been a licensed psychotherapist working in the SUD treatment field since 1985 and a certified nutritionist specializing in mental health and addiction recovery since 1993. Key Topics: - What the brain needs most to be fed optimally - Why protein is the number one thing you need for mental health - The minimum protein requirement for most people - The neurotransmitter hack that only takes 20 minutes - Amino acid therapy and medication - what can you do? - Why antidepressants stop working long-term - How stress causes nutrient depletion - How low serotonin creates cravings for junk and sugar - How to support female hormones and PMS - How to know what amino acids you are deficient in Learn more about how to support your neurotransmitters at aminoacidtherapy.com and eatingproteinsaveslives.org
Episode 145: How to Make Sure You're Getting the Best Sleep with Dr. Sanam Hafeez
Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a neuropsychologist in New York City. She is also faculty at Columbia University. Her website is www.comprehendthemind.com Dr. Hafeez has been a trusted and recurring expert across media channels for top outlets such as The Wallstreet Journal, The Washington Post, HuffPost, The New York Times, Bustle, Elite Daily, Refinery29, Prevention, Health, Healthline and on TV for such shows and news as Dr. Oz, The Doctors, CNN, CBS NY Weekend News, and FOX. Key Topics: - Why 40-50% of Americans are struggling with sleep, more so than ever before - What is circadian rhythm and why it matters - How sleep impacts mental health and replenishes the brain - How anxiety starts at night - The ritual to have to prepare for sleep - Tips to try to support better sleep - The best way to calm an anxious brain at bedtime - How parents can use kids’ bedtime to take time to develop their own sleep hygiene Sponsor: Ritual vitamins - get 10% off your first three months at ritual.com/spark.
Episode 144: Surprising Science on How Vision Impacts Mental Health with Dr. Lynn Hellerstein
Dr. Lynn F. Hellerstein, a developmental optometrist and pioneer in vision therapy, has authored 4 books including the Award-Winning book, See It. Say It. Do It! and #1 Amazon Best-Selling book, Expand Your Vision. For more than 40 years, Dr. Lynn has utilized vision therapy with children and adults with learning related vision problems, vision perception deficits or brain injuries, as well as enhancing visual performance for athletes. She has inspired thousands of people to improve their vision and enhance their lives. Key Topics: - How a traditional optometrist ended up focusing on vision therapy - How someone with 20/20 vision can still have vision problems - How ADHD and anxiety impact vision and concentration - The connection between vision and the brain and the gut - How visualization helps people get their focus and concentration back Proven, quality sleep is life-changing sleep at sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 143: Practical Ways to Improve Your Brain Health Today with Leigh Richardson
Leigh Richardson is the owner and founder of The Brain Performance Center in Dallas, Texas as well as the host of the podcast, In Your Head with Leigh Richardson. In this simulcast podcast episode, Leigh and Erin discuss how the conversation about wellness is changing in the 2020s. While wellness is being emphasized, it starts with a regulated brain. Key Topics: - The foundation of sleep for a healthy brain - How to simplify nutrition for brain health and energy - Transforming toxic thoughts and adopting mindfulness strategies - New research on using the sauna to boost mental health - Other practical tools to train the brain for wellness and positivity To learn more about Leigh and her work, head to thebrainperformancecenter.com.
Episode 142: New Techniques for Healing Trauma and Chronic Pain with Dr. Andrew Hahn
Andrew Hahn, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist at Life Centered Therapy. He received his A.B. Magna Cum Laude in Social Studies/Psychology from Harvard University and his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Hahnemann University. His new book, co-authored with Joan Beckett, is called The One-Hour Miracle: A 5-Step Process to Guide Your Self-Healing This episode is a thought-provoking look at new trauma therapies that are being used. Key Topics: - What is life-centered therapy? - Finding our identity in this world and how trauma impacts our identity - How trauma gets stored in the body - Chronic pain and the story it tells - The purpose of his new book, The One Hour Miracle, and how it facilitates healing - How muscle testing can be used for healing Learn more about Dr. Hahn at lifecenteredtherapy.com
Episode 141: Healing Painful Periods and Managing Moodiness Naturally with Andrea Jones
Andrea Jones is a registered nurse, functional hormone coach, as well as life and health coach. Andrea helps women with hormone imbalances experience painless, mood-free periods so they could feel like themselves again. In this episode, we cover every topic related to supporting female hormones, and the interplay with mood regulation and menstrual cycle. Key Topics: - The connection between hormones and mental health - How progesterone (or lack of it) impacts our mood - How the oral birth control pill takes a toll on our mental health and contributes to depression and anxiety - How to regulate hormones naturally - How the liver plays a role in hormone support - The prevalence of estrogen dominance, what it is, and how to support it - Endometriosis and are hysterectomies the only option? - Menstrual migraines - Targeted nutrition for hormone health - How to correct hormone imbalances - Andrea’s hormone-supportive coaching programs Follow her on Instagram at @abundantwellnesswithandrea
Episode 140: Chemical Pollution: The Silent Pandemic with Tim James
This episode is part personal journey, part information. Tim's story will inspire you to take control of your health in ways you've never thought of before. Tim James is host of the Health Hero show and the founder and CEO of chemicalfreebody.com, a mission-based organization that is passionate about helping everybody ignite their highest excitement in life by putting themselves and their health first. Tim’s journey led him to a shocking discovery which helped his friend beat cancer and transform every area of his life. Feeling charged with a duty to help others he started sharing his knowledge with anyone that would listen. This led him to producing his own chemical free food products. ‘Chemical Free Body’ was born. Key Topics: - Tim’s health wake up call and how he became passionate about chemicals - Health is an inside job and the colon is not a storage tank - Why low oxygen leads to high toxicity - The skincare-gutcare connection - How we are born polluted - chemicals found in baby umbilical cord blood - The toxic world we live in and how that affects us - How to clean up our environment - The right supplements to support toxin-free living Take 5% off supplements at chemicalfreebody.com with the code spark. Go to thehealthysauna.com for the portable sauna mentioned in this episode.
Episode 139: A Busy Mom's Guide to Healthy Eating
Rai Moorhead is a a Master Certified Health Coach with over 15 years of professional and personal experience with health, nutrition and fitness. She specializes in helping women reframe negative thought patterns about eating and exercise into positive affirmations. She is passionate about helping women see that true beauty is beyond the scale and the mirror. In this episode, we cover all the tips and tricks to support busy moms and their family’s health! Key Topics: - Rai’s science-based approach to health - How to make healthy habit changes - Grocery-shopping tips - Meal planning ideas for the whole family - What to know about reading labels - How to help kids enjoy healthy eating - How to wean off fast foods - Keys to improving sleep, which regulates all the above! To learn more about Rai and download her “Fresh Start Grocery List,” head to caringheartshealthyliving.com Thanks to our sponsor: Proven, quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Head to sleepnumber.com/wholeness to find your best sleep.
Episode 138: Eating Mindfully for Mental Health with Erin Kerry
This episode wraps up a four part series for Mental Health Awareness Month. Eating for mental health is so much more than changing the content of the food you consume. Eating for mental health means changing the content of your thoughts toward your own body and your food. In this episode, Erin Kerry covers how to create a healthier relationship with food after a lifetime of dieting and restriction and negative body image. Key Topics: - Why your thoughts toward your body matter - How to stop treating your body like a math equation - Physiological issues with "intuitively eating" processed food - Important steps toward healing your relationship with food - Ways to eat more mindfully, enjoy food, and create optimal brain health
Episode 137: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection with Erin Kerry
Our microbes modulate our mood. Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial to advocating for your mental health. In this episode, Erin tackles the latest research in this growing field, based on dozens of published studies and publications, in order to give a comprehensive overview of how the gut and brain "talk" to each other, and how to support our mental health even better! Key Topics: - The five myths of mental health that were believed for years (and some still perpetuated today) - What the "gut" is and how it's connected to the brain - How neurotransmitters play a role in the gut-brain connection - How the food we consume directly contributes to neurotransmitters we create - What is enhanced intestinal permeability and why it's contributing to mental health issues - What to do to improve your gut-brain connection Thanks to our sponsor: Visit ritual.com/spark and get 10% off your first three months.
Episode 136: How to Support a Spouse Struggling with Mental Health with Richard Kerry
This episode features Richard Kerry, Licensed Professional counselor and husband to Erin. In this conversation, they break down what it is like to learn of a partner's diagnosis, how to support that person without being codependent, and how to improve communication. Key Topics: - How Richard found out Erin had bipolar disorder and how the symptoms showed up in their early married life - The times when Richard experienced depression, and how Erin supported him the last few years - Signs to look out for to know your partner is struggling - How to approach mental health when parenting together - A practical activity to create vulnerability and trust in your relationship
Episode 135: Surviving Mental Illness and Learning to Live Again with Erin Kerry
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this episode is the first of many dedicated to practical tools for improving mental wellness. Key Topics: - The growing epidemic of mental health issues in teens - The root causes to my own mental health issues and how I struggled to find treatment that supported my mental well-being - The medication weaning process and how I was able to get off medication I had been on for 18 years - The tools I used to support healing and how I continue to prioritize my mental health to prevent recurring issues Sponsors: Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Go to sleepnumber.com/wholeness. Save 10% and get free shipping on Magnesium Breakthrough at magbreakthrough.com/spark.
Episode 134: Creating Resilience in the Brain and Body with Leigh Richardson and Sandra Beck
This episode features a roundtable discussion between three experts breaking down the topic of how to create resilience in a stressed out world. Leigh Richardson is the owner and founder of The Brain Performance Center in Dallas, Texas. She is a brain health expert and specializes in neurofeedback and neuroplasticity. Sandra Beck is a business coach, owner of Beck Multimedia, and podcast host of Motherhood Incorporated, Coach Talk Radio, Military Mom, and Powered Up. Key Topics: - How the body follows the mind - How to create balance - What triggers stress physically and emotionally in the body - The importance of sleep, hydration, and gratitude - Pay attention to the body's stress cues
Episode 133: How Movement Can Help You Listen to Your Body's Needs with Elise Carter
Elise Carter has been a student of yoga for over two decades, and a small business owner for sixteen years. She has both taught and studied with a number of inspiring yogis across the country and has accumulated additional teaching certifications in several different lineages of yoga. Elise currently holds the E-RYT 500 teaching designation, the honor given by Yoga Alliance to their most senior teachers. She has spent countless hours in studio (both practicing and teaching), and has developed an unquenchable thirst for all things yoga. Currently, she is the owner of beFree yoga in Tyler, Texas, where she teaches several times a week and leads yoga teacher trainings. Our bodies tell us things about every day, but typically we wait for someone else to tell us what’s going on before we listen. In this episode, we talk about finding a way to tune into our unique body’s needs through both stillness and movement. Key Topics: - How to notice what’s going on in your own body - What does listening to your body look like - Using your body’s symptoms as information - Deficiency vs excess: finding balance between the two - Beneficial movement to counter our stressful modern lifestyle - How to bring balance back to the body - Determining the movement that is right for you Learn more about Elise and her company at befreeyogatyler.com or on Instagram at @befreeyoga. Thanks to our sponsors: Join AARP for just $12 your first year at AARP.org/spark Try Magnesium Breakthrough for 10% off plus free shipping at magbreakthrough.com/spark.
Episode 132: How Your Gut and Skin Microbiome Affect Acne with Dr. Yug Varma
Dr. Yug Varma has 10+ years of microbiome research experience including an extensive background in bio-organic chemistry, microbiology, and synthetic biology. Dr. Varma received his scientific training at several distinguished academic institutions, including Johns Hopkins University (PhD) and University of California, San Francisco. His scientific work has been published in many prestigious journals, including Nature. Dr. Varma’s mission is to change the way we treat chronic bacterial diseases, and is working tirelessly to achieve this goal with a microbiome-based technology platform. He is passionate about promoting scientific literacy, and devotes a significant amount of time demystifying microbiome research and making the latest research accessible to the general public. Key Topics: - What is the microbiome? - 99% of genetic diversity comes from protective bacteria - The difference between the skin and gut microbiome - How acne is affected by the skin microbiome - The organism that people with healthy skin have - The difference in pre, pro, and post-biotics - How to minimize skin products and only use what is necessary - The skincare system that supports microbial health Head to phylabiotics.com for more information. Thanks to our sponsors: Get your free $75 credit to upgrade your job post at indeed.com/spark Get $100 off your first 3 boxes of meat at goodchop.com/spark100. Use the code spark100.
Episode 131: How Your Brain Responds to Processed Food with Dr. Joan Ifland
Dr. Joan Ifland, PhD, MBA, FACN, is a Nutrition Researcher & Processed Food Addiction Counselor. Dr. Ifland is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and she holds her PhD in Addictive Nutrition. Ifland is a graduate of Stanford University and has 20 years' experience in the field of food addiction and recovery. The Founder of Food Addiction Reset, Dr. Ifland is a leading expert in the field and she’s been interviewed by The Oprah Winfrey Network, Fox News, KTLA, in Shape, Fortune, Prevention, Martha Stewart Weddings, U.S. News, and many others. Key Topics: - The hidden addictive substances in food - The connection between chronic disease and processed food - The mental health impact of processed food - How to treat the addiction to processed food - Gaslighting in modern healthcare - Understanding the primary need driving our addiction - The problem with diet foods - and how they’re not much better Thanks to our sponsors: Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep at sleepnumber.com/wholeness. Save 10% and get free shipping at magbreakthrough.com/spark. Use the code spark at checkout.
Episode 130: Keys to Creating Immune Resilience with Dr. Aaron Hartman
Dr. Aaron Hartman is the founder of Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. He helps his patients identify leverage points in key areas of their lifestyle & health that harness their body's remarkable power to heal and begin living the vibrant life they deserve. He has participated in over 60 clinical studies and has become the ‘go to’ doctor for difficult and hard cases in central Virginia - positively impacting his own daughter's MS with his unique, integrative approach to health. In this episode, we tackle the topic of long Covid and ways to support the immune system. Key Topics: - what is long Covid and who is affected - Mental health impact of viral infections - How to improve gut health and why your gut needs love - Fasting vs grazing - Importance of community for health - 7 keys to health and immune resilience - The new science of psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology To learn more about Dr. Hartman, go to Richmondfunctionalmedicine.com or follow him on social media at the same name. Thanks to our sponsors: Go to indeed.com/spark to get a free $75 credit to update your job post. Go to magbreakthrough.com/spark and use spark at checkout to get 10% off and free shipping.
Episode 129: Dissecting Today’s Most Popular Diets with Author Heather Creekmore
HEATHER CREEKMORE writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. Heather's “Compared to Who?”podcast is aimed specifically at helping Christian women overcome body image and comparison issues. Her first book--also titled-- “Compared to Who?” encourages women to uncover the spiritual root of body image issues and find freedom. Her latest release, “The Burden of Better,” offers women a journey into the depths of God's grace to find a way off the treadmill of constant comparison. Heather has been featured on Fox News, Huff Post, Morning Dose, Church Leaders, For Every Mom, along with dozens of other shows and podcasts. In this episode, we have a conversation about the most popular diets out there today, and how dieting for the sole purpose of a smaller jeans size doesn’t get to the root of the issue. Key Topics: - Heather’s yo-yo dieting past and how at her thinnest, she was very unhealthy - Is it wrong to diet? - How one size doesn’t fit all - The popular diets right now and the pitfalls - The impact of exercise and restriction - How does intuitive eating play a role? Find Heather’s books, Compared to Who and The Burden of Better, wherever you get books! Follow her on social media at @comparedtowho and visit her website comparedtowho.me. Sponsor: Join AARP for only $12 your first year when you got to AARP.com/spark
Episode 128: Why Glutathione May Be the Missing Puzzle Piece in Your Health with Dr. Nayan Patel
Dr. Nayan Patel is an internationally recognized expert, consultant, lecturer on glutathione, and has been a respected pharmacist for twenty-five years. Dr. Patel received his PharmD degree from the USC School of Pharmacy, where he now serves as an adjunct faculty member. He has traveled the world educating practitioners and pharmacists on advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science. His book, “The Glutathione Revolution” is available now. Key Topics - What is glutathione and what does it do? - How glutathione declines as we age - What is oxidative stress? - Glutathione and anti-aging properties - Glutathione vs Vitamin C - what do we need more of? - Disease conditions affected by glutathione - How certain food and toxins deplete glutathione and how glutathione manages the toxic load - Foods for producing glutathione - The products at Auro Wellness and how topical glutathione makes a difference. Learn more about glutathione at aurowellness.com Thanks to our sponsors: Get a $75 credit to upgrade your job post at indeed.com/spark. Save 10% off any order of Magnesium Breakthrough at magbreakthrough.com/spark and use the code spark.
Episode 127: Identifying Root Causes of Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Ellen Vora
Ellen Vora, MD received her B.A. from Yale University and attended Columbia University medical school. She’s a board-certified psychiatrist, medical acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root, rather than reflexively prescribing medication. Dr. Vora’s book, The Anatomy of Anxiety, comes out in March 2022. Key Topics: - What a functional medicine approach to psychiatry looks like - The root causes of bipolar disorder - The impact of gluten on mental health - The impact of birth control pills on mental health - When psychiatric drugs are necessary - Why anxious people are sensitive - The definition of false anxiety - The impact of blood sugar on mental health - Circadian rhythm support for mental health Follow Dr. Vora on Instagram at @ellenvoramd and her website ellenvora.com. Sponsors: Go to GoodChop.com/spark100 and use code spark100 to get $100 off your first three boxes. Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Go to sleepnumber.com/wholeness for limited time offers.
Episode 126: How to Survive Stress Without Burning Out with Erica Cuni
Erica Cuni, known as "The Burnout Professor," is a stress and burnout expert. She teaches high-achievers how to consciously thrive through an integrative approach. Erica is the founder of "The C.U.N.I. Method" - which stands for Create Undeniable Natural Impact. She is a former Trauma Psychotherapist, Clinical Director, and Adjunct Lecturer and Clinical Professor at Central Connecticut State University. Her mission is to help make the mental health field more effective, accessible, decolonized, and non-stigmatizing. Key Topics: - Erica’s background as a crisis therapist - Why our stress capacity varies - Knowing how to rest and doing it actively - The importance of physiological sighs - Why almost every diagnosis in the DSM is a dysregulated nervous system - How to learn to regulate over time - Finding a circadian rhythm balance with your nervous system - Pandemic trauma - How we don’t have to hustle to thrive Follow Erica on Instagram @theburnoutprofessor Thanks to our sponsor: Get a $75 credit to update your job post with Indeed at Indeed.com/spark
Episode 125: Mental Health Solutions: Where Are We Now? with Dr. Josh Friedman
Dr. Josh Friedman earned his doctorate in Psychology from New York University and did post-doctoral training in Psychoanalysis from the Training and Research Institute for Self Psychology (TRISP) in New York City. After working in the field for a few years, he realized that something was missing from traditional mental health treatment. Curiosity and a chance meeting led him to discover the world of Nutritional Psychology, which teaches that many psychological issues are caused or made worse by underlying biochemical/nutritional deficiencies. Dr. Josh started Alternative Mental Health Solution to help people find and fix the ROOT cause of their mental health struggles. Key Topics: - How Dr. Friedman saw a need for more tools in his psychology practice - The gut-brain connection and the chemical imbalance theory of depression - How cellular methylation and the copper/zinc balance impact mental health - What to do when medication stops working - How to move past a disordered eating mentality - How to find the best treatment plan individualized to your needs - How modern food and nutrient deficiencies impact our mental health Learn more about Dr. Friedman’s work at moodhealing.com Get 20% off your first order of Native deodorant at nativedeo.com/spark or use the code spark.
Episode 124: Tips to Spice Up Your Love Life with Richard Kerry
Licensed Professional Counselor and Erin's husband Richard Kerry comes back on the show to talk about keeping the romance alive in relationships. They share tips on how to be more intentional in relationships to create a stronger connection. Key Topics: - Are butterflies and fuzzy feelings really necessary for a successful relationship? - How to know when you're disconnected - How hormones and difficult seasons impact physical intimacy - How sexual intimacy is the fullest expression of emotional intimacy - How to bring balance in a relationship in spite of differences - How to learn to be each other's number one cheerleader in a relationship - Creating time for connection during difficult seasons - Making space for affirmations for your partner Thanks to our sponsor: Start hiring with a $75 dollar sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/spark.
Episode 123: The Hidden Drivers of Mental Dysfunction with Shawn Bean
Shawn Bean is the founder of Matrix Health and Wellness, and is considered by his colleagues to be one the most innovative clinicians in practice today. Shawn has the unique ability to uncover hidden patterns with complex client cases, unravelling the core findings of functional medicine test results and patient histories, and to employ unique, and bio-individualized therapeutic approaches to optimize well being and minimize adverse reactions. Key Topics: - How to use gene SNPs as a road map - The popular gene SNP MTHFR - and how it doesn’t act alone - How dairy and folic acid blocks folate receptors - What’s behind neuroinflammation? - Mold toxicity and EMF sensitivity - The problem with supplementing with vitamin D on its own - The mind-body interconnection and how the vagus nerve plays a role Learn more about Shawn and work with him at http://matrixhealthwell.com/ Thanks to our sponsor: Quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Learn more at sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 122: Everyday Practices for Whole Body Nourishment with Dr. Michele Kambolis
Dr. Michele Kambolis is a mind-body health specialist, registered therapist, meditation teacher, and an acclaimed author and speaker who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Her second book, When Women Rise, was published in Fall 2021. In this episode, we discuss how Dr. Michele is an unshakable believer in our innate capacity to self-heal and thrive, while also being wholeheartedly committed to developing evidenced-based resources to help people create the consciously healthy life they were born to live. Key Topics: - Modern women do so much but somehow don't make time for wellness - Women today are 80% more focused on external, and 70% more anxious and depressed - There are over 5000 published research studies on benefits of meditation - What meditation looks like - Why stress isn't bad and we need small doses - Food for supporting the parasympathetic nervous system of "rest and digest" - How to increase GABA for relaxation - The power of sound for healing - Re-thinking resolutions - Ways to improve gut health to improve mental health Sponsors: Get a $75 credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed when you go to indeed.com/spark. Get 20% off and free shipping at Manscaped.com with the code spark.
Episode 121: Beating Brain Fog with Sandra Beck
In this simulcast episode with podcast host and Motherhood Incorporated business owner Sandra Beck, we cover the topic of post-Covid brain fog. Whether brain fog is caused by a virus or any life circumstance, there are ways to protect the brain and support healing. Key Topics: - What causes brain fog - Food nutrients to support it - Importance of sleep - Stress management tools - Other lifestyle hacks to minimize brain fog Catch Sandra’s podcasts: Military Mom Talk Radio, Motherhood Talk Radio, or Coach Talk Radio wherever you get podcasts.
Episode 120: An Integrative Medicine Approach to Kids' Anxiety with Dr. Alina Olteanu
Dr. Alina Olteanu is the Found of Whole Child Texas in Frisco, Texas. She uses an integrative approach to pediatrics and relies on a variety of evidence-based tools to target the top medical issues in children today. As anxiety rates in children continue to increase, Dr. Olteanu offers some powerful tools that all parents can implement. Key Topics: - What is integrative medicine - How anxiety manifests in children of all ages - Underlying issues creating anxiety - The parental stress and anxiety factor and how it influences children - Family mealtime strategies and nutritional support - Supplements for anxiety and constipation - The impact of screentime on anxiety - The best way to supplement and when medication is necessary Learn more about Dr. Olteanu at wholechildtexas.com Thanks to our sponsor: Get 20% off your first order of Native products at nativedeo.com/spark
Episode 119: Neurolinguistic Programming: The Stories We Created for Ourselves and How to Update Them with Rachel S. Heslin
Rachel S. Heslin has been immersed in the study of psychology for over 40 years. Her father, a clinical psychologist, taught his children his craft such that Rachel was first introduced to Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) concepts when she was 9 years old. Rachel is currently the author of two books: Navigating Life: 8 Different Strategies to Guide Your Way, and Rituals of Release: How to Make Room for Your New Life. Her work through her company, The Fullness of Your Power, helps people embrace all parts of their true selves so they can live happier, more successful, and more deeply fulfilling lives. Key Topics: - What is neurolinguistic programming - How a developing brain creates neural pathways - The core beliefs we establish in childhood and how they become our stories - Why we stay stuck - Finding mental flexibility with modular systems - How to update the old stories to live more fully Rachel’s website is thefullnessofyourpower.com Sponsors: Quality sleep is life-changing sleep. sleepnumber.com/wholeness Get a $75 job credit at indeed.com/spark.
Episode 118: Nutritional Building Blocks for a Healthy Brain with Erin Kerry
This special New Year episode focuses on the importance of targeted nutrition for improved mental health, based on the latest nutritional research. Key Topics: - Basics of gut health - Supplements to improve mood - Staying away from diet mentality or too-low calorie - Whole foods that boost brain health - Foods that are "sometimes" foods, that could be irritating to some people - The real deal with gluten - Eating mindfully and honoring your hunger Find more recipes and blogs at sparkingwholeness.com. In the East Texas area? Schedule an appointment with Erin at livingwelltyler.com. Virtual options available too.
Episode 117: Simple and Easy Tips for Meal Prepping in the New Year with Author Cassy Joy Garcia
Looking for ways to freshen up your dinner routine in the new year? This interview with Cassy Joy Garcia is packed with ideas. Cassy Joy is a New York Times bestselling author, of "Cook Once Dinner Fix," "Cook Once Eat All Week," and "Fed and Fit," as well as the creative force behind the popular food blog Fed + Fit. Eager to share her healthy living secrets with the world, she started Fed + Fit in 2011. Key Topics: - Cassy Joy's background in health and nutrition - Why gut health makes a difference - Importance of food diversity and nutrient density - Cassy Joy's book "Cook Once Dinner Fix"and what makes it different - Family favorite recipes - Time management tools - The concept behind "Cook Once Eat All Week" - Cassy Joy's favorite cooking items - Tips for going gluten-free Get all her great recipes and health tips at fedandfit.com or follow her on @fedandfit on Instagram. Thanks to our sponsors: Go to greenchef.com/spark130 and use the code spark130 to get $130 off, plus free shipping! Go to prose.com/spark for 15% off and your free in-depth hair consultation.
Episode 116: A Functional Medicine Approach to Restoring Mental Health with Functional Nutritionist Amy Spindel
Amy Spindel is a functional holistic nutritionist with a mission: to help moms and kids feel happier, calmer, and more energetic so that they can enjoy their best life. She applies a multidisciplinary approach, exploring and supporting mind, body, and spirit, to determine and then provide support around the root causes of why someone does not feel their best. She received her masters in holistic nutrition from Hawthorn University with additional training from the School of Applied Functional Medicine, and also holds a masters in social work from Columbia University. She is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, Applied Functional Medicine Certified, a Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner, and trained in culinary arts. Amy owns Food With Thought Nutrition, a functional nutrition and health coaching practice in Plano, TX. Key Topics: - What is functional medicine? - How Amy went from social work to holistic nutrition and functional medicine - The way Amy partners with clients for healing - Nervous system imbalances and the role in mental health - Testing for nutrient absorption and neurotransmitters - Mental health issues supported by functional medicine Learn more about Amy at foodwiththoughtnutrition.com. Thanks to our sponsors: Discover your holiday love story with Audible at audible.com/holidayromance Save $10 on your first purchase of Storyworth at storyworth.com/spark.
Episode 115: You Are Not Your Feelings: How to Make Peace with Your Mind with Dr. Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson, PhD is a psychologist, coach, author, and speaker who shares a groundbreaking new approach that helps people find lasting freedom from unwanted habits, anxiety, and self-doubt via insight rather than willpower. She is the author of Being Human, The Little Book of Big Change: The No-Willpower Approach to Breaking Any Habit, and Just a Thought: A No-Willpower Approach to End Self-Doubt and Make Peace with Your Mind. In 2017, she opened The Little School of Big Change, an online school that has helped thousands of people find freedom from anxiety and habits and live a more peaceful life. Key Topics: - Dr. Amy’s personal background with panic attacks and anxiety - How willpower and discipline are not the answer - The brain is all about survival and scanning for danger, so your mind does what it needs to do to protect you - How to lean into anxiety - No thought is the truth - Discomfort as a warning sign - What our minds do is not personal - We are more reactive when our identity is threatened
Episode 114: Creating Emotional Intimacy in Marriage with Therapist Richard Kerry
Richard Kerry is a licensed professional counselor and specializes in marriage and premarital counseling. He's also Erin's husband. In this episode, they get real about their marriage, share when to know counseling is needed, and how to be vulnerable in a relationship while doing conflict well. Key Topics: - Richard's favorite thing about working with couples - The biggest challenge in marriages today - When you should do one-on-one counseling and when you should go as a couple - Creating emotional and physical intimacy - Connecting with your partner in a vulnerable way - The importance of differentiation - Conflict styles that stall a marriage Richard is seeing clients at livingwelltyler.com. Thanks to our sponsors: Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code SPARK at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod Get a $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/spark
Episode 113: The Opioid Epidemic and Rise of Substance Abuse with Scott H. Silverman
Scott H. Silverman is a substance abuse expert, crisis coach (and former addict) with over with over 35 years of experience working with individuals and families dealing with addiction. Silverman is the CEO and President of Confidential Recovery and Safe Homes Coalition, and the author of several books including his latest, "The Opioid Epidemic: What You Don’t Know Will Destroy Your Family and your Life." Key Topics: - What can we do about holiday substance abuse - The opioid crisis and how it affects our society - What's behind the opioid epidemic - Misconceptions of addiction - Family dynamics of addiction - Substance abuse on the rise in youth If you or someone you know needs help, please visit www.yourcrisiscoach.com or follow Scott H Silverman on social media. He’s @scottshs on Facebook and @ScottHSilverman on Twitter. “The Opioid Epidemic: What You Don’t Know Will Destroy Your Family and your Life” by Scott H Silverman, is available on Amazon. Thanks to our sponsors: Get 15% off your first order of cleaning products at blueland.com/spark Prose is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it. Get 15% off your first order today at prose.com/spark
Episode 112: Healing Trauma: When It's Not Safe to Feel Safe, Even When You're Safe with Therapist Heather Hall
It is well-established science that "the body keeps the score." Trauma therapy is no small task, and sometimes traditional talk therapy doesn't take people to the depths of healing they need. In this episode, licensed professional counselor and EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist Heather Hall unpacks the phases of healing from trauma, and why it is important to take a whole body approach. Key Topics: - Why we need tools beyond traditional talk therapy - Somatic/attachment therapy - Polyvagal theory - how our bodies keep us safe - Coping strategies for trauma that are overdeveloped and underdeveloped - Creating awareness and learning new strategies to cope and heal Heather is on staff at Living Well Tyler, a revolutionary holistic wellness and counseling center in Tyler, Texas. livingwelltyler.com Thanks to our sponsors: Get started with a $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post at indeed.com/spark. Preserve memories for years to come with Storyworth. Save $10 on your first purchase of Storyworth at storyworth.com/spark
Episode 111: The Keys to Healthy Communication and Conflict in Marriage with Dr. Duana Welch
Back by popular demand, in this episode Dr. Duana Welch answers listeners top questions about healthy relationships and marriage! Dr. Duana Welch is the original "Love Factually" author and coach known for using social science to solve real-life relationship issues. She was a professor at universities in Florida, California, and Texas across 20 years, and has contributed to NPR, PBS, Psychology Today, and numerous other outlets, podcasts and videos. Her first book, "Love Factually: 10 Proven Steps from I Wish to I Do" (2015), is now out globally in five languages. Key Topics: - Root cause of relationship conflict - Trigger words or phrases that lead to conflict - 2/3 of problems in marriages will never be solved - The "four horsemen" that damage a relationship - Overcoming past hurts and moving forward - How to complain in a loving way - Small talk: is it a big deal? For more information on Dr. Duana Welch, head to lovefactually.co Thanks to our sponsor: Proven, quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Discover special offers now for a limited time at your local Sleep Number store or at sleepnumber.com/wholeness.
Episode 110: ADHD in Children: How to Slow Down to Speed Up with Trish Wilkinson
Trish Wilkinson is a mom, parent coach, brain stages expert, and co-author of the best-selling Brain Stages book. She came back to the show for a second time to expand our conversation on ADHD and discuss what to do, as it seems more and more children are being diagnosed with ADHD. Key Topics: - ADHD family history - more than 70% of kids with ADHD have parents with focus issues - Kids with ADHD are not deficient or disordered, but we may be overdiagnosing - A brain that works differently is never a bad thing - Benefits of brain mapping and neurofeedback - Long-term effects of medication for ADHD - Differences in male and female brain with ADHD - The brain changes that happen in 4th grade - Strategies for improved focus and concentration BONUS: To access Trish's mini-webcourse, "Healthy Screen Time" for free, go to: thebrainstages.com/healthy-screen-time/ Our sponsor for this episode is Indeed. Get your free $75 upgrade to your job posting when you go to indeed.com/spark.
Episode 109: How to Banish Burnout and Start Thriving with Dr. Michelle Pokorny
Most everyone will cope with burnout at some point in their lives. Those in a helping role may be more prone to burnout than others. Instead of dealing with burnout as it arises, there are practical tools and strategies to employ BEFORE burnout hits. Dr. Michelle Pokorny is an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary whose doctoral work focused on burnout and soul-care among leaders. Her passion is to help men and women thrive, rather than survive, in their daily lives as well as work. Key Topics: - Definition of burnout - how emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment play a role - The difference between burnout and depression - An explanation for the higher rates of burnout in helping professions - The impact of isolation on burnout and how stay at home moms are affected - Gender and burnout - Day-to-day practices to prevent burnout - Life-giving, soul-nourishing activities - Finding boundaries to stay away from the "tyranny of the urgent" - Burnout and the brain - Cultivating rest - Burnout and the pandemic Learn more about Dr. Pokorny at michellepokorny.com -
Episode 108: Getting to the Root of Thyroid Issues and Autoimmunity with Dr. Nicole Fujiyama
As hypothyroidism seems to become more prevalent, and those suffering face a myriad of symptoms, it’s important to ask the question: what more can we do to support thyroid health? Dr. Nicole Fujiyama is a naturopathic doctor who helps adults navigate and find natural solutions for autoimmune diseases in order to transform their health and get back to living their best life. Key Topics: - What is autoimmune disease vs autoimmunity - The growing prevalence of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s - How thyroid is traditionally tested and why a full thyroid panel is recommended - Lifestyle factors that trigger autoimmunity - Why you should love the liver - The process of gut healing - Is an elimination diet necessary? - Bonus: Fun facts about Chinese medicine! Follow Dr. Nicole on Instagram at @drnicolend or learn more about her work here: drfujiyamand.com Sponsored by: Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order of individualized haircare at prose.com/spark Get 15% off your first order of Blueland cleaning products when you go to Blueland.com/spark
Episode 107: Benefits of Eating Seasonally for Your Immune Health with Chelsea Blackbird
Did you know your microbiome changes along with the seasons? In this conversation with Chelsea Blackbird, we discuss how to optimize eating seasonally in order to improve overall health. Chelsea Blackbird is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who works with women to optimize metabolism and food peace. She uses Biblical guidance and simple strategies to keep busy women focused on more God and better health. Key Topics: - Fall foods and the historic aspect of eating seasonally - How the gut microbiome matches up with the food we consume seasonally - Fall foods to enjoy now - Savory dishes for root vegetables that don't involved cups of sugar to turn them into pies - Herbs and spices that improve health, including the benefits of oregano, cinnamon, and rosemary, among others - Whole food nourishment for immune health - Chelsea's experiment with a carnivore diet and what she learned - Habits that Chelsea is incorporating right now for her health - The nutritional program that you should join in November Learn more about Chelsea at thechristiannutritionist.com. Listen to her podcast, The Christian Health Club, wherever you get podcasts. Join this round of Feast 2 Fast at https://feast2fast.co/erin-kerry Thanks to our sponsor: Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Special offers now available for a limited time at sleepnumber.com/wholeness.
Episode 106: Yoga for Mental Health and Stress Resilience with Luci Davis
Yoga isn't just a "fitness trend." There is so much data to support yoga as treatment for mental illness, trauma, and stress management. In this episode, yoga instructor Luci Davis shares her love of yoga in a practical, helpful way! Luci is the founder of "Pajama Yoga with Luci." She began practicing yoga in 2006 following surgery and treatment for thyroid cancer. She believes yoga was integral to her recovery physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her motto is "practice with the body you have today." Key Topics: - How Luci fell in love with yoga - Yoga as a prescription for brain health and recovery - The science behind how yoga works - The role of the vagus nerve and gut/brain connection in yoga - How to strengthen vagal tone to create stress resilience - The importance of breathing to unite body and mind - What it means to practice with the body you have - Learning self-awareness - Trauma healing and how "your issues are in your tissues." - How to give yourself a vagus nerve ear massage and use breathing techniques for frustration Learn more about Luci and subscribe to her videos at pajamayogawithluci.com Get a $75 job credit to upgrade your post on indeed.com/spark.
Episode 105: Supporting Your Brain Health After Traumatic Brain Injury with Leigh Richardson and Sandra Beck
Each year, an estimated 2.8 million people encounter a traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as concussions. This bonus episode is a roundtable discussion between Leigh Richardson, brain health coach and therapist, host of In Your Head podcast and owner of The Brain Performance Center in Dallas, Sandra Beck, business coach, radio host, and owner of Beck Multimedia, as well as Erin Kerry, mental health nutrition coach and owner of Sparking Wholeness. Key Topics: - Leigh's personal story of overcoming three brain injuries and how she recovered optimally each time - How brain injuries affect us - How to minimize risk for brain injury - The impact of healthy brain regulation - Nutrients to improve brain health - The gut/brain connection - The importance of stress management - The power of breathing for brain health
Episode 104: Wired but Tired: Adrenal Burnout and What to Do to Restore Your Body with Kelsey Jack, FNTP
What many women consider normal for their health is nowhere near optimal. Feeling exhausted, worn down, moody, and imbalanced is a sign your body needs help. In this episode, Kelsey Jack, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, shares the serious affects of stressed adrenals and the interplay in female health. Key Topics: - Kelsey’s story of hitting rock bottom and finding solutions to tackle the root - The book that changed the trajectory of her health - The role adrenals and cortisol play in health - Underlying factors that hurt adrenal health - How to take care of adrenals and the blood sugar balance - Best nutrition practices to know if we’re eating enough to restore adrenal health - How to listen to your intuition and advocate for your health Learn more about Kelsey at whollywell.health and the Wholly Well podcast. Sponsors: Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order of individualized haircare at prose.com/spark Get 15% off your first order of Blueland cleaning products when you go to Blueland.com/spark
Episode 103: Caring for the Mental Health of Aging Family Members with Amanda Lambert and Leslie Eckford
Amanda Lambert and Leslie Eckford are co-authors of “Choose Your Place: Rethinking Home as You Age,” “Aging with Care: Your Guide to Hiring and Managing Caregivers at Home” and “Beating the Senior Blues: How to Feel Better and Enjoy Life Again.” Key Topics: - Amanda and Leslie’s background in elder care - The stigma of mental health and aging - Symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults and why it manifests differently - How to advocate for parents as they age - Adapting to the role reversal of child to caregiver - Finding boundaries in caring for aging parents - Resentments that develop - Multi-generational living and all it entails - How to fully support the mental health of the elderly - The importance of regular communication To learn more about Amanda and Leslie, head to mindfulaging.com. Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Special offers now available at sleepnumber.com/wholeness.
Episode 102: What’s Really Behind Your Hunger? with Dr. Adrienne Youdim
Weight loss and hunger are about so much more than calories consumed or “burned.” When looking to make changes to our habits, it’s important to take a deeper look into our relationship with food, body image, and ourselves. Adrienne Youdim, MD, FACP, is an internist who specializes in medical weight loss and nutrition. Her mission is to transform the weight loss narrative to one that is both empowering and compassionate, inspiring people to live more physically and emotionally fulfilling lives. Key Topics: - The importance of utilizing all available resources: medical, spiritual, and emotional - Physiological reasons behind emotional eating - Strategies that impact weight loss - Modeling good food relationships to our children - How you “can’t bully yourself into change” - How to address obesity in a non-shaming way - The deep emotional hunger behind the physical hunger - Changes in the female body that affect hunger and weight - Impact of movement - The protein factor on aging - How to trust your intuition and identity food triggers You can get Dr. Youdim’s book, Hungry for More: Stories and Science to Inspire Weight Loss From the Inside Out on Amazon. Follow her on Instagram @dradrienneyoudim, her podcast, “Health Bites,” and website dradrienneyoudim.com. Get a $75 credit on indeed.com/spark when you upgrade your job post.
Episode 101: More Habits of a Healthy, Regulated Brain with Leigh Richardson
Leigh Richardson is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Brain Performance Center in Dallas, Texas. She is the author of the book “Turn Your Brain On to Get Your Game On,” and host of the podcast “In Your Head with Leigh Richardson.” She is a licensed professional counselor who is board certified in neurofreedback and biofeedback. In this simulcast episode, we both share tools and strategies that we have found to be effective personally and professionally. Topics include food for mood health, the effect of caffeine and alcohol on the brain, positive psychology and gratitude, as well as mindfulness and meditation. For more information on Leigh, go to thebrainperformancecenter.com or LeighERichardson.com.
Episode 100: Practical Tools for Healthy Emotional Regulation During Transition with Sandra Beck and Erin Kerry
During times of transition and stress, it is difficult to regulate emotions so they aren’t spilling out onto everyone else. However, the daily habits you take part in during stable times can impact your reactions during the chaotic times. Sandra Beck is an author, coach, speaker, radio host, entrepreneur and philanthropist. On this simulcast episode, airing on more than one podcast, we share how we regulate our emotions in healthy ways.
Episode 99: Easy Ways to Boost Kids’ Brain Power for the Best School Year Yet with Trish Wilkinson
Kids are going back to school and facing loads of uncertainty and stress - more than ever before. How can we boost kids’ brain power so they can optimize their learning potential and thrive? Patricia Wilkinson is a parent coach, mom of two, veteran teacher, and coauthor of Brain Stages: How to Raise Smart, Confident Kids and Have Fun Doing It. Key Topics: - The stress and anxiety kids are facing right now and why Trish is hopeful - The magical combo of hydration and movement for brain health - Deep breathing exercises for kids - Tips to boost kids’ brain power - Age-appropriate exposure to screens - How the brain communicates for growth - The number one thing parents/caregivers can do for kids - The importance of family mealtimes and reflecting on the day - Effect of gratitude on brain chemistry Join Trish's 5 day challenge to have your kids' best school year yet for FREE at brainstages.com You can grow stronger, healthier hair by going to nutrafol.com and using the promo code SPARK to save $15 off your first month's subscription of Nutrafol - free shipping on every order.
Episode 98: How to Individualize Your Diet for Your Unique Body with Tracy Cromwell
Tracy Cromwell is a certified health coach and personal trainer who changed the trajectory of her health after she was told she was pre-diabetic in 2006. Today, she helps women stop yo-yo dieting and learn to create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits their unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. In this episode we discuss how important bio individuality is for health, how to get off the yo-yo dieting train, and Tracy’s book, Your Personal Journey with Food. Key Topics: - Tracy’s background as a yo-yo dieter and the diagnosis that changed the trajectory of her health - The importance of individualiZing food for your needs - How to get off the yo-yo dieting train - Be an investigator into your own health - How to enjoy food without falling for the dieting trap - What makes Tracy’s book different from the other health books out there - Looking at the “how” to determine next steps in your health - External factors that impact our wellness - Underlying issues that contribute to chronic health issues - The importance of testing for food sensitivities - How to accept yourself where you are Find Tracy’s book, Your Personal Journey with Food, and more information about her, at tracycromwell.com. Proven, quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Offers available at sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 97: How to Strengthen Your Relationship by Connecting More Securely with Dr. Duana Welch
Dr. Duana Welch is the original Love Factually author and coach, known for using social science to solve real-life relationship issues. In this episode, Dr. Welch dives into some of the top issues couples struggle with and how her science-backed research helps individuals connect more securely in their relationships, whether they are already in a relationship or looking for a healthy one. Key Topics: - How family of origin impacts adult relationships - What attachment style is and why it’s important to understand your attachment style at birth shapes your adulthood - How to become more secure in your relationship - The 4 Cs of a secure attacher - How to create deeper intimacy - How to pick what you need for a healthy relationship Find more information about Dr. Welch at her website lovefactually.co. Check out the relationship app Paired, where she is an expert. Upgrade your job post at Indeed with a $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/spark.
Episode 96: How to Train Your Brain to Beat Depression, Anxiety, and Toxic Thoughts with Dr. Caroline Leaf
Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist with a Masters and PhD in Communication Pathology and a BSc Logopaedics, specializing in cognitive and metacognitive neuropsychology. She is the bestselling author of Switch on Your Brain, Think Learn Succeed, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, and many more, including her latest book, Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess. Dr. Leaf is currently conducting clinical trials using the 5-step program she developed while in private practice to further demonstrate the effectiveness of mind-directed techniques to help relieve mental ill-health problems such as anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts. Key Topics: - How the discovery of neuroplasticity changes the way we think about the brain - Your mind can drive the changes in your brain because what you think about the most grows - How her research supports it takes 63 days to form a habit - The negative side of neuroplasticity - Effect of toxic thoughts on the body - Viewing depression and anxiety as symptoms - How the Neurocycle method changes the brain - The brain affects the health of your whole body You can learn more about Dr. Leaf at drleaf.com. Get $100 off your first month of online therapy at talkspace.com/sparkingwholeness. Use the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 95: A Functional Medicine Approach to Making Changes that Stick, Without Dieting with Jennifer Pickett
Jennifer Pickett is a Dietitian turned Functional Wellness Coach. She helps spiraling moms overcome the overwhelm through Functional Wellness coaching for the body, mind and soul so they can transform their health and live a deeply fulfilled life of freedom and harmony. She believes that to make the shift from “knowing” to “doing” you must apply mindfulness, address what is driving the behavior, be intentional and practice self compassion. Key Topics: - How a functional medicine health coach is different than a dietitian - The difference between a coach approach versus expert approach - How sleep affects your sugar cravings - A functional approach to getting to the root of sugar cravings - Making small and sticky changes - How to implement mindfulness and self awareness and really listen to your body - How to know when you’re over-exercising - The calorie-counting myth - Helping kids have a healthy relationship with food - Identifying obstacles Listen to Jennifer’s podcast Healthy Harmony for more of her nuggets of wisdom. Learn more about her at inspirehealthyharmony.com. Try Green Chef and get $100 off, including free shipping, when you go to greenchef.com/spark100 and use the code spark100. Reimagine what a book club can be, and get a 30 day trial for only 99 cents at literati.com/spark.
Episode 94: Parents, It’s Gonna Be OK: Safe, Evidence-Based Tools for Kids’ Mental Health with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a mental health trailblazer, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann & Associates, who FORBES magazine called, “A thought leader in children’s mental health”. Her new book, “It’s Gonna Be Ok: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health” is available now. In this episode we discuss her book and why her information and methods have been helpful and life-changing for so many parents and children. Key Topics: - Symptom reversal and reduction in kids - Pros and cons of labels - The latest research on meds and kids - How to change the dialogue on kids’ mental health - Eight pillars of mental health - How to regulate your child’s nervous system - The foods that power up kids’ brains - How low fat foods increase depression - How 100% of people on ADHD meds have side effects - How to improve sleep habits For more information, follow Dr. Roseann on social media @drroseann or at her website drroseann.com. Proven quality sleep is life-changing sleep. Special offers at sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 93: How to Regulate Your Endocannabinoid System with CBD with Sean Gale, the CBD Pharmacist
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a recent scientific discovery that has many researchers digging in on new ways to find homeostasis in the body and restore balance. This episode covers all the way CBD can benefit the body and the current research on the topic. Sean Gale is known as The CBD Pharmacist. He is an American board-certified pharmacist, author, speaker, and online course creator. Sean began studying CBD over 2 years ago when he started selling it in his pharmacy. By using a combination of his pharmaceutical training and 26 years of real-life experience in retail pharmacy, Sean has formulated a unique perspective on CBD that cannot be found anywhere else. Key Topics: - Sean’s background and why he started using CBD in his pharmacy - Information on the Endocannabinoid System and how it oversees all body systems - Common myths and misconceptions about CBD - Different forms of CBD and how to use it - Side effects of using CBD - How to look for quality CBD products - How CBD can help the body heal faster, reduce inflammation - including cytokine storms - CBD use in kids Find Sean’s information at awakentocbd.com Get Sean’s book for free (only pay shipping) here: https://thecbdpharmacist.net/book-offer-funnel Get a FREE $75 job credit at indeed.com/spark
Episode 92: How to Make Childbirth Less Painful and Have the Best Birth You Can Have with Hypnobabies Founder Kerry Tuschhoff
Medical grade, somnambulistic hypnosis is a way to make childbirth less painful, more comfortable, shorter, and empowers women to have the kind of birth they want to have. This interview with Kerry Tuschhoff, Founder of Hypnobabies and renowned speaker and writer covers how Hypnobabies is on a mission to make childbirth less traumatic. Hypnobabies allows moms to have a less painful, more joyful experience by learning techniques through its natural childbirth education course. Key Topics: - Kerry’s background in childbirth education and how her own traumatic childbirth inspired this program - What medical grade somnambulistic hypnosis is and how it is used as an alternative for anesthesia - When expecting mothers can best utilize this program - How Hypnobabies is different from meditation or relaxation - The prevalence of birth trauma - Different types of benefits for all different moms - Religious misconceptions and hesitancies - How it helps people have more relaxed pregnancies and less painful birth - Hypnofertility program For more information on Hypnobabies, or find a class in person or online, head to Hypnobabies.com Get $100 off your first month of online therapy with Talkspace when you use the code sparkingwholeness at Talkspace.com For stronger, healthier hair, go to nutrafol.com and use the promo code spark to save $15 on your first month’s subscription.
Episode 91: You're Not Fat, You're Inflamed - The Latest Science on Losing Weight with Dr. Tracey Stroup
Fat cells are really amazing protective organs, and contrary to what you’ve been told - you can’t burn them. New research changes the way we approach weight loss and addressing inflammatory fat cells. Dr. Tracey Stroup is a naturopathic doctor who has been in the health and wellness industry for over 25 years. She joins the show for a second time in order to break down common weight loss and exercise myths. Key Topics: - Weight loss myths (including calorie counting and the phrase “burning fat”) - What fat cells are and how they are protective - Reasons for rapid weight gain and what to do to treat the root cause - Nutrient deficiencies, medications, gut dysbiosis and the role they play in weight gain and loss - How being 15 pounds overweight or more makes your body pro-inflammatory - Stress and the impact on exercise - How to work out without stressing your body out - Optimizing detoxification and products that can aid in the detox process Thank you to our sponsor: Get 20% off your first order of Ancient Nutrition products at ancientnutrition.com with the code sparking. Reimagine what a book club could be. Redeem your 30 day trial for only 99 cents at Literati.com/spark
Episode 90: How to Boost Your Fertility Through a Natural and Holistic Approach with Sarah Clark
Sarah Clark is the author of “Fabulously Fertile – Supercharge your Fertility Naturally,” “Fabulously Fertile Cookbook” and creator of the Fertility Preparation Program. In this episode, she shares how she uses a functional medicine coaching approach and natural fertility solutions in an effort to reverse infertility through natural, holistic methods! Key Topics: - Dropping fertility rates - What does it mean to be diagnosed with infertility? - The connection between gut health and fertility - Issues with the birth control pill - Best foods for fertility - Environmental toxins and endocrine disrupting chemicals - The impact of stress on fertility - Tips to de-stress and the importance of sleep and relational support Learn more about Sarah at fabfertile.com. Listen to Sarah’s podcast Get Pregnant Naturally wherever you find podcasts. Get your proven, quality sleep with a Sleep Number bed at sleepnumber.com/Wholeness Get $100 off your first month of therapy with Talkspace at Talkspace.com with the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 89: How Social Media Affects Our Mental Health with Reena B. Patel
How can we manage our minds during the social media age? How can we best support our children and monitor their time on screens? How does “influencer culture” affect our kids’ mental health? Reena B. Patel is a renowned parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and author of Winnie & Her Worries. For more than 20 years, Patel has had the privilege of working with families and children, supporting all aspects of education, mental health and positive wellness. She works extensively with typically developing children as well as children with exceptional needs, supporting their academic, behavioral and social/emotional development. Key Topics: - The way our brain has changed from social media - The negative impacts of social media on our mental health - The impact of influencer culture on adults and children - The use of positive psychology as a solution - The impact of gratitude - How help kids identify feelings and the physical symptoms of anxiety - The effect of screen time fatigue To learn more about her books and services, visit the website at www.reenabpatel.com, and to get more parenting tips, follow her on Instagram @reenabpatel. Get a free $75 credit on Indeed at indeed.com/spark
Episode 88: The Science Behind Why We Eat What We Eat with Jack Bobo
Jack Bobo is the CEO of Futurity, a food foresight company that advises companies, foundations and governments on emerging food trends and consumer attitudes and behaviors related to the future of food. Recognized by Scientific American in 2015 as one of the 100 most influential people in biotechnology, Jack is a global thought leader who has delivered more than 500 speeches in 50 countries. His new book is called “Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices.” Key Topics: - The way our brain is biased against our efforts - Why we can’t just agree to disagree - How we have less trust in authority figures about our health - Confirmation bias in excess of information available today - Why people fear certain food over others - The “naturalness” bias - Why healthy food doesn’t taste good - The history of supersizing and unit bias - The “clean your plate” method and how it works against us - How our minds can trick us with what we’re eating, and the study that confirms it - Mental fatigue and decision fatigue in eating and grocery shopping - Solutions to change the way we think about our choices - Reshaping personal food space Jack’s book is available now, and you can learn more about his work at futurity.com This episode is sponsored by Talkspace. Get $100 off your first month with Talkspace when you use the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 87: How to Get Out of Your Own Way to Have a Healthier Marriage with Therapist Bill O'Herron
Everyone knows creating a healthy marriage means putting in the work, but what work is valuable and what are some good ways to get started? This episode dives deep into all the important marriage topics - with a brain health twist! Bill O’Herron, LCSW, is a corporate executive, practicing therapist, and writer who seeks to use his 33 years of financial sales management experience, 24 years of marriage, 15 years of counseling clients, and 8,500 hours of sitting quietly to help his clients better understand themselves and deepen their relationships. Key Topics: - Male and female brain differences and how that impacts marriage - How the male brain develops differently than the female brain - Healthy emotional self-regulation instead of partner regulation - How relationships are the most important thing in life - Chronic stress’ impact on relationships - Reticular activating system: how it works and how it kills the marriage - How relaxing can trigger old memories and activity causes us to avoid self - Tuning in with your 4th grade self - why that matters - The deeper emotions anger covers up Learn more about Bill and his counseling practice at Wholecounseling.com and grab his book, Waking Up Marriage. Get 20% off your first order of Ancient Nutrition collagen when you use the code sparking at checkout.
Episode 86: Integrating Eastern Medicine Tools for Better Sleep, Stress Resilience, and Digestion with Welleum Founder Jacqueline Gomez
Jacqueline Gomez is the founder and CEO of Welleum, a company that brings Eastern medicine to the modern Western World. In this episode, we dig into why more and more people are seeking out alternative health solutions, the hesitancy some may have in trying something new, and how Welleum offers a way to advocate for your health with resources and solutions that work. Key Topics: - What is Eastern medicine and why do we hesitate to utilize it? - The stress-body connection - "Pop-a-pill" culture and the need to treat the root - Why people are now turning to Eastern medicine - The resources provided by Welleum, along with their tinctures - How your boy is designed to function like a clock - Stress management tips - How to integrate Eastern and Western medicine and how it doesn't have to be either/or - Developing a schedule to benefit whole body health - Ingredients in Welleum tinctures and science behind it - Correcting digestive imbalances To learn more about Welleum and try their products, head to Welleum.com This podcast is sponsored by Sleep Number. Save $1,000 on the NEW Sleep Number 360 special edition smart bed. Head to sleepnumber.com/wholeness to check it out!
Episode 85: Understanding and Embracing the Healing Power of Herbs with Herbalist Brittany Ducham
Adaptogenic herbs are getting a lot of buzz in the health world, so this episode is a dive into all things herbs and herbalism, with herbalist and writer Brittany Ducham. Brittany’s new book, Radical Remedies, is a great starter for anyone wanting to learn more about how to use herbs to support health and well-being. In this conversation, we discuss her new book and how to individualize your personal use of herbs to support your health goals. Key Topics: - Brittany’s background in herbalism - How herbalism is a form of empowerment and activism and background on her book, Radical Remedies - Herbal energetics and elemental forces and how different people need different things - Herbs for mental health support, anxiety, stress, and tension - Digestive support and herbs that improve gut health - Adaptogens - what they are and how they help - How to get started with herbs without getting overwhelmed - Where to find herbal tinctures and formulations that are good quality - The interconnectedness of our world with plants and nature’s healing power Find more information about Brittany and herbalism at spellboundherbal.com and follow her on Instagram at spellboundherbals. Get a free $75 credit from Indeed when you go to indeed.com/spark
Episode 84: Fertility, Food, and Faith: What is the Connection? with Dr. Robert Kiltz
Dr. Robert Kiltz is a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, and Founder and Director of CNY Fertility, one of the largest and most dynamic fertility centers in the country, featured in the Wall Street Journal, Today Show, and CNBC for helping shape the future of fertility medicine. In this fascinating episode, we discuss how to merge intuition and ancestral wisdom with the latest science for fertility and overall health and well-being. Key Topics: - Myths and misconceptions of fertility - Difference in Western medicine and taking a holistic perspective - The impact of stress on our physiology - How food factors in and creates inflammation - Obesity is not the cause of disease; it’s a symptom - Plant toxins and a carnivore approach to health - How the glycobiome trumps the microbiome - Prejudice and bias in science - Dr. Kiltz’s new book, Live Your Best Life "Living Your Best Life: How to Think, Eat, and Connect your Way to a Better Flow" by Dr. Robert Kiltz is now available on Amazon or at DoctorKiltz.com. For more information, visit Dr. Kiltz's website, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Get $100 off your first month of therapy with Talkspace.com when you use the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 83: Delicious Ways to Make Lower Carb and No Sugar Fit Your Lifestyle with Good Dee's Founder Deana Karim
Deana Karim is a mom on a mission. She is bringing delicious low carb and sugar free baking mixes to the world - and they are delicious! Deana is the founder of Good Dee's, a company that makes mixes for brownies, cookies, bread, and so much more. In this episode, we cover how she started Good Dee's, and why she feels having options to individualize your health goals is so important! Key Topics: - Story behind the baking mixes - How she came up with different seed flours to use (even watermelon seed flour)! - The various sweeteners used and the impact on her blood sugar - What makes Good Dee's mixes stand apart from the others - Deana's mission with her products - Deana's favorite mixes and recipe suggestions - Tips to change things up and make it easy to fit your lifestyle! Find all the Good Dee's mixes or find a store near you that has them at gooddees.com Get 20% off your first order from Ancient Nutrition at ancientnutrition.com - use the promo code sparking at checkout!
Episode 82: Talking About Gut Stuff Can Be Fun! with Authors Lisa and Alana MacFarlane
Lisa and Alana MacFarlane are identical twins in every way - except when it comes to gut health. They became the ‘chief guinea pigs’ for the British Gut project where they discovered that despite having 100% the same DNA their guts have only 40% the same microbiota. In their debut book The Gut Stuff, the dynamic duo offer a fun-filled, fact-packed, achievable guide to better health and in this episode we cover all the basics of gut health in a fun way! Key Topics: - Background on The Gut Project - The gut/stress connection - How this book is different from other gut health books - Your gut on alcohol - The concern for orthopedic - The importance of fiber for good gut bacteria - Individualization of eating for gut health - Importance of lifestyle factors - How to embrace fermented foods - The most surprising thing they learned about gut health Get all the best tips on having a healthy gut on their website, thegutstuff.com Get $100 off your first month of online therapy with Talkspace at Talkspace.com and use the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 81: How to Regulate Your Brain, Reduce Stress, and Get the Best Sleep Ever with NuCalm Founder Jim Poole
Jim Poole is the Founder of of NuCalm, the world's only patented neuroscience technology clinically proven to resolve stress and improve sleep quality without drugs. In this episode, we break down the history of NuCalm and the software built by a quantum physicist, and how NuCalm is unlike any other tool out there. Key Topics: - Background on the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system in regulating the brain - What our fear brain does to our logic brain - How the brain and body communicate - The method behind NuCalm - Types of brain waves - How brain cells affect mitochondria - What time of day to use NuCalm - How 20 minutes of NuCalm is equivalent to two hours of restorative sleep - The music used and the way it improves the vibration and stress response - How to get started with NuCalm This interview is jam-packed with good information. To learn more about how to access NuCalm for yourself, head to nucalm.com. This episode is sponsored by Sleep Number. Introducing the new Sleep Number 360 p5 smart bed. Queen now only $1,799. Only at Sleep Number stores or sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 80: Are You in a Relationship with a Narcissist? with Sandra Beck
This is the first “listener request” episode! Many listeners asked for an episode on the topic of dealing with narcissists, and this one is powerful! Sandra Beck is an author, coach, speaker, radio, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and also an expert on narcissism. She has done countless trainings and written much on the subject. Key Topics: - How do you know you are in a relationship with a narcissist? - Signs of narcissism and the empathy factor - Red flags to look out for - The tools of manipulation and gaslighting strategies and how we can best respond - The villain/victim/hero triangle - Signs of narcissism in the workplace - How to raise kids who aren't narcissists - Can you recover from a relationship with a narcissist? Be sure to check out Sandra’s podcasts, Motherhood Talk Radio, Military Mom Talk Radio, Coach Talk Radio, and Powered Up Talk Radio! Get a FREE $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post at indeed.com/spark Get $15 off your first visit with a board-certified dermatologist at apostrophe.com/sparkingwholeness and use the code sparkingwholeness
Episode 79: Why Are Our Kids So Anxious and How Can We Help? with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a mental health trailblazer who Forbes has called "The leader in children's mental health."She has helped thousands reverse the most challenging conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, mood, autism, learning disability, Lyme, and PANS/PANDAS using proven holistic therapies. In this episode, we discuss the anxiety epidemic affecting our children, why it has been happening, and what we can do about it. Key Topics: - School pressure on kids today - Genetic mutations that impact mental health, like MTHFR and COMT - How to tell if your child is anxious - Foods that destroy kids' mental health - How biofeedback helps - How neurofeedback impacts subconscious brain training - PANS/PANDAS and autoimmune encephalopathy - How Lyme/bartonella can be at the root of many mental illness diagnoses - How parents can support their kids to grow more resilient - Digestion issues and best supplements to have on hand Learn more about Dr. Roseann at drroseann.com. Get her free gift of "Coping Statements" at teletherapytoolkitbonus.com. Follow her on Instagram at @drroseann Don't forget to get $100 off your first month with Talkspace. Use the code SPARKINGWHOLENESS.
Episode 78: How to Find Out What Foods Are Harming Your Health with Dr. Brent Dorval
Dr. Brent Dorval is the creator of the Food Inflammation Test. He was involved in the creation of the first HIV/AIDS rapid diagnostic assay and held a number of management positions and served as an adviser to the World Health Organization committee on vaccines and diagnostics. He has several patents covering rapid assays, novel biomarkers and a novel polio virus vaccine. In this episode we discuss the patented food inflammation test that has helped many people get to the root of their health concerns, including IBS, brain fog, headaches, skin issues, and mental health function. Key Topics: - The difference between an allergy and an delayed food sensitivity - How an inflammatory response from food shows on a blood test - Why there is an increase in food sensitivities - How food sensitivities impact brain health and how leaky gut = leaky brain - Why KBMO FIT test is different than any other sensitivity test - The independent clinical studies showing the effectiveness of using the FIT test To watch the entire interview and view the PowerPoint presentation, click here: https://youtu.be/CbtIjnqPbJc To learn more about the FIT test or set up a provider account, head to kbmodiagnostics.com To get the FIT test for yourself and a customized plan, contact me! Don’t forget to get $15 off your first visit with a board-certified dermatologist at apostrophe.com/sparkingwholeness and use the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 77: How to Break Free From Yo-Yo Dieting and Live Your Life in the Body You Have Today with Holly Toronto
Holly Toronto has 4 years of experience helping highly driven women stop dieting and build resilience to toxic beauty messages. She uses an intuitive and spiritual approach that guides her clients towards self trust, confidence and Sovereignty over their entire being; body, mind and soul. In this episode, we discuss how to break free from the back and forth cycle of dieting for GOOD, how to live your life in the body you have without judging or objectifying it. Key Topics: - Holly’s turning point in her dieting journey and what transitioned her to a body acceptance approach to coaching - How elimination diets trigger orthorexia - Food is more than fuel, and finding pleasure from food doesn’t have to be a morality issue - The pleasure and satisfaction factor in eating - How to improve your relationship with food and your body image - Weight as a poor indicator of health - Digging into the root of body image issues - How sexual trauma and abuse plays a role in how we see our bodies - Giving yourself unconditional permission to eat and its effect on the nervous system - Number obsession and vanity sizing Holly has group coaching available as well as many resources on her website hollytoronto.com Follow her on Instagram @holly.toronto Grab Holly’s Free Body Gratitude Meditation here: https://hollytorontocoaching.lpages.co/body-gratitude-meditation/ Get life-changing sleep from Sleep Number! Visit sleepnumber.com/wholeness
Episode 76: How to Get Organized and Get Rid of Clutter with Dana Hentschel
Spring cleaning doesn't just help with the physical clutter, there are mental health benefits as well. In this episode, professional organizer Dana Hentschel of Arranging Joy shares her passion for organizing and how we can create spaces in our homes that reduce clutter and bring us joy! Key Topics: - Creating a warm environment for the home - Understanding the emotional attachment to our things - Creating systems that work - How to de-clutter in an ongoing way - How to stay organized with minimal steps - Dana's 3 L system - How to find the time to make it work - Finding organizational systems that kids will follow through with Learn more about Dana at arrangingjoy.com or follow her Instagram for ongoing tips at @arrangingjoy. Get a FREE $75 credit to upgrade your job post on Indeed at indeed.com/spark.
Episode 75: Changing the Conversation on Postpartum Depression with Dr. Walker Ladd
Walker Ladd, Ph.D. has been a thought leader in the field of maternal mental health for nearly two decades. Her writing and research challenge paradigms of motherhood and mental illness, using women’s stories to reveal the hidden truths and extraordinary dimensions of the lived experience of motherhood. In this episode, we discuss the prevalence of postpartum depression, the stigma, trauma, postpartum growth, and how the language around this time in a mother’s life needs to change. Her groundbreaking book is called Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women’s Stories of Trauma and Growth. Learn more about her work at walkerladd.com Get $100 off your first month of talk therapy Talkspace.com with the code sparkingwholeness
Episode 74: Looking Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Solutions for Our Health with Del Bigtree
Is science ever settled? How can we continue to be our own health advocates, look beyond the one-size-fits-all solutions, and find what is helpful for our unique bodies? There are so many different opinions, so how do we know what to do that’s right for our health? Del Bigtree is an Emmy-winning producer who is raising awareness for body autonomy and medical freedom. His internet news show, The Highwire, is the fastest growing program in the natural health arena. His non-profit, the Informed Consent Action Network, or ICAN, is leading worldwide investigations into drug and vaccine fraud that have already resulted in multiple winning lawsuits against US Government agencies Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, CDC and FDA. In this conversation, we dig into some controversial topics in order to better understand all sides of the growing conversation on medical risk. Topics include: the pro/anti vaccine debate, the history of informed consent, the importance of being able to make choices for your own body, lawsuits that ICAN is involved with, chronic disease rates in kids, and how we can arm ourselves with knowledge moving forward. Watch Del’s news show on thehighwire.com. Check out the current lawsuits and information on his nonprofit organization at icandecide.org.
Episode 73: Authentic Conversations and Communication in Marriage and Beyond with Author Cathy Krafve
Can we truly have authentic conversations in today’s world? How can we navigate the ups and downs of relationships stress in a healthy way? Cathy Krafve is the host of Fireside Talk Radio and the author of two books, Marriage Conversations and The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversation. In this episode, Cathy shares about her books and what she has learned about communication in marriage and beyond. Key Topics: - the importance of sharing who you are - How to be authentic in the era of social media - Communication in marriage - Navigating those tricky “conversational adventures” - How to effectively communicate when emotional - When is a time to withdraw from the conversation for a break - How to approach “bully culture” - Transforming relationships in tough times via good conversation - Why making people feel welcome is the antidote to self-condemnation This conversation is packed with good information. Be sure to check out Cathy’s website and more information on her books and podcast at cathykrafve.com Be sure to grab Amphuman’s Vitamin D+ lotion and get 15% off at amphuman.com/wholeness with the code wholeness15. Install the Honey web browser to start saving on your online purchases at joinhoney.com/wholeness
Episode 72: What’s the Big Deal About Inflammation? with Dr. Mark Sherwood
Inflammation is a word getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. Many health experts consider it a major cause for chronic illness. Dr. Mark Sherwood is an ex-professional baseball player and 24-year retired veteran of the Tulsa Police Department who now is a Naturopathic Doctor on a mission to help others achieve wellness. He and his wife, Dr. Michele L. Neil-Sherwood, have a successful medical practice, the Functional Medical Institute, along with a number of books and a television and radio program. Key Topics: - What is inflammation? - The difference between acute and chronic inflammation - Foods that drive inflammation - Foods that reduce inflammation - The gut connection to inflammation - The impact of inflammation on mental health - How inflammation impacts the immune system and resistance to Covid-19 Learn more about Dr. Mark and his practice at fmidr.com Get 15% off your order of Vitamin D+ lotion from Amp Human at amphuman.com/wholeness and use the code wholeness15.
Episode 71: Understanding Adolescent Addiction with Richard Capriola
As mental health issues in teens continue to rise, increased substance abuse can be a side effect. Richard Capriola spent 11 years working as an addictions counselor for Menninger Clinic, one of the top ten psychiatric hospitals in the US, before retiring in 2019. During his tenure there he worked in the Adolescent Treatment program and the adult Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment and Stabilization program. His book, The Addicted Child, along with the workbook, is available now. In this episode we dive into the root of the addicted child, discuss how adolescent addiction differs from adult addiction, the causes of addiction, the difference between process addiction and chemical addiction, how to help your child, and how to foster an environment of understanding. Learn more about Richard at helptheaddictedchild.com Don’t forget to get 15% off Amp Human Vitamin D+ lotion at amphuman.com/wholeness and use the code wholeness15. Get $100 off your first month of Talkspace with the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 70: Top Foods To Improve Your Libido with Nutritional Therapist Leslie Bumpas
Can your diet impact your sex life? The answer is yes! It involves the same function that keeps your heart and brain healthy - blood flow. For this special Valentine’s episode, I welcome Leslie Bumpas back to the show. Leslie is a certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner whose passion is helping women thrive in all ages and stages. In this episode, Leslie shares all the tips and tools to redeem romance in your life - using nutrients in food! Key Topics: - Superfoods every woman should include to increase bloodflow and act as an aphrodisiac - Men's health topics: foods to boost testosterone, decrease erectile dysfunction, and support blood flow - The vitamin D/testosterone connection - Herbs that improve libido in women - What spinach does for your sex drive - Improving female health through nutrients - The real truth behind "an apple a day" - What to avoid and look for with hormonal imbalances Learn more about Leslie and her approach to health at redeemingwellness.com
Episode 69: How to Add Meditation and Mindfulness Into Your New Year with Colleen Long
There are so many tools to mental WEALTH! In this packed episode, we cover the importance of mindfulness and meditation, why they help, and how to incorporate them into our daily lives. Colleen Long is President of Adventum Mental Health Network in East Texas. She is a Registered 200 hour Yoga Teacher, Master Reiki Practitioner, and creator of all things Adventum. Key topics: - Colleen’s mental health story and how meditation and mindfulness played a role in her healing - How the Adventum Mental Health Network was started - How to have a daily practice of meditation - Different examples of meditation and breathing exercises - Tuning into your body and losing judgment toward yourself - A brief intro into reiki and energy healing and why it’s not as “woo woo” as you may think Learn more about Adventum at adventumnetwork.org or find Adventum on Instagram @adventumnetwork Don’t forget to get your free cup of yogurt from Forager Project at foragerproject.com/cultivatehealth Get $100 off your first month of therapy with Talkspace at talkspace.com with the code sparkingwholeness.
Episode 68: A Functional Nutrition Approach to Children's Mental Health with Reed Davis
Children's mental health issues continue to rise, and now one of every four children will be diagnosed with a chronic condition by the time they are eight years old. How can we support the health of our children through nutrition? Reed Davis, Founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, joins the podcast once again to offer his expertise after decades of helping thousands of clients get to the root of their health issues. Key Topics: - Why kids today experience so many health concerns - A deeper dive into the root of ADHD - How food affects mental health and behavior - The role of food sensitivities and kids' health - Sugar addiction in children - Nutritional support that heals - The function of a child's nervous system and how screen time disrupts it - Environmental chemicals and toxins that negatively impact health. To learn more about the program at Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and become your own health detective, go to fdn.today/kerry Don't forget to grab your free cup of delicious, plant-based yogurt from Forager Project at foragerproject.com/cultivatehealth
Episode 67: How Many Times a Day Should I Eat? with Nutritional Therapist Kris DeFoer
The blood sugar conversation is more important than ever. We have to understand how to manage our blood sugar before it starts managing us. Like most “common” health concerns, it shouldn’t have to be normal to have blood sugar that is on a continual roller coaster. Kris DeFoer is a Nutritional Therapist and owner of Happy Body Health. She is passionate about helping women optimize their nutrition and lifestyles to look and feel their best. She believes that healthy digestion and blood sugar regulation are critical to good health and that a healthy diet and lifestyle can address many of the chronic issues that people deal with today. This discussion with Kris breaks down why we want to fuel our bodies with food that helps to stabilize our blood sugar, and keep our brain and immune systems strong! Key Topics: - What blood sugar is and why we should care about it - The difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia - Kris’ history with dieting and finding a way to regulate her blood sugar naturally - How many meals a day should I actually eat? - The stress and blood sugar connection - What to eat to support a healthy insulin response - How to eat enough nutrients - How to support a healthy immune system through food - The key to salad-building (and a listener challenge) Learn more about Kris and sign up for her informative emails at happybodyhealth.net
Episode 66: Stewarding Our Focus for a Healthier 2021 with Life Coach Thomas Thompson
Thomas Thompson has led churches in Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado for over 25 years. He now works with a coaching ministry, Lead Self Lead Others, as well as a city focused non-profit, COSILoveYou. In this episode, Thomas shares practical ways for us to cancel out the noise and live with an intentional focus in the new year. Key Topics: - The way that 2020 exposed us all - How increasing connection with others may not be a good thing - Why harnessing our focus and being intentional is important - How to prioritize the information we receive - Dealing with overwhelm, anxiety, and worry - Daily rhythms to implement - Why we need to train our brains to direct focus - How to ask ourselves the right questions and practical tools Learn more about Thomas and his work at leadselfleadothers.com/thomas-thompson/
Episode 65: Building a Healthy Brain for a Lifetime with Cathy Williams
In this episode we dig into all things related to building a healthy brain, in order to create stable moods and minimize risk of cognitive decline. Cathy Williams studied naturopathy and nutrition straight out of high school, and she has worked in the health industry in various ways. Now she coaches clients on how to implement healthy habits that last in order to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. Key Topics: - Risk factors for cognitive decline - Nutrients necessary for brain health - Easy ways to create brain-nourishing meals - Why our brains need us to build habits - How can we change our habits and start newer, healthier ones? - More tools for a healthy brain For more information on brain health and beyond, follow Cathy on Instagram at @cathywilliamshealth and visit her website: cathywilliams.co.uk
Episode 64: Researching the Research: Are We Asking the Right Questions? with Andy Wakefield
He is a pioneer of research on the gut-brain connection and had a moral obligation to his patients. Because of it, he lost everything. Now, Andy Wakefield is an award-winning filmmaker with three thought-provoking films highlighting disparities in medical treatment for the medically injured and marginalized. In this fascinating conversation, we cover these key topics: - The gut-brain connection in autism - How the film “Who Killed Alex Spourdalakis” is the first film in American history to become instrumental in commuting a murder sentence. - How Vaxxed revealed a research coverup that impacted male children, specifically with African American males - The problem with vaccine hesitancy vs vaccine failure - The effect of antibiotics and glyphosate on the gut - How The Act in 1986 changed everything for the medically injured, and the new film that highlights the history - The importance of medical freedom and being your own health advocate - The role of biological maternal instinct and intuition To access the research and documents mentioned, go to 7thchakrafilms.com Use the code GIFTOFTRUTH to receive 30% off all three of the films discussed in this episode at: https://7thchakrafilms.com/7th-chakra-store/triple-combo-dvd-download-detail
Episode 63: Handling Grief Over the Holidays with Therapist Michael Sweeney
The holiday season can often trigger painful memories and feelings. This year brings an unusual set of circumstances. Michael Sweeney is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, Texas and works often with people who are processing grief. In this episode, Michael breaks down the topic of grief, how grief may not take the form we expect, and ways to process and manage our grief that are helpful to us. Learn more about Michael and his practice at magnoliacounselinggroup.com
Episode 62: Why Can’t I Lose Weight? Breaking Down Diet and Weight Loss Myths with Erin Kerry
Maybe you used to be able to diet and lose weight, and now you can’t. Maybe you’re setting New Year’s resolutions and trying to figure out what’s right for you. Maybe you’re sick of people trying to put you on their programs and telling you what’s best for YOUR unique body. Before you start anything new, listen to this episode! This episode is nothing but real talk from me as a health coach, talking to you about fat, weight loss, what works, and what doesn’t. And I put some pretty popular diet plans on blast - which I don’t feel bad about one bit. Topics: - Why diets don’t work and calorie counting really doesn’t work - We don’t have an obesity epidemic we have a stress and toxin epidemic. - Types of fat and how it develops - Not all calories are created equal - How gut health plays a role - How weight gain is a symptom of an underlying issue - How to learn to trust your body To join my upcoming Feast 2 Fast nutrition group that starts on January 4, sign up here: https://feast2fast.co/erin-kerry
Episode 61: Master Your Health and Know What Healthy Feels Like with Nutritionist Emily Hill
Emily Hill is a connoisseur of all things health and wellness for the better part of two decades and currently works as a holistic nutritionist in Dallas, Texas. In this episode we cover all things related to individualizing nutrition for optimal health and avoiding "diet dogma." We even get into the great meat debate! Emily is a wealth of health info, and her belief that there is no one sized fits all gives a refreshing perspective in the midst of endless nutrition debates that often make incorporating healthy habits completely overwhelming. Key Topics: - Emily's holistic health journey and various certifcations - Favorite health hacks and supplements - Why nutrition dogma is such a problem - How to individualize nutrition while staying away from diets - Emily's philosophy: "if it comes from the ground, it's way more sound." - Should we be concerned about lectins and grains? - How to give our livers a break - Meat or no meat - what's the concern with eating meat? - Movement and weight lifting for women - How "women need a constant reminder of how strong they are."
Episode 60: How EMDR Teaches Your Brain to Process Trauma and Find Healing with LPC Zach Herrin
Zach Herrin is a Licensed Professional Counselor trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). In this powerful episode, we discuss how trauma impacts our lives, the affect of grief, and how EMDR can be a powerful tool for healing. Key Topics: - Why is a trauma focus important in counseling? - How do you know if you have trauma? - The connection between grief and trauma - The history and science behind EMDR - Who can benefit from EMDR - The methodology behind EMDR - Kids and EMDR - The importance of emotional vulnerability Learn more about Zach's practice at solacecounselingcenter.com and on Instagram @solace_counseling_and_anxiety
Episode 59: Hot Topics in Women's Health with OB/GYN Dr. Kamilia Smith
Dr. Kamilia Smith is an OB/GYN and Founder of Charleston House Gynecology, which offers a new approach to women's healthcare and wellness inspired by the needs of the modern woman. In this episode, we uncover all the hot topics in women's health today. Key Topics: - The importance of doing work from the top down - The "common" concerns that may not be normal or optimal - How women should thrive, not survive - Signs of healthy ovulation and menstrual cycles - What to do with estrogen dominance and mystery weight gain - Insulin resistance and the effect on hormones - The rise in PCOS and what we know about it - Changes in sexual desire and what to do about it - Navigating PMS and perimenopause - The brain/hormone/stress connection To learn more about Dr. Smith, head to www.charlestonhousegyn.com and follow at Instagram @charlestonhousegyn
Episode 58: Stop Sabotaging Yourself: Beating Chronic Pain and the Toughest Obstacles with Jennifer Loehding
Jennifer Loehding is a health and business coach, blogger, podcast host, speaker, and author. Her memoir, Beat the Toughest Obstacles, highlights the period in her life when she was able to recover from the pain and frustration that comes with a diagnosis of Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia. After years of getting no answers from medical professionals, Jennifer decided to find the best path to healing for herself. Her story is inspiring and encouraging and a reminder not to be limited by a label! Key Topics: - Jennifer’s health journey and her diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia - What is the butterfly effect and how it impacts our - How to stop sabotaging self belief - How to let go of the unnecessary - Setting priorities - How a therapeutic ketogenic diet changed her life - How she maintains health pain-free - How making one small change makes a difference Learn more about Jennifer at www.JenniferLoehding.com Don’t forget to try out Swanson vitamins and use the code whole20 for 20% off your first purchase!
Episode 57: Biohacking Hunger Hormones and Blood Sugar to Survive the Holidays with Steve Welch
Steve Welch is a nutrition research expert and past guest on the show. We discuss why people get stuck in the cravings cycle over the holidays and how to combat that with a few easy tricks! Key topics: - How to avoid the temptation of sugary treats - How fat keeps you full and optimizes hunger hormones - What leptin and ghrelin are and how they regulate your eating and influence your urge to overeat - The importance of nutrient density vs fueling on processed carbs - The science behind a post-meal walk - Brain-boosting benefits of exercise - Benefits of fasted exercise - Best post-workout fuel - The impact of ketones on our immune system Pick up a copy of Steve’s book that he co-authored with Dr. Lori Shemek, called The Ketogenic Key, wherever you buy books. Learn more about Steve at www.ketosteve.net. Don’t forget to use the code whole20 for 20% off your vitamin and supplement needs at www.Swanson.com
Episode 56: How to Make Health and Fitness Part of Your To Do List with Sandra Beck
I am joined by my good friend and mentor Sandra Beck, podcast host of Motherhood Talk Radio, Military Mom Radio, and Coach Talk Radio. In this bonus simulcast episode, we talk all about how we make health and fitness a priority in our busy lives. We chat about best workout times, how to find time for fitness, multitasking, meal prep tips, and other busy mom hacks that help us prioritize our health. This episode is sponsored by Indeed. Try Indeed our with a free $75 credit at www.indeed.com/podcast.
Episode 55: Getting to the Root of Anxiety with Nutritionist Trudy Scott
Trudy Scott is a Food-Mood Expert and certified nutritionist who educates anxious individuals about nutritional solutions for anxiety. She is the author of The Antianxiety Food Solution and host of The Anxiety Summit, an online educational platform for both consumers and health professionals. The Anxiety Summit 6: Toxins, Meds and Infections is airing November 2-8, 2020 and you can register for free here: https://theanxietysummit6.com/?idev_id=29911 In this episode, we dive into the root causes of anxiety. Key topics include: - Fluoride's impact on mental health and GABA levels - The health foods that hurt us - Common medications and infections that trigger anxiety - Which amino acids benefit mental health symptoms and how to use them - How hormones impact neurotransmitters - The negative impacts of Accutane and Miralax - What pthalates are and how they affect anxiety - How "fragrance is the new smoking" - Other supportive tools for healing anxiety Learn more about Trudy Scott at her website: www.everywomanover29.com Her Facebook page is called Trudy Scott Antianxiety Food Solution. This episode is sponsored by Swanson Health. Use the code Whole20 to receive 20% off supplements sitewide at swanson.com
Episode 54: How Environmental Toxins Mess With Our Health with Health Coach Diana Edwards
Diana Edwards is the founder and CEO of Optimally You and co-owner of Revolution Health and Wellness and Against the Grain Podcast with her husband, Dr. Chad Edwards. In this episode, we learn about all the sneaky toxins we encounter day to day that impact our mental functioning, hormones, and so much more! Key Topics: - Diana’s health journey, how every traditional treatment failed her until she learned how to treat the root - Common household/environmental toxins and their effect - How these toxins overload our body - The danger of commonly used cleaning supplies - Simple ways we can reduce our toxic load in cost effective ways - How to support detoxification pathways - Why some people have a harder time detoxing than others - How you know if you are struggling with toxicity To learn more about Diana, head to www.optimallyyou.com This episode is sponsored by Forager Project, a company with 100% organic plant-based products like kefir, milk, yogurt, and sour cream. To learn more about Forager, head to www.foragerproject.com/vote
Episode 53: It's Not Just Your Thyroid with Reed Davis, Founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition
Reed Davis, Founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Nutritional Therapist. He is the founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. Having experience with over 10,000 clients, he is known as one of the most experienced clinicians in the world. In this episode, he explains why thyroid issues are symptoms of underlying issues that must be looked at as a whole. Key topics include: - Tests that determine thyroid issues - Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction - Causes of underactive thyroid - The role of TSH and the T4-T3 conversion - The role of toxicity, immune system, fight or flight - The gut health factor on thyroid - Why the most commonly prescribed medication may not be the best fit - How to be kind to your liver and what its function is in overall body health - How stress causes chaos in the body - Lifestyle medicine tools to support healing - How Functional Diagnostic Nutrition courses can work for you To learn more about FDN and to enroll, head to www.fdn.today/kerry This episode is sponsored by Forager Project, a family-owned company that creates organic, plant-based products. Forager wants to encourage everyone to exercise democracy and vote. Check it out: www.foragerproject.com/vote
Episode 52: How to End Comparison and Release the Burden to Be Better with Author Heather Creekmore
So often in the world of wellness, we find ourselves getting caught up in chasing optimal health yet finding out that there’s always a better goal, diet, plan, solution, etc. Heather Creekmore is a body image expert, speaker, and author of “Compared to Who,” along with the newly published “The Burden of Better.” In this episode we discuss her newest book, the inspiration behind it, and WHY we need to stop comparing and set aside the heavy burden of better. Be sure to pick up Heather’s new book, “The Burden of Better,” wherever you buy your books! To learn more about our holistic health group, Re-Focus 2020, centered around restoring our perspective of health and body image, click here: https://comparedtowho.me/refocus-christian-body-image-course-online/ Don’t forget to check out all the amazing Forager Project organic, plant-based products and exercise your right to vote at www.foragerproject.com/vote
Episode 51: Prove Yourself Wrong: How to Do Your Own Research and Fight for Your Health with Dr. Jim Meehan
In an era of information overload, it is hard to discern what is truth and what is biased. To be your own health advocate, it is important to be open to all sides, then form an assessment and make an evaluation. I dip my toes into some controversial waters to look at a different perspective in order to take a deeper look at the pre-conceived notions I have about medical research. Dr. Jim Meehan champions honest science deployed to create genuine health. He has advanced training and experience in ophthalmology, ocular inflammation and immunology, preventive medicine, addiction medicine, and endocrinology. In this episode that aims to challenge listeners, Dr. Meehan flips the narrative and calls into question many of our beliefs about medical research and encourages us to prove ourselves wrong and dig into the research in order to fight for our health. Key Topics: - Should we be allowed to do our own research? - How the studies can be biased - How to discern what is based on the true scientific method and what is pseudoscience - His background in research - The importance of trying to prove yourself wrong - How randomized controlled trials are used to determine effectiveness - How to look for research that isn’t biased - The research on wearing masks - How fear suppresses the immune system - Tips to build up a healthy immune system and take control of your health To learn more about Dr. Meehan’s work, go to www.meehanmd.com
Episode 50: How to Create Natural Neurotransmitter Balance for Mental Wellness with Dr. Josh Friedman
In this interview with Dr. Josh Friedman, we take a deep dive into neurotransmitters and how to optimize them for mental wellness, via food as well as amino acid supplementation. Dr. Friedman has a doctorate in Psychology from New York University and did post-doctoral training in Psychoanalysis from the Training and Research Institute for Self Psychology (TRISP) in New York City. He also is certified as a Holistic Health Counselor from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York and earned a Diploma of Comprehensive Nutrition (Dip.CN) from Huntington College of Health Sciences. Key Topics include: - The importance of digesting protein to create the right neurotransmitters - The struggle with treatment-resistant depression - Why B12 is essential for mental health - How enzymes aid in digesting protein in order to benefit our mental health - Amino acid suggestions for low serotonin, low dopamine, and low endorphins - And so much more! Website: moodhealing.com Books mentioned in episode: The Mood Cure by Julia Ross The Anti-Anxiety Solution by Trudy Scott Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker Questionnaire for amino acids: juliarosscures.com/questionnaire
Episode 49: Nutritional Psychiatry: Your Brain on Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo
Dr. Uma Naidoo is a board certified psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutrition specialist. She is the director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. In this fascinating episode, we discuss her new book, This Is Your Brain On Food.
Episode 48: Back to School: Dealing with Fatigue, Anxiety, and Screen Addiction with Dr. Alina Olteanu and Dr. Sandy Gluckman
Dr. Alina Olteanu is an integrative pediatrician and founder of Whole Child Texas. Dr. Sandy Gluckman is a speaker, author, child behavior specialist, and founder of Parenting That Heals. In this back-to-school special interview with both women, we discuss current health concerns for our children (it may surprise you), what screens do for our mental health, and how our emotional state as parents determines the emotional well-being of our children. Key topics: - Rising anxiety epidemic in kids - Common viruses in kids - are they still alive and well even though we’re taking more precautions? - Effects of excessive screen time on stress hormones and the brain - What screen time does to dopamine and the prefrontal cortex - Long term health effects of screen addiction and potential for other future addictions - The antidote to screen time - Importance of nature - How the science of interpersonal neurobiology plays a role in how our families handle stress - How to add meditation into your life to counteract stress CDC mental health study referenced: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm To learn about the screen addiction training by Dr. Olteanu and Dr. Gluckman, go here: https://drsandygluckman.com/preventing-reversing-screen-addiction/
Episode 47: 3 Things We Need Every Day to Feel Better with Health Coach Melissa McGaughey
It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the "health" topics. Everyone has an opinion on what being healthy truly is. In order to simplify this process, I sat down with my friend, fellow health coach and former guest Melissa McGaughey, and we listed out our top 3 things we try to include in our day to day. We included our list of 3 things for ourselves, along with our list of 3 for our kids. No matter where you are in your health journey, this episode will help inspire you to keep going and incorporate tiny habits to make a big impact. For more on Melissa, head to https://www.enduralife.com/
Episode 46: What Do We Currently Know About Covid? with Dr. Chad Edwards
All we hear from the news media is wash your hands, wear a mask, social distance. Is that really a long term solution for supporting your immune system? Dr. Chad Edwards is a former army surgeon and currently works as an Emergency Physician. He is the founder and director of Revolution Health and Wellness Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here, he pays special attention to sports medicine and health and wellness as a preventive strategy to optimize health, minimize injury risk, and decrease disease. Viewing his patients through a holistic approach helps identify subtleties in their function that are beginning to show signs of dysregulation. This interview is a very balanced and informative take on the current pandemic, what we currently know, and what we can do to support our immune function. Key topics include: - His experience with Covid patients - What the current numbers of deaths and infections tell us, according to CDC data - The lack of data on wearing masks - The issue of asymptomatic carriers - Common sense precautions to take - Practical steps to support immune health via gut health and supplementation - The magic of vitamin c and nitric oxide - The importance of glutathione, n acetyl cysteine and nitric oxide - Should we run out to get the covid vaccine? CDC data mentioned in the episode: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid19/excess_deaths.htm#dashboard For more information on Dr. Edwards and his clinic: https://www.revolutionhealth.org
Episode 45: Understanding the Mind/Body Connection on a Deeper Level with Matt Erb
Matt Erb is a physiotherapist, senior faculty member with The Center for Mind Body Medicine, instructor at The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, and the Founder of Embody Your Mind, which specializes in high quality writing, teaching, and consulting in integrative and mind-body medicine topics. In this episode we discuss the powerful mind/body connection and why we need to be listening to how our bodies handle our stressors. Key Topics: - How he uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) - The principles of ACT - Survival biology and the aversion response to pain or unpleasant sensations - The importance of improving our relationship to things - Biobehavioral patterns of seeking care and comfort and regulating our physiological state - Understanding emotional eating - How ACT can help us in our day to day? Who is this useful for? - Mechanics of emotional eating, autonomic nervous system development - Mind-body practices we all could incorporate right now Learn more about Matt at www.embodyyourmind.com Watch his Youtube video on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy here: https://youtu.be/8-B1nAvG1dI
Episode 44: Normalizing Mental Health Care with #SameHere Founder Eric Kussin and Dr. Andrew Pleener
What do you do when your mental health is suffering and nothing you try helps? Are there options beyond the traditional treatment plans? Where can you find support? #SameHere is an organization founded by Eric Kussin after he experienced 2 and a half years of suffering from a mental health crisis that briefly interrupted his career as a sports executive. In this episode, you’ll learn Eric’s story in detail, and you’ll also hear from psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Pleener, who is the leader of the Same Here psych alliance and advocates for multiple healing modalities when it comes to psychiatry. Key Topics: - Eric’s story and how he got to the root of his issues after digging through his trauma - How mental health is a continuum and the problem with using phrases like “stop the stigma” - The non-medication healing modalities that Same Here brings awareness to - The STARR exercises that improve mental fitness, as the “gym for the brain” - The importance of creating community support and awareness for mental health - Why you can’t use the same tool over and over to improve mental health - you need more! - Mental health treatment shouldn’t be a one size fits all plan. - The work Same Here is doing with schools and businesses - How you can get involved To learn more, go to https://samehereglobal.org Follow on Twitter: @samehere_global Follow on Instagram: @samehere_global
Episode 43: How to Make Better Decisions Without a Doubt with Anne Tucker
Anne Tucker is the creator of Business Energetics and the Authentic Expression test. Her work is designed to help you see and understand your creative purpose, and to express it through your work so that you not only feel fulfilled, seen, and appreciated, but you also unlock the success you're capable of. Anne is helping to redefine business for a spiritual age, where the work we do becomes a conscious pathway to our own spiritual development. Her book, Undoubtedly Awesome, uses the Authentic Expression test to show you how to experience less doubt in your life. We discuss decision-making and doubt and how it adds friction. Other key topics include: - the Authentic Expression test - how it is different from a standard personality test - how this test benefits decision-making - how knowing your soul type can impact your work, your relationships, and the doubt you experience - what the different soul types are and how they show up in our lives - how Business Energetics can improve collaboration Find out more about Anne’s work and take the free soul type quiz on www.annetucker.com
Episode 42: The Nutritional Program that Teaches You to Burn Fat AND Eat What You Love with Chelsea Blackbird
If you love food, hate diets, and want to learn how to support your health goals in a balanced way - this episode is for you. I am joined by past guest, Chelsea Blackbird, and we talk about the upcoming nutritional reset called Feast 2 Fast. This program aims to develop metabolic flexibility and overall health while also supporting mental health and your relationship with food through daily encouragement. Sign up for the back to school group that starts August 17 here: https://feast2fast.co/erin-kerry
Episode 41: Stop Fearing Fat with Steve Welch
Steve Welch is a NESTA certified Fitness Nutrition Coach and former publisher of the world renowned medical journal CHEST. His background in medical publishing provides him with insights into assessing medical and nutrition research, which he uses to educate others to improve their own health and fitness. He is coauthor of the new book "The Ketogenic Key," which is available in stores now. In this episode we cover: - Why we fear fat - The history of low fat diets and why the data is skewed - Why our bodies need fat to function - The cholesterol conversation - Carbohydrates, cholesterol, and inflammation - How cutting extreme calories can backfire - Individualizing the approach for YOU Learn more about Steve at www.ketosteve.net or on Twitter at @ketosteve.
Episode 40: Habits of Healthy Moms with Dr. Orlena Kerek
Dr. Orlena Kerek is a pediatrician turned weight loss coach and mom of 4. Her goal is to make nutrition easy and fun for both moms and kids. In this episode, she gives practical tips to create healthy, sustainable habits. She shares her 4 keys for health and how she incorporates those things for her clients. Learn more about Dr. Orlena and access her free gifts at www.drorlena.com and listen to her podcast Fit and Fabulous at Forty and Beyond.
Episode 38: Ketosis for Mental Health with Dr. Lori Shemek
Dr. Lori Shemek is an award-winning, bestselling author of How To Fight FATflammation, Beginner’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting, Fire-Up Your Fat Burn, and the recently published The Ketogenic Key. She is a leading health and weight loss expert, has appeared in dozens of publications and TV shows, and is also known as “The Inflammation Terminator.” In this episode, Dr Shemek shares about her newest book, The Ketogenic Key. She shares what the ketogenic diet is, how ketosis benefits our mental health, benefits of intermittent fasting, how inflammation is a threat to our health and well-being, and practical ways to implement changes to your lifestyle. To learn more about Dr. Shemek, go to www.drlorishemek.com.
Episode 37: An Integrative Approach to Mental Health with Dr. Noshene Ranjbar
Dr. Noshene Ranjbar is Harvard-trained and board certified in General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Integrative Medicine. She serves as medical director of the Integrative Psychiatry Clinic at Banner - University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson. In this episode we discuss the changes in mental health approaches in the last 20 years, how integrative psychiatry is different, nervous system dysfunction, common underlying issues that impact mental wellness, a whole body approach to mental health, as well as Dr Ranjbar’s work with refugee and American Indian communities. Through her work as faculty at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and The Center for Mind Body Medicine, she continues to expand evidence-based work in integrative mental health and underserved populations. To learn more about her and her story, go to: https://samehereglobal.org/expert-profile-noshene-ranjbar/ The Integrative Psychiatry clinic where she trains and supervises residents and fellows to see patients: https://psychiatry.arizona.edu/patient-care/integrative-psychiatry-clinic Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine: www.azcim.org Center for Mind Body Medicine: www.cmbm.org
Episode 36: "Put the Burden Down" - a Conversation about Racial Trauma with Rochelle Riley
Rochelle Riley is the author of The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery, as well as the Director of Arts and Culture for the city of Detroit. In this episode, we discuss her powerful book and why this is the conversation we've been needing to have for over 400 years. She shares the impact of chronic stress on people of color and why we are in unprecedented times as a nation. To purchase her book and learn more about her work, head to www.rochelleriley.com. Follow Rochelle on Twitter: @rochelleriley Instagram: @rochellerileythewriter
Episode 35: How Food Really is Mood with Ali Miller RD
Ali Miller is a registered dietitian, integrative functional medicine practitioner, and author of Naturally Nourished, The Anti-Anxiety Diet, and The Anti-Anxiety Diet Cookbook. In this episode we discuss the concept of food as mood, how neurotransmitters play a role in gut health, and how your stress response affects your overall health - from mental wellness to reproductive function to immune health. She explains the 6 approaches she takes to restoring our bodies to their rightful state, how to biohack our bodies and create metabolic flexibility - and simple tools to reducing panic and anxiety during times of stress.
Episode 34: The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 with Dr. Amelia Villagomez
Dr. Amelia Villagomez is an integrative psychiatrist at Progressive Psychiatry in Fort Worth, Texas. In this interview, Dr Villagomez addresses the top mental health concerns during this pandemic and its aftermath. She shares how the abundance of information may be negatively impacting us, as well as the trauma resulting with the current season. We discuss sleep strategies, meditation, positive self talk, the gut-brain connection, the importance of whole food nutrition in brain health, along with the importance of PLAY in our daily lives. Resources discussed during podcast: Integrative Strategies (including nutraceuticals) published by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830720301130?via%3Dihub CMBM online groups: https://cmbm.org/onlinegroup/ Guided Imagery: By Belleruth Naparstek https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/live-well/relax-your-mind-and-body-with-podcasts-and-feel-stress-melt-away SAMHSA Phases of a Disaster : https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/recovering-disasters/phases-disaster
Episode 33: Small, Intentional Steps We Can Take to Improve Career, Health, and Lifestyle with Sandra Beck
Sandra Beck is an author, coach, speaker, radio host, entrepreneur and philanthropist as well as my personal mentor! She is also the host of multiple popular podcasts, including Military Mom Radio, Motherhood Talk Radio, and Coach Talk Radio. Her successful company, Motherhood Incorporated, was started out of a need to provide a steady income while working from home with her kids as a single parent. In this episode, Sandra shares the small steps we can take toward making a big impact, whether in our businesses or personal lives. We discuss battling negative self talk, finding motivation, healthy habits, and the ever-so-difficult: asking for help. She shares what she has learned after going through numerous cancer treatments, and how cancer was a wake-up call for her life. Don’t forget to get 50% off your first order from takecareof.com when you use the code spark50!
Episode 32: Ask the Pediatrician with Dr. Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD
Dr. Alina Olteanu is the founder and president of Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas. She is the only pediatrician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area trained through the prestigious Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, founded by Dr Andrew Weil. In this episode, we dig into all the common concerns parents have with young children: fevers, ear infections, food sensitivities, digestive troubles, common nutrient deficiencies, nutrition, gut health, and ways to support a healthy immune system... which includes a brief discussion on the importance of managing stress. This is a PACKED episode. I highly encourage all caretakers of children to take a listen. To learn more about Dr. Olteanu and access any of the resources mentioned, head to www.wholechildtexas.com.
Episode 31: Nourish Hormones, Detoxify, Improve Sleep and Boost Immune Health with Esther Blum
Esther Blum is the bestselling author of Cavewomen Don't Get Fat, Eat Drink and Be Gorgeous, Secrets of Gorgeous, and The Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous Project. As an Integrative Dietitian and High Performance Coach, she provides 360 degrees of healing with physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual support. In this episode, we discuss how to detox and improve hormone function, why stress management should be the starting point to health, why protein is the missing link for many women, how to support a healthy gut, and so much more! Schedule a call with her at www.estherblum.com/call - the first 12 people who respond get a FREE consultation!
Episode 30: How to Care for Sensitive Children with Dr. Sandy Gluckman
Why are some children more sensitive than others? What is going on inside their brains and nervous systems? "Listener favorite," Dr. Sandy Gluckman, shares all about how to care for sensitive children, the overuse of labels in psychology and education today, and how we can treat the whole child, not just address the symptoms. Learn more about Dr. Sandy and access her many resources at www.drsandygluckman.com
Episode 29: Being Bipolar in a Global Crisis - Tools to Manage Stormy Moods with Erin Kerry
Don't let the title fool you - these tips are not just for those diagnosed with mental illness. Due to the current circumstances in our world, it is more important than ever to adopt a wide range of tools that support mental health. Change, stress, and uncertainty can be triggering for those diagnosed with mental illness. For this episode, I interviewed various friends with bipolar disorder and depression in order to gather background. I share their thoughts along with the tried and true tools I use to maintain stability during times of change and stress.
Episode 28: Busting Common Health and Diet Myths with Chelsea Blackbird, NTP
Chelsea Blackbird, aka "The Christian Nutritionist," is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who loves to help women optimize their metabolism and find food peace. In this interview, she shares about how she overcame her own journey with unexplained infertility, a skin condition, and digestive issues when all conventional treatments failed her. Other topics addressed: - Adrenal burnout and the effect on hormones - The importance of natural light - Creating metabolic flexibility - Pitfalls of going keto and the great carb debate - Intermittent fasting - Balancing food for enjoyment and food for fuel - How to stop obsessing over food so we can live our purpose! To find out more about her and her many nutritional programs, go to www.thechristiannutritionist.com or subscribe to her podcast, The Christian Health Club.
Episode 27: How Do We Talk to Our Kids about COVID-19? with LPC Karlie Jager
"Kids need a connected adult, not a problem-solver." Karlie Jager is a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist who works with children of all ages on a regular basis. In this interview, we discuss how parents can help their kids process all the heavy emotions related to school closures, cancelled vacations, birthday parties, prom, graduation, and all the other major disappointments resulting from this pandemic. Whether you are the caregiver of a 3 year old or a 16 year old, you will find so much hope and encouragement in this conversation with Karlie! To learn more about Karlie and download the resources she mentions in the show, head to www.tmmcounseling.com.
Episode 26: Finding Food Freedom with Casey Bonano, RD
Casey Bonano is a registered dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating and intuitive eating. Casey believes in a non-diet nutrition approach, and strives to empower her clients to reject diet culture. In this interview, I talk with Casey about the health at every size movement, how stress can trigger disordered eating behaviors, food psychology, the concept that our bodies our on our side to keep us safe, orthorexia, the cultural obsession with clean eating, and how our bodies are not the problem. This is a very eye-opening conversation on a topic that can be confusing for so many. Don't forget to get 20% off Casey's book at www.thefoodfreedomguide.com with the code wholeness.
Episode 25: How We Can Manage Our Mental Health During Times of Uncertainty with Leigh Richardson and Sandra Beck
In this special simulcast episode, Sandra Beck and I speak with Leigh Richardson, Founder and DIrector of The Brain Performance Center in Dallas. Leigh offers fabulous insight into how we should be taking care of our mental health during uncertain times, such as global pandemic or orders of shelter in place.
Episode 24: Why Stress is Destroying Your Health and How to Manage It with Erin Kerry
You can eat clean, exercise every day, take all the right supplements, but if you aren't managing your stress, you miss out on true health. In fact, due to the current circumstances in our world, I'd say it is more important to manage your stress than ever before. What does chronic stress do to our immune system? Digestion? Reproductive health? Listen to this mini-episode to learn about the affects of stress but more importantly - how to manage it in practical, realistic ways.
Episode 23: Why Healthy Habits Suck with Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley
Why can't we make healthy habits stick? Why is it so hard to eat better or make lasting changes? Why can't we control our weight and get to where we want to be? The answer may surprise you - your brain was wired this way! Clinical psychologist Dayna Lee-Baggley shares information from her new book, Healthy Habits Suck, which shares how to live a healthy life... even when you don't want to! In this discussion we cover the problem with setting goals, how you are not your feelings, and how we can learn to override our "survival brain." You can find more information about Dayna and her book at www.drleebaggley.com
Episode 22: Detox Your Brain to Prevent Cognitive Decline with Leslie Bumpas, NTP
Get ready to have your mind blown! Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Leslie Bumpas and I take on some semi-controversial topics on this one - how to prevent dementia, sugar and mental health, environmental toxins (why you’ll never want to use a dryer sheet again), and why your brain needs FAT, among many others. Leslie is the owner of Redeeming Wellness, and you can find more information about her, her many certifications and specialties, and everything she does at www.redeemingwellness.com
Episode 21: Redefining Health with Laura Schoenfeld, RD
How do you define health? Is it making your body look the way you want it to, is it a feeling, or is it the presence or absence of a diagnosis? Laura Schoenfeld is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about redefining health and empowering women to nourish their bodies, develop true strength, and ultimately pursue their purpose. Her greatest mission is to help women realize they are more than a body, so they can move past health obsession, and focus on pursuing the purpose they were created for. In this conversation with her, we cover a wide range of topics, from how to know if you’re healthy, the phrase “your body is a temple,” the purity culture of clean eating, the role of identity in behavior and habit change, how most women are actually undereating, and so much more! If you are female struggling to figure out how to best take care of your body, you will want to listen to this! Learn more about Laura and what she does at www.lauraschoenfeld.com
Episode 20: Getting to the Root of Addiction with Therapist Mitchell Isle
Is sex addiction a thing? What is at the root of addictive behaviors? Meet Mitchell Isle, who is an addiction expert and certified sex addiction therapist. In this conversation, we dive deep into the multilayered topic of addiction. We learn the brain does not distinguish between substances, behaviors, experiences or relationships - they all involve the same part of the brain. We talk about how sex addiction is an intimacy disorder. We learn how family upbringing may - or may not - play a role in addictive behaviors. We discuss how false beliefs in one's identity and shame factor in. We also experienced a few technical difficulties while recording, but this conversation is so fascinating I promise it doesn't matter! You might want to take notes on this one! To learn more about Mitch and his work, head to www.communioncollaborative.com.
Episode 19: Owning Your Influence with Bobi Ann Allen
"When we own who we are, we find satisfaction and wholeness." Bobi Ann Allen is the author of the new book, Own Your Everyday Influence. Her book is for the dreamer with big goals and lofty plans feeling trapped by the demands of life. It is for the woman searching for purpose in the middle of her ordinary circumstances. In this episode, we cover everything from comparison, priorities, goals, contentment, and getting lost in what we think we should be doing instead of being content in the present. Learn more about Bobi Ann and find her books at www.bobiann.com
Episode 18: Galentine's Bonus Episode! Let's Talk about Healthy Friendships!
In honor of "Galentine's Day," my friend Sandra and I thought we'd chat about the concept of healthy friendships. What does it mean to have healthy friendships and how do we create them? Listen for a great offer from betabrand.com/MotherhoodTalk and get 20% off. Also, try out the game Best Fiends - play it with your friends - you'll be glad you did!
Episode 17: A Taste of Grace with Melissa d'Arabian
Melissa d'Arabian, Food Network host and author of the bestselling book Ten Dollar Dinners, shares all about her new book Tasting Grace. If you are feeling caught up and confused in the noise of all the food rules, Melissa offers a fresh, balanced perspective on the gift of food, how food brings us together to unite us, and how we can utilize what we've been given with gratitude - and grace. Find out more about Melissa at www.melissadarabian.net and check out her books at www.melissadarabianbooks.com or wherever you get your reading material!
Episode 16: In Our Feelings with Licensed Professional Counselor Tiffany Feagin-Webb
Is counseling only for people with SERIOUS mental health issues? How can we learn to deal with the wide range of emotions that are part of the human experience? How can seeing a professional counselor be a powerful tool for holistic healing? This episode, featuring the amazing Dallas-based licensed counselor Tiffany Feagin-Webb, debunks therapy myths and misconceptions and takes on issues like identifying feelings, vulnerability, anger, shame, and so much more! You can learn more about Tiffany and her practice at www.magnoliacounselinggroup.com
Episode 15: Busy Mom Life Hacks with Sandra Beck
I sat down with my mentor Sandra Beck, who knows all about balancing work life and mom life and prioritizing what matters. Whether she is coaching a company owner to a million dollar commission goal, training a stay at home mom to perform SEO on web sites or speaking to a corporate group about personal and professional growth, her message is about what is possible and how to create the circumstances of your choosing. Tune in to learn some of our tips for balancing it all, along with a special offer from Beta Brand pants at betabrand.com/coachtalk
Episode 14: Upgrade Your Brain with Leigh Richardson
Does your brain need an upgrade? Or maybe you struggle with pregnancy brain and your last pregnancy was 10 years ago? Leigh Richardson is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Brain Performance Center in Dallas, Texas. She is a licensed professional counselor who is board certified in neurofeedback and biofeedback. We discuss what neurofeedback is, how we can re-train our brains, the importance of movement, breathing, sleep, and other practical strategies to keep your brain healthy and young! Leigh's new book, Turn Your Brain On to Get Your Game On is available now on her website www.thebrainperformancecenter.com or on Amazon.
Episode 13: Fitting in Fitness: How to Make Simple and Sustainable Changes with former NFL player Johnathan Haggerty
Johnathan Haggerty is a former NFL player and current wellness influencer who is passionate about holistic health. He discusses digging into your nutritional identity, smart swaps to make in the pantry, how to add variety to your diet, creating sustainable fitness resolutions for the new year, and the importance of MINDSET.
Episode 12: New Year, Same Me: And That’s Okay with Erin Kerry and Katharine Elkins
In this special New Year’s episode, I am joined by my friend Katharine Elkins and we get really real about how EXHAUSTED we are by the culture of goal-setting and Instagram body perfection. Katharine shares how she went a full year off of sugar (a full year!!!) and how that has impacted her relationship with sweets now. A few more talking points that will surprise you: Weight is not always an indicator of health. How we will no longer subscribe to a “before and after” mentality. Eating less and exercising more can cause inflammation, thanks to an ancestral fight or flight response. You can be pro-health, pro-nutrition and anti-diet!
Episode 11: All I Want After Christmas Is Some CBD
Mauricio Cremer is a good friend of mine who happens to be the co-founder and brand director for Brio Nutrition, a growing hemp/CBD company. In part one of the episode, I share all about the Endocannabinoid System and why it's a big deal. In part two, we talk about the misconceptions and benefits of hemp/CBD, what it's useful for, and what Brio is doing to make quality innovative products with amazing results. Head to www.brionutrition.com and use the code spark20 for your special offer!
Episode 10: Eating for Mental WEALTH with Erin Kerry
Nourishment comes in many forms beyond food, but food can still be a great tool to improving mental wealth! In this episode I share some of my favorite tips for improving mental health through nutrition - based on my own experience and all the latest research on how food IS mood.
Episode 9: Put the Weights Down: Thoughts on Chasing the Perfect Body and New Year's Resolutions with Author Heather Creekmore
Heather Creekmore is a speaker and author who shares hope with thousands of women each week, inspiring them to stop comparing. Her first book, "Compared to Who? A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image" encourages women to uncover the spiritual root of body image issues and find freedom. Her second book, "The Burden of Better," releases in 2020. In this refreshing and candid episode, we discuss our dieting history and how we never found fulfillment in a smaller size. Heather shares some of her tips for dealing with the comparison and body image battle, and later we tackle the topic of realistic resolutions to have in the new year.
Episode 8: Natural Ways to Feel Better with Sandra Beck
I sit down with my amazing mentor and friend, Sandra Beck, and we share ways natural health has impacted our lives, why you don't want to ignore those warning signs that something is off, how to be more mindful of the impact stress has on our daily habits, and some of our easy tips for feeling better...naturally! Don't miss the amazing offer for CBD oil at www.feals.com/motherhood
Episode 7: The Biggest Issues in Children’s Health Today with Dr. Alina Olteanu
Dr. Alina Olteanu is an integrative pediatrician and founder of Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas. In this two part episode, I first share how integrative medicine helped my third child when he was suffering from chronic ear infections and respiratory problems. What follows is an interview with Dr. Olteanu where she discusses the changing issues in children’s health, how stress plays a role, and what kind of nutrition and supplements are recommended for cold and flu season.
Episode 6: Healthy For The Holidays with Health Coach Melissa McGaughey
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I sit down with my good friend, Melissa McGaughey to discuss how to stay healthy during the holidays. Melissa is a holistic health coach, sports nutritionist, and fitness trainer with almost 20 years of experience in nutrition and fitness. Together, we talk about our favorite tools for staying healthy - mentally and physically - during the hectic holiday season!
Episode 5: What Is MTHFR and How Does it Affect Me? with Dr. Tracey Stroup
Nope, it's not an abbreviation for a cuss word! This week's guest, Dr. Tracey Stroup, takes listeners deep into a discussion about the MTHFR gene mutation and the methylation cycle and how it affects mental health and how vitamins and even neurotransmitters are processed. She shares why it is so difficult to function optimally in the toxic storm we live in, what dietary changes, lifestyle tools, and supplements we need to include into our daily routine, and the REAL problem with wheat - which may surprise you.
Episode 4: How To Raise Emotionally Resilient, Confident Children with Dr. Sandy Gluckman
While it seems as if children are experiencing more mental health challenges than ever before, there is a way to get to the root! Dr. Sandy Gluckman has made it her mission to treat the root of child behavior - instead of just managing symptoms. She is a learning, behavior and mood specialist, author, educator and international speaker who has consulted with and trained, thousands of parents and teachers in different parts of the world. She shares about neurotransmitters and their role in emotional resilience, the science of interpersonal neurobiology, and what parents and teachers can do to raise confident children.
Episode 3: Is Your Poop Telling You Something? with Dr. Chris Jones
The health of your gut truly does determine your overall health and well-being. Dr. Chris Jones shares all about the role of the gut microbiome and how gut health plays into many common health concerns. He discusses steps to take for improvement through nutrition, specific testing, movement, and so much more! This episode is a "must listen" - whether you struggle with mystery health issues that aren't improving, or you need a few extra tools for wellness!
Episode 2: Discovering Healing from Trauma with Dr. James Gordon
"Sooner or later, trauma in one form or another comes to everyone." - Dr. James Gordon is a Harvard-educated psychiatrist and Founder and Director of the Center for Mind Body Medicine, and his most recent book The Transformation: Discovering Wholeness and Healing After Trauma, gives practical tips for dealing with trauma and living a life of continued healing and connection. In this episode, Dr. Gordon explains the psychology and biology behind trauma, how trauma can be passed down through our genes, and how we have the power to heal ourselves through the heavily researched techniques he recommends in his book.
Episode 1: Living with the Stigma of Bipolar Disorder with Erin Kerry
On this premiere episode of Sparking Wholeness, I share my story of living with bipolar disorder like I never have before. After years of hiding from the title, it is time to get real and share what it was like struggling with PTSD, depression, and finally... dealing with the diagnosis of a chronic illness that comes with such a stigma. This show will lay the foundation for all future episodes, and will offer hope for those who are also caught up in the tornado of mental illness that you CAN find true healing!
