Dr. Ann Ijeh explains how nutrigenomics played a role in her recovery. In October 2022, she experienced sharp pains in her pelvic region and was eventually diagnosed with a pelvic abscess. After a week in the hospital and a surgical procedure, she still had lingering issues and consulted another naturopathic doctor who suggested running a nutrigenomics. The results showed several genetic variants that affected her- and she has been able to make lifestyle changes ever since this discovery.

In this heartfelt episode, Allie—our resident hypnotist and spiritual guide at Balance & Birch—invites you into the sacred practice of forgiveness. But not the kind you’ve been taught to perform for others. This is about inner readiness, self-compassion, and energy healing.

Forgiveness, as Allie beautifully shares, is not about forgetting, excusing harm, or spiritual bypassing. It’s about freeing yourself from the heaviness of resentment, shame, and regret—sometimes by sending love to a younger version of you who just didn’t know better.

✨ Hear personal stories of self-forgiveness

✨ Learn how trauma, guilt, and spiritual conditioning shape our view of worthiness

✨ Discover how spirit guides and energy work can help soften the sharp edges of memory

✨ Leave with a gentle invitation to place your hand on your heart and ask: “Is there a moment I’m ready to forgive?”

This episode is for anyone who’s tired of carrying the past in their body and ready to create space for something lighter.

In this episode, Dr. Elessar and their husband, Dalton, get real about what it’s like to navigate life—and love—as two autistic adults sharing a home, a relationship, and a whole lot of sensory challenges. What started as a simple episode on understanding autism turned into something much deeper: an intimate, unmasked look at growing up undiagnosed, discovering ADHD and autism in adulthood, and building a life together in a world that often misunderstands both of them.

They talk about:

– Executive dysfunction, communication struggles, and shutdowns

– Accommodations like separate sleeping spaces and scheduled alone time

– How TikTok phrases have become a shared love language

– What it’s like being ignored or misunderstood by neurotypical loved ones

– Coping during the pandemic and finding small routines that keep them grounded

– The joy of stuffed animals, lined-up meals, and feeling fully seen by your partner

This is not just a story about autism—it’s a story about care, collaboration, and rewriting what relationships can look like when you throw out the neurotypical rulebook.

#PodcastEpisode #AutisticCouple #NeurodivergentLove #ADHDandAutism #Masking #ExecutiveDysfunction #AutismAwareness #RelationshipGoals #BalanceAndBirch

In this episode, Jenn—our Reiki healer at Balance & Birch—dives deep into how trauma rewires our relationship with self-worth. Whether it's emotional wounds from childhood, toxic dynamics, or unspoken pain your body’s still holding onto, trauma has a way of shrinking our sense of value. Jenn explores how energy healing and somatic awareness can help reconnect you to your worth—not the version shaped by survival, but the version rooted in truth and wholeness.

Ready to shift from self-protection to self-connection? Tune in, breathe deep, and let’s begin that healing journey together.

#PodcastEpisode #ReikiHealer #TraumaHealing #SelfWorth #EnergyHealing #MindBodySpirit #BalanceAndBirch

It’s Autism Acceptance Month, so let’s talk it out. In our latest podcast episode, I (Ollie—a therapist at Balance and Birch with AuDHD and chronic illnesses) sit down with my coworker, Iesha, whose son is autistic. We tackle everything from ‘autism moms’ and ABA therapy controversies to labeling autism as a disability. Whether you’re an autistic adult, a parent raising an autistic child, or an ally hoping to learn, this episode offers unique perspectives on the ins and outs of autism, and why open conversations—minus the judgment—help us all.

Catch us discussing support programs for autistic kids, the tension around ‘right vs. wrong’ parenting methods, and how to celebrate the diverse ways autistic individuals (and parents) choose to identify and find resources.

Listen now to hear honest insights, personal stories, and a spirit of curiosity—because real acceptance starts with learning from each other.

Sex should be about pleasure, play, and presence—but let’s be honest, most of us were taught that it’s about performance, pressure, and checking off a damn to-do list.

In this episode of Balanced Living Unfiltered, we’re throwing out the goal-oriented, ‘finish line’ version of sex and talking about what actually makes intimacy feel good—without the stress, shame, or pressure to ‘get it right.’

We’re diving into:

✨ Why goal-oriented sex is killing your desire

✨ The absolute dumpster fire that is U.S. sex education (and why we all need to unlearn it)

✨ How to shift from performance to pleasure (yes, for everyone—all genders, orientations, and relationship types!)

✨ Using all five senses to make intimacy more immersive and fun

✨ The biggest sex myths that need to die—from “real sex = penetration” to “older/disabled people don’t have sex” (spoiler: they do, and sometimes it’s better than yours!)

✨ Actionable steps to reclaim pleasure, embrace playfulness, and redefine sex on your terms

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from intimacy, pressured to ‘perform,’ or like sex just isn’t as fun as it should be—this one’s for you.

I know we usually drop one episode a month, but ignoring this moment felt wrong. So here we are—with an unscheduled, unfiltered deep dive into the mental health toll of political unrest and how we can navigate it without completely losing ourselves.

Between political chaos, human rights under attack, and the constant stress of just existing, it’s no wonder so many of us are mentally and emotionally done.

In this episode of Balanced Living Unfiltered, Dr. Brown is breaking it all down:

🔥 How the nonstop news cycle is wrecking your nervous system

🔥 Why marginalized communities carry the heaviest mental load

🔥 The myth that ‘staying positive’ fixes everything (spoiler: it doesn’t)

🔥 Real, accessible action steps for staying grounded while fighting for change

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, numb, or just tired, this one’s for you. You are not alone. Let’s talk about how to hold space for all of it—rage, rest, resistance, and real self-preservation.

This cold and flu season has been brutal—and even Dr. Ijeh hasn’t been immune! In this episode, she gets real about how stress has taken a toll on her immune system, making her more vulnerable to illness. She breaks down how stress weakens immunity and shares the naturopathic changes she’s made to recover and build resilience.

What You’ll Learn:

🦠 How stress impacts your immune system

🍵 Simple naturopathic remedies to boost immunity

💤 Why sleep, nutrition, and stress management are key to staying healthy

🌱 Herbs, supplements, and holistic practices for immune support

🚨 Signs your immune system needs extra care & what to do about it

Key Takeaway:

Your immune system is directly connected to your stress levels, lifestyle, and overall wellness. Small, sustainable changes—like nutrition, herbal medicine, and nervous system support—can make all the difference in staying healthy year-round.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to boost your immunity naturally!

In this quick 7-minute episode, David, our personal trainer, shares his expert perspective on how to combat the winter lows that many of us experience. From staying motivated to making simple, yet impactful adjustments in your fitness routine, David breaks down practical tips to help you power through the season and boost your mood. Tune in for strategies to keep moving and stay energized—no matter the temperature outside!

In this powerful episode, Dee, our office manager, and Dr. Ijeh, our naturopathic doctor, dive deep into women’s health, particularly gynecological issues, from a personal and holistic perspective. Dee shares her own journey and experiences with health struggles, while Dr. Ijeh offers insights on how naturopathic approaches can support individuals navigating these challenges. Whether you’re dealing with PCOS, endometriosis, or simply seeking more education on women’s health, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation about the realities of AFAB health, with practical tips for self-care and healing.

🌸 Listen now! We’re here to break the silence. 🌸