Holistic Health with Melissa

Not every uncomfortable feeling means something is wrong. Sometimes it means you're growing. This week, Melissa is joined by Jamie Javed, a former ER and trauma nurse turned founder of the Weightless Woman movement, and one of Melissa's own coaches and closest friends. The conversation grew out of something Jamie posted on Instagram that Melissa couldn't stop thinking about: the moment nervous system regulation quietly turns into another form of avoidance. Together, they dig into a distinction most women have never been taught. Trauma activation and identity expansion can feel almost identical in the body, the same racing heart, the same tight stomach, the same pull to retreat. But one is asking you to regulate and find safety. The other is asking you to stay and keep going. Jamie shares how she learned to tell the two apart in her own life, including the decision to walk away from a ten-year marriage, and how that same discernment shows up in her work helping women pursue lasting weight loss without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, you'll hear: Why breathwork, journaling, and other regulation tools can sometimes become a way to avoid the action that actually creates change How to tell whether a feeling is trauma asking for safety, or growth asking you to expand What it means to become "unavailable" for an old identity so something new has room to arrive Why the supplements, the diets, the routines aren't the fix If this conversation stirs something in you, Melissa would love to walk alongside you. Her Freedom Collective is a six-month 1:1 coaching container with a community element that blends nervous system work, mindset, and Christ-centered identity healing, because you were never meant to do this alone. Schedule a Clarity Call to see if it's the right fit. To connect with Jamie, find her on Instagram at @iamjamiecatherine.

In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with her best friend, Stevie Silvers, a registered nurse and former hospital charge nurse, to hear the story of what happened when she began asking questions during COVID. Stevie takes listeners back to March 2020 and shares what she actually experienced working inside the hospital during the pandemic, including the disconnect she witnessed between what was being reported publicly and what she was seeing firsthand, the staffing crisis within healthcare, and the growing pressure to follow protocols without question. As Stevie began asking why, she found herself increasingly scrutinized by hospital leadership. She questioned masking policies, testing requirements, natural immunity, patient care protocols, and eventually the COVID vaccine mandate. Despite her efforts to find a way to remain compliant while protecting her health and keeping her job, Stevie was ultimately fired after 11 years of nursing, including time as a highly respected permanent charge nurse and recipient of a national Magnet Award for Transformational Leadership. Stevie shares what it was like to walk out of the hospital after giving so much of her career to caring for patients, how COVID changed her relationships and her trust in the healthcare system, and why she believes questioning medical decisions should be a fundamental part of informed consent. The conversation also goes deeper into the problems Stevie and Melissa see within modern healthcare, including standardized treatment, the loss of individualized patient care, fear-driven decision-making, and the growing divide between patients and the medical professionals they once trusted. But ultimately, this is a story about more than COVID or healthcare. It is a story about conviction, courage, integrity, medical freedom, and faith. After losing her career and many relationships, Stevie reflects on how God met her in the middle of the uncertainty and how the experience ultimately strengthened her relationship with Jesus and changed the way she views her calling in healthcare. If you've ever felt afraid to question a medical recommendation, pressured to make a decision you weren't comfortable with, or wondered whether there is a better way to approach your health and healthcare, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. What happens when asking questions becomes dangerous? And what are you willing to risk to stand by what you believe is right? If you are looking for someone to support you in your health journey,apply to work with Melissa here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/clarity-call-form

Are antidepressants actually treating the root cause of depression and anxiety, or are we simply managing symptoms? In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa is joined by Katie Collins, PA-C, a physician assistant with experience in family medicine, urgent care, and lifestyle medicine who now helps parents make more informed health and medical decisions. Katie and Melissa have a candid conversation about antidepressants, SSRIs, informed consent, and the research behind the medications so many people are prescribed. They talk about the long-standing "chemical imbalance" theory of depression, what the research actually tells us about serotonin, the limitations of antidepressant clinical trials, placebo comparisons, conflicts of interest in research, and why reading beyond the abstract matters. They also discuss what can get overlooked when depression and anxiety are reduced to a diagnosis and a prescription, including nutrition, sleep, hormones, blood sugar, nervous system dysregulation, trauma, identity, relationships, lifestyle, and spiritual health. As Christians, Katie and Melissa also explore an important question: What happens when we begin to see ourselves as "broken" or defined by a diagnosis rather than seeing ourselves through the lens of who God created us to be? This is a thought-provoking conversation about informed consent, asking better questions, looking beneath symptoms, and becoming more empowered participants in our own healthcare. If you are interested in working with Melissa, apply here for a free clarity call to see what option is the best fit for you: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/clarity-call-form Connect with Katie: Find Katie on Instagram at @katie.c.pac for more conversations about conventional and "crunchy" approaches to health, informed decision-making, and navigating healthcare as a parent. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without guidance from your qualified healthcare provider.

Informed consent is the right to know the full risks, benefits, and alternatives before saying yes to any medical treatment, and it's something Melissa believes every parent and patient deserves. This week, Melissa sat down with Katie Collins, a certified physician assistant known online as Katie the PA, for a conversation about what informed consent actually looks like and how often it's missing from routine medical care. Katie shares her own path from working in urgent care and family medicine to educating parents on the childhood vaccine schedule, along with what her physician assistant training left out entirely. The conversation moves through the gaps in vaccine clinical trials, the financial incentives built into pediatric care, and how so many mothers are told their child's reaction to a vaccine is "just a coincidence." In this episode, you'll hear: What true informed consent requires before any vaccine or medical procedure The training gaps Katie experienced in physician assistant school around vaccine risk The three core flaws in vaccine clinical trials  This conversation is part of a bigger picture for Melissa: helping women feel informed, supported, and empowered in their health decisions. If this conversation struck something in you, consider scheduling a Clarity Call with Melissa to see if her six-month 1:1 coaching container with a community element, the Freedom Collective, is a good fit for you. Healing was never meant to happen alone, and she would love to walk the journey with you. To connect with Katie Collins and learn more about informed consent and vaccine education, find her on Instagram at @katiec.pac or reach her directly at [email protected].

In this deeply personal solo episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa shares the story she's never fully told before. After a recent social media reel about her experience as an RN during the COVID-19 pandemic reached millions of people, listeners asked for the full story. This episode is that story. Melissa takes you behind the scenes of working inside the traditional medical system before and during the pandemic, navigating pregnancy, caring for patients, questioning what she was witnessing firsthand, and ultimately walking away from a career she once believed was her calling. In this episode, you'll hear: • What it was like working as a registered nurse during COVID • The experiences that changed her perspective on healthcare • How fear, burnout, and moral injury affected healthcare workers • Why she believes informed consent matters • How these experiences ultimately led her to build a different approach to healing Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, this episode is an honest account of one nurse's personal experience and the journey that shaped the work she does today. Today, Melissa helps women move from survival to freedom by addressing the root causes of emotional and physical symptoms through a trauma-informed, faith-based approach that integrates nervous system regulation, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and biblical truth. Interested in working with Melissa? Applications are currently open for Freedom 1:1, her six-month, high-touch coaching experience for women who are ready to heal from the inside out. There are 2 spots open and applications close soon. Learn more and apply here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/clarity-call-form

Sometimes the deepest healing doesn't come from doing more. It comes from learning how to stop. Last week, Melissa sat down with Laurie Smith, author of The Flow Habit, for a powerful conversation about reconnecting to stillness and finding flow. If you missed episode 69, go back and listen first. This week's episode is a little different. At the end of that conversation, Melissa and Laurie began talking about the meditations Laurie creates to help people access flow, and Laurie offered to record one just for this community. This episode is that meditation. Laurie guides listeners through a gentle breathing and grounding practice, an invitation to slow down, soften, and reconnect with the flow that is already part of who you are, whether you are settling in for the night, waking up for the day, or simply need a moment of stillness in the middle of it all. It's a good fit for anyone who feels disconnected from their body, overwhelmed by the noise of daily life, or in need of permission to simply rest in the present moment. In this episode, you'll experience: A guided meditation to help you slow down and reconnect with your body A grounding practice to calm the nervous system and settle into the present moment An invitation to release old patterns and open your heart to receive A gentle reminder that flow and stillness are already within you If this episode sparks something in you, Melissa would love to walk alongside you on your healing journey. Consider her Freedom Collective, a six-month 1:1 container with a community element, because you don't have to heal alone. Schedule a Clarity Call with Melissa to see if this work is a good fit for you. To connect with Laurie Smith and learn more about flow state, find her at lauriesmith.com or theflowhabit.com. Her book, The Flow Habit, is available anywhere books are sold and on Amazon.

Have you ever done something you loved so much that time just disappeared? That feeling has a name, and it might be one of the most healing things you can experience. In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa explores the science of flow state and why so many of us have lost easy access to something that used to come naturally as kids. Podcast guest, Laurie Smith, an author and flow researcher, shares how she discovered flow during the early days of the pandemic, when anxiety and overwhelm pushed her to challenge herself to do just five to ten minutes a day of something that brought her pure joy. That small habit became the foundation for a framework she now teaches to help people reconnect with their creativity, their intuition, and their nervous system. Together they talk about what flow actually is, why children access it so effortlessly, and how the constant pull of social media and external validation has rewired our brains to look outward instead of inward. You will hear the story of a psychologist who discovered flow as a boy playing chess through the sound of bombs during World War II, and why that same calm is within reach is and available to you too, even in your hardest moments. This episode is for anyone who feels stretched thin, disconnected from their creativity, or stuck in survival mode. If you have been craving a way back to peace and presence that does not require perfection, this conversation offers a gentle, practical place to start. In this episode, you'll hear: What a flow state actually is and the four steps to access it Why children get into flow so easily and adults struggle to How flow can lower reliance on things that numb or distract us A simple way to start with just five to ten minutes a day Why softness and self-compassion matter more than pushing harder If this episode resonated with you, Melissa would love to walk alongside you on your healing journey. Reach out for a free Clarity Call to see if this kind of work is a good fit for you. I have a few 1:1 spots available. To connect with Laurie Smith and learn more about flow state, find her at: lauriesmith.com or theflowhabit.com Her book, The Flow Habit, is available anywhere books are sold and on Amazon.  

What if the hardest thing you've ever walked through became the foundation for some of the best parts of who you become? In this episode, Melissa explores the powerful concept of Post-Traumatic Growth, the psychological and spiritual transformation that can happen after trauma when we choose to heal instead of stay stuck. You'll learn why some people experience profound growth after adversity while others remain trapped in cycles of pain, and how healing your nervous system, beliefs, and identity can completely change the trajectory of your life. Melissa also shares her own story of how childhood trauma shaped her identity, fueled years of performance-driven living, and ultimately led her to discover the calling God had placed on her life. In this episode, you'll learn: What Post-Traumatic Growth is (and how it's different from resilience) Why healing, not trauma itself, is what creates lasting transformation The surprising strengths that often develop through trauma recovery How your beliefs about your story shape your future Why God doesn't waste your pain How your greatest struggle can become your greatest testimony No matter what you've been through, your past does not have to define your future. You can't choose what happened to you, but you can choose what comes from it. Healing is always possible. If you're interested in exploring this work for yourself, reach out to Melissa here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form

What if the symptoms you have been trying to fix are actually messages your body is sending you? This week on Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa is joined by Dr. Tabatha Barber. She is a triple board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology, menopause, and functional medicine, and the author of the international bestseller Fast to Faith. Her story begins far from the exam room. From teen mom and high school dropout, she went on to build a virtual medical practice serving women across the country, and she credits her turnaround entirely to faith and perseverance. Dr. Tabatha opens up about the autoimmune crisis that followed her first pregnancy, the years she spent chasing quick fixes before understanding the role of the nervous system in true healing, and the moment she felt God call her away from surgery and into a different kind of medicine. She and Melissa talk honestly about why information alone never leads to transformation, why healing has to happen in the right order, and why gut health, hormone balance, and mindset cannot be separated from each other. This conversation is for the woman who feels like she has tried everything and still does not feel like herself. Dr. Tabatha offers real hope, practical next steps, and a reminder that your body was designed to heal. In this episode, you'll learn: Why chasing supplements and protocols will not fix a dysregulated nervous system What it means to treat symptoms as messages instead of problems to silence Why renewing your mind is a required part of physical healing A simple first step for anyone who feels stuck and does not know where to start If this episode resonates with you, Melissa would love to walk alongside you on your healing journey. To get started, schedule a Clarity Call here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form To connect with Dr. Tabatha, check out these resources: FREE Guide to Intermittent Fasting the Faithful Way https://fasttofaith.com/intermittent-fasting-guide/ Balancing Your Hormones Naturally, FREE Guide: https://drtabatha.com/free-hormone-guide/ Dr. Tabatha's Website: fasttofaith.com Dr. Tabatha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutsydrtabatha/ Dr. Tabatha's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTabatha Dr. Tabatha's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christianphysician https://together-community-by-ccb.mn.co/plans/1955223?bundle_token=1159c838ef89880cfd2fa8fbf6bb3d89&utm_source=manual - 21 day reset link

What do you do when life hands you the unthinkable, and how do you come out the other side still proclaiming God's goodness? In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with conservative activist, media personality, and mama bear, Kendall Bailey, for a conversation that will leave you anchored in the goodness of God. Kendall shares her remarkable journey through diagnosis, crisis, and choosing to trust God with the outcome - and how her unshakeable faith carried her through one of the hardest seasons of her life. Together, Melissa and Kendall explore what it really looks like to trust God when the stakes are high, how to choose gratitude over bitterness in the midst of suffering, and why the hard seasons are often where He shows up the most. If you are going through a difficult time right now, or if you know someone who is, this episode will remind you that God is good, He is faithful, and He has not changed. In this episode, you'll hear: How faith shapes the decisions we make in our hardest moments How God walks with you in the fire rather than sparing you from it Why God's goodness doesn't depend on the outcome How our trials can become our most powerful testimony If faith and healing are something you would like to explore further, the Freedom Collective is a supportive next step. In this six-month one-to-one coaching experience, coupled with a community element, you'll see how science, scripture, and somatic healing work together to provide whole-body restoration - mind, body, and spirit.  To see if this is a good fit for you, schedule a Clarity Call today: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form We begin July 6. You can find Kendall here: https://www.instagram.com/kendall_in_kentucky/ https://www.facebook.com/kendall.page  

Melissa is joined by Tiffany Parsons this week on Holistic Health with Melissa. Tiffany is a pastor's wife, homeschooling mom of twins, pediatric occupational therapist, and author of the new Christian children's book All Different Yet the Same. She shares her journey from driven career woman to faith-led mother running a flexible private practice, and the sanctification process that changed everything she thought she knew about her calling. Together, Melissa and Tiffany get honest about:  The tension between biblical motherhood and modern feminism What Scripture actually says about submission, identity, and the God-given strengths of women Why anxiety is so prevalent in the faith community How the enemy targets women emotionally How to combat lies with the living Word of God If you're a Christian woman ready to get back to the truth of who God says you are, this conversation is for you. And if you'd like support exploring this topic further, the Freedom Collective is a gentle step forward. It's a six-month coaching experience designed to bring clarity and restore your identity in the truth. Inside the Freedom Collective, you'll receive both community and one-to-one support as we bring together science, scripture, and somatic work to care for the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. If you'd like to see if this is a good fit for you, schedule a clarity call here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form. Melissa would love to walk this journey with you. Connect with Tiffany: Facebook: Homeschool OT Tiffany Parsons Facebook Group: Anxious for Christ Book: All Different Yet the Same - available at redeemingfamilypress.com and Amazon

Do you ever feel physically present in your life, but mentally a million miles away? In this solo episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I share how learning to be present has transformed the way I experience motherhood, family, faith, and my own healing journey. After years of living in the next thing - thinking about the laundry, the emails, the appointments, the bills, and everything that still needed to be done - I realized that life wasn't passing me by because I was busy. It was passing me by because I wasn't fully present for it. I explore why presence can feel so difficult, especially for women who have experienced chronic stress, anxiety, trauma, or years of overwhelm. I explain how the nervous system is wired to scan for danger, why anxious thoughts often live in tomorrow, and how hypervigilance can sometimes be mistaken for responsibility. Through the lens of faith, nervous system regulation, and practical mind-body tools, I invite you to stop borrowing trouble from the future and return to the moment God has placed you in today. In this episode, you'll learn simple practices to help you become more grounded and present, including choosing a daily word, asking "what is true right now?", using the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method, creating sacred pauses, and practicing belly breathing. If you've been longing for more peace, deeper connection, and the ability to actually experience the life you prayed for, this episode will remind you that God's grace is available right here, in this present moment. If this episode feels like the invitation your heart and body have been needing, the Freedom Collective may be a beautiful next step. This six-month coaching experience was created for women who are tired of trying to push, strive, and force their way into healing and are ready to feel grounded, supported, and safe in their bodies again. Inside the Freedom Collective, you'll receive both community and one-to-one support as we bring together science, scripture, and somatic work to care for the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. If you're ready to choose a different way forward, schedule a clarity call here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form.

For so many women, burnout doesn't happen overnight. It builds slowly through every yes given out of guilt, every ignored warning sign, and every season of trying to hold everything together. God never asked you to be everything to everyone. This week on Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa is joined by author and speaker Susan Wiesemann for a conversation about what happens when years of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and trying to do it all finally catch up with the body. Susan shares her powerful story of landing in the emergency room on her 45th birthday, navigating years of mystery symptoms, and eventually being diagnosed with dysautonomia, a condition that affected her breathing, energy, and daily function. Through holistic health practices, healthier boundaries, nervous system awareness, and a deeper relationship with God, Susan began to heal from the inside out. Through Susan's story and Melissa's work in root-cause healing, they unpack the connection between burnout, nervous system dysregulation, faith, and the pressure so many women feel to keep going even when their bodies are asking them to slow down. This episode is for the woman who feels exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode and needs to be reminded that healing is not about doing more. It's about learning to listen to your body, reconnect with God, and begin choosing a different way forward. If you are ready to choose that different way, consider the Freedom Collective, a unique six-month coaching experience with community and one-to-one support designed to help women stop forcing healing and finally feel safe in their bodies again. We blend science, scripture, and somatic work to bring healing to the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. If this resonates with you, reach out for a clarity call to see if it's a good fit. https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form. Melissa would be honored to walk your healing journey with you. Connect with Susan here: Instagram: @light.ofthelamp lightofthelamp.org/speaking Purchase Undoing Super Woman: Losing Total Control to Gain Ultimate Freedom.

Are you a Christian woman who's done everything "right" - prayed, read the Word, shown up for your faith but still feels stuck, anxious, or burned out? You're not alone, and you're not broken. In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with Eleanor Brown, Licensed Professional Counselor and author of A Better Way, for a raw and honest conversation about why so many Christian women are struggling and what's really going on beneath the surface. Eleanor breaks down why well-meaning faith communities sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to mental health, what "spiritual bypassing" actually looks like, and why telling someone to "just pray about it" can deepen shame instead of bringing healing. They also dive deep into polyvagal theory and the nervous system, including what it means to be stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, and how unresolved trauma stored in the body could be at the root of your chronic stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Christian women may be more susceptible to shame-based thinking What spiritual bypassing is and how to recognize it How your nervous system responses are connected to childhood attachment wounds Practical, accessible tools to begin regulating your nervous system today Why rest isn't selfish - it's biblical How healing yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do for your family Whether you've experienced trauma that you've been carrying for years or wounds that have quietly shaped how you see yourself and the world, this episode will meet you where you are with compassion, clinical insight, and deep faith. Healing is always possible. This episode is proof. This is the powerful work Melissa does inside The Freedom Collective, and enrollment is now open. Visit https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form to schedule a clarity call and see if it's the right fit for you. 🔗 Connect with Eleanor at eleanorbrowncounseling.com                             Facebook URL - https://www.facebook.com/EleanorBrownCounseling/                             Instagram URL - https://www.instagram.com/eleanorbrowncounseling/                             YouTube - A Better Way channel - https://www.youtube.com/@Embracing-ABetterWay                             Bookstore - https://www.eleanorbrowncounseling.com/a-better-way

What if healing is not about fixing what is broken, but learning how to feel safe in your body again? In this week's episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa has the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Haley Turpin, a nervous-system-focused chiropractor and breathwork facilitator in Colorado, for a conversation about trauma, nervous system healing, and the mind-body connection. Dr. Haley shares how the unexpected loss of her mother led her to understand healing in a much deeper way. She explains how grief affected her body, her identity, her relationships, and her capacity, and why mindset alone was not enough. Together, Melissa and Dr. Haley talk about what happens when the body has been living in survival mode, why stillness can feel so hard, and how safety becomes the starting point for true healing. They also explore the difference between nervous system healing and nervous system regulation, how to recognize where you are in your healing journey, and how chiropractic care can support communication between the brain, spine, and body. You'll hear more about: How grief and trauma affect the nervous system What nervous system capacity means Why safety matters in healing How breathwork and chiropractic care can support the body Healing is always possible, and your body is not working against you. It may simply be asking for safety, support, and a new way forward. If you're ready to dive into this work and become part of this powerful movement, The Freedom Collective is now open for enrollment. Visit https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form to schedule a clarity call and see if it's the right fit for you. Find Dr. Haley here: blueoakfamilychiro.com Online Guided Breathwork Session >> https://blueoakfamilychiro.janeapp.com/locations/blue-oak-family-chiro/book#staff_member/1/treatment/1/2026-01-27 Instagram: @blueoak_familychiro 

If you've ever felt like something was "off" in your body but were told everything looked normal… this episode is for you. In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with Elyse Scheeler, a speech-language pathologist, myofunctional therapist, special needs and homeschool strategy coach, and host of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. Melissa and Elyse talk about what it looks like to trust your intuition, advocate for your health, and care for your body from a place of faith, especially when you feel dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin. Elyse shares her personal story of infertility, miscarriage, thyroid concerns, and learning to keep asking questions when the answers she was given did not line up with what she knew in her body. They also unpack the difference between selfishness and true stewardship because caring for your body is not about vanity or putting yourself above everyone else. It's about honoring the body God gave you so you can show up well for the people He has placed in your life. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "normal labs" don't always mean everything is functioning well How to tell the difference between fear and intuition Why nervous system regulation matters when you're trying to make clear decisions How Christian women can reframe self-care as stewardship instead of selfishness Simple ways to begin supporting your body when you feel burned out or overwhelmed This episode is a reminder that God has not forgotten you, your body is not failing you, and healing does not have to happen alone. If you're ready to do the deeper heart work, The Freedom Collective is open for enrollment. Visit https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form to schedule a clarity call and see if it's a good fit for you. To connect with Elyse: Website: www.speakinglife.co  Podcast: Speaking Life Into Motherhood https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-life-into-motherhood-routines-time-management/id1790191030

Motherhood is one of the most beautiful and meaningful roles we step into… and also one of the most refining and exhausting. In this honest, heart-led solo episode, I'm sitting down to talk about the parts of motherhood we don't talk about enough. The identity shifts. The emotional weight. The triggers that surface. And the internal tension of loving your kids deeply while still feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or even lost at times. We're diving into: Why motherhood brings your unhealed patterns to the surface The difference between reacting and responding How to break generational cycles through awareness and healing Why your kids don't need a perfect mom, they need a regulated one The truth about mom guilt and how to discern guilt vs conviction Why taking care of yourself is essential, not selfish This episode is a reminder that you're not failing, you're being refined. And the work you're doing, even on the hard days, matters more than you know. If this resonates, share it with another mom who needs to hear it. 💛 If you're interested in doing this heart work, The Freedom Collective is open for enrollment.  Visit https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form to schedule a clarity call to see if it's a good fit for you.

If you're the one who "holds it all together"… this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation on Holistic Health with Melissa, self-leadership coach Robin McIntire sits down with Melissa to unpack the emotional patterns behind perfectionism, burnout, and chronic self-doubt. Together, they explore why so many high-achieving women feel exhausted, disconnected, and stuck in cycles of overdoing and how those patterns often stem from early experiences, trauma, and a deep-rooted belief of "I'm not enough." You'll learn: Why your nervous system drives your habits and reactions How perfectionism can be both adaptive and harmful The connection between self-trust, identity, and emotional safety Why "being busy" is not a badge of honor Practical ways to create space, reconnect with yourself, and rebuild trust This episode is a reminder that healing isn't about doing more - it's about coming home to yourself. If you're ready to feel calmer, more aligned, and less overwhelmed, this conversation will meet you right where you are. And if you're ready to explore what this kind of support could look like in your own life, you can schedule a clarity call with Melissa here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form Find Robin through these platforms: https://robinmcintire.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/newlensnewlife https://www.facebook.com/RobinMcIntireCoaching/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLqXrnRyRruFD1RNqTfokrxwegxYwzEFBw  

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa is joined again by functional nutritionist Katie Kirklin for part two of their conversation on the true foundations of healing. Together, they unpack the non-negotiable trifecta of health: sleep, poop, and blood sugar balance and explain why these basics matter more than most women realize. If you are struggling with hormone imbalance, cortisol issues, gut problems, constipation, fatigue, cravings, poor sleep, PMS, or feeling stuck in your health, this conversation will help you understand where to start. Katie shares how sleep affects cortisol, melatonin, insulin, and detoxification, why blood sugar regulation is foundational to hormone health, and how daily bowel movements play a major role in estrogen balance, inflammation, and gut health. They also talk about the effects of chronic stress, under-eating, skipping breakfast, intermittent fasting, nervous system dysregulation, and the go-go-go lifestyle that keeps so many women from healing. If you have been told your symptoms are "normal," this episode is a reminder to slow down, pay attention, and support your body at the root. In this episode, they cover: Sleep and hormone balance Blood sugar regulation for women Gut health and estrogen detox Constipation and daily bowel movements Cortisol, insulin, and stress Functional nutrition foundations Root causes of hormone imbalance How women can support healing naturally If you're ready to take a closer look at your health and what's really going on, you can schedule a clarity call with Melissa here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form To connect with Katie: [email protected] https://www.katiekirklin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekirklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekirklinnutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E5w8CVv2B/   

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with Dr. Bri, a mind-body practitioner and chiropractor, to talk about the deeper roots of chronic stress patterns and the symptoms that often come with them, including anxiety, fatigue, pain, gut issues, burnout, brain fog, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation. Together, they unpack the mind-body connection, how the nervous system gets stuck in survival mode, and why so many people continue struggling even after trying therapy, supplements, meditation, medication, mindset work, and other wellness tools. Dr. Bri explains how unresolved emotional stress can quietly drive both physical and emotional symptoms, and how healing begins when we stop chasing symptoms and start understanding what the body is responding to. They also discuss: what the nervous system actually is how trauma can be stored in the body why symptoms are often messages, not malfunctions the role of emotional processing in healing how Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) works why authenticity, safety, and trust matter in the healing process how unresolved stress can affect energy, relationships, boundaries, and overall health If you've ever felt like you're doing everything and still not getting better, this conversation offers a compassionate and eye-opening look at what may be happening beneath the surface. If this resonates with you and you're ready to explore a different approach to healing, you can schedule a clarity call with Melissa to talk through  what support could look like for you: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form Connect with Dr. Bri: Website: mindbodyhealingstudio.com Instagram: @mindbodyhealingstudio Facebook: Briana Bender

So many Christian women love Jesus… but still feel deeply unworthy. In this solo episode, I'm sharing my personal journey from trauma, survival mode, and believing I was "not enough"… to discovering what it actually means to be worthy in Christ. We're talking about: Where feelings of unworthiness really come from Why so many Christian women struggle with this The difference between performance-based faith and identity What Scripture actually means when it says "apart from God we are nothing" How unworthiness keeps your nervous system stuck in survival mode And how to start living from worthiness instead of striving for it This is about more than mindset. This is about identity, healing, and learning how to actually receive God's love. If you've ever felt like you have to earn love, prove yourself, or "get it right" to be close to God… this episode is for you. If you are interested in diving deeper into this work, sign up for a free clarity call here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form

If you've ever felt stuck in anxiety, people-pleasing, or patterns you can't seem to break, this conversation is going to resonate. Because it's not random. And it's not because something is wrong with you. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Krystina Dixon, Christian life and legacy coach, to explore what's really happening beneath the surface. Together, they unpack how trauma, fear, and early life experiences shape the nervous system, influence identity, and impact the way women relate to God. And more importantly, how those patterns begin to shift. They dive into: • How fear can quietly become the voice leading decisions • Why anxiety, overthinking, and people-pleasing are rooted in survival patterns • What's happening in the nervous system when someone feels stuck • Why it can feel difficult to hear the Holy Spirit • The connection between presence, the body, and relationship with God • Simple, practical ways to begin regulating the body This is the work. Not fixing. Not striving. Learning to feel safe in the body so there is space to hear, trust, and follow God's lead. For the woman who has thought, "I don't even know who I am anymore," this episode offers clarity, understanding, and a way forward. This conversation is an invitation into healing, identity, and freedom. If you're ready, apply for 1:1 Coaching or the Freedom Collective through a clarity call:  https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form To learn more about Krystina Dixon, visit: https://linktr.ee/breathelifecoachingllc

If you've been stuck in cycles of overspending, burnout, emotional coping, or feeling like you're never doing enough… this conversation will hit deep. In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, we sit down with Sammy Wedemeyer, who is publicly documenting her family's debt payoff journey, faith walk, and radical lifestyle transformation in real time. But this isn't just about money. We dive into: Why you don't need more information - you need transformation How nervous system dysregulation drives spending, burnout, and coping habits The emotional reality of grief, identity shifts, and letting go of your old life How faith, surrender, and obedience create real, lasting change The connection between trauma, motherhood, dopamine, and financial patterns Why healing your relationship with money starts with healing yourself This episode is for the woman who feels: Exhausted, stretched thin, and overwhelmed Stuck in cycles she can't seem to break Ashamed of her coping habits Ready for something deeper than another strategy Healing is possible. Freedom is possible. And your story is not over. If you're ready to stop staying stuck in the same cycles and actually create change… This is the work I do inside my 1:1 Coaching and The Freedom Collective. You can apply here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form To learn more about Sammy Wedemeyer and follow her journey: http://instagram.com/sammy.wedemeyer  

If you're constantly tired, stressed, or struggling with your health, this episode will change how you think about healing. In this conversation, clinical nutritionist Dr. Aaron Chapa returns and breaks down the real foundation of health: sleep, rest, and daily rhythms. If you haven't heard his transformational story, definitely head back to Ep. 51. Here we dive into:      • Why sleep is critical for gut health, hormones, and brain function     • How poor sleep disrupts detox, digestion, and mental clarity     • The connection between stress, cortisol, and burnout     • Why your body can't heal if you're always "on"      • The role of Sabbath, rest, and slowing down in long-term health      • The truth about sugar, inflammation, and chronic disease     • How small, consistent habits create lasting transformation You'll also learn practical strategies to:      • Improve your sleep quality naturally      • Support your gut and nervous system      • Break free from burnout and "busy culture"      • Build sustainable, healthy rhythms that actually stick Healing doesn't come from quick fixes - it comes from daily habits done consistently. This episode is your reminder: Your health is built in the small things. If you're ready to go deeper, Melissa's free 3-Day Mind-Body Workshop offers a guided space to apply these principles, helping you regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and begin creating lasting, sustainable healing from the inside out. Sign up here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop To connect to Dr. Chapa and learn more about what he does, visit: https://drchapawellness.com/ Sign up for his newsletter here: https://portal.drchapawellness.com/news-letter  

Your body was designed to heal. But modern food, hidden sugar, and processed ingredients are getting in the way. In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, clinical nutritionist and wellness advocate Dr. Aaron Chapa joins Melissa to unpack the powerful connection between nutrition, gut health, inflammation, and the body's natural ability to heal. Dr. Chapa shares his personal story, from being an overweight teenager to becoming a clinical nutritionist after losing his father to heart disease, and explains why so many people today feel confused about what is actually healthy. Together they discuss: • why sugar may be one of the biggest drivers of chronic disease • how ultra-processed foods disrupt gut health and metabolism • the connection between digestion, brain health, and inflammation • why what you don't eat can matter just as much as what you do • how simple changes can help your body return to balance This conversation is both practical and eye-opening, challenging common nutrition advice and encouraging listeners to return to the basics of real food, hydration, and intentional living. If you've been struggling with fatigue, inflammation, digestive issues, or confusion about nutrition, this conversation will help you understand how everyday food choices can either support or disrupt your body's ability to heal. And if you're ready to go deeper and begin supporting your own healing journey, Melissa's Mind Body Healing Workshop walks you through practical steps to help regulate your nervous system and support true healing. Learn more and sign up here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Connect with Dr. Aaron Chapa here: drchapawellness.com Sign up for his newsletter here: portal.drchapawellness.com/news-letter  

Twenty-five years ago, a single day changed everything for Melissa. In this deeply personal episode, she shares her experience surviving a school shooting at her high school in San Diego and what the years of healing after that have taught her about trauma, the nervous system, and what it really means to feel safe again. This is a vulnerable one. Melissa talks about the guilt and shame she carried for years, the flashbacks, the anxiety, and the hypervigilance that followed her well into adulthood. She also opens up about something that made this experience even more complicated: the shooter was her friend, and he had been at her house the night before. But this episode is not just about what happened. It is about what is possible. Melissa walks us through what trauma actually is (hint: it is not the event itself), how it gets stored in the body, and why healing means rewiring your nervous system to feel safe, not just knowing that you are. She also guides you through a simple somatic breathing practice you can use right now to start calming your nervous system. If you have ever felt like your body is stuck in a moment that your mind has already tried to move past, this episode is for you. Trigger warning: this episode includes a detailed personal account of a school shooting. Please take care of yourself as you listen. Topics covered: - What trauma is and how it lives in the body - Hyper vigilance, anxiety, and fight or flight - The connection between mind, body, and identity - Somatic work and breathwork as healing tools - Rooting your identity in truth and in Christ - A guided breathing practice to regulate your nervous system Join the 3-day Mind-Body-Healing Workshop:https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with functional nutrition counselor and registered nurse Katie Kirklin for an honest conversation about diet culture, blood sugar regulation, nervous system health, and what it really means to nourish your body. Katie shares her personal journey from chronic symptoms, food fear, and restrictive eating to discovering functional nutrition and a more personalized, whole-food approach to healing. Together, Melissa and Katie explore how food, stress, trauma, and lifestyle patterns shape your physical and emotional health and why shifting your mindset from restriction to nourishment can transform the way your body responds to stress, cravings, and fatigue. In this episode, you'll learn: • how under-nourishing keeps your nervous system stuck in survival mode • why blood sugar balance impacts cravings, mood, and energy levels • the difference between whole foods and ultra-processed foods • practical ways to nourish your body even when life feels busy • shifting your mindset from food fear to nourishment • simple strategies like ingredient prepping to support sustainable wellness This conversation blends functional nutrition, nervous system awareness, and practical lifestyle tools to help you simplify nutrition and better understand how everyday nourishment supports your body. If you feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, stuck in cycles of restriction, or unsure how to nourish your body in a sustainable way, this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and actionable steps you can start today. Join the 3-day Mind-Body-Healing Workshop:https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Connect with Katie Website: KatieKirklin.com Instagram: @katiekirklinnutrition Environmental Working Group https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women discover holistic, root-cause healing.

In a culture that glorifies hustle and self-sacrifice, many Christian women feel guilty for resting. But is burnout really biblical? In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, we unpack what Scripture actually says about self-care, humility, and stewardship. Using Philippians 2 and 1 Corinthians 6:19, Melissa explores the difference between selfishness and obedience and why caring for your body, nervous system, and emotional health is not vanity, but worship. You'll learn: Why so many women feel guilty for resting The difference between biblical humility and self-neglect How hustle culture impacts your nervous system and long-term health The four pillars of biblical self-care (spiritual, physical, nervous system, and emotional) Why burnout is not a badge of honor How chronic stress leads to gut issues, anxiety, inflammation, and fatigue If you've ever felt torn between serving others and taking care of yourself, this episode will help you reframe rest as stewardship - not selfishness. Healing is possible. Sustainable service is possible. And rest is not weakness - it's obedience. Join Melissa's 3-Day Mind Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop  

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with Reverend Christine Vaughan Davies, hospital chaplain, spiritual director, and leader of a hospital spiritual care department, for an honest conversation about grief and spiritual distress. Together they unpack why grief isn't only about death, how life changes create real loss, and why comparison ("the suffering Olympics") keeps women stuck in shame and isolation. You'll also hear a compassionate, practical guide to supporting someone in acute grief - what helps, what harms, and why well-meaning religious phrases can deepen pain rather than heal it. This episode blends faith, emotional care, and nervous system awareness, with grounded takeaways for anyone carrying unprocessed grief, whether it happened last week or decades ago. In this conversation: What hospital chaplains actually do (for patients, families, and staff) Why we don't "move on" from grief - we move through it The grief myths that create shame and emotional suppression Toxic religious platitudes vs trauma-informed spiritual support Simple ways to show up well for grieving people (without putting pressure on them) Why naming loss is often the first step toward healing If you've been feeling alone in your pain, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less isolated. Connect with Christine: Her newsletter is https://journeyingalongside.substack.com/ She can be booked for individual spiritual direction sessions via www.christinevdavies.com. https://journeyingalongside.substack.com/ https://www.christinevdavies.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-christine-davies/ https://www.instagram.com/cvdavies/ Join Melissa's 3-Day Mind Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 2 practitioner Nathan Cooley to explore how trauma, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation are stored in the body and how true healing is possible. Together, they unpack how childhood trauma, religious trauma, emotional abuse, and generational patterns create "unfinished loops" in the nervous system that keep us stuck in survival mode. Nathan explains Internal Family Systems therapy in a grounded, accessible way and guides Melissa through a live IFS mini-session, offering listeners a powerful real-time example of somatic healing in action. This episode blends neuroscience, somatic work, self-compassion, and faith-based healing to help you understand why anxiety, inner criticism, emotional shutdown, and chronic stress persist and how to release them. If you're craving emotional freedom, nervous system regulation, healing from trauma, and deeper self-leadership, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Join the 3-day Mind-Body-Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Connect with Nathan Cooley at https://www.deepwatersoulcare.org/ | [email protected] | 720-369-4630

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with Amanda Dykes, host of Unedited Faith, to talk about trauma, faith, healing, and what it really means to surrender to God when prayer alone feels insufficient. Amanda shares her journey as a preacher's kid raised in rural East Tennessee, navigating sexual assault, domestic violence, church hurt, deep grief after losing both parents, and the quiet depression that followed. She opens up about how unprocessed trauma shaped her identity, distorted her relationship with God, and left her feeling unseen, unworthy, and angry, even while deeply rooted in faith. Together, Melissa and Amanda explore why "just pray about it" often falls short for trauma survivors, how the body stores unresolved pain, and why healing requires honesty, embodiment, surrender, and safe human connection. Amanda also shares how jail ministry became a turning point in her life, teaching her that trauma is a prison long before bars ever appear, and how God used her own pain to lead her toward purpose. This episode is for anyone who loves Jesus but feels stuck, angry, numb, disconnected, or ashamed. It is a reminder that God meets us at eye level, not perfection, and that healing happens when faith, action, and compassion come together. If you've ever wondered why prayer hasn't brought the healing you hoped for, this conversation will speak straight to your heart. Join the 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop  Interested in coaching? Connect with me here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form  Healing is ALWAYS possible!

What if your emotions were not the problem, but the pathway to healing? In this powerful conversation, Melissa sits down with licensed psychologist and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist Dr. Audrey Davidheiser to explore how trauma healing, faith, and emotional health are deeply connected. Dr. Audrey breaks down Internal Family Systems in a simple, accessible way, explaining how we all have "parts" within us and why that does not mean we are broken. She shares how the IFS concept of the Self aligns with a Christian understanding of God-given wisdom, calm, compassion, and healing power that remains untouched by trauma. Together, Melissa and Dr. Audrey discuss: Why emotions are not your enemy and what happens when you suppress them How trauma survivors often stay stuck in their head and avoid deeper healing The role of protector parts, nervous system regulation, and somatic awareness Common misconceptions about IFS, therapy, and faith-based healing How IFS can support grief, religious trauma, and emotional healing Practical ways to begin listening to your emotions with curiosity instead of judgment This episode is especially for women who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their emotions, or unsure how faith and therapy can work together. If you have ever felt like you were "too much," "too sensitive," or broken, this conversation will remind you that healing is already built into how God designed you. Mind-Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Interested in working with me? https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form  Connect with Dr Audrey: https://aimforbreakthrough.com  https://Facebook.com/DrAudreyD  https://www.instagram.com/draudreyd/  https://draudreyd.substack.com/ Buy her book- Grieving Wholeheartedly: Bringing Healing to Every Part of Your Soul https://amzn.to/46gPdd8 

What happens inside your body when you witness violence, even if it did not happen to you? In this solo episode, Melissa breaks down trauma in a deeply personal and educational way after being unexpectedly triggered by graphic footage of the Bondi Beach shooting. Drawing from her own experience surviving a school shooting at age 15 and over 20 years of trauma and somatic work, she explains why exposure to violence through our phones can activate the nervous system just as powerfully as real-life danger. You will learn why trauma is not the event itself but what happens inside your body as a result of the event, how past experiences and nervous system capacity shape your response, and why chronic exposure to distressing content fuels anxiety, inflammation, and physical symptoms. Melissa also explains the mind-body connection in trauma healing and why regulation is not a destination but a practice you return to again and again. This episode includes a short somatic breathing and body-based practice to help you begin regulating your nervous system in real time. If you struggle with anxiety, trauma responses, emotional overwhelm, or chronic stress and symptoms, this episode will help you understand your body with more compassion and give you tools to support healing. If you want to join the 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop, sign up here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Want to join The Freedom Collective group program or 1:1 Rooted-Rewired-Restored? Submit your application here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form  Follow me on social media: https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthbymelissa/ https://www.facebook.com/HolisticNurseMelissa 

Welcome back to Holistic Health with Melissa, where faith, science, and whole-person healing come together for women ready to step out of survival mode and into the freedom Jesus intended. Today, I'm joined by the incredible Tina Smith — licensed social worker, psychotherapist, certified EMDR therapist and consultant, author, and founder of both a thriving counseling practice and a nonprofit providing subsidized long-term care. Tina is also the heart behind Sword and Grace, a coaching space helping women leaders reclaim their voice, heal old wounds, and stand strong in their calling. In this powerful conversation, we unpack: • how neuroscience affirms scripture and reveals God's design for healing • the truth about EMDR and why it is not New Age, witchcraft, or hypnosis • why trauma gets stored in the nervous system and how the body holds the score • the misconception that "just pray harder" is the solution to trauma • why Christians often fear somatic work and how understanding the body actually deepens faith • how God uses relationship, safety, and connection as part of the healing process • the shame Christians carry when healing doesn't come the way they expected • practical ways to understand triggers, stress responses, and God's design for emotional restoration If you've ever wondered how faith fits with trauma therapy, EMDR, the nervous system, or somatic healing, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. You were created to heal — and today's conversation will show you how. To connect with Tina: Coaching for Women at www.swordandgrace.org Purchase Book at https://a.co/d/2LbEkZ7 To join the next free 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Ready to heal anxiety using science, scripture, and somatic work — without pills or protocols? Apply for a free clarity call: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form

LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with Ondrea Lynn, author of The Christian Women's Weight Loss Victory Plan and host of the Christian Women's Weight Loss podcast, ranked in the top three percent globally. Ondrea shares her raw, emotional, and deeply redemptive story of childhood abuse, shame, New Age deception, broken relationships, and decades of trying to heal through diets, fitness, supplements, and self-help. None of it worked until Jesus healed her soul. Together we talk about: • How trauma creates unworthiness, shame, and emotional blocks that no diet can fix • Why so many women stay stuck in yo-yo patterns even when they "do everything right" • How childhood trauma dysregulates the nervous system and sabotages health • Ondrea's radical deliverance moment and the instant healing she experienced • Why emotional healing, deliverance, and nervous system regulation must come before nutrition • The triune design of God and how spirit, soul, and body must align for true transformation • The importance of letting Jesus into the places the walls have been built • How Christian women can rise in their Kingdom assignments when their health is restored This is one of the most powerful testimony-based episodes yet. If you are carrying trauma, shame, emotional weight, or a cycle of self-sabotage, this conversation will show you what is possible with Jesus and why healing the soul is the missing piece to lasting health. Interested in joining the next free 3-day Mind-Body Healing workshop? Sign up here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Want to work together? Apply here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form  Connect with Ondrea: www.ondrealynn.com www.ondrealynn.com/win Get her book here: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=iTNs7mdOk7nAYtofUp6kN29MpJv0GxI6qG9htRuaRv2  

In this solo episode, Melissa dives deep into why she hates the word "goals" — and why it may be keeping you stuck in frustration, overwhelm, and striving for something that always feels just out of reach. She unpacks the concept from The Gap and the Gain and explains how measuring your life against an idealized future actually robs you of your peace and progress. Instead, Melissa invites you to replace "goals" with intentions — a shift that anchors you in identity, alignment, and flow instead of force and pressure. You'll learn how to recognize when you're in "the gap," how to return to gratitude and growth, and how to set intentions that come from who you truly are rather than who you think you "should" be. If you're tired of chasing the next thing and ready to live from intention, identity, and peace — this episode will speak to your soul. Sign up for the next Mind-Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Interested in joining the Rooted-Rewired-Restored woman group program, with the next cohort launching January 19? Click here to sign up: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form 

In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with board-certified nurse practitioner and functional and integrative health specialist, Dacia Woessner, ACNP-BC. Dacia's journey is deeply rooted in faith and grounded in the belief that true healing goes far beyond protocols. She shares how functional medicine, epigenetics, and the Holy Spirit guided her through infertility, multiple miscarriages, grief, and ultimately a restored sense of calling and purpose. Dacia opens up about her personal story of being told she would never have children, experiencing multiple losses, and how one functional medicine provider changed everything. She now blends science, DNA-based healing, nervous system work, and biblical truth to help women heal from the inside out. This conversation is filled with wisdom for anyone seeking healing, purpose, and alignment with how God divinely designed the body. If you are ready for deeper healing and want support on your own journey, I currently have ONE 1:1 coaching spot available. If cost is a barrier, the newly revamped Rooted Woman Membership may be the perfect fit. It is only $37/month right now (increasing January 1). You do not have to walk this journey alone. Ready to expand your healing in 2025? Join the January Mind-Body Healing Workshop to learn how to regulate your nervous system, process trauma, and understand your body on a deeper level. Sign up for the next Mind-Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop  Sign up for 1:1 coaching or the Rooted Woman Membership: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form 

In this powerful and emotional episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with her dear friend Vika, an integrative health practitioner, mom of two, and advocate for root-cause healing. Vika opens up about her deeply personal journey from battling Hashimoto's and navigating medical gaslighting to watching her son experience neurological regression and an eventual autism diagnosis. Together, Melissa and Vika explore what happens to a mother's heart and nervous system when her child becomes sick, the trauma of being dismissed by the medical system, and the courage it takes to keep fighting for answers. They also discuss the tension within the autism community, the need for both acceptance and advocacy, and how faith, resilience, and community can transform pain into purpose. This is a must-listen for any mom who's ever felt unheard, unseen, or unsure where to turn next and a reminder that you're not alone and healing is ALWAYS possible. Connect with Melissa: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthbymelissa/ Mind-Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with Jason Ott, Certified Herbal Nutrition Consultant and Integrative Health Practitioner, to explore a whole-person approach to healing. Jason shares his personal journey from battling colitis to discovering the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. We discuss the limitations of conventional medicine, the importance of nervous system regulation, how emotional trauma can manifest physically, and the power of personalized nutrition. Learn practical strategies for sustainable wellness, building resilience, and creating lasting change in your health and life. Whether you're struggling with chronic illness or simply seeking to optimize your well-being, this conversation will empower you to reclaim your health. Connect with Jason:  https://www.instagram.com/empoweredprevention/ https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredPrevention/ Join the next Free 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop 

In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with Megan Babcock—Certified Mental Health and Trauma Transformation Coach, National Speaker, and author of Unstuck. With 23 years of experience as a nurse and coach, Megan shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, resilience, and redemption. We dive into topics like the hidden wounds that shape our lives, the power of words, breaking free from lies we've partnered with, and how faith, neuroscience, and holistic practices work together to transform the mind, body, and spirit. If you've ever felt stuck, unworthy, or unsure of how to break patterns holding you back, this conversation will leave you encouraged, inspired, and equipped with practical tools to begin your own healing journey. Connect with Megan: https://www.itsyourstorytotell.com/links Join the next virtual, free 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop at: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/mindbodyhealingworkshop  

In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with Laurie Hammer, FNTP, NNTS, the creator of the Calm Mom Method. Laurie shares her deeply personal journey from a 12-year battle with an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression to finding freedom through amino acid therapy, functional nutrition, and God's radical healing. We talk about: Why traditional treatment models often fail women struggling with anxiety and eating disorders How balancing the brain with amino acid therapy can break cycles of cravings, depression, and emotional dysregulation The role of faith and truth in dismantling cultural lies about womanhood and motherhood Why many women still feel anxious and burned out despite being on medications How Laurie helps moms restore calm, energy, and purpose with her unique approach This episode is a hope-filled conversation about healing the brain, body, and spirit—and reclaiming the life God created you to live. If you are interested in learning about your nervous system, how to regulate it, release the stored emotions and stories that are running your life from the trauma you experienced, and integrate the trauma so you can move forward and live a life of overFLOW instead of overwhelm, ditch the anxiety, and show up for your kids and family in the way you always dreamed about, then my free 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop is for you. Sign up here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Connect with Laurie:  Website: https://www.lauriehammer.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalmmomcommunity  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takebackmybrain 

  In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with nurse practitioner and women's gut health expert Lindsey Renteria, who shares her journey from decades of digestive issues to complete healing—and how addressing unresolved trauma and nervous system dysregulation was the turning point. We dive into the deep mind-body connection, how chronic stress and buried emotions can wreak havoc on your gut, and why conventional medicine often fails women with chronic symptoms. Lindsey breaks down why asking "what was happening in your life when this started?" is the missing question in most medical care, and how healing truly begins when we look at the whole person. Whether you're navigating gut struggles, high stress, or want to understand the root causes of chronic illness, this episode will inspire you to see healing in a whole new way. Connect with Lindsey: https://www.instagram.com/lindseymariewellness/ Sign up for the next free Mind-Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop  

In this deeply personal solo episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa shares the profound spiritual conviction she's felt in the wake of recent tragedy and cultural unrest. She opens up about her own experience as a school shooting survivor, the emotional toll of witnessing trauma through our devices, and the urgency she feels to boldly proclaim her faith in Jesus Christ. Melissa invites listeners to consider the spiritual battle unfolding in our world, how constant exposure to tragedy impacts our nervous systems, and how we can ground ourselves in truth, love, and faith—even when surrounded by grief and evil. If you've felt shaken, overwhelmed, or hopeless about the state of our world, this episode offers both comfort and a call to courageous faith. Sign up for the next Mind-Body Healing Workshop here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop  

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with Leah Davidson—nervous system resilience coach, speech-language pathologist, and host of the Building Resilience podcast. With over 26 years of experience in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, Leah shares her passion for helping people understand, befriend, and regulate their nervous system. We explore why we believe the nervous system is the most important system in the body, how dysregulation shows up in daily life (from anxiety and overthinking to chronic pain and burnout), and why modern life leaves so many of us overstimulated and exhausted. Leah also breaks down the science of fight, flight, and shutdown—and how these states impact everything from digestion and sleep to relationships and creativity. If you've ever wondered why you feel stuck in stress mode, or if symptoms like migraines, gut issues, or constant fatigue may be linked to your nervous system, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, Leah shares practical tools you can use today to start cultivating safety and balance in your own body. Connect with Leah: Workshop: https://leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/doodleworkshop Website: https://leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leahdavidsonlifecoaching Journal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Mental+health+Journal&hidden-keywords=B0DNRSLV9F Interested in learning more about me? https://holistichealthbymelissa.com Want to apply to work with me? https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form Want to sign up for my free 3-day Mind-Body Healing Work? https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop

In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with my dear friend, Meghan Stimmel—a holistic psychotherapist, motivational speaker, and transformational coach. Meghan shares her raw and inspiring journey from addiction and 72 days in rehab to building a six-figure business, becoming a present and thriving mother, and living fully aligned with God's calling. We dive into: The pivotal moment she chose life over addiction How God guided her through the hardest seasons The importance of healing the mind, body, heart, and spirit—not just one piece Why healing isn't a finish line, but a lifelong journey The power of small daily steps that create lasting transformation If you've ever felt stuck, numbed your emotions, or wondered if a comeback is possible, this conversation is living proof that with faith, courage, and one step at a time—you can rise again. If you're ready for this type of work in your life, click here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/discovery-information-form Connect with Meghan:  Instagram: @iammkstim https://linktr.ee/meghankristine?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=726471d0-4602-413b-bdaa-e6922b675470  

When life delivers unimaginable loss, how do you rebuild—not just your health, but your hope? In this deeply moving episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Turner, founder of Turnaround Wellness, to talk about her journey from retail pharmacist burnout to faith-driven entrepreneur. After the tragic loss of her sister and father, Melissa realized she couldn't stay stuck in a career that was destroying her physically and emotionally. Through God's guidance, she discovered the power of pharmacogenomic testing, lifestyle medicine, and spiritual healing to transform lives. We unpack: How to navigate grief while still showing up for life. The role of genetics in choosing the right medication and avoiding years of trial-and-error. Why lifestyle changes—sleep, nutrition, mindset—are the real foundation of health. The power of faith in business and why she refused to separate the two. Practical first steps to reclaim your energy and mental clarity starting today. If you've ever felt stuck, burned out, or hopeless, this conversation will inspire you to take the first step toward healing—body, mind, and spirit. If you want to join the free 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop this August 18-20 (90 minutes, 1pm EST), sign up here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop Spots are limited so sign up today. We will learn all about the importance of the nervous system, how to regulate it, take your thoughts captive, and heal your mind, body, and spirit naturally so you can live from overflow instead of overwhlem, stop being so irritable with your kids and family, and feel inner peace and calm, even amidst life's chaos. Can't wait to see you there.  Connect with Dr Melissa Turner here: https://www.turnaroundwellness.com

In this powerful episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, I'm joined by Dr. Monica Minjeur, a family medicine physician and founder of Radiant Clinic, who specializes in restorative reproductive medicine. We dive deep into the untold truths of women's health, fertility, and hormone balance—topics that are often misunderstood or completely overlooked in conventional medicine. Dr. Minjeur breaks down why rising infertility rates are not just a fluke, what "normal" labs don't tell you about your hormones, and how tracking your cycle can offer a window into your overall health—even if you're not trying to conceive. You'll learn about the vital signs of ovulation, the dangers of over-exercising, and why personalized medicine is essential for truly healing your body. Whether you're struggling with PMS, cycle irregularities, fertility concerns, or just want to understand your body better—this episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and practical tools to help you reclaim your health. Key Topics We Cover: Why "normal" labs may not be optimal for your hormones How lifestyle stress is silently disrupting fertility The importance of ovulation—even beyond childbearing years Cycle tracking basics you can start today Natural ways to balance hormones through sleep, exercise, and food Empowering your voice in the doctor's office ✨ "Your body isn't broken—it's just speaking. The question is: are you listening?" – Dr. Monica Minjeur 🔗 Learn more or book a discovery call with Dr. Minjeur: radiantclinic.com 🎧 Check out her podcast, Cycle Wisdom, for bite-sized women's health education.   Want to join my upcoming FREE 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop? Sign up here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop

In this deeply inspiring episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, we're joined by Kari Bryant—former clinical researcher turned homeschooling mama and natural wellness advocate. Kari shares her raw and powerful journey through adrenal insufficiency, insomnia, depression, and chronic fatigue—and how essential oils, nutrition, and emotional healing led her back to vibrant health. Together, we dive into the limitations of conventional medicine, how trauma and stress silently impact women's health, and why natural, faith-based healing matters now more than ever. We explore the truth about adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalance, and the pressure mothers face to "push through" exhaustion—and offer empowering insights on how to reclaim your body, mind, and spirit. This episode is a must-listen for any woman navigating chronic symptoms, questioning prescriptions, or seeking true root-cause healing from a Christ-centered perspective. To secure your spot in the next Mind-Body Healing Workshop, click here: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop To connect with Kari: https://www.instagram.com/kari_l_bryant/ https://www.facebook.com/kari.bryant.35

In this heartfelt episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with vocal confidence coach and author Linda Ugelow to explore the deep, often hidden roots of our fear of being seen and heard. Once a professional performer who secretly dreaded public speaking, Linda vulnerably shares her journey of uncovering how childhood trauma, family dynamics, and internalized perfectionism kept her voice suppressed for decades. Through inner work, somatic practices, EFT (tapping), and deep forgiveness, she found true freedom—not just in speaking, but in being fully herself. Together, Melissa and Linda explore: 🔹 Why fear of visibility is often a trauma response 🔹 How perfectionism keeps us stuck in performance mode 🔹 The power of EFT, movement, and emotional release 🔹 What it really means to feel safe using your voice 🔹 Why being seen is a critical part of holistic healing If you've ever felt afraid to speak up, share your truth, or take up space—this episode will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and reminded that your voice matters. 📘 Learn more about Linda and her book Delight in the Limelight 🎧 Listen to her podcast: Delight in the Limeligh https://www.lindaugelow.com/  Join me for a powerful 3-day Mind-Body Healing Workshop where you'll learn practical nervous system regulation tools to calm anxiety, release stored stress, and finally feel safe, energized, and in control of your emotions again. This is your invitation to break free from survival mode and step into deep, lasting healing—mind, body, and spirit.https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop