Show Notes: Week 1

Watch Dr. Grandin’s eye-opening interview now in our archives: Watch here.

Interview:

How Honoring Different Kinds of Minds Empowers Everyone (Neurodiversity)

You will love this interview if you or someone you know is a little (or a lot!) different, and wanting to take their place in the world.

Temple Grandin was autistic in a time when autism was not well understood, and struggled with things most people take for granted, like speaking and dealing with people in everyday situations like school or grocery stores.

Now she is helping people all over the world understand different kinds of thinking, and how all the different kinds of minds, and the skills associated with them, are needed for a functioning, thriving society.

We talk about visual thinking, the widespread loss of critical skills stemming from gifted students being screened out and ending up in the basement playing video games instead of inventing, building and maintaining technology and infrastructure.

I had several breakthrough moments and learned so much in this conversation about how to support young people and even adults like myself, to meet our needs and take our place to offer our unique gifts. I hope you find similar inspiration and hope. 

My favorite takeaway from Temple was to transition gradually into living our purpose. I would love to hear what your favorite tip or takeaway was. Let me know yours by leaving a comment!

Bio:

Temple Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University.  Facilities she has designed for handling livestock are used by many companies around the world.  She has also been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs that are used by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other corporations.

Temple has appeared on numerous TV shows such as 20/20 and Prime Time.  Her books include: Thinking in Pictures, Livestock Handling and Transport and The Autistic Brain. Her books Animals in Translation and Visual Thinking have been on the New York Times Bestseller List. Temple was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in September 2017 and in 2022 was named a Colorado State University Distinguished Professor.

https://www.templegrandin.com

https://www.grandin.com

FREE GIFT: 

📕✍🏻Enter to win an autographed copy of Visual Thinking, from Temple Grandin!

Interview:

The Healing Magic of Plant Spirit Medicine: Peace and Wellness Through Deep Connection With Nature

🍃 “I think the plants got me when I was a little girl in the woods… I still remember some of the plants, I got the feeling of, ‘oh! That’s my friend.’”

~Pip Waller

Talk about a magical mystery healing tour ~ through the deeper healing potential of working with the spirits, or energy, of plants. 

Pip Waller felt a calling and desire to go deeper with natural healing from a young age. Her parents exposed her to natural healing through herbs, but she went further to discover how the “spirits” or energy plants naturally have can help heal our spirits, similarly to how their “bodies” can help heal and support our bodies.

Pip has found that the widespread sense of unrest and malaise that ails us in our modern world often boils down to a lack of connection: with ourselves, and with the natural world of which we are a part.

We talk about how the health of our energy field affects our physical health and every other part of our lives, and how to enlist the support of the plants all around us to become more clear and robust, energetically AND physically.

One of the many “aha” moments for me in this conversation was a deeper appreciation for the fact that plants are literally our relatives, hence their ability to influence our bodies and spirits so profoundly. I am excited for you to experience your own breakthroughs with this beautiful, powerful, and empowering presentation.

My favorite part (one of many!) was when she told the story of how she saved a baby’s life in Africa with a homeopathic kit. I would love to hear what your favorite story, tip or takeaway was. Let me know yours by leaving a comment!

Bio: 

Pip is a herbalist and plant spirit medicine healer for 35 years, a writer and a teacher, living in North Shropshire UK. Her passion is empowering people to live a more natural life connected with nature and their authentic selves.

www.pipwaller.co.uk

www.touchedbynaturepsm.uk

Pip’s generous GIFT for viewers:

80% discount(!) code for A Year With the Plants online course:

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Interview:

Heal Yourself Naturally Through Toxin Free Living

“I feel like this experience I had was my ‘pearl.’”

~Beth Greer

Have you ever felt like something you’re going through is almost unbearable? What if it’s actually your body’s, or your soul’s, way of trying to protect you?

Beth Greer successfully got rid of a mass in her chest by detoxing her body and lifestyle. Now she’s known as “The Supernatural Mom,” and teaches women everywhere how they can create radiant health through natural living.

In her 70s, Beth is living life fully: recently married, you can now find her zip lining through the forest in Costa Rica or enjoying the water (and baby humpback whales!) on a boat off the coast of Uvita.

In our interview, we talk about how common parts of our modern lives that we might not think twice about, can actually be adding to our body’s toxic load, and how simple it can really be to make life-altering shifts in our everyday habits.

A lightbulb went off for me when we made the connection with the way pearls are made: when a piece of sand or another irritant gets into an oyster’s shell and is causing pain, it produces that beautiful pearl coating to protect itself. Beth shows us how we likewise can transform our painful experiences into something beautiful. I can hardly wait for you to experience that shift in your life as well!

Can you guess what common household item causes you to breathe in LEAD? Beth’s story of how to look out for this and easily replace it with something healthy is one of my favorite examples of the power that comes with this simple knowledge. I would love to hear what your favorite story, tip or takeaway was. Let me know yours by leaving a comment!

Bio:

Beth Greer, known as the Super Natural Mom, is an award-winning journalist and one of the foremost experts on sustainable and toxin-free living. She eliminated a sizable tumor in her chest without drugs or surgery by detoxing her body and her home.

She’s author of the best-selling book, “Super Natural Home,” endorsed by Deepak Chopra and Dr. Joe Mercola. Beth is also Founder/CEO of the True Vitality Project which focuses on activating our body’s stem cells for healing and rejuvenation.

Her website is https://supernaturalmom.com

FREE GIFT:

Ebook: How to Activate your Stem Cells for Healing and Vitality

Interview:

Joy is Your Justice and Your Birthright: Why and How to Cultivate Joy No Matter What

💜“It is crucial, in the face of oppression, trauma, and suffering, that we reclaim our joy, because that is how we reclaim our power and our humanity.”

~Tanmeet Sethi, MD

If you have ever felt like there was nothing left to fight for, you need to watch this heartwarming and incredibly inspiring interview. Tanmeet Sethi was on top of the world, expecting her third child, when she received devastating news about her second child.

Tanmeet is a warrior: an activist and courageous doctor who has dedicated her life to fighting for the most vulnerable and oppressed among us. When she was faced with a situation where no amount of fighting could bring her and her son back from this new path ahead, she chose to allow gratitude and Joy to transform her experience, and her and her family’s lives.

Tanmeet found that grief and Joy can coexist, “because Joy is meaning, connection, belonging, love.” She has learned to find and receive the connection that helps to keep her heart open, and her children and whole family benefit as well.

In this conversation, we talk about what Joy is and what wellness, thriving and resilience really mean. We explore how to increase our capacity to thrive and rejoice ~ even in the face of pain and struggle. 

Tanmeet blew my mind when she said that loving yourself is a bold act of justice, and then went on to explain, from her physician’s perspective, how doing this dampens our mid-brain “threat” centers that broadcast the message throughout our body that we are not safe, AND bring us into our brain’s frontal executive function centers that give us motivation, make us want to make change in ourselves and the world, and send the message throughout our bodies that we are ok in this moment even if life does not feel ok. I hope that you are refreshed and empowered by this conversation to harness this power of self-compassion. 

My favorite part of Tanmeet’s powerful message is that we have a CHOICE to only live in the tragedy that has been given to us, or to ask ourselves, is there a bigger story here? Tanmeet’s bigger story is that if she can teach herself and her family how to still claim Joy amidst all of this, then they have learned how to be human in the most beautiful way possible. I would love to hear what your favorite story, tip or takeaway was. Let me know yours by leaving a comment!

Bio:

Tanmeet is a board-certified Integrative Family Medicine physician and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She has spent the past 25 years working on the frontlines of the most marginalized communities, as well as globally with victims of school shootings, survivors of hurricanes, citizens impacted by police violence, and psychologists in Ukraine under attack.

Tanmeet has created entire Integrative medicine programs from the ground up, including the first- ever fellowship in Washington state. Her expertise is widely recognized in both local and national work which includes leading programs on healing from trauma, thought- provoking presentations (to both medical and non-medical organizations), and multiple articles and textbook chapters on Integrative Medicine.

https://tanmeetsethimd.com

https://instagram.com/tanmeetsethimd

FREE GIFT:

Enter to win a copy of Joy Is My Justice, from Tanmeet Sethi, MD!

Interview:

Create a Joyful, Fulfilling Life by Living From Your Heart

🎨“The creator in me reveals where I am to be, who I am to be, and what I am to do.”

~One of Suzy Vance’s favorite affirmations 

You’ll appreciate this interview if you feel like you’re struggling with feeling fulfilled.

Suzy Vance has created a life she loves, with so much passion and abundance that it spills over into sparking the inner “fires” of many others. As a “recovering lawyer,” a life coach and an artist, she speaks from experience about how to honor who you are and intentionally create the masterpiece that your life can be.

One of Suzy’s greatest joys is that her children also know how to be true to themselves… a gift many moms want for their children. For Suzy, this came about by leading by example herself.

We talk about discovering what is really important to you, how to go about aligning your life with your values, and learning how to prioritize what makes life worth living, even with a busy schedule.

I was inspired by Suzy’s ideas about how to turn any day, or part of a day, into a mini adventure to restore heart and soul, and have really been enjoying putting it into practice. I hope you get the same enjoyment and satisfaction from trying her incredible strategies!

My favorite tip from Suzy was to take an hour and write down everything you really love doing… even down to eating pasta! And how she explains how to use that information to know yourself more deeply and begin curating a life you are proud of and happy to wake up to each day. I would love to hear what your favorite story, tip or takeaway was. Let me know yours by leaving a comment!

Bio: 

Suzy Vance - Artist of Life

Suzy describes herself as a "born again" lawyer. Suzy practiced law for years counseling and litigating family and workforce relationships, including representing a client before the US Supreme Court. Committed to helping her clients meet and resolve challenges, eventually she became a personal and professional coach.

Today Suzy also hosts a video-podcast, Creating From the Heart: The Artistry of Living on YouTube and Spotify. This venture grew out of her deep appreciation for people who say “yes” to opportunities that speak to them. As she says, "I'm curious about what makes people tick. I’m excited when I see people shift… often not in a linear fashion, perhaps even a little at a time. They're courageous. They make a choice NOT to shy away from what calls to them. They say “yes”… Sometimes at significant risk. These people are just like you and me. They are amazing Artists of Life.”

Suzy also expresses her creativity in fiber art, specifically wet-felting. Using animal fibers, she creates felted, rich, vibrant and inspiring images she calls "fiber paintings." She hopes her work will draw the viewer in and imbue gratitude in each of us for all that we are and all that contributes to us...each day…every moment. She hopes her work will inspire viewers to look beyond what they see…to imagine and embrace possibilities not yet acknowledged or even considered.

Suzy’s podcast: Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living

Suzy’s website: suzyvance.com

FREE GIFT:

Write Your Memoir In 17 Syllables (video)

4-part Interview:

Exploring the Empowered Options of Holistic Care and Fresh Foods for Your Animal Companions

🐶🐱🐾“They are not our property… we are not their owners.”

~One of Jan Allegretti’s favorite quotes 

🐶🐱🥦🧀🍣😋

“When we forget about the natural order of things, we make trouble for ourselves.”

~Jan Allegretti

You’ll love this educational and inspiring interview if you have animal companions you care deeply about. You will come away with practical things you can do to enrich your life AND the lives of your fur babies!

Jan’s approach to holistic care and feeding fresh, whole, unprocessed foods for the happiness and vibrant health of our animal friends, is truly life-changing.

Jan has always loved animals, but over the years has learned to deepen her connection with them and find greater fulfillment and connection with her values in the process. She can’t unsee the profound benefits she has observed time and time again, and has received rave reviews from pet parents and veterinarians who are implementing what she teaches. As a result, she now feels compelled to make it a primary mission to share this information with others.

In parts 1 and 2 of our 4-part interview, we talk about Jan’s lifelong love affair with animals, and how it has developed into the rewarding and rich connection she now helps others create as well. We talk about what holistic care means, why you might want to consider adding fresh food to your animal’s diet, and how to do so safely.

In parts 3 and 4 of our interview, we talk about the different options available for feeding fresh, whole foods: whether carnivorous, omnivorous, vegetarian or even vegan. We talk about the flexible basic principles underlying this approach, and how to do any of these safely for dogs or cats.

I was amazed by some of the foods that Jan has discovered animals love: for example, many dogs and cats love sauerkraut! You will likewise discover some exciting new ways to improve your animal’s health and enjoyment of life. A real “Aha!” moment for me was realizing that I would never expect to be healthy myself, if I ate the same packaged food every day for every meal… so why would I think it would be different for animals? I hope you likewise have some juicy takeaways… there are plenty in what Jan has to share.

I love how she teaches that taking a more intentional, connected approach to our guardianship of animal companions, and with the rest of nature, we empower and heal ourselves as well. I would love to hear what your favorite story, tip or takeaway was. Let us know yours by leaving a comment!

Bio:

Jan Allegretti, D.Vet.Hom, has been a consultant and educator in holistic health care for nonhuman animals since 1988, specializing in nutrition, homeopathy, and lifestyle assessment. She is the author of The Holistic Animal Health Series, which includes the bestselling The Complete Holistic Dog Book: Home Health Care for Our Canine Companions, a comprehensive manual for health and healing through nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and a supportive home environment; and The Fresh & Flexible™ Meal Plan: The Easiest, Most Nutritious Way to Feed Your Dog and Cat, released in June 2023.

She works with veterinary professionals, shelter and rescue organizations, and home caregivers throughout the United States and internationally through private consultations, workshops, and as a speaker at conferences and outreach events. Her work has been published in professional and trade publications including the International Animal Health Journal, the Journal of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, and Vegan Life Magazine.

Jan is deeply committed to animal advocacy, writing and working to foster a better relationship between humans and other species. In 2006 and 2007 she successfully led a coalition to prevent the building of a slaughterhouse in her community; in 2007 co-founded the Mendocino County, California, animal advocacy organization CARE: Compassion for Animals, Respect for the Earth; and has been nominated for the American Red Cross (Sonoma and Mendocino Counties) Real Heroes Award in the Animal Category.

Supporting caregivers in offering healthy, home-prepared meals and, when appropriate, a vegan diet, to companion animals is a natural melding of Jan’s work as a healer and as an advocate for animals of all species. She finds great enjoyment in empowering humans to integrate their compassion into all aspects of their relationships with other animals—and in seeing the animals they care for thrive as a result. Her commitment to enhancing awareness and relationship among all species is evident in her writing, including her book Listen to the Silence: Lessons from Trees and Other Masters and the extensive library of articles archived on her website, HolisticAHA.com.

Jan lives in the hills of northern California, where she shares her mountaintop home with the resident deer, ravens, coyotes, rattlesnakes, bears, jackrabbits, and countless other wise and wild ones.

holisticaha.com

Jan’s FREE GIFT:

PDF: Excerpts from her newest book The Fresh and Flexible Meal Plan—it’s sure to change everything you thought you knew about “dog food” and “cat food.”

Interview:

Profound Benefits of the Amazing Animal-Human Health Connection

🐶🐱🩺“Unconditional love is probably the greatest healing energy in our world.”

~Carlyn Montes De Oca

If you’re looking for deep healing, on a level that most treatments don’t touch… you will like this interview.

Carlyn Montes De Oca knows what it’s like: alone and grieving but too stunned to find the tears that needed to come to move forward and begin healing… until a pair of paws landed on her chest and a pair of eyes filled with unconditional love and understanding met hers.

As someone very interested and educated in healing, life took Carlyn on an unexpected path to discovering and teaching about the surprisingly powerful and practical health benefits of cultivating a deep connection with animals.

We talk about her journey from working in Hollywood, to becoming more aligned with her passion, learning acupuncture and other healing modalities, and finally coming full circle back to her lifelong love of animals when she discovered how they can actually help us heal and stay healthy.

I really loved how Carlyn explained how we can benefit from connections with animals, even if we don’t have pets! Hopefully you likewise take with you some ways to “paws for the good stuff!”

My favorite healing lesson that Carlyn shared that she learned from the animals in her life is to embrace who she is, because animals are who they are. I would love to hear what your favorite story, tip or takeaway was. Leave a comment to let us know yours!

Bio:

Carlyn Montes De Oca is a passionate animal advocate, international speaker, and multi-award winning author of Dog as My Doctor, Cat as my Nurse. Carlyn has been featured on ABC, CBS and Woman's Day Magazine.

A long-time resident of Northern California, she now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her husband, Ken Fischer, an award-winning sound editor and their beloved rescue dog, Grace. Her latest book, a #1 Amazon bestseller, Junkyard Girl: a Memoir of Ancestry, Family Secrets, and Second Chances, is available now.

https://animalhumanhealth.com

Carlyn’s FREE GIFT:

5 Ways Our Pets Inspire Us to Live Healthier, Happier, & More Extraordinary Lives