Well-Informed by Source & Self

Your nervous system might be trying to tell you something. And the real question is, are you listening?

In this episode, Abby Starr continues her conversation with Christie Jordan, an acupuncturist and the founder of Source Healing, about how the way we feel physically often starts with what’s happening beneath the surface. Christie shares how unresolved emotions, environmental factors, and even the foods we eat can affect everything from anxiety and fatigue to more complex conditions like PCOS or alopecia.

Christie also introduces a wellness box curated in partnership with Source & Self, filled with purposeful tools like candles, tinctures, and smudge sticks. These aren’t just pretty add-ons. They’re rooted in Chinese medicine and chosen to help bring the body back into balance. Christie explains why lighting a candle on a damp day does more than set the mood, and how tending to our bodies is a lot like tending to the earth.

Christie opens up about her own journey, moving through depression, rediscovering connection through meditation, and watching her father defy a late-stage cancer diagnosis through sheer will and lifestyle shifts. It’s a story about healing that doesn’t rely on shortcuts or fixes but instead asks: What if we gave ourselves permission to slow down and pay attention?

You’ll walk away with a new understanding of what it means to feel safe in your body, and how to return to that feeling, one breath at a time.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Calming Box Collaboration

02:55 Balancing the Body with Fire

03:59 Internal Dampness and Diet

04:54 Root Cause Healing Approach

07:21 Clearing Energy as a Daily Ritual

08:31 Nervous System Support with Tinctures

10:28 Christie’s Personal Healing Journey

12:01 A Father’s Will to Live

13:37 Finding Purpose in Acupuncture

15:20 Rethinking Preventative Care

15:56 Moment-by-Moment Self-Regulation

Links

Connect with Christie Jordan:

Website: sourcehealing.com

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

When your shoulders are always tense, your thoughts won’t slow down, and sleep feels just out of reach, your body may be trying to tell you something important.

In this episode, Abby Starr talks with Christie Jordan, an acupuncturist and the founder of Source Healing, about why so many of us are stuck in a constant state of low-grade fight or flight and how to shift out of it. Christie shares what she sees in her practice: people dealing with anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, and physical pain that often trace back to an overwhelmed nervous system.

Together, they unpack how stress shows up in the body, why our minds can’t always be trusted to tell us the truth, and how to create a felt sense of safety without waiting for external circumstances to change. Christie introduces a three-part approach that anyone can use: notice what the mind is saying, reconnect to the heart, and listen closely to the body’s signals. She also leads a powerful exercise that helps anchor you in the present where safety can actually be felt.

This isn’t about perfection or getting rid of anxiety. It’s about learning to respond with awareness, compassion, and clarity even when the world feels chaotic.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Meet Christie Huang Jordan

00:58 Why Our Nervous Systems Feel Constantly Threatened

03:51 Understanding Fight or Flight in Daily Life

05:11 The Monkey Mind and Its Impact

06:04 How Thoughts Create Physical Symptoms

09:24 Listening to the Body’s “Dashboard Lights”

10:14 Rethinking Anxiety as a Signal

16:06 A Practice to Feel Safe in the Present

27:16 Why Suppressed Emotions Show Up Physically

30:31 Daily Rituals

Links

Connect with Christie Jordan:

Website: sourcehealing.com

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“One of the things I think about when it comes to food is balance. And one of the biggest goals in nutrition is balancing your blood sugar,” says dietitian Barbara B. Lincoln, who joins host Abby Starr on this episode of Well-Informed to discuss how small, practical changes can reshape our health. Barbara shares her approachable philosophy on nutrition that focuses on a balanced diet that doesn’t require drastic measures. Is sugar a part of that balance? Barbara thinks so, especially if it’s enjoyed on special occasions rather than as a daily habit.

Barbara talks about how small indulgences, like savoring a square of dark chocolate or a cup of coffee, can fit into a healthy lifestyle when paired with meals that keep blood sugar steady. Beyond diet, Barbara points out the often-overlooked importance of hydration and sleep. How can drinking enough water or getting quality rest make a difference? Barbara believes these essentials help prevent cravings and fuel better choices.

With her experience and science-backed insights, Barbara offers realistic ways to build a diet and lifestyle that support long-term wellness. Tune in to get a glimpse into her own routines and her favorite ways to stay balanced.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

03:22 How to Balance Blood Sugar

04:52 Sugar and Special Occasions

06:24 Daily Chocolate: How Much Is Too Much?

07:33 Should You Snack or Stick to Three Meals?

09:52 How Sleep and Hydration Affect Hunger

13:17 Electrolytes and What to Look For

17:03 How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

18:45 Nutrition Myths and What to Unlearn

20:06 A Balanced, Sustainable Approach to Wellness

Links

Connect with Barbara Lincoln:

[email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-lincoln-a258aa37/

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Are we asking the right questions about our health? For Dr. Nathalie Bloom, a practitioner of functional medicine and clinical nutrition, the journey starts with why. “In functional medicine, we focus on the root cause, the why behind a problem or a condition or an ailment,” she explains to host Abby Starr in this episode of the Well-Informed Podcast.

Dr. Bloom peels back the layers of functional medicine, a practice rooted in addressing the whole person, not just their symptoms. Through her thoughtful and compassionate approach, she shows how personalized care and lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference in addressing the interconnected factors behind chronic conditions, stress, and inflammation.

How does stress manifest differently in the body? Why is prevention often misunderstood in mainstream healthcare? And what can we all do to optimize our well-being? Dr. Bloom provides insights, from understanding “perceived stress” to uncovering hidden patterns in our health through advanced blood tests.

This episode points out the importance of patient empowerment and the value of working collaboratively with healthcare providers. Dr. Bloom reminds us that wellness is deeply individual and begins with understanding our unique needs and goals.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 What Is Functional Medicine?

03:40 How Lifestyle and Stress Affect Chronic Conditions

07:22 Prevention vs. Detection in Healthcare

09:06 Functional Medicine’s Approach to Bloodwork

15:06 Inflammation and Autoimmune Conditions

22:03 Simple Ways to Reduce Inflammation

26:03 Thoughts on Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic

30:15 Why Active Participation in Your Health Matters

Links

Connect with Dr. Natalie Bloom:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathalie-bloom-73278430

Website: atnucare.com 

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“It’s all about that balance and finding it,” says Sylwia Matula, the founder of Aurum Health. “That’s what I strive to find and have in my practice and with my clients,” she adds, reflecting on her mission to deliver personalized wellness solutions that blend Eastern and Western medicine.

Sylwia, a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings, joins Abby Starr to share her journey from traditional acute care to establishing her own wellness practice. Her path to wellness began with her own health challenges, sparking a passion for healing that goes beyond quick fixes. Through her practice, she emphasizes quality care by understanding each person’s unique needs and crafting tailored plans that support the body’s natural healing process.

How do we reclaim our health in a world of one-size-fits-all solutions? Sylwia believes it starts with being informed and advocating for ourselves. Whether it’s ensuring the quality of treatments or integrating practical habits like staying hydrated with electrolytes, her insights challenge us to take an active role in our wellness journey.

This episode allows listeners to consider what true balance looks like in their own lives. Join Sylwia and Abby to explore what it means to prioritize healing, embrace quality, and take ownership of your wellness journey.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction 

02:23 Sylwia’s Background and Founding of Aurum Health

05:10 Integrating Eastern and Western Medicine

10:00 Quality and Cost of Wellness Products

16:01 Importance of Product Quality and Authenticity

19:39 Importance of Knowing Your Supplements

22:10 Personal Hydration Practices

25:09 Sylwia’s Personal Favorites and Practices

28:14 Nutritional Preferences and Autoimmune Condition

Links

Connect with Sylwia Matula:

hydration4you.com

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Health isn't found in the latest trends, but in the everyday choices we make: what we eat, how we sleep, and the toxins we expose ourselves to. 

In this second part of their conversation, host Abby Starr and Joline Rivera, founder of Rbel Bee Sweets, dive into the impact of environmental toxins on our health. Joline shares her journey undergoing a Toxin Plasmic Exchange to remove heavy metals and microplastics from her body, sparking a conversation about how modern lifestyles contribute to health challenges.

This episode explores the often-overlooked dangers of processed foods, GMOs, and artificial additives, and Joline opens up about how she's taken control of her health by eliminating harmful kitchen items and embracing homemade meals. In a world overwhelmed with health information, how do we know where to start? Joline and Abby encourage taking small, manageable steps toward better health.

Abby and Joline’s conversation also touches on the powerful effects of sleep, hydration, and physical activity on overall well-being. Joline explains how making sleep a priority has boosted her mental clarity and health. Is it possible that the simple act of resting well could change the way we feel? Joline believes so, and the episode offers a refreshing look at how small daily rituals can have a profound impact.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction 

01:28 Toxin Protocol and Plasma Exchange

03:00 Effects of Toxins on the Brain

03:35 Experience with Toxin Plasmic Exchange 

05:15 High Levels of Toxins and Lifestyle Changes

06:03 Food Labels and GMOs

08:14 Personal Experiences with Food Allergies

09:29 Differences in Food Standards Across Countries

11:13 Food Dyes and Health Concerns

13:05 Advocacy for Clean Food and Organic Farming

14:00 Personal Story on Red Dye Allergy

15:32 The Impact of Food Industry on Health

16:43 Importance of Real Food and Nutrition

18:19 Personal Health Journey and Inflammation

19:14 Closing

20:10 Quickfire Questions

Links

Joline Rivera:

Rbel Bee website: http://rbelbee.com

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Food can be a powerful form of medicine, and Joline Rivera is showing us how real, wholesome ingredients can revolutionize both wellness and the candy industry.

Joline, who’s the founder of Rebel Bee Sweets, shares her inspiring journey from a creative director in the food industry to launching a brand that prioritizes health through natural, nutrient-rich ingredients. She opens up about her own struggles with inflammation and insulin resistance, which led her to rethink how food affects our well-being.

Joline’s approach to candy is groundbreaking. She’s creating healthier alternatives with real ingredients like honey and maple syrup, steering clear of ultra-processed additives and refined sugars. But her mission goes deeper than just food; it’s about reconnecting with our health through mindful choices. How can we shift our mindset about what food really does for us? Joline’s personal story, rooted in her family’s traditions and her passion for wellness, offers a powerful reminder of the potential of food as medicine.

In this first part of host Abby Starr and Joline’s conversation, we explore how wellness goes beyond the physical, encompassing mental and emotional well-being. Could the way we eat truly change how we feel, not just physically but holistically? Joline’s journey encourages us to rethink our approach to food and its role in our overall health.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

02:43 Transition to Food Industry

05:26 Joline’s Health Struggles

07:05 Seeking Medical Help

10:04 Food as Medicine

11:05 Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods

12:05 Joline’s Approach to Healthy Eating

13:22 Joline's Triathlon Experience

14:10 Importance of Reducing Inflammation

18:09 Ingredients in Rbel Bee Honey Gummies

25:17 Future Plans for Rbel Bee

26:01 Ingredients and Benefits of Honey

29:14 Challenges in Building the Brand

37:10 Importance of Quality Ingredients

39:01 Manufacturing and Distribution

43:12 Eco-Friendly Packaging

45:09 Importance of Toxin-Free Products

46:42 Closing

Links

Joline Rivera:

Rbell Bee website: http://rbelbee.com

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nature has a plan of its own. Are we willing to listen?

In this last part of their conversation, host Abby Starr and Ke’oni Hanalei explore the deep relationship between wellness, nature, and self-awareness. Running is more than movement for Ke’oni. It is meditation, a way to connect with breath and presence. Foraging is not just gathering. It is a conversation with the plants, asking for consent and honoring the exchange. What shifts when we see the natural world as an active participant rather than a resource to control?

The episode also challenges the idea of possession and how attachment fuels destruction. Ke’oni shares insights from the ferns, including a message from Neke, the fern of charisma, which they believe will shape 2025. What if true influence starts with looking inward?

Abby and Ke’oni’s conversation invites reflection on how we engage with nature, our past, and ourselves. It is a reminder to move through life with more presence, gratitude, and respect for the world around us.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Running as Meditation

03:15 Experiencing Nature in Hawaii

03:57 Respecting Nature and Plant Medicine

05:01 Ceremony and Plant Potency

06:08 Lessons from Nature and Plants

07:01 Listening to the Natural World

08:48 The Influence of Charisma in 2025

10:06 Looking Inward for Influence

12:00 The Concept of Possession

13:31 Balancing Possession and Sentimentality

15:03 Grief and Completion

17:35 Authenticity and Honesty

19:16 Embracing True Nature

20:25 Confirmation of Ancestral Knowledge

22:32 Importance of Remembering Our Roots

23:19 Closing 

24:05 Quickfire Questions

Links

Connect with Ke’oni Hanalei:

Website: https://www.pohala.net/

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

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The wisdom of Mu is alive, carried in our bodies and passed through generations, waiting to be remembered.

In this second part of their conversation, Ke’oni Hanalei shares the purpose and origin of his work with host Abby Starr, revealing the depth of Mu culture and its connection to human consciousness. He explains how knowledge was preserved without written language, why the spinal cord holds ancestral memory, and how this wisdom offers more than history—it offers a way of being. 

Can detaching from possession truly bring greater peace? Could gold stabilize our energy in ways we don’t realize? Ke’oni’s journey from Western education to ancestral custodian challenges how we define leadership, happiness, and contentment, leaving listeners with a beautiful perspective on integrating ancient wisdom into daily life.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction 

00:57 Writing a Book on Mu Culture

02:18 The Ancient Mu Language and Genealogy

03:15 Spinal Cord as an Archive

04:29 Genealogical Chants in Hawaiian Culture

06:11 Belief in Afterlife and Non-Possession

08:22 Resolving War Culture through Non-Possession

09:54 Significance of Gold as a Superconductor

11:04 Transition from Teaching to Wellness

13:28 Education and Personal Journey

16:27 Finding Natural Happiness

18:21 Sustainability and Contentment

20:01 Closing

21:02 Quickfire Questions

Links

Connect with Ke’oni Hanalei:

Website: https://www.pohala.net/

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

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

True well-being begins when you stop performing for the world and start aligning with your purpose.

Ke’oni Hanalei knows what it means to lose yourself and find your way back. A descendant of a kahuna, he shares how reconnecting with his origins and embracing his kia kahi (purpose) changed everything. His journey from addiction and incarceration to a life rooted in plant medicine and ancestral wisdom shows the power of alignment.

What does it mean to truly listen—to nature, to your lineage, to yourself? Ke’oni reflects on the lessons passed down through a thousand generations, the sacred practice of foraging with consent, and why purpose is not something you chase but something you embody. He challenges the idea of possession, offering a perspective where love and wisdom are meant to be shared instead of withheld.

In this first part of their conversation, host Abby Starr and Ke’oni Hanalei invite you to pause and reflect. Are you living in alignment with your purpose or are you performing for the world?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:14 Ke’oni Hanalei

02:15 Kahuna Legacy and Plant Medicine

03:18 Cultural Exchange: Chicago and Maui

03:53 Meaning of Pōhala and Hawaiian Language

04:16 Traditional Plant Harvesting Methods

07:57 Asexual Ferns and Pre-Polynesian Culture

10:05 Ke’oni’s Lineage and Family Influence

13:54 Ke’oni’s Purpose (Kia Kahi) and Technology

17:16 Ke’oni’s Daily Energy and Purpose

21:09 Ke’oni’s Journey from Addiction to Purpose

27:02 Vision of Grandmother and Life Transformation

29:22 Embracing Aloha and Highest Vibration

30:56 Self-Reflective Love (Aloha Ma)

31:59 Transformation and Living a Joyful Life

33:00 Closing

33:44 Quickfire Questions

Links

Connect with Ke’oni Hanalei:

Website: https://www.pohala.net/

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

Source & Self:

Website: https://source-self.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceandself

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm