Where there is darkness, there is an immense opportunity for light. The Big Silence aims to normalize conversations around mental health and empower people to turn their challenges into triumphs. Hosted by Karena Dawn – mental health advocate, wellness entrepreneur, co-founder of Tone It Up, and New York Times bestselling author – The Big Silence is creating a safe space to share our story, and for you to share yours. Like so many, Karena has experienced profound grief and trauma. Growing up ...
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Welcome to "Rooted in Wellness" with me, Mona Sharma, your guide and celebrity holistic nutritionist. Embark on a transformative journey from imbalance to harmony, where ancient wisdom meets modern scientific insights. Growing up on an ashram, I embraced the philosophy that food is medicine and your kitchen is your health sanctuary. After navigating heart surgeries, anxiety, and weight challenges, I realized that common symptoms don't equate to normalcy. Join me as we unlock the power of our ...
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What if the anxiety you feel, the mood swings you hide, or the “off” feeling you can’t shake… aren’t just yours to carry but part of a story that started long before you? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Karena Dawn to talk about healing from trauma, rewriting the stories we inherited, and finding peace in the chaos. We explore how movemen…
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From Stage Dreams to Silent Battles: Lindsey Ray on Letting Go of the “Perfect Career” for a True Life
44:47
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44:47On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with singer-songwriter Lindsey Ray — a powerhouse behind the scenes of the music industry with credits including Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, and Tiësto. But beyond the accolades lies a story of self-reinvention, mental health awakening, and the hard decision to walk away from “success” in sea…
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From Bathroom Acoustics to Billboard: Avery Anna’s Healing Journey Through “Let Go Letters”
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44:16
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44:16What if your pain could become someone else’s healing? On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with rising country star Avery Anna on the eve of her 10th Grand Ole Opry performance. From humble beginnings recording in her mom’s bathtub to signing with Warner Music Nashville, Avery’s journey is anything but typical. But it’s her vulnera…
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52. This is How you Heal Through Discomfort (Not More Protocols) with Jeff Krasno
1:26:04
1:26:04
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1:26:04When your wellness routine starts to feel like another item on your to-do list, when fasting, cold plunges, and supplement stacks feel more depleting than nourishing…it might be time to reassess what “healing” really means. In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Krasno, founder of Commune and author of Good Stress, to reframe how we think about stre…
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148. EcoBabe Unplugged: Monica Richards on Sustainable Living, Inner Healing & Finding Joy in the Chaos
52:57
52:57
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52:57What does it truly mean to live with intention—from the food we eat, to the candles we burn, to how we heal our inner child? This week on The Big Silence, Karena sits down with sustainable living expert and “EcoBabe” Monica Richards for an eye-opening, heart-filling conversation about how sustainability is more than composting—it's a lifestyle of r…
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51. The Metabolism & Hormone Reset Plan for Women 35+ with Dr. Mariza Snyder
1:17:32
1:17:32
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1:17:32“Everything looks normal”… but you still feel exhausted, anxious, inflamed, and out of sync with your body. Sound familiar? The truth is, most women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s aren’t getting real answers when they start experiencing the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause. Instead, they’re told their symptoms are “just stress” or handed …
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147. From Trauma to Trust: Britt Piper on Somatic Healing, Survival, and Finding Love Again
54:01
54:01
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54:01What happens when the pain you’ve been running from becomes the very thing that sets you free? In this moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with somatic therapist and author Britt Piper to explore the transformative journey from trauma to healing. Britt shares her deeply personal story—of childhood abandonment, sexual assault, addict…
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50. The 3-Step Skincare Routine That Changes Everything with Dr. Andrea Suarez, “Dr. Dray”
1:13:05
1:13:05
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1:13:05What if that “mystery rash,” those fine lines, or the sudden hair shedding weren’t just cosmetic concerns… but biological clues your body is trying to send you? In this episode, we unpack the science your dermatologist wishes you knew. From hyperpigmentation and hormonal acne to the myths behind “clean beauty” and the truth about castor oil, we exp…
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146. Mona Sharma on Why the Healing Starts at Home: Detoxing Stress, Food, and Your Schedule
55:35
55:35
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55:35What if your anxiety, gut issues, or chronic fatigue aren’t just “mental”—but messages from your body asking you to slow down, clean up, and tune in? In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Mona Sharma—a former luxury beauty exec turned celebrity wellness expert—shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and heart surgeries to building…
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49. You’re Not Crazy—Your Nervous System Is Dysregulated with Dr. Alok Trivedi
1:21:29
1:21:29
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1:21:29What if your symptoms aren’t random… but patterned responses your body learned to keep you safe? In today's episode, I sat down with Dr. Alok, someone whose work has deeply impacted my own journey, to explore how trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and subconscious beliefs shape our health in ways we’re not taught to see. We talk about the body’s…
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48. It’s NOT “Just Anxiety”: The Real Reason You Feel So Sick (and Misunderstood) with Michelle Shapiro
1:20:51
1:20:51
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1:20:51Have you ever felt like your body is sending you signals, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, but no one’s connecting the dots? In this episode, I sat down with functional dietitian Michele Shapiro to explore the deeply misunderstood conditions of MCAS, POTS, histamine intolerance, and nervous system dysregulation. Together, we unpack wh…
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Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right for your heart, eating well, staying active, managing stress, but still unsure if you’re truly protecting yourself from heart disease? Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Michael Twyman, a leading expert in preventive cardiology, to explore what really determines heart health and how to optimize it…
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46. The #1 Reason Women Feel Drained, Moody, And Stuck In Burnout—no One Talks About This With Them With Alisa Vitti
Why does it feel like no matter how many wellness trends we follow—clean eating, intense workouts, meditation… we’re still exhausted, moody, or stuck in a cycle of burnout? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with Alisa Vitti, a hormone expert, best-selling author, and pioneer in the field of cycle syncing, to uncover what most women …
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Why does it feel like no matter how well we eat, exercise, or manage stress, something still isn’t quite right? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Sherr, an expert in integrative medicine and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to explore the missing links in modern health: oxygen, mitochondria, and nervous system regulation. We dive into the scienc…
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44. Why We’re All Deficient in This Essential Fat—and What to Do About It with Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson
Have you ever wondered why so many of us feel like we’re running on empty—despite eating clean, exercising, and prioritizing our wellness? It’s that frustrating gap between doing "all the right things" and still feeling off, with brain fog, low energy, or restless sleep creeping in. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a vet…
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Healing is often presented as a straightforward path: visit the doctor, take the prescribed medication, follow the treatment plan. But what if true healing is far more complex—deeply rooted in both the mind and body? In this episode, I sit down with Payton Nyquvest, founder and CEO of Numinus, to explore the intersection of psychedelic therapy, tra…
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145. The Hidden Toxins Disrupting Your Mental Health & How to Detoxify with Dr. Aly Cohen
54:40
54:40
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54:40What if the chemicals in our food, water, and everyday products were silently impacting our mental health? This week on The Big Silence, I sit down with Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and environmental health expert, to explore the hidden connection between toxins and brain health. From the rise of…
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We’ve been told that healing is all about diet, exercise, and supplements. But what if true healing goes beyond the physical? In this episode, I sit down with Jim Curtis, a healer, hypnotherapist, and NLP expert, to explore how emotional inflammation, subconscious programming, and unprocessed trauma impact our health more than we realize. We break …
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144. From Olympic Pressure to Mental Freedom: Jordyn Wieber Brooks on Redefining Resilience & Success
36:30
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36:30Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber Brooks knows the immense pressure of elite gymnastics—where fear-based coaching, emotional suppression, and relentless expectations shape young athletes. In this episode, she opens up about the resilience it took to unlearn those survival tactics and how retiring at just 18 forced her to redefine her identity bey…
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41. Forget Everything You Knew About Skincare—THIS Is the Future of Anti-Aging with Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira
We’re always looking for the next big thing in wellness—the latest supplement, the perfect skincare routine, the breakthrough treatment that promises to turn back the clock. But what if the real secret to aging well isn’t found in a lab but in the wisdom of nature? Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD scientist and co-founde…
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143. You Are Your Own Healer: Breaking the Silence on Cancer, Death & True Healing with Darlene Cordero
45:52
45:52
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45:52What if facing death was the key to truly living? I’m sitting down with my dear friend, Darlene Cordero—founder of Wellness Culture, author of The Healer’s Playbook, and a true force of nature when it comes to uplifting others. After years of success in corporate finance and media, she walked away to pursue a deeper calling—but it wasn’t until a li…
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We’re constantly searching for the next wellness breakthrough, the latest supplement, the perfect diet, the ultimate “hack” to feel our best. But what if true healing isn’t about adding more? What if the most powerful medicine has been right in front of us all along? Today, I’m joined by Carly Kremer, founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals, to explore how…
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142. The Truth About Kids’ Health: Vaccines, Toxins & What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh
40:36
40:36
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40:36We’re breaking the silence on vaccines—one of the most polarizing and complicated conversations in parenting. I’m joined by Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a Board-Certified Pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine, who believes parents deserve open, judgment-free discussions on vaccines, chronic illness, and raising healthy kids. Known for his po…
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39. The Healing Secret You’re Overlooking (It’s NOT Diet or Exercise) with Dr. Theresa Bullard-Whyke
Science tells us one thing. Spirituality tells us another. But what if they’ve been saying the same thing all along? We’ve been conditioned to think that healing is either clinical or mystical, either you follow the science, or you dive into ancient practices. But what if the missing piece in your healing journey isn’t a better diet, a stricter rou…
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141. The Courage to Reinvent Yourself: Liz Baker Plosser on Leaving Women’s Health, Resilience & Taking Risks
26:06
26:06
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26:06Liz Plosser is back, and she’s stepping into a whole new chapter of life—on her own terms. After two decades in corporate media, including seven years as Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief, she made the bold decision to walk away and embrace the unknown. In this conversation, Liz gets real about navigating career reinvention, overcoming self-doubt, and…
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38. This Part of Your Body Can Fix Your Sleep and Stress with Dr. Navaz Habib
1:30:02
1:30:02
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1:30:02Have you ever woken up after a full night’s sleep and still felt completely drained? Or noticed how stress doesn’t just stay in your head—it shows up in your stomach, your heart, and even your energy levels? There’s a reason for that, and it all comes back to the vagus nerve. This incredible nerve is your body’s reset button, but for so many of us,…
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140. From Caregiver to Self-Healer: Ginni Saraswati on Mental Health & Inner Child Work
49:43
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49:43I’m joined by the incredible Ginni Saraswati—Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, award-winning journalist, and podcasting powerhouse. As the driving force behind a thriving production company and host of The Ginni Show, Ginni has dedicated her career to amplifying voices and stories that matter—including her own. In this deeply personal conversation, s…
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37. Wellness Myths That Are Making You Sick + What to do About It with Dr. Mike Stone
1:07:51
1:07:51
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1:07:51Have you ever felt like the healthcare system focuses more on managing illness than building true health? What if we could combine the best of modern medicine with the wisdom of ancient practices to create a personalized, sustainable approach to wellness? In today’s episode of Rooted in Wellness, I’m joined by Dr. Mike Stone, a former emergency phy…
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139. Good Stress: Jeff Krasno’s Blueprint for Health, Resilience & Harmony
1:05:15
1:05:15
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1:05:15Here to share how “good stress” can fuel growth and how to combat the chronic stress that drives disease is Jeff Krasno, co-founder and CEO of Commune and author of Good Stress. In this episode, Jeff takes us through his journey—from founding the global festival movement Wanderlust to facing health and identity challenges after leaving the company.…
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36. Why is Chronic Illness in Kids Skyrocketing?
1:33:14
1:33:14
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1:33:14If you’ve noticed that kids today seem to be struggling with more allergies, hyperactivity, and chronic conditions than ever before, you’re not imagining things—and it’s not just "better diagnosing." Childhood obesity, ADHD, eczema, and autoimmune issues have surged, leaving parents confused and searching for answers. Why is this happening, and how…
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138. You’re Perfect As You Are: Embracing the New Year with Self-Compassion & Harmony with Karena & Deseray
32:12
32:12
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32:12Welcome to 2025: New you, old you, but always improving! I’m kicking off the year with my right-hand woman, Deseray Cummings, from the stunning shores of Punta de Mita, Mexico. Together, we share our takes on New Year pressure —breaking down why resolutions can sometimes backfire and how to shift the focus to sustainable habits that truly nourish y…
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35. The Secret to Raising Healthy Kids in a Toxic World
1:18:18
1:18:18
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1:18:18Have you ever wondered why so many children today are dealing with chronic health issues? From food sensitivities and ADHD to anxiety and autoimmune disorders, these conditions have become so common that we’ve almost normalized them. But here’s the truth: this isn’t normal—it’s a wake-up call. Our kids are showing us that something in our environme…
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34. This is Why You’re Always Tired After Lunch—and How to Fix It for Good
8:54
8:54
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8:54Ever find yourself ready for a nap after lunch? Whether it’s brain fog, low energy, or intense sugar cravings, that dreaded afternoon slump isn’t just in your head—it’s your body sending you signals. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I’m diving into why post-meal crashes happen and, more importantly, how you can stop them. From balancing blood…
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33. Dr. Sarah Daccarett: The Women's Hormonal Crisis Doctors Aren’t Talking About
1:23:00
1:23:00
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1:23:00Have you ever wondered why so many women feel dismissed when they bring up hormonal symptoms? From unexplained fatigue to mood swings, weight gain, or feeling "off," these struggles are often labeled as “just part of being a woman.” But here’s the truth: your hormonal health is the foundation of your well-being, and ignoring it can ripple into ever…
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137. Revolutionizing Teen Dating: Elle Kristine on Navigating Modern Relationships, Mental Health & Social Media Pressures
47:03
47:03
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47:03At just 16, Elle Kristine is revolutionizing teen dating and addressing mental health challenges with a passion fueled by her own experiences. Recognizing the growing need for guidance, Elle created AskElle, an AI-powered app designed to help teens build social skills, navigate relationships, and access expert-vetted advice. In this episode, Elle h…
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32. Lee Holden: Why Slowing Down Could Change Your Life
1:16:59
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1:16:59Do you ever feel like you’re racing through life, ticking off every wellness “to-do,” but still feeling drained, disconnected, or just… off? In a world obsessed with speed, the real magic might lie in learning to slow down. What if slowing down could actually make you healthier, more energized, and deeply fulfilled? In this episode of Rooted in Wel…
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31. Christian Drapeau: Unlocking Your Body’s Natural Repair System
1:15:07
1:15:07
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1:15:07What if your body already holds the power to heal, regenerate, and thrive—if only you knew how to activate it? So many of us experience fatigue, aches, or slow recovery and think it’s just part of aging. But what if those signals are your body asking for help? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with Christian Drapeau, a stem cell sci…
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136. Get Out of Your Head & Into Your Heart for Whole Body Harmony with Kimberly Snyder
52:28
52:28
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52:28Discover the transformative power of your heart brain for whole body harmony with Kimberly Snyder, wellness expert and author of The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts. Kimberly reveals how heart coherence—aligning your heart, brain, and nervous system—can boost your health, emotional intelligence, and clarity. Drawing on groundbreaking research, she …
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30. Emma Hemming & Helen Cristoni: This is Why Women Are More Prone to Brain Fog and Memory Loss
1:10:39
1:10:39
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1:10:39Feeling like brain fog, forgetfulness, and exhaustion are just things you have to live with? Imagine walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there, or struggling to stay focused when life demands so much from you. For too long, women’s brain health has been brushed off as “just stress” or “getting older”—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In…
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135. How To End Burnout In Our Workplaces & For Ourselves with Daisy Auger-Domínguez
53:14
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53:14Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a workplace strategist and author of Inclusion Revolution and Burnt Out to Lit Up, has dedicated her career to creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces. Drawing from her leadership roles at companies like Google, Disney, and Vice Media, Daisy shares her personal journey through burnout, how it impacted her mind, body, an…
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29. Dr. DiNicolantonio: What You Didn’t Know About Salt, Seed Oils, and Micronutrients
56:30
56:30
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56:30Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” for your health but still not feeling your best? Maybe it’s the brain fog that won’t lift, the energy crash mid-afternoon, or the bloating that seems to happen no matter what you eat. It’s frustrating, right? But what if those symptoms weren’t “just normal” but rather signals your body is crav…
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28. Ancient Wisdom for Winter: Best Practices to Stay Healthy and Thrive
13:59
13:59
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13:59As the days get shorter and the temperatures dip, do you feel your energy levels shift too? Maybe you’re waking up to darker, colder mornings, or reaching for those comforting carbs a little more often. You’re not imagining it—seasonal changes really do affect how we feel, both physically and mentally. And the truth is, these shifts can sometimes l…
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134. How to Use Positive Psychology to Navigate Your Darkest Days with Niyc Pidgeon
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40:09Trigger Warning: While the topic of suicide prevention is heavy, this conversation reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is a path forward. My guest, Niyc Pidgeon, is a positive psychologist and author of One More Day. After facing her own mental health battles and losing three close friends to suicide, her understanding of trauma and co…
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27. Dr. Manasa Mantravadi: Plastics Are Destroying Your Hormones, More Hidden Dangers & How to Fix It
1:10:48
1:10:48
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1:10:48Have you ever wondered how everyday plastics might be quietly sabotaging your health and your family’s well-being? From hormone disruption to long-term health risks, the reality of plastic exposure is alarming—but there’s hope. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Manasa Mantravadi, a pediatrician and founder of Ahimsa, to unc…
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133. The Dark Reality of Our Food System & How to Make Empowered Choices with Courtney Swan
1:09:04
1:09:04
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1:09:04As an Integrative Nutritionist, passionate food activist, and host of the popular Realfoodology podcast, Courtney Swan is on a mission to fix America’s broken food system and empower us with the knowledge we need to make healthier choices. In this episode, Courtney shares eye-opening insights about harmful ingredients and food practices most of us …
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26. Dr. Carrie Jones: What No One Tells You About Woman's Hormones and Health
1:13:31
1:13:31
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1:13:31Feeling overwhelmed by mixed messages on hormones and health? For many women, the path to understanding their hormones can feel like a maze, especially during life shifts like perimenopause… In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, Dr. Carrie Jones joins us to break down the science of hormonal health with clarity and a touch of humor. Together, we e…
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25. 7 Nutrient-Dense Foods I Can’t Live Without
11:39
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11:39How often do you feel like your energy doesn’t quite match the demands of your day? It’s not just you—modern life pulls us in so many directions that finding balance can feel like a full-time job. But what if the answer wasn’t about doing more, but about returning to what’s always worked? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I'm diving into seven…
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132. Treat Yourself as Well as You Treat Others: Breaking Free from High Functioning Codependency with Terri Cole
58:11
58:11
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58:11Have you ever felt the need to “fix” everyone else’s problems or put others’ needs ahead of your own? I’m proud to welcome back psychotherapist and relationship expert Terri Cole, who shares insights from her book, Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency. Terri reveals what high-functioning codependency (HFC) looks …
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24. Jenna Zoe: Are Your Daily "Healthy” Habits Draining Your Energy?
1:13:47
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1:13:47Have you ever felt like you’re trying to fit yourself into a wellness mold that just doesn’t feel right? You’re not alone—so many of us are chasing routines and “rules” that leave us feeling disconnected. That’s why I brought in Jenna Zoe, creator of My Human Design, to explore a totally different approach to health: one that’s aligned with your un…
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131. Case Kenny on Redefining Mindfulness & Embracing Vulnerability
48:08
48:08
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48:08Case Kenny, creator of The New Mindset Journal and host of New Mindset, Who Dis?, redefines mindfulness by combining journaling, breathwork, and music into a lively, accessible practice. His unique “golden retriever style”—warm, curious, and open—makes self-growth relatable for millions. In this episode, Case delves into the power of vulnerability,…
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