The Alternative Flight Plan

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

What does it take to survive the fastest ejection in Naval aviation history—and rise again with purpose?

In this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes former Navy F-18 pilot and bestselling author Kegan “Smurf” Gill. After ejecting at nearly the speed of sound, Kegan endured catastrophic injuries, a long and painful recovery, misdiagnoses, and mental health crises that pushed him to the edge. But instead of giving up, he fought to reclaim his life—and is now helping others do the same.

Kegan’s story is a breathtaking look at the intersection of trauma, brain injury, psychedelics, and true resilience. He opens up about the limits of conventional medicine, the dark reality inside VA mental health facilities, and the healing power of sleep, nutrition, nature, and plant medicine. If you or someone you love is searching for hope through extreme adversity, this episode will stay with you.

📺 Watch the full episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast with Dr. Kristin Barnes and guest Kegan Gill here: https://youtu.be/I-uIBYkpQzY

#TheAlternativeFlightPlan #KeganGill #PhoenixRevival #KristinBarnes #VeteranHealing #PsychedelicTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaticBrainInjury #Resilience #NaturopathicMedicine #Veterans #Iboga #Ayahuasca #PTSDRecovery #TBIHealing #PodcastClip #HealingJourney

00:00 The Unthinkable Ejection

05:48 The Psychological Battle

11:52 The Struggles of Recovery

18:09 The Dark Side of Treatment

23:51 Finding Hope in Alternative Therapies

26:13 The Harsh Reality of Mental Health Facilities

30:04 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing

36:52 Integration: Building New Habits for Recovery

44:27 Sharing the Journey: The Importance of Storytelling

48:41 Creating a New Healthcare Model for Veterans

In this powerful new episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Dr. Clarence Cutsforth, founder of Mon Sana, to talk about transforming trauma, healing from addiction, and the science of functional medicine. Dr. Cutsforth shares his inspiring journey from Army veteran to leading holistic health expert, and how Mon Sana was created to support veterans, first responders, and individuals seeking true emotional and physical healing.

Dr. Kristin Barnes and Dr. Clarence Cutsforth explore the connection between trauma, substance use disorder, PTSD, and how the gut-brain-heart connection plays a critical role in full-body recovery. They discuss how functional medicine, forgiveness, and community-based healing methods offer hope beyond traditional approaches—and why Mon Sana is quickly becoming a destination for those seeking lasting change.

Watch the full conversation with Dr. Kristin Barnes and Dr. Clarence Cutsforth now and discover how true healing happens from within. Click here to watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ztQkWx8YtRg

#AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #KristinBarnes #ClarenceCutsforth #MonSana #FunctionalMedicine #TraumaHealing #SubstanceUseDisorder #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #HolisticHealth #HealingJourney #GutBrainConnection #Podcast

00:00 The Power of Community in Healing

02:50 Introduction to Holistic Healthcare

06:08 Understanding Substance Use Disorder

08:59 The Role of the Amygdala in Behavior

11:50 Navigating Emotional Experiences

15:10 Functional Medicine and Healing

17:52 Behavior Modification and Identity

21:06 Integrating Heart, Gut, and Mind

24:00 The Importance of Community and Connection

26:49 Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

30:14 Nature as a Healing Force

33:02 The Journey of Healing Together

In the latest episode of the Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, CEO of No Fallen Heroes, to discuss the urgent need for alternative mental health solutions for veterans. Whiz shares his transformative experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapies, emphasizing the significant role they can play in addressing PTSD and trauma in the veteran community.

Whiz highlights the challenges veterans face in accessing treatment, including stigma and bureaucratic obstacles that deter them from seeking help. He shares success stories from No Fallen Heroes, reminding listeners of the importance of community support and connection.

The conversation underscores the transformative power of psychedelic therapy and the need to rethink societal attitudes toward mental health care for veterans. Tune in for this enlightening discussion on compassion, healing, and the future of veteran support.

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

#AlternativeFlightPlan #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #PsychedelicTherapy #NoFallenHeroes #HealingTogether #EndVeteranSuicide #CommunityCare

00:00 The Deeper Crisis: Veterans and Mental Health

01:51 Psychedelic Therapy: A New Hope for Healing

06:09 Personal Journeys: Trauma and Transformation

11:46 The Role of Community in Healing

18:04 Challenging Stigmas: Men and Mental Health

24:11 The War on Drugs: A Failed Approach

27:56 A New Era: Veterans Leading the Charge

28:25 Transformative Journeys: Healing Through Ibogaine

32:19 Integration Challenges: The Aftermath of Healing

34:44 The Crisis of Care: Veterans and Alternative Medicine

39:30 The Role of Relationships in Healing

46:02 Navigating Change: The Impact of Medicine on Relationships

54:35 Connecting with Resources: Finding Help for Veterans

Can healing really happen outside the traditional medical system? On this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Jill Richards, Doctor of Acupuncture and founder of Catalysis Acupuncture in Bend, Oregon. With deep experience treating both veterans and civilians, Dr. Richards opens up about the connection between trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic health challenges—especially in patients with invisible wounds like traumatic brain injury (TBI).

In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, Dr. Richards explores how unresolved trauma—whether from combat, sexual assault, or a childhood experience—can manifest physically as pain, disrupted hormones, heart irregularities, or even loss of vision. She shares her own journey with TBI, how Feldenkrais therapy helped her become pain-free, and why acupuncture and neurosomatic intelligence have become life-changing tools in her practice. Together, she and Dr. Barnes break down how nervous system regulation is the missing piece in the healing puzzle—and why true recovery often begins outside of insurance-driven medicine.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TvwiLlOiGOg

#AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #KristinBarnes #DrJillRichards #CatalysisAcupuncture #TBIRecovery #TraumaHealing #VeteranCare #Acupuncture #NervousSystemHealth #InvisibleInjuries #FunctionalMedicine #NSI #SomaticHealing #HolisticHealth #Feldenkrais #BrainHealth

00:00 Exploring Alternative Healing Paths

03:04 Understanding Trauma and Its Manifestations

05:52 The Role of Neurosomatic Intelligence

09:10 Trauma and the Nervous System

11:56 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

14:47 Acupuncture and Its Efficacy

18:08 Veteran Care and Community Support

20:54 Research and Future Directions

24:12 Personal Healing Journeys

27:02 Concluding Thoughts on Healing and Support

In the very first episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin "Rosie" Barnes takes off on a transformative conversation with Dr. Brianna Cardenas, a Physician Assistant and complex illness specialist. Dr. Cardenas shares her powerful journey through nearly two decades of personal health struggles, her challenges with the medical system, and how she now helps others heal using a blend of conventional and alternative medicine.

Dr. Barnes, a retired Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot turned naturopathic doctor, brings her aviation leadership mindset into healthcare, aiming to create meaningful change in how patients receive care. Together, they dive deep into the limitations of traditional healthcare, the need for patient-centered treatment, and how fascial counterstrain therapy and integrative medicine have reshaped their own paths to healing.Ready to explore a new flight path in medicine? Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZPD0I4aJIYc

#AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #DrKristinBarnes #DrBriannaCardenas #IntegrativeMedicine #PatientCenteredCare #ComplexIllness #FascialCounterstrain #MedicalInnovation #HealthcareTransformation #AlternativeMedicine

00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges

02:46 Navigating Complex Illnesses

05:57 The Limitations of Conventional Medicine

08:47 Personal Experiences with Healthcare

12:03 The Cash-Based Healthcare Model

14:52 Innovative Treatment Approaches

17:55 The Role of Alternative Medicine

20:48 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care

24:10 Overcoming Healthcare Barriers

27:01 The Journey from Disability to Empowerment

29:54 Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine

33:06 The Power of Fascial Counterstrain

35:56 Reframing Medical Language

38:48 Educating Future Healthcare Providers

41:59 Conclusion and Resources