Summary

Yinspired’s host, Dr. Haunani Chong-Drake, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, welcomes listeners to 2026, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal rhythms with the solar-lunar calendar. She encourages listeners to embrace the yin energy of winter as a time for rest and reflection rather than rushing into New Year’s resolutions. Dr. Haunani shares her insights on why New Year’s resolutions often fail, attributing this to the natural rhythms of the seasons and the energy dynamics at play during winter. She also talks about one of the more common New Year’s resolutions, weightloss, through a Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda lens. For lasting results, she focuses on holistic digestion, self-reflection to uncover the true motivations behind personal goals, and emphasizes that health and wellness are not solely defined by body size or weight. By integrating principles from both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, she offers a comprehensive perspective on digestion, that create lasting results in body, heart, and spirit.

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Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Yinspired: New Year Reflections

01:33 Aligning with the Solar Lunar Calendar

04:21 The Nature of New Year’s Resolutions

13:00 Weight Loss: Going beyond numbers and scales

30:37 The Key to Lasting Weightloss - Digestion: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual digestion

44:04 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Gather ‘round with Catie Oliveira an experienced yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and mom who has been a part of nearly every aspect of the growing Yoga culture in the U.S. for over 20 years. In today’s conversation, we delve into the profound essence of yoga beyond the mat and postures and how “yoga is training for life.” We explore how yoga serves as a deeply spiritual and holistic practice that truly is a guide map for living life in harmony (like Chinese Medicine). The conversation highlights the importance of sthira (effort) and sukham (ease) in both yoga practice and daily life. Stability provides safety, yet joy, surrender, and pleasure are equally vital to our balance and vitality. We get into the distinction between Yoga and Yoga Therapy, performing and guiding a class, and the evolution of yoga teacher trainings in the U.S. underscoring the necessity of self-study for authentic teaching. The episode also touches on the lifelong journey of learning and growth in yoga, where balancing strength and softness is crucial to avoid burnout and as we evolve through different stages of life, our Yoga should evolve with us. Other topics discussed in this episode include:

* Yoga is not just about postures; it’s a holistic practice and can be a map for living in balance.

* The yoga mat reflects our lives and how we navigate them.

* Connection with Self is the ultimate goal of yoga.

* The pendulum of rigidity and flexibility affects our well-being.

* Yoga needs to be accessible to everyone, but not every class suits all.

* Social justice in yoga is about bridging communities and creating inclusivity.

* It’s okay to mess up; what matters is the willingness to listen, recognize and feel discomfort, unlearn, and keep showing up.

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Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Holistic Health

03:03 The Essence of Yoga: Beyond the Postures

06:02 Personal Journeys: How Yoga Shapes Lives

08:44 Yoga Teacher Training: A Path to Confidence

11:51 The Evolution of Yoga Practice

14:35 Yoga as a Life Philosophy

17:48 The Role of Flexibility in Yoga

20:43 The Importance of Community in Yoga

23:55 Navigating the Challenges of Yoga Practice

26:47 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Yoga

40:10 Overcoming Perfectionism in Teaching Yoga

41:56 The Journey from Performance to Authenticity

42:56 The Process of Learning and Teaching Yoga

49:19 Self-Study and Authentic Teaching

49:54 The Role of the Teacher as a Guide

51:30 Connecting with the Self through Yoga

55:12 The Balance of Asana and Philosophy

56:48 Sthira and Sukham: The Balance of Effort and Ease

01:07:25 Applying Balance in Daily Life

01:18:10 The Dance of Stira and Sukha in Relationships

01:23:19 Understanding Yoga Therapy vs. General Yoga

01:27:05 The Importance of Tailored Yoga Practices

01:31:56 Finding Balance in Yoga and Life

01:40:08 Yoga as a Tool for Empowerment and Self-Discovery

01:50:59 Social Justice and Accessibility in Yoga

01:55:15 Reflections on Personal Growth and Community Engagement

This casual conversation with Linh Taylor is exactly the conversation I dreamt of having when Yinspired was created. Linh and I had never met before, and when we hung up, it felt like I had known Linh for lifetimes. Our shared love for Chinese Medicine, the philosophy of Yin and Yang, and navigating healing journeys in cultures and systems not built for us created a natural bridge between our differences, showing how ancient wisdom can unite diverse perspectives and stories in modern times.

Like a winding conversation on a road trip, we explore the topics of redefining success, challenging beauty standards, simplicity and fulfillment, healing through Yoga, practice management wisdom through the lens of service and community, and provider collaboration as a model of integrative medicine.

If you like this episode, please remember to share it with someone who would also enjoy it.

Also, please make sure to check out the Show Notes & Shoutouts section at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast, including a listener-only 20% code with Carolyn.

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Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

02:47 Building Trust and Connection

05:44 Linh Taylor’s Journey into Acupuncture and Wellness

08:48 The Balancing Act of Motherhood and Career

11:49 The Emotional Load of Caregiving

14:49 Redefining Success and Ambition

17:36 Cultural Perspectives on Ambition and Gender

20:35 Finding Fulfillment in Simplicity

23:38 The Joy of Living in the Moment

26:38 Lessons from Parenting a Child with Autism

29:21 Making Decisions and Embracing Imperfection

33:50 The Unexpected Journey to Pelvic Floor Health

39:30 The Transformative Power of Connection

41:05 The Essence of Consciousness in Healing

47:13 Redefining Beauty and Self-Acceptance

55:02 Mentorship and Abundance in Acupuncture Practice

01:07:16 The Power of Personal Connection in Marketing

01:09:44 Understanding Patient Needs and Building Trust

01:12:01 Navigating the Challenges of Practicing Medicine

01:13:50 The Importance of Collaboration in Healthcare

01:18:23 Integrative Approaches to Patient Care

01:23:11 The Future of Healthcare: Teamwork and Trust

01:28:58 Blending Techniques: Dry Needling and Acupuncture

In this episode of Yinspired, Dr. Haunani Chong-Drake, DACM, welcomes Carolyn Sykes, an Acupuncturist from England, to discuss the power of yin in healing. They explore Carolyn’s journey into Chinese medicine, her unique practice of Shiatsu for horses, and the importance of intuition in healing. The conversation delves into the significance of living in harmony with the seasons, the five elements, and how acupuncture can facilitate deep states of meditation. They also discuss the need to bridge Eastern and Western medicine to empower patients and promote holistic health. In this conversation, Haunani and Carolyn Sykes explore the connection between human health and the natural cycles of the seasons. They discuss the importance of aligning personal goals with the seasons, the significance of nourishment, and the balance between yin and yang. They also touch on the societal pressures surrounding self-care and the importance of creating space for rest and reflection.

Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Do you have something to add to this conversation?  Head on over to Yinspired.substack.com/podcast, find the episode and leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going. This is the only place to interact with the Yinspired host and guests.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yinspired Podcast

02:17 Meet Carolyn Sykes: An International Acupuncturist

04:19 The Journey into Chinese Medicine

06:14 The Power of Yin in Healing

11:45 Connecting with Horses: Shiatsu and Acupuncture

17:30 Intuition and Energy in Practice

23:33 The Role of Stillness in Healing

29:19 Exploring Other Realities and Healing

34:55 Navigating Fear in Healing Practices

35:18 Grounding in the Present Moment

37:53 Family Support and Diverse Beliefs

40:12 The Role of Emotions in Healing

42:40 Understanding the Five Elements

47:35 Living in Harmony with the Seasons

51:44 The Importance of Nourishment

55:37 Balancing Yin and Yang

59:25 The Cycle of Seasons and Health

01:03:11 The Interconnectedness of Elements

01:10:21 Exploring the Elements: Fire and Metal

01:13:41 The Cozy Embrace of Autumn

01:15:49 Slowing Down to Speed Up

01:18:29 The Power of Yin and Rest

01:23:15 Meditation and Presence

01:27:20 Normalizing Spiritual Conversations

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This episode enters a tender and brave space. This conversation holds the weight of love, grief, anger, and the quiet stories that often go unspoken. Our guest, Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, L.Ac., and birth doula, shares how losing her first baby at birth led to where she is today in holistic perinatal care, specializing in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Not only do we speak of loss and miscarriage, we discuss perinatal health disparities and the heart-breaking truths about the major gaps in perinatal healthcare in the U.S. and how these gaps ripple out to create real health disparities for people of color and underserved communities.

You’ll hear us get fired up and also tear up.

This is another conversation reminding me there is still so much work to be done.

Whether you’re listening as someone who has walked this path, supported someone through it, or are simply seeking to understand and make an impact on maternal health, we invite you to join us with open hearts and curious presence.

Summary

In this episode of Yinspired, Dr. Haunani Chong-Drake, DACM, interviews Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, a specialist in perinatal acupuncture. They discuss the importance of acupuncture in women’s health, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. The conversation highlights the need for education on pregnancy loss, the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating conditions like placenta previa, and the importance of a collaborative pregnancy care team to improve maternal health outcomes. As leaders and advocates of Integrative Medicine since the early 2000s, they speak candidly of the current challenges and misconceptions of integrative medicine.

Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios, references, and shoutouts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yinspired Podcast

00:54 Meet Dr. Deb Davies: A Journey into Acupuncture

03:28 The Path to Acupuncture: Personal Experiences

07:49 Specializing in Perinatal Acupuncture

09:40 Overcoming Fears in Treating Pregnant Patients

12:35 The Importance of Support in Women’s Healthcare

15:58 Addressing Pregnancy Loss and Emotional Support

18:10 The Role of Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth

20:14 Understanding and Treating Placenta Previa

25:30 Success Stories in Perinatal Acupuncture

27:41 Understanding Pregnancy Complications

30:41 The Role of Acupuncture in Pregnancy

33:53 Building a Pregnancy Care Team

36:22 Maternal Mortality and Healthcare Disparities

39:36 Advocacy and Empowerment in Childbirth

44:39 The Importance of Community Support

48:35 Navigating Hospital Policies and Procedures

57:24 The Importance of Postpartum Care

01:00:13 Cultural Perspectives on Recovery

01:02:59 Challenges of Postpartum Life

01:05:45 Integrative Medicine and Support Systems

01:08:46 The Future of Healthcare and Women’s Rights

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In part 2 with Dr. Cacky Mellor, PhD., she invites us into a nuanced conversation about EMBODIMENT—not as a fixed state, but as a dynamic continuum of lived experience. Together, we explore how dissociation, often misunderstood, can be a valid form of embodiment and how healing begins with accepting all aspects of our humanity. Dr. Mellor challenges the “fix-it” mentality of modern healthcare, advocating instead for practices rooted in compassionate curiosity, cultural awareness, and deep listening. From the paradoxes of technology to the power of community, this dialogue honors the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery. With reflections on the Serenity Prayer and the importance of integration, we’re reminded that healing isn’t a destination—it’s a process shaped by uncertainty, belonging, and the courage to walk alongside one another.

Links to all Yinspired episodes, episode show notes and shoutouts, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

02:43 Exploring the Concept of Embodiment

05:26 Defining Embodiment and Its Misinterpretations

07:44 The Mind-Body Connection and Cultural Perspectives

10:10 Navigating Modern Disconnection and Seeking Community

15:16 Personal Journeys and the Search for Belonging

17:44 Understanding Secure Attachments and Chosen Families

19:49 Listening to the Body: A Personal Exploration

30:04 The Illusion of Healing

32:09 Vulnerability in Healing Practices

32:35 Cultural Expectations and Personal Healing

34:51 The Role of the Practitioner

36:45 Humility in Healthcare

38:21 The Journey of Uncertainty

45:30 Adapting to Change

48:04 Cathartic Release vs. Integration

52:04 Understanding the Process Over the Product in Wellness

01:00:19 Embracing the Highs and Lows of Life

01:01:25 Compassionate Curiosity and Personal Growth

Questions or comments for the guest or host?

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In this week’s episode of Yinspired, Dr. Cacky Mellor,PhD, Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator, Somatic Experiencing© Practitioner, Registered Yoga Teacher (500hr), and non-denominational reverend, invites us into a conversation that honors the healing power of creativity, art, and the deep human need to belong. She reminds us that art isn’t just a product; it’s a sanctuary, an essential tool and playground for self-expression, reconnecting us with our life force, and therefore, a radical act of healing. Together, we explore how societal expectations often suppress our authenticity and creative flow. Dr. Mellor unpacks the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, weaving in the wisdom of attachment theory to show how our early experiences shape our current emotional and survival mechanisms. This is part 1, so stay tuned for part 2, coming soon.

Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Connect with Dr. Cacky Mellor, PhD:

Somatic Reclamation

Rev. Dr. Cacky Mellor, Ph.D. (@somaticreclamation) • Instagram photos and videos

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Cacky Mellor, PhD

05:44 The Power of Creativity and Healing

10:35 Art as Medicine: A Cultural Perspective

15:08 The Process of Creativity and Its Importance

20:56 Overcoming Internal Chatter and Self-Doubt

27:58 Integrity, Belonging, and Authenticity

33:19 The Journey of Belonging

35:24 Understanding Attachment and Its Impact

39:24 Exploring Attachment Styles

46:12 Patterns of Attachment and Healing

50:03 The Essence of Healing and Connection

In this episode of Yinspired, Cortney Nadeau shares her journey from launching her first business at age 15 to becoming a trusted expert in medical billing and advocate for holistic healthcare providers. Drawing from decades of experience, she emphasizes that business is not just a logistical necessity—it’s a form of self-care and a foundation for creating safe, trustworthy spaces for patients. We explore how market research, legal and financial literacy, and transparent policies empower practitioners to meet community needs and build lasting patient relationships. She advocates for business mentorship, better education from college’s alumni groups, and reframing one’s relationship with money to foster a healthier mindset that leads to more ethical care. With insights into state-specific regulations and the importance of informed decision-making, this episode is a powerful guide for practitioners seeking to balance their passion for healing with the realities of running a successful, values-driven practice.

All the business foundation to-do's, checklists, and scripts for having tricky insurance conversations can be found in this episode's Show notes & Shoutouts at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast,

Do you have something to add to this conversation? Head on over to Yinspired.substack.com/podcast, find the episode and leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going. This is the only place to interact with the Yinspired host and guests.

Enjoying Yinspired? Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yinspired Podcast and Guest Introduction

05:45 Business Background and Journey of Cortney Nadeau

08:50 The Importance of Business Structure for Practitioners

11:47 Understanding the Foundation of a Successful Practice

14:48 Self-Care Through Business Knowledge

17:57 Navigating the Challenges of Business and Self-Care

20:51 The Reality of Taxes and Business Responsibilities

23:48 The Role of Providers as Authority Figures

26:54 Finding Balance as a Practitioner

29:57 Starting Your Own Practice: Key Considerations

34:07 Navigating Business Foundations

36:14 Understanding Employment Options in Holistic Healthcare

37:47 The Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship

39:59 Creativity in Building a Practice

42:45 Market Research and Community Needs

45:52 Creating a Safe Space for Patients

48:44 The Importance of Business Structure

51:52 Insurance and Financial Considerations

55:43 State Regulations and Scope of Practice

59:39 The Role of Educational Institutions in Business Training

01:05:14 Understanding the Game of Business

01:07:47 Navigating Financial Realities in Practice

01:10:01 The Importance of Community and Support

01:12:19 Reframing Relationships with Money

01:14:38 Embracing the Challenges of Business

01:17:28 Empowering Practitioners with Knowledge

In this episode of Yinspired, Dr. Haunani Chong-Drake, DACM, catches up with a longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Shamini Jain, PhD., exploring the intersections of creativity, healing, research, and consciousness. They discuss the importance of following one's creative desires, the fallacy of separateness in modern medicine, and how this belief creates hurdles in research, belonging, and the courage to live in alignment with purpose. Shamini shares her journey as both scientist and healer, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to health that integrates science, culture, and spiritual perspectives. The conversation also touches on the power of voice as a tool for expression and healing.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yin Spired and Its Mission

00:58 Introducing Dr. Shamini Jain: A Multifaceted Practitioner

06:40 Exploring the Intersection of Desire and Healing

12:27 The Journey of Creation and Following Inner Guidance

20:47 Navigating Identity and External Expectations

24:27 The Role of Creativity in Healing and Resilience

39:14 Understanding the Fallacy of Separateness in Medicine

47:36 Exploring Biofield Science and Its Relevance

01:03:01 The Power of Voice and Personal Expression

01:11:14 Closing Thoughts and Reflections on Healing

Enjoying Yinspired?

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Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

In this heartfelt episode of Yinspired, Dr. Chantal Davis, DACM—an acupuncturist with 15 years of experience in San Diego, California—shares her journey from frustration with conventional medicine to becoming a fierce advocate for women’s health through integrative care. Her story is rooted in mentorship, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping women navigate every stage of life with intention and holistic support.

From the often-overlooked realities of postpartum anxiety to the silent struggles of perimenopause, Dr. Davis unpacks the gaps in education and care that leave many women feeling unseen and unheard. She emphasizes how we move, eat, rest, and care for ourselves at every stage of life, lays a foundation for our health—and for the future.

This episode dives into the power of acupuncture to regulate the nervous system, her favorite foods for reproductive and hormonal health, the importance of holistic stress management (yes, even the spiritual kind), and why hormone therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. Dr. Davis calls for more open conversations with our children about bodies, healing, and self-awareness—because education starts early, and healing is lifelong.

Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Enjoying Yinspired?

Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yin Spired Podcast

01:16 Meet Dr. Chantal Davis

03:59 Journey into Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

09:57 Starting Practice in San Diego

13:01 Focus on Women's Health and Fertility

17:48 The Importance of Postpartum Care

20:25 Understanding Chi and Blood in Postpartum Recovery

25:26 Postpartum Anxiety vs. Postpartum Depression

27:03 Navigating Anxiety and Self-Care

30:28 Understanding Perimenopause

34:50 The Cosmic Joke of Motherhood and Transition

38:48 Individual Experiences of Perimenopause

43:30 Tracking Menstrual Cycles for Health

45:50 Nourishing Practices for Well-Being

49:51 The Acupuncture Journey in Perimenopause

51:15 Transitioning Care: From Weekly to Monthly Visits

51:40 The Power of Food as Medicine

52:38 Listening to Your Body: Intuitive Eating

53:44 Digestive Health and Sleep Patterns

55:29 Nourishing Foods for Women's Health

57:12 Acupuncture and Perimenopause: A Holistic Approach

59:32 Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Personalized Perspective

01:02:51 Access to Healthcare: Bridging the Gap

01:04:30 Integrating Acupuncture with HRT

01:06:08 Exploring Herbal Alternatives

01:07:37 Rapid Fire: Personal Insights and Advice

Transcript

You can find the transcript and closed caption of today’s episode at the top of this post. Look to the right of the thumbs-up and comment icons.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND SUPPORT. This whole podcasting thing is very new to me. As a one-person team, I’m using automated transcript notes for the time being. My sincere apologies and I hope it doesn’t take away from the content. If it does, please send me a kind email or message and I’ll do my best within reason.