Today I’m delighted to be joined by Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a licensed Naturopathic Physician with over 20 years of experience helping people recover from long COVID and ME/CFS-related fatigue.

Having overcome chronic fatigue herself (twice!), Dr. Jenny developed a powerful, root-cause approach that blends Functional Medicine with subconscious healing to restore energy and vitality. Her signature system focuses on five key root causes of fatigue, combined with foundational lifestyle shifts that support the body, mind, and spirit.

In this episode, Dr. Jenny shares her personal healing journeys and offers practical strategies for addressing these debilitating conditions.

Quote: “Your body can return back to balance from these conditions.”

What’s Inside:

01:20 The differentiation between long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome

08:03 The importance of addressing symptoms as soon as possible 

09:23 The most common symptoms of chronic fatigue and long COVID 

13:45 Jenny’s healing journeys 

22:56 What felt different for Jenny between chronic fatigue and long COVID

26:30 The five root causes of chronic fatigue 

35:35 Practical advice of where to begin when healing chronic fatigue

39:15 An example of a patient that came to Jenny looking for support 

45:50 Final words of advice and Dr. Jenny’s one tip to start taking action

Resources mentioned:

https://drjennytufenkian.com/quiz/

https://drjennytufenkian.com/

Own Dr. Jenny’s Chronic Fatigue and Long Covid Summit: SUMMIT 2025- Checkout - Dr. Jenny Tufenkian - https://drjennytufenkian.com/summit-checkout-2/

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to achieve your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

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In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Julie Schiffman, MSW, a world-renowned expert in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping. With over 25 years in mind-body medicine, Julie has guided thousands of people around the world to release emotional blocks, reduce stress, and heal physical symptoms—especially those linked to chronic conditions like autoimmune disorders.

Julie spent over 15 years working alongside Dr. Joseph Mercola and has been featured in numerous wellness summits, documentaries, and programs. Her compassionate, down-to-earth style has made her a trusted voice in the field of energy medicine, and her popular YouTube channel has reached millions seeking natural relief through EFT.

Whether you’re facing an autoimmune condition, chronic stress, or simply want to feel more grounded and empowered, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

And here’s a bonus: At the end of our chat, Julie leads a guided tapping session you can follow along with — so if possible, watch this episode on YouTube to experience the full effect.

Quote: “The healing that happens is just incredible, beautiful, and life-changing for so many people.”

What’s Inside:

03:00: What is EFT (emotional freedom technique) aka “tapping”?

07:20: Julie’s story and how she discovered tapping 

12:40: A powerful and important moment in Palmer’s life that was significantly impacted by tapping

15:20: Julie shares a client story of transformation due to tapping

22:56: How tapping can address deep seeded foundational beliefs that are dictating your thoughts, behaviors, and biology

30:18: Where to start if you’re newly diagnosed with an autoimmune condition or something else

35:50: A guided tapping round with Julie 

48:00: The power of small shifts and how they add up overtime 

51:00: About Julie’s free anxiety relief challenge

Resources mentioned:

Julie Schiffman’s website: http://julieschiffman.com/

5-Day Free Anxiety Relief Challenge with Julie Schiffman - https://bit.ly/AnxietyReliefChallenge

Julie’s YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@Julieschiffman/videos

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to achieve your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

#beatautoimmuneandthrive

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend, Dr. Sam Shay, a Functional Medicine practitioner known as “your friendly lab nerd.” Dr. Sam holds four advanced degrees: he’s a Doctor of Chiropractic, has postgraduate training in acupuncture and functional neurology, and is certified in Functional Medicine. He also trained for years under renowned clinician, Dr. Dan Kalish.

Today, Dr. Sam helps busy, health-conscious people solve their unique health puzzles using a personalized, data-driven approach—combining genetics and functional lab testing to improve resilience, energy, and brain health.

In our discussion today Dr. Sam shares: 

• His journey recovering from chronic illness and being on the autism spectrum - an experience that deeply informs his clinical perspective and adds unique insight to his work. 
• How functional lab testing and foundational lifestyle shifts can help uncover the hidden root causes of autoimmune conditions
• His 10 Pillars of Health framework - from gut health and detox pathways to sleep, hydration, and mitochondrial support
• The growing importance of genetic testing to identify optimal food plans and potential SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that may affect detoxification, methylation, and other key processes often disrupted in people with autoimmunity.

Also, be sure to check out his recent stand-up comedy special, NeuroSpicy: Love, Life, & Comedy on the Spectrum, that brings levity and awareness to life as a neurodivergent clinician and human being.

Whether you're just starting your recovery or ready to dig deeper, this episode offers practical, personalized insights for healing autoimmunity at the root level.

Quote: “I do have agency over my mind and my body.”

What’s Inside:

05:40: Dr. Sam’s story and how he got into the work that he does today

14:18: Defining gaslighting and moral injury in the context of medicine

17:18: Connecting Dr. Sam’s childhood experience to his decision to take the natural functional medicine route professionally 

22:40: Dr. Sam’s 10 pillars of health 

31:50: What are VDR’s (vitamin D receptors), the role they play in predicting vulnerability to chronic illness, and what you can do about it

41:45: Dr. Sam’s perspective on why genetic testing is so valuable 

Resources mentioned:

Dr. Sam Shay’s Website: https://www.drsamshay.com/

Free 3-Day Lifestyle & Nutrition Guide: http://go.drsamshay.com/freebie

YouTube interviews: https://www.youtube.com/tenpointwellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.shay.792/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsamshay/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sam-shay-dc-ifmcp-922133128/

Genetics+ Program: https://www.drsamshay.com/genetics-program

Dr. Sam’s Comedy Special – NeuroSpicy: Love, Life, & Comedy on the Spectrum: 🎥 Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzjc7nXvNV8

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to achieve your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

#beatautoimmuneandthrive

Dr. Aimie Apigian returns to the show for a deeper exploration of how trauma gets stored in the body, and how that unresolved trauma can drive chronic symptoms and autoimmune conditions. A double board-certified physician with master’s degrees in biochemistry and public health, Dr. Aimie blends cutting-edge medical science with somatic trauma therapies to help people recover and thrive.

In this conversation, we:

• Unpack the biology of trauma
• Explore how to tell the difference between chronic stress and stored trauma and 
• What it looks like to repair well

Dr. Aimie also shares a deeply personal story that led her to this work and offers a sneak peek into her groundbreaking new book, The Biology of Trauma, out this September with a foreword by Dr. Gâbor Maté.

If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to Episode 28 for more on the powerful connection between trauma and autoimmunity, and then come back here to go even deeper into the healing process.

Quote: “The goal in life is not to avoid trauma at all. The goal is to complete the [trauma] responses so it doesn’t stay in our body and make us sick.”

What's Inside:

04:50: What exactly is trauma and how to know if you’re unknowingly dealing with trauma in the body.

10:57: The manifestation of symptoms is an invitation to heal.  

15:15: The “hope” in repairing trauma and what it means or looks like to do so.

20:37: What actually happens in the body when it endures a trauma and what does it need to “complete the trauma response.”

40:30: Resources from Dr. Aimie to help you complete the trauma response

Resources mentioned:

Pre-order Dr. Aimie’s forthcoming book: The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It - https://amzn.to/44dghsI

Dr. Aimie’s website: biologyoftrauma.com

The 21‑Day Journey to Calm Aliveness: traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-day-journey - http://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-day-journey

The Biology of Trauma® Podcast: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

#beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

I’m doing something a little different today—and I think you’re really going to enjoy it. I recently had the privilege of being interviewed on the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, hosted by the insightful and generous Mike Capuzzi.

Mike Capuzzi is a seasoned marketing strategist, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and host of the Better Health Bookshelf podcast, where he features standout health and wellness books and the authors behind them. With over 30 years of experience, Mike is passionate about spotlighting powerful, practical books that help people live healthier lives.

Mike invited me to share my personal healing journey from multiple sclerosis, what inspired me to write Beat Autoimmune, and some of the key strategies from my F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework that have helped so many others on their healing path. In this conversation, we dive into root causes like stress, food, and toxins—and I share practical tips you can start using right away to support your immune system and take back your health.

Whether you're just starting to explore functional medicine or you're deep into your healing journey, there’s something in here for you. I’m so grateful to Mike for the opportunity—and for his permission to share this episode with you here. I hope this inspires you, and I encourage you to check out Mike’s Better Health Bookshelf podcast for more great conversations about health-transforming books.

Quote: “Hope is real. Healing is possible.”

00:00 – Introduction by Mike Capuzzi Mike introduces Palmer Kippola and her book, Beat Autoimmune, setting the stage for a discussion on reversing autoimmune diseases naturally.

01:30 – Palmer's Personal Healing Journey Palmer shares her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at age 19 and her 26-year journey to recovery, emphasizing the power of addressing root causes.

07:45 – The F.I.G.H.T.S.™ Framework Explained An overview of Palmer's F.I.G.H.T.S.™ framework: Food, Infections, Gut health, Hormone balance, Toxins, and Stress, as key areas to address in healing.

12:20 – The Impact of Diet on Autoimmune Conditions Discussion on how certain foods can trigger or alleviate autoimmune symptoms, and the importance of the elimination diet to determine your optimal foods.

18:00 – Environmental Toxins and Their Role Exploring how everyday toxins contribute to autoimmune issues and strategies to reduce exposure.

23:15 – Stress Management Techniques Palmer discusses the profound effect of stress on the immune system and shares practical methods to reduce it.

28:40 – Encouragement and Resources for Listeners Palmer offers hope and actionable steps for those dealing with autoimmune conditions, including resources for further support.

Resources mentioned:

Book: Beat Autoimmune - https://a.co/d/99MHeVw

Website: https://palmerkippola.com

Better Health Bookshelf podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-health-bookshelf-discover-new-health-and/id1487836914

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition? If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

#beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Roberta Tachi is an Embodiment Coach, Spiritual Guide, and inspirational example of complete autoimmune recovery.

After facing her own illness and profound healing journey—reversing the autoimmune disorder Myasthenia Gravis—Roberta has dedicated her life to helping others release trauma stored deep within the body. With more than two decades of experience in holistic healing and trauma release, Roberta has guided hundreds of individuals across more than 35 countries in discovering and resolving the emotional triggers behind chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and other health challenges.

Roberta has a unique ability to intuitively identify the hidden blocks, constrictions, and fragmentation within the body—those unseen barriers preventing true healing. She specializes in gently guiding people back into connection with their authentic selves, teaching them how to be in their bodies and integrate their life experiences so they can finally experience physical and emotional wholeness.

Today, Roberta invites us to understand the powerful link between our biography and our biology, offering a transformative pathway to healing autoimmune disorders and unlocking our body's boundless capacity to heal.

I have personally benefited from working with Roberta, experiencing a deeper, more embodied connection with myself and a greater awareness – and I should say, felt sense – of the constrictions related to my own early childhood traumas; and so I’m excited to delve into the realm of embodiment and trauma healing with her today.

Quote: “Your intention to heal, your intention to be well, has to be present.”

What’s inside this episode?

03:12 Roberta Tachi’s autoimmune story and an important intention crucial to any healing journey

11:00 Learning to communicate with your cells and the power of creating purpose for your healing 

16:30 How and why early childhood trauma gets stored in the body 

31:30 Palmer opens up and shares about her recent experience with oral health challenges and how Roberta is helping her 

48:00 Roberta guides us through a short inner connection meditation 

57:35 Simple techniques and strategies to become more present in your body

Resources mentioned:

Website: https://robertatachi.com/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@robertatachi2023

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertatachi/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anewpathtohealing

Embody Wellness App: Available for free on Google Play or Apple Store 

Books on healing trauma: 

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk: https://amzn.to/4k3VL3s

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté: https://amzn.to/42Yrahy

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

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Today I’m joined by Dr. Fred Luskin, one of the world’s leading researchers and teachers on forgiveness. He’s the founder of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects, a longtime lecturer at Stanford School of Medicine, and bestselling author of Forgive for Good, Forgive for Love, and the newly released Forgive for Good Recovery Workbook.

Fred has spent decades studying the link between forgiveness and well-being. His research shows that forgiveness can reduce chronic stress, depression, and even physical pain — while boosting resilience, emotional balance, and inner peace.

If you’re healing from an autoimmune disorder or any chronic condition, this conversation is especially for you. Emotional stress, resentment, and unresolved pain can keep the body stuck in survival mode, which fuels inflammation and autoimmunity. Forgiveness is a powerful balm and way of living that soothes the nervous system and supports deep healing.

I had the privilege of taking Fred’s Forgive for Good workshop through Stanford Health Care, and I can say firsthand: his approach is both practical and profoundly transformative.

Tune in as we explore why forgiveness isn’t just a virtue — it’s a vital practice for a healthy, thriving life.

Quote: “Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past.”

What’s inside this episode?

02:20 What it is that makes unforgiveness so diminishing 

04:00 Fred’s personal story that led him down the path of understanding and researching “unforgiveness” as his work

07:25 What is forgiveness and what is it not?

10:20 What he found from his study of forgiveness in the most extremely traumatic life circumstances, and the most important aspects of forgiveness

17:25 Forgiveness strategies for someone who has experienced adverse childhood experience(s) (ACEs) and is facing an autoimmune response

25:55 Steps someone can take to forgive and look forward in their life

34:38 The integration of spirituality and history into Fred’s secular studies on forgiveness

38:00 Forgiveness is a choice and a learned skill

Resources mentioned:

Forgive For Good by Dr. Fred Luskin: https://a.co/d/7MzvjrE

The Forgive For Good Recovery Workbook: https://a.co/d/gSPBEXd

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

#beatautoimmuneandthrivepodcast

Dr. Christine Schaffner, ND is a board-certified naturopathic physician who helps people recover from complex, chronic illness using a powerful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge biological, natural, and energy medicine. She leads her own clinic, Immanence Health in Washington State, and works with clients virtually as well.

Dr. Schaffner is also the host of The Spectrum of Health podcast, where she interviews top experts on a wide range of holistic health topics. I had the honor of being a guest on her show to share my journey of reversing autoimmune disease naturally.

You may remember Dr. Schaffner from episode #5 of Beat Autoimmune & Thrive, where we explored How to Love Your Lymph. What I appreciate most about her is her compassion, curiosity, and deep commitment to educating both patients and practitioners about the often-overlooked root causes of chronic illness—and the many mind-body-spirit tools available for true healing.

Full disclosure: Dr. Schaffner is my personal doctor and dear friend. I'm thrilled to welcome her back to the show.

In this conversation, we explore her own profound healing journey, what she’s seeing in her practice today, and how she brings together a vast array of healing modalities to support those navigating complex health challenges like autoimmunity.

Quote: “I believe anyone can overcome anything.” 

What’s Inside: 

02:25 Dr. Schaffner’s story and most recent life threatening health journey 

20:50 What is Terrain Medicine and how can people access it?

33:15 The invitation to receive and be a collaborator with your body on the quest to healing and full health

36:09 The masculine and feminine components of healing and systems of regulation

40:30 Tools, modalities, and practices Dr. Schaffner has found to be transformational for herself and her patients

47:38 EMDR for healing from acute and chronic trauma

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Christine Schaffner website: https://www.drchristineschaffner.com/

Dr. Christine Schaffner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drschaffner

Dr. Joe Dispenza website: https://drjoedispenza.com/

Veda Austin, The Living Language of Water: https://www.vedaaustin.com/vedas-book

Healing Modalities and Practices:

EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/

Somatic Healing: https://traumahealing.org/

Mei-lan - Angelic Frequency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Pn5puYb0o

Heartmath science, blog, and tools: https://www.heartmath.com/

Resonance devices: AO Scan: https://aoscanglobal.com/

Energy for Life (formerly NES Health) https://www.e4l.com/

Neural therapy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_therapy

Ozone therapy: A clinical review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3312702/

Dr. Bradley Nelson’s books: Emotion Code and Body Code https://drbradleynelson.com/

Biofield Tuning: https://www.biofieldtuning.com/

Non-profit psychedelic science, research, education, and policy: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): maps.org 

Ancient Medicines: Kambô - traditional Amazonian frog medicine ritual; and Rapé - sacred snuff

Limbic Retraining:

The Gupta Program: https://guptaprogram.com/

DNRS: https://retrainingthebrain.com/

Primal Trust: https://www.primaltrust.org/

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

#beatautoimmuneandthrive

Dr. Shani Robins is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Wisdom Therapy™, a therapeutic approach he pioneered in 1998. He teaches psychology and wellness courses at a number of schools including Stanford University, Foothill College, and College of San Mateo.

Dr. Robins holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from UCLA, an M.A. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, and a second Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He has been a California Board Licensed Psychologist for over 20 years.

Blending the best of Western psychology—including Emotional Intelligence and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—with Eastern practices like mindfulness, compassion, gratitude, and humility, Dr. Robins helps people reduce suffering and live with greater wisdom.

He specializes in psychotherapy for anxiety, anger management, and career counseling, working with individuals, couples, and groups. His integrative approach combines CBT, Mindfulness Meditation, and Wisdom Therapy to help clients lower stress and enhance well-being.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Robins shares practical strategies and timeless wisdom to help you break free from anxiety, pain, and emotional struggles—whether you’re healing from an autoimmune condition or simply seeking to live a more meaningful life. Learn how to reframe challenges, overcome cognitive distortions, practice mindfulness, and cultivate self-compassion, gratitude, optimism, and humility. Dr. Robins shows us how to be wiser and freer, starting with your very next thought.

Quote: “How we think significantly influences how we feel.”

What’s inside this episode?

02:26 How wisdom and well-being can be defined when it comes to dealing with and healing chronic illness 

13:54 Wise vs. unwise thought patterns, and the understanding that how we think directly correlates with how we feel  

20:05 How we can approach and respond to new health challenges in a wiser and more skillful way

25:26 Understanding mindfulness as a practiced skill that allows us to consciously observe our thoughts and create the opportunity to shift them

35:35 How shifting our perspective through actively changing our biological default for survival and practicing gratitude frees us from suffering 

43:50 How we can practice more humility, self-compassion, and optimism

59:00 Final words from Shani on the practice of living a wise life

Resources mentioned:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) workbooks:

Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think - https://amzn.to/4i8pW7S

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy - https://a.co/d/6jUl00S

Shani’s website: Wisdomtherapy.com

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

I’m delighted to be joined again today by Dr. Keesha Ewers, a board-certified Functional and Ayurvedic medicine expert, Doctor of Sexology, trauma-informed psychotherapist, conscious dying doula, MAPS certified MDMA-assisted psychotherapy therapist, and founder of the Academy for Integrative Medicine Health Coach Certification Program. 

With over 40 years in medicine, she developed the HURT Model to understand how childhood trauma impacts adult health, leading to her Freedom Framework for reversing autoimmune disease.

Dr. Keesha is a best-selling author of several books, including Solving the Autoimmune Puzzle: The Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Emotional Freedom and Vibrant Health. She also co-hosts Liberating Generations with her daughter, a podcast on breaking free from intergenerational trauma.

I’ve had the pleasure of being part of Dr. Keesha’s Reverse Autoimmune Disease Summit and she has been on the podcast before (episode #50) discussing the profound links between childhood trauma and autoimmunity. In this episode we dive deeper into the opportunity for healing from autoimmune disorders by listening to our bodies and applying both ancient and intuitive wisdom ideally as early as possible. 

Quote: “You can’t bathe yourself everyday every minute in resentment and think you’re going to get better, it won’t happen.”

What’s inside this episode?

03:12 Dr. Keesha Ewers story and how perfectionism drove her body into overdrive and autoimmunity 

14:10 The four corners of where Dr. Keesha Ewers suggests that people start on their healing journey

22:35 How your body is trying to communicate to you

27:55 Highly sensitive persons (HPS’s), autoimmune relationships, and boundaries

34:00 Trauma as imprinted patterning that’s no longer serving you 

40:04 The best way to let go of conditioned self-criticism and how to change your mind and the way you think

46:43 Dr. Keesha’s pebble practice to help shift your perception

Resources mentioned:

Dr. Keesha’s website: https://www.drkeesha.com/

Dr. Keesha’s book: Solving the Autoimmune Puzzle - https://a.co/d/2SRSoT1

Dr. Keesha’s 21 Day Quick Start: https://go.drkeesha.com/21day-quickstart-program

Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?

If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/