The Healing Journey; a safe space to engage in vulnerable discussions.

More about Gina:

Gina Gamblin is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder based in the Metro East. She is the founder of EXO Nail Bar, Med Spa, and Lounge in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Clary Steel Transport, which she grew from a one-room office into a multimillion-dollar company. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Gina is passionate about philanthropy, supporting nonprofit work, and bringing people, businesses, and causes together to make a meaningful difference. Her vision for EXO extends beyond beauty and hospitality, centering on creating a space where people can connect, feel cared for, and experience joy. Through her work, Gina embodies a belief in resilience, community, and the power of building something that creates opportunities and enriches the lives of others.

More about EXO Nail Bar and Lounge in Edwardsville, IL:

EXO is a one-of-a-kind nail bar, med spa, and lounge where Midwest hospitality meets coastal luxury. EXO is not simply a place to relax, but a place where cultures, energies, and experiences come together: the drama of Las Vegas, the vibrancy of Miami, the warmth of the Midwest, and the carefree fun of L.A. EXO has it all and has leveled-up the experience of luxury.

This woman-owned nail bar and lounge is the creation of the Metro East’s very own Gina Gamblin. Born out of her dream to create a space that celebrates glamour, luxury, and connection, EXO is a place where beauty and wellness become experiences to be enjoyed rather than errands to check off a list. Whether you are relaxing at the cocktail bar, melting your stress away with one of their signature pedicures, expressing your style through an artistic manicure, or enjoying top-of-the-line skincare in their med spa, you are invited to do more than simply receive a service. You are invited to slow down. To be taken care of. To indulge. To reconnect with yourself and the people around you. At EXO, the goal is not simply to leave with beautiful nails or glowing skin, but to leave feeling lighter, more confident, more connected, and more like yourself.

You might want to know more about…

Visiting EXO 2.0: https://exonailsalon.com/

The Four Agreements book by Don Miguel Ruiz: https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/

Writing your story as a healing practice: https://www.enterpeace.co/

Learn more about our sponsor, Thrive Everywhere: 

Thrive Everywhere is a platform designed to help people easily connect with independent healthcare providers based on their specific symptoms, diagnoses, wellness goals, or treatment needs. By bringing independent practitioners into one accessible network, Thrive Everywhere makes it easier for people to discover the right providers and build a personalized team of care and support.

Independent Health Care Clinicians! Apply for your Thrive Everywhere profile today. Click HERE. 

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

In this episode: 
1. Rewriting the Stories We Inherit
2. Reclaiming the Body, Desire, and Erotic Energy
3. Healing Through Storytelling and Embodied Awareness
4. Plant Medicine, Spiritual Healing, and Integration
5. From Individual Healing to Collective Transformation

You might want to know more about…
Jane’s Work: https://www.janegarnett.com/

Los Angeles Times, “Is this dance party the ‘deepest, cheapest’ therapy session in L.A.?”: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2026-09-29/emdr-healing-rave-marina-del-rey-jane-garnett

Join Jane’s next EMDR dance party! https://www.janegarnett.com/emdr

Audre Lorde’s essay, “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power”:https://mundoshabitables.com/media/pages/biblioteca/los-usos-de-lo-erotico/a52dc8c4d7-1754436835/the-uses-of-the-erotic-audre-lorde.pdf

Writing your story as a healing practice: https://www.enterpeace.co/

Learn more about our sponsor, Thrive Everywhere: 
Thrive Everywhere is a platform designed to help people easily connect with independent healthcare providers based on their specific symptoms, diagnoses, wellness goals, or treatment needs. By bringing independent practitioners into one accessible network, Thrive Everywhere makes it easier for people to discover the right providers and build a personalized team of care and support.

Independent Health Care Clinicians! Apply for your Thrive Everywhere profile today: https://thriveeverywhere.net/for-clinicians

Jane Garnett, LMFT, inherited family stories, rewriting your story, healing through storytelling, embodied healing, somatic therapy, EMDR therapy, attachment-focused therapy, body awareness, reclaiming desire, erotic energy and empowerment, Audre Lorde Uses of the Erotic, plant medicine integration, spiritual healing, mindfulness and self-discovery, personal transformation, emotional healing, creativity and self-expression, collective healing, becoming the author of your own life
 

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

In this episode: 

1. Finding Purpose Beyond Passion: Using Your Gifts to Serve Others
2. Creativity as a Way to See Possibility and Challenge What We’ve Accepted
3. Authenticity, Culture & the Power of Telling Stories Without Exploiting People
4. Thinking for Yourself in a World That Constantly Tells You What to Believe
5. Creating Change When the Systems Around You Aren’t Working

About Brandon: 

Brandon Rochon is an internationally recognized creative leader, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of creativity, culture, and human connection. As Chief Creative Officer of Notorious111 and co-founder of The Fluent Group, he has worked with global brands including Samsung, PlayStation, Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, and Red Bull, while using his creative practice to challenge conventional thinking, build more authentic connections, and imagine new possibilities for people and communities.

You might want to know more about…

https://www.marcusbarandgrille.com/

https://www.forwardparty.com/

https://www.notorious111.com/

https://wearefluent.com/

Learn more about our sponsor, Thrive Everywhere: 

Thrive Everywhere is a platform designed to help people easily connect with independent healthcare providers based on their specific symptoms, diagnoses, wellness goals, or treatment needs. By bringing independent practitioners into one accessible network, Thrive Everywhere makes it easier for people to discover the right providers and build a personalized team of care and support.

Independent Health Care Clinicians! Apply for your Thrive Everywhere profile today. Click HERE. 

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

In this episode: 

1. What Happens When Your Body Changes and You Have to Learn to Trust It Again

 

2. Learning to Accept Help When You're Used to Taking Care of Everyone Else

 

3. Getting Older Without Giving Up the Things That Make You Feel Like Yourself

 

4. The Ordinary Things That Actually Help Us Feel Better as We Age

 

5. How Our Bodies and Lives Change, and We Have to Learn Who We Are Now

Bonus: Learn about Carbon Leaf’s inspiration and creative process!

About Terry: 

Terry Clark is the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for Carbon Leaf, the Virginia-based indie/alternative band known for its melodic, roots-influenced sound and more than three decades of making music together. A longtime touring musician, husband, and father, Terry brings a unique perspective to this conversation about creativity, aging, health, and recovering from a major injury while continuing to do the work he loves.

Learn more about our sponsor, Thrive Everywhere: 

Thrive Everywhere is a platform designed to help people easily connect with independent healthcare providers based on their specific symptoms, diagnoses, wellness goals, or treatment needs. By bringing independent practitioners into one accessible network, Thrive Everywhere makes it easier for people to discover the right providers and build a personalized team of care and support.

Independent Health Care Clinicians! Apply for your Thrive Everywhere profile today. Click HERE. 

OrthoVirginia Dr. Nordt

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

Key Topics Discussed: Ray's Near-Death Experience (NDE) • Gas leak incident at age 20 • Encountering "the light" and a guiding being • The decision to return to life • 20+ year journey to integrate the experience Spiritual Awakening & Mediumship • Post-NDE paranormal experiences • Training with Reverend Joe Sheil • Understanding energy beings and spirit communication • The emotional toll of mediumship work Mind-Body Connection • Dissociation as a survival mechanism • Trauma stored in the body • Chakras and energy centers • The role of fascia in healing Practical Spiritual Tools • Meditation and theta brainwave states • Reiki energy healing • Creating sacred space for connection • Building your own spiritual vocabulary Science Meets Spirituality • Validating metaphysical experiences • The body's vibrational frequency • Manifestation through cellular consciousness • Bridging traditional medicine and holistic healing Guest Resources: • Website: raycatania.com • Books: ◦ "You Are Still Alive Now, Act Like It" ◦ "The Atheist and the Afterlife" • Services: Metaphysical coaching, guided meditations, online courses Additional Resources Mentioned: • "The Case for Heaven" by various authors • "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk 

• Ray’s Podcast: Atheist dies, reveals GOD is DIFFERENT than the way RELIGION describes

• Diary of a CEO podcast episode with Dr. Tara Swart

 • John Barnes Myofascial Release 

Clinicians:

1. Meredith Brunner, LMT of A Holistic Mere PLLC

Call or Text (618)-531-3776

2. Joyce Steward, LCSM of Living Free Center for Spirituality and Healing

Call or text (618)-210-3500 or email [email protected]

3. Kayci Combs Lueker of Lueker Bodywork

1. Beth Rule of Intuitive Healing by Beth

[email protected] or 618-910-8800

4. Eddie Lambert of White Lotus Wholistic Wellness Co-op 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1K1Pm1RJcs/

[email protected]

5. Lindsay Sudeikis of Omnia Sancta

City of Edwardsville Ward Map

Edwardsville, IL City Council Contacts

1. Chris Farrar, 1st Ward Alderman

[email protected]

(618)-692-1603

      2. Adam Hanna, 2nd Ward Alderman

         [email protected]

         (618)-685-0233

     3. Andrea Miracle, 3rd Ward Alderman

         [email protected]

         (618)-789-2225

      4. SJ Morrison, 4th Ward Alderman

          [email protected]

          (618)-558-3062

     5. William Krause, 5th Ward Alderman

         [email protected]

        (618)-540-5950

    6. Jennifer Warren, 6th Ward Alderman

       [email protected]

      (618)-304-0424

   7. Elizabeth Grant, 7th Ward Alderman

      Ward [email protected]

      (618)-917-0243

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

In this episode of The Healing Journey, the host provides updates on the Thrive Everywhere platform and shares their vision for transforming the healthcare experience. They then pivot to an inspiring conversation with Dr. Sonia Vallabh, a scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Sonia shares her deeply personal journey from discovering her mother's genetic prion disease, CJD, to learning that she too carries the genetic mutation, and her subsequent transition from law to science in a relentless quest to find a cure. The episode delves into the challenges of rare disease research, the importance of early intervention, and the hopeful advances in treatment development. The host emphasizes Sonia's dedication and the impact of the community in driving forward the understanding and treatment of CJD. The episode closes with a teaser for the season finale featuring metaphysical counselor Ray Catania.

00:00 Introduction and Updates on Thrive Everywhere

01:13 The Mission Behind Thrive Everywhere

02:45 Health Insurance and Impact Health Share

03:32 Upcoming Features and Season Finale

04:56 Catching Up with Adam

05:53 Advocacy and CJD Foundation

08:52 Interview with Dr. Sonia Vallabh

10:53 Sonia's Journey and Genetic Testing

21:04 Challenges and Decisions in Genetic Testing

31:01 Emerging Research in Prion Disease

31:34 The Importance of Prevention

32:15 Challenges in Clinical Trials

34:45 Developing New Therapies

36:41 The Role of the Community

40:17 Personal Reflections and Future Hopes

45:18 Support and Awareness

51:24 Conclusion and Next Steps

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

Guest Testimonial by Adam Bouse

https://www.optimism.coach

[email protected]

CJD Resources

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/advocd/event/advoc/

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17oerMMgfT/

https://www.broadinstitute.org/bios/sonia-vallabh

In this heartfelt episode of 'The Healing Journey,' the host discusses the rare and devastating condition known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). The episode features a deeply personal interview with Adam Bouse, who shares the harrowing experience of his wife's rapid decline and passing from CJD. As Adam recounts the swift and devastating impact of the disease, he emphasizes the importance of community support, emotional resilience, and advocacy. This episode not only provides an educational overview of CJD but also delves into the emotional and practical challenges faced by families navigating such profound loss. Listeners are encouraged to pause, reflect, and honor the stories of those affected by this disease, while also finding hope in ongoing scientific efforts to find a cure.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

02:20 Understanding Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

04:33 Personal Experience with CJD

06:04 The Impact of CJD on Families

10:39 Interview with Adam Baus: A Personal Story

38:09 Understanding Stacey's Unique Dementia Symptoms

39:09 Navigating Hospice Care

40:59 Making End-of-Life Decisions

41:46 Support Systems and Community Help

43:27 The Role of Hospice and Family Support

51:26 Emotional Intelligence and Coping

57:15 Grief and Community Support

01:04:17 Fundraising and Hope for a Cure

01:13:17 Honoring Stacey and Final Reflections

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

Healing from Homelessness: Stories, Struggles, and Solutions

In this detailed and heartfelt episode of 'The Healing Journey,' the host discusses the multifaceted challenges of healing from homelessness, both from personal accounts and community efforts. The episode begins with an update on the host's new business venture, Thrive Everywhere, an online directory aimed at revolutionizing healthcare accessibility. The main focus shifts to an interview with Bradley, a friend of the host who shares his experiences of being unhoused and the societal stigma attached to homelessness. Bradley recounts his life's trajectory from stable living, divorce, and subsequent struggles with housing, mental health, and societal biases. The episode also features a discussion with Lindsay Apple and David Wilson, who work in various capacities to combat homelessness in their communities. They delve into the systemic issues, funding challenges, and the power of community action. The conversation highlights the complexity of the homelessness issue, the impact of public policy, and the importance of local volunteer initiatives in providing immediate relief and long-term solutions.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

00:49 Launching Thrive Everywhere

02:42 Healing from Homelessness

04:20 Bradley's Story Begins

08:05 Life Challenges and Struggles

16:29 Living Arrangements and Daily Life

21:59 Community Support and Resources

25:35 Volunteering and Personal Reflections

35:47 Reflecting on Compassion and Fear

36:46 Gratitude and Vulnerability

38:11 Personal Guilt and Volunteering Challenges

40:25 Introducing the Next Conversation

41:20 Homelessness in National Headlines

42:24 Meet Lindsay Apple and David Wilson

43:34 Lindsay's Journey into Homelessness Advocacy

45:50 David's Personal Connection to Homelessness

49:12 Challenges in Addressing Homelessness

53:50 Community Resistance and Advocacy

01:09:26 Mental Health and Homelessness

01:13:35 Programs and Solutions

01:17:04 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

Key Topics:

• The normalization and dangers of alcohol in society
• Personal stories of struggle, shame, and growth
• The science behind alcohol’s effects on the brain and body
• Generational changes in drinking habits
• Navigating social dynamics and boundaries when changing your relationship with alcohol
• The power of surrender, gratitude, and self-awareness in healing
• Todd Kinney’s journey: from “normal” drinking to sobriety and writing his book
• The parallels between alcohol, other substances, and marketing influences
• The importance of community, support, and honest conversation

Notable Quotes:

• “What was once an occasional treat can quickly turn into a daily habit.”
• “Sometimes quitting drinking is just a decision to improve your life.”
• “Without awareness, there is no choice.”

Resources & Mentions:

• Book: "I Didn’t Believe It Either" by Todd Kinney
• Nationwide Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Guide
• Book: "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Sponsor: Thrive Everywhere (healthcare education platform)
• Song: “Easy” by Cowboy Mouth (closing segment)

Connect:

• Find Todd Kinney’s book wherever books are sold.
• Learn more about Thrive Everywhere at thriveeverywhere.com (launching 2026).

Closing Thoughts:
Healing is possible. Change is possible. You are never alone.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Thank you for joining us on The Healing Journey!

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

Show Notes: Ep. 6 – Healing from a Total Knee Replacement

Host: Dr. Kate Oland
Guest: Dr. Carol Beckel, Director of Clinical Education (now Dean of Health Sciences at St. Louis Community College)

In This Episode:

• Tribute to John Barnes:
  Dr. Kate opens with a moving tribute to John Barnes, the father of myofascial release, reflecting on his legacy and impact on the field of physical therapy.
• Meet Dr. Carol Beckel:
  Dr. Kate introduces Dr. Beckel, sharing their history as student and professor, and highlighting Carol’s career path from clinician to educator and now academic leader.
• Home Health Stories:
  Carol shares memorable and sometimes humorous stories from her years in home health, including lessons learned about patient environments, breaking stereotypes, and the importance of cultural sensitivity.
• The Emotional Side of Healthcare:
  Both Dr. Kate and Dr. Carol discuss the psychological and emotional challenges faced by patients and clinicians, especially when dealing with hoarding, mental health, and the boundaries of professional responsibility.
• The Knee Replacement Journey:
  Carol details her lifelong struggle with juvenile arthritis, the decision-making process leading up to surgery, and the realities of recovery—pain, setbacks, and the importance of assistive devices.
• Patient Perspective:
  Insights into how being a patient changed Carol’s perspective as a physical therapist, including the value of empathy, communication, and listening in healthcare.
• Rehabilitation and Recovery:
  The episode covers Carol’s prehab, surgery, and post-op experiences, including physical therapy milestones, nerve pain, and the role of social support in healing.
• Pro Bono Clinic at SLU:
  Carol describes the pro bono physical therapy clinic at St. Louis University, its impact on students and the community, and how listeners can get involved or seek services.
• Transitions and New Beginnings:
  Both Dr. Kate and Dr. Carol reflect on leaving their teaching roles at SLU, embracing new opportunities, and the bittersweet nature of change.
• Holiday Music Recommendation:
  Dr. Kate closes the episode with a music recommendation: "Christmas Child" by Carbon Leaf.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about the pro bono PT clinic at St. Louis University: www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/undergraduate/physical-therapy-program
• "Healing Ancient Wounds" by John Barnes
• "Christmas Child" by Carbon Leaf (available on major streaming platforms)

Key Quotes

• “He taught us to slow down, to take care of ourselves as healthcare providers, to honor the inseparable relationship between body, mind, and emotion.” – Dr. Kate Oland
• “Every body is different. Your body’s different from mine.” – Dr. Kate Oland
• “If we can make our patients feel heard, it can really help ease some anxiety.” – Dr. Kate Oland

Connect with Us

• Have questions or want to share your own healing journey? Reach out via email at [email protected]

Musical Intro and Outro Comfort by Carbon Leaf

Producer: Sarah Bland

Advertisement Voice Jake Sebok

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.