Yinspired

Yinspired

By Celebrating different perspectives in Chinese Medicine & Integrative MedicineSociety & CultureAlternative HealthHealth & Fitness
Download on the App Store

Yinspired episodes

  • Ep24: Soup is Generational Medicine w/Lisa Tong

    In this episode of Yinspired, Dr. Haunani Chong-Drake, DACM, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lisa Tong, known as The Chinese Soup Lady. They explore the intersection of Chinese Medicine, cultural identity, and the creative process of healing through food. Lisa shares her journey from engineering and a corporate background, to embracing her authentic self as a Chinese Medicine practitioner, emphasizing the importance of generational wisdom and healing through cooking soups and teas. The discussion highlights the significance of yin and yang, empowerment through self-observation, and the role of food in nourishing the body and mind. Lisa shares some of her favorite tea and soup recipes (all linked in the Show Notes section below), including how to simplify meal preparation for busy lifestyles.

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Go to Yinspiredpod.com and to 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 on Apple Podcast, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

    Links to all episodes show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspiredpod.com

    Chapters

    01:25 Lisa Tong: The Journey of the Soup Lady

    05:01 The Creative Process of Identity

    07:30 Generational Wisdom and Empowerment through Food

    14:28 Formal Training in Traditional Chinese Medicine

    23:59 Bridging Eastern and Western Medicine

    28:37 Embracing Asian Identity and Cultural Heritage

    30:46 The Yin-Yang of Life and Healing

    34:57 Redefining Healing Beyond Traditional Medicine

    38:22 Integrating Chinese Medicine into Everyday Life

    41:31 Simplifying Chinese Soups for Beginners

    42:16 Adapting Recipes for Dietary Preferences

    46:19 Understanding Food Properties in Chinese Medicine

    48:53 Self-Assessment of Body Temperature and Health

    55:14 Balancing Foods for Seasonal Changes

    58:26 Utilizing Modern Cooking Appliances

    59:38 Frequency and Timing of Consuming Healing Soups

    01:01:23 Beauty from Within: Nourishing the Skin

    01:08:07 Nourishing the Yin: Internal Moisturization

    01:09:57 The Power of Black Foods for Women’s Health

    01:12:47 Understanding Dampness and Its Effects

    01:22:04 Rapid Fire Insights: Wisdom and Reflections - the science behind why Chinese Medicine tells us to drink warm water.

    I’d love to hear from you. Please share your comments, questions, or thoughts HERE.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 9 min
  • Ep23: Collective Reconciliation in Medicine, Healthcare, and Integrative Medicine

    Yinspiredpod.com

    Welcome to season 2 of Yinspired, where we explore the messy truths of medicine, healthcare, Chinese medicine, and healing in today’s world. Today’s episode is a solo episode where I reflect on the current energetic landscape of 2026. This episode invites us to reflect deeply, own our roles, honor cultural roots, and stand tall as healers and ambassadors of diverse medicines.

    Key Topics in today’s episode:

    * The significance of the fire horse year and its Yang energy impact.

    * Reflection on healing, reconciliation, and cultural practices in 2026.

    * The importance of making amends for personal and collective healing.

    * The role of Chinese medicine and other cultural practices in filling healthcare gaps.

    * Navigating infighting, appropriation, and cultural harm within medicine, the healthcare system, integrative medicine, and Chinese Medicine.

    * Personal vulnerability and the call for healers to stand tall and be proud.

    * The importance of self-reflection, owning our patterns, and working with yin-yang balance.

    * The future of inclusivity and diversity in healthcare systems.

    Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspiredpod.com

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction of Yinspired

    01:32 - The significance of spring and the solar new year in East Asian wisdom

    2:38 - Reflection on launching season two and the journey of podcasting

    7:05 - Upcoming themes: mindset shifts, cultural healing, racism in medicine

    9:38 - Sharing vulnerabilities: anxiety, collective urgency, and personal activism

    20:38 - Chinese astrology insights: the fire horse year and personal charts

    24:16 - Recognizing patterns of discordance and awakening in times of upheaval

    33:28 - The healer archetype: caring, reducing suffering, and cultural stewardship

    42:33 - The gaps in healthcare and the potential of Chinese medicine to fill them

    45:23 - The ongoing reconciliation within Chinese medicine amidst challenges

    48:44 - Moving beyond rebranding: honoring the roots and origins of cultural medicines

    51:29 - Learning from marginalized, colonized, and resilient cultures

    54:15 - Transformation as a messy, nonlinear process requiring collective effort

    60:51 - The need to get real and truthful about internal and professional patterns

    73:25 - Embracing diversity in medicine: the more beautiful, just, and radiant world we envision

    76:53 - The importance of giving credit and avoiding theft or misappropriation

    78:18 - Our responsibility to listen deeply, learn from marginalized peoples, and take action

    86:15 - The collective discomfort in times of upheaval and the power of honest reflection

    89:14 - Moving beyond blame: taking responsibility for our part in patterns of harm

    90:20 - The brilliance of the Chinese medicine field and its potential to lead with integrity

    91:17 - The role of practitioners in civic leadership and cultural preservation

    97:14 - Inner reflection as a yin act of service—how purpose and work calm anxiety

    98:12 - Owning your unique voice and the beauty of standing out in service of medicine

    100:07 - Invitation to connect as a guest or collaborator to continue sharing diverse perspectives

    I’d love to hear from you. Please share your comments, questions, or thoughts at Yinspiredpod.com



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 21 min
  • Ep22: The Spirit of Pelvic Health w/Dr. Krystal Couture, DPT, L.Ac.

    Summary

    Pelvic health is so much more than anatomy—it’s a living dialogue between the physical body, our emotions, thoughts, spiritual journeys, and the deeper stories we carry. In this episode, Dr. Krystal Couture, DPT, L.Ac., reminds us that healing happens when we slow down, listen inward, connect with Spirit, and honor the wisdom of our bodies.

    From the emotional resonance of acupuncture points to the way breath links our respiratory and pelvic diaphragms, we explore how the body holds experiences—and how slow, sustainable medicine can help release them. We talk openly about sexual health, aging as a natural seasonal change, and why perimenopause deserves compassion rather than pressure to “push through” or “put up” with symptoms.

    As hormones shift and symptoms like brain fog, hot flushes, or vaginal dryness arise, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine offer real-time tested individualized support.

    This episode is an invitation to reclaim pelvic health as a personal, embodied journey—one shaped by curiosity, care, and deep self‑connection.

    Special Offer for Yinspired listeners: Receive a $100 discount to the Advanced Certificate, Pelvic Care Practicals or Online bundle. Go to this episode's Show Notes at Yinspiredpod.com to claim your discount.

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? Go to Yinspiredpod.com and to 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 on Apple Podcast, 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 atYinspired.substack.com/podcast

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Yinspired and Pelvic Health

    02:46 Exploring the Spirit of Acupuncture Points

    05:52 Biopsychosocial Perspective on Pelvic Health

    08:38 Connection Between Breath and Pelvic Health

    11:26 The Role of Emotions in Physical Health

    14:37 Understanding the Interplay of Physical and Emotional Healing

    17:40 The Importance of Sexual Health in Pelvic Health

    20:36 Navigating the Journey of Pelvic Health

    23:27 The Impact of Aging on Pelvic and Sexual Health

    26:18 The Role of Practitioners in Supporting Clients

    29:28 The Concept of Seasons in Life and Health

    32:26 Differentiating Between Structural and Emotional Issues

    35:24 The Importance of Listening to Clients

    38:16 The Role of Slow and Sustainable Medicine

    41:21 Bringing It All Together: The Holistic Approach

    44:13 Conclusion and Future Conversations

    56:06 Understanding Seasonal Changes in Pelvic Health

    58:46 Navigating Perimenopause: Symptoms and Support

    01:01:03 Empowerment Through Self-Connection

    01:03:18 The Balance of Work and Well-being

    01:05:18 Acupuncture’s Role in Pelvic Health

    01:08:09 Self-Care Techniques for Pelvic Health

    01:11:31 The Importance of Movement and Joy

    01:17:33 Reconnecting with Your Body

    01:23:43 Finding Joy in Everyday Life

    01:28:40 The Power of Connection and Community



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 30 min
  • Ep21: Why New Year's Resolutions Fail - a Yin Yang perspective

    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.

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Go to Yinspiredpod.com 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 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



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    43 min
  • Ep20: Yoga Beyond the Mat w/Catie Oliveira

    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.

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Go to Yinspired.substack.com/podcast, find the episode and leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going.

    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, 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 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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 42 min
  • Ep19 Finding Yourself & Success Redefined w/Linh Taylor, L.Ac.

    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.

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast. 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 on Apple Podcast, 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 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



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 21 min
  • Ep18: Exploring the Power of Yin in Healing w/Carolyn Sykes

    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

    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, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 17 min
  • Ep17 Perinatal Acupuncture with Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, L.Ac., Birth Doula

    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

    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.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 16 min
  • Ep16: Embodiment, Beyond Wellness Culture w/Dr. Cacky Mellor, part 2

    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?

    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.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 8 min
  • Ep15: Somatic Reclamation w/Dr. Cacky Mellor, PhD, part 1

    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



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 2 min

About Yinspired

From the publisher's feed

Exploring the messy truth of healing and medicine through the lens of yin and yang with everyday practitioners, patients, and students.