Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn

Prayer and Scripture get most of the credit for spiritual growth, but Dr. Autumn unpacks a piece we usually skip: the body. This episode makes the case that sleep, emotional health, relationships, and daily rhythms aren't distractions from discipleship, they're part of how the Holy Spirit actually forms us. The payoff is practical too: the self-control and discernment we need to live out what we already know God is calling us to do.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

Most of us know what we should do—so why don't we do it?Because beneath our choices are stories. Exhaustion is normal. My value comes from achievement. Busy means important.These narratives quietly shape our health, relationships, leadership, and well-being in ways we rarely examine.In this episode, Dr. Autumn helps you identify the hidden stories running your life—and what it looks like to replace them with something rooted in wholeness, wisdom, and shalom.The question this episode will help you ask: What story is shaping my choices?Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

You're sleeping. Eating well. Taking the supplements. And still — you're exhausted.In this episode, Dr. Autumn breaks down why energy isn't just physical, and why no amount of sleep will fix a nervous system that's overloaded, a mind full of clutter, or emotions you haven't had the chance to process. She unpacks the hidden forces quietly draining you, including disrupted sleep rhythms, dehydration, spiritual misalignment, and the invisible weight of modern life.This isn't another wellness checklist. It's a real conversation about what's actually happening in your body and mind, plus what it looks like to restore energy from the inside out.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

In this episode of Aligned Living, Dr. Autumn speaks with Joshua Symonette—pastor of Hopeville in Baltimore, nonprofit leader, husband of 23 years, and father of four—to explore the hidden cost of unprocessed emotions in leadership and everyday life. Joshua shares a vulnerable turning point when an unexpected emotional breakdown revealed he had been living in constant problem-solving mode—running on “survival skills” instead of “thriving skills.”Together, they unpack why emotional health isn’t optional for leaders, why ignoring emotions quietly shapes our relationships and environments, and how practices like silence, slowing down, naming emotions, and prayer help cultivate true wholeness. If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding everything together on the outside while something inside feels off, this conversation offers a powerful invitation to pause, pay attention, and ask one honest question: Why do I feel this way?Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainGuest Info: Joshua SymonetteIG: jmsymonetteiamhopeville.com

Ever whispered, “God… what is happening?”In this episode, Dr. Autumn speaks to the seasons that rattle your certainty — heartbreak, disappointment, unanswered prayers, emotional exhaustion — and shows you how to walk through them without losing your faith, your nervous system, or your integrity.Blending biblical lament, nervous system regulation, and the principles of Aligned Living, she reframes hard seasons not as punishment, but as preparation. Learn how to steady your body, guard your thoughts, protect your character, and stay anchored — even when life feels disorienting.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainMentioned Resources:The Playground Leader by Dr Autumn SwainProphetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah

In the series finale of Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn, we break down why making wise choices isn’t just about discipline or willpower. It’s about whether your mind and body feel regulated enough to support good decision-making. This episode explains how emotions provide important information, how a calm nervous system keeps the brain’s decision-making center (the prefrontal cortex) functioning, and how chronic stress disrupts judgment and self-control. Drawing from neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and faith, Dr. Autumn shows how caring for your whole self helps you make consistent, aligned choices—without burnout or constant struggle.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

In this episode, Dr. Autumn sits down with spoken word artist Cookie B, who discovered her gift through a reluctant college assignment—and later had to fight to reclaim it. Together they explore what it means to walk in your God-given gifts, heal from what silences you, and find freedom in creativity and faith. Through personal stories and powerful poetry, Cookie reminds us: when you live out your purpose, you don’t just serve others—you come alive.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainHow to find our guest, Cookie B.https://www.itscookieb.com/IG: itscookiebYou can find her Spoken Word pieces including her new album on all listening platforms.

In this episode of Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn, Dr. Autumn talks with Cindy Lamb—trauma-transformation therapist and founder of the Human Liberation and Balance Institute—about how both childhood and adult traumas shape the brain and body. Together, they explore how healing happens when we unlearn old survival patterns and relearn how to live from a place of safety, freedom, and authenticity. With insights from neuroscience and real-life experience, this conversation is a reminder that no matter your past, you have the power to rewire and realign your life.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainHow to find our guest:Cindy Lamb, LCSW, LSCSW, CCTPHumanLBI.org

What if wisdom—not certainty—is the key to a deeper, stronger faith? In this episode, Dr. Autumn unpacks why spiritual growth isn’t about rigid rules or black‑and‑white answers, but about holy curiosity, discernment, and courage.Through her own story of wrestling with tough decisions and rethinking inherited beliefs, Autumn reframes “deconstruction” as something better: faith evolution. She shows how asking hard questions doesn’t push us away from God—it draws us closer.With warmth and practical wisdom, Autumn reminds us that real growth, like strength training, requires resistance. The result? A faith that’s wiser, braver, and built to last.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

What if your workout could sharpen your mind, regulate your emotions, and rewire your brain? Fitness expert Dylan Novak joins Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn to unpack how intentional movement—like dynamic stretching and progressive strength training—not only builds physical power but also boosts mental clarity, emotional stability, and long-term health. You’ll learn how fitness impacts your longevity, how dopamine shapes your motivation and memory, and why modern habits can throw your brain and body off track. We’ll also break down what the right fitness practices actually are, why they work, and how to fit them into a busy, full life. Whether you’re brand new to training or refining your rhythm, this conversation will shift the way you think about strength—for your body, your mind, and your soul.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainGuest info:Dylan Novak, CSCS, FRCMS, CFSC, MS kinesiologyhttps://www.methodstrong.com/

In this special episode of Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn, Coach Autumn invites you behind the scenes of her membership platform with a raw and impactful teaching on emotional health. What began as a course recording turned into a heartfelt message about why emotional regulation and maturity are essential to making progress in every area of life—whether it’s your health, relationships, or spiritual growth. Autumn shares why our emotions often drive the choices we make, and how learning to navigate them can unlock the transformation we’re longing for. With a blend of vulnerable insight and practical takeaways, this episode offers a meaningful starting point for anyone looking to live with more intention, alignment, and wholeness.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

What if rest—not hustle—is the key to creativity? In this episode of the Aligned Living Podcast, Dr. Autumn sits down with Nashville-based artist Wes Harris to talk music, healing, and living with intention. From growing up as a pastor’s kid to using music as a tool for emotional and other forms of holistic wellness, Wes shares how he's learned to say “no” with purpose, embrace stillness, and protect his peace while navigating the demands of a creative life. They dive into the emotional impact of lyrics, the tension between sacred and secular music, and what it really means to live aligned.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainGuest info:https://sociatap.com/imwesharris/Find Wes Harris on all your listening platforms including Apple Music and SpotifyIG: @imwesharris

In this episode of Aligned Living, Autumn Swain chats with Alexis Browning, a former healthcare professional turned nonprofit leader, on the power of authentic community. Inspired by a mission trip to Kenya, Alexis left medicine to foster meaningful connections. They dive into why social well-being is essential to overall health and how vulnerability and proximity create deeper relationships. Alexis shares personal insights on embracing connection—even in tough times—and practical ways to build a sense of belonging. This episode is a powerful reminder: We’re not meant to do life alone.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainWhere to find our Episode Guest: Alexis Browninghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-browning-853870264/https://www.instagram.com/a_browning90/

Dr. Autumn challenges conventional wisdom about motivation, revealing that it's often a result of action rather than its catalyst. She explores how our decision-making is shaped by emotions, hormones, and physical states, offering practical strategies to align our choices with long-term goals. By understanding the complex interplay between brain and body, listeners learn to make better decisions even when motivation seems elusive.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainReferenced in this episode:DrLeaf.com, Podcast: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess

In this episode, artist Lionel Daniels reveals the transformative power of aligning passion with purpose. By courageously leaving a six-figure job to pursue art full-time, he demonstrates how trusting one's intuition and maintaining a deep spiritual connection can unlock extraordinary personal and professional fulfillment. Through resilience, prayer, and a commitment to personal growth, Lionel shows listeners that true success comes from embracing authenticity and staying true to one's deepest calling.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainGuest info:IG: @LionelDanielsArt (Personal), @thestudioshow_ (art show)Youtube: @thestudioshow_2019Website: www.lioneld.com

In this episode of the Aligned Living podcast, Dr. Autumn explores the power of asking good questions, and its potential to transform our lives. She explains how the right questions can unlock personal and professional growth, while the wrong ones—or avoiding questions altogether—can keep us stuck in frustration. Acknowledging the resistance many feel toward questioning familiar beliefs and habits, Dr. Autumn reframes it as an adventure in self-discovery and alignment. She shares practical strategies for crafting impactful questions, like creating an open, nonjudgmental space for inquiry and deeply reflecting on the answers. Drawing from thought leaders and authors, she illustrates how effective questioning fosters curiosity, reduces conflict, and propels us toward genuine evolution and fulfillment.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

Ready to thrive, even when life gets tough? In this episode of the Aligned Living podcast, Dr. Autumn reveals how to not just survive, but grow through challenges. She shares her powerful method of how to "sit in the suck”, but do it well—including preparing yourself holistically before life throws its hardest punches. Packed with real-life stories and game-changing tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional foundation.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainEpisode References:Intentional Sustainable Rhythms (ISR), discussed further in Episode 3: Let the Beat Drop, Finding your Rhythm (Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn)

In this episode of Aligned Living, Dr. Reverend Alex Gee, a transformative community leader, CEO, pastor, podcast host, husband, and father, shares insights from his 40-year journey of integrating holistic wellness into his leadership. Dr. Gee opens up about the challenges and struggles he faced along the way, and how they significantly influenced his personal transformation, which not only improved his physical health, mental focus, and spiritual clarity but also empowered him to lead with renewed energy and wisdom. Emphasizing the importance of balancing the demands of leadership with personal well-being, Dr. Gee offers practical advice on sustainability, avoiding burnout, and the crucial role of spiritual formation in achieving overall wellness.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainHow to find our guest, Dr. Alex Gee, and what he’s working on.Check out his podcast, Black Like Me!www.alexgee.comwww.TheBlackCenter.orgwww.nehemiah.orgLinkedIn: Dr. Alexander Geehttps://www.facebook.com/DrRevAlexGee

In this episode of the Aligned Living podcast, Dr. Autumn unpacks the power of emotions and their impact on our lives, challenging the notion that they are just fleeting feelings. She reveals how emotions shape our decisions, influence our well-being, and why embracing them is an often overlooked key to personal growth. You'll also learn some practical tools for building emotional resilience, plus how aligning your emotional health with your values can lead to a more fulfilled life.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainReferenced in this Episode:BiblicalCounselingCenter.org

In this episode of the Aligned Living podcast, Coach Autumn explores the role of social wellness on our journey to wholeness. She breaks down the difference between individualism and self-improvement, showing how a self-centered approach can have long-term negative effects. With insights from her own research, Dr. Autumn reveals how our hyper-individualistic culture fosters unhealthy behaviors and isolation. She advocates for a community-oriented mindset, emphasizing the importance of genuine support networks for managing stress, making healthier choices, and achieving holistic wellbeing. Hit listen to learn more!Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainReferenced in this Episode:5 Signs of Individualism (Blog): https://serge.org/blog/5-signs-of-individualism/

Feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of health and fitness information available at your fingertips and struggling to know exactly what steps to take? Coach Autumn gets it! That's why in this episode of the Aligned Living podcast, she shares how you can take a holistic (less stressful!) approach to working out. You'll learn how to break down the essentials into three main "buckets" of fitness: cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, and agility and mobility. Plus, Coach Autumn highlights the significance of variety and consistency in fitness routines to promote overall well-being, rather than just focusing on weight loss or muscle gain.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

In this episode of the Aligned Living podcast, Coach Autumn tackles overcoming plateaus in your spiritual journey. Drawing from her background as a personal trainer and nutrition coach, she explains how spiritual nourishment is a lot like a balanced diet, emphasizing the need for variety in practices like Bible study, prayer, and worship. Discover how to keep your spiritual life dynamic, avoid complacency, and deepen your connection with God.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

In this episode, Coach Autumn chats with Dr. Ray Rumedi, a chiropractor known for his holistic health approach, merging exercise science and kinesiology. In addition to discovering practical tips on balancing your mental, physical, and nutritional health through daily practices like meditation, exercise, and connecting with nature, you'll learn how meditation can shift your body from stress to relaxation and how sustainable habits can be the nudge you need to create a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainResources: https://soundchiropractic.co/IG: sound_chiropractic

In this episode of the Aligned Living podcast, Coach Autumn explores how our subconscious mind influences our thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being. Drawing on insight from various experts, Coach Autumn reveals how our thoughts shape who we are and encourages strategic, proactive thinking for mental wellness. She discusses the subconscious's role in immune system function and holistic health, advocating for mindfulness and self-regulation.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainResources: Dr. Caroline Leaf “Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess”

In this episode of Aligned Living, Coach Autumn welcomes Beth Malcook, a certified holistic functional nutritional counselor, to chat about the often underestimated role of nutrition on overall wellness, and how you can holistically integrate mental, emotional, and physical health. Beth, with her background as a social worker, began her journey into nutrition 18 years ago after losing her mother to cancer, which inspired her to learn how stress, poor sleep, and inadequate nutrition contribute to chronic health issues. Beth shares tried-and-true advice, emphasizing simple steps that will have you asking yourself: "Why didn't I think of that?"Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainEpisode Resources:Contact Beth Malcook on Instagram @bmalcook

In this episode, Coach Autumn examines the value of stress. Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, she shows how embracing challenges can actually lead to growth and transformation. You'll get practical advice on managing stress, focusing on what can be controlled, and finding peace with what cannot. Highlighting the role of community and faith in transforming brokenness into beauty, Coach Autumn leaves you with reflective exercises and actionable steps to help you build resilience through life's tough moments.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena Swain

In this episode, Coach Autumn is joined by Vanessa Blair-Lewis, head women’s basketball coach at George Mason University. Together, they dive into an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of being coachable while pursuing wholeness. Vanessa shares her remarkable journey from basketball player to coach, emphasizing the vital role of connection and relationships. Explore her unique coaching philosophy, which revolves around holistic development and the creation of a supportive, trusting environment. Drawing from both wins and loses, Vanessa offers profound insights into embracing your vulnerability.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]: @drautumnswainFB: Autumn Alena SwainLinks:IG: @CoachVBLIG: @masonwbbhttps://gomason.com/sports/womens-basketball

Ever feel like you're juggling a million different things at once? In this episode of The Aligned Living Podcast, Coach Autumn examines the common practice of compartmentalizing life (aka juggling a million different things) in the pursuit of holistic well-being. Think about it – everything in our lives, from our spiritual journey to our physical health and social interactions, they're all connected, right? So why do we often try to keep them separate? Coach Autumn shares practical tips and tricks for breaking free from those societal norms that tell us we have to rush through life and keep everything in neat little boxes.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]

In today's episode, Coach Autumn explains how marching to the beat of your own drum can be beneficial when it comes to adding shalom into your life.She stresses the importance of aligning our desires for wholeness with deliberate choices in our daily lives, honing in on the concept of intentional sustainable rhythms (ISR). Through personal examples, Coach Autumn shows how being intentional about our choices, nurturing sustainable habits, and recognizing the importance of rhythm in our routines, we can foster a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]

In today's episode of the Aligned Living podcast, Coach Autumn shares her strategy for finding space when you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed. She introduces the idea of margin as a key element in living an aligned life, describing it as a sweet spot that allows for reflection, self-care, and inner peace amidst life's hustle and bustle. Armed with Coach Autumn's practical tips, reimagining your approach to busyness just got a whole lot easier.Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]

In this episode of the Aligned Living Podcast, Coach Autumn takes us on a journey exploring the power of honesty in our pursuit of wholeness. Drawing from her own experiences, she shines a light on how being honest with ourselves is the key to kicking excuses to the curb and reaching our dreams.Whether it's facing the need for dietary changes or stepping up to meet the needs of our community, Coach Autumn stresses that honesty is the bedrock of a life filled with purpose and alignment. As leaders, being honest allows us to make positive waves in our own lives and the lives of those around us.So, let's embrace our truths, trust ourselves, and boldly stride into alignment. After all, it's honesty that lights the path to wholeness!Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected] Resources: The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Philip https://www.anitaphillips.com/

In the inaugural episode of the "Aligned Living Podcast," Dr. Autumn (but you can call her Coach Autumn) explains what aligned living means and why it matters in our shared desire for peace, energy, and purpose. Aligned living, she says, involves showing some love to every aspect of ourselves – body, mind, spirit, emotions, relationships, and finances – for long-lasting fulfillment.Easier said than done, right?! She understands the struggle is real, which is why throughout the episode, she reminds us that progress is possible through small steps and mindful choices. Coach Autumn sets the stage for future episodes, promising a mix of inspiration and practical advice to help you embrace life's dynamic rhythms instead of striving for balance (which she suggests is unattainable). Click play and join her on this journey toward aligned living and the positive impact it can have on every part of life. Let's go!Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BYPlease visit: www.autumnswain.comContact: [email protected]