One of the foundational principles I teach is how implementing simple healthy habits can allow you to be more present and productive in all areas in your life. It was an honor to have today’s guest, Ellen Goodwin, on the show to contribute her perspective, experiences, and tips on habits, productivity, and accountability.   Ellen Goodwin is a productivity expert, speaker, and coach who works with entrepreneurs to build stronger habits and to harness the power of accountability so that their businesses will thrive and grow. Today he shares with us her journey of procrastination and how it led her to her true passion and greater joy in her life. We talk about understanding how the brain works and various ways we have found to set boundaries and implement habits in our lives, and how you can do the same.

Is shame keeping you from realizing your value?  In this episode, Brodie talks with Jennifer Kind, LPC, CDWF, EPC, a Psychotherapist and coach in Portland, OR who works with people cultivating more shame resilience, self-acceptance, and the ability to be kinder to themselves and others. Jen believes shame holds people back; it is not a good motivator for change. Shame breeds fear, anxiety, depression, and paralysis. It keeps us from becoming who we are; it keeps us from living our truth.   In this episode, we explore:   The ways shame holds us back Unhealthy cultural attitudes about vulnerability How there can be no courage without vulnerability Ways shame can manifest in our bodies and emotions Ways to build resilience against shame The connection between shame and body image   For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.

Have you ever felt unlucky in love? Maybe you’ve had partners that made you feel bad about yourself or you’ve been on plenty of dates but can’t get someone to commit. Maybe you’re in a long term relationship and simply feel it could be more fulfilling. It may be time for you to date yourself. In Episode 22 (now 55), Brodie talks with Veronica Grant, dating coach and private yoga instructor, about ways to improve our love lives, whether we’re dating casually, seeking a long-term relationship, or currently with a long-term partner.   In this episode, we explore:   Dating yourself: what does it mean? Some common reasons people struggle to enter a relationship Some common reasons people struggle to get what they want out of a relationship Treating yourself the way you want to be treated Deciding what you want out of your relationship Setting boundaries (because boundaries are sexy!)   For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.  

Marijuana has now been legalized for medical use in 29 U.S. states (plus D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico) and legalized recreationally in eight (twice as many as when this episode was originally released just last year). In light of these policy developments, marijuana has become the subject of much public debate within the political and medical arenas throughout the last several years. Like acupuncture, definitive medical research on medical marijuana is still relatively scarce, which leaves a lot of people both curious about and wary of its use. In this episode, Brodie talks with Dr. Rachna Patel, a medical marijuana expert, about how she uses medical marijuana in her treatment protocols and what people should know about using medical marijuana.     In this episode, we explore:  How marijuana works in the body  Separating fact from fiction regarding marijuana use  What conditions medical marijuana may help treat  Where marijuana use isn’t backed up by medical research    Dr. Rachna Patel has been practicing in the field of Medical Marijuana since 2012.  She step-by-step walks patients through how to use medical marijuana for their particular medical conditions.  She completed her medical studies at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, CA and her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.      Resources:  www.DrRachnaPatel.com  Youtube Channel: The Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) Expert: Dr. Rachna Patel To stay in touch with Brodie, visit www.brodiewelch.com

Chinese Medicine expert and host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks with guest Jennie Cramer about living in harmony with the seasons. The frenzy of summertime and the pressure we feel to take advantage of all the exciting opportunities we’re presented with, even when our bodies might be telling us to take a break, can lead to disharmony and really throw us out of balance… if we allow it.   In this episode we explore:  The nature of summer in Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda (full yang, pitta season) The ways our relationships with the seasons affect our daily wellness Symptoms as messages from the body Creating a life you don’t need a vacation from Should we need an excuse to let ourselves rest? Is your anxiety a message from your body? What could that message be? The benefits of rhythm and setting a schedule Decision fatigue   Jennie is a farming yoga mom who is passionate about ancestral living, ecology, and living in accordance with her values.   Resources: If you'd like to get in touch with Jennie, you can contact her at [email protected] and keep a lookout for her website to go live at www.gardenrhythm.com. For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.

Do you know why you were put on this planet?   It seems like such a deep, intense question, and in some ways it is, but it’s also totally up to you; you alone have the power and intuition to discover your true purpose. That doesn’t mean everything and everybody around you isn’t going to try and steer you in a different direction, though. In Episode 52, Brodie talks with Brooke Bailey, Four Desires Trainer and Yoga Teacher, about how to uncover your true purpose and how when we’re quiet and choose to listen, we can hear it calling to us on our path.   In this episode, we explore:   Dharma – what is it and how can we discover it? The Four Desires How taking care of ourselves is key to fulfilling our purpose How allowing ourselves to get out of balance can cause us to veer off of our path       Resources:   Brooke's Website www.sbrookebailey.com Brodie's Website: www.brodiewelch.com    

Did you know that women are statistically less likely to ask for a raise than men? In Episode 51 of A Healthy Curiosity, host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks to Melissa Hereford, founder of Connector Conversations, about the ways our culture conditions women NOT to ask for the things they need and want. If you’ve been wondering why you keep getting looked over for that promotion, why your partner doesn’t do the things you ask them to, or how to ask for that raise you know you deserve, this is the episode for you.   In this episode, we explore:   How to ask for the things you want and need What keeps women (and other people) from asking What people do to shrink themselves in conversations How asking for what you want can actually create better connections, not dampen existing ones   Resources: Melissa’s website: www.connectorconversations.com Brodie's website: www.brodiewelch.com

Did you know over 40% of the population has the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV? Did you know that until recently, the only reliable testing for HPV was for women? Did you know that your chance of contracting HPV with a new partner is about 1 in 2?!   Probably not, because most sex ed these days is crappy, and, frankly, it has been for a long time.   In Episode 50 of A Healthy Curiosity, host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks with Robin LaCross, Holistic Health Practitioner, Sex Educator, and founder of The HPV Education Project about the ways we as a society are failing our teens, and especially our teen girls, when it comes to educating them about their sexual and reproductive health and safety.   In this episode, we explore: HPV, its risks, its tests, its prevention, and its treatment Failures of the current sexual education system Talking to teens about sexual and reproductive health Benefits of holistic sexual and reproductive health practices The Fertility Awareness Method IUDs and birth control pills (plus other forms of BC)   For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.  

There are two equally valid paths to healthy living: there’s health evolution, and then there’s health revolution. Which one is for you?  In Episode 49 of A Healthy Curiosity, host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks with Lenny Gale, a former finance and accounting consultant who went from the busy (and often less than healthy) life of a yang addict to Mr. Vitamix and founder of Life is NOYOKE. A transformed man, Lenny now spends most of his work hours answering questions, teaching about the power of plants, and creating in the kitchen with his wife, Shalva.   In this episode, we explore: Transformation: yang addict to health inspiration Different types of habit change Morning routines Smoothie recipes!     Resources: Lenny’s website: Life is NOYOKE The Life is NOYOKE Facebook Page

Content warning: non-graphic mention of sexual assault   Most people dig the idea of a full-body massage, but did you know you could DIY?   In Episode 48 of A Healthy Curiosity, host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks with Gin Burchfield, BS, CYT, LMBT, about the benefits of self-massage, known in the Ayurvedic tradition as Abhyanga. The benefits of massage are many and varying, and they penetrate all layers of our being: physical, mental, emotional, and sometimes spiritual. Listen in as Gin and Brodie discuss the ways that Abhyanga has helped them as a modality of both healing and self-care.   In this episode, we explore: What is abhyanga? What does it do? How do you perform abhyanga? How might an Ayurvedic newbie build up to abhyanga? A Sanskrit inspired chant to go along with your self-massage practice   Resources: Gin’s Website E-mail Gin

Dolphins and lions and bears, oh my! And don’t forget the wolves. In Episode 47 of A Healthy Curiosity, host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks with Dr. Michael Breus, author and Clinical Psychologist, about what we can do to get good sleep. The USA is totally yang-addicted: we prioritize action and doing and achieving over rest, relaxation and recuperation, but at what cost? Dr. Breus shares his top five tips for getting good sleep, plus some warnings about what could happen if you’re deprioritizing rest in your life.   In this episode, we explore:   What is good sleep? Sleepy driving vs. drunk driving What is a chronotype? Does our screen time affect the quality of our sleep? Sleep myths   Resources: Dr. Breus’ Website Dr. Breus’ Chronotype Quiz Dr. Breus’ book, The Power of When Lighting Science Group Swanwick Nightshift App for Android

Do you know what your brain is capable of? In Episode 46, Brodie talks with Shonte Taylor, Author and Neuroscientist, about what our brains are capable of when we take good care of them. Neuroscience tells us that things like sleep, healthy eating, and meditation can literally grow the part of our brains that helps us stay calm and make good decisions. Meanwhile, poor sleep patterns, processed sugars, and excessive stress can grow the amygdala (remember the lizard brain encouraging fight or flight responses to things as simple as asking for time off from our bosses? Not helpful…).   In this episode, we explore: The amygdala brain vs. the pre-frontal cortex brain The fight or flight response The best foods to feed your brain Learning to change and control the way your brain responds     Resources: Shonte’s Website Shonte’s Facebook

What do tantra, wisdom, bliss, and Jesus have in common? In Episode 45 of A Healthy Curiosity, host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks with Katie Silcox, Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Practitioner, and New York Times Best-Selling Author of Healthy, Happy, Sexy: Ayurveda Wisdom for Modern Women, about tantra and making the wisdom of the ancients accessible in our modern lives.   In this episode, we explore: What is tantra? What do tantric teachings have to do with Jesus? Moving out of your brain and into your body How do you access the bliss body?     Resources:   Katie’s website Katie’s Book, Healthy, Happy, Sexy Brodie’s newest offering, Eleven Weeks to Level Up Your Life

Do you ever have a hard time making choices? Like someone will ask you where you want to go for dinner, and you just can’t bring yourself to choose?   Have you ever wondered why that is? In Episode 44, Brodie talks with Sarita-Linda Rocco, Wise Earth Ayurveda Practitioner, Sadhaka Adept, and E-RYT500 Svaroopa Yoga/Meditation Teacher, about how living in our truth helps us making choices in congruence with our values. Living authentically may not be easy, but the intuition gained through knowing yourself and your values is freeing.   In this episode, we explore:   The definition of congruence What keeps people from making choices? What does it mean to live in your truth? The value of integrity The freedom in vulnerability   Resources:   - Eleven Weeks to Level Up Your Life, Brodie's group coaching program designed to help you up your self-care game and live in greater alignment with your values

Do you try to change your habits again and again, only to fall back into old patterns? In Episode 43, Brodie talks with Grace Edison, Studio Owner, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Health Coach, and Brodie’s friend, about what it takes to make big changes in our health habits. Grace lived with bipolar depression and addiction for years, even though she knew everything she needed to do to start feeling better. It wasn’t until she joined a course about habit change and experienced evolution alongside peers that new habits began to stick.   In this episode, we explore:   Why we have trouble seeing our own hang-ups What’s different about a shared evolution experience? What are the benefits of changing one’s habits alongside peers? Why does our culture seem to think it’s ok, and even normal, for people, and especially women, to self-medicate?     Resources: Grace’s Website Grace’s new Yoga of Money Course Brodie’s new group program, Eleven Weeks to Level Up Your Life

When you talk to yourself (which, let’s face it, we all do), are you kind? Do you speak to yourself like you would speak to a friend, or do you have a tendency to resort to name calling? Do you use words like stupid, lazy, or failure? In Episode 42, Brodie talks with Catherine Polan Orzech, MA, LMFT, about being kind to ourselves. Many people, and especially Type As (you know who you are), treat themselves more harshly than they would ever want to (or dare to) treat a friend. Catherine wants you to take a lesson out of your own friendship book and turn that treatment inwards to promote peace and compassion within ourselves.   In this episode, we explore: What is mindful self-compassion? What is the inner critic? What effect does it have on our overall well being? Does our inner critic affect our physical health? Speaking sweetly to ourselves How stopping to notice a moment can spur lasting change   Resources: Catherine’s Website Dr. Kristin Neff’s Website

When someone asks you to tell your story, what do you say? Does the story you tell represent the person you want to project out to the world?   Maybe you haven’t noticed, because you’ve never thought about it. Perhaps the answer comes so automatically it’s as though you’re on autopilot. In Episode 41, Brodie talks with Tracey Duncan, writer, yoga teacher, and transformation coach, about telling our stories consciously and authentically.   In this episode, we explore:   Telling stories consciously vs. unconsciously The difference between a story and a collection of things that happened Telling the story you’re in, not the story people want to hear from you How we go about projecting different versions of ourselves to the outside world Changing the arc of the story Resources: Tracey’s website, More Yoga, Less Bullshit

What’s in your first aid kit? If all you’ve got is band-aids, antibiotic ointment, NSAIDs, and antihistamines, you could be missing out. In Episode 40, Brodie talks with Tiffany Carole Pollard, MS, L.Ac., LMP, about how to use essential oils for first aid. Tiffany is currently in Sri Lanka preparing property for a retreat she’s creating, and she’s been glad to have her essential oils travel kit to aid in healing from ailments ranging from cuts and bruises to allergies to indigestion and beyond.   In this episode, we explore: 6 (+) essential oils to keep in your first aid kit Various maladies that can be cured or curbed using essential oils The various uses for essential oils both inside AND outside the body “As without, so within”   Resources: Tiffany’s Website E-mail Tiffany

We’ve all heard of stress eating and emotional eating, but could you be exhaustion-eating? In Episode 39, Brodie talks with Katrina Ubell, MD, a pediatrician turned certified life and weight loss coach, about the ways mindfulness can be a helpful aid in the weight loss journey. Katrina lost 50 pounds using a variety of weight loss methods, but when she reflects on the process, mindfulness and truly listening to her body really stuck out as catalysts for success. She’s now a full-time coach for busy physicians, as well as the producer of the podcast Weight Loss for Busy Physicians.   In this episode, we explore:   Different kinds of needs we try to suppress with food The ways mindfulness can help us understand our cravings How our cultural food habits don’t align with the way our metabolisms evolved The ways group programs can add an extra layer of support to weight loss   Resources:   Katrina’s Website Katrina’s Facebook Page Katrina’s Podcast Brodie’s Inner Knowing Healthy Eating Meditation – a tool for those looking to lose weight but encountering difficulty on the journey

In Episode 38, Brodie talks with Jodi Cohen, NTP about the power of essential oils and aromatherapy. Jodi first discovered essential oils after going through an emotionally strenuous time in her life, and the practical knowledge she garnered during her healing journey spurred her to found her aromatherapy and essential oils company, Vibrant Blue Oils.   In this episode, we explore:   The biochemistry behind our sense of smell The function of the amygdala A few essential oils and their various uses The power of intuition in aromatherapy   Resources: Jodi’s Website, Vibrant Blue Oils Vibrant Blue Oils on Facebook

 Did you know just 8 weeks of a bodymind practice can change the way your brain is wired, helping you to stay calm and make sound decisions?   In Episode 37, Brodie shares a piece she wrote for Huffington Post about 10 reasons to get to know Qi Gong, plus some great research proving the efficacy of qi gong in keeping us healthy.   In this episode, we explore:   What qi gong means How qi gong differs from yoga Health benefits of qi gong Research on the effectiveness of qi gong     Resources: 12 Treasures: Your Movement Multivitamin – Brodie’s learn-from-home qi gong course Brodie's Huffpost article: 10 Reasons to Get to Know Qigong: Yoga’s Less Popular Cousin

When it comes to making changes in your own life, it’s really easy to set yourself up – for success or for failure. In Episode 36, Brodie shares some lessons she learned last week at a Yoga Coaching Conference about growth: what’s helpful, what’s not, who’s helpful, and what you can do to set yourself up for success. The way we design our lives can have a huge effect on how much we can do and how closely we’re aligned with who we want to be. In this episode, we explore:   The natural genius The five people who shape who we are Accountability buddies   Resources: Basics of Chinese Medicine: Your Inner Ecosystem

Have you ever wolfed down a delicious meal only to find yourself met with the burning discomfort of acid reflux? In Episode 35, Brodie talks with her colleague, Joe Moceus, L.Ac., about what you can do to avoid feeling the burn. Joe’s family has been genetically plagued by acid reflux, but they’ve managed to not only soothe their symptoms but also alter their lifestyle choices to prevent acid reflux from bubbling up and becoming an issue in the first place.   In this episode, we explore: What causes acid reflux? What is the best symptom relief for acid reflux? How can acid reflux be prevented? Why are Tums not the answer? A few acu-points to help with acid reflux     Resources: Ren 12/CV 12 ST 36

Did you know that most of your serotonin is made in your gut? In Episode 34, Brodie talks with Jenn Malecha, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, about the connection between gut health and autoimmune disease. The connection between your intestines and your overall wellbeing may not seem very intuitive, but gut health can have a huge effect on your daily wellbeing. Listen in to find out how your diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction regimens could cause leaky-gut, in turn leading to increased risk of a wide variety of autoimmune disorders.   In this episode, we explore: The connection between gut health and autoimmune disease What is leaky-gut? What can one do to heal a damaged digestive system? What diet is best for someone with poor gut health?    Resources: Jenn’s Website Jenn’s Facebook Page

Last week, we talked about decluttering your space to make room for your best and brightest self. This week, we’re talking about decluttering your fridge and simplifying your food, to make room for your healthiest and most energetic self. In Episode 33, Brodie talks with Bianca Osbourne, Certified Holistic Nutritionist and private chef, about how to eat healthy without filling your kitchen with tools, appliances, and ingredients you won’t use.   In this episode, we explore:   What does eating healthy mean? How to simplify meal prep Using leftovers to make something new and amazing Changing your relationship with mealtime Organizing your fridge     Resources: Bianca’s Website Bianca’s Facebook Page

Do you have so much stuff that it gets in the way of you becoming your best and brightest self?   In Episode 32, Brodie talks with Dorena Kohrs, Space Doula, about how to unload shame, old versions of yourself, and lots of STUFF. Dorena helps people reclaim cluttered space that infringes upon their journey to being their best self, and in so doing she helps people unload a lot of emotional baggage. What could you be letting go of?   In this episode, we explore:   The connection between our emotions and our stuff The 8 blocks to decluttering How things can keep us from moving on How decluttering can help us find ourselves The present as a time of action     Resources: Dorena’s Website Dorena’s Facebook Page

You’ve heard of the Atkins Diet, the raw food diet, Weight Watchers, and the South Beach Diet, but do you know anything about the Paleo Diet? You might be thinking cavemen… think again.   In Episode 31, Brodie hosts Amie Tollefsrud and Andrea Nordling, the nutritional therapist practitioners behind PaleoBossBabe, the personal nutrition course designed for people looking to improve digestion, mitigate PMS symptoms, address adrenal fatigue, nix “hangry” spells, and understand their body’s cravings.   In this episode, we explore:   What is the Paleo Diet? Who will benefit from the Paleo Diet? Who won’t do well on the Paleo Diet? Does going Paleo really mean no carbs? The pitfalls of a low-fat diet The key to delicious veggies     Resources:   Emily & Andrea’s website, PaleoBossBabe Enroll in Emily & Andrea’s 6-week PaleoBossBabe Course Here

This episode started out being a follow-up to Episode 25 on perimenopause, but we ended up covering so much ground that we decided to rename it and just call it what it is: a total geek-out on women’s hormones.   In Episode 30, Brodie talks with Maria Claps, a certified health coach, mother of 4 grown children, and women’s healthy aging advocate, about perimenopause, menopause, women’s hormones, and so much more. As we discussed in E25, perimenopause can be a tumultuous time in the world of hormones, leading to side-effects like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and hot flashes. Learning how to test for, understand, and effectively balance our hormones can makes the process seem far less daunting.   In this episode, we explore: Perimenopause and menopause Hormones and how they change Eating our veggies Supplements that can help ease symptoms and balance hormones Talking to physicians and making them hear you The Dutch Test Maria Claps is a certified health coach, mother of 4 grown children, and women’s healthy aging advocate. After receiving sub-standard care in NYC, Maria enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in pursuit of a solution for her perimenopausal symptoms that began when she turned 40. Inspired by her training at IIN, Maria pursued 3 additional hormone-centric trainings: Dr. Sara Gottfried’s training program for practitioners; The Functional Diagnostic Nutrition program; and The UK-based 3rd Age Woman Certification program with Burrell Education. When she’s not facilitating her online community, Maria keeps current in her knowledge of functional health by attending Datis Kharazzian seminars on topics like thyroid, blood chemistry, and brain health. She also enjoys reading, recipe creation, and finding new things to eat at farmers markets.   Resources: Maria’s Website, www.nourishandflourishhealth.com Maria’s Hormone Balancing Guide

When tragedy strikes, it can be difficult to stay positive and present, but our mindset can really influence the way we deal with, overcome, or power through adversity. In today’s episode, Brodie talks with JJ Virgin, CNS, CHFS, celebrity nutritionist, health expert, and 4 time NY Times Bestselling Author about paying close attention to our mindset to overcome our greatest challenges. When JJ was about to release The Virgin Diet, her then 15-year-old son, Grant, was in a terrible hit-and-run accident that nearly took his life. Brodie and JJ talk about how JJ’s mindset helped her power through this difficult time, be aggressive when she needed to, maintain her self-care, and keep her eyes on the prize. She never stopped believing that Grant would one day not only recover, but that he would be 110% - even stronger than before. Today, she’s proud to say that against all the odds, he’s nearly there.   In this episode, we explore: JJ’s new book, The Miracle Mindset The importance of self-care in times of great upheaval Making it happen while still being imperfect (like everyone else) You can’t course correct standing still Feeling worthy of good outcomes Role-modeling as a parent Tapping     Resources: JJ’s Website

Have you ever made a New Years resolution only to see it peter out a few months later? Most of us have been there at some point. Changing old habits can be difficult, but there are certain things you can do to greatly improve your chances of success. In today’s episode, Brodie talks about developing systems to create and maintain new, healthier habits in the new year.     In this episode, we explore:   Getting started with small steps The three steps of a habit: trigger, behavior, reward Replacing old habits instead of eradicating them Creating reminders to inspire yourself Supportive community   Resources: B.J. Fogg’s Fogg Method

Do you find it difficult to communicate your needs and wants to friends and loved ones? You’re not alone. In Episode 27, Brodie talks compassionate communication and boundaries with LaShelle Lowe-Chardé, a certified trainer in Non-Violence Communication (NVC). LaShelle coaches couples and individuals on developing healthy communication skills, with an emphasis on identifying universal needs and staying grounded through mindfulness practices.     In this episode, we explore:   How different people have different needs Helpful vocabulary for expressing needs and wants The difference between sympathy and empathy Things that may feel or seem like empathy, but aren’t Boundaries! Setting them and finding success What happens when we fail to honor our own boundaries     Resources:  LaShelle’s Website  Lashelle’s Feelings and Needs List

E26 – Brodie’s Holiday Tips Ah, the holidays. A time of family togetherness, warmth, and cheer… plus hard-to-digest food, alcohol, and stress. Whether you’re celebrating at home or traveling to see family and friends, Brodie has 8 great tips to help you weather the ups and downs of the holiday season.   In this episode, we explore:   Managing digestion in a sea of complex, hard to digest food Making time for self-care Getting good sleep Taking some deep breaths    Resources:   Brodie’s Kitchari Recipe

You’ve heard of menopause, but are you familiar with perimenopause? In this episode, Brodie talks with Dr. Katherine Dale, ND, about perimenopause, the natural transition from reproductive years into menopause. Menopause is well known as the end of a person’s years of fertility, when the menstrual cycle comes to an end. Perimenopause, then, is the transition time in which progesterone and estrogen decrease dramatically, sometimes causing symptoms such as hot flashes, heavy and/or irregular menstruation, or difficulty sleeping.   In this episode, we explore:   Perimenopause as the natural transition out of fertility Common symptoms of perimenopause Ways to mitigate symptoms of perimenopause Hormonal changes during perimenopause The mental and emotional aspects of perimenopause   Resources:   Dr. Kate’s Website

Is shame keeping you from recognizing your value? In this episode, Brodie talks with Jennifer Kind, LPC, CDWF, EPC, a Psychotherapist and coach in Portland, OR who works with people cultivating more shame resilience, self-acceptance, and the ability to be kinder to themselves and others. Jen believes shame holds people back; it is not a good motivator for change. Shames breeds fear, anxiety, depression, and paralysis. It keeps us from becoming who we are; it keeps us from living our truth.     In this episode, we explore:   The ways shame holds us back Unhealthy cultural attitudes about vulnerability How there can be no courage without vulnerability Ways shame can manifest in our bodies and emotions Ways to build resilience against shame The connection between shame and body image     Resources:   Jen’s Website Jen’s Facebook Page Jen’s Twitter Brené Brown’s Ted Talk: The Power of Vulnerability

Brodie talks with Julie Zuzek, the corporate yogi business coach, about the connection between personal growth and business. Whether you're an entrepreneur or you work for someone else, it can be a struggle to show up authentically and allow your work to reflect your true self. Being vulnerable doesn't have to be a weakness; allowing people to see your imperfections allows them to embrace their own imperfections as well. You can create the work environment you need by drawing boundaries, and you might be surprised by your colleagues reactions.     In this episode, we explore: The power of vulnerability in the workplace The importance of the "third entity" How embracing your imperfections empowers others to do the same Servant leadership A lunchtime recharge practice   Resources: Breathing meditations! Meditation 101 Mini-Course For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.

Have you ever felt unlucky in love? Maybe you’ve had partners that made you feel bad about yourself or you’ve been on plenty of dates but can’t get someone to commit. Maybe you're in a long term relationship and simply feel it could be more fulfilling. It may be time for you to date yourself. In Episode 22, Brodie talks with Veronica Grant, dating coach and private yoga instructor, about ways to improve our love lives, whether we’re dating casually, seeking a long-term relationship, or currently with a long-term partner.   In this episode, we explore:   Dating yourself: what does it mean? Some common reasons people struggle to enter a relationship Some common reasons people struggle to get what they want out of a relationship Treating yourself the way you want to be treated Deciding what you want out of your relationship Setting boundaries (because boundaries are sexy!)   Veronica is a Dating Mindset Coach, host of Date Yourself Radio, and creator of the Dating Mindset Bootcamp. She helps smart, savvy women who feel like they have it all except that ONE thing, find and keep their perfect-for-them relationship.   On the surface, Veronica helps women enjoy the process of dating + meet higher quality men. But what she REALLY does is teach women how to treat themselves the way they want to be treated.   When she’s not writing about herself in third person, you can find her indulging in (probably) too much HGTV, planning her next adventure, or spending quality time (her love language) with her fiance + puppy. To learn more, and to grab her free guide, 37 Ways To Date Yourself, head over to http://www.veronicagrant.com Resources: Veronica’s Website Veronica’s Facebook Page Marie Forleo’s Book, How to Make Any Man Want You: How to Be So Irresistible You’ll Barely Keep From Dating Yourself

Uncertainty can be hard to deal with. Not knowing where you’re headed and what’s in store can make us feel like we need to do something to exert control over our experience, but sometimes there’s simply nothing we can do but wait. Wait to see what happens; wait to see what’s coming; wait to see what guidance, inspiration, and truth we may find along the way. In Episode 21, Brodie talks with her sister, Dr. Claudia Welch, DOM, about the feeling of being amid change, and finding ways to be comfortable as reality is shifting around us.   In this episode, we explore: The layer of our being: the koshas How do you figure out what is yours to do in times of great change? Sūtaka: a transitional time How can you soften the impact of uncertain times? How does Fall relate to letting go and times of uncertainty? “Unbecoming” our patterns Adjusting hopes, dreams, identities, and plans when we’re in a state of flux Finding truth in the midst of information/media overload The importance of internal stabilization during unstable times Discerning between stable and unstable times   Resources:  Dr. Claudia Welch’s website

1 in 12 women will get invasive breast cancer. The primary means of screening-- mammograms-- detect more breast cancer, but that doesn't translate into lives saved. In a study of 90,000 women over a 25-year period, women in the mammogram group's mortality rates were even with women who didn't get mammograms. In addition, mammograms are painful, subject women to radiation, and aren't particularly helpful for the 45% of women with dense breast tissue. Enter thermography: a non-invasive, radiation-free, pain-free alternative to mammograms.  In today's episode, Brodie talks with Dr. Carla Garcia, a board-certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine with more than 30 years of experience in Integrative Medicine, who has been utilizing thermography in her practice since 1999. In this episode, we explore: What is thermography and how does it work? Screening tools vs. diagnostic tools Why thermography may be a better screening alternative for women The connection between qi stagnation and inflammation Dr. Garcia's top self-care tips for breast health  

Did you know acupuncture is being used to treat veterans with PTSD? Or that its's twice as effective and safer than the standard of care for lower back pain?  Don’t worry, most people don’t. In Episode 19, Brodie talks with Matthew Bauer, Licensed Acupuncturist and President of the Acupuncture Now Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to clearing up common misconceptions about acupuncture and helping acupuncture reach its full potential around the world. Matt founded the Acupuncture Now Foundation to improve the information about acupuncture that is available to the public, including treatment options, treatable conditions, treatment availability, current research, and more.   In this episode, we explore:   The problems with current acupuncture research Acupuncture information scarcity Some promising acupuncture studies Unexpected places acupuncture is being used Acupuncture on babies(!) How acupuncture could stem the opioid epidemic     Resources:   The Acupuncture Now Foundation Website   Twice as Effective and Safer

Do your daily habits leave you feeling out of balance? Dr. Michele Summers Colon is a physician (specifically a holistic podiatrist), entrepreneur, yoga instructor, and motivational speaker on a mission to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that honor their own bodies, wants, and desires. Dr. Michele is also an Ayurvedic practitioner bridging the gap between Western Medicine and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Michele utilized wisdom from the Ayurvedic tradition to heal herself when Western Medicine could not, and now she uses Ayurveda in her practice to help her patients find balance according to their Dosha and the specific imbalances and challenges they encounter.   In this episode, we explore:   Doshas: what are they? The significance of the number 3 Natural sleep cycles Natural eating cycles When is the best time to exercise? Is breakfast always the most important meal of the day?         Resources:   The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Decisions into Massive Success and Happiness by Jeff Olson Michele’s Website

In today’s episode, Brodie talks with Alexx Stuart, a woman on a mission to help people detoxify their lives. Alexx runs a website and Podcast, The Low Tox Life, and teaches classes to people seeking to identify and reduce the toxic chemicals in their homes and in their lives. Listen in to learn what you can do to eradicate harmful chemicals in your life and to protect yourself and your loved ones from carcinogens and hormone disruptors in seemingly benign household items.   In this episode, we explore: The ubiquity of toxins in our everyday lives The kinds of products most likely to contain toxins The effects toxins might be having on your body without you knowing 3 simple changes you can make to reduce toxic chemicals in your body The skin: your largest organ Why we all need to have a love/hate relationship with plastic     Resources: Alexx’s Website: Low Tox Life Alexx’s Podcast

In Episode 15, Brodie talks with Li-lan Hsiang Weiss, Licensed Acupuncturist and practitioner of the Arvigo Technique of Mayan Abdominal Therapy. Western medicine is just beginning to understand the link between the digestive system and the brain, but other cultures have been using the brain/digestion relationship for millennia to heal both mind and body. Li-lan’s experience is unique: born in Taiwan and transplanted at an early age to Guatemala, she brings a very multicultural approach to her practice where she focuses on reproductive, digestive, and emotional well-being for women, men, and children. In this episode, we explore: The Arvigo Technique: what is it, what can it treat? The link between the belly and the nervous system Similarities between Mayan healing practices and Chinese Medicine Other Mayan healing practices What IS vaginal steaming? Emotional tension manifesting physically in the body and what abdominal massage can do to release it   Resources: Wind in the Blood:  Mayan Healing and Chinese Medicine by Garcia, Sierra, Balam Li-Lan’s 2014 case study publication in Journeys in Healing: Inspiring Experiences of Arvigo Practitioners and their Clients available through the Arvigo Institute LLC, where you can also find other Arvigo practitioners, Rainforest Remedies, and Arvigo courses. How to do a traditional Mayan vaginal steam, video by Natural Fertility Info: https://youtu.be/ilfBrNLXhLo  

Is Creativity Your Missing Nutrient?   With Melissa Dinwiddie   In today’s episode, Brodie talks with Melissa Dinwiddie, artist, author, speaker, performer, and creativity instigator, about helping people reclaim their innate creativity and live what Melissa likes to call, “full color, creative lives.” Melissa is a former non-creative person and a recovering perfectionist, so she’s intimately familiar with stifled creativity stemming from both internal and external factors. Melissa wants to change the conversation around creative expression and play, because she believes that creating helps people change the world.   In this episode, we explore:   Creativity as an essential part of a vibrant, productive life – why is it so important? Creativity as more than self-indulgence or frivolous pass time Creativity as an innate part of every person, even if they don’t feel creative What leads people to believe they’re not creative? What can people who think they’re not creative do to GET creative? What does creativity have to do with willpower and the prefrontal cortex? What can creativity do for your mood and relationships? The many forms of creativity Negative stereotypes of creative people The value of creating crap     Resources: Melissa’s Website Melissa’s Podcast: Live Creative Now Melissa on Facebook

In today's episode, Brodie talks with Alexa Gilmore, L.Ac. and Chinese herbalist specializing in dermatology, about treating skin conditions using Chinese Medicine. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, many skin conditions result from excess heat in the body, which can cause a varying array of symptoms including redness, rash, itching, fluid buildup, and more. Listen in for some great information to help keep your skin looking and feeling great, and if you or someone you love is struggling with a skin condition, find out what Chinese Medicine can do to help find relief.   In this episode, we explore: What skin conditions can be treated using acupuncture and Chinese Medicine What does treatment for a skin condition look like in Chinese Medicine? What kinds of variables would an acupuncturist be interested in knowing to treat a skin condition? Are there specific prescriptions for different skin conditions? Bio-individuality (it’s back!) What kinds of things can cause a skin condition? What does “ heat” mean in terms of Chinese Medicine? What can people do to keep their skin healthy?   Alexa has been working in a clinical setting for 12 years. She is nationally board certified, a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and licensed to practice acupuncture as well as to formulate and prescribe custom-made Chinese herbal medicine. A love of learning and commitment to excellence drive Alexa, and she's pursued extensive post-graduate training in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and soft tissue manipulation, alike. She graduated in the top of her class from Mazin Al-Khafaji's prestigious Chinese Medicine Dermatology Diploma Course in London, England, and now holds the highest certification in the field--the only practitioner in New England with this distinction. Alexa takes a no-nonsense approach to the healing arts and expects positive outcomes. She works in partnership with her patients, providing high quality care as well as empowering them to make lasting changes in their life and health by incorporating simple, effective principles of Chinese medicine into their daily lives.   Resources: Alexa’s Website: www.atxacu.com If you’re wanting a deep-dive into the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine, my Basics of Chinese Medicine course starting this October was designed just for you. When we can act with greater self-awareness, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. Recognizing that we don’t have to be bound by our go-to tendencies and habits, we are free to stretch into the fullness of our potential on all levels. You may even discover new latent superpowers —inner strengths we have yet to tap. If that’s strikes you as interesting, please head over to brodiewelch.com and you can read more about it under the Learn from Home tab. We start Oct. 10th.

Episode 13: Emotional Healing & Acupuncture, Part III   In Part 3 of the Emotional Healing & Acupuncture Series, Brodie shares a series of journal entries written by a patient (who we’re calling Shawna to preserve her anonymity) as she underwent a series of acupuncture treatments to help her let go of guilt and to break a parenting pattern that had been in her family for generations.  Unprocessed trauma, guilt, and insecurity can hang out in the body, affecting our psychology as well as our physiology.   In this episode, we explore: The importance of setting a particular intention for a treatment What happened on the table and how it felt The Extraordinary Vessels and how they affect our deep “programming” How working on these deeper levels catalyzed healing for not only herself but her relationship with her daughter     Resources: If you’re wanting a deep-dive into the body-mind according to Chinese Medicine, my Basics of Chinese Medicine course starting October 10 was designed just for you. For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.   To subscribe to A Healthy Curiosity, click here. To like or share about A Healthy Curiosity on Facebook, click here. To reach A Healthy Curiosity in the Twitterverse and tell me what you’d like to hear about, click here.  

Episode 12: Emotional Healing & Acupuncture Part II with Cori Hall Cori’s story is a powerful one of habit change, self-healing, and accepting one’s boundaries in pursuit of a healthier, happier life. When injury and illness literally knocked her off her feet, Cori found the strength to seek solutions, acknowledge unhealthy patterns, and listen to what her body was telling her. Special thanks go out to Cori for the great idea to create this 3-part series on emotional healing. In this episode, we explore: How overworking our minds and bodies can negatively affect our health How sucking it up is probably not the best coping mechanism How ignoring the messages our bodies are sending can lead to worse outcomes Giving up or scaling back certain treats can be well worth the positive health outcomes You don’t know what a drastic change something can make until you try it How emotional and mental strife can produce adverse physical effects Slowing down and staying present, and how these things provide relief for chronic pain  Resources The Basics of Chinese Medicine: Your Inner Ecosystem

In Part 1 of a 3-Part series on Emotional Healing & Chinese Medicine Brodie talks with a long-time patient, “Marcia” -  not her real name, per her request. Brodie and Marcia talk about how acupuncture helped her let go of emotions related to post-traumatic stress that she developed after a camping trip with her husband that led to an ER visit and emergency quadruple-bypass surgery.  Marcia’s story is a powerful example of how acupuncture can help us let go of stuck energy in the form of emotions. Marcia also describes how understanding herself from a Chinese Medicine perspective helped her to develop self-compassion, self-love, and appreciation. In particular, we get into the notion of Constitutional Type.  Kind of like the Myers-Briggs Personality test, your astrological sign, your Enneagram number, or your Ayurvedic Dosha, Chinese Medicine likens different aspects of our physiology, psychology, and mental tendencies to the elements of nature: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Knowing your constitutional type can help you maintain balance in your life by illuminating natural strengths and identifying challenges.   In this episode, we explore: Issues that Marcia has used Acupuncture to help treat What part of the acupuncture process is most helpful in treating these issues? How the pre-treatment interview process helps patients tune in to deeper issues Emotional release during treatment and emotions as qi How slowing down our lives can help us feel more in control Having compassion for yourself How identifying your constitutional type can help you keep yourself and your life in balance Similarities and differences between emotional healing in acupuncture and talk therapy   Resources:   If you are interested in discovering your particular constitutional type, you can take a little quiz at http://brodiewelch.com/chinese-element-quiz/ If you’re wanting a deep-dive into this stuff, my Basics of Chinese Medicine course starting this October was designed just for you. When we can act with greater self-awareness, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. Recognizing that we don’t have to be bound by our go-to tendencies and habits, we are free to stretch into the fullness of our potential on all levels.  We may even discover new latent superpowers — inner strengths we have yet to tap. If that’s strikes you as interesting, please head over to brodiewelch.com and you can read more about it under the “Learn from Home” tab.  We start Oct. 3rd.

Your period doesn’t have to suck. Just because symptoms like cramping and PMS are common doesn’t mean that they’re something all people who menstruate have to expect and resign themselves to. This episode with Bridgit Danner, L.Ac. and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist demystifyies the menstrual cycle and how the cycle clues us into the overall health of our bodies. Bridgit manages a community called the Women’s Wellness Collaborative, which is centered around helping women increase wellness and balance in their lives, especially in relation to hormones, the menstrual cycle, and fertility. She and Brodie talk about ways in which women can learn to tune into their menstrual cycle at any age to relieve pain and irritability associated with menstruation, balance hormones, and manage fertility.  In this episode, we explore: What functional medicine is Lack of education around the menstrual cycle What a standard menstrual cycle looks and feels like Why menstrual pain may occur What you can do to regulate and embrace your menstrual cycle Seed cycling: what is it and how does it help?   I hope you listen whether you menstruate or not.   Resources:   The Flow Period Tracker App   Bridgit’s Youtube Channel   Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH

Marijuana has now been legalized for medical use in 25 U.S. states (plus D.C.) and legalized recreationally in four. In light of these policy developments, marijuana has become the subject of much public debate within the political and medical arenas throughout the last several years. Like acupuncture, definitive medical research on medical marijuana is still relatively scarce, which leaves a lot of people both curious about and wary of its use. In this episode, Brodie talks with Dr. Rachna Patel, a medical marijuana expert, about how she uses medical marijuana in her treatment protocols and what people should know about using medical marijuana.     In this episode, we explore:  How marijuana works in the body  Separating fact from fiction regarding marijuana use  What conditions medical marijuana may help treat  Where marijuana use isn’t backed up by medical research    Dr. Rachna Patel has been practicing in the field of Medical Marijuana since 2012.  She step-by-step walks patients through how to use medical marijuana for their particular medical conditions.  She completed her medical studies at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, CA and her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.  You can learn more about the work she does at www.DrRachnaPatel.com      Resources:  www.DrRachnaPatel.com  Youtube Channel: The Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) Expert: Dr. Rachna Patel  

If you’ve been keeping up with our Olympians down in Rio, you may have noticed what appear to be perfectly round bruises spotting the shoulders of some swimmers and gymnasts. You may even have read an article about this "new fad". These marks are the result of a procedure called cupping, a practice that is actually rooted in ancient Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists employ cupping for many reasons, but its main use is to relieve conditions featuring stagnating blood or fluids in the body.   In this episode, we explore: Why blood or fluids commonly stagnate in the body Circulation and how it affects the way our muscles feel Fascia – what is it and how does it affect our muscles? The relationship between cupping and acupuncture Those spots - do they hurt…? Conditions that can be treated with cupping Tools used in cupping

Chinese Medicine is a big umbrella term that encompasses not only acupuncture, but Chinese Herbal medicine, bodywork, lifestyle and diet counseling, and “energy exercise” like qi gong, tai chi and meditation. As practitioners of Chinese Medicine, once we make a diagnosis, any of these branches can be used to help restore the energy in the body.    Just like Chinese herbs, which are essentially very powerful food that you only a small quantity of to get a powerful effect, anything we put in our bodies can keep us alive, move us towards greater health and balance, or move us farther away from it. And since most people eat at least 3x/ day, that’s multiple opportunities to keep steering in the direction of health.  Listen as Brodie and fellow Chinese Medicine expert Ellen Goldsmith, L.Ac., explore the dietary branch of Chinese Medicine. Ellen teaches on this very topic: Chinese Dietetics and its application in western society and in their Masters of Nutrition program and in the Classical Chinese Medicine Department at National University of Natural Medicine. She’s a Licensed Acupuncturist has been in the field for over 25 years a recognized educator, health advocate, and practitioner of all the branches of Chinese medicine. Ellen Goldsmith is a co-founder of Pearl Natural Health in Portland, Oregon. She’s also the creator and host of Health Currents Radio and co-host of Healthwatch on KBOO in Portland, Oregon.   In this episode we explore:  Intuitive eating  How Chinese Medicine conceives of food differently than the West  Yin and Yang as related to food and body type  Bioindividuality   Respecting the energy of digestion  Warming vs. Cooling foods  The importance of rhythm in our diets  Eating on the go vs. at the table  Trying new foods in new ways  Like increases like and what you’re craving isn’t necessarily what you need  Balanced taste = balanced meal    Resources:  Babette's Feast  Rouxbe Cooking School  http://www.cookwithwhatyouhave.com/  To contact Ellen, you can e-mail her at [email protected], on the Pearl Natural Health Facebook page, or on Twitter @goldsmith_ellen.   For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com. For a deep-dive into Chinese Medical theory including the energetics of food, check out her Basics of Chinese Medicine course. You can also follow her on twitter @brodiewelch or shoot us an email at Brodie at brodiewelch.com

Chinese Medicine expert and host Brodie Welch talks with colleague Joe Moceus, L.Ac., about one of the central principles of Chinese Medicine: the notion that the body is an ecosystem rather than a machine to be fixed.   Like a tree with lots of branches, the same root cause can give rise to a number of very different symptoms.   In this episode, we touch on:  Why Chinese Medicine focuses on patterns of disharmony rather than symptoms  If it’s happening in nature, it’s happening in us as well  How everything in the body affects everything else  The cycles of 7 and 8 and the phases of our lives  The Imbalance Continuum and the importance of treating beforehand  Brodie’s acupuncture orbit  Treating to balance the energy within but also to balance it with our lives.    Resources:  Beinfield and Korngold Between Heaven and Earth  The Basics of Chinese Medicine, with Brodie Welch, L.Ac.   For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit www.brodiewelch.com  

Brodie talks with her sister, Sam, about being well in a busy world. Covering topics the likes of perfectionism, procrastination, self-care, self-compassion and the inner critic, and the challenges to making progress on bigger goals while dealing with the demands of daily life.     In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:  How a completely checked-off to-do list doesn’t necessarily move us forward on the stuff that matters.   Daily self-care habits  Feeling selfish to want to be creative for a living  Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome  Procrastination masquerading as productive work  The problem with Facebook  Stress is a health issue  Two kinds of goals: Big and SMART  Cycles of Change in Chinese Medicine  Aging is when we don’t think we can change anymore  Good Orderly Direction  Procrastination as Fear of the Bigger Goals  Self-compassion   Making it non-negotiable  Jeremy’s worst fear  Needing support     Resources:  “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” - Mark Twain  For more on SMART goals, check out Smarter, Faster, Better by Charles Duhigg  Check out Brodie’s learn-from-home course Calm Yourself: Self-Care Strategies for Stress and Anxiety for more practical tips about creating self-care habits and making them stick.   Imposter Syndrome  

Chinese Medicine expert and host Brodie Welch, L.Ac. talks with guest Jennie Cramer about living in harmony with the seasons. The frenzy of summertime and the pressure we feel to take advantage of all the exciting opportunities we’re presented with, even when our bodies might be telling us to take a break, can lead to disharmony and really throw us out of balance… if we allow it.   In this episode we explore:  The nature of summer in Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda (full yang, pitta season) The ways our relationships with the seasons affect our daily wellness Symptoms as messages from the body Creating a life you don’t need a vacation from Should we need an excuse to let ourselves rest? Is your anxiety a message from your body? What could that message be? The benefits of rhythm and setting a schedule Decision fatigue   Jennie is a farming yoga mom who is passionate about ancestral living, ecology, and living in accordance with her values.   Resources: If you'd like to get in touch with Jennie, you can contact her at [email protected] and keep a lookout for her website to go live at www.gardenrhythm.com. For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.

Licensed Acupuncturist and host Brodie Welch talks with her colleague Joe Moceus, L.Ac. about one of the most common conditions they treat in clinic: lower back pain. In this episode we explore: Brodie’s octogenarian patient with spinal stenosis Osteoarthritis The toothpick study 2 ways to release the psoas muscle, an MVP in lower back pain What acupuncture feels like Acupuncture’s positive side effects The importance of movement to integrate a treatment   Resources: Corvallishealing.com Toothpick Study, Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009

Chinese Medicine expert and host Brodie Welch, L.Ac., talks with colleague Joe Moceus, L.Ac. about the primary reason people resist getting acupuncture: needlephobia. As recovering needlephobes themselves, Brodie and Joe understand the wariness, but they’re also here to tell you that acupuncture needles are nothing like other needles you’ve encountered. Up to 40 acupuncture can fit inside a hypodermic. Hear about Brodie and Joe’s first experiences receiving acupuncture, what an acupuncture needle looks and feels like, what kind of sensations you might expect, potential alternatives, and more in the inaugural episode of A Healthy Curiosity. The show begins with a 2-minute overview about Brodie’s vision for the podcast: a blend of expert interviews that demystify natural healing modalities that could potentially help you, along with real, practical, conversations with people trying to walk a healthy, conscious path in a busy world, and what gets in the way.   We then explore: Brodie’s first experience with acupuncture, in light of her own needlephobia Joe’s first experience with acupuncture, in light of his needlephobia The size and shape of an acupuncture needle What acupuncture feels like (is it painful…?) What that needle is actually doing in there, and what you might feel after the needles are in An introduction to the wonderful world of “aculand,” a magical place we’ll revisit frequently in this podcast For other practitioners: what tools Brodie and Joe use to help put their patients at ease in the clinic   Resources: For more information on Chinese Medicine and to stay in touch with Brodie, visit brodiewelch.com.