Are you shackled by the chains of shame? We're here to show you that it's not only possible to break free, but absolutely essential for living a full and authentic life. In this candid and introspective discussion, we pull back the curtain on the often uncomfortable topic of shame - its impact on our lives, mental health, and spirituality. Drawing from the pioneering work of Brené Brown, we explore how shame manifests and the debilitating vortex it can create, inhibiting us from expressing our true selves.

In the pursuit of understanding and overcoming shame, we encourage you to join us on this journey. We unveil our personal experiences, discuss how small triggers can spiral into a vortex of self-criticism, and offer strategies for combating these feelings. Implementing tools like validation, reflection, compassion, and curiosity can have a profound impact on how we deal with shame. We also delve into the importance of self-awareness, introspection, and the power of language in this complex battle. This is not just about listening to a conversation - it's about triggering a process of self-discovery and healing. So, tune in, reflect, and find your path to breaking free from the grip of shame.

In this podcast episode, Chad and Natalie talk about anxiety, drawing from their own experiences and discussing its physical and emotional effects. They explore various triggers and differentiate between worry and anxiety. They provide practical techniques for managing anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises and grounding methods. The hosts also emphasize the role of faith and the importance of creating safe spaces to discuss anxiety. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to seek help and be kind to themselves.

In this episode of the Holistic and Holy podcast, Chad McSwain and Natalie Craver discuss the significance of understanding our own personal story. They explore the impact of movies and TV shows on our lives, especially during anxious times. The hosts delve into reframing our stories and giving ourselves grace, highlighting the importance of understanding our own journeys. They also touch on the role of open-ended questions, active listening, gratitude, and self-compassion in discovering and honoring our personal narratives.

Are you ready to unfold the complexities of your family dynamics and their impact on your mental health? It's time to break free from the childhood roles we often fall back into when reuniting with families, and truly embrace the person you've become. Join your friendly guides, Chad McSwain and Natalie Craver, as we share real-life stories, professional insights, and practical tips on how to maintain positive mental wellness while navigating these intricate relationship dynamics.

What if you could understand your emotional triggers and how they link to your self-worth? Imagine defusing these triggers, and dismissing the irrational belief of not being enough, all influenced by past experiences. We're here to equip you with tools to own your perceptions, liberate yourself from negative beliefs, and prioritize mental health. As we traverse through the intersection of holiness and holistic well-being, we aim to empower you to take charge of your mental health and spiritual well-being in your day-to-day life.

Lastly, let's talk about therapy. Do you ever question its power and efficacy? We’ll unfold the magic of therapy and how understanding ourselves and our past traumas is key to healing and improving mental health. From sharing our own experiences to recounting heartening stories of clients who saw significant improvements, we aim to break the stigma around therapy and encourage you to take that vitally important first step towards improved mental health. So, come along on this enlightening journey and remember, it's okay to ask for help. Together, let's break the stigma!

Discover Holistic and Holy by checking out our origin story! Before there was a podcast, Chad interviewed Natalie at Whitesboro United Methodist Church. This is the perfect way to jump into the podcast and get a preview of the kinds of topics we talk about on Holistic and Holy! 

Here is what we dive into during this interview… 
Have you ever wondered how past traumas can shape your present and future? Today, we're grateful to have Natalie Craver, a licensed professional counselor and trauma-informed yoga therapist, who will help us navigate through this complex and deeply personal subject. Natalie brings a wealth of expertise, including knowledge of EMDR, somatic experiencing, and internal family systems, to guide us on this journey of understanding trauma and its significance to our overall health. Her insights, interwoven with her own personal and family narratives, offer a unique perspective on this critical topic.

Together, we unlock the profound impact of trauma on individuals, unmasking behaviors and sensations that might signal unprocessed traumatic experiences. As we recognize the importance of acknowledging our past traumas, we also discover the potential for post-traumatic growth. As we all grapple with collective traumatic experiences, like the current pandemic, Natalie's validation and support provide us with crucial tools for the healing process.

Finally, we embrace the path towards healing - a journey that often calls us to seek help from God and others. It's in Psalm 139 that we find reassurance of God's unwavering presence and love, even in the most challenging times. We invite you to join us as we surrender to God's healing power, reminding ourselves that He can restore us to wholeness. So, sit back, relax, and prepare for an enlightening exploration of the mind-body connection. Let's journey together towards a holy and holistic life, filled with healing and restoration.