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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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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 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.
Summary
Gather ‘round. This week I chat with Dr. Kyrstal Couture, DPT, L.Ac.. Together, we ebb and flow between the rough waters of the current healthcare system when it comes to pelvic health support and the calm healing waters when we address the whole, including the Spirit. Bridging the gap between physical therapy and acupuncture for pain management to advocating for pelvic health for all bodies, Dr. Couture reveals how asking better questions and building trust can unlock deeper healing. With 85% of women feeling uncomfortable discussing pelvic pain, she highlights how Licensed Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners are great practitioners for this gap in our current healthcare system. You’ll hear us get fired up about the urgent need for whole body education, cultural awareness, and innovation in women’s health. We finish the conversation diving into the spirit of acupuncture points—reminding us that healing is not just physical, but emotional, spiritual, and communal.
Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast
Want to share your comments, reflections, or questions?
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 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 Yin Spired Podcast and Guest Introduction
02:14 Dr. Krystal Couture's Journey into Pelvic Health
05:51 The Connection of Family and Medicine
08:15 Exploring the Medicine of Mountains and Oceans
13:11 The Role of Sound in Connection to Nature
18:36 Transitioning from Western Medicine to Acupuncture
28:10 The Importance of Integrity in Practice
34:03 Building a Strong Foundation for Healing
36:25 The Importance of Trust in Client Relationships
39:20 Listening Beyond Words: Understanding Client Needs
45:08 The Connection Between Pelvic Health and Emotional Well-being
51:05 The Need for Education in Pelvic Health
54:09 Investing in Women's Health: A Call to Action
57:03 Exploring the Spirit of Acupuncture Points
01:09:46 Exploring the Stonegate Concept in Acupuncture
01:14:11 Revisiting Ren5: Myths and Realities
01:17:37 The Poetic Nature of Healing and Reverence for Tools
01:19:40 Addressing Male Pelvic Health: Breaking Taboos
01:24:12 The Importance of Communication in Health
01:38:05 A Vision for Preventive Healthcare
Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast
Summary
In this Yinspired episode, Elsa Martinez invites us into her world—where healing is personal, communal, and deeply rooted in culture. From honoring her Puerto Rican, Seneca, Black heritage to managing fibromyalgia with movement and energetic practices like Reiki and yoga, her story is a powerful reminder that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. She opens up about the intensity of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine college, the need for boundaries, and how navigating race dynamics in medical spaces shapes her approach to care. With insight on burnout, parenting, and redefining wellness business practices, Elsa shares why community, honoring the roots of cultural practices, and finding safe spaces matter. At the heart of it all: she is here to create accessible care and a future of healthcare grounded in equity.
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.
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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Yinspired and Guest Introduction
05:09 Elsa's Journey into Wellness and Medicine
10:53 The Role of Movement and Energy in Healing
11:52 Understanding Reiki and Its Connection to Wellness
15:41 The Energetic Paradigm in Medicine
19:46 Balancing Academic Rigor with Spirituality in Education
29:33 Navigating Intensity in Medical Training
31:26 The Intensity of Acupuncture Training
37:23 Navigating Race Dynamics in Education
48:26 Interpersonal Relationships and Boundaries
52:08 Personal Growth Through Education
55:57 Implementing Self-Care Practices
59:10 The Importance of Self-Care and Support Systems
01:02:14 Reframing Narratives and Finding Safe Spaces
01:05:11 The Role of Community in Combating Burnout
01:08:07 Business Acumen in Wellness Practices
01:10:49 The Need for Cultural Sensitivity in Wellness
01:13:51 Creating a Supportive Environment for Growth
01:27:27 The Dual Nature of Capitalism
01:28:19 Redefining Wellness and Accessibility
01:30:17 Cultural Practices and Wellness
01:33:59 Cultural Stewardship and Identity
01:37:19 Disruption as a Path to Change
01:39:18 The Importance of Generational Change
01:42:11 Connecting with the Audience
01:49:57 Wishes for a Fair Healthcare System
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
It's a solo episode y'all! Host of Yinspired, Dr. Haunani Chong-Drake, DACM, L.Ac., explores the concept of cultural stewardship, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting cultural practices that are not our own. She reflects on her personal journey with cultural practices, the significance of understanding one's place in sharing cultural knowledge, and the responsibility that comes with being a cultural practitioner. The discussion highlights the need for humility, action, and the importance of giving credit to the origins of cultural wisdom, while also encouraging listeners to engage with their own cultural backgrounds and practices. From navigating the impact of appropriation and colonization to exploring how stewardship moves appreciation into intentional action, it’s a conversation about honoring culture while finding your place within it.
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 Cultural Stewardship
07:19 Defining Cultural Stewardship
14:50 The Importance of Cultural Stewardship
20:40 Cultural Stewardship in Practice
23:37 Understanding Culture and Its Impact
25:46 The Concept of Stewardship
27:20 Cultural Stewardship: A Call to Action
30:32 Navigating Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation
32:35 The Importance of Citing Sources in Cultural Practices
34:52 Personal Responsibility in Cultural Engagement
38:26 Learning from Cultural Lineages
41:11 The Interconnectedness of All Cultures
43:42 New Chapter
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
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.
Enjoying Yinspired? Please remember to 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
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
Enjoying Yinspired?
Please remember to 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
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.
Enjoying Yinspired?
Please remember to 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
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
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.
Enjoying Yinspired?
Remember to subscribe wherever you listen and share this with a friend, family member, or colleague. While you’re at it, 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, 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
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
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