The Vital Spirit Podcast with Dr. Kelly Livingston

Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have to support our health—especially in midlife—but only when we stop forcing it and start using it intentionally.

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I unpack what I truly mean by movement as medicine. This isn’t about workouts, punishment, or doing more. It’s about understanding how movement supports your nervous system, mood, hormones, lymphatic flow, and overall vitality when it’s done in a way that’s attuned to your body.

This episode is especially for you if exercise has ever felt overwhelming, confusing, or disconnected from how your body actually feels.

In this episode, we cover:

1. 01:08 How I understand movement through the Seeds of Health
2. 03:14 Why movement is foundational for physical and nervous system health
3. 05:24 Why “movement as medicine” is different from “movement is medicine”
4. 09:13 How movement influences mood, stress, and depression
5. 11:38 The power of micro-movements throughout the day
6. 19:25 Why weight-bearing movement becomes essential in midlife
7. 23:54 The psoas as a key nervous system muscle
8. 28:08 Using yoga and stretching to support regulation and flexibility
9. 31:43 How movement supports lymphatic flow and detoxification
10. 34:22 Why rest and recovery are part of the medicine
11. 37:49 Walking and time in nature as underestimated healing tools
12. 42:59 Daily movement essentials that are realistic and sustainable

Links and resources:

1. Download the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if depression isn’t something to silence but something asking to be understood?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I continue our two-part conversation on depression in midlife by shifting from definition to healing. Instead of focusing on quick fixes or symptom suppression, I walk you through how depression actually heals when we work with the body, the nervous system, and the deeper transitions that often surface in midlife.

In this episode, we cover:

1. 01:03 Why depression often looks different in midlife
2. 02:28 Moving from symptom suppression to real pathways of healing
3. 04:28 How I use the therapeutic order to guide healing in layers
4. 07:05 Why safety and stabilization come first for the nervous system
5. 10:51 The foundational practices that quietly shape mood every day
6. 15:36 How the gut–brain axis and inflammation influence depression
7. 18:39 Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause that affect mood
8. 22:47 Mitochondrial health, nutrients, and why emotional fatigue is often physical
9. 24:33 What depletion really looks like and how repletion restores capacity
10. 25:07 Food as medicine and nourishing mood without shame or perfection
11. 28:10 Psychotherapy, mindfulness, and working with the inner landscape
12. 31:04 Botanical medicine and homeopathy as gentle nervous system supports
13. 35:02 Medication and psychedelic therapies: when they help and how I think about them
14. 39:17 Why community, connection, and ritual matter for healing

Links and resources:

1. Listen to Episode 43: What Depression Really Is and What It Isn’t: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/448f31be-d209-41f3-a5f5-9a33be355b34/
2. The Psychobiotic Revolution: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35210457-the-psychobiotic-revolution

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

#depression #mentalheath #midlifewomen

Today, we explore what it really means to feel emotions—not analyze them, suppress them, or power through them—but experience them safely in the body with Jenn Rapkin, a naturopathic physician, body worker, and author of The Feeling Muscle.

This is a deep, grounded conversation about felt emotion, nervous system regulation, and why so many of us were never taught how to sit with hard feelings. We talk about emotional waves, co-regulation, body-based healing, and why midlife can be such a powerful (and overwhelming) invitation to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or that your feelings are something to manage or minimize, this episode offers a completely different way forward.

In this episode, we cover:

1. 01:09 What felt emotion actually means (and why it’s different from thinking about feelings)
2. 02:11 Dr. Jenn Rapkin’s path into naturopathic medicine and body-centered healing
3. 05:33 What it means to be a “frequent feeler”
4. 08:32 Why naming emotions in the body is so empowering
5. 14:10 Cultural messages that teach us to suppress hard feelings
6. 19:05 The many ways we avoid emotion without realizing it
7. 22:00 How body work helps unlock emotional healing
8. 27:16 Learning to ride emotional waves instead of fearing them
9. 29:41 Why co-regulation matters when feelings feel overwhelming
10. 31:12 A personal story of grief, lockdown, and emotional overflow
11. 33:43 Breathwork as a gentle bridge between mind and body
12. 38:53 Navigating anxiety and panic through felt experience
13. 46:45 What it really means to strengthen your “feeling muscle”
14. 49:51 Midlife overwhelm, resilience, and emotional capacity
15. 59:01 Why mindfulness is foundational in naturopathic medicine

Links and resources:

1. The Feeling Muscle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZDW1R2M

Connect with Dr. Jenn Rapkin, ND:

Website: https://drjennrapkin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennrapkin/

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

#emotionalhealing #mentalhealthawareness #menopausejourney

What if depression isn’t a personal failure—or even a single diagnosis—but a message from the body, the nervous system, and the life you’re living?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I share one of the most personal and important conversations of my career. Drawing from my clinical work, my background in psychology and naturopathic medicine, and my own lived experience with depression—especially through perimenopause—this episode is about redefining what depression actually is…and what it isn’t.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:03 Why this episode matters to me, both personally and professionally
• 01:58 Redefining depression: what it truly is (and what it’s not)
• 02:49 An important safety note and how to think about suicidal thoughts with clarity and care
• 06:33 What depression can actually feel like in the body, especially in midlife
• 16:17 The clinical lens: diagnoses, labels, and where they fall short
• 22:45 Why depression is almost always multifactorial (body, mind, and environment)
• 32:21 Real patient examples that show how different root causes can look the same on the surface

Links and resources:

• Listen to Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/36-the-dark-night-of-the-soul-descent/id1790365046?i=1000734013547
• Listen to Episode 03. Midlife and the Nervous System: Building Resilience Step by Step: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/03-midlife-and-the-nervous-system-building/id1790365046?i=1000684966973 
• Listen to Episode 32. What Your Doctor Might Be Missing About Midlife Fatigue (Epstein-Barr Virus EBV): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/32-what-your-doctor-might-be-missing-about-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000728187600
• Listen to Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942
• Listen to Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/42-the-cortisol-cure-healing-hormones-by-working/id1790365046?i=1000741654413

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if stress isn’t the problem—but the way we’ve been taught to override our bodies instead of listening to them?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and colleague Dr. Erin Kinney, a licensed naturopathic doctor, stress-reset expert, and author of the upcoming book The Cortisol Cure. Together, we unpack one of the most misunderstood hormones in women’s health: cortisol.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:50 Meeting Dr. Erin Kinney and how her own burnout shaped her work
• 03:17 Her path into naturopathic medicine and stress-based healing
• 07:58 Why cortisol isn’t “bad” and what it actually does for your body
• 10:15 What inspired The Cortisol Cure and why the timing matters now
• 14:24 Understanding the stress response in real-life terms
• 20:06 The difference between spending energy and earning it back
• 25:28 Why true rest is essential (and why scrolling doesn’t count)
• 26:32 Small daily habits that rebuild healthy cortisol rhythms
• 30:28 How blood sugar, meals, and nutrition affect stress hormones
• 32:46 Supplements and adaptogens that can support adrenal health
• 35:00 Personal stories of burnout, recovery, and nervous system healing
• 37:07 Reconnecting with joy, creativity, and what truly restores you
• 42:29 Final reflections and where to learn more from Dr. Kinney

Connect with Dr. Erin Kinney:

Website: www.thekinneyclinic.com

Instagram: @drkinney 

The Cortisol Cure VIP list link: https://www.thekinneyclinic.com/book

Podcast: https://www.thekinneyclinic.com/podcast

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if depression isn’t a flaw or a chemical imbalance but a doorway into understanding your physiology, your history, and your deepest unmet needs?

In Part 2 of this powerful two-episode series, I turn inward and share my personal journey with depression, including the moments that brought me to my knees and the practices that helped me rise again. 

If you’ve ever felt numb, disconnected, misunderstood by the medical system, or overwhelmed by your own healing process, this episode will help you understand your experience with more compassion, context, and hope.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:03 A personal story of depression and what it taught me
• 05:09 The daily habits that began to bring me back to myself
• 09:07 How gratitude and coherence shift the nervous system toward healing
• 11:42 What emotional blunting from SSRIs really feels like
• 15:10 What the research reveals about alternative treatments for depression
• 18:15 How to approach mental health through gut, hormones, trauma & spirit
• 25:23 Closing reflections, next steps, and where to find support

Links and resources:

• Listen to Part 1: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/eef0556d-c3cf-41e5-b944-ef8a3b8a3c8a/
• Listen to Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f5eab1c4-7d69-4b30-ae72-a8aa8eefb242/
• Listen to Episode 15. Inflammatory Depression: What’s Really Behind Low Mood in Perimenopause: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5abc8dca-592f-45c9-8c79-9d31e3327c62/
• Listen to Episode 16. The Gut-Brain Anxiety Loop: Healing Anxiety from the Inside Out: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/67758b78-8cb3-4870-abfa-1aff7e7fd91b/
• Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signup
• Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal
• The Work by Byron Katie: https://thework.com/

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if everything you’ve been told about serotonin and depression was incomplete or entirely wrong?

In this two-part episode, I open a deep, necessary conversation about SSRIs, the serotonin theory, and what depression actually is on a physiological level. So many women are handed antidepressants without any exploration of hormones, inflammation, trauma physiology, gut health, nutrient status, or nervous system state—leaving them confused when the medication doesn’t work, stops working, or creates new symptoms they weren’t warned about.

This episode is not anti-medication—it is pro–informed consent, pro-truth, and pro-root-cause healing. If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t feel better on an SSRI, why you feel numb instead of stable, why withdrawal feels impossible, or whether you were given the full truth—this episode will be deeply validating.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:03 What if everything we’ve been told about serotonin is wrong?
• 03:01 Depression: the full-body condition no one explained to you
• 08:40 SSRIs: what they actually do—and what they don’t
• 17:55 Withdrawal or relapse? The part women are never warned about
• 28:02 Why this matters: A personal story I’ve never shared before

Links and resources:

• Listen to Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f5eab1c4-7d69-4b30-ae72-a8aa8eefb242/
• Listen to Episode 39. SIBO Isn’t the Problem: Healing the Terrain, Not the Germ (Bloating & Weight Gain in Midlife): https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ce8800d2-f90a-41b8-9fc5-b0e531dd9117/
• Listen to Episode 3. Midlife and the Nervous System: Building Resilience Step by Step: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b9bd11d6-c86a-45ee-aa19-b7d7ab6685f1/
• Listen to Episode 28. Burnout Isn’t Just in Your Head (It’s in Your Hormones, Nervous System, and Soul): https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2547475f-7323-4fca-955f-b370a0b62b37/

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if healing chronic illness isn’t about chasing symptoms but understanding the deeper terrain of your body, your nervous system, and even your story?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with my long-time mentor and colleague, Dr. Ginger Nash, whose work has shaped so much of how I practice today. We explore the complexity of chronic illness, the layered wisdom of homeopathy, and why so many women in perimenopause and menopause experience a powerful awakening—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

If you’ve been craving a deeper, more nuanced understanding of healing, this conversation will feel like coming home to something you’ve always known but haven’t yet put into words.

In this episode, we cover:

• 04:23 Dr. Nash’s personal journey into naturopathic medicine
• 09:30 Why chronic illness is never one-dimensional
• 15:40 Homeopathy explained in a grounded, practical way
• 25:02 Low Dose Immunotherapy and when it actually helps
• 30:03 Perimenopause, sensitivity, and the “overflowing bucket”
• 30:57 Trauma, nervous system patterns, and subconscious beliefs
• 32:22 How perimenopause becomes a catalyst for powerful change
• 33:14 Breath work, bilateral stimulation, and deeper healing tools
• 34:39 Why your body needs stability before doing deeper work
• 35:19 How naturopathic practice evolves as practitioners evolve
• 38:08 The real differences between functional medicine and naturopathy
• 42:56 Professional training, complex homeopathy, and advanced tools
• 47:38 The wisdom that emerges during life’s biggest transitions

Connect with Dr. Ginger Nash:

Website: https://www.gingernash.com/ 

Improved Outcomes in Complex Chronic Illness: Training for Professionals: https://www.gingernash.com/training

Substack: https://substack.com/@gingernash

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc9BAXcWddAc8IlYL5Df5lA

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Have you ever wondered why your bloating, gut issues, or “SIBO flare-ups” keep coming back no matter how many protocols you try? This episode will change the way you think about SIBO—and your gut—forever.

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m breaking down why SIBO isn’t actually the root problem and why real, lasting healing starts with restoring your body’s terrain, rhythms, and nervous system—not just killing bacteria. After 13 years of treating complex gut-brain cases, I’ve seen the same patterns over and over, and I’m sharing the full inside look at why SIBO keeps returning for so many women in midlife.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of bloating, constipation or diarrhea, food fear, or failed protocols, this conversation will help you finally understand what your gut has been trying to tell you.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:03 Understanding SIBO from a totally different perspective
• 02:33 Why nervous system regulation is the missing link in stubborn gut cases
• 04:30 What SIBO actually is and how it shows up in the body
• 07:49 The most common symptoms (and why they don’t always match your test results)
• 13:34 The real root causes behind SIBO and why bacteria aren’t the enemy
• 18:57 The 5R Framework I use to treat SIBO and rebuild the gut
• 29:04 A powerful patient story that shows how healing actually unfolds

Links and resources:

• 21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset
• Listen to Episode 19. Beyond the Germ: Why Your Terrain Holds the Real Healing Power: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7bb01cb-6ee6-4c7c-93a4-9286d22f0eb7/

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What does it really mean to trust yourself especially in midlife? In this rich and moving conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Valerie Simonsen, a deeply intuitive and experienced naturopathic physician who blends science, spirit, and storytelling in her healing work. 

We talk about how your body’s symptoms can be messengers, the power of belief in your healing journey, and how tuning into your intuition can shift the trajectory of your health. We also explore Dr. Valerie’s remarkable life—from rescuing sea turtles to healing through art, honoring ceremony, and sitting with the questions that medicine alone can’t answer.

Whether you're navigating a diagnosis, wondering if there's more to your symptoms than lab work shows, or simply learning to trust yourself again, this episode is an invitation to come home to your knowing.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:08 How to begin trusting your inner knowing in midlife
• 03:30 A story about rescuing sea turtles and what it taught Dr. Valerie Simonsen about purpose
• 08:14 Dr. Simonsen’s winding path into naturopathic medicine
• 15:11 Why healing means listening to both science and spirit
• 23:00 How belief and intention can affect your health
• 29:09 The moment Dr. Simonsen knew she wanted to help women reclaim their wisdom
• 42:36 How creativity and art can be part of the healing journey
• 44:29 A surprising connection between parasites and brain tumors
• 45:42 What fear can teach us and how to make empowered medical decisions
• 46:51 Why trauma work is a critical piece of real healing
• 48:38 Dr. Simonsen’s approach to investigating the root cause
• 59:31 How community, ritual, and ceremony play a role in healing
• 01:07:01 Finding restoration in nature
• 01:14:24 What it takes to build a supportive “healing tribe”

Connect with Dr Valerie Simonsen ND:

Website: https://www.drvaleriesimonsen.com 

Website: https://www.youknowmore.org 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yesyouknowmore  

FB: Valerie Simonsen

IG: yesyouknowmore  

LinkedIN: Dr Valerie Simonsen ND

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. 

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.