Healing becomes possible when the nervous system stops bracing for impact.

Keith W. Fiveson shares a grounded approach that blends mindfulness, breathwork, narrative repair, and parts-based understanding of protectors and coping strategies—without overselling outcomes.

Themes include:

• Breath as spiritus: a practical bridge between physiology and meaning
• Why “autopilot” keeps people stuck, and how small shifts create spaciousness
• Food, shame, and the “hungry ghost” pattern many carry quietly
• Kindness with boundaries: compassion that tells the truth and changes behavior

Follow the show to save conversations that support your wellness journey → https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ

You don’t need a more disciplined mindset. You need a safer internal operating system.A freak accident put Jim Pehkonen in a moment where he was sure he was dying. What surprised him wasn’t fear. It was peace. And when he came back, the work he’d been doing for decades around trauma, family systems, and resilience started to shift direction.This episode follows that shift and lands on a theme that’s hard to ignore: young men are often expected to carry everything alone, then criticized for where they go to find belonging.A few grounded waypoints from this conversation:Trauma isn’t a contest. Different stories can leave the same nervous system imprint.Healing moves with understanding, not self-punishment or “powering through.”Masking who you are taxes the nervous system more than most people realize.Community isn’t a buzzword. It’s a condition for repair.If you’re navigating trauma recovery, chronic stress, or the feeling that the old way of coping isn’t working anymore, this one offers a steady framework and a human reminder: healing is possible.Watch full episodes on YouTube. → https://www.youtube.com/@alternativeflightplan

Since 2001, far more veterans have been lost at home than on the battlefield.It’s time we start talking about what healing really means.On this week's Alternative Flight Plan, Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with former Marine Gary P. Hess, who found his way out of deep trauma through intentional plant medicine, breathwork, and community support.Today, Gary leads Warrior Tribe Assembly and VAHA, helping veterans and first responders reconnect to themselves and rediscover purpose through holistic and peer-led care.This episode is about breaking stigma, rebuilding trust, and finding real ways forward — beyond pills and protocols.Learn more or get involved:👉 https://warriortribeassembly.com/👉 https://meridianpassagewellness.com/Like. Share. Keep the conversation going — healing starts with awareness.#TheAlternativeFlightPlan #DrKristinBarnes #VeteranMentalHealth #PlantMedicine #HolisticHealing #Veterans #FirstResponders #TraumaRecovery #PeerSupport #CommunityHealing #NaturopathicMedicine #HealingJourney

Trauma doesn’t just disrupt the body—it can disrupt meaning. Signals arrive without context. Sensations don’t add up. What once felt intuitive becomes confusing, even alien.

In this episode, Christine Ruch offers a grounded framework for understanding why this happens and where healing often needs to begin: the nervous system. When the nervous system is locked into protection, the body can speak loudly without being understandable. Restoration isn’t about forcing regulation or chasing outcomes—it’s about rebuilding capacity, safety, and trust over time.

The conversation explores the difference between change and transformation. Change tends to be linear and goal-driven. Transformation unfolds in cycles, advancing and retreating, resisting timelines. Many people seeking healing have already tried fixing symptoms while keeping the rest of life the same. Christine challenges that model, pointing to how daily patterns, identity stories, and unresolved stress can quietly keep the nervous system in a state of dysregulation.

A central reframe runs through the episode: what if the body isn’t betraying you—what if it’s communicating? When safety increases, interpretation becomes possible. And when interpretation becomes possible, agency can return.

Visit Meridian Passage Wellness to begin your Healing Journey: https://www.meridianpassagewellness.com

In this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Holly Christy—naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and founder of The Bridge Back Project—for a fascinating look into the world of fascial counterstrain, an emerging hands-on therapy changing how we understand chronic pain, trauma, and healing.

Dr. Christy shares insights from her recently published study in the Military Medicine journal, which examined the impact of counterstrain therapy on veterans and first responders living with chronic pain and PTSD. Together, she and Dr. Barnes explore how this precise, physiology-based approach can help reset the body’s nervous system—offering relief where traditional medicine often falls short.

From life-altering patient stories to groundbreaking clinical results, this conversation sheds light on the future of integrative care. Dr. Christy also discusses her vision for expanding access through The Bridge Back Project, which funds treatments and research for trauma recovery and supports practitioners dedicated to this work.

If you’ve ever wondered how the body holds—and can release—pain and trauma, this episode is a must-listen.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/dgVEeVONee0

#AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #DrHollyChristy #BridgeBackProject #CounterstrainTherapy #PTSDRecovery #ChronicPainRelief #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealing #VeteranWellness #FirstResponderSupport #MindBodyMedicine #TraumaHealing #IntegrativeHealth

00:00 Introduction to Alternative Healing Paths

01:20 Understanding Fascial Counter Strain

05:59 The Specificity of Counter Strain

08:51 Chronic Pain and Mental Health

11:58 The Bridge Back Project and Research Initiatives

17:41 The Study on PTSD and Counter Strain

23:44 Physiological Responses to Trauma

29:21 The Role of Counter Strain in Healing

35:34 Expanding Access to Counter Strain

39:19 Conclusion and Future Directions

When you’ve tried everything and the system still fails you—what’s next? In this deeply moving episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Angela Skudin, founder and CEO of The Case Skudin 343 Fund, to explore healing beyond the conventional. Angela shares her powerful personal story of chronic illness, medical gaslighting, and finally finding relief through alternative therapies like iboga and bee venom therapy. Her journey from near collapse to mission-driven advocate is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Angela opens up about her late husband Casey—a 16-year FDNY veteran—whose legacy inspired the founding of the 343 Fund, an organization dedicated to bringing life-saving psychedelic therapies and holistic healing to first responders. From battling Morgellons disease and Lyme to investing in pre/post-journey support systems, she unpacks the reality of healing on your own terms. This is more than medicine—it’s a revolution in how we care for those who serve others.

Watch the full episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast featuring Angela Skudin and host Dr. Kristin Barnes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OfAtApyAIx8

#AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #AngelaSkudin #343Fund #FirstResponderWellness #PsychedelicHealing #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicIllnessRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #IbogaineTherapy #VeteransSupport #WomenInWellness #PodcastEpisode #TraumaHealing #HolisticHealth

00:00 The Quest for Healing: First Responders and Alternative Medicine

02:53 Angela's Journey: From Chronic Illness to Healing

05:43 The Power of Iboga: A New Path to Recovery

08:49 Morgellons Disease: Misdiagnosis and Stigma

11:40 Neuroplasticity and Healing: The Role of Psychedelics

14:54 The 343 Fund: Supporting First Responders' Healing Journeys

17:43 Building a Supportive Community: Integration and Coaching

20:32 Sauna Therapy: Detox and Recovery for First Responders

23:52 The Future of Healing: Vision for the 343 Fund

26:40 Conclusion: A Call to Action for Support and Awareness

In this insightful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, a pioneering clinical psychologist and founder. Together, they explore how small daily habits and mindset shifts can profoundly influence our health, emphasizing that our destiny isn’t solely determined by genetics. Dr. Sandra shares her journey from traditional psychology to integrating functional medicine, positive psychology, and mind-body techniques—empowering listeners to take control of their well-being and challenge limiting beliefs about health and aging.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sandra emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and personalized support in navigating chronic health conditions, menopause, and even disordered eating. She discusses how coaching can serve as a powerful tool for fostering self-advocacy and resilience, especially for women over 50 who are seeking purpose, vitality, and a renewed sense of possibility. Her approach encourages a mindset shift from limitations to opportunities, inspiring listeners to embrace health at every age.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode—watch the full conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dAyQVioRJRk

Whether you're interested in redefining your health journey, exploring natural approaches, or learning how mindset impacts well-being, Dr. Sandra’s expertise offers valuable insights. Subscribe to The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast for more conversations that empower you to craft your own healing path.

#FunctionalMedicine #MindBodyHealth #HealthAtEveryAge #WomenOver50 #TheAlternativeFlightPlan

00:00 Empowerment Through Health Coaching

02:45 The Journey to Functional Medicine

05:59 Mindfulness and Its Impact on Health

08:50 Navigating Testing in Functional Medicine

11:37 The Role of Health Coaches

14:44 Understanding Genetics and Health

17:52 The Psychology of Eating

24:43 Cultural Influences on Eating Habits

31:45 Metabolic Health and Body Image

39:40 Menopause and Empowerment

Welcome to the Alternative Flight Plan Podcast hosted by Kristin Barnes! In this enlightening episode, Kristin sits down with Dr. Erica Zelfand, a renowned naturopathic doctor from Oregon, to explore the powerful intersection between science and soul in medicine. They delve into how alternative modalities, including psychedelic medicine, can bring a deeper, more holistic approach to healing—bridging the gap between conventional and indigenous healing systems. Dr. Zelfand shares her journey from growing up in a Russian-American family to becoming a medical director involved in innovative retreats and therapies that support mind, body, and spirit. Tune in to hear how she combines her medical expertise with soulful practices to help patients reclaim their lives.

You can watch the full episode on YouTube here: [https://youtu.be/GjPp6HbNvI8). In this conversation, Dr. Zelfand discusses her personal experiences with psychedelic medicines like psilocybin and ayahuasca, emphasizing their role in accessing the unseen layers of healing—such as beliefs, karma, and ancestral wounds. The episode also highlights the importance of safety, cultural differences in medicine practices, and the need for authentic integration and community support. Whether you're curious about how psychedelics can be used responsibly or how naturopathic medicine can incorporate these powerful tools, this episode offers valuable insights.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the future of healing modalities and how we can merge science with soul to create more compassionate, effective care.

#AlternativeMedicine #PsychedelicHealing #HolisticHealth #NaturopathicMedicine #SpiritualHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney

00:00 Bridging Conventional and Alternative Medicine

01:40 Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine

05:59 The Journey to Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor

09:51 Cultural Influences on Healing Practices

13:33 Understanding Naturopathy and Its Distinctions

17:19 Exploring Psychedelic Medicine

21:28 Challenges in Regulated Psychedelic Practices

25:10 Healing Retreats in Mexico

29:26 Navigating Bad Experiences with Psychedelics

33:06 The Role of Integration in Healing

37:17 Indigenous Practices vs. Western Approaches

40:58 The Importance of Holistic Assessment

44:55 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine

In this compelling episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Dan Gurley, a fellow Tomcat aviator and trauma-informed life coach, to explore the complex journey of healing from trauma and integrating life after military service. Dan shares his personal story of navigating childhood trauma, the impact of complex PTSD, and how he’s found purpose in coaching others through similar struggles. Their conversation dives deep into the importance of self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and learning to get out of life's messes even when it feels overwhelming.

Dan reflects on his own recovery process, emphasizing that while we can't control the traumas that happen to us, we can control how we respond and what we do with those experiences. They discuss the significance of widening our window of tolerance, the role of plant medicine in healing, and the power of community and safe spaces to process difficult emotions. His story underscores that healing is not linear, but with intentional effort, it's possible to rebuild and find clarity in the chaos.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion—watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/CKZJ2EVN96A

Whether you’re dealing with trauma, navigating life’s challenges, or seeking a new perspective, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration. Subscribe to The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast for more conversations that help you reframe your journey.

#TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #AviationLife #TheAlternativeFlightPlan

00:00 The Journey of Healing and Integration

07:41 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

15:33 Navigating Life After Military Service

23:18 The Complexity of Personal Beliefs and Family Dynamics

31:03 Embracing Change and Acceptance

38:45 The Role of Plant Medicine in Recovery

What happens when modern healthcare isn’t enough—and a new paradigm is waiting in the wings? On this episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Ryan Phillips, a naturopathic doctor, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy provider, and board-certified biofeedback expert. Together, they take flight into a powerful conversation on integrative mental health, psilocybin-assisted therapy, and the vital role of naturopaths in America’s broken healthcare system.

Dr. Phillips shares his personal journey from a conservative Indiana upbringing to living in the Himalayas, and how those years transformed his understanding of medicine, community, and healing. He unpacks the structural flaws in our system—particularly the divide between physical and mental health—and how his work at Transcendent Integrative Health and NeuroGrove is helping patients bridge that gap. He also dives deep into the regulation and economics of psychedelic care, offering an unfiltered look at the real costs and bureaucratic hurdles involved in creating legal access to psilocybin treatment.

This episode explores why true integrative medicine isn’t just about having a menu of modalities—it’s about crafting a five-course healing experience. From nutrition and neurofeedback to trauma-informed counseling and plant medicine, Dr. Phillips explains how to create synergistic systems of care that nourish the whole person, not just the symptoms.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to practice medicine differently—or how to access healing beyond the “Golden Corral buffet” of healthcare—this episode is a must-listen.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/kbnrXQvQLGY

#TheAlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #DrKristinBarnes #DrRyanPhillips #PsilocybinTherapy #NaturopathicMedicine #MentalHealth #IntegrativeHealth #PlantMedicine #Biofeedback #Neurofeedback #HealthcareEquity #PsychedelicTherapy #FunctionalMedicine #TranscendentHealth #NeuroGrove

00:00 Navigating Healthcare: A New Perspective

02:46 Mind-Body Connection: Bridging the Gap

05:56 Cultural Influences on Health Perspectives

09:12 Integrative Approaches in Naturopathic Medicine

12:02 The Challenge of Accessibility in Healthcare

15:14 The Economics of Psychedelic Therapy

18:02 Regulation and Its Impact on Healing Practices

30:01 Navigating Mental Health Licensing and Accessibility

31:31 The Mental Health Crisis in America

36:06 The Role of Naturopathic Doctors in Mental Health

42:55 Integrative Approaches to Mental Health

49:45 Understanding the Complexities of Mental Health

56:27 The Collective Nature of Health and Healing