In this episode of Thrive with Cate, Cate Stillman speaks with Dr. David Middaugh, a leading expert in physical therapy and muscle imbalance correction. As the founder of El Paso Manual Physical Therapy and a YouTube educator with over 740,000 subscribers, Dr. Middaugh shares groundbreaking insights on how to prevent hip and knee replacements by addressing muscle imbalances. They discuss why most joint pain is misdiagnosed, how modern lifestyles contribute to arthritis, and how simple strength and mobility exercises can reverse damage before surgery becomes necessary.

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In:

1. The Root Cause of Hip and Knee Arthritis – Learn how muscle imbalances lead to joint degeneration and why surgery is often not the best solution. (00:05:35)

2. How to Strengthen the Right Muscles to Reduce Pain – Discover why glute activation is key and how to stop overusing your quads. (00:12:12)

3. The Role of Sitting in Joint Deterioration – Understand how prolonged sitting weakens the body and contributes to chronic pain. (00:06:45)

4. Debunking the "Bone-on-Bone" Diagnosis – Find out why imaging tests don't always reflect pain levels and what you should really focus on. (00:31:49)

5. Preventing Future Surgeries – Learn how to maintain joint health and avoid secondary surgeries after a hip or knee replacement. (00:19:40)

Highlights:

1. The Truth About "Bone-on-Bone" Diagnoses: Dr. Middaugh explains why many people with severe-looking X-rays have little to no pain, while others with mild arthritis suffer greatly. (00:31:49)

2. How Sitting Ruins Your Muscles: Prolonged sitting weakens the glutes and forces the quads and hip flexors to overcompensate, leading to imbalances and joint damage. (00:06:45)

3. Healing Through Muscle Activation: Strengthening the right muscles—particularly the glutes—can relieve pain and restore mobility without surgery. (00:12:12)

4. Surgery vs. Rehabilitation: A discussion on why surgery should be the last resort and how physical therapy can often reverse the need for it. (00:27:41)

Notable Quotes:

1. "Your muscles determine how much pressure is in your joints. If you fix the imbalance, you reduce pain—even if you’ve been told it’s ‘bone-on-bone’." (Dr. David Middaugh, 00:12:12)

2. "Sitting all day is the modern disease. It weakens your glutes, tightens your hip flexors, and sets the stage for arthritis." (Dr. David Middaugh, 00:06:45)

3. "If you’re going to have to strengthen these muscles after surgery anyway, why not do it now and see if you can avoid surgery altogether?" (Cate Stillman, 00:07:45)

4. "Pain is not just about structure—it's about movement. If you correct how you move, your pain will often disappear." (Dr. David Middaugh, 00:19:40)

Links 

 

Dr. David Middaugh

• Visit Dr. Middaugh’s Website

• Explore Joint Health and Surgery-Prevention

• Follow Dr. Middaugh’s Facebook and Instagram

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Meet the microbiota-gut-brain axis

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

This episode is a game-changer for anyone dealing with joint pain, arthritis, or considering hip or knee surgery. Dr. Middaugh’s insights highlight how movement, muscle balance, and the right exercises can significantly reduce pain and improve function—often eliminating the need for surgery.

 

In this episode, Cate discusses a deeply personal experience as a death doula for her mother-in-law. She shares insights on reclaiming agency in the dying process and the importance of having open, honest conversations about end-of-life choices.

 

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

• Understanding the role of a death doula and how they can support individuals and families during end-of-life (00:00:08)

• Insights into the importance of agency and dignity in the dying process (00:02:49)

• How to initiate and navigate difficult conversations about death and end-of-life wishes (00:05:43)

• Exploring the option of voluntary assisted death and the resources available (00:03:18)

• Recognizing the cultural separation from the dying process and how to reclaim it (00:00:21)

Highlights

• Reclaiming the Dying Cycle: Cate discusses how modern society has become removed from the natural process of death due to the rise of hospitals and care facilities. She emphasizes the importance of bringing death back into our awareness and conversations.

• The Power of Agency: The conversation highlights the significance of empowering individuals to make choices about their own death. Giving her mother-in-law the agency to choose brought her peace.

• Navigating Difficult Conversations: Cate shares her experience of initiating and guiding conversations about death with her mother-in-law, emphasizing the need for honesty, presence, and a willingness to explore uncomfortable topics.

• Voluntary Assisted Death: Cate shares her research into voluntary assisted death, including resources like the Pegasus facility in Switzerland, and the importance of understanding all available options.

Quotes

• "She had agency to choose, and she just let her body just go. So beautiful. The power that we have as humans." - Cate Stillman (00:00:00)

• "This idea of dying, indignity, dying with agency, dying, being, being your own agent, being able to choose how and when you die." - Cate Stillman (00:02:27)

• "How agency is agency and dignity and death is really the bottom line." - Cate Stillman (00:13:58)

Links

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

• Pegasus Swiss Association

Cate's story offers a powerful reminder of the importance of open conversations about death and the need to restore agency and dignity to the dying process. We hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own beliefs about death and to begin having these crucial conversations with your loved ones. If you found this episode valuable, please share it with others and leave us a review. Your support helps us bring more important conversations to light.

In this transformative episode of Thrive with Cate, Cate Stillman shares powerful strategies to align your mindset, skillset, and toolset for career growth and personal fulfillment. With her signature approach to strategic living, Cate unpacks the actionable steps to identify where you are now (A), where you want to be (B), and how to bridge the gap. Whether you're navigating career transitions or aiming to scale your impact, this episode is your roadmap to success.

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

1. Clarify Your A-to-B Vision – Learn how to map your current position to your desired destination and identify distractions. (00:00:32)

2. Align Mindset, People, Skills, and Tools – Understand the four pillars of strategic growth to ensure sustainable success. (00:26:14)

3. Overcome Limiting Beliefs – Discover why "skin in the game" matters and how to invest in your future self. (00:12:12)

4. Leverage the Power of Community – Explore how clubs and networks accelerate growth and deliver results faster. (00:56:19)

5. Transition with Confidence – Get actionable advice for navigating career and life transitions without losing focus. (00:07:34)

Highlights

1. The A-to-B Strategy Framework: Cate introduces the core exercise to map where you are now and where you want to go, emphasizing the importance of defining goals without getting stuck on the "how." (00:01:27)

2. Skin in the Game: Cate explains why investing resources, time, or money into your growth creates accountability and accelerates results. (00:12:14)

3. The Four Pillars of Growth: Dive into mindset, people set, skillset, and toolset as essential components for creating a focused, strategic plan. (00:26:14)

4. Community-Driven Success: Discover why belonging to a supportive club or network strengthens accountability, motivation, and outcomes. (00:56:19)

Notable Quotes

1. "You don’t need to know the 'how' to start; you just need to be clear on what you want and take the first step." (Cate Stillman, 00:02:52)

2. "Skin in the game feels uncomfortable, but it’s the discomfort that fuels your transformation." (Cate Stillman, 00:12:12)

3. "Healing and growth happen faster in community. We’re an ultra-social species, and we thrive in collective spaces." (Cate Stillman, 00:56:19)

4. "Your next level isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing the right things with the right people." (Cate Stillman, 00:25:10)

Links

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

Recommended Resources:

• The Who, Not How by Dan Sullivan

• The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch

This episode is your guide to unlocking your potential by aligning your mindset, leveraging your resources, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Cate’s insights into strategic brilliance will inspire you to take actionable steps toward your goals while embracing the power of community-driven growth.

Ready to level up? Join the conversation, subscribe to the podcast, and explore Cate’s resources to start designing your future today. Share this episode with someone ready to make their next big move!

In this live retreat episode, Cate Stillman, leader and wealth coach, delves into the transformative journey of personal growth and manifestation. Recorded at the Alta Retreat, Cate explores the concepts of fractal patterns, the 80/20 rule, and the hero's journey, offering profound insights on embracing discomfort for authentic growth.

What You'll Get Out of Tuning In

1. Understanding the power of energetic ownership in manifestation (00:05:30)

2. Insights on embracing discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth (00:11:23)

3. The importance of integrating all aspects of self, including the "disowned" parts (00:14:30)

4. Perspective on the myth of comfort in personal development and societal expectations (00:15:11)

Highlights

1. Cate shares a personal story about manifesting a property, illustrating the power of energetic ownership and vision. (00:00:33)

2. The concept of knowing one's purpose is explored through the metaphor of a puppy chasing a bear, emphasizing innate wisdom. (00:19:08)

3. Cate discusses the necessity of discomfort in growth, challenging the cultural expectation that personal development should be easy. (00:15:14)

4. The idea of incorporating disowned parts of oneself is presented as crucial for holistic growth and self-realization. (00:46:32)

Notable Quotes

1. "The work being hard is what makes us human, the growth being something that is uncomfortable and being willing to reach, being willing to strive." Cate Stillman (00:11:23)

2. "Every act of creation is first an act of destruction." Pablo Picasso, quoted by Cate Stillman (00:13:01)

3. "The expectation that your growth and that destruction should be comfortable and should be easy, and that you should know how to do it and you should rely on the skills that you already have... is not true." Cate Stillman (00:15:39)

Links

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

This episode offers a profound exploration of personal growth, challenging listeners to embrace discomfort and integrate all aspects of themselves. Cate Stillman's insights provide a roadmap for those seeking to manifest their future selves and create meaningful change. We invite you to reflect on these ideas and share your thoughts with us.

In this immersive episode, Cate takes us deep into her wellness workshop on primal habits. Drawing from ancient practices and modern science, Cate explores how habits like fasting, microbiome health, and circadian rhythm alignment can transform personal well-being and community dynamics. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to optimize health and reconnect with nature.

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

1. Understand the Role of Microbiome Diversity – Find out how microbiomes in soil, food, and even our own bodies influence health. (00:03:52)

2. Discover the Core Primal Habits – Learn how habits like fasting, circadian rhythms, and microbiome diets are essential for scaling wellness. (00:10:34)

3. Master the Science of Fasting – Explore the regenerative power of fasting, including its impact on stem cell production and hormonal balance. (00:19:50)

4. Harness Forgiveness as a Wellness Tool – Cate discusses how forgiveness facilitates community connection and emotional healing. (00:28:21)

5. Leverage Psychedelics and Rituals – Understand the role of ceremonial psychedelics in healing trauma and fostering connection. (00:45:43)

Highlights

1. Primal Habits for Health Optimization: Cate breaks down core habits like fasting, microbiome nurturing, and circadian rhythm alignment, emphasizing their role in reducing inflammation and improving longevity. (00:30:49)

2. Connection Between Ecology and Wellness: Cate highlights how our inner ecology (microbiome) mirrors the outer environment and how practices like urine therapy and composting reconnect us to nature. (00:27:01)

3. Breaking Down Autoimmune Dysbiosis: Explore how primal habits mitigate autoimmune conditions by restoring harmony in the body’s systems. (00:40:02)

Notable Quotes

1. "Primal habits bring us back to our evolutionary roots—they reconnect us to the ecosystems that made us thrive." - Cate Stillman, 00:03:50

2. "When you take care of your microbiome, you’re not just feeding yourself—you’re feeding the future of your health." - Cate Stillman,00:19:08

3. "Fasting is a gateway to regeneration. It unlocks stem cells, clears out toxins, and allows your body to evolve." - Cate Stillman, 00:20:12

4. "Forgiveness isn’t just emotional—it’s physiological. It’s a skill that allows communities and individuals to heal and move forward." - Cate Stillman, 00:29:13

Links

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

This workshop with Cate Stillman is a powerful reminder that scaling wellness begins with reconnecting to our primal habits. By embracing practices rooted in nature and community, we can heal faster, live longer, and lead more purposeful lives.

Feeling inspired? Share your biggest takeaway with us and explore more with CLUB THRIVE! Join the conversation and take your next step toward wellness transformation.

Subscribe, review, and share this episode to spread the wisdom of primal habits!

In this enlightening episode of Thrive with Cate, Cate Stillman sits back down with Suzanne Quinney, co-founder of Appreciating People, a pioneering organization dedicated to shifting individuals and teams from problem-based thinking to strength-based approaches. Together, they explore the transformative power of Appreciative Conversations, offering listeners a guided roadmap to foster connection, collaboration, and creativity in personal and professional relationships.

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

1. Discover the Fundamentals of Appreciative Inquiry (00:53) Learn how this approach reframes challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

2. Practical Applications for Home and Work (4:18) Gain insights into how Appreciative Conversations can be used with family, friends, and teams.

3. Overcoming Resistance to New Conversation Models (25:48) Explore strategies to introduce strength-based dialogue in potentially resistant settings.

4. Tips for Crafting Powerful Questions (18:33) Hear how to design questions that inspire meaningful, actionable dialogue.

5. Resources for Getting Started (34:11) Access tools and templates to integrate Appreciative Inquiry into your life.

Highlights

1. The Transformative Impact of Strength-Based Thinking (06:48) Suzanne explains how focusing on strengths rather than problems creates a shift in group dynamics and personal relationships.

2. Real-World Examples of Appreciative Conversations (13:18) Cate and Suzanne role-play scenarios to show how these techniques foster deeper connections at work and home.

3. Imagine Questions for Goal Setting (13:42) Discover how envisioning the future can help individuals and teams align on shared goals.

4. Building Systems Around Strengths (24:14) Cate discusses how she integrates these principles into her Wellness Pro Academy and Club Thrive Global.

Notable Quotes

1.  "Appreciative Inquiry invites us to focus on what we want to grow, not what we want to fix." - Cate Stillman (05:08)

2.  "What you focus on grows—by asking the right questions, we invite people into a space of possibility and creativity." - Suzanne Quinney (08:53)

3.  "Being a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern systems has been my greatest strength in building impactful communities." - Cate Stillman (14:13)

4. "A well-crafted question can turn resistance into collaboration and lead to truly transformative outcomes." - Suzanne Quinney (25:58):

Links

Suzanne Quinney

Suzanne has offered Cate’s listeners a discount for her eBooks Appreciating Health and Care Interactive and Appreciating Health and Care: AI in Practice!

Use the code WWL40 to receive a 40% discount! Thank you Suzanne!

 

Additional Resources:

• Appreciating People Website: appreciatingpeople.co.uk

• Recommended Books:

• Conversations Worth Having by Jackie Stavros 

• Speak Green by Dr. Claudia Gross 

• Free Resources: Explore downloadable tools and templates at Appreciating People Resources. 

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

This episode underscores the value of shifting from problem-based to strength-based conversations in all areas of life. Suzanne Quinney’s expertise and practical examples provide listeners with tools to enhance communication and build stronger connections. Whether you're leading a team, supporting a family, or fostering personal growth, Appreciative Conversations can elevate your approach.

About Suzanne Quinney

Suzanne Quinney is an expert in Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and strength-based approaches to change, with over 25 years of experience in the UK public sector and a career that began in Africa. She is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and author of nine AI-related materials, including Reflections: An Appreciative Journal and Practical Resource Book. Suzanne’s work focuses on quality improvement, reflective practice, and creating meaningful change through innovative methods like World Café and Open Space Technology. Based in NE Scotland, she combines her passion for AI with her love of sci-fi, yoga, and being part of the Findhorn community.

About Cate Stillman

Cate Stillman, founder of Wellness Pro Academy and Thrive with Cate, has been empowering individuals and wellness professionals since 2001 to elevate their health, careers, and lives. Through her transformative books and  Ayurveda courses, Cate has helped thousands create healthier habits and thrive in their communities. She mentors wellness pros to expand their impact, grow their income, and live purpose-driven lives, blending ancient wisdom with modern strategies for lasting success.

 

In this episode of the Thrive with Cate Podcast, Cate Stillman, renowned wellness strategist and founder of Club Thrive and Wellness Pro Academy, explores the transformative power of manifesting your best self in 2025. Cate shares her proven strategies, blending ancient wisdom and modern tools to align your actions with your future aspirations. Dive into a discussion about the fractal nature of personal growth, the critical role of community, and actionable steps to overcome barriers to success. 

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

1. The Power of Fractal Growth (00:03:40) Learn how understanding your past patterns can help shape your future self.

2. The Four Aims of Life (00:17:00) Explore the ancient framework of Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure), Dharma (purpose), and Moksha (liberation) to create balance and fulfillment.

3. The 80/20 Rule in Personal Growth (00:08:20) Identify the 20% of actions that yield 80% of your results and learn to eliminate distractions.

4. Guided Somatic Exercise (00:32:28) Explore ‘Fractal You’ through a guided somatic exercise and journaling prompts.

5. Visualizing Future You (00:40:15) Discover how to embody your future self and align your actions to create the life you desire.

Highlights

1. Fractal You: Mapping Your Growth (00:04:29) Cate discusses the importance of recognizing patterns in your personal and professional journey to better navigate your goals.

2. Shifting from Static to Dynamic Growth (00:07:05) A deep dive into why stagnation limits potential and how to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement.

3. Community and Accountability (00:48:05) Insights into how social connections and accountability amplify personal growth and resilience.

4. Practical Tools for Manifestation (00:42:52) Explore the tools and mindsets necessary for achieving significant personal and professional milestones.

Notable Quotes

1. "Life orients towards growth—your future should always be brighter and bigger than your past." — Cate Stillman (00:07:20)

 

1. "The 80/20 rule applies to personal growth: focus on the 20% of actions that yield 80% of results." — Cate Stillman (00:08:20)

 

1. "Manifesting your best self means letting go of what no longer serves you to make room for growth." — Cate Stillman (00:38:36)

 

1. "When you align with your Dharma, everything else falls into place—it's the foundation of a fulfilling life." — Cate Stillman (00:45:48)

Links 

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

• Recommended Reading:

• 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan

• Personality Isn’t Permanent by Dr. Benjamin Harding

• The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch

Cate Stillman’s framework for manifesting your best self in 2025 combines ancient teachings and actionable strategies, providing a clear roadmap to personal growth. Whether it’s understanding the fractal nature of your journey, applying the Four Aims of Life, or leveraging community for accountability, this episode offers invaluable insights to guide your transformation.

Ready to start your journey? Join Club Thrive or schedule a Future You session today. Share your biggest takeaway or tell us what you’re manifesting for 2025—we’d love to hear from you!

 

In this episode of the Thrive with Cate Podcast, Suzanne Quinney, co-founder of Appreciating People, shares the transformative power of Appreciative Inquiry and how it can shape personal growth, teamwork, and organizational success. Suzanne’s journey into this innovative approach began with her passion for highlighting strengths over problems, leading her to co-develop a range of resources and training tools. Together, Cate and Suzanne explore how intentional questions can create connection, resilience, and positive transformation in any setting. 

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

1. The Power of Positive Questions (00:03:46) Learn how Appreciative Inquiry reframes conversations to focus on strengths and opportunities, shifting away from problem-based thinking.

2. Reframing Experiences Using Appreciative Inquiry (00:07:18) Discover how this approach transforms healthcare, team dynamics, and even personal reflection.

3. Appreciative Journaling and Muscle Building (00:15:21) Uncover how cultivating an "appreciative muscle" through journaling can lead to enhanced well-being and resilience.

4. The Five Ds Framework (00:33:53) Explore the core stages of Appreciative Inquiry: Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny, and their practical uses.

5. Resources for Appreciative Inquiry (00:35:53)

Explore the resources available on AppreciatingPeople.co.uk to help make positive change happen in your life and communities. Use these resources to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses, and create sustainable change in your life.

Highlights

1. Appreciative Inquiry in Action (00:03:51) Suzanne shares powerful examples of using Appreciative Inquiry in healthcare and community settings, highlighting how this framework enhances team cohesion and patient outcomes.

2. From Chaos to Resilience (00:21:38) Suzanne emphasizes how Appreciative Inquiry builds resilience by focusing on what’s working, rather than getting stuck in chaos or negativity.

3. The Role of Deep Listening (00:32:19) The discussion dives into how intentional, curious listening creates profound connections and unlocks shared wisdom.

Notable Quotes

1. "Appreciative Inquiry is about finding and amplifying what works—not fixing what’s broken." — Suzanne Quinney 

2. "Good questions spark curiosity and create space for wonder. They open doors to new possibilities." — Suzanne Quinney 

3. "We’re constantly shaping our reality. Appreciative Inquiry helps us make it intentional, relational, and growth-focused." — Cate Stillman 

4. "When we cultivate gratitude and appreciation, we build a muscle that sustains us even in tough times." — Suzanne Quinney 

Links 

Suzanne Quinney

Suzanne has offered Cate’s listeners a discount for her eBooks Appreciating Health and Care Interactive and Appreciating Health and Care: AI in Practice!

Use the code WWL40 to receive a 40% discount! Thank you Suzanne!

Additional Resources:

• Appreciating People Website: appreciatingpeople.co.uk

• Recommended Books:

• Conversations Worth Having by Jackie Stavros 

• Speak Green by Dr. Claudia Gross 

• Free Resources: Explore downloadable tools and templates at Appreciating People Resources. 

• Explore Appreciative Inquiry through S.O.A.R. (PDF)

 

Cate Stillman

• Explore Wellness Pro Academy

• Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate

• Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy

• Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!

 

This episode offers a fresh perspective on how shifting our focus from problems to strengths can transform relationships, teams, and personal growth. By asking intentional questions and embracing deep listening, we can create meaningful connections and foster resilience in every area of life. 

If you’re ready to bring more appreciation and connection into your life, visit Suzanne’s website for tools, resources, and training programs. Don’t forget to share your biggest takeaway or question from the episode—we’d love to hear from you!

Stay tuned for Appreciative Inquiry with Suzanne Quinney Part 2, where Suzanne and Cate dive deeper into the practice of Appreciative Inquiry through a live demonstration. 

About Suzanne Quinney

Suzanne Quinney is an expert in Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and strength-based approaches to change, with over 25 years of experience in the UK public sector and a career that began in Africa. She is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and author of nine AI-related materials, including Reflections: An Appreciative Journal and Practical Resource Book. Suzanne’s work focuses on quality improvement, reflective practice, and creating meaningful change through innovative methods like World Café and Open Space Technology. Based in NE Scotland, she combines her passion for AI with her love of sci-fi, yoga, and being part of the Findhorn community.

About Cate Stillman

Cate Stillman, founder of Wellness Pro Academy and Thrive with Cate, has been empowering individuals and wellness professionals since 2001 to elevate their health, careers, and lives. Through her transformative books and  Ayurveda courses, Cate has helped thousands create healthier habits and thrive in their communities. She mentors wellness pros to expand their impact, grow their income, and live purpose-driven lives, blending ancient wisdom with modern strategies for lasting success.

 

Join Cate Stillman, wellness expert, Ayurvedic practitioner, and founder of Wellness Pro Academy, as she shares powerful strategies for thriving during the holidays while prioritizing microbiome health. In this episode, Cate dives into fasting, feasting, and creating new traditions to align with your health goals. Learn how to balance indulgence with intention, and walk away with actionable tips for navigating holiday chaos while keeping your gut health in check.

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

1. The Role of Fasting in the Holiday Season (00:01:56) Why fasting is a vital, yet often overlooked, tradition and how to implement it effortlessly.

2. Microbiome-Friendly Festive Foods (00:05:52) Explore recipes and ingredients that boost gut health, including the magic of polyphenols and fiber.

3. New Holiday Traditions That Nourish (00:10:23) How to push culture forward by creating meaningful traditions that serve your well-being.

Highlights

1. Fasting & Feasting: Cate explains how a flexible approach to fasting (like broth or kombucha days) can prevent holiday bloat and reset your gut health. (00:01:57)

2. Polyphenols & Fiber: Discover why vibrant foods like cabbage, beets, and spices are the MVPs of microbiome nourishment. (00:05:52)

3. The Power of Intention: Learn how to align your eating habits with your goals, focusing on foods and traditions that support your vision. (00:10:30)

4. Creative Microbiome Treats: From turmeric energy balls to blood orange kombucha, Cate shares indulgent recipes packed with gut-friendly benefits. (00:14:28)

 

 

Notable Quotes

1. “Push culture into the future. Set the next tradition, the one that aligns with who you are and how you want to feel.” — Cate Stillman, 00:10:23

2. “The best thing you can do for your microbiome is to add polyphenols—those vibrant colors and pungent flavors fuel your gut health.” — Cate Stillman, 00:03:39

3. “This is the easiest time of year to let culture mess with your gut, but also the best time to double down on your purpose and vision.” — Cate Stillman, 00:09:07

 

Links and Resources

• Cate Stillman: Yogahealer.com 

• Books by Cate:

• Body Thrive

• Master of You

• Primal Habits

• Related Content:

• Microbiome Holiday Recipes Guide

• Join Club Thrive!

Holiday Recipe Here

This episode reminds us that the holidays can be a time of renewal, not just indulgence. By tuning into your gut health and setting intentional traditions, you can emerge from the season feeling vibrant and aligned with your goals. Don’t forget to share your favorite microbiome-friendly holiday recipes and tag us online. Join us next week as we explore more ways to thrive during winter!

 

Wellness pioneer and author Cate Stillman engages with Barry Kudrowitz to explore innovation in design and business. Process over outcomes. Creativity and innovation are particularly relevant for wellness professionals and entrepreneurs. Bridging the gap between academic design thinking and practical business application, community builders will find this especially helpful.

 

Key Topics & Timestamps Origins of Ideas & Creativity (00:02:34 - 00:05:08)

• The associative theory of creativity

• Environmental factors in fostering innovation

• Role of personality traits in creative development

• Importance of openness and extroversion

Innovation and Market Readiness (00:08:10 - 00:09:45)

• Evolution from radical to normalized innovations

• Historical context of technological adoption

• Market timing and user acceptance patterns

• Cate's personal experience with early online education

Design Process and User Testing (00:17:25 - 00:19:06)

• Importance of early user engagement

• Value of low-fidelity prototyping

• Paper prototyping and sketch modeling

• Application to wellness business development

Play and Creativity in Business (00:24:09 - 00:25:02)

• Process-focused vs. results-focused activities

• Integration of play in business development

• Impact on wellness professional training

Flow State and Learning (00:32:50 - 00:34:06)

• Matching challenges to skill levels

• Role of flow in learning and creativity

• Applications to wellness coaching and community building

Notable Quotes

"As a society, we tend to celebrate the end results of things and not process or failures." - Barry Kudrowitz (00:00:00)

"What makes something play is that it's process-focused, not results focused." - Barry Kudrowitz (00:24:09)

"For those of us who are leading students or members or clients where something is stuck... how do we step in and create some change there?" - Cate Stillman (00:35:48)

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "Sparking Creativity: How Play and Humor Fuel Innovation and Design" by Barry Kudrowitz

• Book: "Where Good Ideas Come From" by Stephen Johnson

• Book: "Strategic Intuition" : The Creative Spark in Human Achievement 

• Research on improv comedy and creativity at MIT

• Montessori method of education

• CLUB THRIVE and WELLNESS PRO ACADEMY - Cate's platforms

Action Items for Listeners

1. Integrate play-based approaches into business development

2. Implement early testing and feedback in program development

3. Focus on process over outcomes in creative endeavors

4. Create collaborative learning environments

5. Apply flow state principles to client work and personal development

Meet Barry

Barry Kudrowitz heads the Design Innovation department at the University of Minnesota. His unique background combines mechanical engineering with design innovation, including a PhD from MIT focusing on the relationship between humor and creativity. His research and teaching bridge the gap between technical expertise and creative innovation. He is the author of Sparking Creativity.

Meet Cate

Cate Stillman is the CEO of CLUB THRIVE and WELLNESS PRO ACADEMY , pioneering the integration of primal wisdom with modern health practices. She is a prolific author with works including "PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed, Body Thrive, Master of YOU. Her expertise spans from personal wellness to business development in the wellness industry.