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Hosted by hilary russo
4 episodes with hilary russo
3 episodes with hilary russo
2 episodes with hilary russo
2 episodes with hilary russo
2 episodes with hilary russo
2 episodes with hilary russo
What if seven simple words could change the way we connect with others on the path to peace? In this powerful episode of HIListically Speaking, Hilary Russo sits down with James Twyman, a New York Times Best-Selling Author (The Moses Code), spiritual teacher, and the “Peace Troubadour” to explore how one profound phrase. “I Don't Know, Maybe, I Love You.” Now the title of his latest book, this open-hearted reply sparked a movement towards healing our global village and even the most divided, intimate relationships. From confronting polarization in today's world to embracing curiosity over certainty, James, who is also an Episcopal Priest and founder of the Namaste Village spiritual community in Mexico, shares personal stories, spiritual insights, and his mission to De-Polarize a culture stuck in conflict. Together, we discuss the importance of compassion, the courage to engage with opposing perspectives, and the magic that happens when we prioritize love over being right. Tune in and discover how peace begins with one brave, honest conversation at a time. CONNECT WITH JAMES TWYMAN https://www.de-polarize.com www.instagram.com/jimmyjamestwyman/ www.facebook.com/JamesTwymanAuthor/ GRAB THE LATEST BOOK!I Don't Know Maybe, I Love Youhttps://amzn.to/3RQax16 (Amazon) ADD TO YOUR LIBRARY The Moses Code (James' #1 NYT Best Seller) https://amzn.to/3Ssl1E0 (Amazon) RAISE YOUR VOICE AND UPGRADE YOUR MIC! Hilary is Using Shure MV7+ Mic https://amzn.to/3ZBaXNm (Amazon) As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases JOIN ME ON SUBSTACK - THE BRAIN CANDY BLUEPRINT! https://substack.com/@hilaryrusso GET BRAIN CANDY & WAYS TO BE KIND TO YOUR MIND DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy DISCOVER HAVENING TECHNIQUES TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS https://www.hilaryrusso.com/training BOOK HILARY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT OR ATTEND! https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.instagram.com/hilisticallyspeaking https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast MUSIC by Lipbone Redding https://www.lipbone.com
What if healing your body image started with connection—not correction? In this episode of HIListically Speaking, Hilary Russo and therapist Deb Schachter, co-author of Body Image Inside Out, explore how our early relationships, emotional patterns, and self-talk shape the way we see ourselves. From personal stories to powerful metaphors like the rotary, they unpack how emotions live in the body and how curiosity, compassion, and mindfulness can transform our inner dialogue. Perfect for anyone navigating body image, trauma-informed healing, or looking to build a healthier relationship with themselves—from the inside out. CONNECT WITH DEB SCHACHTER http://bodyimageinsideout.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bodyimageinsideouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-schachter-363b206/ GRAB THE BOOK! https://amzn.to/3Emh9Bo RAISE YOUR VOICE AND UPGRADE YOUR MIC! Hilary is Using Shure MV7+ Mic https://amzn.to/3ZBaXNm (Amazon) As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases JOIN ME ON SUBSTACK - THE BRAIN CANDY BLUEPRINT! https://substack.com/@hilaryrusso GET BRAIN CANDY & WAYS TO BE KIND TO YOUR MIND DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy DISCOVER HAVENING TECHNIQUES TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS https://www.hilaryrusso.com/training BOOK HILARY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT OR ATTEND! https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrussohttps://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.instagram.com/hilisticallyspeaking https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrussohttps://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast MUSIC by Lipbone Redding https://www.lipbone.com
Over 50 million individuals are trapped in human trafficking globally, with 25% being children. How can you ensure your child is safe? Erin Williamson of Love146, an organization devoted to ending human trafficking and labor exploitation, shares her personal journey from Kenya to the United States, debunking myths that trafficking only affects women and girls, and emphasizes the need for inclusive education to protect all children. From holistic support and survivor care for victims and their families to the importance of community vigilance and digital safety, host Hilary Russo asks Erin the tough questions to keep your family safe and aware. HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE 888-373-7888 CONNECT WITH ERIN WILLIAMSON AND LOVE146 https://love146.org/caregivers/https://www.instagram.com/love146 https://www.facebook.com/love146.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-williamson-5b88b58b EXPLORE HAVENING TECHNIQUES TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS https://www.hilaryrusso.com/training GET BRAIN CANDY DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy WORK WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrussohttps://www.instagram.com/hilaryrussohttps://www.youtube.com/hilaryrussohttps://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast MUSIC by Lipbone Redding https://www.lipbone.com/
Hilary Russo is a trauma-informed holistic practitioner, transformational coach, and health/wellness journalist. She is one of only 1000 practitioners in the world Certified in Havening Techniques and is also certified Havening Trainer. Havening is a neuroscience-based touch therapy that rapidly rewires the brain, builds resiliency, and de-encodes trauma. Hilary is also an international speaker and health/wellness TV guest expert who has been seen on QVC and stations around the US. Her globally top-rated (top 1.5%) podcast, HIListically Speaking® is inspiring conversations of trauma to triumph through health, healing, and humor and what it takes to be a happy and healthy grown-up. Hilary's signature HUG it Out® Method motivates you to find self-healing through humor, understanding, and gratitude with clarity, confidence, and calm. LINKS: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrussohttps://www.youtube.com/hilaryrussohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso/https://www.facebook.com/HIListicallySpeaking/https://www.hilaryrusso.com/haveninghttps://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you're fed up with mindless consumerism during the holidays, this episode is for you. Host Hilary Russo shares the art of intentional and holistic gift-giving to transform your holidays and your life. Discover how to balance the festive rush with meaningful presents that nurture the body, mind, and spirit. With her carefully curated Holistic Holiday Guide, Hilary offers products and services designed to inspire optimal living and emotional enrichment. Whether you're looking to support someone in grief, enhance your well-being, or add a spark to your relationships, this guide provides thoughtful solutions to HUG it Out in your everyday. GRAB THE HOLISTIC HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE https://www.hilaryrusso.com/holisticholidayguide GET BRAIN CANDY DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy WORK WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrussohttps://www.instagram.com/hilaryrussohttps://www.youtube.com/hilaryrussohttps://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast MUSIC by Lipbone Redding https://www.lipbone.com/
Can heartbreak lead to happiness? Breakups to breakthroughs? Renowned divorce coach and author Sara Davison says, “Yes they can!” Actually, Sara's mantra is “Screw You! Watch This!” It's a reminder to all those who have been through divorce, betrayals, and severed relationships that you can turn your devastating ends into powerful catalysts for personal growth and empowerment. From narcissism to parental alienation, Sara not only shares her personal divorce journey but also the impact uncoupling can have on the family when you lack the right tools and support to heal, grow, and uncover your hidden strengths. CONNECT WITH SARA DAVISON https://www.saradavison.com/ https://www.instagram.com/Saradavisondivorcecoach https://www.facebook.com/SaraDavisonDivorceCoach GET SARA'S BOOKS “Uncoupling: How to Survive & Thrive After Breakup & Divorce” https://amzn.to/4fMmgI8 (Amazon) “Split: Breakup to Breakthrough in 30 Days or Less” https://amzn.to/3YL1PEl (Amazon) GET BRAIN CANDY DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy WORK WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast MUSIC by Lipbone Redding https://www.lipbone.com/
It's not every day you hear about a girl from the Bronx turning her apartment into a healing center. Especially one who served in the Air Force and was part of New York's finest, the NYPD. But after discovering Natalia Maldonado had breast cancer, she turned herself into a holistic wellness warrior and the rest is history. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will have you wanting to dig deep into the dirt and get to the roots of what's holding you back and weighing you down. Get sprouted and ready to find the light in the darkness to holistically heal and grow. KEY MOMENTS/CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 03:41 Discovering Holistic Healing After Cancer 13:42 Bronx Tale: Finding light in the darkness 20:00 Spouting and healing 21:54: Institute for Integrative Nutrition 27:00 Fighting cancer with sprouts 32:05 Being of Service: From Air Force to NYPD 43:00 Patricia Moreno and the Intensati Legacy 57:00 Rapid Fire Game 59:28 Natalia Maldonado's takeaway for you 1:00:01 Hilary Russo's closing thoughts and info CONNECT WITH NATALIA https://wellnesswarriormethod.com/ https://www.instagram.com/iamwellnesswarrior Grab Natalia's FREE Whole Food 5 Day Whole Food Recipe Reset Intro to Sprouting Video Series BECOME A HEALTH COACH Try a Health Coach Training Program sample class from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) https://sldr.page.link/4byd Hilary's IIN referral will not only get you an inside peak to IIN for free, but a deep discount if you decide to enroll in any of the programs offered. PODCAST EPISODE MENTION: Depression to Detoxification with Joyce Rockwood (Episode 6) GET BRAIN CANDY DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (HIListically Speaking Podcasts, Events, Givewaways and More) https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy JOIN ME AT ONE OF MY FREE EVENTS https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso
Ever wondered how embracing your wild side can spark more joy and wisdom? HeatherAsh Amara can be your guide. That is, if you're willing. During this conversation with host Hilary Russo, HeatherAsh Amara shares her journey of self-discovery from Nepal to India with stories filled with laughter and insight to inspire us to explore self-trust and playfulness, no matter our age. It's such a big part of her journey, HeatherAsh wrote a book about it to encourage you to embrace your wild, willing, and wise. Tune in as shares her unique tools for balancing passion and flow, and hear about her personal experiences…including firewalking! This episode is all about igniting your inner spark and embracing the power of community. But also, what it takes to know when to paddle, when to rest, and when to jump naked into the river of life! KEY MOMENTS/CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:05 Discovering Inner Wisdom and Wildness 4:51 Growing up Around the World 7:00 The Indian girl that changed her life 09:30 Spiritual Connection and Community 15:00 Traveling book tour 16:37 The Importance of Play 22:45 Rapid Fire 24:00 What's in a Name? 27:51 Guest's Final Thoughts 28:00 Hilary's Final Thoughts WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso Grab a copy of “Wild, Willing and Wise: An Interactive Guide for When to Paddle, When to Rest, and When to Jump Naked into the River of Life” Paperback https://amzn.to/3ze15yQ (Amazon) Kindle https://amzn.to/3z4PmTo (Amazon) CONNECT WITH HEATHERASH AMARA https://wildwillingwise.com https://www.instagram.com/heatherashamara https://www.facebook.com/heatherash.amara GET BRAIN CANDY DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy JOIN ME AT ONE OF MY FREE EVENTS https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso https://www.facebook.com/hilisticallyspeaking https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast Music by Lipbone Redding https://lipbone.com
What if you could transform your trauma into a source of hope and healing? A physician in the middle of a pandemic, who survived the earthquakes in Nepal, Dr. Christy Gibson realized the mounting rates of trauma showing up, but not being recognized. Her mess became her message when she launched the "TikTok Trauma Doc” and authored the "The Modern Trauma Toolkit", a book that is a must at your bedside. During this conversation, Christy shares profound insights on hope in trauma recovery and the hidden emotional toll on healthcare professionals. Discover the distinction between PTSD and normal responses to extraordinary situations. Explore innovative therapies like Havening and Tapping. Plus, the transformative power of community, cultural sensitivity, and the benefits of integrating Western medicine with functional approaches. CHAPTERS/KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Intro 05:27 Healing Through Havening Techniques 10:29 Trauma Healing 14:46 Community Empowerment After Disaster 19:48 Empowerment Through Self-Discovery 25:37 Exploring Integrative Trauma Healing Methods 26:57 The Role of Antidepressants and Psychedelics 38:31 Sharing Healing Skills on TikTok 42:45 Connecting Through Healing and Collaboration 43:00 Rapid Fire Game 45:16 The Modern Trauma Toolkit 47:00 Dr. Christy Gibson takeaway 48:00 Hilary Russo closing thoughts WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso Grab a copy of “The Modern Trauma Toolkit” Paperback: https://amzn.to/3LeAW5z (Amazon) Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3y2cC3A (Amazon) Kindle: https://amzn.to/3xRBZoQ (Amazon) CONNECT WITH CHRISTY https://www.ChristineGibson.net https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktoktraumadoc https://www.youtube.com/@dr.christinegibson https://www.facebook.com/gibtrotterMD https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-gibson-md/ https://www.instagram.com/moderntraumatoolkit/ GET BRAIN CANDY DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy JOIN ME AT THE NEXT HAVENING HAPPY HOUR https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso https://www.facebook.com/hilisticallyspeaking https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast Music by Lipbone Redding https://lipbone.com/ FULL TRANSCRIPT 00:06 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) So many people do know what they need. If, given the resources to figure that out and that's why I love the work you're doing and why I created the modern trauma toolkit is to say these are some solutions to consider. I put 40 different activities in the book so that people could design their personal solution strategy to healing both self and systems. 00:29 - Hilary Russo (Host) Without hope, trauma intensifies. Think about that just for a moment, how it feels in your body, how it resonates with you, and I want you to just consider what that is like to have no possibilities, no resolution, no solutions, no hope. And I think it's safe to say that we've all been there at some point or another. Whether it is something very big or even small, that feeling of not having the control can be very overwhelming. In fact, it's common for our beautiful brain to go to that place, to want to keep us safe, to go to the negative, and it's up to us to reel her back right. If you've been with me for a while HIListically Speaking journey, you know that, whether it is the podcast or the brain candy newsletter, social, the HUG it Out Collective, wherever you're tuning in, however, we're connected. You know that. I'm all about sharing the sweetest ways to be kind to your mind and creating that space for conversations, connections, and solutions. 01:33 Hope, right, but I can't do it alone. I certainly cannot do it alone. That's why we need our tribe, our collective right, our community, and part of that is having people like Dr Christy Gibson joining me. She's part of that circle. She is not only a Havening Techniques practitioner. She is a family physician, a trauma therapist and author of the Modern Trauma Toolkit, which we're going to talk about, but also you've probably seen her as the TikTok trauma doc. Such a little like works really well, right. Well, christy, you offer such value. And when I read those words because those were your words that you said that it's now time to share what can be done to provide hope and solution focus, because without hope, trauma intensifies, it really hit me and I think we're really past due. 02:22 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) So, having you here to share your story, how you're helping, others and really talk about the book, which we will do is a gift, so thanks for being here. Well, thank you so much. What a beautiful intro Thanks, listen. 02:35 - Hilary Russo (Host) I have to say first of all it was so good to see you in person and have an opportunity to just give you a hug and spend some time with you during the Havening Conference which we just came back from in New York and you know there were a lot of people circling around getting to know you and your book that have maybe not met you before or were really touched, moved and inspired by the book or just what you're sharing and putting out there in the world. And I know that comes from what you've been through and I think that would be a really good place to start is to really have a better understanding of who Dr Gibson is, the TikTok trauma doc, and how you came into this work. 03:12 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) I think being the Dr Gibson part was actually a large part of the trauma that I didn't even know was sneaking up on me. So many others, like Lissa Rankin, a dear friend, have spoken about the trauma that's inherent in the work of being a physician, and we're not really taught to acknowledge it sufficiently. So, if I think about my origin story, while I really enjoyed being a hospital based doctor for 16 years, it took a lot out of me physically, emotionally, spiritually. Took a lot out of me physically, emotionally, spiritually. And it wasn't until I was out of that job that I recognized just how traumatic it is to like not just be up all night for 30 hours, ignoring the cues of hunger or, you know, sleep that your body is screaming at you, but also the vicarious suffering, the fact that somebody might die and then you have to go to the next room and somebody else is suffering in a different way, and we're not really taught how to process the very human feelings that we get when we're interacting with so much suffering. And that's one of the things that I needed to work on, and I'm still. It's a work in progress around my own healing, but it wasn't until I was caught in the earthquakes in Nepal in 2015,. 04:26 That PTSD kind of came on my radar. I was experiencing not PTSD, which is the disorder when it's continuing for a prolonged time and it's unexpected. This was post traumatic symptoms that I was having related to shaking. So if there was a garage in the building that I was in and the garage was moving up and down, I could feel that in every single cell of my body. 04:54 I did see a psychiatrist in Singapore. Luckily I had some insurance that was going to cover some medical visits and I said to him like, do I have PTSD? What's happening? I'm so hyper aware of everything around me. And he said, no, no, you're having a normal response to an abnormal situation and over time we'll see if this does linger beyond what's an expected amount of time. And fortunately for me, within the first two to three years the symptoms really faded and I had very few lingering symptoms. And the first time that I was exposed to Havening techniques I think I said this in the talk that I gave at our conference I processed the feeling of being in the earthquake and all of those vibratory senses that were stuck in my body and my nervous system and my very first demo experience of Havening those disappeared. So I had a very embodied, somatic experience of that, and the more techniques that I explored, the more that I was like people need to know this, physicians need to know this, all therapists need to know this. 06:02 - Hilary Russo (Host) But, like humans parents, teachers, dentists, realtors, people who work with the public, who might be facing their trauma in front of them and so that's become, uh, one of my new system level interventions that I'm really keen to work on yeah, and you know, when you spoke at the conference and it was really a gift to be on stage with you there, like I always love to surround myself with like minds and we're learning from each other, right, we're almost like a masterclass to each other in different ways. 06:36 And you sharing your story and hitting on that point, that PTS, ptsd like a lot of people that aren't in the area that we're in or working in health or medicine, they compound everything and you mentioned that in your book actually about the DSM-5, you know that we're more than just a symptom, we're more than just a diagnosis and sometimes and I'm sure you hear this with patients and clients people go right to oh, I know I have this, oh, I know I have that, and then you become that thing and it's much more difficult to break that. 07:14 Well, maybe not as difficult when you have amazing tools like Havening techniques, right, but you become this. It's like you label yourself right. You become this. It's like you label yourself right According to this out-of-date DSM-5 that we're still following and it has value, but in other ways, like we're giving people the simplicity of there are so many ways that you can heal and it begins within, just be honest be knowledgeable, yeah, so I wanted to explain what PTSD was so that I could uncover that box and explain it in a way that was really easy to understand. 07:51 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) We mentioned before we started recording just the main goal for me with the Modern Trauma Toolkit was to create something that was really accessible, Even though you know I'm a doctor and I actually have a doctorate, so I'm doctor, doctor. My goal is to get knowledge into people's hands in an easy way that's not going to stir up their nervous system too much. So I wanted to write a book that was both accessible from a health literacy perspective. You don't have to know big words. You know like psychoneuroimmunology, which is the study of exactly what Havening Techniques does and how it affects the mind-body. I wanted to explain this at a grade eight level of understanding and in a way that wasn't going to talk about the big things that might happen to you and really get your nervous system triggered. So, even though it might still activate some people, I think what differentiates the Modern Trauma Tool toolkit is it's a book that you can read comfortably and then go to sleep. That was really my goal. 08:53 - Hilary Russo (Host) Doesn't trigger you. 08:55 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Yeah, for it to feel like you're getting a hug at the same time that you're getting information, which was different. 09:02 - Hilary Russo (Host) Well, you know I'm going to resonate with that. 09:04 Yeah totally HUG it out. Having the ability to HUG it out with yourself, whatever that means to you, is really important. And if you're reading a pretty intense book at night, what do you think that's going to do to your subconscious mind? You know you're going to go into that place and constantly be thinking about it and it caused restless sleep. So being able to have something that you said is like a hug before you go to bed, a soothing technique that you can do right before you go to bed and people do like to read. I think that's beautiful. What caused you to go this route? To say I need a book, I need to write this. 09:41 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) I mean, ultimately it was my patients. I work currently I mean, I still do family practice, mostly at our refugee clinic, but I work also in trauma therapy with our refugees here in Calgary and I work in adult addictions. And then I have a really small group of people that I've been seeing for many years that I still see, who have what we call a high ACE score. So that's an adverse childhood experience score and it basically means they went through trauma in childhood and they need a really gentle guiding hand and a lot of them don't have access financially to mental health care that would be good for processing trauma. They can access, you know, some basic interventions for anxiety, but for trauma processing that can get quite expensive and in Canada at least, it's not always covered. So my goal was to work in equity deserving communities, because my entire career has been working in these communities that are often denied access, denied equity, denied safety, and so that was really important to me, that I was a resource, and one of the things that I noticed is a lot of patients would say, well, what book would you recommend? And I might come up with a few podcasts that I thought would be like reasonably safe to listen to. But I really wanted a book that was diverse in terms of cultural awareness and addressing the systemic factors that a lot of my patients face in terms of classism and racism and ableism and even the medical trauma that physicians like me can perpetuate, and I felt like if I wasn't addressing that and addressing the system level traumas that are imposed on people, then it's kind of like gaslighting and saying, oh, you are the only one having this problem, this is an individual thing and you know, because I also study systems and social innovation. It was really important for me to write a book that my patients could feel safe reading and that potential was there and that I was also looking at systemic causes and solutions of the trauma. So, while I definitely focus on the individual, the systems was a part of it. 11:54 So the Modern Trauma Toolkit kind of came about in this amazing way. Actually, I was asked to write a book by publishers who had been following me on TikTok and they were listening to little tidbits from TikTok TraumaDoc and they thought, well, wow, wouldn't this be amazing in a book? And I thought, yeah, I have this book in my brain already and I sat down and wrote the outline that still stuck in the final version of the book in an afternoon, like I had this book in my head and once I flushed out the proposal, I mean there was a bidding war for the book. Lots of people were really interested in this particular view of toxic stress and this particular way of writing about it. So it was. It was so exciting. 12:38 - Hilary Russo (Host) That is exciting, and you know it's just sometimes having somebody else look at you and go. This is valuable Right else look at you and go. 12:45 This is valuable, right? So I'm in the process of writing a book myself and submitting the proposals and hearing some really great feedback, because I think there is room for all of us to share with integrity, with authenticity, with knowledgeable factual information. But where I feel that your book is different from every other book that I have come into contact with is that what you just said about the inclusivity, the diversity and being that you have worked all over the world and dealt with those kind of cultures, the misrepresented, just cultures that need this, that might not be able to afford. This is level up, is level up and I have to say I connect with that fully because in my work, when I was working with CVS Health in Aetna, which is really a big company, two big companies here in the States we did a show on the social determinants of health, where we would travel to different areas around the country and focus on areas that could not afford a spa or wellness program or therapy and they were creating their own programs so that their communities were living healthy and well. 14:02 And you see it firsthand, I know right. Doesn't it make you so exciting, like walking into food pantries and seeing a community getting together and doing a wellness project, and I'm like I was just giddy seeing this. It wasn't something I would normally see in my everyday. I don't live in that world Right, so something like this would be so beneficial the Modern Trauma Toolkit. For anybody that was just interested, maybe it's not the person that lives in that community, but somebody who's supporting them like I'm going to bring this to that community. This could be really helpful for them. You know, and it excites you to know that there are possibilities and solutions. So I appreciate you putting out something like that and taking that into account so somebody doesn't feel less than when they're presented with an issue, a problem, a trauma. 14:46 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Yeah, and I think it took me some time because, you know, physicians are fixers, we're like, we think we are the brokers of solutions, and it took me some time to really understand that community knows their own solutions. 14:59 So this was actually my first TED Talk right after the earthquake. Interestingly, I was asked to give a TED Talk and they they didn't tell me what to talk about, they just said well, what is the earthquake making you think about? I thought honestly that I was not the solution to the problem of the earthquakes in Nepal. And so you know, western savior types, we kind of rush into disaster zones and like, if you're with something like MSF and you've got the logistics and you, you've got the expertise to handle that, that's great. But I had an expectation of myself and others had an expectation of myself and others had an expectation of me that I would be really useful after an earthquake, and I wasn't. I just wanted to be rescued. And in the meantime, the Nepali community was ready, because they have earthquakes quite regularly. And so what I had witnessed was this like sense of shame in myself about like well, you're a doctor, you should be useful. You're a Western person, what's your role here? And in the meantime, witnessing these Nepali doctors in Patten, which was the hospital I was affiliated with, so organized, so committed and so equipped to with with low resources, they still did everything they could to do exactly what was needed after the earthquake. And as I watched that unfold and community would fashion up a tent where everybody who was unhoused, whose houses had fallen down in the Patton neighborhood, they would be under these giant tents and they would have communal bowls of rice being served to 50, 100 people and I just watched all of that happen, I thought, you know, community knows what it needs. So that's, you know, watching it. 16:34 In an acute trauma, but also in chronic traumas, like when a community is facing resource scarcity, that's kind of imposed on them, that I always think of vulnerability as something that is created through the system and not intrinsic to that person, or definitely not that community. 16:50 And there are so many solutions. So that's why I talked about things like asset-based community development and I taught people how to run a social innovation lab, because I actually did that at a healthcare center that I was working at and I thought what are the ways that we can ask community how to solve their own problems? We create an advisory council, we did digital storytelling projects. So many people do know what they need if given the resources to figure that out, and that's why I love the work you're doing and why I created the Modern Trauma Toolkit is to say these are some solutions to consider. I put 40 different activities in the book so that people could design their personal solution strategy to healing both self and systems. Put 40 different activities in the book so that people could design their personal solution strategy to healing both self and systems. 17:33 - Hilary Russo (Host) Oh yeah, girl, I get it. This is why I love having people like you in my circle, because we learn from each other. Like I said, and I'm sitting here listening to you thinking the last thing a community wants is somebody to come in and tell them to change everything and take away part of what might be part of their culture. Right, totally Like ripping that away from them and saying this is how it's going to solve the problem. It's like you don't know me, you don't know the ancestral importance that goes on with how we do things and you see that so much like we can fix you. 18:06 And, yes, there are elements that you can synergetically bring into a culture and see how it works for them. But when I see that those areas where it's just like rip out, this is a solution, it's like do you have any idea the value that this community has in themselves, the pride, even if it, even if their currency is not high as far as financially, their currency, and pride for who they are is you know, and I think it's really listening and as we talk more about inclusivity and diversity and how we can really work together to help each other in this global village, this blue marble. We live on. These conversations need to happen. 18:51 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) I love so much how you phrase that, Hilary, around that intrinsic value, and I think we talk so much about ancestral trauma and that's very real. And I do love the somatic technique. So in the book I have a chapter on Havening, a chapter on EFT tapping. So in the book I have a chapter on Havening, a chapter on EFT tapping, a chapter on tremoring, because these are really easy things to learn in the comfort of your home and definitely if you're dealing with trauma, you probably need some professional guidance so that you don't freeze or dissociate or flood or get overwhelmed. But these somatic tools should be taught in school. They should be taught to everybody. Tools should be taught in school. They should be taught to everybody. And just as we acknowledge and work on that subconscious ancestral trauma that sometimes is pre-verbal and body-based solutions are so much more helpful. I love also focusing on the value of ancestral wisdom and culture and so people don't think that it's adding to their vulnerability. It's also an intrinsic strength. Yeah, I just love how you phrase that. 19:53 - Hilary Russo (Host) Well, I'll have to read back on what I said and watch this, because sometimes I just say things because I'm so passionate about it, which I'm sure you do too, but it just comes from such an authentic place. It really is about not us empowering anybody, not us healing anybody, but giving them the tools so that they're self-empowered. We don't want to own that, and I say this a lot, and I'm sure you do too. It's like the best thing that I could ever have from a client is them saying I don't think I need you anymore. 20:21 I want that Comment, if you have another upset or issue or something else you want to talk about, but I don't want you to need me, right? I want you to know that you have everything you need right here and if you need additional assistance outside of what your own body and mind, the secret language that exists right here has, then we can come back and have another conversation, because we all need each other anyway, you know. So it's making it so simple and like even in the subtitle of the book, which is nurture your post-traumatic growth right With personalized solutions, your personalized your post-traumatic growth right and thinking about we're always on this growing journey, you know. 21:07 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) And thinking about. We're always on this growing journey, you know, and I think we are to some extent, but there are a lot of people who feel stuck, that they don't know the next steps to take, and so what I love is how many of us are putting out good information into the world that's free and accessible and anyone can find it. I didn't know these solutions. You know I had been a practicing physician for probably 18 years before I took a deep dive into trauma healing and I ended up getting certified in like a dozen different modalities, because I'm just a very innately curious person, and it's not that I don't use them in my practice I definitely do. But also part of what I love doing is sharing, and so I'll talk about Havening, but I'll also talk about my favorite processing technique is called accelerated resolution therapy, and it was the very first one I learned, and when I started doing it as a doctor, I started to recognize that I had patients who had terrible lung disease and they were always working to catch their breath and so much of it was actually obstructed breathing because they had a sense of suffocation and even like an energetic disruption in their breath cycle related to trauma. And once we processed trauma they breathed differently. I had another patient whose diabetes was totally out of control. Their A1c, which is a marker of sugar in their bloodstream, was up above 14, which is like twice as high as it should be. We did trauma processing together. They processed like one of the most heartbreaking traumas I've ever borne witness to and their A1c dropped in half and it's been almost normal since that time, and so much of it was this disconnection to their own body. So sometimes people can't find solutions on their own because they're either not wanting to acknowledge that their mind-body system is alive and functioning that's a safety mechanism is to dissociate and to disconnect from your own system. Part of establishing that safety was processing some of these big things that people went through. 23:10 And once I started to recognize how far upstream this was. So upstream interventions are the ones that are more preventative and they're earlier and healing from trauma and healing your nervous system. State when your amygdalas are firing and telling you every single day that you're in danger. Well, that's exhausting and it's taking a lot of your energy and it's actually turning off your immune system and all of the parts of your body that are self-healing. 23:36 So we help your Amy's your amygdalas and say like, hey, I don't think you're in danger anymore, or could you just learn the moments when you can be in a safe and connected nervous system state? Then all of these self-healing mechanisms kick in again, and once I saw that firsthand using accelerated resolution therapy, I was like, okay, wow, what else is there? And as a physician, this is one of the most important things I could be doing. So I mean, it was really exciting for me to witness that within my family practice. I just remember my first couple of years exploring this back in like 2017, 18, and the transformations I was seeing and thinking there's nothing more important than this. 24:25 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yeah, yeah, and thinking there's nothing more important than this, yeah, yeah. And I want to ask you so many questions about how a medical doctor because, look, when you're dealing with Western med and you're taught a certain way, thinking about techniques and other possibilities outside of what has traditional Western med, there are some people that aren't going to gravitate to that. So I want to talk about that in a second, but I do want to remind folks the Modern Trauma Toolkit, dr Christy Gibson's book an amazing, put in your library, right, and we're going to have a link to this in the podcast notes for you to grab it. If you have already read the book would love to know what you think about it. Leave a comment, a, a review, a rating, anywhere that you're tuning in. If you are curious about how to get in touch with dr christie myself, I'm going to have all that in the podcast notes. 25:15 And, of course, if this is touch, moved and inspired you in any way this conversation thus far, pay it forward. Let somebody else know about it. If you know somebody that's like oh, I know someone who's confronted with this, or I know someone that might want to bring these tools into their community, pay it forward my somebody that's like oh, I know someone who's confronted with this, or I know someone that might want to bring these tools into their community. Pay it forward, my friend. That's. The best way to build community in a collective is to let others know about it. So thank you for that. Doctor Christy Gibson I hear this a lot because I have a lot of doctors on the show. I've had traditional Western medicine doctors who are some of them are even leaving their practice because they feel kind of, you know, tied, mainly here in the States, especially going into functional medicine, integrative approaches because they're tied. What made you say aha, no, I gotta, I gotta look into this. 26:08 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Well, and I think in Canada we have a little bit more leeway because we don't have, like, a health insurance company dictating how we manage our patients. 26:16 So we we do have a little bit more freedom to explore and be flexible. I know a lot of people who are straddling integrative and Western techniques. I'm also in the lifestyle medicine community and I think a lot of that is so natural and intrinsically preventative. There is that exploration. So lots of physicians that I know are exploring and I like to think of myself as really straddling both worlds and hoping to bring them together because I don't think either of them has all of the answers right. So the more that we collect all of the different tools that are available, people will be able to personalize the things that work for them. So even though I haven't seen a lot of evidence that antidepressants are curative for PTSD, I've had some patients who really benefit from it. So even though I have a lot more tools in my toolkit than medications, I'm never going to say to a person oh, this can't work for you because that's not everyone's experience. So I love how, because we're recognizing in medicine that trauma. There is no single pill that's going to miraculously heal trauma. Although psychedelics do hold a lot of promise, we need this in an integrated way. I mean, a psychedelic medication, in my perspective, is not going to work if you just take it and you're in a room by yourself. Trauma, especially relational trauma, heals in relationships, and so the set and the setting in a therapeutic relationship surrounding the use of psychedelics is the factor, and so I think that's one of the reasons why the FDA kind of voicing concern over it is because, like, how do you manualize all of those safety mechanisms around it? 27:57 I was taught in medical school try SSRIs or antidepressants for almost every you know psychiatric condition. For PTSD we're told to use blood pressure medications, so alpha blockers or beta blockers that change the way that your heart rate is beating and then perceived, so you don't necessarily have that body-based trigger for anxiety, and that could help with nightmares. It would help you potentially have a calm body as you're falling asleep and less likely to cue up those intrusive symptoms. That was all we had in our armamentarium. And then, in terms of therapy, I was told cognitive behavior therapy is the gold standard for almost everything, and I had a lot of unlearning to do. 28:45 I think curiosity and humility are really, really important for all professionals to keep, and we're not always good at it. We're like well, this is what I was taught and this is what the evidence says. And I write a disclaimer really early in the chapter on Havening. And I actually felt a bit bad because Dr Ron Rudin was sitting on the chair next to me reading through my chapter because I'd gifted him a copy and I was like, oh, how's he going to feel? Because I said right in the first few paragraphs it doesn't have the level of randomized clinical trials or randomized control trial that I'm used to seeing as a medical doctor and yet it's one of the most effective treatments that I've been exposed to. So I wanted to be to put that out there and say, even though I am a scientist, I've got a doctor doctor behind my name. I'm also going to listen to my patients and see what's working and try to understand the neurophysiology. And that's what I love about what the Rudin's did. 29:43 Is they really researched? What are the parts of the inner brain mechanisms that are being activated through the Havening techniques and what is the physiological basis about why these work? And I've started to research that around eye movement techniques like accelerated resolution therapy and brain spotting, deep brain reorienting there's a lot of different therapies where there's actually research into what's happening in your brainstem, and so part of why I love being a doctor who's using these body based, somatic, integrative, psycho sensory, all of these new techniques is I love exploring why they might be working and we're coming up with some not just theories, but even Ruth Lanius's lab in Ontario. She's a psychiatrist who does a lot of basic science research and she's using functional MRI imaging to show how different kinds of techniques are working in the treatment of trauma, so we're actually starting to see the scientific evidence of something that we clinically knew was working. This is such an exciting time, so exciting knew was working. 30:46 - Hilary Russo (Host) This is such an exciting time, so exciting and while you're talking about being there next to Dr Ron and having him read, that and it made me think, like what if someone picks up this book or somebody does Havening and tries it for the first time and they're willing to fund a study because they want? 31:05 to know more and they've seen it Like just getting it out there is know you do that. This is such a nurturing, loving, effective technique and it's so simple, much like many of the others in the book as well. But for something like this, where I know and you know, I said this during my presentation you get the question, you get a lot is what's happening? Right? But fine, ask that question because I'd love to tell you what it is. 31:40 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Or I'd love to share it with you, or I'd love to show you how it works. 31:45 - Hilary Russo (Host) I mean, I was at a car dealership yesterday having a one-to-one with one of my fellow business networking people and of course you know I'm learning about his business, he's learning about mine. He's like what is it? I was like how long you got. I'm like leave the door open, Don't worry what's going on around you. I can show you what this is in five minutes and let's see how you feel. It's that easy, right? So just being able to put it out there in the inquisitive curiosity of others who might be able to help put a modality like this next level, it's just keep talking about it, which brings me to TikTok trauma doc. Okay, Like that's a whole level up, and I know this is something that you, you, you started doing this during the pandemic, obviously right, Because we're all bored. 32:31 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Well, and it was. It was a young person who encouraged me, so I have a couple of amazing young people in my life. 32:37 I don't have biological kids, but there's a woman named Aishwarya that I met when she was in university and it started off as a mentorship relationship but it definitely deepened. We text almost daily now and one of the things that happened quite early in the pandemic. This was January 2021, when I joined, and she said you know, the way that you explain mental health concepts is really different. Like you have just a way of using language that I can really get what you're saying, whereas I've heard this concept before and I don't think I understood it in the same way. You need to get on TikTok. And so she taught me that I had to watch YouTube videos about how to TikTok, which is so meta when you think about it. So I joined, you know, january 2021. By the time, I had my book deal guessing that was a year later I had about 60,000 followers and then, like now, I have about 130,000. I mean, kate Truitt has a lot too. 33:32 Like there's there's a few of us in the Havening community that are really trying to put this out there, and because TikTok is being targeted as a social media education platform in the states that may or may not survive. I am trying to upload more to Instagram and YouTube and my Facebook, so those would be under Christine or Christy Gibson MD. Some places I'm called Gibtrotter. My Facebook, uh, so those would be under Christine, christine or Christy Gibson MD. Um. Some places I'm called Gib trotter, uh, because I I travel so much, um so. So there, there are different platforms I'm using. All of them are um Christine. 34:13 Gibsonnet is my um as my professional page, so you can track me down and we'll share all of that. 34:17 - Hilary Russo (Host) We'll share all that in the podcast notes so that you can get in touch with Dr Christy, but like they're going to find you anyway, well, and part of me worries that TikTok will be gone by the time. 34:25 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) This airs Like it does feel like a really real thing that they might take away from us, and I personally love that community. There's so many good mental health practitioners there mental health practitioners there and there is misinformation, but it's pretty easy to weed out. You can figure out both who's got credibility. But also, is the thing that they're sharing working for you? Is it actually helping heal your nervous system and learning to touch in and figure out which of the techniques are actually feeling good for you and how is your day going once you've learned these? And that's what I think is so special about Havening is people have such a body-based understanding of how it helps immediately after trying five minutes in a car dealership. 35:08 - Hilary Russo (Host) Come on, exactly. It's like just give it a try. The first step is the hardest. It's stepping into the tension of saying well, all right, I got five minutes, let me see what she's doing on this old ticky-tock right or anything. And I came to the TikTok game a little later and that was okay. But because I feel like we all are sharing in some way, like you mentioned, dr Kate, yourself, the podcast is big for me, or Instagram, and it's really finding what works for you. So we're kind of infiltrating every possibility, you know, and then we'll like if things move around and things do go away and you know we've seen that happen with other social media sites we'll find our way and people will find us, you know it's just keeping authentic and putting out the content. 35:54 But my big question is how does someone who has not done that you're watching all these videos on youtube, like you said? I mean, how much time did you invest in that? 36:04 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) yeah, I mean there was definitely a time investment to try to figure out what does the algorithm like, and I mean I had to watch a lot of tick tocks to see, well, what are the trending sounds and the trending themes and um. So I definitely did some of that. Like, my first videos that blew up were on trending sounds, that I was doing something kind of interesting based on that. So one of the early ones was kind of my journey through medicine and then learning how to be a trauma therapist, and I did that to music. And then my first video that really blew up was related to Havening. It was describing information. So it got like a million views. 36:41 I didn't relate it to Havening in the video, I just wanted to share what informations were. 36:45 But I learned this when I was studying the Havening techniques and so then after that video blew up, I was like OK, gosh, I got to tell people the origin story. So I had to explain like who actually came up with the formations and what the what ifs were and how I learned them in Havening training. And it's one of the things I like so much about the techniques is there is the body based practicing of, you know, the gentle brushing on the areas of your body that create calming delta, theta waves in the brain. And people are creating these amazing techniques to go along with it. And people are creating these amazing techniques to go along with it, and that's what I was trying to share in this integrative way at the conference is we are starting to just learn all of the amazing potential within these techniques, so using them with if formations or what if statements. Harry Pickens says that this plant seeds of possibility in the neural garden. I love how he describes that. 37:39 - Hilary Russo (Host) With his voice too. 37:40 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Oh, I know. 37:42 - Hilary Russo (Host) You can listen to Harry all day. 37:43 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Yeah. 37:44 - Hilary Russo (Host) Fellow Havening practitioner, my friends. 37:46 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Amazing human. And I like how you said voice, because voice is really important to me too. And so when I'm sharing on my TikTok channel, when I was reading the audio book at the Hachette offices in New York which was like the coolest week of my life I was really deliberate and saying, like, my voice has to feel safe enough. Because of polyvagal theory, we know that tone of voice and the way that you are moving your facial muscles actually makes a person's nervous system feel safer. So we can co-regulate through the mirror neurons in our brain that are saying, hey, is this person safe? And tone of voice makes a huge difference for that. So there was all of these factors that were important for me in terms of delivering the message. 38:31 So when I'm on TikTok and I'm thinking, well, what is the thing that I want to share, sometimes I can get my tone of voice a little into that sympathetic fight and flight tone if I'm talking about the systems that are harming people. But when I'm giving those healing skills, I want people to really have an understanding right away. Oh, wow, my nervous system feels different. That's so exciting to be able to share. Oh, my nervous system feels different. 38:57 - Hilary Russo (Host) That's so exciting to be able to share Totally. And I had that moment thinking, oh, she was at the publisher's office recording the book, soothing yourself because of that whole Vegas nerve. And that's why we do the OM, that's why we sing Different ways that you can create that safety in your own body while you're sharing it with others. So it's like paying it forward in your own way while you're sharing it with others. So it's like paying it forward in your own way while you're reading your own book. I mean that must have been fascinating. 39:23 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) And I mean it's not just reading the book, because that was like, even though it was an amazing week, it was, it was just a week, but I find I don't feel as stressed at the end of my day. So a lot of my physician friends will say, like how can you listen to trauma stories all day? And like A I don't tend to encourage people giving me too many details about their trauma. That can strengthen the pathway towards those memories. But for me to do something like Havening or tapping along with my patients all day, like I'm doing this you know, 80% of the day I'm using one of those techniques during a session I feel so different. I feel so regulated and calm at the end of the day. So I feel like I'm processing a lot of my own nervous system dysregulation, from being present to suffering. That's not a skill that I learned as a physician and all of us need it. 40:16 So, I'm trying so hard to get this book into health professionals hands to say like you're dealing with suffering all day, how are you managing that? Like, yeah, like, be gentle with yourself and learn something that will help your nervous system too, and then share it with all of your patients. 40:32 - Hilary Russo (Host) Absolutely. I said that last year at the conference because you know, coming from the background as a journalist, the forgotten first responders were like the first ones on scene first ones to hear the story. 40:43 We're taking in all that information just like if it's a patient or a client and you don't want to take that home with you, and then you're thinking you're just burned out or overwhelmed and it's like so much deeper. It's that secondary traumatic stress, right, the vicarious trauma. So understanding, okay, I've got a lot that's coming at me. I can self-regulate while I'm listening to this person. 41:08 It actually allows them to mirror back and feel more comfortable knowing that you're not just sitting across from someone in a Freudian way on a couch being like, tell me your feelings, you're part of the process with them. Like, hey, I'm human too. I got feelings, I got, I got a nervous system that's out of whack every once in a while. I hear you, right, and they just want to be heard. We want to be heard. So, on that note, love everything we're sharing. We're going to put it all in the podcast notes. 41:30 Again, the modern trauma toolkit You're going to find it because I'm going to share it with you. Also, dr Christy on TikTok so much that you can do to find Christy and bring her into your toolkit as well with what she's sharing. So we'll share all that. But I want to have a little fun with you before we go, because this is where, if you ever listened to my podcast, you know this is coming. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. So I play a game called Rapid Fire, where I have written down words that you've said and I throw them out at you and I want you to come back with the first word that comes to mind. 42:05 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) No problem, let's do it. 42:06 - Hilary Russo (Host) Oh, I know You're like ready for this. Okay, here we go. Relationships. 42:12 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) People. 42:14 - Hilary Russo (Host) Safety. 42:16 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Calm. 42:18 - Hilary Russo (Host) Toolkit. 42:18 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) I know it's two words exciting growth potential earthquake, I want to say shook me well, that's okay, vicarious healing trauma opportunity. 42:37 - Hilary Russo (Host) Healing, trauma, opportunity, tiktok. 42:40 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Fun. 42:42 - Hilary Russo (Host) Are you having fun on it? 42:43 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) I do yeah, absolutely. 42:45 - Hilary Russo (Host) Look, I found you on there and I didn't even know you were a Havity practitioner back when you first did it, because we don't know everybody, even though we're a small group. There's only like a thousand of us. At that time there probably were six, seven hundred. But even at that point I'm like how does this lady know all about Havening? And then I was like, oh, that makes sense and I love that. I was like you just kind of like hi-fi in the screen, you know. So thank you for everything you're putting out there and just everything you're doing and creating this beautiful book and everything that you are doing to help people on their healing journey. I imagine we'll probably have some opportunities to connect and collaborate in the future, because I so align with everything you're doing and it would be a gift to do that in the future. But I want to ask you if there's anything you want to leave with those who are tuning in. 43:32 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Just the way that you started the session. Let's finish with hope. A lot of people feel like this is who I am kind of. What you said earlier is this I am defined by the trauma that I've been through. That is not necessarily your story. You can always change your story and I think there are so many pathways towards that possibility for folks and I just encourage them to explore the paths that are feeling right for them, Because the path can lead to tremendous amounts of healing and I believe that's possible for all people. 44:07 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yes, and you know that was one word I never put in the rapid fire. What do you feel when you hear the word? 44:14 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) hope the word hope, yeah, magic. I feel like some of the things that I've been able to study and I feel so grateful to know it After finishing a session with somebody, that I can see the neuroplasticity happening in real time and their brain is rewiring. It feels magical, and I've had patients use that word and it's just the most uh, wonderful experience. Um, and you're right, it's. It's watching them heal themselves. 44:42 - Hilary Russo (Host) It's magic it's like a silent hi-fi, like you're part of the process, but you're just happy. Somebody else is joyfully present and able to just live their lives well, optimally, you know, or has a new tool to do so. It's a good feeling. 45:01 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) It is a good day for a good day when that happens. 45:04 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yeah, thank you, christy, it was a pleasure Thank you for being here. 45:09 - Dr. Christy Gibson (Guest) Oh, thank you so much. That was an amazing conversation, Hilary. It's so great to spend more time with you. 45:16 - Hilary Russo (Host) If this conversation aligned with you in any way, I want you to do us a solid over here at HIListically Speaking. Pay it forward, share it with others who might find value too, and just by leaving a rating and review wherever you tune in, it gives others a chance to find this podcast and conversations like this. The Modern Trauma Toolkit. My friend, this book is a must, and I put a link in the podcast notes so that you can grab a copy. Start trying out some of these amazing approaches. See what Dr Christy Gibson has to say. You can also find links to connect with her on whatever social media platform you choose, and you heard us talk about Havening. I talk about it a lot, but it was wonderful to talk about it with Christy and how you can be a part of the journey to put active emotional well-being in your own hands. If you're interested, there is a link and you can HUG it Out with you can with me and see if Havening aligns with you. Plus, you can come to one of my free Havening happy hours that I host every month, a supportive online event where you not only get to learn how to do Havening or continue to do it if you've been doing it already, but you have me as your guide during the experience. It's a wonderful way to do a little Q&A, a little discussion and lots of loving Havening. You can also join the free Hug it Out Collective that is my Facebook group. It is a supportive, safe space where others just like you are on the path to becoming, or continuing to be, a happy and healthy HIListically Speaking, , is edited by 2 market media, with music by Lipbone Redding and supported and listened to by you. 46:55 So, thank you. There is always hope. That's what I want to leave. So, thank you. There is always hope. That's what I want to leave you with today. There's always hope and as long as you've got me as your guide and me by your side, I will make sure that you always remember that I love you, I believe in you and I'm sending hugs your way. Be well.
I have sleep apnea. I also had major jaw surgery at 15. Are they connected? If I had a Magic 8 Ball, it would likely say, “All signs point to Yes”. And so would one pioneer in holistic dentistry by the name of Dr. Claire Stagg. Through my personal journey of trauma and jaw surgery, we highlight the limitations of conventional solutions like CPAP and oral appliances, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, whole-body approach. Dr. Stagg shares invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of our body's systems, focusing on non-surgical solutions for TMJ, clenching, grinding, sleep apnea, and airway disorders. This is about building your symphony of specialists who focus on the root cause, not just the diagnosis. It's the conversation I wish my parents and I had over 35 years ago when I sat in the dentist's chair. Today, I hope it serves as a guide for anyone struggling to find answers. And for parents, let it offer a new kind of hope for your kids to leave you better informed when it comes to your dental health and overall well-being. KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Intro 00:06 Whole Body Approach to TMJ 03:50 Orthodontic Surgery Complications and Alternatives 14:31 Identifying and Addressing Airway Issues 18:20 Comprehensive Approach to Airway Disorders 20:48 Navigating Specialists for Sleep Apnea 25:38 CPAP vs Oral Appliance 26:51 Addressing Root Cause of Sleep Apnea 34:34 Understanding Palatal Expansion and Growth 42:05 Empowering Dental Health Education and Advocacy 46:33 Parent's Journey to Healing Child 48:49 Rapid Fire Game 49:49 Dr. Stagg's closing thoughts 51:29 Hilary's closing thoughts/Wellness Resources and Support Availability Grab a copy of Dr. Stagg's book, “Smile: It's All Connected" Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3XLYm9X (Amazon) Share storytime about proper dental health with her children's book "Captain IFBI" https://amzn.to/4cipP7l (Amazon) Get the Daily Dental Protocol Checklist. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Y4V5mXB CONNECT WITH DR STAGG https://healthconnectionsdentistry.com/ https://www.instagram.com/SmileProDentist https://www.facebook.com/SmileProDentist HEALING IN YOUR HANDS. HAVENING WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening CONNECT WITH HILARY https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.facebook.com/HIListicallySpeaking/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/hugitoutcollective/ https://x.com/hilaryrusso https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking Music by Lipbone Redding https://lipbone.com/ FULL TRANSCRIPT ALSO ON PODCAST WEBSITE 00:06 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Think about all the systems that are shut down because you can't breathe right? The oral appliance isn't going to fix it. The CPAP is definitely not going to fix it, because what's going to happen is the body is going to acclimatize or get used to that level of band-aiding and then it's like okay, you know what it is. The little Dutch boy with his finger came to mind with a dam. So you put one finger here and then you put one finger here, and then you put one finger here and you put one finger, and then you're not gonna have enough fingers or toes, and then the dam's gonna break. And it's exactly the same concept. 00:40 - Hilary Russo (Host) Okay, my friends, One of the reasons I went into the work that I do is it was an effort to heal my own trauma and, as a result of that, from having TMJ my whole life, from having jaw surgery when I was a teenager and not knowing really how to heal and not getting the right kind of support after that surgery, I wanted to know what I could do to heal later in life, because we really never stop healing, right? You hear me talk about that all the time and it's really how Havening came into my life. It was the first time I was ever Havened was on the trauma from my surgery years later. But what we're learning is that it's all connected. Everything from head to toe. It's all connected. Everything from head to toe, it's all connected. 01:32 So when I was introduced to Dr Claire Stagg, a holistic dentist who believes in the whole body approach thank you so much I knew that her story and her method would resonate with so many others, because I've had these conversations with so many Dr Stagg about TMJ, jaw issues, clenching, grinding, stress and the problems that happen after the breathing, the sleep apnea, and it's such a common problem. So when you came into my space, when I was introduced to you by a client who you introduced me to, I knew that you were the right person to talk about this, to share the journey, to share possibilities, and I am so grateful that you are here. 02:12 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Well, thank you, thank you, and I think it would be good to, if it's okay with you, to answer your questions and your journey, because I think you went through the whole gamut of from the start out the gate to the journey itself. So the first thing I'd like to add is that surgery is a massive undertaking and, unfortunately, one of the things because you and I have talked before this is that, without stepping on too many toes and being politically correct, it would be wise to figure out why orthognathic surgery is being done. A lot of times people are having their jaws move forward without understanding how the whole concepts work, and a lot of times some things can be done, so a lot and some can be done non-surgically. You just don't know what. You don't know until you know it. So surgery is a end-all, be-all concept and if you have a broken bone, it's a good time to put things together. 03:20 But the head, the cranium, all these things keep moving all the time. I have a skull here with sutures. I mean this is just the top part, if you will, this is the front. The head you can tell Fred moves a lot too with me. Then this is the part that I work with and this is what I tell everybody, this is what I do right this part and right this part, and then this part. All right, but not as crooked. But what happened is you had your surgery to go ahead and to fix something that might have been fixable without it actually having to have the surgery. So here we go. I'm trying to put it all together for you and showing us us on YouTube. 04:04 - Hilary Russo (Host) We are on YouTube in case anybody wants to watch the video rather than just listen. It is on YouTube. 04:10 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Right. So what I'm trying to say basically is that if you approach and saying that you need jaw surgery, please educate yourself more before you go down that rabbit hole, because it makes us a lot harder for us who are coming in behind to work on, to have arch expansion or arch development or airway issues to resolve them, if we're trying to move bone when you have screws tying them in. That's all I'm trying to say. So I interjected very early on. I'm sorry, but that's where I think. If you start off the gate that way and I think, unfortunately your issues, if I may say so, continued and stemmed from the actual surgery. They were trying to do one thing, but you ended up with a lot of other things. So that's where we have to weigh the pros and the cons, right. 04:59 - Hilary Russo (Host) Absolutely. 04:59 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Very delicate. 05:00 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yeah, and it's something that you know. Back in the 80s, when this surgery was done, I was 15 years old. What was known about it? It was pretty much a younger surgery. The surgery itself was hours, the healing process was eight to 10 weeks with a jaw wired shut, and just you know. If this is triggering to anyone, I just want to preface that we're going to go there, that this surgery was not a minor surgery that you're doing in a dental office. I had a doctor that dealt with the face, I had an orthodontist, I had a dentist. It was like this team. And even after the surgery, a year later, I had follow-up surgery and I told myself. I said this has got to be it Like there can't be more than this because it was very traumatic. And this has got to be it Like this, there can't be more than this, because it was very traumatic. And the years following, because I was still growing, there was movement still happening, obviously, right. 05:55 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So, and at 15, you're not finished growing. And that's the other thing to girls and boys grow differently. Girls can grow, still continue growing, sometimes up to 18, sometimes maybe even 21. Boys start later, but they can continue growing. I have a friend of my former husband who was continuing to grow tall at 29 plus. So everybody's different, but 15 is very young to do that. 06:19 - Hilary Russo (Host) It was young. It was a decision I had to make. 06:21 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) We could start a column of pros and cons there, Hihillary, of things that could go really really well and things that we might want to wait because they might cause problems later on, right? 06:32 - Hilary Russo (Host) But this is also something that you have a lot of younger patients and I know that there are moms and dads out there that listen that this might not be for them, specifically someone who's in my age range, but perhaps their child has breathing issues or they are dealing with. You know, I had the malocclusion, I had a protruded lower jaw and it was causing a lot of lockjaw and pain and discomfort and to go to that extreme after braces. I imagine that's not the approach this day and age, because there's more science, there's been more development, so it's also to give parents an understanding of information that they're getting about holistic dentistry and other possibilities before taking that approach with their children even. 07:19 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) All right, so let's go ahead about and talk. Interject also because you had four premolars extracted correct? 07:27 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yes, I think you're talking about the wisdom teeth. No, no, no, oh no. 07:32 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) The 18 year old molar right. We, in theory, have 32 teeth, all right. Unfortunately, and I'm just so we're. We're going to talk about all the not to do things all right, to put it in quotes for air, quotes for those who are listening there are a lot of things that and I'm not bashing orthodontists, please don't get me wrong, I'm not. I do orthodontics too, so that's not the issue. There's different ways of doing things all right. That's not the issue. There's different ways of doing things All right. One of them and if you, if you read or you know of Western Price, western Price talked about nutrition, about airway, of growing, of growing arches. All right, your head, your neck. So basically we're back to this again All right. 08:21 And unfortunately, what happens is that when you have the jaw joint like this, all right, this is this is, think of it this way, like this, and then like that, when you translate, okay, what happens? A lot of times? You end up with a jaw disorder or joint disorder if this whole part, this maxilla, this part, is not developed enough and it sounds to me like what you had was an underdeveloped upper arch right. So, unfortunately, a lot of times, people say, oh, this one, they think that this is the normal one. And then this is too far forward, the lower jaw is too far forward, and that's why you end up having all these issues. Let's go ahead and let's take teeth out and bring the jaw back. Well, you've just created a joint problem, a TM joint, temporal mandibular joint problem, because now you shove the joint back, the jaw back. So now you see the cascade of events and this is what I was trying to say the cascade of events, of all the not to do so. First of all, figure out why you need surgery, what has happened, and then all the not to do so. You can't compound a problem with another, causing causative problem that will create another set of problems. 09:48 So the first thing that you want to do is you want to be able to develop the arches and figure out which one truly is underdeveloped, because nine times out of ten, it's not necessary that the lower jaw is too far forward. Most of the time it's because the upper arch is not developed enough. And so, in order to balance them, conventional orthodontics go ahead and say let's take teeth out to make more room. Well, there's just so much. Think of a garage. This is my favorite analogy that I use. All right, think of a garage and let's say you have a 20 by 20 by 24, four walls that are 20 feet long, right? So it's a square, okay. And you say you're going to make more room and you decide to take four feet off in the length of each side of the garage. Will you have a bigger or a smaller? 10:45 - Hilary Russo (Host) garage. You're not going to have a lot of space for those cars, that's for sure, correct. But you have a smaller garage, right, right, and it's exactly the same thing with the mouth, all right. 10:55 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So think too, now that you have on top of that garage, you have another room, all right, which is the nose. The nose, if you will, is a hollow space, all right. But the floor of the nose is the roof of the mouth, which you've just made smaller. What are you doing to the nasal passages? It's the same exact thing. Now you've brought the jaws up and back, you've made the garage or the box smaller. You've made the nasal passages smaller. Now you've brought everything back. What's back here? It's the tube that the airway is. So you start breathing through the nose, and the tube continues from the nose down to the throat. 11:43 - Hilary Russo (Host) And again, I just want to mention to folks if folks are actually listening and they want to see what Dr Stagg is talking about, you can go ahead and find this podcast episode on youtubecom slash Hilary Russo. You'll see all the podcast episodes there to watch as well, if you want to do that. 11:58 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So, if you go ahead, when you think about it, this is a person laying down, but this is the best picture that I can have right now to where we need to breathe through our nose. A lot of people breathe through their mouths, but, no matter what, if you lay back and everything closes up, then you have OSA or obstructive sleep apnea. So, basically, what I'm trying to say is the rabbit hole started by, probably, the diagnosis of lack of airway or lack of space, and so that's where it would be important to go ahead and to determine what type of space do you want? Which space are you trying to open up? The nasal passage or the oropharyngeal passageway? An oral mouth? Pharynx is the back, where the throat is. So in your case, it sounds to me like they wanted to go ahead and to move your jaw so that you can have straight teeth, right. 12:54 - Hilary Russo (Host) That was part of it, and also I was getting a lot of pain and jaw aches. So they broke it, set it back and I don't know if I truly remember everything because I was a kid. You know you think you're getting braces, retainers, it's all to straighten your teeth. That's it, day is done, perfect teeth and you're happy. But there were more issues I was dealing with and that is where I am now, 35 years later, where the problems have become the obstructive sleep apnea movement and wondering where does one go next when you have years in between and other issues are now coming up. 13:32 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Right. So the rabbit hole you're down at the bottom of the rabbit hole, right? Okay? So we're not going to cry over spilt milk, because it is what it is, it's done. But now you're aware that there are issues that you have to deal with. Okay, so then the goal is to figure out how we can get you out of the rabbit hole by reverse engineering what has occurred. So, basically, now you're going to address your airway, you're going to address your jaw joints, you're going to address your bite and you're going to address your nasal passages both going to address your nasal passages, both upper and lower. That's the airway, all, right. So this is where you mentioned that you were talking with um sleep doctors. Okay, that's one part of the orchestra. If you will, all right, then you're going to talk with dentists. That's the other part of the team, if you will, the orchestra. 14:22 I like to say that patients are the music. You either have harmony or cac. Say that patients are the music. You either have harmony or cacophony. It's a French term. You either have chaos or you have health, right. So the whole idea now is to figure out who's going to be in charge of trying to figure out what's wrong, what happened where you are now, because we can't reverse engineer everything to. If you have screws in there, per se, all right, but the whole idea is to figure out what can we do to either see what we can ameliorate or make better and or stop from getting worse. So that's the interesting part is that's where you really need to figure out where you are now. 15:02 If you do have an airway issue, to what intensity is the airway issue an issue? Those of you who do not know anything about sleep apnea we have either a sleep test, a home sleep test, to where you can take a little apparatus. Home Dentists, we're not allowed to diagnose sleep apnea, but we can treat it with oral appliances. So mild to moderate sleep apnea we can treat with an oral appliance. Severe sleep apnea is supposed to be treated. Standard of the gold, standard of care is with a CPAP machine, which stands for continuous positive air pressure. It's like a reverse blow dryer mower back up your nose or your mouth, right. So if you consider that you have an issue, then we need to figure out what your index or your indices are. So, again, a lot of this is on my website, healthconnectionsdentistrycom, where you can read up on the sleep screenings. Again, we cannot diagnose sleep apnea, but we can treat it with an oral appliance. 16:07 Mild to moderate sleep apnea, usually at normal. Zero to five. Your indices are normal. Five to 15, it's mild sleep apnea, 15 to 30, it's moderate and over 30 is severe. Now, those are just the standard of care, the norms and the indices and who cares right. All you really need, as a patient, to know is whether I can breathe or not. Please, let me breathe or not. Let me help me breathe. So if you go ahead and you consider them, that's why you can have a home sleep test and we do home sleep test, because it helps me figure out as a dentist, because I can treat a functional breathing disorder that is in my wheelhouse. But I cannot treat sleep apnea without it being diagnosed by a physician. So if you have officially been diagnosed as you have Hilary with by a physician for sleep apnea, then that's where, too, you need to find yourself a doctor, dentist, who is versed in this type of care. So then you need to figure out where you're going to go from there. 17:18 - Hilary Russo (Host) And I think that's the thing, and I've talked to other people and I know folks are tuning into this episode of HIListically Speaking with Dr Claire Stagg. Just to remind you, we will put that information on the website. We will put everything about the healthconnectionscom dentistry. Also her book that we're going to talk about that just came out. That's doing very well. And the questions I've been hearing from some who have been in these forums are are you know if you've been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea? Like myself, I've also been through this traumatic TMJ surgery. I'm 35 years in. I know there are little plates in my mouth from the initial surgery and I've been given a referral to see an ENT, a referral to see a pulmonologist, a referral to see a speech pathologist. But then there's the airway side and then there's go find a dentist and it can be very overwhelming, like where to go first right. 18:12 And I think that's the similar question I hear from folks. 18:15 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Where do I go first? Right, and that's where I said the orchestra, all right. So I like to think that a doctor like myself, a dentist, who sees the medical side as well as the oral dental side, we and I liken it to the conductor of the orchestra the orchestra, the parts, the wind, the pipes, the drums, the bass, the, whatever the strings, whatever, all the different parts, if you will are all the different doctors, if you will, who are doctors, if you will, who are going to partake in making music. The patient is the one who is the music, and you either are going to have that harmony where everything just falls into place and that everything works well and you're healthy, all right or you have everybody throw something at the wall and expecting something to stick right. That's putting it pump up politely. So the goal is to get the bullseye the first time if you fail to plan to plan to fail, right, right. And so the goal now is someone like myself and we we talked about this is we got to figure out where you are exactly in this point in time. It didn't really matter so much anymore now, because you've had that surgery and that changes and has changed you forever. But where are you now? What are the building blocks that we can use now to move forward? Interject here for the parents and for those who are asking yeah, but this doesn't pertain to me. Well, we can work with children With the AFT systems. 19:50 Dr Nordstrom has come up with systems to work with neonates. You can do the tie releases. You can start as from the newborns on. The whole idea is to breathe properly. Once you breathe properly, as in, you have proper tongue position and then you have proper nasal breathing, then you set yourself up for success, right. 20:10 Unfortunately, with a modern diet and with the way that things are going nowadays, unfortunately things retract a lot and you don't have that room and you end up with disorders and you went through what you went through. Okay, so if we go ahead and we have that conductor I circled back now to the music all right, if you go ahead and you have a team, somebody's got to know what the right hand's doing. Somebody has to know what the left hand's doing, but together we make sure that we're all on board with the same ultimate goal, which would be to get you to breathe again properly. What I heard you say is that you went to see an ENT and they have their own wheelhouse, they have their own tools, they have their own tests, they have their own. We got to do this. This is it, this is my way, or the highway right I? 21:01 - Hilary Russo (Host) haven't actually gone to the ENT yet. I have a referral right because I'm like I want to go the right route before somebody starts telling me oh, you need this, this and this. I did consult with one dentist who said you need a CPAP, and I'm like you don't even know what you're talking about. 21:17 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) That's the weekend course. 21:20 - Hilary Russo (Host) Right, that's the oh, I heard sleep apnea. I'm not a sleep dentist, I don't even deal with this stuff, but I've heard this is the best route to go. I don't want to hear, I've heard. I want to know what is good for me, because it's bio individuality. This is what I've been through. So I'm in this place. Where do I go to the ENT first? Do I go to the pulmonologist first? Do I go to a dentist who deals with, who is specializes in airway and TMJ? You know that's and sleep apnea, which obviously falls under that. 21:52 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So one of the things you need to be aware of is the American Dental Association does not recognize these as specialties, unfortunately. I think that will change my practice. I have an emphasis in treating sleep apnea, tmj disorders, head, neck, facial pain. So that is one thing that you can be aware of. The second thing is a lot of us who do this have had many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many hours of extra training. It's just not a weekend course. 22:26 I mean, I've been doing this for nearly 20 plus years to this intensity and it's a process I keep learning. I mean, I'm still going through a residency for pediatrics right now and it's a lot that I know, but now I'm learning to fine tune and I'm going. I can deep dive a little bit more for certain things that I have been able to do, because it's same old, same old. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose, as we say in French. The more it changes, the more it's the same. So there's a lot of different things but, like you said, I like that bio individuality. So everybody's different but everybody's the same. It's just you can't use one cookie cutter technique, but we're all humans and that's where it's all connected. 23:10 So we're circling back to how it's all connected. And if you have somebody who understands how it's all connected, that's when they could guide the ENT to say hey, you know what? This is what I suspect I use the word very underlined, bold caps suspect. I suspect, for example, she has a nasal valve collapse. I suspect, for example, she has a deviated septum. I suspect she has sinus issues. I suspect that she has pharyngeal obstruction. Could you please verify for me? Could there be upper airway resistance syndrome? I suspect that she may be having obstructive events. You might even have central apneic events, we don't know. So that's where you get somebody who understands as a dentist. All right, cause we're the best ones, and this is what floors me and I'm just going to put something for hooah, hooah for my team, my team, all right, this is what we do all day long. We're in the mouth. We see this stuff day in, day out. 24:17 What bothers me is that they don't train dentists nowadays to read the signs of obstructive C-papnea and or airway disorders. That's going to change. That's all in the book, by the way. Every single sign you could think of is in the book. But I think that's what needs to be changed. It should be common sense that it's not drill, fill and build, it's actually determine what you see, that it's not normal. 24:43 So I would hear patients tell me entire lives they've had these tore eyes. They look like little mushrooms at the bottom of their jaws or one on the roof of their mouth, on their palate. Or my dentist told me that was normal. No normal for whom? All right, I digress. So, anyhow, what happens is if you have a team conductor, then the dentist who understands this, who is more versed in this knowledge, can go ahead and say okay, then this ENT, could you please help me accomplish X, y, z. If you have a sleep doctor, all right. You don't want to get lost in the rabbit hole of medicine, right, because that's the other thing too. You can very easily get lost in that rabbit hole, all right. 25:29 So, you want to stay with those of us, because your mouth, your head, your neck is this, is our wheelhouse. Ent is air, nose and throat. All right, sleep. They're the physicians. They're the ones that are going to. Yes, they prescribe the CPAP. Yes, they're the ones that are going to diagnose it. But at the end of the day it they're the ones they're going to diagnose it, but we're at the end of the day, it's still the dentist that's going to do the appliance for you. 25:50 one way or the other, it's going to be something in your mouth right right and I prefer to go that route it bugs me that now you have physicians who are doing oral appliances. It's like, okay, you won't let us diagnose something that we deal with, okay, yes, yes, there's the medical, the physical aspect, the insurance part, blah, blah, blah, blah, of sleep apnea. Yes, there's a lot of pathophysiology that needs to be dealt with by a physician. Get that, get that, but don't go make an oral appliance for my patient. You don't know what you're dealing with, you don't know how to make it, you don't know what position to do it and you certainly don't know how to put it into the way they breathe better, and you don't know how to check it and you don't know where you're putting that jaw joint. So, yeah, that that kind of bugs me a lot. 26:33 - Hilary Russo (Host) Sorry, I think that's part of the reason why now share. This is an open space. If you want to drop an F bomb, you can. I don't mind. 26:41 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) I can say it in French, but I could say it in French. 26:49 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yes, right, you can French your way out of this. So I, my thing is and I've thought this, but from talking to you, from talking to others in the field that even though I've been given referrals, I've been holding off on filling those referrals because I'm like I think that's just a doctor telling me this is what's normal and this is how we normally protocol this. My gut tells me that it's somebody who deals with this face all the time and that moves into the next things like how do you find that sleep dentist? How do you find a dentist who is experienced or emphasizes work in that area and know that you're getting someone who's good and isn't just going to say, hey, we're going to, we'll get you fixed up with an orthodontist and now you're going to get a palate expander or now we're going to do the surgery over? Because that's a fear that I've run into as well as one that I have on my own. 27:43 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Right, I wouldn't go there yet if I were you. Okay, just stop Whenever you hear surgery again, just let's think this over, all right. So let me give you some of my feedback too. Right, there was a sleep course, all right, and I thought, okay, cool, I'll go ahead and I'll go, I'll support the symptom. Nobody's talking about causes, and that bugs me to high end. And there was a children's neurologist in a very, very prestigious hospital Boston I think it is who said yes, said yes, I mean it's all fine and good. Because they said, oh, don't worry about it, you know. And then she said no, no, no, I think she has a point. 28:34 Yes, so the thing that is that, all right, if you go ahead, you think about all the systems that are shut down because you can't breathe. Right, the order appliance isn't going to fix it, the c-pap is definitely not going to fix it, because what's going to happen is the body's going to acclimatize or get used to that level of band-aiding. And then it's like okay, you know what it is, the little dutch boy with his finger came to mind with a dab. So you put one finger here and then you put one finger here, and then you put one finger here and then you put one finger here and you put one finger and then you're not gonna have enough fingers or toes and then the dam's gonna break. And it's exactly the same concept, because if you go ahead and you the the concept of an oral appliance okay to come back again and I'm showing the picture to mount moderate c, pap. Yeah, it's called a mandibular advancement device, or MAD for short, right, okay, well, what does that do? It brings the lower jaw forward. Why? Because the tongue is attached to the front of the lower jaw. So you bring the lower jaw forward. All right, so that's the mandibular advancement device. Well, how far are you going to be able to break the jaw out of socket? Eventually? No, because if you don't address the root cause, you're going to have inflammation. 29:55 So that airway that's already restricted, be it because of diet, because of environment, because of whatever. You have large tonsils which are supposed to be there as buckets to hold whatever pathogens or whatever bugs that are in the air or that you're eating, or whatever. They're the engines that are holding the foot down, if you will, the soles, whichever. They're the ones that protect you so things don't go to your lungs, but eventually they get overwhelmed, and that's when your airway is so closed up by these massive tonsils. And then again let's take them out. Surgery to remove tonsils. All right, did that too? All right. 30:34 So I know I'm jumping everywhere right now, but I'm trying to go by the anatomy. If you'll follow, there's a process to my reasoning here. So the dentist will say say okay, let's do a manageable advancement device for mild to moderate sleep apnea, but that's not treating the root cause. All right. The sleep doctor will say you need a CPAP because it's severe sleep apnea. But that's not also treating the root cause. 31:05 Because somewhere along the line, if you don't have a nasal what we could call a patent nasal passage or passageway to get air through your nose, all right then. And or if you're doing a CPAP to push air down your mouth which you should be breathing in your mouth anyhow then you're still not getting the air, the quality of air you need. As a sidekick, just so you know, when you breathe through your nose, you actually develop nitric oxide. It's a gas, all right that you develop. You create it. As a human, we create nitric oxide in our sinuses. When you don't nose breathe, you're not getting your nitric oxide, which means that your vessels are getting hotter faster, you age faster. All right, none of that's going to happen with a CPAP and none of that's going to happen with the appliance, because three months down the road there's just so much that you could advancement that you can do. There's just so much titration with a level of pressurization with a CPAP that you can do, and eventually you're back to square one. 32:10 Okay, well then now let's do orthognathic surgery to bring your jaws forward. And then that's when you have another issue, because now you're locked in. So let's tie back that in. With the anatomy, remember I showed you, and for those of you who can't see, the skull is not fixed. There's lots and lots and lots and lots of little sutures. That's why I was saying there's dozens and dozens and dozens of bones, but they're all connected, and the cranium, the housing of the cranium, but there's lots of them underneath, all right, under the skull, all right. So what happens is all these bones actually pulse. That's called the cranial sacral rhythm. All right, that's where cranial sacral therapy would be really good. That's where you unfortunately have issues because you have screws holding your face. Your facial plates are held together, right, so we're trying to go through all the systems and the scenarios here. 33:08 An ideal person who hasn't had surgery can have all these little bones changed. Because they're not fused together. They are not fused together. They are not fused together. What did you hear me say? They're not fused together, they are not fused together. So if anybody says that you cannot expand your palate because you're over nine run, it's not true. I expanded, I've done an arch expansion on an 83 year old all right. 33:41 - Hilary Russo (Host) I actually had a conversation with a dentist who told me that women they're finding and tell me if what your thought is on this the palate of a woman actually is able to expand for much longer than we originally thought years wise like it, and maybe I'm saying this wrong, but she even had a palate expander in the top and she's in her 50s. So I'm curious, I mean, is that an approach to try? So can I guy it's a human period. Anyone can. Anyone. Okay. 34:11 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) A human can have. Now I don't know if there's going to be a sex differentiation for the progression of the of the treatment. The treatment I don't know, but any human can have their arches expanded, short of having a disorder of one sort or the other, but in general you can have the arches expanding because the bones are not fused. Right, it's not here, it's here. Let's talk about why you can develop a palatal expansion and growth. All right, this is a totally misunderstood concept. All right, remember we talked about the roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose, and this is magnetic. So bear with me, that's why it was all all catawanka earlier on. So in here you have what we call the nasal passages and you have a thing called turbinates, right? So if you look at it, there's little windmills in here. So you have anterior, middle and posterior nasal passages too, and here you have what we call the sinus, the maxillary sinuses. Here you have the frontal sinuses, all right, okay. 35:14 So how arch expansion works? And this is why you do slow. Slow is good what you do. Remember this is magnetic, so it might be a little hard for me to do. You go ahead, you do a little bit. All right, you do a little bit and then you wait, then that goes ahead and creates bone. Then you do a little bit, then it creates bone, you do a little bit and it creates bone and so, slowly but surely, you've created the arch that is wider, because it happens in the middle. All right, if you go too fast, what happens is you end up having extrusion of the teeth, or the flaring of the teeth and or what we call the buckle plate perforations, which is what the orthodontist freaked out about. You're going to flare out the teeth because you're going too fast. 36:07 - Hilary Russo (Host) Well, how long does something like that take normally? What is that process? 36:11 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) They do what the orthodontist usually do, what they call rapid palatal expansion. Slow is the best thing. Do a little bit grow bone. Do a little bit grow bone. Do a little bit grow bone. Do a little bit grow bone. Guess what happens, unless you have a septal spur which acts like a handcuff to hold that nasal passage, that septum tied up to another bone on the side. If you don't have a septal spur, that deviated septum just lines right down. That's what happened with me and I was in my fifties I was over 55 when I did mine. If you go ahead and you do slowly, you can expand an arch. Now there's a school out there that says let's do it in a month and then we wait six months. I'd say okay. That to me sounds so wrong and this is my humble opinion, for each time I'm giving you anything. These are my humble opinions and what I've learned and what I've read and my interpretation of everything. 37:13 Okay, of course, but if you're going to go ahead and you're going to go like zip and then wait, go ahead and you're going to go like zip and then wait, all right. The big fallacy with that is you zipped and you waited six months and that space, in theory, is supposed to grow bone. Uh-uh, it fills up with collagen. That is why, when you go too fast and kids or whom on whom, no matter what age, if you go too fast, you end up with a ton of relapse. So, slow, a little bit grow bone, a little bit grow bone, a little bit grow bone, a little bit grow bone. 37:49 - Hilary Russo (Host) Now you have success now, this is just one approach. Right, the palette expansion is just one approach okay, that's the transverse approach. 37:58 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So if you're doing this in 3d, you have to think your garage right, because you have width, you have depth and then you have length. Well, it's the same thing. This is the width. The transverse effect is the width. All right, now we have the sagittal aspect, which is from the side, so that's where two to for example, if I'm not mistaken that your issues came from, is that if you look at my profile and they said that this part of you was there, but this part of you was too far forward, so I'm going to exaggerate now, like that, right? 38:36 - Hilary Russo (Host) That's exactly what it was like, right. 38:38 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) It wasn't that this was too far forward. It can be, but in reality it's that this was underdeveloped. So that's the side view, or the sagittal view. Nine times out of 10, if you have an airway issue, it's because you're overclosed, and then you need height, and that's when we can go ahead and do height. Interestingly enough, oral appliances the same one that they advocate to go ahead and do the mandible advancement devices the same thing. There's two things that they do. When they're doing a sleep appliance, what are they? Protraction vertical, but they're doing the protraction with the lower jaw only and vertical. They're putting the special amount of vertical or the height into the appliances. 39:27 - Hilary Russo (Host) Acrylic Now there's a lot of information that we're sharing with folks. I'm taking in a lot of information. I do want to mention real quick that Dr Stack has a new book that just came out, called Smile. It's all connected whole health through balance. I'm going to put a link on there in the podcast notes, rather to grab that book, because this is really something that was written for the everyday person to understand. It's not like reading a medical guide or anything like that. 39:56 You will be able to go to an upset or an issue that you might be confronted with, learn more about it because, as we were saying before, what gets measured gets managed. But also we have to be our own healthcare advocates and then find the right kind of people to support you, because obviously you can't fix the problem yourself, but you can support yourself in that. And also I know you have a children's book and that's Captain IFBI. I in that. And also I know you have a children's book and that's Captain IFBI. I love that Right encouraging good oral hygiene habits, which, by the way, that ties in with the download that you're offering as well, which is the dental protocol checklist, and I love that. We're going to put all that in the podcast notes so that folks that are tuning in or if they're watching on YouTube because you know you're showing us some fun stuff on visual they'll have the option to either listen to this anywhere we have podcasts and also on YouTube. 40:46 But, on that note, if you feel that this podcast episode with Dr Claire Staggs inspiring you anyway, touches you anyway, if you know anyone who might be confronted with any of these upsets whether it's sleep apnea, whether it is TMJ or any kind of upset that you might be dealing with, the dental side of your life, or even breathing this is something you can pass along to somebody, share it, let them have the knowledge and make a decision where they want to go next, because we definitely are sharing some really good information here and I really appreciate it. 41:18 Dr Sags, I know we're talking a lot about my upset, but I know there are other people out there that are dealing with the sleep issues, the sleep apnea, the breathing, the grinding, the bruxing, and wanting to change the holistic approach to dentistry. You're just a normal person, sweetie. I'm just like everybody else. I know I am, and it's one of the reasons why I do this show, because many of the things that I'm facing or have seen with clients is something I want to talk about so that I can make this a vessel for others to get answers or at least find something that they could take away from this and hopefully make a choice that helps them become a happy and healthy grownup, you know. 42:03 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So let's talk about the book. This book was written. It's taken me 10 years to get it out here. All right, this book was written for the average lay person. It's a conversation from one mom to all the other moms who have asked me questions. 42:21 All these years I've been practicing. I graduated in 1982. So I've been at this for a long time. I came to this country in 87. So I was not of American training per se, so I have had different training. I'm also very outside the box thinker and I like to ask why? So why do you want me to do it this way? Give me a reason why I should do it that way. 42:47 So the whole idea was to understand that, yes, why are these patients getting better? Why is there cacophony? Why is there not harmony? Why do they have all these issues all the time that they haven't had resolution for and that I have not been able to finger point. That's when I went down my training what's going on? What's going on, what's going on. 43:10 So the book's goal is to go ahead and to change the demand. Because my what? To educate the demand, if you will, because the more people are educated in this is the more they'll understand what's actually going on. It's for you to be your own advocate in your own choices. Just like Hilary at 15 did not know any better or any know what to do or not not to do, her mom or parents didn't know, because they followed their, the advice of their physicians, which is okay, don't get me wrong. You know, but why don't you find out? If you go ahead and you're playing a game of poker, wouldn't it be nice to know your hand instead of playing blind? You know what I mean. 43:58 So this, this book, has the entire deck in it. This is what I'm trying to say. It's written with you for everything, everything that Hilary and I have talked about, and I think one if you have the book, you will see anything about airway, you'll see about joints, you'll see about teeth, you'll see about muscles, you'll see about nerves, how it used to be, how it is and what the connections are structural, chemical, mechanical, functional, emotional, spiritual, because we're all one. And then in the future, where I think dentistry should and could be. But I think and I know that if we change the demand, the supply will have to change, because the more the moms and the dads and all of us understand how this is connected. They're going to have to teach doctors how to connect the dots too. So that was the goal of this book is to change the way dentistry is perceived and experienced in the world and then change the world for a healthier, better place people to be healthy so they don't have to suffer like a Hilary. 45:04 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yeah, I so needed. I wish my parents had this back in the 80s when I had this surgery, even though it was different back then. We've progressed, we've gotten better, we're more knowledgeable, we have more tools available to us and science and approaches, but it's here now and if my what is the saying? Someday your story can be somebody else's survival guide. I use that one a lot. I know that's Brene Brown. 45:26 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) That's a good one, yeah. 45:27 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yeah, and I'm hoping that this next stage of my own journey is much less invasive and more productive. It's finding ways. So having conversations with doctors like yourself, people who practice more of a holistic and whole body approach and aren't really running right to surgeries and appliances and everything that might not be the best plan, you know. It's constructing the plan building the house and realizing what size garage is really going to fit and what kind of cars do you have for that garage. 46:03 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Right, because there's different appliances too, so there's different arrows in your quiver, because you want to shoot for the bullseye every time, right, and that's that's where I did all that additional training. It's like, okay, okay, so we have a joint issue. Well, well, let's deal with a joint, but then you can't disconnect the tongue and the space that the tongue holds. And then, okay, so now I do tie releases. So, and not everybody's going to practice the way that I practice this. 46:33 This is my passion, though, and you talked about your survival journey. My daughter fell and hit her chin when she was three and a half, and that's where she hit her chin, which automatically put her jaw joints up and back, got her disc displaced. So here I am searching for answers back in 2003, 2004. And that's where I ended up. So, yes, I was doing the chemical aspect, where we were mercury free, we were doing all the nutrition, everything. But then it's like, how do I fix my child, how do I get her to not be in pain too? And so that's where it's like, okay, let's do this, let's figure out how we can make this happen. And so that was my journey to go ahead and to put that together for all the other parents who would have these questions. 47:22 - Hilary Russo (Host) Yeah, and interestingly enough, here you are, a dentist, being confronted with something that you think, oh, I have the answers because I'm a dentist At least it happened to a dentist's daughter and you're looking for the approaches that are going to help her heal and live her best life the best way possible. 47:39 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So you know, it makes me laugh too. I guess I'm getting very spicy today. I like spicy, dr Staggs Very spicy. So I remember I had this 83,. He's 90-something now, but he was clearly apneic. I mean his lips were blue, all right, his he had no airway, really, really bad. And so I told, I told him you know why don't you do a sleep screening? No, no, no, my doctor blah, blah, blah. So I went ahead and I said okay, ask your doctor to go ahead and send you to lab and have a sleep test. So he goes ahead and he tells his physician that and his physician says what does she know? She's just a dentist, yeah. 48:29 - Hilary Russo (Host) Aye, aye, aye, aye, aye. I wish we could all just get along and work together. So anyhow, that's my two cents again. 48:38 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) So don't read a book by its cover and look for somebody who understands how it's all connected and there's going to be more of us. There are more of us, it's just you don't know where to find them. 48:49 - Hilary Russo (Host) So what I want to do real quick in closing, I usually do a game with all of my guests, and what I've been doing is I pull you're going to have a little fun and what I've been doing is I pull you're going to have a little fun. This is what we do here. Not everything's so serious. I'm going to throw out a word, something you said today, and I want you to come back with the first word that comes to mind. Just a quick word association game. 49:08 I already want to say happy. Say happy as much as you want. But if I say the word holistic, what's the first word that comes to mind? Body, jaw, oh God, pain, palate, growth, airway, life, dentist, happy. 49:28 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Smile, beautiful Happy. 49:30 - Hilary Russo (Host) Beautiful. Love that. I love that you focus on the word happy. Just be your own healthcare advocate. You know we don't, we don't have to throw out a name. There are a number of things out there that are good and there are a number of things out there that are not so good, and you have to be your own healthcare advocate to make that choice. 49:47 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) And things can work different strokes for different folks. I mean it could be the best thing, anything could be the best thing for anybody. It's just that sometimes, when you don't know any different, you wish that had you known, had I known. Had I known, had I known I wouldn't have done it this way that's kind of where I am. 50:06 - Hilary Russo (Host) I wish I knew at 15. So I'm hoping that what you shared, I know we'll have more conversations because I'm on a route where I'm going to be looking for approaches uh, because unfortunately we're not in the same area, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't hop a flight to come down to Florida, by the way, no, you still can. I can, I can, but I'm gonna. I know you have a tight schedule, a lot of people to talk to, everybody is. You're in high demand, dr Stagg, and for good reason, and I'm just so grateful to have you here. 50:35 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) I am eternally grateful to you interviewers, because you have platforms that you can spread the word to the world, because you're the ones, basically, that are going to change. I'm just, I'm just flotsam on the ripple of the of the thing you know. I'm just like, hey, go this way, go this way, go this way. 50:55 - Hilary Russo (Host) We're all in it together as you said, it's all connected, we're all connected. So if we can do anything to help others, that's what we're here for and I'm just so grateful for you. Thank you so much. Thank you too. 51:06 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) And thank you for having me. And so, on a one little note, I was like this is my last little saying in the book, which has lots of little life lessons. My one is that you're not a drop in the ocean, you're the entire ocean in a drop. So blessings, Hilhillary, I love you. Thank you so much. 51:24 - Hilary Russo (Host) I love you too. Thank you for being part of the ripple. 51:28 - Dr. Claire Stagg (Guest) Thank you. 51:29 - Hilary Russo (Host) I know we unpacked a lot, I know there's a lot going on here with Dr Stagg, but for good reason and we are not done. Next, I want you to grab a copy of Dr Stagg's book Smile it's all connected whole health through balance, plus her children's book that she has Captain IFBI, as well as her checklist to download for daily dental protocol. All of this is in the podcast notes and, if anything resonated with you that we shared here on the show, if you were touched, moved and inspired by our conversation, if you have more questions, dr Stagg is actually holding a Q&A online on Wednesday, july 17th, at 7 pm Eastern time. It's a really great chance to connect with her again, maybe follow up on some of the things we talked about, or if you have your own questions, and get to the root of your dental journey no pun intended with that one and you can get some more knowledge, because knowledge is power. Right, what gets measured gets managed. So be your own healthcare advocate. 52:30 First, and you know I share a lot about my havening journey, how it has been a big part of my chronic pain. My TMJ and I want to offer you the opportunity to try Havening and see if it works for you. This is a really wonderful way to overcome fears. If you have a fear of going to the dentist or the doctor or even managing chronic pain, or maybe you just wanted to self-soothe, to self-regulate, for daily self-care, it's a wonderful tool to put in your toolbox and I'd be happy to have a conversation with you and see if it's right for you. A link to connect with me is also in the podcast notes. 53:07 HIListically Speaking is edited by 2MarketMedia with music by Lipo Redding, and I know you tune in week after week because you want answers, you want to find ways to be a happy and healthy grownup, and I'm here for you and I just want you to know that those traumas that you're turning into triumphs, they're happening, they're in motion and I am proud of you. I believe in you, I love you and I will see you soon. Be well.
How do we navigate the heartache of loss while cherishing the beauty of memories shared with our cherished pets? Join me for an intimate reflection on the enduring impact of my cat, Eliza Doolittle, whose passing after nearly 19 years left a profound mark on my heart. Let's delve into the love and responsibilities that come with being a pet parenting, finding solace and support within our community during times of grief, and ten life lessons learned from our furry companions. Plus, a chance to share your pet story on an upcoming episode. FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTS AVAILABLE https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro: The Rainbow Bridge 05:31 The Story of Eliza: The Cat Who Saved Me 09:44 The Grief and Guilt of Euthanasia 12:54 Finding Gratitude Through Grief 17:33 Connection With Pets Beyond the Veil 20:00 Ten Things I Learned from the Life of a Pet 23:21 The Power of Community and Rest 26:30 Share Your Pet Story 27:55 Honoring Unconditional Love Share your voice and pet story on an upcoming episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/hilisticallyspeaking Join the HUG it Out Collective on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/hugitoutcollective Episodes mentioned on this podcast Ep 17 Chris Palmore Finding Gratitude After Loss Ep 128 Are You a Human Being or a Human Doing? Eliza and Hilary's Blue Buffalo Cat Food Commercials youtube.com/hilaryrusso Connect with Hilary: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso https://www.facebook.com/hilisticallyspeaking https://twitter.com/HilaryRusso https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast Music by Lipbone: https://lipbone.com/ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTS AVAILABLE https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast 00:00 - Hilary Russo (Host) 19 years Seems like a moment in time, but for close to 19 years I was blessed to have a pure shadow of sunshine by my side. On my birthday, however, my sweet Eliza Doolittle decided it was time to take a journey without me, and a light in me dimmed. April 1st, just two days after my birthday and two months shy of 19 years, my five pound sassy calico found her way over the rainbow bridge and something changed in me, which is why I'm sharing this with you, because I have a feeling, if you've ever loved and lost a pet, you're going to resonate with what I'm about to share with you. It took me some time to sit down and record this episode. I have to be honest, I needed some time to step away. To be honest, I needed some time to step away. I needed to process this loss and I really needed to allow myself to see where this was going to hit me, because, while I have had pets my entire life since I was a little girl in fact, I don't really know that many years without having a pet in my home, nothing was quite like Eliza. She was mine and I was hers, and for close to two decades, I made this commitment to protect her, to love her, to care for her, and that came with some responsibilities Responsibilities I have never known before. Responsibilities, responsibilities I have never known before. It was level up, it was different, and the feelings that go along with that kind of responsibility, that kind of love, were different too. So, after sharing with those who are closest with me about her passing my family, my friends, my Hug it Out Collective, even colleagues and clients I realized that community is where we really find our healing, and it's a reminder that we were never alone in this battle. Right, even if the responsibilities are different, even if there are hours and hours alone, even if they were just for us to bear, we're really never doing it all by ourselves, because someone you know or yourself has been through it, and I want to share with you just how common it is. 02:40 It's estimated that more than half of the global population has a pet at home. That's over half a billion dogs and cats, and in the US, 70% of households in 2021 were pet owners, and since the pandemic, the amount of pet adoptions is on the rise, thankfully. So I know I'm not alone when I share that these numbers, no matter what type of pet you have, be it fur, feathers, fins or scales. You likely have, or you have, faced pet loss. And isn't that the rub To know that you will love an animal so much, knowing that it's likely they will leave this world before you and we know that, going into it too right. I know I did, and yet I still loved. And when the time is right, somewhere down the road, I will again, because that's what we do as pet parents. We open our hearts again and again, just not now, not yet. Just not now, not yet. 03:50 So with that in mind, I thought I would share my story about Miss Eliza Doolittle and some thoughts I have about grief, what I've learned from my time with Lizzy Girl, and some possibilities for us as we go forward on this journey, plus a chance for you to share your story on an upcoming episode. And if this episode resonates with you or any of the guests that I've had here on HIListically Speaking, or any of the episodes we've done, I would love for you to do yourself a favor and do me a favor and subscribe wherever you're tuning in and take it one step further Download those episodes that you listen to, because that's going to make it more possible for others to find this show, this episode and these stories that we tell so beautifully on, HIListically Speaking. Of course, I always appreciate your kind words and your thoughtful responses in your comments, wherever you're tuning in, wherever you're listening or watching, whether it's on a podcast platform or on YouTube, and, honestly, now more than ever, I can really use those words and I know others will too. So how did Miss Eliza Doolittle come into my life? It's quite a sweet story. Actually. 04:59 It was Thanksgiving Day, 2005. And I was coming home from Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's house and I was driving along in my old Jeep, grand Cherokee. Louise and I pass a hotel and I noticed something moving as I'm about to pass a storm drain and I noticed it was like a little calico puff and I saw its little mouth opening and closing. And let me tell you, I wasn't going that fast, but it was enough for me to know that there was a kitten that was sitting there by that storm drain and I instantly called my friend who was in the car in front of me and I said I gotta turn around. There is a kitten and I don't think it's going to last the winter if it stays out here. Within 30 seconds to a minute. I had turned around, went into the parking lot because I didn't see the kitten at the storm drain. But I heard her and fortunately I had leftovers in my car and I looked under every car in that hotel parking lot right near the storm drain and there she was, hiding underneath the truck. And somehow, with love and care, I was able to force her to come out from underneath the truck because, well, I imagined she was hungry and I had plenty of turkey. And then I put a towel around her, grabbed her and put her in my car. 06:28 What in the world am I going to do with a kitten? I was not in any kind of a situation to have a cat. I was in a relationship with someone who was highly allergic to cats. So I knew that I had a job to do, and hopefully it would be to find this sweet little kitten a home. But in the two weeks that I had her, nobody came forward. I went to every vet in the area and somehow in those two weeks, those 14 days, I fell in love with this cat and I have a feeling she did the same. So in a way I would say she saved me as much as I saved her, because during that time of my life it was quite difficult what I was going through. 07:12 I guess things just show up for you at just the right time and I always joke that she's the longest relationship I've ever had. She has gone well beyond both of my long-term relationships. She has traveled more miles with me, crossed more states with me and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. She has had books written about her and chapters, artwork, poems, commercials that she's done. Have you ever seen the Blue Buffalo commercial? That's her. She's been on numerous podcasts, including sitting right behind me and sometimes in my lap. She's joined me in private sessions and even showed up while I was professing with my college students. And, yes, she's been the subject of many social media posts. So it's kind of hard to know life with Hilary without Eliza Doolittle. 08:07 But as we know, with the years come slowing down and this past year I started seeing signs of her decline. It was happening slowly. I kind of knew over the last year or two that time with her would be even more precious than it was before. And the past few months things started to accelerate. The cancer in my sweet little Calico was starting to show in her face and I found myself feeling the stress, feeling the sickness. It was a fight or flight for me, much like when you're around a sick family member you feel it, you absorb it and you're constantly on alert. And that was a difficult place to be and it absorbed a lot of my headspace, my mental space and my bandwidth was not where it used to be because so much of my intention was on Eliza. 09:14 So the time came when things really took a turn. On my birthday, March 30th, Eliza told me it was time and my boyfriend, Chris, just happened to be here because we were getting ready to celebrate my birthday that morning. She really made her presence known, that things were really getting difficult. I remember thinking that I don't have this right. You know, I went through a lot of grief before the grief actually set in and grief turned into guilt Because I thought who am I to take away a life? You know, in the perfect world you want your animal, your pet, your fur baby to just kind of curl up in your arms and take its last breath. Naturally right, but that's not the way it always happens and cats are notoriously strong to where they don't really even let you know that they're sick or they have signs of illness. 10:17 That day it was a turning point for me because I saw that she was beginning to suffer and I wasn't really sure how long it would be. And I remember making an agreement in a way with my vet some months prior that this would be a decision that I would need help with, because I really struggled with the guilt of taking that life, still hoping somewhere in the back of my mind that she would just pass on her own. And I said, when it comes to the time where you think that this could be consuming her or taking away her quality of life, I really just need the honesty. And I got that. I got that that day and I had a moment with Eliza that was almost like an approval, you know, I don't really know how to explain it, but I had the weekend with her. The decision was made and lots of emotions were shared. 11:30 The night before, Eliza shared a beautiful salmon dinner with Chris and myself. It was really a beautiful evening, a little candlelight dinner, and she got so many treats and so much love and attention. I don't even know if she can get more than she normally gets, but that night was really special and the morning came and we took her to the vet and she was in my arms and surrounded by her little babies and flowers, and I had my hand on her paws the whole time. Chris was caressing her little face and then, at some point, when I knew that time was close, I had my hand on her heart and there's something really powerful about being witness but also feeling that last heartbeat. It was spiritual, it was beautiful and I don't think I'll ever forget that. But in that moment I felt like I was truly connected to her in a different way as she crossed, and I'm really thankful for that. 12:54 So after all was said and done, I realized I needed to step away a little bit and I was fortunate to spend some time with my boyfriend, chris, and I went to his home in Virginia and just decided to do a little grieving there. It was really a wonderful opportunity for me to go through these stages of grief, and I'm sure there's still more go through these stages of grief and I'm sure there's still more. But I went from the grief to the guilt and then somewhere in there there was a shift to gratitude which took me back a few years, to the time I first wrote about Eliza in a book that was published and it was part of my friend Chris Palmore's book called Dear Gratitude, an anthology, a book that holds space for so many beautiful gratitude stories. And you might remember Chris because he was on episode 17, if , sharing his own grief journey, and it about the loss of his mother and it's interesting how we should circle back to that right. But I was fortunate to share, on page 21 7 of Dear Gratitude, the story of Eliza Doolittle and how she got her name and basically the story you heard here. But I called it Gratitude is Loverly because loverly and my fair lady, if you get the reference, and that's basically how Eliza got her name, because I pretty much found her in a gutter, just like in my Fair Lady, and I thought it was a really beautiful story to share. But I'm so grateful to Chris for giving me that opportunity to share the story of Eliza in his book Dear Gratitude. 14:40 And again, if you are interested in that episode, it is 17. And I'll put that in the podcast notes for you and when it comes down to it, you really have to think about it. It really is all about gratitude, isn't it? In some way or another, gratitude, after all, is part of the Hug it Out way. Right, if you want to join the Hug it Out collective that I have the Facebook group you'll find weekly themes and challenges in a safe place that supports the traumas to triumphs. And let me tell you, this week that group really showed their colors and showed up for me by supporting my grief, my trauma showed their colors and showed up for me by supporting my grief, my trauma. So you can check the notes of this episode to join us in that group and just see for yourself. 15:26 But I do have so much gratitude, so much gratitude for all of you who have been part of her life in one way or another, even those who just saw her on camera for the first time or in a podcast episode maybe her Blue Buffalo commercials, whatever, wherever. I'm just grateful that you connected to her in some way through me. And then, of course, those that I shared this with those closest to me, like my mom. She loved that cat and she used to say, oh, kitty's coming to grandma's house, whenever she would watch her, she would call it the country home and it was really sweet to see the connection they had, because she too loved and lost pets my entire life. So that was something my mom and I shared, you know, and even recently, you know, she became a pet parent again after some time without a pet and I'm really glad she has that. Of course, my boyfriend, chris, for having some bond that I still haven't quite figured out In such a short amount of time on this planet, knowing Eliza. They had a bond like no other. And let me tell you, if you have a calico they're very temperamental, they're very territorial and they're very spicy, but somehow that cat got to his heart and he got to hers and it was really beautiful to see. And I have really good friends, really good friends who have been there for me along the way, and I hope you have that in your life too. If you have loved and lost a pet or lost anything that you've loved in your life to have, that support can be very helpful. I know my vet and everyone who got to know this spicy little calico. I have to say thank you to them for just being there and being a support system and, of course, you just for being here to support me and giving me the permission to press record and share and know that you're tuning in. So thank you for that. 17:33 But back to this week. During this week I found myself watching a lot of YouTube videos on how to connect with your pets from beyond, how to change your frequency and be present. I did a lot of writing, I did a lot of soul searching and I really spent my time in Virginia disconnecting to reconnect Because, like I said, said so much of my emotional bandwidth was really absorbed by Eliza's illness and not really being able to separate from that and it was kind of like giving me the ability to take a breath that I hadn't taken in a really long time. But I had a moment. It happened when I was at Chris's house. It was the first morning I was there after we arrived and there was a trundle bed in the guest room where Eliza loved to sleep in the drawer which was filled with linens. She really made that area her home. In fact I'm not really even sure that the linens have been touched in there because it was just so Eliza right, but I remember that morning opening a drawer and I could still see tiny little calico hairs in there Not too much because she was a very clean cat, but you could see the impression from her body that was on top of a blanket that she had probably been sleeping on and my heart just sank. 19:15 I remember just being on my knees and putting my hands in the drawer and putting my head down and I sat there for a minute just being so grateful to have her in my life. And I don't know how and I can't explain it, but I felt something brush my ankle, my leg, as if it was her little tail that was brushing by. I was wearing shorts, so it didn't quite make sense to me. There was no fabric around me and I just kind of went huh and smiled and just let it be. You know, not everything has to be explained, and I realized that some things just don't need to be explained, right, they just are just like our pets, they don't look for explanations, they just are there, awesome, authentic, organic selves. So it got me thinking on how, the last 19 years, what I've witnessed with Eliza has been the utmost amount of awesomeness and, frankly, with the other animals that have been in my life as well, and the lessons that I've learned as a pet parent, and I really had to stop and think for a moment that I've truly witnessed some amazing things from the being that she is and other animals have been in my life. 20:55 And that's where I want to take this episode is to leave you with the top 10 things I've learned from my life with Eliza, and that number one thing is you've got to find the sunshine. I know every time I would turn around, that cat was looking for sunshine, she was basking in the sun, she was sleeping in the sun. She would find that ray just coming through a window and it could be on a floor and she was there. And it's just a reminder how easy it is to find the sunshine if we're just present in the moment. And that leaves me to number two be present and be still the being over the doing is really why we're here, isn't it? And animals do that. They just are so organic about being and we're just too much in the doing, and I share more about that on episode 128. I'll put that in the podcast notes as well, on the importance of being a human being over human doing. 22:06 Number three is play Adulting gets the best of us, doesn't it? So I want you to stop as often as you can and laugh and play and find that childish enthusiasm that lives within you. Without a care in the world, animals just play. They don't worry about what other animals are thinking, they just are. I learned that no matter how upset I am in a situation, it doesn't need to consume me. That's number four. Be in that place where you can move forward, just like the animals around you move forward Just like the animals around you. They don't spend time in the upset, they just keep moving forward. I learned to let your guard down to trust, and if you've ever spoken to your pet in a childlike voice or as if they are a child, you know exactly what I'm talking about. They aren't judging you, so why are you judging yourself? Just trust that you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing. 23:21 Number six I learned that we're all just walking each other home. I know I say that often, but I use that here because it makes such perfect sense. But when you think about it that way that we're all just walking each other home on this planet, no matter what kind of being we are, we become kinder beings. I learned that in grief beings I learned that in grief we find one another and we share the most vulnerable and beautiful parts of ourselves. It's a reminder of the power of community, right? If you've ever seen animals together, how they play, how they laugh, how they cuddle, it's just so easy to find that comfort and support. We need that too. We need that too. 24:14 I learned the importance of sleep from that cat Now cats I hear sleep up to like 19 hours a day. I would imagine that's just about right when I think about my time with Eliza and she seems pretty refreshed when she gets up right, just does her thing. But it's just about right when I think about my time with Eliza and she seems pretty refreshed when she gets up right, just does her thing. But it's just a reminder to me that sleep is so important for our well-being. So be sure that you're getting good rest, just like your pets. 24:45 Number nine find your people or your person. I know I've said this before. I said it earlier in this podcast episode. Eliza saved me as much as I saved her. I became her person. I don't think that was accidental. And number 10, I think, is really important, if not the most important. 25:09 I've learned that you need to love without condition. You need to love without fear and worry. And when you do this and you just let go and realize that being vulnerable is being courageous, you are just allowing yourself to be the most pure sense of self by loving. And in time grief will come, but that grief will turn to gratitude when you remember that loving is a reason to be grateful, even if it was only for a short time, because love will always fill your home again. You're just that kind of person. You're that kind of person. I'm that kind of person. And somewhere out there an animal is going to want to call you their own, want to call you their own, and maybe, just maybe, they'll be sent to you from someone or something that has loved you from before in your past. When you think about it that way, it's heart opening. 26:22 In closing, I imagine you've connect with this episode in some way, shape or form. And if you do you've connect with this episode in some way, shape or form and if you do, if it did resonate with you in any way, I would love to know and I'd also love to offer you an opportunity to share your story about your special pet on an upcoming episode In the sharing in the community, we do find that we are never truly alone. So what I'm asking you to do is pretty simple and kind of fun. I would love for you to go to speakpipe dot com slash hilisticallyspeaking. I'll put this in the listen notes and share your voice and your story about a pet that you have loved any point in your life. Really, it could be one that you connected with as a child to more recently, but in sharing about them you're keeping their spirit alive. 27:14 You know, miss Eliza might not be here on this earth in this moment, sitting on this lap or behind me on my chair in this moment, but she's with me. I will continue to share her stories. I'm sure she's going to come up again and I would love that for you as well. So just press record, share your journey, and then you can take it one step further and share a picture of you with your pet, so that when I release the episode, that memory will be remembered, along with your voice and your story. And once you record, once you go to speakpipe dot com, I will personally reach out to you to share details on how you can share that photo and get in on the show. 27:53 Do yourself a favor. Give that special being that gave you so much unconditional love a moment in the spotlight. I look forward to hearing your stories, seeing your connection, and I imagine others will as well. So, on that note, thank you for showing up, for tuning in, for being part of my journey, allowing me to feel safe and vulnerable to share my story, this episode. I leave you with the words that you probably have heard before and they are quite memorable from Winnie the Pooh, heard before, and they are quite memorable from Winnie the Pooh how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. That's the gratitude right there until next time. I love you, I believe in you and I appreciate your open heart. Be well.
Hilary Russo talks about how havening techniques can be your harbor of healing.Support the showThank you for listening, please share and subscribe! Follow me on social media @karasundlun.For more info and requests for speaking visit www.karasundlunmedia.com
When the bond between a mother and daughter fractures, the emotional fallout can resonate through every aspect of life. Hilary Russo guides this raw and enlightening conversation with celebrated family therapist Khara Croswaite Brindle, author of "Understanding Ruptured Mother-Daughter Relationships,” and peels back the layers of this deeply personal issue. During this intimate conversation, Hilary and Khara unravel the tangled reasons behind daughters distancing themselves from their mothers, from toxic dynamics to ancestral traumas. Addressing the societal stigmas that often accompany the decision to step back, we shed light on the importance of setting boundaries for emotional health, and how the decision to create distance is rarely taken lightly, but often a necessary step in preserving one's well-being. Touched, moved, or inspired by this conversation? Consider sharing it with someone you know and leave a rating/review wherever you are tuning in. Connect with Khara and grab a copy of her books: https://www.estrangementenergycycle.com/ https://www.facebook.com/croswaitecounselingpllc https://www.linkedin.com/in/kharacroswaite/ https://www.instagram.com/kharacroswaite/ Connect with Hilary: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso https://www.facebook.com/hilisticallyspeaking https://twitter.com/HilaryRusso https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast Music by Lipbone Redding https://lipbone.com/ --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS --------- (0:00:00) - The Rise of Mother-Daughter Estrangement Therapy, abuse, trauma, and generational trauma influence the rising trend of estrangement in mother-daughter relationships. (0:04:32) - Understanding and Navigating Family Estrangement Family estrangement's multigenerational impact, forms of distance, setting boundaries, therapy for affected family members, maintaining emotional well-being. (0:13:54) - Understanding the Estrangement Energy Cycle The emotional journey of adult daughters dealing with ruptured mother-daughter relationships and how educators can support children experiencing family estrangement. (0:22:16) - Healing Estranged Mother-Daughter Relationships Nature's complexities of mother-daughter estrangement, generational trauma, and attachment styles, and the value of therapy and coaching for healing. (0:28:09) - Understanding Mother-Daughter Estrangement and Healing Healing and reconciliation between estranged mothers and daughters, with emphasis on individual journeys and the importance of mutual effort. (0:36:16) - Understanding and Healing Mother-Daughter Estrangement Healing estranged mother-daughter relationships, prioritizing mental health, and using self-regulation tools like Havening for self-empowerment. --------- EPISODE TRANSCRIPT --------- 0:00:00 - Khara Croswaite Brindle I think a lot of people are now talking about it. I think it's always been happening, but maybe we're seeing an uptick because people have are going to therapy, they have language for it. Now they're looking at this from the lens of abuse and trauma and that's justifying some of the rupture, the distance between parents and their children. 0:00:18 - Hilary Russo One in 12. One in 12 people my friends are estranged from a family member and it's a choice that can be very challenging for many. But when you do the inner work, when you create the space for healthier relationships and for a better understanding of self, it really can pave the way for a new you. And when it comes to mother and daughter estrangement especially where there's been possibly repeated trauma, discomfort, pain, misunderstanding even a daughter's choice to cut her ties from her mother can come with so much emotion and still much pain in the healing process. Khara Crosswaight Brindle is a licensed therapist who wrote the book about this very thing understanding ruptured mother-daughter relationships, guiding the adult daughter's healing journey through the estrangement energy cycle. And I have to say, Khara, this is such an important topic because of the clients that I see. There's so much parental child estrangement that I've been seeing more so than probably years ago. I feel like people are coming into their own and I'm really happy you're here to talk about this topic because it is a important one and I know you specifically focus on the mother-daughter in this book specifically, but this is happening with many relationships. So thank you for being here, thank you for sharing your voice and your wisdom, thank you, Hilary. 0:01:48 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, I'm excited to talk about it. It's on the rise, so let's talk about it. 0:01:53 - Hilary Russo So let us talk about that when we say it's on the rise and we hear numbers like one in 12, one in 12 seems like a pretty big number when you think about in the grand scheme of things, that that could potentially be a real issue. I don't know. When I growing up, you just respected your parents. You took whatever came at you. In a way, you didn't talk back, and I think we're seeing more people now using words like narcissism, parental narcissism it's not just within intimate relationship and gaslighting and manipulation and I'm curious, these terms tend to be buzzwords now too, right? So how do we define the difference between that and really know that? What's my responsibility in all this, and am I in a position where I'm in a toxic relationship that does need severed ties? 0:02:52 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, I mean I think this is one of the chapters of the book we go through a bunch of assumptions of estrangement and one of them is that therapists are pushing for clients to stop talking to their parents, especially because we have a generation, or now two generations, that are coming into therapy doing their own work and now have a language for what happened right of trauma, abuse, neglect, something happening in that family relationship that led to that rupture. And although it's assumptions because you and I as mental health professionals can say like we're not here to champion estrangement, like we're here to say what's best for the client and like helping them discover for themselves what's best I tackled that assumption as well as like this toxic word and it's funny you named it, you said the word toxic, so I think people are overusing that word, but when it comes to estrangement, maybe it's just now a simple, a simplification for what's happened, like I don't want to go into detail about how painful this estrangement was for my parent, but if I say the word toxic, people will respect that and just look it up from like boundaries, and so I think a lot of people are now talking about it. I think it's always been happening, but maybe we're seeing an uptick because people have are going to therapy, they have language for it. Now they're looking at this from the lens of abuse and trauma and that's justifying some of the rupture, the distance between parents and their children. 0:04:09 - Hilary Russo And there's some other words that we hear a lot as of late, and it's ancestral trauma, generational trauma and going back to the root of your ancestry, and how do you avoid bringing that into this present generation and generations going forward? I've been hearing that a lot and that's something I think I've even battled. I'm like I don't want to bring that into the next generation. 0:04:35 - Khara Croswaite Brindle How do? 0:04:35 - Hilary Russo I stop the trauma right here. 0:04:38 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Absolutely. I'm like, yeah, so in my personal experience, I'm married into a family that has four generations of estrangement and what I noticed because I'm a mental health professional I can see it. I'm not in it. I'm kind of behind it looking at what's going on and it's like now it's been modeled. Now it's modeled that if I have a significant conflict with you I can just cut ties. That's what's been said, is fine, is acceptable in this family, even though there's lots of hardship and lots of grief and loss behind the scenes. They're modeling for the youngest generation, which I'm now a parent of a two-year-old. So I'm very thoughtful to this. I'm like what are we telling that youngest generation about? If it's a conflict that doesn't feel solvable, resolvable, do we just walk away? Do we just say I'm done talking to you, stay out of my life, and so it's not that simple. But I think a lot of people on the outside are just seeing estrangement as this dynamic of I'm mad at you, so I'm not going to talk to you, when this look goes so much deeper as to what's truly going on, from that cellular trauma level to generations, to modeling, to here's neglect and abuse that was happening for that person. 0:05:41 - Hilary Russo Yeah, and the other thing about that is that there's the fine line where, as mental health professionals, our dedication and our loyalty is really to the client or the patient right, but not to tell them what to do, but help them find what works best for them right. It's never telling them, it's never healing them. It's giving them the tools to come to those decisions themselves right. Exactly. But the part of that is some people don't want that person in other lives, and I've seen that a lot. It's like finding that healthy boundary with that person, whereas is there a level of estrangement where it's not they're totally out of your life, but you have healthy boundaries so that they're still in your life. You love this person. It's obviously a tie, but how do you do so in a way that, where it's not impacting your emotional well-being and you can still have someone of a healthy relationship, even at a distance? 0:06:40 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, and so you're kind of speaking to. We talk about in the book. We talk about physical estrangement versus emotional estrangement. So physical estrangement is what people's heads go to, their minds go to we're not speaking, I've moved away, you don't know anything about my life, we're never seeing each other at holidays or never at family gatherings. It's kind of like a hard stop, like very dramatic sense of there's grief and loss. This feels like a death when we stop talking to that person. Then there's this emotional estrangement, which is that slow burn of like I'm going to start kind of distancing myself, like when I restrict how long I'm talking to you on the phone, how often I call you, how long I stay at that family event. So it creates some of those boundaries you're naming Hillary with. Like I want some distance, but I'm still connected to them, I'm still talking to them. I'm just creating some boundaries around what that looks like. 0:07:28 - Hilary Russo And then you have the other side of it, like other family members who witness that, and I've been in a position where I've had family members who have been estranged or still are, and you so want everybody to get along, you so want to step in and be like, oh gosh, what can I do to help? Even though it's not your place, how do you deal with being the family member who's on the outside looking in and they're the one that wants the piece within everyone? Because I'm sure someone can benefit from this book and pick it up and read it, because maybe there is an estrangement between family members that they love both both of those people. 0:08:07 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Oh, yeah, yeah. And so we have a section in the book that talks about this ripple effect on families and specifically for siblings. This was inspired by my spouse, who's talking to all four of those generations and the family, but none of them are talking, so he's very much the person saying what you've just said. I want everyone to get along, I want to see all of you, I want us in a room together. I miss us as a family, right? So that's very heartfelt For those siblings or loved ones. Some of the strategies are know that this is your agenda, this is your desire, this is your wish, your want of the family. Do you go to your own therapy to process the sadness that you have that your family has been fractured in this way? Is it about not taking sides, not bad mouthing one loved one to the other as you're like oh, I'm siding with mom or I'm siding with sister and this mother daughter example of estrangement. But some other tips of like, it's not up to you to fix it, it's not up for you to convince them to reconcile. Actually, it'll backfire if you do. If you're like just get along, just talk to each other. That creates more damage. But, more importantly, there's this alliance that we have to have, or we feel like we have to have, and I have to choose mom or sister. I cannot be connected to both. And that is where I think doing their own individual therapy is important, because they're feeling caught between and they love both people and they want both people in their lives, but they feel like they can't speak about that person. I can't mention mom to sister and I can't mention sister to mom, and it's just a huge mental energy for them to navigate estrangement this way. 0:09:36 - Hilary Russo Yeah, and it can cause a lot of draining of that energy too. You know you don't want to be put in the middle. You have your own relationship that you need to nurture. You might have your own emotional boundaries or healthy boundaries that you need to set with that person as well, or maybe it's even more than one person, because even like you mentioned your husband having an estrangement from a number of people or has a family that has multiple levels of estrangement. You know being able to support yourself is the most important thing. But you know you also mentioned that there is the trickle down and the ripple effect, especially when it comes to children. Like how do you explain that to a child? Like where's grandma, where's grandpa? Why don't we see them? But we see the other grandparents all the time. We're seeing more of that too. 0:10:21 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Oh yeah, and children are curious Like that's naturally, developmentally appropriate of like where's my grandparent? Here's a social representation of families. My family doesn't look like this. Why is that? So I took this first book that we're talking about and I actually made a children's book in the last two weeks. I actually launched last week. Oh, that's great. 0:10:41 - Hilary Russo Can we get the name of that? 0:10:42 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, it's called Petty Mickey's Family Tree, talking to kids about a strange one. And so it's a cute little elementary age child book. That's the audience, it's elementary age children and their parents, and it looks at her coming home saying, hey, I have this assignment, this family tree I'm supposed to put together. I'm having some anxiety, I'm having some worry that my tree looks different than the other kids at school and it really just creates modeling of what it looks like for a family member this case of parent to talk to their child and say, like, what's age appropriate? How do I regulate myself to tell my kid just enough information for them to understand what's going on, without parentifying them, without stressing them out? So I actually have like five tips in the back of that book for parents of like I want you to breathe, I want you to be curious about what the question they have. You know, these young children of like four or five year olds are like hey, do they look like me? That might be their only question, versus a word panicking that I have to explain. Hey, this is what my parent did for me to not talk to them. So just talking about what's developmentally appropriate and discussing this arrangement because kids do have questions and this book, hopefully, is going to help that conversation. 0:11:50 - Hilary Russo I love that you mentioned that. I love that you're bringing up like social, emotional learning tools that children can implement. And that's something that I've been trying to work with the kids, more especially with the havening techniques, which gives them a way to self-regulate for self-love, self-care and just find that calm and the chaos you know when the brain is just not really understanding what's going on, especially at that younger age. Right, but giving them ways to self-regulate and you mentioned that words regulate what other things can they do? You mentioned breathing. 0:12:25 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, I think even just like talking about this ahead of time. So like when parents pick up this book or hear this podcast, can they be like? What would I say if my kid asked why I don't talk to grandma or to uncle or to whoever it is in the family? So just that like preparation of here's what I would say, so it doesn't feel like it's coming from emotion, it's coming from like this grounded. I know what I want to say to my kid and I'm not going to show them that this hurts. I'm going to be regulated so I don't look sad or angry or upset, because kids can feel that right, so we can feel our own stuff, show up and so if we can take a book or think about this ahead of time, then we can feel more prepared to show up neutrally with our kids and then be really like slow and saying what do you really want to know? You know elementary age kids might have one simple question, versus a teenager might be like tell me more, like I want to know what really happened with grandma. So some of those tips are about just like being present for the question. Regulate yourself to breathe, grounding, giving them eye contact, validating their emotions, which is important for kids of like you might feel confused by what I just shared. What other questions do you have? That's another tip of encouraging future questions. They might just be like this was enough for now, but I might have a question for you as my parent six months from now about grandma. So it's not usually a one and done conversation and their parents can look at this. These characters go through this little plot line of the children's book or just look at the back of the book for those five tips. I'm hoping they'll feel more prepared. 0:13:54 - Hilary Russo And this can also be for teachers as well, because something that I was talking with a mutual trauma informed practitioner and also an educator who works with kids about the castle system, and then you know what? What can we do to understand a child's body language and their behavior? That might be changing the in the in the classroom. Educators, teachers, also need to be familiar with this. So I'm sure this book, the child book especially, can be very helpful for teachers as well to understand what's going on at home with with the little ones you know. 0:14:29 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Absolutely, and obviously the child therapists are just like eating it up. They want this in our library of, like, let's do some bibliotherapy, let's talk about this. Is this, is this your family? Like talking to me about your family tree? So I just I'm really hopeful that it's going to fill this gap, because I didn't see any literature out there for kids, and parents are desperate to say how do I not harm them further? How do I not put my stuff on them? How do I keep myself in check while answering their question, and I think this book is a part of that. 0:14:56 - Hilary Russo So let's mention the two books that you have that we're talking about. The first one is Understanding Ruptured Mother-Daughter Relationships Guiding the Adult Daughter's Healing Journey through the Estrangement Energy Cycle. I want to talk about that real quick. And then the other book mentioned the title again so we can let folks know. 0:15:12 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, it's called Petty McGee's Family Tree. Talking to Kids about Family Estrangement. 0:15:17 - Hilary Russo Wonderful. We're going to put links to both of those in the list of notes of this podcast episode and if you are touched, moved and inspired by this in any way, if you are enjoying this conversation um HIListically Speaking with Khara Croswaite Brindle, please let us know, drop us a line, let us know how we can support you more on this journey. But let us get into the nitty-gritty about the Estrangement Energy Cycle. What does that mean? Can you share? 0:15:41 - Khara Croswaite Brindle that, yeah. So the key word here is energy. Like we've already alluded to, just the thought of estranging from a family member is emotional. It takes energy. A lot of these women are coming into therapy trying to figure out what their next move is, and so the energy word is really speaking to. This might be pre-contemplative, this might be I'm preparing for the worst, and so I'm going through this cycle in my mind, or it could be I'm literally going through these eight stages as I figure out what's happening with mom. Um, so, although the eight stages don't have any particular order, I tend to start talking about it from this awareness of what if I have a realization, as an adult daughter, that this was abusive? Once I have that realization, I can't unsee it right as a woman, and so does that then catapult me into stage two, which is about questioning what do I want to do with this information? Do I want to talk to mom about it? Do I want to broach this with her, bring it up? Do I want to just focus on the relationship now or our future relationship? So if they decide to talk to mom, which a lot of these women feel compelled to do from a place of, I want acknowledgement, I want an apology, I want compassion, I want healing. They might say let's go to mom and talk about it. Worst case scenario depending on how mom responds to this conversation, there could be immense healing that happens of you're right, I made mistakes, I'm so sorry that happened to you, I want to do better, I love you. That'll be the best scenario for going to mom saying, hey, I have this awareness now. Worst case scenario mom gets defensive, mom gets angry, mom starts name calling, mom starts pointing fingers, which unfortunately, a lot of these women then came into my therapy practice devastated because they're like, on top of realizing that this was abusive or traumatic, my parent just minimized my experience and so that leads to that relationship rupture right when it's like I don't know if I can do this with mom anymore. If they feel like they want to break that pattern, they might consider a strange man, whether it's physical or emotional strange man. Now I'm like I can't talk to mom. I have to have some control over what's happening in my life, and so it might mean mom's not in it Standably. If we choose a strange one, we go into a grief and loss response. The literature, the research says that it feels like a death because it I mean it has that same emotional pull of like I'm not talking to you, it's like you're not part of my life. Might as well feel like you're dead to me. So for a lot of those women they're coming into therapy at that stage too of like this is devastating, I'm depressed and anxious, I'm in grief. Breathe it From there. They have to start kind of questioning what their identity is Like. What is my self worth without mom? So now is it I have different interests when mom's not weighing in on what I want to do with my life. If mom was maybe overbearing, do I feel like I'm just figuring it out? Who am I without her? What kind of woman am I? What kind of mother am I if I'm a mother, if that's applicable. And then they go into the deeper work, which is, as a therapist, my favorite, because now they're looking at boundaries, other relationships, attachment styles, what's it look like with romantic partners Now that they have this awareness of what's going on with mom? And then, last but not least, is redefining their self worth. So who am I? But, more importantly, where am I headed from here If mom's not a part of my life? Or not reconciling. How do I navigate milestones, holidays, family events you know it's not a joyful thing for these women. It's usually still quite painful, different points of their life where mom should be present and isn't right. So think of like getting married, having a child. Mom is usually a part of that if it's a healthy relationship. So at no point in this cycle is there like hearts and flowers happening for this woman. But maybe she's starting to feel more empowered by the end of I know where I am, I know where I'm headed, even if it's not with mom in my life. So those are kind of the quick overview of those eight stages in the book. 0:19:31 - Hilary Russo It's beautiful. It's beautiful to be able to find yourself in that journey. I mean, you're going to go through, like you said, the stages of grief, but you also are becoming more empowered that for a long time, that daughter could be feeling that everything's her fault you know, or she makes an attempt to reach out and she gets, like you said, she gets very disappointed. She gets disappointment from a defensive parent or mother in this case, right. And then how do you go from there, like you become vulnerable and take that courageous step to reach out? But also, what's responsibility has the daughter had in all this? You know this is not just to put blame on the mother right, it's also what was my responsibility in this. But if a daughter has reached out and has made an attempt and says I'm willing to see the other side, and then all you get back is the upset from the mother, her side not seeing anything, like you said, where do you go from there? 0:20:35 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, and I mean a lot of these women. What I appreciated about what I'm hearing from people who've read it so far is I put in nine women's stories and we like continue to kind of see their journey on all eight stages. All nine of these women, some of them reconcile, some of them have permanent estrangement from significant abuse and neglect. But I tried to capture, like here are all different types of women that I've worked with over the years that now embody these stages and how emotional each of them are. And so I call out the people pleasing, I call out the perfectionists, I call out the did I do enough? Because of course the adult daughter is thinking that at some stage she is asking herself did I do enough? Did I fight enough for this relationship with mom? Should I have done better? Is there a way I could have won her over? Do I deserve unconditional love? Right, I'm like a real deep into the like emotion of it. So I try to name all of that as, like for these women. There's so much to unpack there. It's not just I got to one stage, it's what am I thinking and feeling at each of those stages? And those stories embody that. 0:21:37 - Hilary Russo And then you have to think about leader in life, when the mother might need to have a caregiver. Like, how do you abandon that parent who has hurt you in some way? Do you come back full circle and say this person's in the last part of their lives? But I also need to have these healthy boundaries so that I'm not impacted in a negative way while I'm trying to be supportive and of service to this person who is needing support. You know I hear that a lot as well. 0:22:08 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Oh, yeah, there's this pressure to reconcile. You know, there's the societal message of you're going to regret this. What if they die suddenly? Right? So I have a whole section in the book of, like community members, what we can say and what we shouldn't say. What is actually more hurtful to this traumatic experience of estrangement for this adult daughter? Because, again, an assumption is that this was easy for her, this was impulsive for her, when really it's like months or years of the process. I have one client that inspired one of these characters in the book that even now, 10 years into her work, she continues every year to question should I reach out to mom this year? Should I talk to mom this year? There's significant trauma there that mom will not own at all, and so it's fascinating how human this is right To say. Am I going to have regrets? Am I going to be sad if I get a call that mom has died? If mom's, you know, going into needing care, how do I show up for her? Should I show up for her? There's so much there and obviously each woman's story is unique as to what they decide. But, yeah, society is definitely saying family first. You're going to regret this, right. So I really try and talk about what we could say differently than that. 0:23:12 - Hilary Russo Yeah, being able to support yourself and know how to nurture yourself in that moment and not find yourself in a place where you're oh, I don't know. I mean, like I said earlier, the gaslighting, the manipulation, any kind of toxicity that might come with words, because suddenly you go back to the inner child, suddenly you can be a five year old, hearing words from that parent and you feel it like you did. If you ever witnessed that before as a child. Speaking of children, do you find that there are some women that have made a choice not to have children because they were scared to have the kind of relationships that they witnessed from generations in the past, like if a mother and a daughter or a grandmother and a mother are not communicating or a sister is not communicating generation before you, suddenly you feel like, well, I'm going to just wind up having the same thing, so I'm not having kids, I'm not entering, I'm not bringing anything into this world, because this trauma is just generational. 0:24:15 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, oh, absolutely. I mean, we actually tackle that in the book as well as, like, one of the beliefs is what if I'm broken? But what if I pass this on to my kid? What if I become my mother, for better or worse? Right In this lens of worse, I think that's such a natural thought. And then I actually, when I started writing this book, I just give birth to my daughter, and so I was very aware that I was writing about attachment and trauma and healing, as I was also trying to build healthy attachment with my infant daughter. And so many people worry about, you know, especially if they're like, tracking all these things in the family tree. I think of even just medical conditions and mental health conditions of like, oh, am I going to bring that into my child's life? Yeah, it's causing a lot of fear for people of like, what if this gets recreated again? What if this estrangement is possible in another generation? That's valid. 0:25:04 - Hilary Russo Do you talk specifically about attachment styles in the book? 0:25:07 - Khara Croswaite Brindle I do, yep, I talk about the secure, anxious avoidant, disorganized, how that shows up from childhood into adulthood. Absolutely yeah, can't help myself. 0:25:16 - Hilary Russo That's definitely an area you're yeah, no, I get it and it's so interesting, but I think we're seeing more people that are diving into not self therapy, because obviously we need support, especially when we're dealing. We need support especially when we're dealing with trauma. Right, never do trauma work on your own. It's good to have somebody on the outside, like a licensed therapist or somebody in the field, that can support you in that area, to help you get a different perspective on things. But I do find that more people are open to learning new things, just so there's an awareness, so that when they're meeting with their therapist or their practitioner, they have a much more, they're much more aware of what is being shared with them, rather than just sitting across from your therapist or practitioner. And this is how it is right, right? I think, we're becoming our own healthcare advocates. What I'm saying, yeah absolutely, I mean. 0:26:13 - Khara Croswaite Brindle I think that's why, when people are like who's this book for, I say it's for the adult daughters and it's for the clinicians that serve them, Because an adult daughter might pick up this book and say this is my experience. I feel seen by the cycle or some aspect of the book. And then there's 24 tools throughout the book that are things they could do on their own, but also I encourage them to do with their clinician to say am I doing a particular exercise? I call them therapeutic tools, but there are things I would have done with a client in the room to say does this help you in your process? Does this move you from one stage to the next? So those tools are something that those adult daughters could read, do on their own or bring into a supportive environment, whether that's a coach, a therapist, a mentor or a family member, depending on what feels appropriate. 0:26:57 - Hilary Russo And I think we're also seeing that as well. We're seeing more people reaching out and getting coaching, because sometimes it's just like having a sister or a brother or a friend that's there to help you, that is able to see things from the outside, looking in. That isn't personally connected. There's just so much you can lay this on a family member, especially when you might be sitting there complaining to your real sister or your brother or an aunt or somebody about a family member that they already have a connection with and they have a completely different kind of relationship with. That's not helpful to any party. 0:27:32 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah, that bias of like oh I can't be neutral for you, I have my own thoughts. Yeah, this is why they go to someone outside the family. That's pretty typical. 0:27:40 - Hilary Russo Yeah. So let's mention the book again. It's Understanding Ruptured Mother-Daughter Relationships, Guiding the Adult Daughter's Healing Journey through the Estrangement Energy Cycle. And Khara also has another book that is written to support the child and the parent and the teacher. We're going to put both of those in the links to this podcast. But I have a question for you Do you find that there might be mothers that would be open to reading this book? 0:28:09 - Khara Croswaite Brindle I hope so. I mean, I think there are lots of books out there for parents. When I was doing the research on this, getting this book up and running, I found so many books for parents that really spoke to their the will-dermant, their pain, their anger, their outrage that this was happening, which has its value right. They need to feel seen and supported as well. I feel like the mother who's going to pick up this book is someone who's I'm curious to heal. I want to reconcile, I want to work on myself. I want to understand my daughter's perspective. This book might help them with that because it's really written from the eyes of the adult daughter. So if they're feeling a disconnect where they don't understand why adult daughter has made this choice, this could be enlightening, I would hope. 0:28:49 - Hilary Russo And maybe pave the way for a new relationship. 0:28:53 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Absolutely. 0:28:53 - Hilary Russo Or just an evolved relationship. You know it's lovely when we were able to see that. I want to play a quick game with you. Or if there's anything else you want to add. Let me just stop there and say is there anything else about the book you'd like to add, or anything about the Estrangement Energy Cycle? I want to give you the space to share there. 0:29:10 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Yeah. So one other thing to highlight real quick is that we have some morning signs for both mothers and daughters. So off the top of my head it was things like you know, on the daughter side, a lack of boundaries, resentment brewing, that kind of language was in her checklist as adult daughter and then for the mother checklist it was things like are you steamrolling over those boundaries? Are you calling when she said not to call? Are you making demands? Are you feeling like there's friction? Are you getting feedback from the daughter that she's not happy with the relationship? So try to itemize a couple of things that both daughters and mothers could look at and say, hmm, is that true for us? Like, is that something in our life right now? Is that in the relationship right now? Is this an opportunity to discuss and heal and grow? Or is it like a ooh, that's me and I need to go do some work around that professionally with a therapist or coach or mentor or whoever? So by no means is it. You have to have one of them and you're in dire straits. It's more like the more you have on this checklist, the more you probably want to sit and think about what do I want to do with this information? Does it catapult me into a growth place of wanting to heal and change? 0:30:24 - Hilary Russo And sometimes it might just be that the relationship needs to be on that level of some, some estrangement. Maybe you're not as close to that person and that's okay too. I think that's something I really want to put out. There is that if you come to a decision especially after reading this book, which I'm very excited to get the copy in my hand when you're able to make that decision and know that you have the tools that helped you make that decision, and if that choice is that I really need to have some safe boundaries, but I'm still open to possibly the physical strange or the emotional estrangement, but the physical I don't want to not have this person in my life. Whatever you choose to do if it's good for you is the right choice because it's self-first. You have to live your life before anybody else's. So everybody's journey is going to be different and I want to make sure we put that out there to those who are listening, to those who might be watching that your journey is your own. What you choose with the tools that you have is the right choice, as long as it's not hurting you or anybody else. You choose to choose and you know what. You can also make a different choice. If you decide down the line, I'm ready now Be open to that as well. I imagine you agree with that? Yeah? 0:31:52 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Oh yeah, I'm just sitting here thinking about their seasons of our life right, yeah, or there's a season of independence, which is why a lot of our 20-something year olds are thinking about a strange thing, because it almost feels in alignment with independence I'm out of a nest, I'm doing my own thing. You know, the angry teenage part is like don't tell me what to do. That's what I tell my clients. We all have that angry teenage part of stubbornness, like don't tell me what to do. But then maybe I just I realize I'm going to be a mother. Maybe I'm pregnant and I'm like, wow, I really want my mom in my life. How can I have her in my life in a way that's healthy and supportive at that stage or that season of my life? Maybe I'm getting older and she's getting older, and so I think the bright spot for folks who are like man, we're in a strange moment, or one of those one in 12 people. There is research saying that you know, about 80% of these women are reconciling with their mothers. Obviously, we can't speak to like how long that took or what happened to make that possible, but if 80% plus percent of these women are reconciling with their mothers, there is hope that the relationship can change, that the season can change, that most of us in the mental health space are going to say we've got to work on it together. This is where, like family therapy or estrangement specialist is going to come into play, because it's complex and so it might not be as simple as just saying I owe you an apology. It might be we're doing some deep work here to have a healthier relationship, so don't feel like you have to do it on your own. I think that's what I'm saying. 0:33:12 - Hilary Russo Well, that's the other thing. Well, both parties, or any parties involved, have to do their own healing work and growth work. It's very hard to be able to create a space where the two parties are going to come together, when only one party is willing to do the work and the other might be saying well, everything's your fault, you're the one that needs therapy. So think about those things as well. You can only do so much. It is still teamwork. There's still a relationship to consider and a relationship takes more than one person, except the one with yourself. That's the most important one to work on. So, with that being said, I have really enjoyed this conversation. This is so great. I cannot wait to get that book in my hands. You booked this so fast that I haven't gotten the book yet. I'm like I reached out to your publicist. I'm like slam me the book and I want to end with just doing a quick game with you that I do with my guests on the show. I've been writing down some words that are things you've said during this conversation and I want you to come back with the first word that comes to mind. Let's see how Tara's brain is working, oh no. Sometimes I think I should do this at the beginning of the podcast but then I don't have words to use. All right, you ready, I'm ready, okay, alliance. 0:34:37 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Relationships Toxic Parenting. 0:34:41 - Hilary Russo Estrangement, daughter, children, lovable Valderies, therapy, therapy, that's my word. Come back to that chair. 0:34:59 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Champion. 0:35:01 - Hilary Russo And I have to put my glasses on for this last one, because I can't read my own handwriting. Oh, I was trying to write down the name of the character in your book. 0:35:09 - Khara Croswaite Brindle The Children's Book that name, yeah, so Penny McGee's Family Tree Penny McGee. 0:35:15 - Hilary Russo Penny McGee. It's Penny Penny McGee, so what would you? It's two words I'm throwing out at you, but what would you say about? 0:35:21 - Khara Croswaite Brindle that Vulnerability. 0:35:27 - Hilary Russo And isn't that? That's a great way to end this, because starting as a child, understanding these things makes you a more well-rounded adult and, as we've heard from Brittany Brown, vulnerability is courage. 0:35:39 - Khara Croswaite Brindle Right, it is. 0:35:40 - Hilary Russo Yeah, absolutely is. 0:35:42 - Khara Croswaite Brindle There's courage in the conversation. That's my hope. 0:35:44 - Hilary Russo Thank you. There is and being vulnerable to take that step. As long as it doesn't step on your own boundaries and hurt you, it's okay. It's okay to try that as well. Are there any final thoughts you'd like to leave with listeners? 0:35:57 - Khara Croswaite Brindle My hope is it's just gonna speak to the women who felt like they haven't had a voice in this conversation before now. So I'm really grateful that we could talk about adult daughters and what they're going through. As I alluded to, there are lots of books out there for the parents and I definitely recommend a bunch of them, and I wanna make sure these women have a voice too. So thank you for having me on the podcast to talk about it. 0:36:16 - Hilary Russo Okay, my friends, if you or someone you know is facing family estrangement, specifically with a mother-daughter relationship, consider putting Khara's book in your hands or paying it forward. That book, again is called Understanding Ruptured Mother-Daughter Relationships Guiding the Adult Daughter's Healing Journey through the Estrangement Energy Cycle. I added a link to that book, as well as her children's book also, and you can also connect with Khara by visiting her website or her social media. You'll find those links as well. And Khara mentioned the importance of self-regulation tools. There are many. We need to put those little tools in our brain candy jar right and pull them out when we need those the sweetest ways to be kind to our mind. As I always say, Havening could be one of those tools. If you wanna learn how to hug it out, how to put the healing in your own hands, set up a call with me. Let's see if Havening is right for you. HIListically Speaking, is edited by 2 Market Media with music by Lipone Redding and Listen to by you, my listener. So thank you for your continued support. On that note, never forget the importance of healthy boundaries and if you need support, know that there is always help, because the most important relationship is the one with self. I love you, I believe in you and I will see you next week.
Is your child acting out and has problems paying attention? What you've been told about their "willful bad behavior" could be wrong and Dr. Connie McReynolds has neurofeedback to back it up. On this episode of the HIListically Speaking Podcast, Hilary Russo asks Dr. Connie how she has been able to Solve the ADHD Riddle and the traumas associated with it. Including, anxiety, anger, panic attacks, conduct disorder, depression, chronic pain, cognitive decline, and PTSD Plus, she answers listeners' questions to help you understand what your child needs in order to thrive. Subscribe, like, and hit that alert bell so you never miss an episode or other content released on the @HilaryRusso channel. Take Dr. Connie's free assessment: 7 Signs Your Child May Have Auditory or Visual Processing Problems https:/www.conniemcreynolds.com Connect with Dr. Connie: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dr-Connie-McReynolds/100024845513843/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-mcreynolds-ph-d-463502b/ https://www.instagram.com/morningstarneurofeedback/ Connect with Hilary: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso https://www.facebook.com/hilisticallyspeaking https://twitter.com/HilaryRusso https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast Music by Lipbone Redding https://lipbone.com/ Chapters 0:00 Intro 4:25 Neurofeedback and ADHD 7:00 Changing the narrative about behavior 8:40 Information on free assessment 11:00 Hyperactivity, neurodivergence, and bullying 13:55 auditory and visual processing 15:25 You can teach an old brain new tricks: ADHD and adults 22:55 Biggest challenge writing Solving the ADHD Riddle 25:55 Listeners' questions 31:33 Hilary shares the THINK method 39:00 Rapid Fire game 39:56 Dr. Connie McReynold's final thoughts 41:07 Hilary's close: Show and guest info TRANSCRIPT Dr. Connie McReynolds And so if we change the narrative and how we think about what's going on and what behaviors mean, if we broaden that discussion, if we open that conversation to a different level, and we understand what's really going on behind the behaviors or underneath the behaviors, what's actually causing the behaviors, then we can guide this child in ways that we would not be able to otherwise. Hilary Russo Does this sound familiar? Your child is acting out. They aren't paying attention. They can't even follow simple tasks and whether it's coming from you or the teachers, you're just at your wits end. I know there are a number of listeners out there that are going, Oh, yeah, Hilary , tell me about it. And you're running out of therapies. You're running out of medication ideas and you're just over it and you want to know if there's other solutions. Well, that is exactly why we have Dr. Connie McReynolds here today. She's a licensed psychologist. She's a professor, rehabilitation counselor. She's also a podcaster. Love my fellow podcasters who is on the road to map the brain to give you alternative approaches to change the narrative around ADHD, whether we're talking about your child. Where we are talking about you because we're going to touch on that today. So Dr. Connie, thank you so much for joining me on HIListically Speaking, for being a voice and just having the ability to talk about this openly because it really is a topic. I think we're not only hearing about how to manage the ADHD with our children, but also ourselves. We're finding out these things about ourselves and starting to ask questions. Dr. Connie McReynolds Oh, thank you, Hilary, for having me. It's a pleasure to be here today and I look forward to our conversation. Hilary Russo Your book, Solving the ADHD Riddle, which is the real cause and lasting solutions to your child's struggle to learn. What was your reason for writing this book? I'm going to show this to those who are watching on YouTube, but what made you go here when you actually, as a psychologist, have been holding space for those who are age five, all the way up to 95? Why the kids? Dr. Connie McReynolds So over the 15 years that I've been doing this work, um, I, and I'll back up just a skosh, which is it really goes back to my own childhood, which my mother taught second grade for 32 years in the same classroom. And so I come from a long line of teachers and people and my mother was quite innovative. In her world, she brought typewriters into the second grade, you know, 30 some years ago, 40 some years ago, because she knew that's where the future was going. And she thought, let's teach these kiddos how to do this. And so fast forward really into my work, I've been a psychologist in the rehabilitation counseling field for well over 30 years now. And my goal has always been strength based assessment and understanding how people are functioning in their life. Looking at these areas that maybe aren't working well for them, it's like, well, what is this? And then about 15 years ago when I started this new assessment center and institute in Southern California at a university, I had the opportunity to start exploring what this process was that I now use, which I know we'll get into, it's called neurofeedback. But the precursor to all of that and the reason this book is out is because I started seeing what was happening to children You have these auditory and visual processing problems that get labeled as a whole broad host of other kinds of conditions, and these other conditions led to interventions that for the folks that I was working with. It wasn't working. And so everyone was struggling and really it evolved from understanding, uncovering, discovering what I think is the real cause of a lot of the struggle of people, regardless of age, and then getting this out. So once I had the way to really work with people, no matter where they are, then it's like, okay, get the book out. So now the book can be out there. Now we can talk about this. Hilary Russo You mentioned neurofeedback, and if you can elaborate on that just for folks that might not necessarily know exactly what that means. What do you mean by the neurofeedback? Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, I start with the definition of biofeedback, which most people have heard of. Hilary Russo Mm-Hmm. Dr. Connie McReynolds Which biofeedback you use a little sensor, you can measure your pulse, you can measure your respiration with this. And by being coached on how to breathe differently or relax your muscles, we learned over time, this has been decades ago, that we could actually affect how our body was operating. Which became shortened from biological information to biofeedback. And so neurofeedback is the same concept. It's simply reading data from the body, in this case from the brain. It's fed into an instrument, in this case the computer. And then we interact with that data lifetime. In live real time so that a person can affect change in their life. So they literally are learning how to do their own brain training with the feedback so they can understand what's happening in their brain. It's a, it's a brain boost in a short, short, uh, shortcut to affecting change. Hilary Russo I think we could all use a brain boost no matter what age we're at. And I, I imagine catching this, these disruptions. In our lives earlier when we're a child is going to help pave the way for a much better adulthood if we're able to see what need, what the needs are, how to manage what we've uncovered at an earlier age, because I know myself, there have been many times where I'm like, Gosh, am I do I have ADHD? Like we tend to label ourselves, right? I'm so creative. I've post-it notes everywhere, you know, and we start wondering, What's wrong with me? And putting that label on ourselves is certainly not helpful. And we don't want the children to do that. So how are you approaching this in a way where the children are able to, to look at it as well? I'm sure this book is mainly for the adult, but how, how can a child accept who they are and.Manage something that might make them special, or maybe deal with things a little differently. Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, that comes from how adults interact primarily with children. And so if we change the narrative and how we think about what's going on and what behaviors mean, if we broaden that discussion, if we open that conversation to a different level, And we understand what's really going on behind the behaviors or underneath the behaviors, what's actually causing the behaviors, then we can guide this child in ways that we would not be able to otherwise. So, for example, a child who can't remember what's being said is going to look like they're disorganized, not paying attention, inattentive, we give a whole host. of labels. Sometimes words are said such as it just goes in one ear and out the other. Nothing seems to stick. It's like, well, you're actually quite right. That is pretty much what is going on, but it is not a willful situation. And so when we change the narrative about the behaviors and what the behaviors actually mean. Then everyone relaxes a little bit, and that's the key here. Let's get us out of this kind of fight flight, kind of push pull, tug of war kind of situation, punishment reward basis. None of that is going to work for the child who has auditory visual processing. Because if they can't hang on to what you're saying or showing, it doesn't matter how many times you say it, or how loudly you say it, or what you take away, it doesn't change the actual underlying cause, which is, this child can't remember what's going on, and it isn't about intellectual. And I think that's where we're seeing growth in this day and age, especially we're using the word neurodivergence. We're using words that are, that I don't want to say acceptable because everybody should be acceptable, accepted rather, but more of just a better understanding and knowing how we can support somebody who might need additional support in a certain area. Hilary Russo Well, we all have, we all need support in a different area, right? We're all needing something special in some area. So for. For kids that are facing auditory and visual processing problems, which isn't a chapter that you cover in your book under the understanding of the real cause, what can we do for that child? Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, it starts with really being able to figure out what's going on. So I just kind of wax momentarily over to the website, and I'm sure we'll have that information available later. Absolutely. There's a brief free assessment up on the front page. of my website. It's a great starting point because start there, because if you can figure out, okay, are there some factors here that do seem to check the box on how either a friend, myself, or my child is operating, then that gets you in the door for understanding there could be something else going on here. And then depending on how far you want to go in the book, there are chapters. That are specific to auditory specific to visual processing and there are checklists in there so you can literally go through those checklists. And once you figure out. Oh my gosh, my child is checking, checking 10 boxes here on auditory, or oh my goodness, I've checked boxes in both of these, what am I going to do? Well, there's a lot that we can do. Once you understand what you're dealing with, you can then decode the behaviors, and when we can decode those behaviors, such as anger, frustration, and lack of follow through, and disorganization, can't remember anything, then there are strategies that parents and teachers can use right away. To help ease up some of the tension and the frustration and the understanding that it isn't willful bad behavior is the big starting point here. This isn't willful bad behavior. Hilary Russo I just had a conversation with some colleagues about this very thing as we're trying to find ways and this is a perfect example of strategies to not only support. The teacher, the educator or the parent, but going back to focusing on the educator, the teacher, it's not just helping them understand how they can support the student and the child. But what about the, the children around that child in that classroom? Is this also giving teachers and educators tools to, while they're supporting that child that needs additional help in this area who might have ADHD? Let's Let's help the other kids in the class understand how they can be a support system too. Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, I think it does because I think once we get away from thinking there's something wrong or this person's doing something wrong to get to a, what I kind of think of is a more. Uh, sensitive approach or, you know, compassionate approach perhaps to what's going on with the child. It's so easy to say, oh, just sit still. Well, if this child has hyperactivity, that's not going to do any good. You can say sit still all day long and this child can't do it because they have a hyperactivity function in the brain that's interfering with that. So it's getting away from thinking these, these kids are just acting badly in my classroom. And then that. If we think about what that subtle and not so subtle message is, then how does that spread out to the children in the classroom and how they view this child as well? And so if we're constantly kind of getting on this child, then this is a set up for bullying that happens for children who are considered divergent or different or however we want to describe it. But children have an innate ability to sniff out something that isn't quite right. And then depending upon how we guide these children as to whether we accept or reject that person who falls into the so called different category. And if a teacher has a deeper understanding, and many of them do, so I come from a long line of teachers. I was a teacher. So, you know, I want teachers to know I get it. I know what this is like. I watched my mother deal with this for her thirty two years and it is an issue in the classroom. Yet, if we can understand what this really is about. Um, which I proved at the pilot project in an elementary school, which is the chapter in the book. I proved that this makes a difference, both in the classroom, in the school, the behavioral outcomes that are needed, interventions that are needed. We can change the trajectory of all of this. When we know what we're looking at. Is it also giving children tools and different kind of approaches to, as you mentioned, retrain the brain or train the brain? Hilary Russo Is it, is it teaching them new social and emotional learning tools? Or like for me, I, I work in the field, the havening technique, which can change your thoughts, moods, behaviors, and habits. And we have used it with children with ADHD or just giving. Kids tools to self regulate for self soothing and self care. Are those kind of things also addressed in the book and in what you're doing and what you found? Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, what I will say is all of this can be effective if a child can remember what's being introduced. Ah, yes. So all of these things are great interventions, but if I can't remember what you're asking me to do and what you've shown me to do, it doesn't matter how great that intervention is, I'm not going to succeed at that. And that's where this narrative has to expand, which is, yes, there are wonderful interventions out there, but I have to be able to hang on to it. Hilary Russo And in doing so, if you're, if they're not able to hold on to the information or remember the information, how. Is the approach you're using helping them if they might not be able to remember it? Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, that's why I assess at the front end because at the front end of the intake before we provide services I'm looking at 37 areas of auditory and visual processing And once we figure out what areas are working great. It's like great. This is your strength These areas are a little bit weaker over here So we need to do some brain training in this area so that we can strengthen this and through practice, which is what the brain training is, it's an organized, systematic, you know, process that the brain learns through, which is repetition. And so when we use this concept of repetition, it's very targeted, it's very structured, then the brain learns how to do things better. And then all these other things can come into play if they're still needed some of them we found because I can now remember better. I might be able to follow through better in the classroom or do better at home. So maybe I'm not so mad anymore that people are on me all the time. I'm a little person. So maybe I can do better now. In other cases, there are other behaviors, uh, sometimes with autism, there can be other types of behaviors and with some other kinds of disorders. So that's where there could be some of these other supportive techniques that once a child can remember what this is, can hang on to the information, can conceptualize it and work with it. Then you can move forward, and I've always said you, you have to get all this in the right order for folks. You have to figure out what's first, and if I can't remember something, talking to me all day long isn't going to make any difference because I can't remember what you're saying. Hilary Russo Are these the same kind of tools that you would use with a child that you would An adult age? I mean, is it going to be different depending on the age and where you are in your life, your experiences? I imagine you take a lot of things into consideration. Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, the intake certainly is extensive. It's an hour and a half process that I do. And a few minutes at 27 minutes of that is the computer based assessment. But part of it's really understanding how does this person live their life, what's happening in the day to day world. Again, what are those strengths areas, what are those areas where they're tripping or falling or not doing well or whatever it might be. Uh, and so it, it's really brain processing. It's the concept of neuroplasticity, which means virtually anyone at any age can train their brain. So I have people, I have a unit down in a retirement center working with senior citizens because they either want to tune it up or they don't want to lose it. So, that's a big fear. I mean, experiencing that as we have having elderly parents and just being around that, that one of the biggest fears is not being able to remember or losing that sense of independence. Hilary Russo And, you know, when we have, A sense of uncertainty. Obviously, the brain is going to go to the negative first. We have to retrain it to find like you're okay. All is well. Dr. Connie McReynolds You can do this. Is it tougher with the adults than it is with children because they've had so much learning. It's like teaching the old dog new tricks. Well, the good news is we can teach old dogs new tricks. So, yay. Hilary Russo Yay to that. Dr. Connie McReynolds It is. Actually, there's a great clip I use. Uh, from this gentleman is a professor at the University of Florida who put some, um, research out that he had done. And he actually uses that as his closing statement. He said, it's true. You can teach old dogs, new tricks because he had his average age was 72 in this large study that he did with senior citizens with neurofeedback and longitudinal. So he would come back and assess their cognitive abilities without any further. Neurofeedback, and they continue to show, um, an increased cognitive level of functioning over people who had not been, uh, using neurofeedback. So it's doable. It may take my 90 year old a little bit longer than my 5 year old to perhaps learn how to use the mouse, first of all. We've had to teach mouse skills to older mature adults. Oh, yes, of course, we've had to do that social media. So once you're going to get the mouse skills down, it's surprising how well they can do. They do very well. And they're so motivated because they want to improve their brain and children. just want to get along. They just want to do what people are asking them to do. They don't want to be in trouble. They just, you know, just want to be held and loved and cuddled and have fun and learn and grow and do all those great things without the punishment and the, oh, the discord that happens so often with all of this. That's a very painful childhood. When people don't quite understand what's going on and don't know what your needs are. Hilary Russo And also, and fitting in, like just being heard and fitting in, you know, with your peers. And also, you know, I was a child, uh, my brother was 12 years older than me. So it was kind of like being an only child. And I think being around adults, uh, caused me to tune in, um, in a different way and being heard was really important. You know, but you wound up being, you wind up being very creative because as kind of an only child in the home, at least you find creative ways to keep yourself busy. Do you think sometimes that a lot of, do you see rather, do you see where there is a higher level of ADHD in certain kind of family dynamics? Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, I think that's an interesting question because There are times, and there have been quite a few of them over the years, where parents will bring their child in, we'll do the assessment, I'm going through the results of the assessment, and one of the parents will say, Oh, he or she's just like me, he or she's just like his father or his mother, or we have an aunt or an uncle or a grandparent or someone that has similarities in these behaviors and what's going on. So there's kind of an awareness within some families that there may be a trait Here. Um, that's a tendency toward maybe struggling with some of this. Um, other times I can tell you there could be four or five children in the family and there's one that for some reason is struggling like none of the others ever have the parents are scratching their heads or pulling their hair out because everything they did with all the other children isn't working. And so there's something unique about this child. And again, yeah. Depending on kind of how the parents are wired, you know, are they perceiving this as something they're doing wrong? Are they perceiving that there's something wrong with this child? Or are they kind of in a different place? And so really the orientation of where the parents are coming from drives a lot of what's happening within the family as it naturally would. Hilary Russo Hmm. Okay. One thing I noticed from the book is that you do mention specific children and their names and their actual situations. And I imagine that these are actual, um, clients, patients that you've met with, or at least changing the name to, to protect the innocent or sweet innocent kids. But these are actual real situations. Dr. Connie McReynolds Yes, they absolutely are. And yes, their names have been changed. Of course. Hilary Russo They're sweet names though. I like your choices. Dr. Connie McReynolds I worked hard on that actually. I'm trying to make sure it wasn't anyone in the database. Hilary Russo Right. And oh, that's, I didn't even think that's very true, but also names that kind of names could have a feeling to them. Dr. Connie McReynolds MMhm. Hilary Russo Right. So when I was looking at the names, like the Abigail's and the. Jeremy's and the Zoe's, I can almost envision who they are. So I imagine that was something you thought about, like, who is this person and how are they represented? Dr. Connie McReynolds I did. I gave quite a bit of thought to that. It was, you know, kind of, okay, what does this feel like? Knowing that I didn't want to do anything that could make someone feel uncomfortable and people had signed releases anyway, but, um, you know, you still want to make sure everyone is okay. Hilary Russo Right. So when I was lookOf course. Yeah. So there's a lot that you cover in the book from the interventions for teachers to empower the children. You mentioned some about the neural feedback and how the brain works. And of course, the auditory and visual process. I'm curious, like, what was the most challenging area of this book? And by the way, let's just mention the book again, Solving the ADHD Riddle, The Real Cause and Lasting Solutions to Your Child's Struggle to Learn by Dr. Connie McReynolds. And so happy to have you as a guest. And by the way, she did mention before, if you go to her website, which we will put in the list of notes, you can download and do the free assessment on her website to that might answer some questions you might have. So definitely take advantage of that. And that will be in the list of notes. But again, going back to the question, what. What was the most challenging part of writing this book? Dr. Connie McReynolds That is such a great question. Um, it was really kind of the process was I didn't want to put this book out there until I had the solution that anyone could really access because I really didn't want it to be just something else that I was adding to information perhaps but didn't have solutions to it. So really it was making sure that the solutions or the suggestions or what is in there are doable or workable that we had used in the clinics, uh, that we tested with people over the years, um, and that schools can use. And so part of this was really making it a usable tool. For both parents and teachers that when you go in there, I have information about IEPs and 504s and you know, how do you try and advocate for your child because that's important. A lot of parents don't know that they can do this. So it was just, I will say it's a labor of love. It took a while to do it because it had to be right. And I just absolutely labored over. Literally, um, all of it, uh, as time went on, it was, you know, setting the stage for this, it's like, how do I tell the story? How do I make it meaningful to parents? How do I make it? So it's relatable for parents and teachers. How do I and here was the big piece. How do I get this out of the academic jargon? That's in my head. Of 25 years where I've written for professional journals and a journal editor and all of that going on that is a language that most people don't appreciate outside of academe and really dialing it in, dialing it in to where it was as if the person studying in my conference room and I'm having a conversation with them about this is what's happening with your child. This is the good news, bad news, good news, good news, bad news, good news, whatever you want to call it. This is what's happening. This is why they're doing what they're doing. And this is what we can do about it. And I wanted it to be conversational in its approach so that it felt Digestible and understandable, beautiful, love that and really it is a book that is very easy to read. Hilary Russo It's actually pleasant to even look at like it that just pulls me in the cover, just seeing children and the happy it gives a happy like there's a there's a solution. That's what it says, and which there is many. Dr. Connie McReynolds There is. Yes. Hilary Russo And, and when we're talking about solving the ADHD riddle, I know the focus in the book mainly is for children and, and we're for helping our children for the educators and teachers and parents out there. If you don't mind, I'd love for us to take some questions from those who have HIListically Speaking and just see what your thoughts are about that. Is that. Dr. Connie McReynolds Love to. Let's go for it. Hilary Russo So that first question, let's, let's go step away from just the children for a second. And how would an adult with ADHD find the best kind of support? And that is from Amy from Pennsylvania. Dr. Connie McReynolds So it's the same process because this cuts across no matter what the age is. So the techniques in here that are maybe written for a child with ADHD, the feedback I've had from parents and adults who have ADHD who've read this, it's like I've seen my Self through this entire book as an adult. These are the things I've been struggling with. And now I have an answer for what this is like. I've worked with adults all over the, all over, uh, who have these attention problems. They just thought. They weren't smart enough. They just felt like there was something wrong with them that they had to work so much harder than everyone else. So that latter statement is true because if you're swimming upstream all the time, and other people are swimming downstream, you are working much harder to get to where you want to go. And the beauty is, if we can uncover this and help you with this and figure out what's going on and train your brain, then guess what you get to do? You get to turn around and float down the stream instead of working so hard. Hilary Russo That is such a great way of putting it. And it kind of leads into my follow up, which you kind of answered, but in all curiosity, With adults, once you have a diagnosis or you have answers, you're able to manage things or know what to do with the next step. So, with somebody like Amy who has adult ADHD or somebody who's like, I think there's something I, something's resisting with how I feel about myself. Once somebody does find out that they might be dealing with ADHD, is there a next step? Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, yes. And so it really there's kind of two schools of thought here that I've learned about. One is the traditional approach. And so there are very traditional approaches. Some people choose that it may work well for them. So it could be medication. It could be just learning how the techniques are to work harder or work smarter. Uh, the other, of course, is what a lot of folks are choosing to do, which is really train their brain. So if I can train my brain to tackle the underlying cause of what's going on in my life, and it tends to hold, so I don't have to keep going back to that therapist. I'm a therapist. I love my clients, but I want them to do well and go on out the world. Hilary Russo Well, and the antithesis of what we do for a living in this, in this world. The career that we've chosen is that we never want to see our clients again because you want people to come in, get it figured out, implement the new way of being to hit their goals. So you can go on and do what you want to do in an easier manner in your life. And so we can clear out. You know, this, whatever you want to call it, clear out the fog, clear out the, the barriers, clear out all of these things that aren't really working, that are really causing you to work so much harder than the next person and you don't have to. Dr. Connie McReynolds In other words, if there's a way that you can actually do something to help your brain get stronger in these areas, and it tends to hold. Hmm. Seems like people might like that and that's the feedback I've been getting for 15 years is that I've treated people with anxiety, severe anxiety, severe trauma, and they write or they call me or they come in years later and they say, I just want you to know it just keeps getting better and better. Hilary Russo Yeah, once you have answers, it's nice because it's scary to get the answer sometimes, but at least you have information and knowledge is power and hope the correct knowledge, because obviously I'm sure people have been misdiagnosed in the past or diagnosed themselves and that can be very scary. Dr. Connie McReynolds Yeah. Hilary Russo That could be dangerous too. I mean, you start going down the rabbit hole, you know? Well, and people do because they have a symptom or two and they hear something from someone and then our lovely world where anything's available to us at the touch of our fingers, uh, we can go down rabbit holes that really are not productive. Dr. Connie McReynolds And so the question is, is the information enlightening you and helping you make choices? Or is it pulling you down and making you feel powerless? And so you're wanting to look for those solutions that are going to lift you up, give you a way out up into the world that you want to live. And that's what's so important is getting the right help, figuring out what's really going on and then making those changes in your life. Hilary Russo And sometimes we all need help. Dr. Connie McReynolds Yeah. So sometimes we can't do it on our own. But, you know, hopefully, that's a short term process to where we can get this going for you. And then you can go on and just sail. It's like we want you out there just sailing and flying and doing fantastic in your life. And that's the real testament to this work is that yes, we have the assessments and yes, we can measure the progress. And yes, we have the data. The true measure for me is how are you doing in your life? You know, are you seeing changes? Are you living differently? And is it a natural process? And with neural feedback, it's such a nice, subtle process that people will come in and say, you know, I just reflected on something that happened yesterday and I realized that in the past I would have blown up. I would have stayed angry for days on end. This situation happened and I realized a couple of hours later I'd completely forgotten about it. And that's my life now. Hilary Russo This reminds me so much of the think method. You know, the things that we tell ourselves, and I know you know what this is, but to the listeners out there, the think method, which you've heard me talk about before, ask yourself before you go down that rabbit hole, is what you're telling yourself true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? And is it kind? Think, think before you speak or speak to yourself because the words we use and choose towards ourselves are sometimes more damaging than what anyone else could. ever possibly say to us, you know, your own worst bully, sometimes great. Dr. Connie McReynolds We really are. And in the book, I actually speak to that because there's a section in there for parents, but it's for us too. It's for every adult who might be picking this book up. It's really, what are we saying to ourselves and how can we change that narrative up? And it's so important because we have to be our own best friend, our own best advocate, uh, to live our best life. Hilary Russo Yeah. Including your own. Best health advocate to ask questions. If you don't know what a doctor is telling you, or if you challenge something, that's okay, too. I think we've gotten to this mindset that what the doctor says goes. And I think now in this alternative and integrative approach to medicine, where we're blending the Western and Eastern medicine, we're seeing these holistic alternative possibilities. And it's allowing us to say, you know what? I'm I don't know if I want to go that route that that might be a band aid. I'd like to see what my body can do to heal itself first if I need to go to that. Dr. Connie McReynolds Right. Hilary Russo But then I guess for those who are already maybe taking medication, this is in no way. By the way, this is no way saying stop the meds. Do not do that without a doctor's, um, you know, advisement, but it could move you to a place where maybe you are taking a lower dosage. Maybe eventually you're weaning yourself off of something with a doctor's care because you are practicing integrative approaches to bettering your health and wellness. That's being a health advocate. Dr. Connie McReynolds It really is. And it's absolutely true because we have parents who've come in who said, you know, my child is on medications. It's helped. It doesn't help. It helps. It doesn't help kind of thing. And, uh, we have side effects of some people. Not everyone has side effects, but those who do, they can, they can really be a concern for people. And so with this, what we're seeing is that as time goes on, if the brain starts working better and I can remember better. Then what happens is the child or the adult may feel over medicated a little bit, and that's where the conversation comes in, you need to go talk to your, you know, physician, your treating physician, whoever's writing those prescriptions for you, and let them know that you have made some changes, and you feel like maybe this is too strong now, and what can they do about that. Hilary Russo Great. One other question that I'd like to put out there, this actually didn't come across as a question, but I'm going to twist it around here a little bit, because I'm curious. Deborah from New York shared, she said she doesn't have ADHD, but hormones have never been her friend. And she also has anxiety and medical PTSD from cancer. By the way, she's a cancer survivor. So yay you. But how can we as a collective or just individually rather, how can somebody who is facing that in their lives, you know, maybe it's a medical condition on top of finding out. That they are thinking differently or, um, going through hormonal changes. I mean, that's a big one. Those are growing pains to how do, how does somebody support that when they're already dealing with something else? Dr. Connie McReynolds You know, it's such an important, um, thing for us to look at these alternatives, to look at integrative health, to look at the bigger picture. Because there aren't more answers out there, there are more ways that we can manage our health. And an article that had come across years ago out of the Cleveland Clinic, and I used to live in Ohio and was not too far away from the setting, but one of the women who ran a cancer support group for women had herself survived breast cancer. And had developed brain fog. And so she was dealing with, uh, chemo fog is kind of the other term that they talk about for that. And so she discovered neurofeedback and did it for herself. And found that she improved. And it was such a change for her that she actually created a study for the women in her support group. And they did a study, there was about 25 or 26 women in this group. And I think of the 25 of them who did the neurofeedback had great relief. From the brain fog. So it's looking for these alternatives hormonal problems. Oh my gosh, you know, you just feel overpowered Yeah, by this some days. It's like what can I do for my health and it's looking for you know There's the blend of Eastern and Western that you talked about sometimes homeopathic medication can be an approach that People resonate with nature apathic folks might have some remedies or that that's more natural if you're looking for Uh, some of those remedies that may be a little bit different from Western medicine, everything has its place. Hilary Russo And I think part of it is just figuring out what's right for each person, right? Each of us is a little bit different. And so sometimes there's a trial and error process with this, but when you get the right combination, it can make the difference. When I was, when I was studying, uh, integrative nutrition, we learned a lot about bio. Uh, individuality, like what you just said, it's really each person and each situation is going to be different from somebody else. So what might work for you might not work for somebody else. And it's really finding your own way and your own path. And you know, going back to Deborah, who is a rock star for everything that you're doing to better your own health. You even said that you find nature helping you. It helps you to slow down. So that's wonderful that you're finding something that helps you slow down when you need to slow down, right? It's finding your own way in this world so that you're running a, you're running a good operating system. Dr. Connie McReynolds Hilary Russo Yeah. That's beautiful. Well, I do want to mention again that Dr. McReynolds, Dr. Connie has graciously put on her website, a free. Brief assessment. If you have questions, if you're listening to this and it's piquing your interest, you already have questions because you're here listening and you're standing there kind of in the resistance, like, is it me? Is it my child? Maybe I have something to think about, but don't forget that knowledge is power. Having information allows you to move to the next step. And we've talked about a lot of that. And with Dr. McReynolds book, solving the ADHD riddle, the real cause of lasting solutions to your child's struggle to learn. Boy, oh boy, where was this book when we were younger, everyone? Like, where was this book so that we could have been approached differently and, and spoken to differently? I mean, we're seeing more of that now, but there's definitely a space for this even in this day and age. So thank you for writing this book. It's so, it's so needed and so appreciated. Dr. Connie McReynolds Well, thank you for allowing me to get the word out. Through your program here. Hilary Russo Oh Absolutely. So I want to play a little game with you. If you have a moment, a little brain game, let's, let's see how your brain works. This is my favorite part of the show. Uh, so I do a word association at the end of every episode and I've collected words that we've said in conversation. Most of them have come from you. And what I want you to do is just come back with the first word that comes to mind. Little word association. Let's see where Dr. Connie is. Alright, you ready? Dr. Connie McReynolds Sure, let's go. Hilary Russo Holistic. Dr. Connie McReynolds Healing. Hilary Russo. Behavior. Dr. Connie McReynolds Understanding. Hilary Russo. Brain. Dr. Connie McReynolds Powerful. Hilary Russo. Discord. Dr. Connie McReynolds Uncomfortable. Hilary Russo. Bullying. Dr. Connie McReynolds Sad. Hilary Russo. Neurofeedback. Dr. Connie McReynolds Brilliant. Hilary Russo. Attention. Dr. Connie McReynolds Focused. Hilary Russo. ADHD. Dr. Connie McReynolds Hmm. A lifeline to a different life. Hilary Russo. Hmm. Great. That is such a positive note and, and let that be, let that be a moment where we sit on that, that it could be the beginning of something new, new answers, a new possibility, right? Dr. Connie McReynolds Yeah. Hilary Russo. So if you could leave listeners with one thing, what would it be? Dr. Connie McReynolds There's hope for a different future for anyone who has been diagnosed or struggling. With any kind of situation, there's hope you can make a change in your life and you can change it in a direction that works well for you. Hilary Russo. Beautiful. Thank you so much, Dr. Connie. This was really wonderful. I think I've learned something that I want to do differently and take some steps for myself. I definitely am going to take the assessment. You know, because I have questions as we all do. I mean, mainly having guests on the show is because my interest is piqued because I'm a human being living in this world, just like the rest of you, you know, so I hope that this conversation has touched, moved and inspired you. If it has definitely leave a rating, a review, I'd Let me know how you think this conversation went, share your comments and let Dr. Connie know I'll absolutely share them with you as well. Download that free assessment, get a copy of the book Solving the ADHD Riddle and Say thank you to Dr. Connie for spending time with us. So thank you. Dr. Connie. It's been a pleasure. Dr. Connie McReynolds Thank you for having me It's been a pleasure being here. Hilary Russo. Okay, my friend you have solutions and it starts with picking up. Dr Connie's book solving the ADHD riddle and while you're at it take Take that assessment. It is free. It's on our website. I will have all of the links to share with you in the listen notes. So do not pass that by. And if you found that this episode is helpful in any way, consider passing it along to someone who may find it valuable too. You might help someone else where they were struggling and found a solution right here. So definitely pass it along. You can also leave a comment or review wherever you tune into this show. HIListically Speaking is edited by to market media with music by lip bone reading and loved by you. So thank you. Thank you for keeping this mic on for yet another year. And remember this, you can train your brain, but first remember to be kind to your mind. I love you. I believe in you. And I will see you next week.
Self-care podcast exploring Havening Techniques For Stress, Why we all need to HUG it Out & Secondary Trauma and How it impacts us With Hilary Russo. TOPICS:: ** Havening Techniques For Stress (08:00). ** Why we all need to HUG it Out (13:17). ** Secondary Trauma and How it impacts us (31:20). NOTES:: Show notes: amberapproved.ca/podcast/463 Leave me a review at amberapproved.ca/review Email me at info@amberapproved.ca Enroll for The Glorious Gut Health 3-Part Masterclass in February Here: https://amber-romaniuk.mykajabi.com/offers/RFBknWM5/checkout Email info@amberapproved.ca with the subject line “Intro Program” to claim one of 2 spots available for a 1 month intro program. Subscribe to newsletter: https://amber-romaniuk.mykajabi.com/newsletter-sign-up SHOW LINKS: Click below to schedule a 30 minute Body Freedom https://amberapproved.ca/body-freedom-consultation/ Take my free Emotional Eating Quiz here: http://amberapproved.ca/emotional-eating-quiz Listen to Episode 291 about what it's like to work with me here: http://amberapproved.ca/podcast/291/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/amberromaniuk Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk/ ABOUT MY GUEST HILARY RUSSO: Hilary Russo, is The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is one of the first 150 Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners in the United States of only 800 worldwide. Hilary studied directly under the developing doctors of Havening, who have called her a “pioneer” in the field working with children, as well as purpose driven C-Suites execs to Metropolitan Opera singers and media professionals. Trauma informed, Hilary has been internationally recognized as a leader and public figure for her work in holistic health & well-being. Her HUG it Out! Program is designed to mirror back what you don't see in yourself with neuroscience based tools that help heal from within. She's also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, award-winning multimedia host/journalist focusing on health and wellness. Hilary is also a college professor at St John's University in NYC. You can find Hilary at the mic as well hosting the successful podcast HIListically Speaking: empowering conversations of trauma to triumph through health healing and humor. Hilary's Website: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/ MY PARTNERS: Natren Inc: The No Sugarcoating Podcast is proud to partner with Natasha Trenev, the Mother of Probiotics, whose expertise stems from her family's 750-year legacy in producing yogurt coveted by Yugoslavian royalty. As the Founder and President of Natren Inc., Natasha brings 40 years of dedicated scientific research to the probiotics industry, working alongside top scientists and researchers. Natren's precision probiotics products represent the pinnacle of this commitment, showcasing the impact of precision-selected beneficial bacteria. Natasha asserts that these specialized precision probiotics profoundly influence all facets of health, including physical, mental, emotional, and even skin and organ health. Recognizing these supplements as the cornerstone of overall wellness, she has dedicated four decades to advancing this field. Tune in to our podcast to explore how Natasha's vision and Natren's innovations are reshaping our understanding of health and chronic illness. Shop there probiotics at: https://www.natren.ca/ (Canada) https://www.natren.com/ (USA)
Picture this: your life as a harmonious masterpiece, with every aspect vibrating in sync with The Universe. Your home, the ultimate haven where serenity and balance reign supreme. Sounds dreamy, right? But, where do you begin? Consider this episode your golden ticket to transformation, balance and harmony with guest Master Trainer of Feng Shui and Law of Attraction, Marie Diamond joins Hilary Russo on the HIListically Speaking Podcast. Subscribe & like wherever you tune in so you never miss an episode. Connect with Hilary: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/hilaryrusso Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilisticallyspeaking Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HilaryRusso TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking Website: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast Music by Lipbone Redding https://lipbone.com/ Marie also dives deep into listeners' questions, unraveling the mysteries of Feng Shui one query at a time. It's like having a cosmic consultant right in your earbuds, helping you curate a life that resonates with prosperity, love, and success. Connect with Marie Diamond mariediamond.com or on social media @mariediamondofficial Marie's latest book: Feng Shui Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Feng-Shui-Your-Life-Beginners-ebook/dp/B0CCHGJS63 Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:50 What is Feng Shui 3:30 Marie's near death experience 5:35 Marie's introduction to Feng Shui 9:32 Feng Shui Your Life book 15:32 Working with the environment 16:30 Bringing in romance 18:20 How to Feng Shui your bedroom for love 22:20 Using the Diamond Compass 27:00 How to feng shui your office for success 35:30 How has Feng Shui worked for you? 37:00 Why decluttering is important for your chi & health 41:00 The importance of crystals 41:55 Marie answers listeners' questions 42:16 Personal direction. What is it? 45:00 Paintings in the bedroom 47:00 Vision board and success 48:45 Objects help! Marie and Stephen Spielberg 51:15 What if you don't like your home? 54:00 Colors in your home 55:55 Rapid fire game 58:15 Marie's words of wisdom 59:00 Hilary's closing thoughts
In this episode, Dr. Taz sits with Hilary Russo, a trauma-informed holistic practitioner, to talk about overcoming trauma and managing stress during the holiday season. Hilary offers insights into various holistic techniques for dealing with trauma, along with practical advice on handling holiday stress and establishing healthy emotional boundaries. Tune in to get valuable resources for navigating life's challenges with resilience and positivity.Today on Super Woman Wellness: Holistic healing methods for trauma recoveryUnderstanding and addressing secondary traumaHavening techniques to rewire one's brain and improve emotional healthStrategies for managing holiday stressThe importance of personal awareness and growth in overcoming trauma This show is supported by:Purity Woods | Get 17% off sitewide and use the code DRTAZ for an extra 10% discount on your first purchase at puritywoods.com/DRTAZ.Follow Hilary Russo:Website: hilaryrusso.comInstagram: @hilaryrussoFacebook: HIListicallySpeaking | hugitoutcollectiveFollow Dr Taz:Instagram: @drtazmdWebsite: doctortaz.com Order The Hormone Shift book at prh.comthehormoneshiftThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions
Our guest in this episode is Hilary Russo, The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is one of only 150 Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners in the United States and 500 in the world. Hilary has been nationally recognized as a leader and public figure for her work in holistic health. Hilary's HUG it Out! and Brain Candy programs empower you to “be kind to your mind”, own the story you are telling yourself and rewrite the narrative with neuroscience based tools that help you heal from within. She's also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, award-winning multimedia host/journalist focusing on health and wellness and a college professor at St John's University in NYC. You can find Hilary at the mic as well hosting the successful podcast HIListically Speaking: engaging conversations of trauma to triumph through health healing and humor.In our conversation Hilary and I discussed the neuroscience-based approach of Havening techniques and how this technique can help individuals deal with trauma and promote better mood, behavior, and decision making by altering brain activity. The three key points we covered are:The benefits of positive self-talk, surrendering and letting go, and creating a toxic-free environment;how we can condition our brains to bring ourselves back from negative thoughts by nurturing the amygdala;how Havening can be used as a self-application tool for everyday coping, and dealing with traumas.Jason Van Orden (episode 275) and Michael Roderick (episode 328) introduced us toListen to the podcast to find out more.
In this week's episode of the podcast, we have a special guest, Hilary Russo, who is a trauma-informed certified practitioner in the Havening technique method. She is also a hypnotherapist, an Integrative Nutrition holistic health coach, and an award-winning media expert. The conversation dives into the relationship between trauma and well-being, focusing on Hilary's expertise in Havening techniques as a powerful self-regulatory method. Before diving into the episode, I want to remind you that the doors to the McKay Actualization Methods Certification Program is now open, starting on June 1. If you're an advanced healer or expert in transformation but feel like you're underperforming in your business, this program will be powerful for you personally. It will provide you with new tools, such as timeline regression and collapsing, to elevate yourself and your clients to their highest timelines and unlock their fullest potential. If this resonates with you, listen to a brief three-episode podcast series where I describe the program in detail and invite you to join us. The McKay Actualization Method has been a significant part of my own healing journey, and I'm passionate about sharing it with the next generation of messengers, thought leaders, and Wayshowers. Learn more about Robyn: https://www.drrobynmckay.com/ Learn more about Hilary: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/
“You cannot find the calm in the chaos, you have to remove the chaos in order to find the calm.” - Hilary Russo *********************************************** SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS: If you're enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins As a member you'll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness! Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins: Instagram YouTube Website Facebook *********************************************** EPISODE SUMMARY: Does trauma healing seem too scary and painful for you? What if I told you there was a way to make the process more enjoyable? Today we talk with Hilary Russo, one of only 700 certified Havening practitioners worldwide. She's also certified in Hypnotherapy and Integrative Nutrition and is an award-winning multimedia host/journalist focusing on health and wellness. You can find Hilary at the mic hosting the successful podcast, HIListically Speaking. Hilary studied directly under the founding doctors of Havening, who have called her a “pioneer” in the field. Trauma informed and educated, Hilary has been nationally recognized as a leader and public figure for her work in holistic health. Listen in to hear all about Hilary's journey from journalism to wellness, how she stumbled upon Havening, and all about what Havening is. Topics We Discuss: [3:58] Hilary's jump from journalism to wellness. She left the newsroom after 9/11 and became an Integrative Nutrition Certified Health Coach. She then learned about Havening. Her first experience with a session, which was during a live training seminar, touched on her father's death and changed her life. [10:58] How does Havening work? The key component is the “Havening Touch”, a gentle touch that can be self-applied or used by a practitioner while talking through a traumatic event. It rewires your brain and leaves you feeling lighter. It can also make you feel like you're “looking” for that heaviness and trauma. [15:00] Havening helps you process traumatic events. The touch used provides comfort and a pleasant distraction, and puts your brain into a delta wave state so that memories can be rewired. [19:22] The role of touch in the process. Touch provides a sense of calm, and combined with the change in thought processes due to the pleasure of the experience is where the magic for processing and change happens. [22:06] If someone feels uncomfortable being touched by another person due to abuse or another traumatic experience, they can start this process by trying 3 different methods of touching their own bodies - hands, arms, or face. These are the most effective, but someone can even use a “non-havening touch” on themselves if those won't work. [27:27] Hilary does a short Havening session with Amy. They also discuss the differences between EFT/tapping and Havening. You can use the tools discussed to regulate yourself anytime and anywhere - for anxiety, performance, fear of flying, etc. [39:25] Find the tool that works for you. Hilary's signature program, “HUG it Out”, incorporates elements of Havening. FOLLOW HILARY RUSSO: Find Hilary and the programs she offers on her website or on Instagram. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Check out the HIListically Speaking Podcast here: http://hilisticallyspeaking.com/ Life, Death and the Space Between is brought to you by: Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive Producer PJ Duke | Executive Producer Andrej | Podcastize | Audio & Video Editing Mara Stallins | Outreach & Social Media Strategy Claire | Claireperk.com | Podcast Cover Design
Episode #300: Leadership comes with patience, passion and purpose. Having the right tools to face the everyday stresses from the boardroom to the living room takes work. Even C-Suite Executives and Military Leaders have self-doubt. Hilary will share how everyone on the team wins when the leader of the pack is practicing self-care. Her signature HUG it Out™ system is all about self-empowerment and ways to be kind to your mind through healing, understanding and gratitude. Bio: Hilary Russo, is The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is one of the first 150 Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners in the United States of only 700 worldwide. Hilary studied directly under the founding doctors of Havening, who have called her a “pioneer” in the field working with children, as well high profile purpose driven C-Suites execs and Grammy Award-Winning Metropolitan Opera singers to high ranking military and media professionals. Trauma-informed and educated, Hilary has been nationally recognized as a leader and public figure for her work in holistic health. Hilary's signature HUG it Out™ system empowers you to “be kind to your mind”, own the story you are telling yourself and rewrite the narrative with neuroscience based tools that help put active emotional well-being back in your own hands. She's also certified in Hypnotherapy and Integrative Nutrition and is an award-winning multimedia host/journalist focusing on health and wellness. You can find Hilary at the mic hosting the successful podcast HIListically Speaking: engaging conversations of trauma to triumph through health healing and humor.Book your complimentary session! https://hilaryrusso.as.me/hugitoutContact Hilary:Website: https://www.hilaryrusso.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrussoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrussoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HIListicallySpeakingTwitter: https://twitter.com/HilaryRussoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking
What is Havening? How does it work? In this episode, Hilary Russo, a Havening Techniques Practitioner, shares her insights on how havening holds her space and lifts a weight within her. She shares how the practice leads her to heal the trauma she holds from within. She found a new sense of being, healing, understanding, and gratitude because of havening. Lift yourself from stress, find the path to relaxation, and improve your well-being through this episode.
It's not about what's happening outside of us that matters most. It's what's happening within. If you don't have healing, understanding and gratitude within, how in the world can you show up for others in that way? On the show today we are talking to Hilary Russo. She is an award-winning journalist, transformational holistic health coach, Havening Techniques practitioner and all around wellness warrior who helps purpose-driven minds transform to perform and be kind to their minds at the same time. In this 1st episode, we will be talking about her HUG it Out challenge and how it can help transform your mind. Join in and learn how you can treat yourself with kindness so you can move into a higher state of alignment.
Hilary Russo, is The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is one of the first 150 Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners in the United States of only 700 worldwide that uses this neuroscience-based approach to rapidly change your thoughts, moods, and behaviors. Hilary studied directly under the founding doctors of Havening, who have called her a “pioneer” in the field of working with children, as well as purpose-driven C-Suites Metropolitan Opera singers and media professionals. Trauma-informed and educated, Hilary has been nationally recognized as a leader and public figure for her work in holistic health. Her signature HUG it Out™ system is designed to empower you to “be kind to your mind” and create the space for self-love, self-care, and self-empowerment by using neuroscience and holistic approaches to heal from within. Hilary is also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, Hypnotherapist, and award-winning multimedia health/wellness host/journalist. She hosts a travel health show called "Healthy Communities" for CVSHealth. And has appeared regularly on TV stations across the country including NBC, PBS, and QVC as a health/wellness expert. She is also a college professor of communications at St John's University in NYC. Tune in to Hilary weekly at the mic hosting the successful podcast HIListically Speaking: engaging conversations of trauma to triumph through health healing and humor. Connect with Hilary on all social media at @hilaryrusso or on her website at www.hilaryrusso.com In this episode, we discuss: What is “Havening?” The question that she always asks everyone. the most palpable and immediate shifts that you see with your clients when you do the work? How do you know if you're working with someone who's trauma-informed? How social media has created a space where we're hearing “narcissism” and “gaslighting”. How to navigate a plateau in your business. Why you need to understand your character and core values. The most important thing is to realize that you are a gift, and you have purpose and you're here for a reason.
Hilary Russo is a certified Havening Coach. She uses this technique to self-regulate. She often coaches clients who have experienced trauma. Her technique retrains your brain to create different neuropathways so you can begin to separate your trauma from the emotion. She goes over her technique and how it has helped her and her clients find freedom from trauma. Learn more about Hilary here: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening
When Hilary Russo, a health and wellness journalist for over 25 years, receives a phone call from her father just hours before his unexpected death, she is compelled to use her superpowers of storytelling, amplification and connection to help those in need and ultimately find purpose and peace in her own life."We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but the whole point of that episode was, which I called Pick Up the Phone, is to encourage you that you're never too busy. So I encourage you to make that effort to just not allow yourself to think you're too busy. Because the one thing that's never promised is time."In this episode, we cover the power of leveraging our superpowers to help others, Hilary's heart-wrenching experience in the newsroom during 9/11, and the life-altering lesson she learned from a simple phone call that she still practices today.Hilary Russo is an award-winning television journalist, producer, certified holistic health coach, and Havening techniques practitioner. She hosts the HIListically Speaking podcast and shares honest conversations and stories of trauma to triumph through health, healing, and humor. Chapter Summaries:[00:00:54]what it means to discover your superpower and leverage it to serve others.[00:05:09]What it means when "life is falling into" and removing resistance to what we want to manifest How do people learn to let go and trust again?[00:08:43]Havening technique: a psychosensory approach that uses touch to calm the brain via various neurotransmitters and altered brain wave state [00:14:44]Journalists as first responders and Hilary's experience in the newsroom on 9/11 [00:19:38]Hilary's experience with the loss of her father 21 years ago [00:22:22]The fateful phone call from her father that changed her life forever [00:25:02]3 lessons Hilary has learned in the wake of grief [00:30:39]Being present, letting go and allowing things to come to you.[00:34:15]Post interview behind the scenes conversation Hilary Russo's website Hilary's Havening Technique to discover your purpose Connect with me:Instagram: purposefilterLinkedIn: luyikathyzhangWebsite: https://luyikathyzhang.com/If you're ready to get out of your head and step into action, then book a pro bono call with me here. We'll quickly discover what's holding you back and unlock the power you've always had within you Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here
Hilary Russo, is “The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach”. She's studied the art of Havening. She works with clients who have experienced trauma and finds ways to heal them from their trauma in a holistic way. She is currently running her HUG It Out Challange, a 14 day challenge to shift your mindset and get out of your own head.Sign up for Hilary's challenge here: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/challenge
On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with award-winning television journalist, producer and multimedia host, Hilary Russo. Hilary shares how a shift in her life presented her with a unique opportunity where she blends her media expertise and storytelling with her love of health and wellness. Follow Hilary: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/ http://www.facebook.com/HilaryRussoTVPersonalityhttp://www.twitter.com/hilaryrussohttps://instagram.com/hilaryrussohttp://www.linkedin.com/in/HilaryRussohttps://www.youtube.com/HilaryRusso
Hilary Russo is a holistic life coach who teaches Havening. She starts her morning with gratitude and explains how that can change your entire day. She works with people to help them find the positive. She looks for solutions to move past trauma and pain. On the podcast, her and Dr. Don discuss techniques that they use with their clients to get them to reframe their thoughts in a more positive way and how to let go of hard times in a way that they no longer control you. You can find her on her site at https://www.hilaryrusso.com and @hilaryrusso on all social. For everyone listening, Hilary has a special giveaway: use links listed below to do a free Self-Havening video experience with her, so you can retrain, restore and revive your mindset: Havening and Purpose with Hilary Russo https://www.hilaryrusso.com/purpose Resiliency and Havening with Hilary Russo https://www.hilaryrusso.com/resiliency Additional links: HIListically Speaking Podcast https://www.hilisticallyspeaking.com/
Hilary Russo is The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is one of the first 150 Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners in the United States and 500 in the world. Hilary studied directly under the founding doctors of Havening, who have called her a “pioneer” in the field working with children, as well as purpose driven C-Suites executives and Metropolitan Opera singers. Trauma informed and educated, Hilary has been nationally recognized as a leader and public figure for her work in holistic health. Hilary's HUG it Out! and Brain Candy programs amplify the message that you own your story, rewrite the narrative and find your joy with neuroscience based tools that help you heal from within. She's also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, award-winning multimedia host/journalist focusing on health and wellness and a college professor at St John's University in NYC. You can find Hilary at the mic as well hosting the successful podcast HIListically Speaking: engaging conversations of trauma to triumph through health healing and humor. Hilary is sharing a free guided “Self-Havening Your Purpose” experience with listeners to access whenever you need. Join Hilary on this short video and be kind to your mind. https://www.hilaryrusso.com/purpose Hilary's Website: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/ Hilary's Social Media @hilaryrusso https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso/ https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrusso/ https://twitter.com/HilaryRusso https://www.facebook.com/hilaryrusso/ https://www.tiktok.com/@hilisticallyspeaking Here Hilary and Dawson discuss: Hilary's background What are Havening Techniques? The three common touch places: face, hands and upper arms Two minutes of gratitude produces a 27% greater chance of a happy day Havening Techniques with visualization and affirmations How Havening allows children find their calm Adults and their our own inner child Using Havening to find life purpose and in transitions Why many people are looking for work and lives that express their purpose Dr. Dawson Church can be found at: http://www.dawsongift.com/ #haveningtechniques #braincandy #blissbrain #neuroscience #mindtomatter #eft #eftuniverse
Do you feel like you're putting in all the work but not seeing the results you want? Have you been told to "just put yourself out there" but feel like you're just spinning your wheels? If any of this resonates, this episode is for you. You'll learn In this episode you will learn: 1) How to use other people's podcasts to leverage opportunities for business growth 2) The importance of mindset in achieving success 3) The power of influence and being a ripple maker Melanie Benson is a person who loves to help others grow their business by guesting on other people's podcasts. She has been doing this for eleven years and has learned a lot along the way. One of the most important things Melanie has learned is that mindset is everything. If you don't have the right mindset, you will never reach your full potential. Resources: Download Melanie's 7 Step Framework to Add 6 Figures by Leveraging Other People's Audience: MelanieBenson.com/PodcasterMindset Thank you to our sponsor Focusrite. The new Vocaster One and Vocaster Two is an interface where you can plug your mics in, plug the interface into your computer, your tablet, your phone, and get recording no matter where you are at. Other episodes you'll enjoy: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6ca2b2fa-792a-4404-b193-0c015a81bd6d (3 Ways Perfectionism Is Holding You Back From Podcasting Success) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b67e0aa1-5f98-4f8d-b041-34a79cb6d6cf (Authentic Conversations & Connections with guest Hilary Russo) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8c37a45a-d998-463c-97fb-ad633cbe6a11 (5 Ways to Nurture a Tiny Podcast Audience) Connect with me: Join our FREE Facebook community: https://www.subscribepage.com/podcastmindset_freegroup (Mastering the Podcaster Mindset Support Group) Get the Guide “https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/m8c3s5 (The Biggest Mistake Podcaster Make and How to Avoid It)”: DM us on IG: @https://www.instagram.com/podcastermindset/ (podcastermindset) ---------------- Produced by: KaSa Media Productions Edited by: David Sais (The Sexy Sound Guy) Loved this episode? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mastering-the-podcaster-mindset/id1594794535 (Leave us a review and rating here )
When Tiphany Kane is told her passion is intimidating and she won't move forward in her career unless she dims her light, she decides to embrace her fear and create big life changes. In this episode, you will learn: 1. How Tiphany Kane overcame the fear of failure to become a successful podcaster and businesswoman2. The importance of passion and determination in achieving success3. The importance of help and guidance in achieving success"When you put yourself in proximity to possibility, amazing things happen."Tiphany Kane is the host of the popular Radical Audacity and Mastering the Podcaster Mindset. She is also the Heck Yes Coach and offers a course on leveraging your podcast.This is Tiphany Kane's story...Tiphany Kane is the host of the popular Radical Audacity podcast, as well as the Mastering the Podcaster Mindset with her partner, David Sais. She joins The Clever Biotch on the Clever Conversations podcast to talk about podcasting and how it has changed her life. Tiphany shares that when she started her podcast, she had to overcome some fears, but that it has been worth it. She has been able to leverage her podcast to create amazing opportunities for herself, including being featured in magazines, being a keynote speaker, and even filming a TV show. Tiphany encourages listeners to dream big and to be open to possibility..Resources:Mastering the Podcaster Mindset: Launch, Grow & Monetize (captivate.fm)https://www.facebook.com/groups/masteringthepodcastermindsetRadical Audacity in Love & Life with Tiphany Kane (buzzsprout.com)Other episodes you'll enjoy:Brain Candy & Havening with Hilary Russo (buzzsprout.com)Erin Ramsey's You're Such a Catch, on Dating, Relationships and Joy (buzzsprout.com)How To Create the Life You Really Want with Chief Unicorn Slayer Janine Durso (buzzsprout.com)Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecleverbiotch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleverconversationsWebsite: https://www.cleverconversationspodcast.com/Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: Clever Conversations's podcast on Apple Podcasts
In this special bonus episode, I had a special meet-up with a few fellow podcasters to hold space for women to discuss the feelings, emotions, and stories that came up for them when SCOTUS overturned 50 years of reproductive rights. Today you will get to hear the conversation we had in this meetup. Our hopes are that more women will RAISE the volume of their voices and come together to make important changes for women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, BIPOC rights, and fair voting laws. Changes need to be made- BIG changes!!!Thank you to Hilary Russo of the Hilistically Speaking Podcast & Emily Palacios/Stephanie LoVerde of the Cycle Chats podcast for helping me to organize this meetup.Listen to We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle podcastAbortion Rights Resources & Linksabortion.cafe - collection of abortion resourcesplancpills.org/ambassadors - early abortion access pills you can store in your cabinetprochoice.org - abortion access hotlineplannedparenthood.orgDM me on IG @tiphanykane Check out my website: www.tiphanykane.comHeck Yes! Mastermind Application
Spend some time with my guest Hilary Russo as we talk about Havening, Brain Candy, how to be in the now. Take Hilary's Brain Candy challenge (and stalk her Instagram @HilaryRusso) and send her a DM for a special one on one with her. Looking for a new podcast? Check out my podcasting network at https://www.yhhtmpc.com/HILARY RUSSO UPCOMING EVENTSJune 17-19: Global Havening Connectivity Conference (Online) Featured Speaker: "Connecting On-Camera with Your Audience of One"LINKS:Free download video to Guided Self-Havening Your Purpose Sessionhttps://www.hilaryrusso.com/purposeHilary's websitehttps://www.hilaryrusso.com/HIlary's podcasthttp://hilisticallyspeaking.com/I would LOVE to hear from you! No really, I'm not kidding. I do answer my DM's on Insta!!!https://www.instagram.com/thecleverbiotch/Let me know if this episode resonated with you, or tell me it's shitty. Honestly I love ANY feedback!Want to have your own podcast? Come check out this amazing podcasting group and learn how to podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/masteringthepodcastermindsetxoxo Clever B
Hilary Russo does everything. She is an award-winning television journalist, producer and multimedia host, a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach & Havening Techniques® Practitioner, a cast member of Daily Burn 365, professor of Mass Communications at St. John's University, AND she has her own podcast: HIListically Speaking. As if that weren't enough to talk about, we discuss dating in a pandemic in your late 40's, nicknaming the amygdala "Amy", and learning to say no to others if it means saying yes to yourself. Hilary Russo websiteHIListically Speaking podcastHilary's episode featuring US as guests!Hilary's twitterHilary's Tik TokHilary's facebookHilary's InstaHilary's YouTubeSPECIAL GIFT FOR CTD LISTENERS:Hilary is offering CTD listeners a guided Self-Havening experience to help you keep your hormones and hot flashes in check. From brain fog to sleep issues. Mood changes to body aches. Use this anytime you need support to get clear and calm and... yes, cool things down! Havening can also be used for everyday upsets about everything from stress and anxiety to deep rooted traumas (when working with a practitioner like Hilary). Discover how to be kind to your mind during your perimenopausal journey and Self-Haven to self-soothe with Hilary. MORE from the episode: Do Those Stress-Relieving Drinks Really Work?Julia's Wellness Coaching WebsiteMidlife with Courage podcastDan Buettner Blue ZonesClick HERE to check out our websiteClick HERE to shop our Erin's Faces affiliate linkSupport the show
When you're in a state of anxiety, stress, overwhelm or panic... calm is not an option. You just can't be in both states at the same time. On this very special unedited and raw episode of HIListically Speaking, Hilary opens up about her personal journey. How making some difficult choices can create the space for calm and clarity, even when confidence is lacking and it feels like you are letting others down. Because, as Hilary says, saying "no" to others means sometimes saying "yes" to yourself. From this intimate and inspiring conversation with you, dear listener, you'll discover why letting go can be the release you needed to come back stronger and better. Why asking for what you need can provide you with the support you deserve. And holding space for others is truly the most beautiful gift we can give. If you're in the overwhelm and need support, connect with Hilary and set up a complimentary call to learn how to be kind to your mind and HUG it Out with Havening. It's helped her and her clients. When is now the right time to get help too? hilaryrusso.com/havening If you think this episode will touch, move and inspire someone you know, pay it forward. And consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com
Our guest this week is Hilary Russo of the Hilistically Speaking podcast,. Hilary is an award-winning professor of broadcast journalism and she has years of being an award-winning TV journalist. Hilary talks with us today about her biggest mindset barriers she had to overcome and how she lands high-profile guests like Dan Buettner.Episode notes:Hilary's biggest Mindset challenge wasjust pressing record. Hilary's personal metrics for success: Engagement with listeners, hearing from listeners, reach out & reach back, human connectionImpressive guests: Hilary reminds us that guests are not untouchable even the big name, high-profile guests.Read the Article: https://squadcast.fm/blog/15-interview-podcasts-you-should-tune-into/Listen to Hilary's Episode with Dan BuettnerContact Tiphany & David:Join our FREE Facebook community: Mastering the Podcaster Mindset Support GroupGet the Guide “The Biggest Mistake Podcaster Make and How to Avoid It”: DM us on IG: @podcastermindsetJoin our Mastering the Art of Podcasting Membership Group
Our guest this week is Hilary Russo of the Hilistically Speaking podcast,. Hilary is an award-winning professor of broadcast journalism and she has years of being an award-winning TV journalist. Hilary talks with us today about her biggest mindset barriers she had to overcome and how she lands high-profile guests like Dan Buettner. Episode notes: Hilary's biggest Mindset challenge wasjust pressing record. Hilary's personal metrics for success: Engagement with listeners, hearing from listeners, reach out & reach back, human connection Impressive guests: Hilary reminds us that guests are not untouchable even the big name, high-profile guests. Read the Article: https://squadcast.fm/blog/15-interview-podcasts-you-should-tune-into/ (https://squadcast.fm/blog/15-interview-podcasts-you-should-tune-into/) Listen to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hilistically-speaking-with-hilary-russo/id1518442926?i=1000543585807 (Hilary's Episode with Dan Buettner) Contact Tiphany & David: Join our FREE Facebook community: https://www.subscribepage.com/podcastmindset_freegroup (Mastering the Podcaster Mindset Support Group) Get the Guide “https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/m8c3s5 (The Biggest Mistake Podcaster Make and How to Avoid It)”: DM us on IG: @https://www.instagram.com/podcastermindset/ (podcastermindset) Join our https://bit.ly/march_membership_discount (Mastering the Art of Podcasting Membership Group)
How do you manage stress? The answer I get a lot is "not very well". While stress is a normal human condition, how you relate, react and respond to it is a choice. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, I get real with you about my own battle with stress and anxiety. How it consumed my thoughts, moods and behaviors. And what it took to finally do a 180 and Hug it Out! Plus, an offer to receive FREE one on one coaching with me and learn the valuable tools I use everyday that will change your thoughts, moods and habits for good. If you're ready to step into the tension and make that change, fill out the form here to be considered for Hug it Out! free coaching: https://hilaryrusso.as.me/hugitout Like this podcast? Be sure to subscribe wherever you are listening and leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify Podcasts Do you have a guest idea for the show? Share them with me here: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/guestformpodcast HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com
There are times when, as a podcaster, you connect with another podcaster as "kindred spirits" and become friends. Hilary Russo is just that person! Hilary had me as a guest on her podcast, HIListically Speaking. This episode is that interview.I am in awe of Hilary's interview style. Her years as a professional in broadcast journalism & as a journalism professor have given her a special touch with her guests. In fact, she looks at her interviews more as conversations- and she definitely allows her guest to feel seen & heard.If you enjoy this interview, please go subscribe to her podcast, HIListically Speaking.You can also listen to Hilary's guest interview on this Radical Audacity Podcast, Episode 78.You can connect with Hilary on IG: @hilaryrussoOn LinkedIn: Hilary RussoDM me on IG @tiphanykaneCheck out my website: www.tiphanykane.comPurchase your #selflove merchandise here
Oprah Winfrey says, "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."Passion is a strong and barely controllable emotion. Living in authenticity to our passion means we are honoring the things that we are enthusiastic and eager about exploring and doing. Living in integrity with our passion means we feel an unflagging zeal and energy about the things we are doing.Purpose, on the other hand, is the REASON we do or create something. It is an intention and something we work to attain. We might build our goals around our purpose.The sweet spot in living a Heck Yes! life is finding the areas where our passion and our purpose overlap. Where do your passion and purpose overlap?This topic is inspired by my interview with Hilary Russo. Listen to Hilary Russo's Interview here DM me on IG @tiphanykaneCheck out my website: www.tiphanykane.comPurchase your #selflove merchandise here
This week's inspiring guest is Hilary Russo, a Self-love Superhero! Hilary was a news anchor reporting on 9-11 as it happened. In that traumatic time, she realized that the doom & gloom of being a news anchor was not in alignment with her values. She walked away from the job security of the news anchor desk and began to walk down her own path to turn her passion into purpose and her purpose into her profession.Hilary is the host of the HIListically Speaking podcast, a University Professor, Health Journalist, Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Coach, and Havening Techniques Practitioner. Hilary's favorite books:Mel Robbins- 5 Second RuleSarah Peyton- Your Resonant SelfDan Buettner- Blue Zone ChallengeHilary's Songs:Sting- FragileFarrell Williams- HappyKatrina & The Waves- Walking on SunshineDownload the free gift from Hilary: Lean Into LoveConnect with Hilary:IG: @hilaryrussoTwitter: @hilaryrussoFB: /hilaryrussoListen to HIListically Speaking Podcast (Available on all podcast platforms)Connect with Tiphany:DM me on IG @tiphanykaneCheck out my website: www.tiphanykane.comPurchase your #selflove merchandise here
On the show today, Sam Walker and Steve Jones of the podcast American Vigilante. Hosts Zach and Rock wanted to learn what it takes to produce an award-winning true crime podcast.About the show:KC is the American Vigilante - A hugely complex, intelligent, contradictory man who could save your life but end it too. Who leads a group of violent men standing on the blurred line between right and wrong, between revenge and redemption. A man you want on your side when it all falls apart.American Vigilante is true crime, but so much more. It's saving abducted children, it's stepping beyond the law. It's rescue missions, assassination attempts and last-gasp protection. It's all the stuff you hope never comes to you, until it does.About the host:Former BBC Journalist Sam Walker presents this Crowd Network original. She's been speaking to KC for months and has recorded everything he's told her. You'll need to listen to make your own mind up, but you might never be the same again.In this episode of Between Two Mics, we discuss:The morals of true crime podcastingWhat makes a podcast a documentary, an investigation, or just a conversationHow the New York Times' Caliphate debacle affected their production decisionsHow this show stands out from other true crime podcastsHow to produce a limited-run series while keeping open the possibility of more episodes in the futureAlso in this episode:A pre-roll ad from Hilary Russo of Hilistically SpeakingA mid-roll ad from Arielle Nissenblatt about the SquadCast communityCreditsWritten and produced by Arielle NissenblattMixed and designed by Vince Moreno JrArtwork and logos by Alex WhedbeeTranscript for Ian PowellHosted by Zach Moreno and Rock Felder
Every 45 seconds, emotional and physical trauma impacts a football player. It makes perfect sense if you think about it. But the stop and go action of the game is far more than just bumps and bruises on the body. With everything from the tackles to the touchdowns. Including the powerful lessons that can be learned about loyalty, leadership and a continued love for the game. On this episode of the HIListically Speaking Podcast, coach and trainer Dane Robinson shares his story about how football moved him from lineman to leader both on and off the field. He takes listeners questions about everything from self-care to self-preservation. And leaves you with a powerful message about pushing through the pain and following your passion. Listeners receive a free week in the Dose of Dane coaching and motivation clubhouse just for tuning in. Need additional support on being kind to your mind? Join the Brain Candy Method VIP program with Hilary. It's one on one support that will help you alter your thoughts, moods and behaviors and live your best life. Grab a complimentary Discovery Call with Hilary to learn more. You'll also receive early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events just for booking the call. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to more music by Lipbone Redding
In this episode, I'm chatting with Hilary Russo, The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She's a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach and one of only 150 Certified Havening Techniques® Practitioners in the US and 500 in the world. Havening is a psycho-sensory, neuroscience-based approach that can rapidly change the landscape of the brain and remove emotional blocks to live resiliently and “be kind to your mind”.In this episode you'll learn:How the process of Havening can help you alter the landscape of traumas you may be reliving in your life.The basic mechanics of the Havening process and how it helps to release feel-good hormones like oxytocin while putting your brain into a delta wave state.How Havening can help you process past traumas as well as current daily stressorsWhy Havening is a great choice for yourself and for your kids.How to embrace the message in your mess, even if you have trouble seeing it while you're in the middle of it.How doing the work of self-healing ripples out to affect the entire world around you.How offering yourself “brain candy” is the sweetest way to be “kind to your mind”Ready to kick off 2022 with the support you need on your journey of mothering radically? Schedule a free connection call with me here and find out how I can help!For more from Hilary find her at www.hilaryrusso.com/havening on Facebook or on Instagram. Grab a free Havening video from Hilary here.Listen to the episode I did on Hilary's show HILastically Speaking here. Join my free "virtual village" on Facebook --> facebook.com/groups/theradicalmothervillageFollow me on Instagram –> instagram.com/radicalmothervillageGrab a FREE copy of The Calm Mom Strategy –> christabevan.com/calmmomA radical mother is a woman poised in her power ready to disrupt cycles of generational trauma running through her family like wildfire. She's working to improve her life, the lives of her children, and shape the landscape of her community. If that's you - you're in the right place. This podcast is designed to connect you with resources, inspiration, and the reminder that you are not alone as you embark on your journey of radical mothering.I'm your host Christa Bevan and I'm a certified TRE provider (which stands for tension & trauma releasing exercises), trauma-informed yoga instructor, and also a dynamic self-care coach for moms. And of course, a fellow radical mother. My approach to this work blends neuroscience-backed tools and heart-centered intuition.Did you enjoy today's episode? Be sure to head to Apple Podcasts to subscribe, rate & review the show. Not only do these help me know you're enjoying the content, but they help this work be seen by even more Radical Mothers that need it in their lives too.
Welcome to Candid with Carrie!RANTS1:24 - Carrie is at odds about "short week vibes"2:40 - Content updates include finishing Dopesick (Hulu), King Richard (HBO Max), and starting Succession (HBO Max). Contemplating starting Game of Thrones (Netflix) and Entourage (HBO Max)TRENDING TOPICS 8:15 - American Music Awards Recap12:21 - The Staples Center to be Renamed to Crypto.com Area15: 44 - Adele Drops New Album, 30 INTERVIEW 18:46 - Carrie welcomes Holistic Health Coach and TV Host Hilary Russo to the showHilary tells us about her childhood growing up in New York, her love for theatre and performing, and how she first dipped her toes into news media, and the value of getting internships and first jobs in smaller markets. Hilary and Carrie discuss how good interviews are a "dance", and they give tips for how you can encourage organic conversation during interviews. Carrie is curious how Hilary went from the anchor desk to hosting and being a holistic health expert. Hilary tells us what her theatre work has taught her about hosting and holistic wellness, and give tactics tips for how to position yourself as an expert in a specific field to media outlets. Carrie's YouTube ChannelCarrie's InstagramCandid on InstagramHilary on InstagramHilary on TwitterHilary's WebsiteHilary's Podcast
You know the expression, “time heals all wounds”? Well, when it comes to betrayal, studies show that time without the right kind of healing just leads to a life of repeated patterns, behaviors and even illness. Because, betrayal is not like other traumas, it's intentional and different experience in the body. In fact, many symptoms could be due to a lifetime of unhealed trauma from lies, cheat and deceit that have never been resolved. And even when we think we are healed, we often get stuck in the middle of the process, plant our roots and live our life on repeat until somewhere, down the line we're asking ourselves, ”how does this keep happening” and “why do I still feel this way”? Dr. Debi Silber is a holistic psychologist and founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and has made it her mission to take her clients from betrayal to breakthrough. Her process includes five very important stages. Including getting passed that middle mark that is so common and comforting, that it can easily become our new normal and keeps us from complete transformation. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Dr. Debi will share more about the stages that move us from that place of distrust to a new relationship with ourselves and others, as we find our way from hardened to healed. Plus, she's offering you the opportunity to take her Post Betrayal Syndrome Quiz to find out where you are on your journey. And an added bonus! Grab a copy of Dr. Debi's "Trust Again" book bonuses. You can connect with Dr. Debi on all platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube And if you want to add another tool to your emotional wellbeing and healing tool box and learn more about how Havening Techniques can help you on your healing journey, set up a Complimentary Discovery Call with Hilary. Isn't it time to put the power of active emotional wellbeing back in your own hands. Change is a choice and it begins with the right support. Have a transformational story of your own? Want to share it on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo? Fill out the guest form. If you are interested in early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary Pus, her powerful tips and tools to help you "be kind to your mind", Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to more music by Lipbone Redding
If you're sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, you're not alone. In fact, less than 1% of American adults are truly healthy, happy, and on track to stay that way. ONE percent. Yikes. So, how does one live healthy in an unhealthy world that is riddled with chronic illness, pharmaceutical drug use and struggling to be physically and emotionally fit and balanced? Pilar Gerasimo may have a solution. She's spent 20 years as a wellness journalist, is the founding editor of the “Experience Life” magazine and considers herself a healthy deviant. So much so that she wrote the book, "Healthy Deviant". On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Pilar shares her own wellness journey with listeners, and what it means to be a Healthy Deviant living outside the norm. Why being part of what she calls, the Unhealthy Default Reality, is keeping people sick. And how it's up to each and every one of us to be our own health advocate for change with community being the key. Expect a lot of laughs, a history lesson filled word play and some empowering educational tools to live well. Plus, a discussion on how journalism has changed from two gals who have been in the trenches for decades. It's time to get a little deviant and shake things up. Pilar is also giving you a double dose of healthy. Take the Healthy Deviant Quiz to find out where you fall on the scale. And check out a preview of her book. You can also connect with her on Instagram. And while you're at it, how about putting some powerful tools in your own hands and be kind to your mind. Set up a Complimentary Discovery Call with Hilary to learn more about how Havening Techniques heals and can rapidly change the landscape of your brain. And if you're interested in learning more about integrative health and nutrition and how to be an advocated for your own health, check out a sample class at IIN. It's on the house. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Plus, her powerful tips and tools to help you "be kind to your mind" in your every day? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to more music by Lipbone Redding
Are you on the fast track to burn out? In a culture of DO, DO, DO the reminder to also BE is critical to your wellness and overall success. Combat fatigue, limiting beliefs, and emotional blocks with a HOLISTIC approach. So where do you start? Right here! Joining me on this episode of Camera Ready & Abel is award-winning holistic coach and TV journalist Hilary Russo. Hilary Russo is The HIListically Speaking® Health Coach. She is also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach and Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner. In private practice, she supports and empowers purpose-driven professionals to change the stories they are telling themselves by using Havening, a neuroscience based, psycho-sensory approach that changes the landscape of the brain. Her devotion to holistic living keeps her connected to life on-camera. She continues to make regular TV appearances as a health/wellness expert on affiliates nationwide and has been part of the QVC on-air guest family since 2012. Hilary is also one of the original cast members and can still be seen on the online fitness show, Daily Burn 365. She also hosts a monthly program for CVSHealth/Aetna called “Healthy Communities News”. Her hosting doesn't stop there, Hilary is also host/creator of the weekly podcast “HIListically Speaking”: conversations with guests in varied expertises who have turned their traumas into triumphs through health, healing and humor. She's also a college professor at St John's University and teaches on-camera presentation and journalism. To learn more about Havening Techniques and how you can work with Hilary, she's offering Camera Ready & Abel listeners a complimentary guided video using this self-soothing approach: https://hilaryrusso.com/resiliency Love to get social? Connect with Hilary via Instagram @hilaryrusso
Let's face it. Being a teen ager isn't easy. We've all been there. But imagine facing the unthinkable at such an early age. A deadly accident that leaves you blaming yourself and receiving little to no support in order to heal and grow. That was Lis Cashin's story. An early childhood sporting event turned tragic and left her with feelings that no child should ever face. And the road to recovery was a challenging one, to say the least. But, somehow…resiliency of the human spirit got her through. But it was the determination and a desire to be better that created the space to heal. Today, her work as a speaker, author and mental health consultant is giving others the tools to heal and find their joy because as she puts it, “happiness is a choice”. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Lis not only shares her inspiring story of trauma to triumph, but leaves listeners with essential emotional health hacks that everyone should have in their mental health tool box to live a happy and healthy life. Connect with Lis on LinkedIn Facebook @LisCashinTalks Twitter and Instagram at @LisCashin You can also download a copy of her 15 minute well-being hacks to get you through challenging times. When it comes to healing, Havening Techniques can put the power of active emotional well-being in your own hands. Just book a Complimentary Discovery Call with me to see how I can support you to own your story and your life. Here's a short video that explains the technique. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Plus, powerful tips and tools to help you "be kind to your mind" in your every day? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to more music by Lipbone Redding
What does it mean to be strong? When you hear that word, does it mean physical? Mental? Both? For Jill May, it means a number of things. As the first ever winner of the reality show NBC's Strong, she put her mind, body and spirt through the wringer. But what she learned during her two months on the show changed her life forever. I met Jill when her trainer Bennie Wylie led us in a workout on Daily Burn 365. The two of them were so in sync. I guess that's what happens when you are part of a team. That coach becomes the center of everything as you transform and grow. And it isn't always easy. Now, this Minnesota mom turned Personal Trainer, Health Coach, author and nationally recognized speaker has made it her mission to inspire audiences to find their own inner coach and be Strong Enough. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Jill shares her mental and physical health journey from before "Strong" to where she is today. From family and fitness to fears and focus. She even shares a big dream for the first time during our conversation. Plus, a special gift from Jill. She's giving away a copy of her book "Strong Enough" to one lucky winner. How to Enter: - Follow her on Instagram at @jillmay_nbcstrong - Comment on her most recent post with the following: "I heard you #HIListicallySpeakingPodcast with @HilaryRusso" - Jill will draw a winner within 24 hours once the podcast airs and contact the winner via DM to send the book. Ready to give your cranial a coach and be kind to your mind? Just book a Complimentary Discovery Call and learn more about Havening Techniques and how to put the power of active emotional well-being in your own hands. Here's a short video that explains the technique. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Plus, powerful tips and tools to help you "be kind to your mind" in your every day? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to more music by Lipbone Redding
It may shock you to learn that in traditional medical schools, nutrition education is almost non-existent during the entire four years of schooling. Yet, you see your doctor yearly for about 10-15 minutes. And if something is off, you are generally told to start by making changes to your diet. But, where do you go for support? Good news. That's where a health coach steps in. When people ask me what it means to be a health coach, I usually tell them I'm the guide by you side that is there to support you on your health and wellness journey. But the journey into health coaching means being an advocate for your own health first and nourishing the body from the inside out. On this week's episode of HIListically Speaking, Jim Curtis from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition joins the conversation to share more about why everybody needs a health coach. Not only because it can be wonderful career if you're looking for freedom from the daily grind. But also, health coaching provides an exciting opportunity to help others live a healthy life. Including yourself. If you're ready to be an advocate for your own health, click the link to check out a FREE sample class with IIN today. As an added bonus, I'm including IIN's Longevity Guide Download. Great tips on living a long and healthy life. If you're ready to take the leap and start working with a Certified Holistic Health Coach today, just book a Complimentary Discovery Call and learn more about Havening Techniques and how to put the power of active emotional well-being in your own hands. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Plus, her powerful tips and tools to help you "be kind to your mind" in your every day? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to more music by Lipbone Redding
Break the cycle. We hear that term a lot lately when it comes to generational trauma. The thought of raising a child can be overwhelming enough. But when trauma exists in our family history, parenting fears can creep in like wild fire. Am I doing this right? How do I avoid creating the toxic environment that existed before me? Can I even break this pattern or is it just genetics? What if I just can't handle it? Where can I get relief? Who's taking care of me? When Christa Bevan created the Radical Mother Village, many of those questions came to mind. The group is for all mothers devoted to being disruptors of their past. Breaking those cycles. Living better. Planting stronger roots for a thriving family tree to grow. As an “expert companion”, Christa focuses on sharing ways to nurture the inner child. She not only supports and educates the village on cultivating greater self-compassion, but provides tools to handle the everyday stresses when life gets in the way. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Christa not only gets nerdy about neuroscience and the nervous system with me, she shares more about the tension and trauma releasing exercises (TRE®) she uses daily and shares with clients. Plus, walk away with her powerful Calm Mom Strategy that can help you create a plan the next time motherhood throws you a curveball. And yes, dads…you can use these tips too. Join the Radical Mother Village on Facebook Connect with Christa on Instagram Download the Calm Mom Strategy tips. Looking for more ways to be kind to your mind? Learn more about how Havening Techniques can put the power of active emotional well being into your own hands. Just connect and set up up a Complimentary Discovery Call today. Enjoy this free guided Self-Havening video to get you started. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Plus, her powerful tips and tools to help you "be kind to your mind" in your every day? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to more music by Lipbone Redding
"Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about". There are so many variations of this quote. Dating back a hundreds of years. It seems as though bullying has become both an inside and outside job. So much so, that we've gotten into the habit of perfecting it. All of us. This is not exactly a skill set you add proudly to the resume. But whatever version you resonate with, the overall message is this: We all have stuff. So, get curious, courageous and vulnerable. Ask for help. And most importantly, be kind…to yourself and others. And...listen up! During this episode of HIListically Speaking, Marketing & Business Strategist and Coach Vince Warnock shares his own personal experience about how bullying in the school yard was just as present in the board room. Even with his fellow C-Suite rockstars had taken the fall time and time again. Sound familiar? Now, Vince helps entrepreneurs find their voice and face their fears in the most authentic way... personally and professionally. And, we'd be doing Vince a disservice if it wasn't mentioned that Star Wars and Stan Lee may have had something to do with his own success from corporate CEO and broadcaster to entrepreneurial super hero. We're "Chasing the Insights" on this episode of HIListically Speaking. And if you're serious about making an impact as CEO in your own life and those you serve, claim an amazing offer and book a free strategy call with Vince after you listen to the conversation. Need more support on your health and healing journey? Find out how Hilary can support you with Havening Techniques by putting the power of active emotional well-being in your own hands. Just book a Complimentary Discovery Call. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Plus, her powerful tips and tools to help you "be kind to your mind" in your every day? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
What does it mean to have a “good death”? Have you given much thought to what you'd want your transition to be like? This isn't just about the funeral and what people say in your memory. Instead, the focus is on the time leading up to exiting this world, the moments “in between” and the legacy you leave behind? On this episode of HIListically Speaking, uncover the the truth behind "dying well" with Death Doula, Dana Humphrey. Dana shares her own story with Hilary and listeners about what took her from the fast-paced PR world of Corporate America, to finding peace during a pandemic so far away from home. She also shares how that journey moved her towards supporting others during the end of their lives...on their own terms. Glitter and peach trees are not included. But they sure as heck could be. So, why skip the last step? Make it count. If you're interested in learning more about Dana, reach out to her at www.danahumphrey.com. We imagine you're here because you're enjoying this podcast. So, consider subscribing to the show and share it with one other person who you think will align with the message. To connect with Hilary, reach out here. To learn more about how Hilary can support you with Havening Techniques by putting the power of active emotional well-being in your own hands, book a Complimentary Discovery Call. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
Destroy the idea that you have to be constantly working or grinding to be successful. Read that again. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Hilary opens up about her recent struggles with burn-out lead to the wake-up call she needed. Join Hilary as she gets personal about why taking time off to embrace the concept that rest, recovery and reflection is an essential part of harmonious and holistic living. Plus, a self-care tune up with tips she uses herself that can bring you back into alignment and "be kind to your mind". We imagine you're here because you're enjoying this podcast. So, consider subscribing to the show and share it with one other person who you think will align with the message. To connect with Hilary, reach out here. To learn more about how Hilary can support you with Havening Techniques by putting the power of active emotional well-being in your own hands, book a Complimentary Discovery Call. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
Julie Sawchuk, B.Sc., B.Ed., RHFAC, is a best-selling author, professional speaker and designated Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) professional. Julie combines her experience of living with a spinal cord injury with her passion for helping people make smart decisions when planning for accessibility. After completing the construction of her own fully accessible home, Julie wrote Build YOUR Space - How to create an accessible home for you, your family and your future. Julie's home is the only showcase of Universal Design that demonstrates how accessibility is not just functional, but also beautiful. Reading Build YOUR Space will help you make decisions about design and construction that allow for reduced physical energy needs, improved safety, increased independence and the preservation of dignity. In her second best-selling book, Building Better Bathrooms , Julie and her team of Samantha Proulx and Jane Vorbrodt help readers learn the “why” and the “how” for accessible bathroom design and construction. Julie has consulted and completed RHFAC ratings on a variety of projects including libraries, recreation centres, apartments, restaurants, small town shops and international airports. Julie also teaches the program Building Without Barriers, the online platform for Accessible Design & Construction. Courses are offered to architects, OTs, trades and homeowners alike and include Accessible Home Design, Accessible Bathroom and Accessible Kitchen Design and Construction. As a professional speaker and author, she shares her message about accessibility and inclusion with students, businesses and organizations across Ontario. When you work with Julie, you will enlighten your team, inform your designs and build without barriers. Machine Transcription provided by Happyscribe Hello, World! Helpful links: Website: juliesawchuk.ca/ Connect with Hilary Russo on Social Media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliesawchuk Instagram: instagram.com/sawesome_julie/?hl=en Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCtTDvoIhU7_NVlkMAzlLhvg Connect with Sawchuk Accessible Solutionson Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/SawchukAccessibleSolutions --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/enableddisabled/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/enableddisabled/support
Hilary Russo is The “HIListically Speaking” Health Coach. As a Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner (one of only 150 in the US& 500 in the world) and a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, Hilary's mission is to empower purpose driven minds to transform their own traumas into triumphs through health, healing and humor. Hilary is an award-winning journalist focusing on health/wellness and award-winning college professor of communications and journalism. With the right tools, storytelling provides us a powerful opportunity to turn our mess into our message and live resiliently. Through her “Brain Candy” program, she wants to make mental health fun and put the power of emotional well-being in your own hands so that you can “be kind to your mind”. Machine Transcription provided by Happyscribe Hello, World! Helpful links: Website: hilaryrusso.com Connect with Hilary Russo on Social Media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso/ Instagram: instagram.com/hilaryrusso/ Youtube: youtube.com/hilaryrusso Twitter: twitter.com/HilaryRusso Facebook: facebook.com/hilaryrusso/ Connect with HIListically on Social Media: HIListically: facebook.com/HIListicallySpeaking/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/enableddisabled/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/enableddisabled/support
Nurturing. Healing. Love. Those three words were written on the kitchen chalkboard by 6 year old Jesse Lewis before he left for school in December of 2012. Those three words were also his last. Jesse was one of the 20 first graders and 6 educators killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre. For Scarlett Lewis, the only single mother that lost her child that day, the pain and grief may never fade, but neither will her son's message. Jesse's words have sparked a movement led by his mom. A movement inspired by Jesse's final acts of love, and his mother's path of forgiveness. A movement that is giving children powerful tools that teach them how to manage their emotions, feel connected, and have healthy relationships.And the formula is simple: courage + love + forgiveness + compassion-in-action = Choosing Love. The Choose Love Movement is now in over 10,000 schools in all 50 states and 100 countries worldwide. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, hear Scarlett's story and join us in celebrating Jesse's birthday bash. Find out how Havening Techniques is part of the gift that is teaching children to be kind to their minds and embrace each other with thoughtful response, love and fun. To connect with Scarlett and learn more about how you can join the Choose Love Movement, visit the Choose Love website. To learn more about Havening Techniques and how Hilary can support you on your healing journey and put the power of active emotional well-being in your own hands, Connect with Hilary and set up a Complimentary Discovery Call. You can also learn more about Havening Techniques by listening to Episode 48 of HIListically Speaking Podcast and Hilary's conversation with Dr. Steve Ruden, one of the co-developers of this neuroscience-based approach. We imagine you're here because you're enjoying this podcast. So, consider subscribing and share it with one other person who you think will align with the message. Let's pay it forward, make a difference and choose love. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
Sixty years sounds like a long time. Well, unless you are Mother Earth. Because sixty is how many years of farmable soil we have left on this planet. That dirt you're standing on has purpose. It improves water cycles, protect farmers, prevents toxic pollution, increases nutrient density, enhances human health resilience, and balances atmospheric carbon. But if you're stepping all over it rather than just standing on it... no bueno. Rob Herring is on a mission to help as many people as possible understand that. And with simple solutions we can all have a positive impact and begin to see a change for good. But the director and producer of the award-winning film The Need To GROW and co-founder of the platform Earth Conscious Life has a health healing story of his own. And over the years, he's used his musical talents to bring awareness to the state of our planet. From his critically acclaimed GMO OMG and world-famous Zeitgeist Trilogy to his songwriting for health and eco activism, Rob's journey is creating a space for all to be touched, moved and inspired into rebuilding a more regenerative future. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Rob opens up about everything from his emotional well-being and living holistically to the small seeds we can plant to make this world a better place. Plus, learn more about The Need to GROW and how you can watch this must see documentary through June 28th for FREE. Listen, laugh and learn on ways to plant some seeds for The Need to GROW. To learn more about Earth Conscious Life and to watch the film for FREE through June 28, visit www.TheNeedToGROW.com Connect with Rob Herring on social media: @TheNeedToGROW and @TheRobHerring If you would like to learn more about how I can support you on your healing journey, connect with me on my website at hilaryrusso.com and book a complimentary discovery call. Or connect with me on social media, LinkedIn or Clubhouse @hilaryrusso. It's time to "be kind to your mind" and put the power of active emotional well being in your own hands. I imagine you're here because you're enjoying this podcast. So, consider subscribing and share it with one other person who you think will align with the message. Let's pay it forward and make a difference in kindness and active well being. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
“Surround yourself with people who will massage your neurons”. My father said those words to me when I was a child... encouraging me to spark new conversations outside my comfort zone. 40 something years later, I'm still at it. And we've reached a milestone on the HIListically Speaking Podcast. One year. One year of empowering conversations of transformational journeys. One year of trauma to triumph stories that continue to touch, move and inspire the podcasting world. One year of thoughtful souls sharing health, healing and humor. What a ride it's been so far. My neurons are just getting warmed up. Dad would be proud. I imagine he's listening from somewhere. So, to celebrate our first full trip around the sun, HIListically Speaking is taking a look back at some of the most inspiring moments from the year. From the words of wisdom to the laughter in the lessons…it's all here as a "thank you" for listening and sticking around. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year”. HIListically Speaking…I agree. Every day that I am offered a chance to have new conversations and connections that touch the heart and encourage you to “be kind to your mind” is the best day so far. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. In a word: Grateful. If you haven't yet subscribed, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Celebrate our first year by leaving a rating and review. And if you've been touched, moved and inspired by one or many episodes, consider sharing it with just one person. My gift is the messages being shared. But I'm also here if you need more support on your healing journey. Just connect with me on my website at hilaryrusso.com and book a complimentary Discovery Call. Or connect with me on social media, LinkedIn or Clubhouse @hilaryrusso. It's time to “be kind to your mind” and put the power of emotional well-being in your own hands. Season Two of The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, is looking for transformational stories. Fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
What does pride mean to you? For Dawn Ennis, it means finally being herself. She'll be the first to tell you that her transgender journey hasn't been easy. Let alone private. Dawn was the first transgender journalist to come out in network TV news. And that was one top story that brought mixed emotions and reception. Add both personal and professional loss to the national media attention and suddenly Dawn was questioning her choices and her life. One of those choices almost left her children without a mother…and a father. Fortunately, Dawn “sucks at suicide”, as she put it. Her devotion to family and faith is stronger than ever. And the stories she now tells as an LGBTQ+ advocate and journalist have more purpose and power. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, a conversation about living your truth. But also, the responsibility each and every one of us have in a diverse and inclusive world. And for Life After Dawn, she'll be the first to tell you…it begins with kindness. Where does it begin for you? Connect with Dawn Ennis on her blog at Life After Dawn. Or on social media: Twitter: @lifeafterdawn Instagram: @lifeafterdawn And in honor of Pride Month and this episode of HIListically Speaking, we're supporting the Triangle Community Center. If you would like to share your support, visit the link and show your pride: https://www.ctpridecenter.org/support_tcc If you would like to learn more about how I can support you on your healing journey, connect with me on my website at hilaryrusso.com and book a complimentary discovery call. Or connect with me on social media, LinkedIn or Clubhouse @hilaryrusso. It's time to be kind to your mind put the power is in your own hands. I imagine you're here because you're enjoying this podcast. So, consider subscribing and share it with one other person who you think will align with the message. Let's pay it forward and make a difference in kindness and active well being. If you're interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It's FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
Healing is an inside job. So, imagine being able to alter your thoughts, moods and behaviors rapidly and permanently remove traumatic memories from your brain with something as simple as gentle touch. From daily upsets and stresses to the deep rooted pain and trauma. Gone… with Havening Techniques. As a Certified Practitioner of this psycho-sensory approach, you often hear me talk about Havening and Self-Havening. After all, I not only use this therapeutic tool in private practice with my clients, but in my everyday life. And for good reason. You just feel better. And living resiliently sounds like a pretty good plan, if you ask me. But what’s the story behind this modality? On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Co-Developer Dr. Steve Ruden takes us back to early days of Havening and shares more about how a new paradigm in neuroscience is creating a shift in active well-being that's all in the palm of your hands. Or as he puts it...“hand-ibiotics”. Give it a listen. And if you stick around until the end of the conversation, Dr. Ruden guides us in a short Self-Havening session. Plus, a chance to join us for a world wide virtual event and "be kind to your mind". To learn more about Havening Techniques, you can visit the website. And if you are interested in joining us for the “Canvas of Love” virtual conference, click this special link exclusively available to HIListically Speaking listeners. If you’re ready to give Havening a try. Connect with me and set up a Complimentary Discovery Call. It’s a wonderful way to put the power of active emotional well being in your own hands. I imagine you're here because you’re enjoying this podcast. So, consider subscribing and share it with one other person who you think will align with the message. Let’s pay it forward and make a difference. If you’re interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It’s FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
Did you know the number one profession for suicide rates is Veterinary Medicine? In fact, according to the American Medical Veterinary Association, one in six vets have considered suicide at some point in their career. The Essential Oil Vet, Dr. Janet Roark is one of them. Thankfully Dr. Roark’s story is one that ends in semicolon and not a period. Essential oils helped her heal. Now, she devotes her life to using them with the animals she treats. On this episode of HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo, learn more about Dr. Roark’s own healing journey and how essential oils can be a wonderful way to support the health and well being of your fur babies She also answers listeners questions and shares a gift to those who are looking for a more holistic approach to pet health. Click here to get your free download to Dr. Roark’s essential oils and pet safety guide and be sure to visit her website. If you want to learn more about how you can use essential oils as part of your own health and healing or how Havening can help you put the power of emotional well being gin your own hands, book a complimentary Discovery Call with Hilary. If you’re interested in sharing your transformational story on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, fill out the guest form. Want early access to podcast guests, giveaways, speaking engagements and events with Hilary? Join the Thrive Hive. It’s FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius said that. Of course, Confucius never dealt with writing a resume, scouring the internet for jobs, or wondering how many of the 750 million other people on LinkedIn applied. Add social media to that equation (just to kill your ego a little bit more) and you’ve got a nice little recipe for “I’m not good enough”. Well, hello, imposter syndrome. Thanks for showing up. As a professional resume writer and LinkedIn rock star, you would think David Alto had it all worked out. But even the guy that helps get you past the resume bots was struggling with his own self-worth. On this episode of the HIListically Speaking Podcast, David shares his story of how he turned that struggle into his superpower. But also, he shares some valuable tips and tricks to get your resume in the right hands, get over yourself and get the job. As a bonus, David is giving away five copies of his book “The Fear of Confidence: My journey as a social media influencer living with Imposter Syndrome”. You can find out how to make one of them yours by listening to the episode. If you're interested in learning more about David, connect with him on LinkedIn. Ready to work on your own healing journey, connect with Hilary. You can set up a complimentary Discovery Call to learn more. Interested in sharing your own transformational story of trauma into your triumph on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo? Let us know. Just fill out the guest form. Be the first to know about future guests, upcoming episodes, giveaways and speaking engagements/events and Join the Thrive Hive for FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
“I was just a heart beat pulse on a monitor”. Those were the words Brian Wall used to describe his past. He was a collegiate swimmer who found himself racing in the wrong lane. His battle with addiction was coupled by intimate loss, unexpected devastation and near death experience. But through it all, Brian managed to gain advanced clinical knowledge, becoming a dually licensed mental health and addiction specialist. His hope: to motivate and inspire others beyond their potential and encourage others to enjoy each wave in the race called life. On this episode of "HIListically Speaking", Brian shares with Hilary his own story of health and healing, which wouldn't be complete without a side of humor. Connect with Brian via LinkedIn. If you’re ready to work on your own healing journey, connect with Hilary. You can set up a complimentary Discovery Call to learn more. Interested in sharing your own transformational story of trauma into your triumph on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo? Let us know. Just fill out the guest form. Be the first to know about future guests, upcoming episodes, giveaways and speaking engagements/events and Join the Thrive Hive for FREE! HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
You know we have two brains, right? The one where your thoughts and intuition comes from and then there is your digestive system. Your micro biome. And when one is out of sync, the other makes sure you’re fully aware that something is up. So, trusting your gut is really two fold. And the link between our physical health and mental health should be no surprise. Gut Health Expert and Functional Medicine Doctor, Vincent Pedre learned about this first hand. Not only has this out-of-the-box thinker helped thousands of patients over the years go from chronically ill to actively thriving, he found answers on his own gut healing journey. He’s the author of the best-selling book “Happy Gut”, basically a bridge, able to eloquently meld together different perspectives, integrating holistic approaches with Western medicine. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Dr. Pedre shares his own story and answers listeners’ questions about ways to live a healthy life with a happy gut. Click this link for more information about Dr. Pedre including a free download to the top 10 tips for a healthy happy gut. 10 simple steps to being bloat free in only 28 days so you can focus on your happy. If you’re ready to work on your own healing journey to put the power of emotional healing in your own hands, connect with Hilary for support to see if you align. She offers a complimentary Discovery Call to get you started. Have you turned your mess into your message? Your trauma into your triumph? Want to share it on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo? Let us know. You can get in touch with us here: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/guestformpodcast Be the first to know about future guests, upcoming episodes, giveaways and speaking engagements/events and join the Thrive Hive: www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast Connect with Hilary Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Clubhouse: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
How well are you communicating with others? For Michelle Mills-Porter, she was already an expert in communication, specializing in non-visual and non-verbal communication. But when she found herself in the middle of one of the biggest natural disasters in history, the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004, with little time to think, it opened her eyes to discover the magnificence in humanity. She witnessed the power of true motivation and the limitless possibility of collaboration. In a digital age, we are overwhelmed with so many ways to connect. But with all these options, are we really doing it in a way that unleashes our true potential to connect with others? And do we have to wait until we face adversity to make a change? Through Michelle's own recovery, she worked to capture what she learned, eventually creating a suite of analysis tools that unleashes people power to help you to uncover your magnificence. Join the conversation when this speaker, trainer, author and a leading light in the neuroscience of human behavior shares her story and infinite possibilities with host Hilary Russo. Michelle is also offering a free essence analysis to HIListically Speaking listeners. Connect with her at www.mmp.uk.com. If you’ve turned your mess into your message, your trauma into your triumph and want to share it on The HIListically Speaking Podcast with Hilary Russo, let us know. You can get in touch with us here: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/guestformpodcast Interested in working with Hilary personally on your health and wellness journey? Just set up a free Discovery Call and put the power of emotional healing in your own hands. Be the first to know about future guests, upcoming episodes, giveaways and speaking engagements/events and join the Thrive Hive: www.hilaryrusso.com/podcast HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo Created/Hosted by Hilary Russo. Produced by Alan Seales Music by Lipbone Redding Connect with Hilary Join The Thrive Hive Instagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso Website: www.hilaryrusso.com Connect with Alan Seales Listen to Lipbone
Hilary Russo is The “HIListically Speaking” Health Coach. She believes you have the ability to change the story you are telling yourself, rewrite the narrative, and put the power of emotional well-being in your own hands. And it all begins with gratitude. She's an award-winning journalist with over 25 years in the media business who decided to shift her focus to health and wellness as a storyteller. Through her own transformational journey, she became a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach and Certified Havening Techniques® Practitioner to help guide others in healing. In addition to helping individuals and groups in her private practice, she continues to work in media as a health/wellness expert and journalist with appearances on QVC, PBS, and TV stations nationwide. She's also host/creator of The “HIListically Speaking” Podcast, a place where empowering conversations with guests of varied expertise share their own transformational journeys from trauma to triumph through health, healing, and humor. As a gift to help you “Be Kind to Your Mind” with gratitude in your heart, she created this offering to show you how easy that first step will be! https://www.hilaryrusso.com/gratitude Connect with Co-Host and Gratitude Conductor Chris Palmore at https://www.gratitudespace.com/ and Check out his new book, "Dear Gratitude: An Anthology." https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Gratitude-Anthology-Chris-Palmore/dp/173613020X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gratitudespace/message
Hilary Russo is an award-winning television journalist, producer, and multimedia host. Hilary's work as an online educator for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition was a turning point for her. While there, she realized she wanted to connect with IIN on a higher level and received her certification as a Holistic Health Coach. She is also a highly recognized Certified Havening Techniques® Practitioner and has helped people all over the world retrain, revive, and restore resiliency into their lives. She is the host of the "Hilistically Speaking" podcast. Want to find out more? https://www.hilaryrusso.com/
Hilary Russo is The “HIListically Speaking” Health Coach. She believes you have the ability to change the story you are telling yourself, rewrite the narrative and put the power of emotional well-being in your own hands. And it all begins with gratitude. She's an award-winning journalist with over 25 years in the media business who decided to shift her focus to health and wellness as a storyteller. Through her own transformational journey, she became a Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach and Certified Havening Techniques® Practitioner to help guide others in healing. In addition to helping individuals and groups in her private practice, she continues to work in media as a health/wellness expert and journalist with appearances on QVC, PBS, and TV stations nationwide. She's also host/creator of The “HIListically Speaking” Podcast, a place where empowering conversations with guests of varied expertise share their own transformational journeys from trauma to triumph through health, healing and humor. As a gift to help you “Be Kind to Your Mind” with gratitude in your heart, she created this offering to show you how easy that first step will be! https://www.hilaryrusso.com/gratitude This is an open call to anyone that has a gratitude story or practice that they'd like to share. Just email me at the address Hello@gratitudespace.com, If you have enjoyed the podcast pls subscribe and rate us. You could look at this as your way of showing me a little gratitude. In Gratitude, Chris #HIListicallySpeaking #HIListicallySpeakingPodcast #GratitudeSpaceRadio #GratitudeSpace #bekindtoyourmind #mentalhealthpodcasts --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gratitudespace/message
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