Sparking Wholeness

By Erin KerryAlternative Health Health & Fitness Nutrition Mental Health Kids & Family Fitness

Sparking Wholeness episodes

July 21 Episode 349: How Spiritual Abuse Affects Your Nervous System and Faith with Colleen Ramser
Did you know that spiritual trauma can live in your body just like any other kind of trauma, showing up as intrusive thoughts, a racing heart during worship, or an inability to even open your Bible?
In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with EMDR-certified trauma therapist and author Colleen Ramser to explore the difference between spiritual abuse and spiritual trauma, why scripture can sometimes feel triggering instead of comforting, and how the nervous system (not just willpower or "more faith”) holds the key to healing. Together, they discuss spiritual cynicism, guarded parts, somatic approaches to trauma recovery, and what it looks like for pastors and ministry leaders to navigate spiritual abuse within their own churches.
You'll also learn practical ways to discern healthy theology from twisted relational theology, why slow and small steps matter more than forcing yourself back into old spiritual practices, and how healing in the body can open the door to reconnecting with God.
Whether you've experienced spiritual abuse directly, walked away from church hurt, or simply want to understand the connection between trauma and faith, this conversation offers both compassion and a clear path forward.
Key Topics:
* Spiritual abuse vs. spiritual trauma and how to tell the difference
* Why scripture and prayer can feel triggering after trauma
* The nervous system's role in spiritual healing
* Somatic and body-based approaches to trauma recovery (EMDR, IFS)
* Spiritual cynicism as a trauma response
* Guarded parts, discernment, and rebuilding trust
* Ministry leaders and pastors who experience spiritual abuse
* Discerning healthy theology vs. twisted relational theology
* Domestic abuse parallels in spiritually abusive systems
* Faith, delight, and play as part of wholeness
Links Mentioned: Book: The Shattered Soul: Restoring Wholeness and Rebuilding Your Faith After Spiritual Trauma Website: colleenramser.com
Join Erin's monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Order Erin's new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
53 min
July 13 Episode 348: How Your Oral Health Affects Your Gut, Hormones, and Mental Health with Dr. Rebecca Edwards
Did you know your oral health may be influencing your gut microbiome, hormone balance, sleep quality, inflammation, and even your mental health?
In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with biological and airway-focused dentist Dr. Rebecca Edwards to explore why the mouth is much more than a place for cavities and cleanings. Together, they discuss the oral microbiome, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, root canals, gum health, hormone changes during perimenopause and menopause, childhood airway development, and how oral inflammation may contribute to whole-body symptoms.
You'll also learn why biological dentistry looks beyond treating teeth to uncover root causes, how oral bacteria can affect gut health, and practical ways to support healthier mouths—and healthier bodies.
Whether you're struggling with fatigue, anxiety, hormone changes, chronic inflammation, or simply want a more holistic approach to your health, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the connection between oral health and overall wellness.
Key Topics:
- Biological dentistry vs. traditional dentistry
- The oral microbiome and gut health
- Mouth breathing and airway health
- Oral health and mental health
- Root canals and whole-body inflammation
- Hormones, perimenopause, and oral changes
- Childhood airway development and immune health
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Functional medicine and oral health
- Faith, stress, and whole-person healing
Links Mentioned:
Website: grovedental.com
Podcast: The Tea on Teeth
Knead Your Cure Conference: kneadyourcure.com
Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month:
https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
44 min
July 08 Episode 347: How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Shame, A Christian Perspective with Dr. Kelly Edmiston
In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with pastor, Bible professor, and author Dr. Kelly Edmiston to discuss how purity culture, body shame, and sexual shame have impacted both adults and children. They explore how parents can have healthy, age-appropriate conversations about sex, consent, body safety, and pleasure from a biblical perspective without fear or shame.
They also discuss trauma, embodiment, nervous system healing, pornography, parenting boys, raising confident daughters, and why learning to trust your body can actually deepen your relationship with God.
Whether you're raising young children, healing from religious trauma, or simply trying to develop a healthier relationship with your own body, this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and encouragement.
Key Topics:
- Purity culture and religious trauma
- Body image and embodiment
- Christian parenting
- Talking to kids about sex
- Teaching consent
- Body safety
- Healthy sexuality
- Trauma healing
- Pornography conversations
- Nervous system awareness
- Body boundaries
- Biblical sexuality
- Raising emotionally healthy children
Links Mentioned:
Website: https://www.drkellyedmiston.com/
Book: Shame-Free Sex Talks
Substack: https://substack.com/@kellyedmiston
Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month:
https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
49 min
June 30 Episode 346: Faith, Depression, and Mental Illness: What Every Christian Needs to Hear with Jean Neely
Many Christians silently wonder:
Does my depression mean my faith is weak?
In this conversation, Erin sits down with educator and writer Jean Neely, author of Christ in the Abyss, to discuss the difficult intersection of faith, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic suffering, and church culture.
Together they explore why so many Christians carry shame around mental illness, how unhealthy beliefs about "having more faith" can deepen suffering, and why God's response to our pain is far more compassionate than many people have been taught.
Whether you're living with depression, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand how faith and mental health work together, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and practical encouragement.
Key Topics:
- Does depression mean you lack faith?
- The relationship between bipolar disorder and identity
- Why mental health diagnoses should never become your identity
- The importance of community and compassionate support
- What Elijah teaches us about depression and God's care
- Boundaries, burnout, and serving in the church
- How to hold faith and suffering together
Links Mentioned:
jeanneelywriter.com
Mercyinthedeep.substack.com
Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month:
https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
46 min
June 23 Episode 345: Late-Diagnosed ADHD in Women: The Missing Link Between Food, Mood, and Nervous System Regulation with Amy Jones
Many women spend years being treated for anxiety, depression, burnout, or even bipolar disorder before discovering the real issue may be ADHD.
In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with functional nutrition practitioner, ADHD coach, and neuroscience student Amy Jones to discuss the unique challenges women with ADHD face when it comes to nutrition, nervous system regulation, executive function, and daily life.
They explore why ADHD can make meal planning, grocery shopping, and healthy habits feel overwhelming, how blood sugar crashes impact mood and behavior, and why consistent nourishment may be one of the most overlooked tools for supporting mental health.
If you've ever struggled with exhaustion, overwhelm, emotional eating, forgetfulness, or feeling like healthy habits are harder for you than everyone else, this conversation offers practical, compassionate strategies you can start using today.
Key Topics:
- ADHD in women and late diagnosis
- Anxiety, depression, and ADHD misdiagnosis
- Nervous system regulation
- Blood sugar and emotional regulation
- Executive function challenges
- ADHD-friendly nutrition strategies
- Protein, fat, and fiber for brain health
- ADHD parenting insights
- Burnout and overwhelm
- Creating realistic healthy habits
Websites Mentioned:
amyjonesnutrition.com
Instagram: @amyjonesnutrition
Join Erin’s FREE Midsummer Reset, July 6-20, here: Join the reset here: https://mailchi.mp/59ced4dd2316/mid-summer-reset
Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
49 min
June 16 Episode 344: How to Reset Your Health, Faith, and Habits in Just 14 Days with Erin Kerry
It’s summer! Summer has a way of throwing even the best routines off track. If you've found yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected from healthy habits, or waiting for the "perfect" time to start over, this episode is for you.
In this episode, host Erin Kerry shares why so many people struggle with all-or-nothing thinking, how overwhelm impacts the nervous system, and why lasting change comes from small daily choices rather than perfection. She also introduces her free Midsummer Reset and the five foundational habits that support whole-person wellness: time with God, hydration, movement, protein, fruits and vegetables, and removing one habit that's holding you back.
If you're ready to renew your mind, body, and spirit without another complicated program, this episode will help you take the next faithful step. Key Topics:
- Mid-summer reset
- Nervous system regulation
- Overwhelm and health
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Christian wellness
- Healthy habits
- Faith and health
- Functional medicine
- Perimenopause wellness
- Mind-body-spirit connection
Join the reset here: https://mailchi.mp/59ced4dd2316/mid-summer-reset
Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month:
https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
25 min
June 09 Episode 343: Progesterone Left the Chat: What Happens to Your Brain and Body in Perimenopause with Chelsea Blackbird
Perimenopause is more than hot flashes and irregular periods. In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with Christian nutritionist Chelsea Blackbird to discuss the surprising physical, emotional, and mental changes women experience during midlife hormone shifts.
Together they explore the connection between progesterone, estrogen, histamine, anxiety, sleep, trauma, autoimmune conditions, and nervous system health. They also discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT), natural support options like evening primrose oil, vitex, and maca, and why foundational habits such as sunlight, sleep, stress regulation, and nutrition matter more than ever during this season.
If you've ever thought, "I don't feel like myself anymore," this conversation will help you understand why—and what you can do to support your body through the transition.
Key Topics:
- What perimenopause actually is
- Why women often feel "off" before cycles become irregular
- Progesterone decline and estrogen dominance
- Histamine, hives, food sensitivities, and hormone fluctuations
- Trauma resurfacing during midlife
- Anxiety, self-doubt, and neurotransmitter changes
- HRT: benefits, limitations, and common misconceptions
- Evening primrose oil, vitex, and maca
- Testosterone and female motivation, focus, and libido
- Autoimmune flares during perimenopause
- The role of sunlight in hormone regulation
- Nervous system resilience and adrenal health
- Sleep and circadian rhythms
- Faith-based stewardship of health
 Links Mentioned:
Knead Your Cure Conference: https://www.kneadyourcure.com/
Chelsea’s website: https://www.thechristiannutritionist.com/
The School of Christian Health and Nutrition: https://go.thechristiannutritionist.com/christiannutritionschool
Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month:
https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
50 min
June 02 Episode 342: The Gut-Brain Connection: 5 Simple Ways to Improve Gut Health and Mental Health with Erin Kerry
Host Erin Kerry breaks down why gut health matters far beyond digestion and how issues like leaky gut, inflammation, and microbiome imbalances can impact mood, anxiety, depression, brain fog, and overall wellness.
You'll learn what leaky gut actually is, why stress plays a major role in digestive health, and five practical ways to support your gut naturally. From nutrition and fiber to nervous system regulation and mindful eating, these simple strategies can help improve both digestive and mental health.
If you've been struggling with bloating, digestive issues, anxiety, brain fog, or unexplained health symptoms, this episode offers foundational steps to help you start healing from the inside out.
Key Topics:
- What gut health actually means
- Understanding leaky gut and intestinal permeability
- The gut-brain connection
- How stress impacts digestion
- Why fiber matters for the microbiome
- Foods that support gut healing
- Mindful eating and digestion
- When to consider functional testing
- Gut health and mental wellness
- Practical daily habits for better digestion
Links Mentioned:
Website: erinbkerry.com
Book: Live Beyond Your Label
Health Coaching Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBahf6Wv677i9tlcF_6uIrfvfPzUmWNjrykpVxGWpKegfWWA/viewform?usp=header
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@erinbkerry
24 min
May 26 Episode 341: Peptides 101: The Science Behind the Biggest Health Trend Right Now with Megan del Corral
In this episode, Erin sits down with double board-certified nurse practitioner and hormone expert Megan del Corral to break down one of the biggest trends in health right now: peptides. They discuss what peptides are, how they work in the body, and why they’re gaining attention for metabolism, recovery, hormone balance, energy, inflammation, and healthy aging. Megan also shares her favorite peptides, who may benefit from them, and how personalized care through functional medicine can help address root causes instead of just symptoms.
Key Topics:
- What peptides actually are and how they work
- Why peptides are becoming so popular in wellness and functional medicine
- Peptides for metabolism, energy, and recovery
- Hormone balance and healthy aging support
- Functional medicine vs symptom management
- Root-cause approaches to metabolic resistance
- Personalized peptide protocols
- Women’s hormones and peptide therapy
- Inflammation, healing, and performance optimization
- How patients can work with Vidal Medical
Links Mentioned:
Website to order: https://vidalshop.com/shop?am_id=Erin_Kerry
Megan’s Instagram: @megan_delcorrral
Podcast: Beyond the White Coat
45 min
May 12 Episode 340: A New Approach to Understanding Anxiety with Elizabeth April
Host Erin Kerry sits down with Elizabeth April, author of Your Anxiety Is Giving Me Anxiety, to explore a completely different perspective on anxiety. Instead of viewing it as a disorder or flaw, Elizabeth shares how anxiety can function as a signal—pointing to deeper root causes in your past, present, and even future patterns.
They discuss how unresolved trauma, environmental stress, and nervous system overload can shape anxiety responses, and why traditional coping strategies may not be enough for long-term healing.
This conversation blends mental health, nervous system insight, and practical tools to help you move from reacting to anxiety… to understanding what it’s trying to tell you.
Key Topics:
Key Topics:
- Why anxiety may be a signal, not a disorder
- Root causes of anxiety: past, present, and future triggers
- The “oversaturated sponge” effect and emotional buildup
- How unresolved trauma shows up as anxiety
- Emotional and environmental influences on mental health
- Why suppressing anxiety can make it worse
- Practical tools for releasing stored stress and overwhelm
- Anxiety in children and modern overstimulation
Links Mentioned:
Book: https://benbellabooks.com/shop/your-anxiety-is-giving-me-anxiety/
Website: elizabethapril.com
Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month:
https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup
Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
40 min

About Sparking Wholeness

From the publisher's feed

Sparking Wholeness is not your typical health show. Erin Kerry is not your typical health coach. As a survivor of bipolar disorder, she has learned firsthand what it is like to deal with and manage a chronic illness.