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Dr. Rajka is a double board-certified physician in Family and Integrative Medicine, and a certified Functional Medicine practitioner who has helped countless people reverse autoimmunity, regain energy, and age powerfully through her Executive Edge™ and 3D Protocol™ which we will explore today. She wrote the book, Energized: Feel Fantastic Forever which provides an easy-to-follow plan to unlock the power of your body and mind.
I first met Dr. Rajka in 2017 at a health and wellness influencer conference… in the ladies room lounge! We struck up a conversation, had an instant connection, and have been supporters since.
Dr. Rajka not only brings a wealth of clinical expertise but also deep personal experience which includes overcoming not one but two autoimmune disorders — and with that, so much hope for anyone facing chronic illness. I’m excited for you to hear her story and how she helps people with both foundational healing elements and important information about dealing with genetic mutations, which are very common in people with autoimmune disorders.
Quote: “If you have symptoms, get in [for testing] yesterday. If you don’t have symptoms, get in today.”
What’s Inside:
01:49 Dr. Rajka’s autoimmune and integrative medicine story
07:28 What she wished she would’ve done differently when she first received her diagnoses
11:03 What Dr. Rajka’s seeing as the top autoimmune drivers in her clients and the importance of nervous system regulation
19:20 What exactly is self-imposed stress?
24:08 Toxins, genetics, and invaluable testing
38:20 Dr. Rajka’s “3D Protocol”
46:40 Final words from Dr. Rajka
Resource mentioned:
Free 4 week course: Fatigue to Fabulous - a $297 value
https://fatigue2fabulous.com/
Where you can find Dr. Rajka:
Website: https://drrajka.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRajka
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drrajka/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrajka/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@drrajka
How I can help:
Beat Autoimmune Amazon #1 best-selling book with a powerful foreword by Mark Hyman, MD addresses the 6 key factors to reverse and prevent autoimmune disorders. Available in paperback, kindle and audio formats: https://amzn.to/4169Y8u
Beat Autoimmune Academy a self-paced online course with live monthly group coaching sessions to help you heal efficiently and effectively: http://beatautoimmuneacademy.com/
#beatautoimmuneandthrive
Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple-board-certified physician who specializes in integrative medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone therapy. She’s affectionately known as “The Girlfriend Doctor,” she’s the bestselling author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16, and MenuPause, and she’s the creator of the highly acclaimed Magic Menopause program.
Dr. Anna helps women balance hormones, boost energy, and reignite intimacy with humor, heart, and practical solutions. She’s also developed natural products like MightyMaca® Plus and Julva® cream to support women through every stage of life. She lives in Dallas with her daughters, horses, and dogs.
Today she joins me for a deep dive into the top hormone imbalances linked to autoimmune disorders—and how we can bring them back into balance naturally, effectively, and for optimal health and wellbeing.
Quote:
“It takes more than hormones to fix our hormones.”
What’s Inside:
01:08 Dr. Anna’s personal story of trauma, profound grief, PTSD, infertility, early menopause; and then, complete healing, reversing menopause, and naturally conceiving a child at age 41
11:24 Dr. Anna’s hormone hierarchy and university metaphor
14:50 The Queen Mother and most powerful hormone in our body and how it balances out our stress hormones
18:46 Dr. Anna’s personal experience of high cortisol, low oxytocin and what she did to lose weight, fix depression, and burnout
22:10 Why urine pH is the most important and inexpensive marker to help give you insights on your cortisol and oxytocin levels
30:07 What Dr. Anna does to determine cortisol levels over the course of a day
32:57 Why circadian rhythm is crucial for health and wellbeing
34:45 How aging and stress cause estrogen dominance and what signs you can look for
38:04 The cacophony and cascade of hormone imbalances: high Insulin, low vitamin D, low thyroid, low testosterone, high cortisol and the connection to autoimmunity
40:37 What Dr. Anna recommends as starting points to balance your hormones
42:19 Dr. Anna’s thoughts about progesterone and how to replace it naturally and safely
46:44 The last word: hopeful and empowering
Resources mentioned:
Books that address trauma:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD: https://amzn.to/4lm9bYd
Beat Autoimmune by Palmer Kippola: https://amzn.to/41EanPy
Dr. Anna’s hormone balancing products: urine strips, Balance cream, Julva, Mighty Maca Plus:
https://drannacabeca.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=8101982
Where you can find Dr. Anna:
● https://drannacabeca.com
● https://www.facebook.com/DrAnnaCabeca
● https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor
How I can help:
Beat Autoimmune Amazon #1 best-selling book with a powerful foreword by Mark Hyman, MD addresses the 6 key factors to reverse and prevent autoimmune disorders. Available in paperback, kindle and audio formats: https://amzn.to/4169Y8u
Beat Autoimmune Academy a self-paced online course with live monthly group coaching sessions to help you heal efficiently and effectively: http://beatautoimmuneacademy.com/
#beatautoimmuneandthrive
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/
#beatautoimmuneandthrive
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:
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:
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/
#beatautoimmuneandthrive
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
From the publisher's feed
Reclaim your health and your best life with bestselling author and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Palmer Kippola. Autoimmune disease may be epidemic but Palmer puts the power to heal…