Prepare to uncover the secrets to optimizing mental health through the power of nutrition! Francesca Orlando, a science-based functional and integrative nutritionist and health coach, is here to address all your burning questions about the connection of food and mental well-being. Get ready for an enlightening discussion as Francesca dives deep into the impact of nutrition on every aspect of our bodies, with a special focus on the brain.Discover the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and brain health, and how maintaining a balanced microbiome can lead to stable moods and enhanced mental well-being. Learn actionable strategies to nurture a healthy gut, including the essential foods needed for optimal microbiome health.Francesca doesn't stop there; she also provides invaluable insights into mindful eating practices and expert tips on coaching picky eaters, ensuring that everyone can embrace a nutritious diet.Pregnant or planning to be? Francesca emphasizes the critical role of healthy nutrition during pregnancy, offering invaluable guidance on nurturing both mother and baby.Perhaps most inspiring is Francesca's message of hope and empowerment. By making mindful changes to our diets and those of our children, we have the power to influence epigenetics positively. Through this, we can initiate healing within the gut microbiome, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for both body and mind.Tune in to this episode for a journey towards unlocking your brain's potential through the transformative power of nutrition.BIO: Francesca is a science-based functional and integrative nutritionist and certified health and wellness coach, strongly emphasizing evidence-based practices. Hailing from Italy, she deeply appreciates the impact of research and scientific advancements on nutrition.Francesca integrates scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to provide clients with tailored and effective nutrition strategies. She keeps abreast of the latest research, attending conferences and engaging in ongoing professional development. Her ability to critically evaluate emerging evidence ensures clients receive informed guidance, enabling evidence-based decisions about their health.Outside her professional pursuits, Francesca enjoys family time with her two boys and indulging in outdoor activities like hiking and paddle boarding with her Newfoundland. An avid reader and passionate powerlifter, she balances her scientific expertise with a personal commitment to holistic well-being.Dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practical application, Francesca strives to make nutrition accessible, transparent, and grounded in scientific principles. Her goal is to empower clients, irrespective of their background, to achieve optimal well-being through an informed and holistic approach. Committed to continuous learning, she refines her skills to provide the highest standard of care, ensuring clients can make evidence-based choices aligned with their health goals.RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:Healthful Living SDHealthful Living IGSupport the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Shockingly eating disorders affect over 30 million people of all ages, regardless of gender? What’s more is, they also hold the highest mortality rate among all mental health disorders. With such alarming statistics, this is an episode that demands attention from everyone.In this crucial episode, Sarah Archer from Align Eating Disorder Treatment in Escondido, California, sheds light on the challenging subject of eating disorders. She guides us in recognizing the signs, finding effective evidence-based treatments—especially Family-Based Treatment—and navigating the complex cultural pressures surrounding body image.We'll also delve into how caregivers can offer support to their loved ones, even in the face of unexpected hurdles like exercise intertwining with eating disorders. But this conversation isn't just about highlighting problems—it's about fostering empowerment and instilling hope. Whether you're seeking assistance for yourself or a cherished individual, brace yourself for a dose of encouragement and insight that will equip you with knowledge and confidence.BIO: Sarah Archer LMFT, has been working with adolescents, teens and their families for over 15 years as a behavioral coach, individual and family therapist. Transitioning from Rady Children’s Hospital, Sarah has served as the Program Manager to the UCSD Adolescent Eating Disorder Program for over 10 years. While in addition to providing clinical services, she managed all program admissions, served as the San Diego Unified School District Liaison, trained and supervised staff in Evidence Based Practices and served as Lead of Adolescent Athletic Programming. Sarah Archer received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of San Diego in 2005.  She has served as an Adjunct Professor at USD teaching Family Counseling to Graduate Students in 2019 and 2020 and for the past 6 years has been a guest lecturer at UCSD for the undergraduate eating disorder seminar. In 2019 she Co-Founded CounSEL, an animated video-based program teaching adolescents and teens evidence-based coping skills and has served over 30,000 students throughout California.RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:Align Eating DisordersF.E.A.S.T. Eating Disorder Support GroupSupport the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Get ready for an awesome episode where we chat with Veronica Alvarez, a true powerhouse in women's sports as the US Women’s National Baseball Team and the coordinator of player development for the Oakland A's. Oh, and did we mention she's also been a firefighter? Veronica's kick-ass career is nothing short of inspiring as she forges the way for females in some of the most male-dominated professions. In our conversation, she shares what these life experiences have taught her and how they translate to practical advice just for you!We dive into Veronica's story, from her days hustling at the fire station or riding the truck to her current gig coaching a team of inspiring women on the baseball diamond. And the wisdom she's picked up along the way is pure gold.Veronica has an amazing perspective on kids’ sports, thanks to her role as the coordinator of player development for the A’s. She shares her insight on how sports can teach kids (adults too) to handle pressure through techniques like perspective shift and using our breath to control our body’s stress response. Plus, she digs into why getting our kids involved in sports is so crucial for their growth.But here's the best part: Veronica's got this amazing sense of humor and warmth that just shines through. She's all about resilience, for both kids and grown-ups, and she's got some killer advice on how to build it up, along with the importance of having a solid support system.So, if you're up for a fun, heartwarming chat filled with laughs and nuggets of wisdom, you definitely don't want to miss this episode. Trust us, you're gonna love it!BIO: Veronica has been on a baseball field for almost her entire life. She was a catcher for the USA Baseball Women's National team from 2008-2015. She participated in three World Cups and one Pan American Game. In 2019, she became one of the first few women to coach for a Major League Baseball franchise, the Oakland A’s.  Currently, Veronica is the coordinator of player development for the Oakland A’s international players in the Dominican Republic, and is the Manager for USA Baseball’s Women’s National Team. We will be cheering them on this summer as they work towards global domination in the 2024 World Cup!Veronica has thrived in a male-dominated sport and credits her supportive parents and the confidence they instilled in her. Her coaching experiences have given her added insight into the role coaches play in the development of players of any age, both physically and mentally..Support the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

In this episode of This Way Up we dive deep into the fascinating life journey of Jumpei Kontani, a man who defied the odds and found his path to joy despite a childhood filled with complexities and challenges. Growing up in Japan amidst a split family, Jumpei faced the weight of cultural norms that viewed divorce as shameful. He navigated not only the challenges of managing this perception but also, the complexities of intense internal family conflicts. But instead of succumbing to the pressures, he embraced his unique journey.From a young age, Jumpei was influenced by his grandmother, whose wisdom instilled in him a profound understanding of the human spirit and the power of perspective. Fuelled by his natural curiosity and unwavering determination, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led him to mindfulness.Through mindfulness, Jumpei found a powerful tool for finding peace and joy, even in the face of adversity. It allowed him to reconcile with the turbulence of his past and emerge as a light of positivity and resilience. Today, he shares his story openly, inspiring others to embrace their own paths to happiness.But Jumpei's journey doesn't end there. He has integrated his philosophy of mindfulness into his professional life as a realtor in San Diego and is known as The Mindful Realtor. Infusing mindfulness into his business practices, he not only assists clients in finding homes but also shares this approach with fellow realtors, guiding them on a path toward inner peace and fulfillment.Jumpei's story is a testament to the idea that the most challenging aspects of life can ultimately lead to the most profound growth and fulfillment. So, whether you're facing obstacles or embracing the journey, remember: "The more challenging your life is, the more interesting your life becomes."BIO: Jumpei was born and raised in Osaka, Japan, and moved to San Diego 12 years ago. His personal story of growing up in Japan is one of resilience and courage. Silent about the struggles he endured as a child, he navigated the complexities of his past, and as an adult, found perspective and healing through the practices of meditation and mindfulness. He is currently a successful real estate broker, skilled at building deep relationships, and has become known as the Mindful Realtor. RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:Mindful Reator - Jumpei InstagramSupport the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Join us on This Way Up as we dive into this with Gretchen Hess, the force behind The High Functioning Anxiety Solution.Gretchen opens up about her own journey, tracing back to a childhood filled with tension that shaped her into a successful yet deeply anxious adult. Despite outward success, her inner turmoil brewed. With the arrival of her children, stress escalated, and her daughter's anxiety and OCD symptoms only heightened Gretchen's own struggles.But there's hope. Gretchen shares her path to healing, unpacking her upbringing and retraining her mind to handle anxiety differently. She discovered that by managing her own anxiety, she could positively influence her family dynamic. Now, she's on a mission to empower other women grappling with high functioning anxiety through her coaching at The High Functioning Anxiety Solution. Tune in for insights and inspiration on nurturing mental well-being for you and your children.BIO: Founder of The High Functioning Anxiety Solution which is an intensive  1:1 mentorship program for women who are emotionally struggling to keep it together. I was forced to face that I had struggled my whole life with high Functioning Anxiety which often stems from family dysfunctions such as yelling, bickering, highly critical parents, alcohol or addiction, strict and control or divorce. Even when our homes felt "good" our developing minds learned very quickly how to cope and protect. Which as children worked out ok...but as adults creates many problems. I created this program after mentoring many women over the years who were also struggling. Many who have grown up like myself in an alcoholic home ( or similar) My passion is to educate women so that we can break these generational cycles that are leading to anxiety in our children and families.RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:The High Functioning Solution InstagramSupport the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Have you ever found yourself at wit's end with a rebellious teen? You're not alone. Many parents turn to the troubled teen industry (TTI) for answers, hoping boarding schools and wilderness retreats will save the day. But guess what? Our guest, Ciara Fanlo, knows firsthand that these places often do more harm than good.Drawing from her own journey, Ciara shares that she has been through it all – residential programs, boarding schools, wilderness retreats – you name it. But instead of being weighed down by these trials, she's flipped the script, using her platform, Homing Instinct, to turn her experiences into something positive.In our conversation, Ciara breaks down the teenage psyche, giving us a peek into how they see the world and themselves. Plus,she’s got some valuable advice for parents struggling to connect with their teens. So, grab your notepad and get ready to soak in Ciara's wisdom. It's time to learn how to build stronger bonds with your teens and set them on the path to success. BIOCiara Fanlo has described herself as a former “troubled teen”, who now dedicates her career to supporting struggling adolescents and their families. As a teen, she experienced depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Her treatment included various medications, hospitalization, wilderness therapy and a therapeutic boarding school. Despite the efforts of doctors and practitioners, she felt that her treatments did not help her address the root cause of her suffering. She is a writer and founder of Homing Instinct, which provides targeted coaching and mentoring for teens and, importantly, parents. Through one on one sessions, workshops and education, she utilizes a broad collection of systems and practices she has learned in order to help teens. For parents, she helps obtain the insight they need so that their kids and their family can build trust, ease, and connection to improve and strengthen their relationships. RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:Homing InstinctCiara's Article On Wilderness CampsNetflix Documentary on TTI- The ProgramSupport the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

We're diving into the real meaning of organization. It's not just about tidying up your space or labeling boxes – it goes way beyond that. Ever wondered why some "seem" to have their lives together while others look like they're swimming in chaos? Let's unpack that mystery and uncover what true organization is all about.Meet our guest, Ann Pereira. She's not your typical organizer. Her specialty? Working with the neurodivergent community. Yeah, you heard that right. She's all about understanding how different brains tick when it comes to organization.Picture this: what seems like chaos to one person might actually be a brilliant system for someone else. It's all about understanding how different minds categorize and thrive in various organizational setups. What works for one might send another into a tailspin of anxiety.Hold tight! Ann doesn't just stop at highlighting these differences. She's here with practical wisdom. She's all about finding that sweet spot where everyone in the family feels at peace. Because let's face it, a happy home is a functional one, and that's achievable for all, regardless of neurodiversity.So, join us today. This podcast isn't just for parents of neurodivergent kids—it's for everyone looking to bring a little more harmony into their lives. Let's make organizing not just about tidying up, but about nurturing our mental well-being.BIO: Ann Pereira is the owner and founder of House of Projects LLC, which helps people discover peaceful balance in their space through thoughtful decluttering and intentional organization. What makes Ann and her company unique is their special focus on challenges encountered by older adults, neurodiverse people, and people in the midst of life transitions. Ann combines her professional and personal life experience to help clients with challenging disorganization. Ann is the mom of 5 kids; she is a special needs parent, homeschooler, and former nurse practitioner.RESOURCES: https://www.houseofprojectsllc.com/Support the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Imagine thinking you had it all under control, only to have life throw you a curveball with the surprise arrival of a special needs child.  How would you respond?In today's moving episode, we have the pleasure of introducing super mama Susan Hedstrom who with fearless honesty opens her heart to share how she manages the intricate dance of navigating family dynamics while caring for her son, Jayden. Jayden was born with the rare genetic disorder of Prader-Willi syndrome, a condition laden with physical, mental, and behavioral obstacles, including an unrelenting hunger that sets in around the tender age of two. Through Susan's authentic and unfiltered narrative, we are invited into the daily juggling act of meeting Jayden's intricate needs while nurturing her two younger children, fostering the foundation of her marriage, all while ensuring she carves out essential moments for herself.  Susan gently reminds us of the beauty of embracing the 'new normals' and cherishing every milestone in Jayden's progress, affectionately terming them "inchstones" – small victories worthy of celebration.At the heart of Susan's story lies the importance of flexibility and patience, alongside the pivotal role of leaning on one's partner, friends, family, and community services for support, rest, and joy. Join us as we dive into Susan's inspiring story, brimming with resilience, love, and the unwavering determination to find balance amidst life's most challenging moments.BIO: Susan Hedstrom has been the Executive Director of the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) since 2013. Her commitment to this role was deeply rooted in a personal journey that began when her eldest son was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome. Faced with the challenges posed by this rare condition, Susan made a conscious decision not to accept Prader-Willi syndrome as it had been traditionally defined. Instead, she chose to collaborate with a remarkable team of proactive and tireless individuals within FPWR to find treatments and ultimately a cure for Prader-Willi syndrome.RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:Foundation for Prader-Willi ResearchThank you for tuning in to today's episode! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and found it both insightful and inspiring. Now, we want to hear from you! Share your experiences, questions, or ideas with us by leaving a comment or sending us a message on our website or social media channels.Support the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

“What I love about breathwork is that I feel like it really shows us the untapped potential that we have as something that comes so natural to us, but it can be something that is so profound.” Ashlene PattenBreathing. Yes, that simple, automatic act we usually don't give a second thought to. But what if we told you that paying attention to how you breathe could change everything?Today, we're joined by Ashlene Patten, a holistic breathwork facilitator and somatic therapy practitioner. She's here to share some impactful insights on how breathing techniques and somatic therapy can be transformative. We're talking about healing trauma, managing stress, finding relaxation, and unlocking emotional healing—all through the power of breath.Ashlene breaks it down for us, explaining the different types of breathwork and how they influence our nervous system. Whether you're aiming to trigger your parasympathetic or sympathetic response, she's got insights to help you navigate.Proper breathing isn't just about chilling out. It's a game-changer for focus, clarity, and overall well-being. Ashlene reveals how mastering your breath can literally shift your brainwaves, leading you into states of rest and restoration.Now, combine that with somatic therapy, and you've got a powerhouse combo for overcoming trauma. Ashlene walks us through how these approaches work hand-in-hand to help individuals break free from the past and embrace a brighter future.And, parents and caregivers, this isn't just about you—it's about your kiddos too. Ashlene shares how these practices can help children regulate their emotions and tackle anxiety head-on. It's all about building trust and emotional release. With somatic therapy and breathwork in their toolkit, kids can learn to trust themselves and let go of those heavy feelings holding them back. Because let's face it, we could all use a little more peace and clarity in our lives, no matter how old or young we are.So, stay tuned. We've only scratched the surface of what's possible when we start paying attention to something as simple yet profound as our breath.BIO: Ashlene is an Intuitive Embodiment Guide, Reiki Energy Healer, and a Facilitator of Holistic Breathwork in Denver, Colorado. Using a grounded, heart-centered approach, Ashlene creates an open container for her clients to breathe into their edges, express the unexpressed, and reunite with their wise inner being. Ashlene’s mission is to create a safe space for you to tap into your innate power of being in your heart, trust the wisdom of your body, and open yourself up to explore your subconscious.RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:Ashlene Patten’s Practice, Heart-Led Prana: https://www.heartledprana.comInstagram: @heartledpranaTikTok: Heart-Led PranaSupport the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Today, we're tackling a subject that's often misunderstood and downright frightening for parents: PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal. Yep, it's a mouthful, but trust me, understanding it could make a world of difference for your child.Our special guest today is Jennifer Kozek, a licensed clinical social worker and a mom who's intimately familiar with PANDAS because both of her children have been diagnosed with it. Jennifer's journey is not just about the challenges she faced, but also about the solutions she discovered along the way.So, what exactly is PANDAS? How does it affect our kids, and most importantly, how can we help them? Jennifer's story sheds light on these questions as she shares her experiences navigating the medical maze to find answers for her family.One thing Jen discovered early on is that traditional Western medicine wasn't cutting it for her kids. They deserved more, and she was determined to find it. That determination led her to integrative medicine and holistic therapies, where she finally found some relief for her children.But here's the kicker: Jennifer's research didn't just stop at PANDAS. She uncovered a common thread linking inflammation to many modern-day disorders, including PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and more. It's eye-opening information!So, grab your notebooks because this episode is jam-packed with invaluable insights and practical tips on how to reduce inflammation and provide comfort to our precious little ones who are grappling with not just PANDAS, but a whole host of mental health challenges.Stay tuned, because this conversation is about to get real, and it just might change the way you approach your child's health forever. Let's dive in!BIO: Jennifer Giustra-Kozek, LPC, NCC is a mother, wife, board-certified psychotherapist and internationally recognized blogger, advocate and national speaker.  Jennifer has seen the anxiety and the autism epidemic unfold in her private practice and has watched the harmful impact of medication on many young clients.  The ADHD epidemic turned personal when Jennifer’s young son was diagnosed. She plunged into the world of safe and natural healing modalities outside of the pharmaceutical model. She is the author of a five-time award winning book -   Healing Without Hurting: Treating ADHD, Apraxia, and Autism Spectrum Disorders Naturally and Effectively without Harmful Medication.  And, has also co-authored a book titled, Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents of Children with PANS/PANDAS.  She has been featured in the HEAL documentary, on many podcasts, news stories and her articles appear in many publications. Jennifer consults and blogs with thousands of moms through social media to teach them about alternative and natural solutions. To receive more info on how you and your family can overcome ADHD, apraxia, anxiety and more without medication visit Jennifer’s website.RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:IG @Healingwithouthurtingfacebook.com/onyourpathtohealingBooks: Healing without Hurting Jennifer Giustra-KozekBrain Under Attack Beth Lambert MA, Contributor Jennifer KozekDirty Genes Ben Lynch NDGut and Psychology Syndrome: GAPS Support the Show.Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.