Gather 'round. In this episode, we spotlight the incredible journey of Sherri Rucker—maternal health advocate, doula, and mom of 8, whose path through holistic healing practices has not only transformed her life but the lives of countless others. As a full-spectrum doula with Mama Sana Vibrant Woman in Austin, Texas, Sherri provides free, culturally rooted care to BIPOC women, centering reproductive justice and community healing. Her work reminds us that ancient traditions are anything but “new age”; they’re timeless tools for wellness and empowerment. From honoring the sacred postpartum period to challenging systemic gaps in healthcare access, Sherri shares how education, community support, and holistic approaches are vital for reimagining maternal health. Let’s take a closer look at how grassroots efforts like hers are reshaping care—one birth at a time.

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

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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

02:18 Sherri Rucker's Journey to Ayurveda, Yoga, and Doula Work

08:30 Current Work and Impact at Mama Sana

14:27 Cultural Aspects of Doula Work and Reproductive Justice

18:53 Simplifying Birth and Postpartum Care

27:42 Navigating Control in Reproductive Health

28:26 Understanding Reproductive Justice

30:02 Addressing Inequalities in Maternal Care

31:38 Empowering Women Through Education

33:14 The Importance of Grassroots Movements

39:45 Cultural Practices in Postpartum Care

44:20 The Sacredness of Birth and Community Support

49:21 The Role of Education in Doula Work

51:38 Evolving Perspectives on Healing Practices

54:22 The Role of Doulas and Midwives

57:54 Navigating Postpartum Challenges

01:00:59 The Importance of Support Systems

01:03:07 The Impact of Personal Connections

01:07:58 A Vision for Healthcare Equality

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Gather ‘round. Today, we’re having a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Surjana, DACM, L.Ac., a fertility specialist for 20 years with an 87% success rate! That’s high…very high! Dr. Surjana shares her journey into Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, how she gets such high success rates, and the significance of her holistic, individualized approaches. This conversation emphasizes the necessity of open discussions about women's health issues, the need for proactive healthcare for women (not reactive) and young females, the importance of better education about female reproductive health, and the role of environmental factors and mental health in fertility.

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

Takeaways

* Infertility affects one in six couples according to the World Health Organization.

* Women's health issues are often ignored or treated as niche.

* Pain is a message from the body that should not be ignored.

* Environmental toxins significantly impact women's health and fertility.

* Women need to be seen and treated proactively in healthcare.

* The body responds positively to routine and mindfulness practices.

* Holistic approaches combining herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes are essential for improving reproductive health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yin Spired Podcast

02:02 Meet Dr. Jennifer Serjana

03:29 Journey into Chinese Medicine

08:42 The Shift to Fertility Focus

12:17 Changing Landscape of Fertility

14:32 Women's Health Issues on the Rise

17:33 Understanding Pain and Menstruation

21:54 Normalizing Conversations About Menstruation

23:37 Cultural Perspectives on Women's Health

26:20 The Importance of Maternal Health

26:45 The Importance of Women's Health Awareness

30:07 Gaps in Medical Training for Women's Health

32:28 Recognizing Whispers of Health Issues

39:49 The Role of Technology in Tracking Health

44:02 Mental Health and Hormonal Health Connection

47:41 The Disconnect in Medication and Treatment

52:20 Balancing Mental and Physical Health

53:24 Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Routines

56:19 The Power of Routine in Health

01:02:15 Holistic Approaches to Fertility

01:03:00 Understanding the Body's Response to Treatment

01:04:42 Women's Health: A Global Concern

01:06:23 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Reflections

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

In this conversation, Jeremy and Haunani explore the evolution of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the context of modern healthcare. Jeremy shares his journey into medicine, the challenges faced, and the insights gained about patient care. They discuss the transition from traditional brick-and-mortar practices to online platforms, emphasizing the importance of patient education, empowerment, and innovative practice models. The discussion highlights the need for practitioners to adapt to changing landscapes and to focus on the deeper needs of their patients, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling practice.

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Links to all episode show notes, shoutouts, and transcript can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

Takeaways

* The journey into medicine often involves overcoming personal limiting beliefs.* Two types of Excellence: Practitioner and Patient - you need both!* Transitioning to an online practice can enhance accessibility and reach.* Shifting focus from techniques to patient needs can lead to better outcomes.* Education and empowerment are key components in patient care.* Utilizing technology can streamline patient education and improve retention.* Creating hybrid offers can enhance patient engagement and satisfaction.* Rethinking traditional practice models can lead to innovative solutions.* Community and connection play a significant role in practitioner success.* Maintaining freedom in practice requires strategic planning.* Pricing should reflect the value provided to patients.* Long-term thinking is essential for sustainable business practices.* Differentiation in practice can attract the right patients.* Value should be prioritized over price in healthcare.* Building a community enhances patient care and support.* Clarity in communication fosters kindness and understanding.* Empowering patients through community leads to better healing experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Cornish and His Work

02:38 The Evolution of Online Health Practices

05:24 Personal Journey into Medicine and Acupuncture

10:35 The Shift from Technique to Patient-Centered Care

15:47 Navigating the Challenges of Traditional Medical Education

21:09 Innovative Approaches to Herbal Medicine

25:28 The Future of Integrative Medicine

26:00 The Evolution of Acupuncture Practices

27:32 Understanding Patient-Centric Care

29:35 The Impact of Illness on Identity

31:02 Leveraging Digital Education in Practice

34:16 Transforming Patient Education into Digital Assets

36:54 Creating Hybrid Offers for Patient Engagement

39:05 The Shift from Brick-and-Mortar to Online Practice

41:26 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in Practice

43:44 Cultivating a Self-Growth Mindset

45:41 Reflecting on Freedom and Time Management

46:45 The Value of Pricing in Healing Arts

49:35 Long-Term Thinking in Practice Management

53:46 Innovative Business Models in Healthcare

58:27 Collective Mentorship and Community in Practice

01:05:43 Building Community and Connection

01:07:04 The Role of Education in Personal Growth

01:08:25 Creating a Culture of Accountability

01:09:21 Practitioner Clarity and Intentions

01:10:36 Navigating Health and Business Challenges

01:12:09 The Power of Clarity in Decision Making

01:13:30 Philosophy and Healing in Practice

01:14:59 Kindness vs. Niceness in Healthcare

01:16:28 Final Thoughts and Future Connections

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Today we have a casual conversation with the founder of the Wellness Wagon in Roanoke, Virginia. [Warning, it was very stormy in Virginia the day we recorded and we kept getting kicked off the internet. Thank goodness for modern technology to help me stitch our conversation together.] Back to this episode: Katie Clifton is a Licensed Acupuncturist and grew up in rural America. Her journey into Acupuncture with no business background, as a single mom, will make you understand why her clinical success is backed by grit, heart, and love for her community.

Meet Katie Clifton, L.Ac.

Born and raised in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Katie Clifton is a mountain mama who has a deep love of Appalachia. After owning and operating Queenpin Acupuncture for a decade, Katie transitioned to nonprofit work, founding The Wellness Wagon—a mobile clinic providing free and reduced-cost acupuncture to medically underserved communities in southwest Virginia. Dedicated to making acupuncture more accessible, Katie has served on the Acupuncture Society of Virginia for two years and represents the organization in the American Society of Acupuncturists.

Summary

In this episode of Yinspired, host Dr. Haunani Chong Drake, DACM, speaks with Katie Clifton, Licensed Acupuncturist and founder of the Wellness Wagon, a mobile clinic providing accessible acupuncture to underserved communities in Southwest Virginia. They discuss Katie's journey into acupuncture, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of community partnerships on healthcare access. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by practitioners, the significance of collaboration in healthcare, and the future of acupuncture as a vital part of community health.

Takeaways, Show Notes, Shoutouts, and Transcripts can be found 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

Meet Kris González

Kris González is a dedicated Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Herbalist, passionate about the Nourishing Life Tradition (養生 yǎng shēng). She founded The Way of Yin, a lifestyle education company focused on bridging the wellness gap in reproductive health through timeless wisdom. Her courses integrate insights from Chinese Medicine Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, The Five Elements, Herbalism, and Longevity Practices.

Kris aims to share the profound wisdom of East Asian Medicine, particularly in the realm of the Womb Continuum. Whether you’re experiencing your first period, optimizing menstrual health and fertility, navigating postpartum, transitioning through perimenopause, or embracing menopause (your Second Spring), The Way of Yin offers guidance to help you journey with more ease and grace, all while embracing nature’s wisdom and helping you connect to your body, cycles, and rhythms.

Summary

Yinspired welcomes its first guest, Kris Gonzalez, L.Ac., a passionate Chinese medicine practitioner and herbalist, specializing in holistic reproductive and hormonal health. Together, they explore Kris's journey into the world of East Asian medicine, discussing the importance of understanding cycles, especially as it pertains to menstrual health and wellness, the healer archetype, and the integration of traditional practices into modern healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, feminine energy, and the need for a holistic approach to reproductive health. Kris shares her insights on teaching, the power of nature, and the importance of reconnecting with one's body and rhythms.

Connect with and support Kris’s amazing work:

https://www.thewayofyin.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thewayofyin/

For transcripts, show notes, and shoutouts, head over to Yinspired on Substack

One more thing...YOU ARE AMAZING!

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In this episode, Haunani explores the complexities of uncomfortable conversations, emphasizing the importance of understanding our nervous system's responses and the need for creating brave spaces for dialogue. She introduces frameworks for better arguments and practical tips for engaging in uncomfortable conversations, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and compassion in communication. The discussion encourages listeners to transform their patterns of interaction and embrace vulnerability in their conversations.

Takeaways

* Uncomfortable conversations can evoke strong emotional responses.

* Our nervous system cannot differentiate between real and perceived threats.

* Creating brave spaces is essential for holding space, redistributing power and hierarchy, and can transform your clinical practice.

* Practice makes patterns, not perfection.

* Embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections.

* Transforming communication patterns takes time and effort.

* Engaging in uncomfortable conversations is a practice that can be developed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Uncomfortable Conversations

03:09 Understanding the Nervous System's Response

06:17 The Importance of Self-Accountability

08:54 Pointing the Finger: A Reflection on Responsibility

12:03 Cultural Sensitivity in Conversations

15:09 Frameworks for Engaging in Discomfort

18:09 Brave Space vs. Safe Space

20:49 The Concept of Brave Space

24:07 Invitation to Brave Space

30:57 Creating Brave Spaces vs. Safe Spaces

37:14 Frameworks for Better Conversations

45:54 Practicing Uncomfortable Conversations

01:01:25 Transforming Patterns in Conversations

Show Notes & Shoutouts

Go to Yinspiredpod.com for show notes, links, and transcripts of today's episode and all Yinspired episodes.

Please remember to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend or loved one.

This podcast is for entertainment, education, and inspirational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast is direct medical advice and does not establish a practitioner-patient relationship. Seek care from a highly trained medical provider for your healthcare concerns.

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

Dr. Haunani, DACM, explores the foundational concepts of Yin and Yang, emphasizing their significance in Chinese and East Asian medicine, and application in our daily lives. Beyond the duality represented by Yin and Yang, she delves into the interdependent relationship, and their application in understanding nature and human health.

Takeaways: Yin and Yang are foundational concepts in Chinese medicine. Understanding Yin and Yang requires a holistic perspective. The Yin Yang symbol, also known as "taijitu" represents the cyclical nature of Yin, Yang, and all of life. Yin and Yang are interdependent and cannot exist without each other. Yin and Yang describe patterns in nature and human life. The relationship between Yin and Yang is dynamic and ever-changing. Yin and Yang can be applied to understand health and wellness. Cyclical movement is a key aspect of Yin and Yang theory. Humans are part of nature, and Yin and Yang reflect this connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yinspired Podcast

00:20 Exploring Yin and Yang

07:49 Understanding Yin and Yang Definitions

09:44 The Yin-Yang Symbol and Its Significance

16:58 Yin-Yang as Cyclical Movement

18:28 The Relationship Between Yin and Yang

24:21 Understanding Yin and Yang in Nature

29:18 The Interdependence of Yin and Yang

36:05 Applying Yin and Yang to the Human Body

44:21 Yin and Yang as a Language for Healing

Full transcript, closed caption, show notes, and shoutouts can be found 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

Summary

In this inaugural episode of the Yinspired podcast, Dr. Haunani Chong Drake, mixed-Asian American Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist, introduces listeners to the concept of Yin in a Yang-centric world, emphasizing the importance of authentic conversations about healing, spirituality, and community. The podcast aims to create a brave space for discussing taboo topics in medicine and personal growth, while honoring diverse perspectives and experiences. Haunani shares her vision for the podcast, which is rooted in the belief that healing is a personal and collective journey that requires openness, curiosity, and a willingness to explore the unseen forces that influence our lives.

Takeaways

* This podcast is dedicated to the voices of the unheard.

* Authentic connection is essential for healing.

* Yin represents the nurturing and receptive aspects of life.

* The mission is to shift paradigms in healing and medicine.

* Brave conversations are necessary for personal and collective growth.

* Exploring taboo topics can destigmatize and reduce shame.

* Community and connection are vital in the healing process.

* Unedited conversations foster genuine dialogue.

* Nourishment is more important than productivity.

* Transformation requires diverse perspectives and openness.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Yinspired: A Journey of Healing

02:50 The Essence of Yin and Yang in Healing

05:30 The Vision Behind Yin Spired Podcast

08:16 Exploring the Unseen in Medicine

10:33 Creating a Brave Space for Conversations

13:32 The Role of Community in Healing

15:43 Influences and Inspirations for Yinspired

17:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Podcasting

18:52 Celebrating Vulnerability and Connection

19:44 The Future of Healing Conversations

20:37 Exploring Uncomfortable Conversations in Healing

21:31 The Power of Personal Transformation

23:26 Challenging Perspectives for Growth

25:04 Liberation Through Self-Discovery

27:26 Navigating Identity and Vulnerability

29:14 Setting the Stage for the Podcast

31:40 Dr. Haunani's Journey and Background

34:26 Integrative Medicine Beyond the Allopathic Model

37:07 Future Topics on Yinspired

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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