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In Episode 75 of the ANEW Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar sits down with trauma survivor, entrepreneur, and mental health visionary Brad Silberman for a riveting, deeply moving conversation about the long road from traumatic brain injury to profound personal transformation. After suffering a near-fatal assault in South Africa that left him in a coma and on the brink of death, Brad defied the odds to reclaim his mind, body, and purpose—and is now helping others do the same.

In this inspiring episode, Brad shares how a brutal assault led to years of recovery, from re-learning how to walk, talk, and breathe independently to rebuilding his life with intention and clarity. His journey through integrative healing, meditation, and ultimately psychedelic and ketamine therapy opened powerful doors to self-understanding, forgiveness, and growth.

Brad introduces listeners to the framework of his book, Be the Bubble, a guide that emerged from a transformative non-drug-induced psychedelic experience. He describes being in a metaphorical and literal “bubble” where he came face-to-face with his purpose, identity, and inner peace. His story highlights how deeply embedded trauma can be reprocessed and released when we embrace the present moment and develop emotional resilience.

Throughout this episode, Brad discusses:

• How mindset played a critical role in his miraculous recovery
• Why victimhood is easier to fall into, and how to break free from it
• The science and psychology behind ketamine-assisted therapy and its role in promoting neuroplasticity
  His daily mental and emotional design for maintaining clarity, gratitude, and groundedness
• Why he believes healing isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable when approached with intention, love, and presence
  
  
  

Listeners will also gain insight into how trauma can be reframed not as a life-ending event, but as a catalyst for meaning, purpose, and compassion.

Dr. Tovar and Brad explore how modern science, ancient wisdom, and self-designed rituals can intersect to create a life rooted in peace and authenticity. Whether you're navigating mental health struggles, interested in ketamine therapy, or looking for a new way to approach life’s challenges, this episode offers hope, empowerment, and actionable tools to transform your path.

Are you ready to reclaim your health and ditch diet culture for good?
 Take the next step in your healing journey by joining Dr. Tovar’s online course Deprogram Diet Culture at anew-insight.com. This science-backed, holistic program will help you reshape your relationship with food, body image, and self-worth.

🎧 Stream now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube @my.anew.insight
 📲 Follow @my.anew.insight on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook
 🌐 Learn more at anew-insight.com

Do you want to know more about Brad Silberman Here are his social media Links: https://www.instagram.com/bradleydean10/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleydeansilberman, https://www.rewiremenow.com/brad-silberman, https://www.amazon.com/Be-Bubble-Bradley-Dean-Silberman/dp/0620958340. 

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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In Episode 74 of the ANEW Insight Podcast, host Dr. Supatra Tovar—clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, fitness expert, and bestselling author of Deprogram Diet Culture—welcomes back speaker, author, and youth mental health advocate Francesca Reicherter for Part 2 of their unforgettable conversation.

Francesca is the founder of Inspiring My Generation and host of the podcast Normalize the Conversation. After surviving multiple suicide attempts in her early 20s, Francesca transformed her pain into a global movement of advocacy, connection, and healing. In this deeply vulnerable episode, she opens up about the isolating experience of struggling in silence, how her emotional support dog played a crucial role in her recovery, and why adolescence and young adulthood are pivotal stages for early mental health intervention.

This episode covers:

• The emotional reality of silent suffering and the healing power of simply “saying it out loud”
• How pets can serve as emotional anchors and motivators for healing
• The unrealistic pressures placed on teens and young adults—from five-year plans to social milestones
• How to stop comparing your timeline to curated images on social media
• Francesca’s personal experience with burnout, and her go-to 30-second breathing practice
• The importance of militant self-care and creating non-negotiable morning routines
• How she balances speaking engagements, authorship, and a master’s program in psychology
• Why she chose the self-publishing route and how she turned rejection into resilience
• Her favorite feedback from kids who applied her mental health tools to overcome school stress
• Behind-the-scenes look at speaking at CrisisCon and advocating for 988 funding in Florida
• How to access and share her powerful mental health workbooks and toolkits
  
  
  

Dr. Tovar and Francesca also reflect on the post-COVID mental health landscape, especially for Gen Z and teens, and the overwhelming role social media played during isolation. From Facetime fatigue to toxic comparison on TikTok, Francesca shares how she learned to curate her feed, manage screen time, and use social platforms as tools—not triggers.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, or survivor, this episode will leave you feeling more connected, informed, and inspired to be part of the change.

📘 Learn more about Francesca’s work:
 Website: francescareicherter.com
Nonprofit: inspiringmygeneration.org
Instagram/LinkedIn: @francescareicherter

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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Welcome to Episode 73 of the ANEW Insight Podcast with your host, Dr. Supatra Tovar—licensed clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, fitness expert, and bestselling author of Deprogram Diet Culture. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Tovar is joined by mental health advocate, author, and speaker Francesca Reicherter, founder of the nonprofit Inspiring My Generation and host of the podcast Normalize the Conversation.

At just 12 years old, Francesca launched a blog to cope with what she called “big emotions.” By 20, she had survived multiple suicide attempts, devastating personal losses, and a hospitalization that opened her eyes to systemic flaws in the mental health system. Instead of staying silent, Francesca transformed her pain into purpose by building tools, programs, and resources that now reach thousands of people in crisis.

In this episode, Francesca shares her unfiltered journey from childhood trauma to adult advocacy, including:

• The early signs of mental health struggles often dismissed in kids
• The suicide of her uncle and tragic loss of her grandfather
• Her own hospitalization and the eye-opening realities of the mental health care system
• How neurofeedback therapy and psychotherapy helped her begin to heal
• Creating and sending over 21,000 hand-colored encouragement cards to psych wards across the country

Dr. Tovar and Francesca also explore the crucial need for early mental health intervention, insurance parity, and mental health education in schools. Listeners will learn about Francesca’s transformative workbooks like You Are Not Alone, I Am, and Self-Care, designed to provide practical, age-appropriate coping tools.

Other highlights include:

• How to create meaningful conversations around mental health with friends and family
• The difference between toxic positivity and realistic emotional validation
• Navigating social media with conscious intent to protect your mental health
• The power of creative tools like “Encourage Me” notebooks and self-care boxes
• Why healing isn’t about thinking positive—but thinking expansively

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you are never truly alone. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, teen, or survivor, Francesca’s story will inspire you to listen more deeply, speak more honestly, and hold space for those who are silently struggling.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📘 Connect with Francesca Reicherter: Website: https://www.inspiringmygeneration.org/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vUZvdT1dMbN4E9v8Pfq0X Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalize.the.conversation/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Francesca-Reicherter/author/B0929KK99F

Ready to heal your relationship with food and body? Visit anew-insight.com and take Dr. Tovar’s signature course Deprogram Diet Culture to start living diet-free for life.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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Welcome to Episode 72 of the ANEW Insight Podcast with your host Dr. Supatra Tovar—clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, fitness expert, and bestselling author of Deprogram Diet Culture. In this powerful follow-up conversation, Dr. Tovar continues her dialogue with MD, author, and podcast host Dr. Marcia Sirota. In Part 2 of their compelling interview, the two mental health professionals explore how to break free from people-pleasing patterns, heal trauma, and become what Dr. Marcia Sirota calls a “Kindness Warrior.”

Drawing from her book Be Kind, Not Nice, Dr. Marcia Sirota shares her most effective strategies for helping clients overcome the fear and anxiety that drive self-sacrificing behaviors. From the impact of childhood trauma to the roots of compulsive giving, this episode reveals why many women (and men) find it so hard to say “no”—and how to rewire the mindset that equates love with over-functioning.

Key takeaways include:

• The emotional cost of people-pleasing and how it keeps you stuck in toxic dynamics
• A mindfulness-based challenge to stop pleasing others and watch what happens
• The difference between being loving and being used
• How self-compassion starts by questioning your inner critic
• The importance of self-trust, inner safety, and emotional clarity
• What it really means to be a Kindness Warrior—and why it matters now more than ever

Dr. Marcia Sirota also delves into her therapeutic philosophy, which integrates trauma-informed healing with practical tools like the Inner Warrior, Inner Wise One, and what she calls “ruthless compassion”—a form of clear-eyed, boundary-driven care that fosters true self-love. This episode also addresses trauma recovery, addiction, and why healing requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes body, mind, and spirit.

Together, Dr. Tovar and Dr. Sirota challenge long-standing myths about trauma, including the stigma of personality disorders, the limits of self-sacrifice, and the belief that healing must come from external sources. Through their deeply personal and clinical insights, listeners are guided toward a new model of strength, one that embraces empowerment, personal responsibility, and radical honesty.

Whether you’re recovering from burnout, navigating codependent relationships, or simply trying to reclaim your time and energy, this episode will inspire you to build a new foundation rooted in self-worth and agency.

📘Dr. Marcia Sirota’s  Social media channels:  https://marciasirotamd.com/, https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00DXGVO3A, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6i7Wq-bh3faMBvCc5F0fPg, https://podcast.reelmental.com/, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless-compassion-with-dr-marcia-sirota/id1085239678, https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marcia-sirota.

Ready to reject diet culture and start your own healing journey? Visit anew-insight.com and enroll in the 7-step online course Deprogram Diet Culture today.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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Welcome to Episode 71 of the ANEW Insight Podcast, hosted by clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, and bestselling author Dr. Supatra Tovar. In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Tovar sits down with board-certified psychiatrist, author, and Ruthless Compassion podcaster Dr. Marcia Sirota to explore the transformative power of ruthless compassion—a concept that blends empathy with clear boundaries, emotional strength, and radical honesty.

Dr. Sirota, based in Toronto, Canada, brings over 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, mental health, and personal empowerment. Together, they dive deep into what it means to be kind without becoming a doormat, how to set boundaries without guilt, and why people-pleasing is often a trauma response rooted in early experiences of powerlessness. This episode breaks down how developing "ruthless compassion" can help individuals heal from trauma, reclaim their power, and stop enabling harmful behavior in themselves and others.

Listeners will learn:

• What ruthless compassion is—and what it isn’t
• How kindness differs from people-pleasing
• Why boundary-setting is an act of self-respect and love
• How trauma shapes coping mechanisms like fawning and freezing
• The role of personal responsibility in reducing suffering
• Tools like the "Inner Warrior" and "Wise Woman Within" for building internal safety and self-trust
• How to move from self-criticism to self-compassion using clarity, not cruelty

Dr. Sirota shares clinical wisdom, real-life examples, and philosophical insights to help listeners see that compassion doesn’t mean tolerating everything or giving yourself (or others) a free pass. Instead, she advocates for truth-telling, accountability, and empowerment as the core of authentic healing. Whether you’re a therapist, trauma survivor, caregiver, or someone working on boundary-setting, this episode will give you actionable strategies for reclaiming your voice and emotional safety.

Dr. Tovar and Dr. Sirota also discuss the overlap between complex PTSD and personality disorders, how fawning behaviors block authentic relationships, and why labeling trauma survivors without compassion does more harm than good. This is a must-listen episode for anyone seeking to understand how trauma affects identity, behavior, and healing—and how to rise above it through fierce, intentional self-love.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore Dr. Sirota’s book Be Kind, Not Nice and what it truly means to become a Kindness Warrior in today’s world.

📘Dr. Marcia Sirota’s  Social media channels:  https://marciasirotamd.com/, https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00DXGVO3A, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6i7Wq-bh3faMBvCc5F0fPg, https://podcast.reelmental.com/, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless-compassion-with-dr-marcia-sirota/id1085239678, https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marcia-sirota.

Ready to heal your relationship with food and body? Visit anew-insight.com and take Dr. Tovar’s signature course, Deprogram Diet Culture, to start living diet-free for life.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really take to heal from trauma, serve your community, and stay grounded in your purpose? In this deeply inspiring episode of the ANEW Insight Podcast, host Dr. Supatra Tovar welcomes back licensed psychologist, board-certified holistic nutritionist, speaker, and author Dr. Jaz Robbins—a true trailblazer in the field of trauma recovery and holistic mental health.

Dr. Jaz’s entire clinical model is rooted in the belief that healing is not passive—it’s active. Through her private practice, The Active Experience, she helps trauma survivors reclaim their power by engaging fully in the therapeutic process. Her work spans beyond the therapy room: she leads transformative trainings in trauma-informed care and partners with hospitals and organizations to promote sustainable recovery for individuals and teams.

In this episode, she shares how her own journey from performer to psychologist shaped her approach to mental health, and how expressive arts—especially poetry and improvisation—have become powerful tools in trauma recovery and emotional release.

We also spotlight her impact as the founder of two grassroots nonprofit programs:

• Food for Friends, which provides meals and support to unhoused Angelenos.
  
  
• Freedom Kids, which uplifts children grieving the loss of a military parent with care packages and emotional support.
  
  
  

Dr. Jaz also discusses the launch of her new foundation, Robbins Nest Wellness, which offers accessible, low-cost healing opportunities by integrating the arts with therapeutic support. Her mission? To create safe, creative spaces where both youth and adults can reconnect with their inner strength.

Listeners will also hear about her two incredible books:

• Still Standing, a poetic collection that sheds light on surviving and thriving after pain.
• The Golden Penny, a year-long CBT-based journal designed to support your trauma recovery journey with weekly guidance and actionable prompts.
  
  

We wrap the conversation with her bold vision as President-Elect of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, where she plans to elevate the organization’s community presence, disaster response, and mental health equity across Los Angeles.

Whether you’re a therapist, social worker, community leader, or someone looking for hope and tools for healing—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

📍Do you want to know more about her? Here are her social media links:  https://www.drjazrobbins.com/, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jaz-robbins-los-angeles-ca/1341283, https://onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu/psychology/leadership-and-faculty/jaz-robbins/, https://www.instagram.com/dr.jazrobbins/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazrobbins. 

 🌐 Learn more at anew-insight.com
🎧 Stream now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, and all platforms.
📲 Follow @my.anew.insight on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & Threads.

Tune in and evolve with us.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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In Episode 69 of the ANEW Insight Podcast, host Dr. Supatra Tovar—a licensed clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, fitness expert, and author of the award-winning Deprogram Diet Culture—welcomes Dr. Jaz Robbins for a compelling conversation that unpacks the deep connection between trauma, nutrition, and nervous system regulation.

Dr. Jaz Robbins is a licensed psychologist and board-certified holistic nutritionist with a background in trauma therapy, performing arts, and integrative wellness. In this episode, she shares her personal and professional journey—beginning with childhood adversity and evolving into a unique career at the intersection of psychology, nutrition, and creative expression.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• How trauma impacts the nervous system and why it often shows up as chronic physical issues like fatigue, headaches, IBS, and insomnia.
• The traffic light analogy that Dr. Jaz uses to help clients understand nervous system states (green for calm, yellow for stress, red for shutdown).
• Why diet alone isn’t enough—and how tracking food and mood together can offer sustainable tools for mental and physical healing.
• How nutritional psychology works, especially in treating trauma survivors, by integrating whole-body practices that reduce stress and inflammation.
• How creative expression and performance strengthened her clinical presence and made her a more intuitive, mindful therapist.
  
  

This episode is ideal for Buzzsprout listeners looking for science-backed, emotionally intelligent content that bridges the gap between the mind and body. Whether you're a therapist, wellness coach, trauma survivor, or simply someone seeking a healthier relationship with food and self, this conversation will leave you informed and inspired.

Do you want to know more about her? Here are her social media links:  https://www.drjazrobbins.com/, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jaz-robbins-los-angeles-ca/1341283, https://onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu/psychology/leadership-and-faculty/jaz-robbins/, https://www.instagram.com/dr.jazrobbins/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazrobbins. 

📌 Take Action:
If you're ready to reject the pressure of dieting and find freedom in food, explore our online course Deprogram Diet Culture—available now at anew-insight.com.

🎧 Listen to the episode on all major platforms or directly on our website.
 📱 Follow us @my.anew.insight for updates and more transformational stories.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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In Episode 69 of the ANEW Body Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar continues her eye-opening conversation with Melinda Hemmelgarn, MS, RD—investigative nutritionist, host of Food Sleuth Radio, and one of the most respected voices in food system advocacy.

In this second part of their rich and inspiring discussion, Melinda dives deeper into the intersection of agriculture policy, cultural nutrition, and media literacy, showing how what we eat is shaped not only by personal choice—but by powerful policies, corporations, and cultural narratives.

You’ll hear how U.S. food systems are influenced by legislation like the Farm Bill, and how monoculture farming, Big Ag lobbying, and industry subsidies affect food quality, health equity, and the environment. Melinda explains why living wage legislation, SNAP reform, and farm-to-school programs are essential for building food sovereignty and protecting the planet.

You’ll also explore:

• How corporate interests shape the food and nutrition messages we receive
• Why true health equity starts with access to culturally meaningful foods
• The need for media literacy in nutrition education
• The role of school gardens and community food programs in building lifelong healthy habits
• The importance of reconnecting to the soil and learning where food comes from
  
  

From growing your own herbs to questioning what's in your child’s school lunch, this conversation reminds us that small acts—like asking where your food comes from—can be revolutionary. Melinda also shares powerful stories from leaders and dietitians transforming institutions from the inside out, including hospitals that now grow their own food and communities that are reclaiming local food power.

Dr. Tovar and Melinda discuss how honoring cultural traditions in food is a pathway to global understanding, joy, and even peace. If you’ve ever wondered how to use your voice, your dollar, or your plate to push back against diet culture and the industrial food system—this episode is for you.

Learn more about Melinda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-hemmelgarn-m-s-r-d-a92b304 , https://www.facebook.com/melinda.hemmelgarn/,  https://foodsleuth.transistor.fm/,   https://x.com/food_sleuth,  https://www.instagram.com/melindahemmelgarn/?__d=1%3Futm_source%3Dig_embed 

💡 Want to break free from toxic food messaging and reclaim your health?
 Join the movement by enrolling in Deprogram Diet Culture at https://www.anew-insight.com

🎧 Listen now and discover how your food choices can become acts of power, healing, and resistance.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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On this thought-provoking episode of the ANEW Body Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar is joined by Melinda Hemmelgarn, RD, registered dietitian, media literacy expert, and host of the nationally syndicated Food Sleuth Radio. Together, they explore how our food choices reflect not only our personal health priorities but also broader systemic forces—agriculture, food justice, cultural respect, and environmental sustainability.

In this first half of their two-part series, Melinda opens up about her unexpected journey from aspiring textile designer to one of the country’s most passionate voices in food advocacy. With over 30 years of experience, she shares how clinical nutrition work inspired her to shift upstream—toward prevention and media outreach—to combat health misinformation and industry-driven narratives about food.

Listeners will discover:

• How reading ingredient labels can help you uncover the truth behind what’s marketed as healthy.
• The critical differences between "natural," "sustainable," and USDA-certified organic labels—and why it matters.
• What food sovereignty means and how introducing children to cultural cuisines can spark empathy and social change.
• The role of media messaging in shaping public perception of “good” vs. “bad” food—and how that fuels eating disorders and confusion.
• Why community gardens and local food networks are more than trends—they are powerful tools for public health, especially in underserved areas.
  
  

Melinda and Dr. Tovar also dive into the psychological effects of moralizing food, how this contributes to shame and disordered eating, and why shifting the conversation to mindful, empowered nourishment is essential for both personal and planetary healing.

Learn more about Melinda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-hemmelgarn-m-s-r-d-a92b304 , https://www.facebook.com/melinda.hemmelgarn/,  https://foodsleuth.transistor.fm/,   https://x.com/food_sleuth,  https://www.instagram.com/melindahemmelgarn/?__d=1%3Futm_source%3Dig_embed 

Whether you're a health professional, parent, advocate, or simply someone trying to make better food choices, this episode offers a deep, human-centered approach to reconnecting with food and honoring the people, cultures, and systems behind every bite.

Ready to break free from dieting and reclaim a healthier relationship with food?
 Explore Dr. Supatra Tovar’s online course Deprogram Diet Culture at anew-insight.com and take the first step toward intuitive eating, self-compassion, and lasting well-being.

🎙️ Don’t forget to tune in for Part Two, where the conversation continues with insights on media literacy, food marketing, and actionable steps to protect the integrity of our food systems.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, or your favorite platform. Link in bio.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!

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In this profound episode of the ANEW Insight Podcast, Dr. Supatra Tovar continues her captivating conversation with holistic trauma therapist Seema Sharma—a leading voice in the field of transpersonal psychology and consciousness studies. This second half of their interview dives deep into the intersection of quantum science, trauma healing, and spiritual experiences, offering groundbreaking insights that challenge the limits of traditional psychology.

Seema unpacks the role of transpersonal research in distinguishing between psychiatric pathology and legitimate spiritual phenomena. She explains how experiences like auditory hallucinations, near-death episodes, and lucid dreaming can often be misunderstood through a clinical lens, but are increasingly recognized by a growing body of consciousness research—including studies now acknowledged by major institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how non-local consciousness, energy fields, and somatic therapies can be integrated into trauma recovery to support healing from chronic pain, emotional dysregulation, and even disordered eating. Seema shares her unique therapeutic approach—incorporating Vedic psychology, Ayurvedic traditions, indigenous drumming, nature-based therapy, and Holotropic Breathwork—to help clients reconnect with their authentic self and build self-compassion.

Seema also discusses why the scientific community has historically suppressed transpersonal knowledge due to outdated models and institutional bias—and why this emerging field represents the future of holistic mental health care. She passionately advocates for validating clients’ spiritual experiences as real and healing, rather than pathologizing them, offering examples of clients who have dramatically shifted their health and life outlooks through this work.

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, researchers, and anyone on a healing journey seeking to explore the science of consciousness, the stigma around spiritual awakening, and how reclaiming your true self can unlock a limitless life.

📍 About the Guest:
 Seema Sharma is a holistic trauma therapist, consciousness researcher, and educator specializing in transpersonal therapy. You can find her at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/seema-sharma-pasadena-ca/807322,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/holistictraumatherapist , https://www.legacytraumatherapy.com/   

 📚 Learn more about Dr. Supatra Tovar’s “Deprogram Diet Culture” book and course at anew-insight.com.
🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube @my.anew.insight
🌐 Explore more at drsupatratovar.com

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Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!