Wellness As A Way of Life for Women Building the Future

Dr. Aileen Alexander is a lifestyle medicine physician who transitioned from a traditional medical setting to a coaching role, emphasizing holistic health approaches. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to addressing the root causes of chronic diseases through lifestyle changes rather than solely relying on medication.

5 Key Points We Discuss:

Discussing the transition from traditional healthcare to lifestyle medicine and coaching.

Challenges with the current healthcare system's time constraints and reliance on medication.

The concept of "nourish" as a holistic approach to well-being beyond just diet.

The impact of processed foods and the practicality of healthy eating in modern life.

Addressing issues like over-reliance on medications, especially antidepressants and new weight-loss drugs.

TLDR: 

Dr. Aileen Alexander shares her insights on moving from conventional medicine to a holistic lifestyle medicine approach, highlighting the importance of long-term, sustainable health changes. Emphasizing the concept of "nourish," she advocates for comprehensive well-being through mindful eating, exercise, and mental health practices, aiming to reduce reliance on medication and promote overall life quality.

Connect with Dr. Alieen Alexander

www.doctoraileen.com

@doctoraileen__ on IG, 

www.linkedin.com/in/doctoraileen

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

Holistic health, lifestyle medicine, medical doctor, wellness coaching, National Health Service, general practitioner, burnout, weight loss, diet culture, lifestyle changes, sleep improvement, food preparation, convenience foods, nutrient density, women’s health, perimenopause, menopause, self-care, self-nourishment, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, preventive medicine, big pharma, weight loss drugs, HRT, stress management, type two diabetes, health outcomes, nutrition education, sustainable change, patient empowerment.

This episode is on the transformational journey of Teri Patterson, who focuses on the intersection sobriety and functional nutrition. Teri shares her insights on how removing alcohol from her life has kickstarted a holistic wellness journey and a thriving career in coaching.

Functional Nutrition & Sobriety: Teri shares her initial wellness interests and her epiphany about alcohol's detrimental effects on health.

Alcohol and Gut Health: Teri explains the impact of alcohol on metabolism and gut health.

Personal Health Benefits: Improvements Teri noticed in her digestion and overall health after eliminating alcohol.

Entrepreneurial Journey: The formation of Teri's career post-sobriety, including going back to school and establishing her coaching practice.

Sober Entrepreneurship: Teri and Megan discuss the creation of "The Sober Hive," a community for alcohol-free entrepreneurs.

TLDR: 

This episode highlights the profound impacts of removing alcohol from your life, not only on physical health but also on entrepreneurial success and personal growth, as Teri Patterson demonstrates through her journey.

Connect with Teri Patterson

Teri Patterson is a Functional Nutritionist and a This Naked Mind Senior Coach. Teri blends her knowledge of nutrition with her passion for living an alcohol-free life into a unique business as The Sober Nutritionist. Since becoming a sober/mindful drinking coach in 2019, Teri has helped thousands of people take a break from drinking and create true wellness. Teri is excited to expand her mission of helping people discover true wellness to include midlife women who have stopped drinking and are ready to start living! Teri is also the host of the popular podcast The Sober Edge, Inspiration for Alcohol-Free Living and The Sober Edge Book Club.

https://thesobernutritionist.com/

https://www.instagram.com/teri.thesobernutritionist/

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

Functional nutrition, sobriety, wellness journey, alcohol-free lifestyle, gut health, metabolism, neurotransmitters, biohacking, alcohol impact, digestion, nutrient absorption, sleep quality, immune system, energy level, alcohol freedom coach, midlife wellness, self experience program, healthy living, alcohol withdrawal, nutrition school, health coaching, alcohol detox, sober entrepreneurship, alcohol-free entrepreneurs, community support, Sober Hive, sobriety conversation, health benefits of sobriety, alcohol and mood, wellness transformation, nutrition tips.

Living an alcohol-free life can be a transformative journey, revealing deeper self-awareness and clarity. In this episode, Jane Ballard joins us to share her decision process, the psychological impacts, and how going alcohol-free has enriched her holistic wellness approach and professional life.

Things we discussed:

Jane’s personal decision and transformative moment to go alcohol-free.

The impact of alcohol on memory and maintaining integrity with oneself.

The role of social anxiety and how alcohol-free living improves social interactions.

How therapists discuss or avoid discussing the topic of alcohol use.

Jane's current work, including her retreats, podcast, and coaching programs.

TLDR: 

Jane Ballard’s journey to an alcohol-free life shed light on the profound impacts it has on mental clarity, integrity, and overall wellness. She now uses her experience to guide others through a similar transformation, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's lifestyle with personal values and purpose.

Connect with Jane Ballard

She would love to hear from you at

https://www.janewballard.com

https://www.instagram.com/janewballard

Bali Retreat Info

https://www.janewballard.com/sobriety-simplified-bali-retreat

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

alcohol-free lifestyle, living alcohol-free, professional experience, negative consequences of drinking, memory loss, blackout, brownout, prefrontal cortex, judgment impairment, pandemic journey, personal purpose, spiritual clarity, detachment from alcohol, social situations, social anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, neurotransmitters, dopamine, anxiety relief, perinatal mental health, eating disorders, therapist perspective, high functioning alcoholic, societal norms, alcohol consumption, mental health in therapists, therapy training, alcohol-related anxiety, therapist-client relationship.

More on Jane:

Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C is a licensed psychotherapist, certified eating disorder specialist and perinatal mental health certified clinician in Dallas, TX. As an enneagram 5, Jane has a love of learning and continually honing her knowledge and expertise to meet the unique needs of her clients. She’s on a mission to walk alongside women of all ages, particularly those experiencing anxiety, OCD, infertility, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, peri/menopause and disordered eating/body image concerns. 

After an epiphany moment in the fall of 2022, Jane realized that she would never reach her full potential in life with alcohol along for the ride. She embraced sobriety and set off down a path of unexpected joy and adventure, finding true self-acceptance and clarity along the way. Her hope to spark curiosity and change the dialogue around drinking led to the co-creation of Mindful Sobriety: The Podcast and the recent completion of the first annual Living Your Purpose Simplified Retreat in Bali, Indonesia. 

Jane is passionate about connecting with women intent on living an extraordinary life. Whether you’re just contemplating the alcohol-free path or further along but wondering what’s next, Jane would love to connect with you! Reach out to snag your spot on Living Your Purpose Bali 2025 or just to say hi! 

Talking functional medicine expert Karin Reiter about her career journey, the principles of functional medicine, and how it can revolutionize personal and family health.

Key Points

Karin Reiter's journey from a legal and financial background to a leading functional medicine practitioner.

The principles of functional medicine and its distinction from conventional medicine.

Common misdiagnosis and treatment gaps in conventional approaches to autoimmune diseases, specifically Hashimoto's.

The importance of holistic health approaches and natural remedies in everyday life and parenting.

Empowering individuals to be the CEOs of their own health with knowledge and intuition.

TLDR: 

Functional medicine marries conventional and holistic practices to address root causes of health issues, offering a comprehensive path to wellness. Karin Reiter champions educating patients to take control of their health through a balanced approach combining modern medicine with natural remedies.

Connect with Karin Reiter

https://www.instagram.com/karingojiberry/

https://nutritiousndelicious.com/

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

Functional medicine, wellness, autoimmune disease, natural medicine, nutrition, medical nutrition, thyroid disease, Hashimoto's, conventional medicine, holistic medicine, root causes, mold exposure, heavy metals, Epstein-Barr virus, gut health, hormone levels, traditional medicine, mental health, emotional health, nutritional deficiencies, Vitamin D, iron levels, food sensitivities, gut bacteria, leaky gut, thyroid medication, depression, anxiety, ADHD, cancer treatment, holistic retreats.

Karin's Bio

Karin, functional medicine nutritionist, meditation and breathwork teacher, fitness trainer, author, wife, mama and founder of Nutritious N’ Delicious,  has been a leader in the nutrition and wellness industry for the last 15 years. 

Karin founded Nutritious N’ Delicious in 2011 in Australia (after a corporate career in law and finance) and her aim was to touch as many people as possible and provide knowledge, support, guidance and advise on building a healthier lifestyle. She has led workshops and nutrition programs in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali, Thailand, Greece, Israel and Australia. 

Karin’s passion is to educate, to ask questions and to bring to light the importance of natural, nourishing foods.

Karin is a passionate speaker & journalist in the area of nutrition and has written for numerous publications in the USA, Australia, USA and through-out Asia. Karin is also the author of 2 children's recipe books branded “The Rosy Cheeked Kids”.

You will find Karin traveling with her family all over the world, in the kitchen developing and creating healthy recipes or drinking a green juice after a yoga practice.

Today  I'm sharing some powerful tips on how to take your workouts to the next level by boosting your mind-body connection. With insights from my 15 years of teaching yoga, you're about to find out how to make your exercise routine more fun, effective, and loving for yourself.

Episode Highlights:

Consciously Ground Your Feet: Think of each foot having four corners to stay stable and connected to the ground.

Body Scan: Do a quick check on your body alignment to feel more aware and in tune during your workout.

Be Intentional vs. Rushed: Slow down your movements to build strength and control, ditching the fast-paced momentum.

Breathwork: Use powerful diaphragm breathing techniques to connect deeper with your body.

Jaw Relaxation:  Relax your jaw to help release hip tension, making exercises smoother and more enjoyable.

TLDR: Discover five simple mind-body tricks to elevate your workouts. By grounding your feet, scanning your body, slowing down, focusing on your breath, and relaxing your jaw, you can make your exercise sessions more impactful and enjoyable.

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

wellness, mindset shifts, body connection, impact of exercise, efficiency in workouts, loving your body, yoga philosophy, intentional movement, mind-body connection, feeling stronger, grounding techniques, conscious movement, ease in life, exercise tips, connection to the earth, functional movement, HIIT exercise, energy grounding, foot connection, muscle activation, body awareness, breathing techniques, diaphragm breathing, jaw relaxation, body scan, slowing down exercises, pelvic floor connection, abdominal strength, conscious workout, alignment in workouts, softness in the face.

Autoimmune Diseases and Women: Autoimmune diseases affect women at a strikingly higher ratio than men, approximately 80 to 20. Dr. Erin Nance emphasizes the significant need for more research and funding to understand the causes and disproportionate impact these illnesses have on women. Dr. Nance also discussed the challenges many women face, like long Covid triggering autoimmune disorders, and underscored the systemic bias in medical research affecting the treatment women receive.

Creating Safe Spaces:  Dr. Nance shared her new platform dedicated to connecting individuals with ongoing health issues. This platform offers curated content and community support for people managing chronic illnesses, providing a safe space for sharing and learning about symptoms and diseases.

Advocating for Your Health: Dr. Nance recounted a poignant story of a woman with a glomus tumor diagnosis after years of being dismissed by doctors. This story highlights the persistent issue of medical misdiagnosis and the importance of women educating and advocating for themselves to improve doctor-patient communication.

Non-Negotiable Wellness Practices: As part of her holistic approach to wellness, Dr. Nance discussed her non-negotiable wellness practices like playing tennis, spending time with family, prioritizing exercise, and personal time. She believes integrating traditional medicine with wellness practices is essential for optimal health.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Social Media Advocacy: Dr. Nance shared her journey from experiencing discrimination during her job search while pregnant to becoming an entrepreneur. She now manages her practice and runs "Feel Betr," a media company and social media platform helping women with chronic illnesses. Her advocacy extends to her popular TikTok account, where she raises awareness about health issues and systemic biases.

TLDR: This episode dives deep into the disproportionate impact of autoimmune diseases on women, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, and the value of holistic wellness practices. Dr. Erin Nance also shares her journey of creating supportive platforms and advocating for women through social media.

Connect with Erin

https://feelbetr.health

@littlemissdiagnosed on TikTok

Dr. Erin Nance is an orthopedic surgeon and medical influencer who is known as the Patron Saint for medically gaslit women. Her TikTok account @littlemissdiagnosed has been viewed over 100 million times and been shared with over 1 million people. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of FeelBetr, a health focused social media platform that curates personalized content for women with chronic illness.

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

autoimmune diseases, women's health, chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, Long Covid, post-viral incidents, health research funding, autoimmune disorder causes, wellness practices, exercise, personal time, health platform, health community, health symptoms, Dr. Erin Nance, glomus tumor, medical misdiagnosis, symptom dismissal, systemic biases, women's diseases, self-advocacy, doctor-patient communication, self-directed research, traditional medicine, holistic approach, pharmacologics, meditation practices, nutrition guidance, mental health awareness, medical gaslighting, orthopedic surgeon.

In this episode, host Megan Swan sits down with guest Gregg Ostrin to discuss addiction, identity, toxic masculinity, and the journey to self-discovery and self-awareness.

Gregg Ostrin shares his personal journey of addiction, sobriety, and challenging societal norms of masculinity.

The conversation delves into the themes of Greg's play, "The Spy Who Went Into Rehab," exploring sobriety and toxic masculinity.

The episode concludes with insights on communication, self-awareness, and understanding oneself in relationships, highlighting the importance of personal growth and introspection.

TLDR: Join us as we navigate the complexities of addiction, toxic masculinity, and identity with Gregg Ostrin, exploring the impact of societal norms on personal growth and self-discovery, in a conversation that confronts challenging themes and promotes wellness and introspection.

Connect with Gregg Ostrin

Sober 37 years, Gregg is a screenwriter and playwright, who put his experience with recovery into a new, hilarious comedy that not only explores sobriety, but also toxic masculinity.

THE SPY WHO WENT INTO REHAB, Opens June 7th

Tickets: https://pacificresidenttheatre.org/the-spy-who-went-into-rehab/

Socials

https://www.instagram.com/spyrehabplay/

https://www.facebook.com/gregg.ostrin

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

Gregg Ostrin, Megan Swan, podcast, rate and review, women's wellness, life optimization, upbringing, father's expectations, theater, imagination, escape, fantasy, identity, societal norms, substances, self-discovery, confidence, communication, sobriety, addiction, play, The Spy Who Went Into Rehab, tickets, toxic masculinity, AA, twelve-step programs, James Bond, entitlement, sober community, wellness, toxic masculinity unraveling, #MeToo movement, Black Lives Matter.

In this episode, we delve into the complex world of pain and its management with the insightful Stephanie Buckley. Join us as we explore the intricacies of pain mindset and alternative pain management strategies that incorporate holistic approaches for a more sustainable recovery.

Mindset and Pain Relationship: Stephanie discusses how changing one’s mindset about pain can impact recovery, urging listeners to consider pain not as a mere physical experience but also as one with deep emotional and psychological layers.

Non-Traditional Movement: Transitioning from conventional exercises to nurturing movements, Stephanie captures her journey towards listening and responding to her body’s unique needs.

Holistic Approach Emphasizing the importance of integrating mental and spiritual health into the physical healing process, which is often overlooked in traditional physical therapy.

Communication in Recovery: Highlighting the challenges of expressing pain and fear, stressing the significance of open conversations with healthcare providers to enhance treatment outcomes.

Empowerment through Education: Educating oneself about the biopsychosocial aspects of pain can empower individuals by changing their narrative around pain and recovery.

TLDR: In today's session, Stephanie Buckley champions a comprehensive method in managing pain, moving beyond traditional physical treatments to include mental and emotional health, offering tools for a well-rounded healing process. We discover that truly listening to our bodies and integrating a holistic approach can alter our pain experiences and recovery, promising a more empowered and informed path toward wellness.

Connect with Stephanie

Stephanie believes in order to create long lasting change when it comes to chronic pain we have to dive deep physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Blog: https://alternativepainapproachblog.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-buckley-222a3a270/

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

Stephanie Buckley, chronic pain, pain management, physical therapy, psychological aspects of pain, emotional factors in recovery, holistic approach, biopsychosocial model, mental health, physical injury recovery, pain recovery mindset, alternative pain management coach, sports injuries, sedentary lifestyle, depression, conventional pain treatments, massage, dry needling, fear of movement, limiting beliefs, movement practices, relationship with pain, reflection on pain, pain science, wellness for women, overcoming chronic pain, mental blocks in healing, coaching for pain management, lifestyle shifts, addressing pain holistically

Megan Swan dives deep into the impact of lifestyle choices on mental health, showcasing practical strategies for fostering mental wellness. Listen in and discover how small changes in your daily routine can lead to profound improvements in your overall mental state.

Mental Health Action Day: Megan highlights the importance of dedicating time for connection as promoted by the Mental Health Action Network, suggesting ways like engaging in community activities or meditative practices.

Impact of Sleep:  Megan emphasizes the role of sleep in mental health, detailing how daily habits like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake can disturb sleep quality and, by extension, mental well-being.

Holistic Approaches to Mental Wellness: Encourages listeners to consider holistic methods like nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness to combat mental health issues before relying on medications.

Support and Awareness: Advises on the importance of reaching out for professional help when needed but also underlines the power of self-awareness and proactive wellness habits.

TLDR; This podcast episode serves as a reminder that our daily lifestyle choices, from what we eat to how we sleep, play a significant role in our mental health. Megan Swan provides actionable advice for anyone looking to enhance their mental wellness through mindful living and connection.

Connect with Mental Health Action Network

https://www.mentalhealthactionday.art/

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

Keywords

mental health, mental wellness, Mental Health Action Network, mental health action day, connection, toxins, sleep, awareness, meditation, yoga, holistic health, consumption patterns, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, lifestyle changes, emotional health, neurotransmitters, homeostasis, emotional eating, prescription drugs, antidepressants, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, evening routines, wellness optimization, holistic practices, mental health support, mental health awareness month.

Welcome to this insightful episode of Wellness As A Way of Life, where we're joined by Brian Hyman to explore the transformative powers of yoga in the realm of recovery. Journey with us as we delve into personal growth, community support, and the profound impacts of spiritual and physical wellness practices.

Community and Support: Yoga and recovery both thrive on community engagement, helping individuals foster strong support systems akin to those in sports teams and literary circles.

Core Values: We discuss Brian’s book "Recovery with Yoga," structured around pivotal values like honesty, acceptance, and surrender, crafted for both new and seasoned individuals in recovery.

Accountability: The significance of maintaining honesty with oneself and others highlights the necessity of accountability across various stages of recovery and personal growth.

Divine Time: Emphasizing the importance of carving out personal time for spiritual practices, showing how such moments can significantly enhance focus and connectivity.

The Evolution of Practice: Brian shares insights into the continuous evolution of yoga practices, urging the importance of keeping an open and teachable mindset.

TLDR: This episode illuminates the powerful synergy between yoga and recovery, underscoring the critical roles of community, accountability, and personal time in fostering wellness. Dive into a discussion that not only educates but also inspires transformation and renewed self-awareness.

Connect with Brian

http://www.brianhymanyoga.com

BRIAN HYMAN, is a yoga instructor, meditation guide, dharma teacher, author, and father. He has been sober since 2009, and he has been teaching yoga and meditation at Cliffside Malibu since 2012. His dedicated work in the field of addiction treatment and recovery combines yoga and Buddhism. His innovative teachings about healing and transformation have been featured in many publications and podcasts.

BOOK: Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices for Transcending Addiction

social: @brianhymanyoga on IG, FB, and X (Twitter). 

And courses, meditations, live sessions on Insightimer.com/brianhymanyoga.  

Connect with Megan Swan

https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/

http://www.meganswanwellness.com

yoga, recovery, community, support system, book clubs, "Recovery with Yoga", core values, spirituality, mantras, mudras, accountability, twelve-step program, meditation, divine time, beginner's mind, yoga instructor, dharma teacher, addiction, universal principles, Buddhism, self-reflection, sobriety, open-mindedness, practice evolution, Insight Timer, podcast, wellness, self-worth, self-discipline, self-improvement.