Balanced Living Unfiltered

Host: Dr. Krista “Ollie” Hopkins Licensed Psychologist | Consultant | Wellness Coach https://balanceandbirch.com/drhopkins/ Featuring: Iesha Glover Somatic Wellness Practitioner https://balanceandbirch.com/iesha/ Jennifer Lee Reiki Practitioner https://balanceandbirch.com/jennifer/ Grief is more than the loss of a loved one, it’s a deeply personal and multifaceted experience that touches every aspect of our lives. In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, the practitioners of Balance and Birch explore the many forms of grief and how it shapes our identities, relationships, and healing journeys. Join psychologist Dr. Ollie Hopkins, trauma-informed somatic yoga instructor Iesha, and Reiki practitioner Jennifer Lee as they share professional insights and personal stories. Together, they discuss grief related to neurodivergence, chronic illness, trauma, cultural identity, and profound personal loss, offering compassionate perspectives and powerful tools for healing. In this episode, you’ll discover: The hidden and misunderstood forms of grief How late-in-life neurodivergent diagnoses can reshape identity The emotional impact of chronic illness and trauma Cultural, ancestral, and generational grief The mind-body connection in healing through somatic practices How Reiki, therapy, and holistic approaches support emotional well-being Why there is no “right” way or timeline to grieve This meaningful discussion reminds us that grief is not something to “get over,” but something we learn to move through with grace, support, and compassion. 💬 Whether you’re navigating loss, seeking understanding, or supporting someone on their healing journey, this conversation offers validation, hope, and connection. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on mental health, trauma healing, and holistic wellness.

🎙️Host: Dr. Ann Ijeh Naturopathic Doctor https://balanceandbirch.com/drijeh/ ⭐️Featuring: David Kopp Personal Trainer https://balanceandbirch.com/david/ In this month's podcast episode, Dr. Ann Ijeh, a naturopathic doctor and David, a personal trainer from Balance and Birch, discuss navigating spiritual practices, such as hypnosis, reiki, and sound baths, while maintaining their Christian faith. In this episode, you’ll discover: Addressing Misconceptions: We acknowledge that some people within the Christian community view these practices with suspicion, often labeling them as "portals" or dangerous. We argue that these practices are not inherently "boogeymen" and that individuals do not lose control of their lives or belief systems when engaging in them as body practices. The Primacy of Relationship and Discernment: A central theme is the importance of a personal, deep relationship with God over rigid religious legalism. We emphasize "testing the spirit" and exercising discernment to determine if a practice aligns with one's faith. Individual Subjectivity: We agree that comfort levels with these practices are subjective. If an individual feels a strong aversion or receives a clear internal caution from God, they should avoid those practices. Conversely, if someone feels reassured in their faith, they may choose to engage with them. Personal Experiences: Ann shares a cautionary experience of watching a horror movie that she believes invited negative spiritual energy into her life, underscoring the need for careful discernment regarding what one allows into their consciousness. David describes his experience with a guided session, noting that while it felt like a "dream state," he remained focused on his connection with God and used the experience to deepen his faith. Moving Beyond "Religious" Rigidity: We critique hyper-religiosity, suggesting it can distract from genuine transformation and the core of the faith, which is being renewed and known by God. They encourage listeners to view their minds as tools to challenge and reinforce their faith, rather than fearing natural states of deep thought or reflection. 💬 Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on this topic? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think! 🔔 Subscribe for More: Stay connected for insightful conversations on mental health, wellness, faith, trauma, and personal growth.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of healthcare access alongside an important conversation on fibroids and their impact on women’s health. We discuss how expanded multi-state practice is increasing access to care while also highlighting the challenges, symptoms, and treatment considerations surrounding fibroids. This conversation brings awareness, education, and insight into improving care for those affected.

In this episode, Jennifer of Zen Gentle-istic, Balance & Birch’s in-house virtual Reiki practitioner, explores self-love, self-worth, and self-compassion—and how these practices support healing, emotional safety, and mental well-being. A grounding conversation on returning to yourself with kindness.

In this heartfelt 2026 kickoff episode of Balanced Living Unfiltered, Dr. Ann Ijeh invites you to release the pressure of “New Year, New You” and embrace something more sustainable: a supported, grounded, and nourished you. Through personal reflections and practical wisdom, this episode explores the concept of softer starts, realistic goals, and small habits that can create lasting change. If you’re ready to begin the year with intention, grace, and alignment—this conversation is for you. 🌿

The holidays aren’t always joyful—and that’s okay. In this episode, we talk honestly about the deeper stresses people often carry this time of year: grief, financial strain, loneliness, and the pressure to feel happy when you don’t. We explore why the season can feel heavy and how to validate your emotions without guilt. A gentle reminder to give yourself space, compassion, and permission to feel exactly how you feel.

Join a candid, down-to-earth mother as she navigates the real, raw, and rewarding moments of life. From the joys and challenges of motherhood to the ups and downs of dating, managing finances, practicing self-care, and facing life’s unexpected turns, this podcast offers honest conversations and relatable stories. Tune in for encouragement, laughter, and insight as she shares the journey of growing, healing, and thriving—one episode at a time.

Dr. Ann Ijeh explains how nutrigenomics played a role in her recovery. In October 2022, she experienced sharp pains in her pelvic region and was eventually diagnosed with a pelvic abscess. After a week in the hospital and a surgical procedure, she still had lingering issues and consulted another naturopathic doctor who suggested running a nutrigenomics. The results showed several genetic variants that affected her- and she has been able to make lifestyle changes ever since this discovery.

In this heartfelt episode, Allie—our resident hypnotist and spiritual guide at Balance & Birch—invites you into the sacred practice of forgiveness. But not the kind you’ve been taught to perform for others. This is about inner readiness, self-compassion, and energy healing. Forgiveness, as Allie beautifully shares, is not about forgetting, excusing harm, or spiritual bypassing. It’s about freeing yourself from the heaviness of resentment, shame, and regret—sometimes by sending love to a younger version of you who just didn’t know better. ✨ Hear personal stories of self-forgiveness ✨ Learn how trauma, guilt, and spiritual conditioning shape our view of worthiness ✨ Discover how spirit guides and energy work can help soften the sharp edges of memory ✨ Leave with a gentle invitation to place your hand on your heart and ask: “Is there a moment I’m ready to forgive?” This episode is for anyone who’s tired of carrying the past in their body and ready to create space for something lighter.

In this episode, Dr. Elessar and their husband, Dalton, get real about what it’s like to navigate life—and love—as two autistic adults sharing a home, a relationship, and a whole lot of sensory challenges. What started as a simple episode on understanding autism turned into something much deeper: an intimate, unmasked look at growing up undiagnosed, discovering ADHD and autism in adulthood, and building a life together in a world that often misunderstands both of them. They talk about: – Executive dysfunction, communication struggles, and shutdowns – Accommodations like separate sleeping spaces and scheduled alone time – How TikTok phrases have become a shared love language – What it’s like being ignored or misunderstood by neurotypical loved ones – Coping during the pandemic and finding small routines that keep them grounded – The joy of stuffed animals, lined-up meals, and feeling fully seen by your partner This is not just a story about autism—it’s a story about care, collaboration, and rewriting what relationships can look like when you throw out the neurotypical rulebook. #PodcastEpisode #AutisticCouple #NeurodivergentLove #ADHDandAutism #Masking #ExecutiveDysfunction #AutismAwareness #RelationshipGoals #BalanceAndBirch

In this episode, Jenn—our Reiki healer at Balance & Birch—dives deep into how trauma rewires our relationship with self-worth. Whether it's emotional wounds from childhood, toxic dynamics, or unspoken pain your body’s still holding onto, trauma has a way of shrinking our sense of value. Jenn explores how energy healing and somatic awareness can help reconnect you to your worth—not the version shaped by survival, but the version rooted in truth and wholeness. Ready to shift from self-protection to self-connection? Tune in, breathe deep, and let’s begin that healing journey together. #PodcastEpisode #ReikiHealer #TraumaHealing #SelfWorth #EnergyHealing #MindBodySpirit #BalanceAndBirch

It’s Autism Acceptance Month, so let’s talk it out. In our latest podcast episode, I (Ollie—a therapist at Balance and Birch with AuDHD and chronic illnesses) sit down with my coworker, Iesha, whose son is autistic. We tackle everything from ‘autism moms’ and ABA therapy controversies to labeling autism as a disability. Whether you’re an autistic adult, a parent raising an autistic child, or an ally hoping to learn, this episode offers unique perspectives on the ins and outs of autism, and why open conversations—minus the judgment—help us all. Catch us discussing support programs for autistic kids, the tension around ‘right vs. wrong’ parenting methods, and how to celebrate the diverse ways autistic individuals (and parents) choose to identify and find resources. Listen now to hear honest insights, personal stories, and a spirit of curiosity—because real acceptance starts with learning from each other.

Sex should be about pleasure, play, and presence—but let’s be honest, most of us were taught that it’s about performance, pressure, and checking off a damn to-do list. In this episode of Balanced Living Unfiltered, we’re throwing out the goal-oriented, ‘finish line’ version of sex and talking about what actually makes intimacy feel good—without the stress, shame, or pressure to ‘get it right.’ We’re diving into: ✨ Why goal-oriented sex is killing your desire ✨ The absolute dumpster fire that is U.S. sex education (and why we all need to unlearn it) ✨ How to shift from performance to pleasure (yes, for everyone—all genders, orientations, and relationship types!) ✨ Using all five senses to make intimacy more immersive and fun ✨ The biggest sex myths that need to die—from “real sex = penetration” to “older/disabled people don’t have sex” (spoiler: they do, and sometimes it’s better than yours!) ✨ Actionable steps to reclaim pleasure, embrace playfulness, and redefine sex on your terms If you’ve ever felt disconnected from intimacy, pressured to ‘perform,’ or like sex just isn’t as fun as it should be—this one’s for you.

I know we usually drop one episode a month, but ignoring this moment felt wrong. So here we are—with an unscheduled, unfiltered deep dive into the mental health toll of political unrest and how we can navigate it without completely losing ourselves. Between political chaos, human rights under attack, and the constant stress of just existing, it’s no wonder so many of us are mentally and emotionally done. In this episode of Balanced Living Unfiltered, Dr. Brown is breaking it all down: 🔥 How the nonstop news cycle is wrecking your nervous system 🔥 Why marginalized communities carry the heaviest mental load 🔥 The myth that ‘staying positive’ fixes everything (spoiler: it doesn’t) 🔥 Real, accessible action steps for staying grounded while fighting for change If you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, numb, or just tired, this one’s for you. You are not alone. Let’s talk about how to hold space for all of it—rage, rest, resistance, and real self-preservation.

This cold and flu season has been brutal—and even Dr. Ijeh hasn’t been immune! In this episode, she gets real about how stress has taken a toll on her immune system, making her more vulnerable to illness. She breaks down how stress weakens immunity and shares the naturopathic changes she’s made to recover and build resilience. What You’ll Learn: 🦠 How stress impacts your immune system 🍵 Simple naturopathic remedies to boost immunity 💤 Why sleep, nutrition, and stress management are key to staying healthy 🌱 Herbs, supplements, and holistic practices for immune support 🚨 Signs your immune system needs extra care & what to do about it Key Takeaway: Your immune system is directly connected to your stress levels, lifestyle, and overall wellness. Small, sustainable changes—like nutrition, herbal medicine, and nervous system support—can make all the difference in staying healthy year-round. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to boost your immunity naturally!

In this quick 7-minute episode, David, our personal trainer, shares his expert perspective on how to combat the winter lows that many of us experience. From staying motivated to making simple, yet impactful adjustments in your fitness routine, David breaks down practical tips to help you power through the season and boost your mood. Tune in for strategies to keep moving and stay energized—no matter the temperature outside!

In this powerful episode, Dee, our office manager, and Dr. Ijeh, our naturopathic doctor, dive deep into women’s health, particularly gynecological issues, from a personal and holistic perspective. Dee shares her own journey and experiences with health struggles, while Dr. Ijeh offers insights on how naturopathic approaches can support individuals navigating these challenges. Whether you’re dealing with PCOS, endometriosis, or simply seeking more education on women’s health, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation about the realities of AFAB health, with practical tips for self-care and healing. 🌸 Listen now! We’re here to break the silence. 🌸

In our second episode of Balanced Living Unfiltered, join Iesha Glover, our neurodivergent and trauma-informed yoga instructor, as she interviews Dr. Ollie Ellesar, our clinical psychologist and advocate for the autistic community. Together, they explore the nuances of living as a neurodivergent individual, focusing on the challenges and triumphs that arise from the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma, and chronic illness. In this insightful conversation, Iesha and Dr. Ellesar delve into Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, explaining how this compassionate approach recognizes and integrates the various parts of ourselves that influence our thoughts and behaviors. They provide valuable insights into how traditional, colonialized therapeutic and physical practices often overlook the unique needs of the neurodivergent population, leaving many feeling unheard and unsupported. Additionally, they discuss the idea of self-care—an essential component for mental well-being that, in our capitalistic society, can often be a privileged and ableist conversation. Acknowledging that not everyone has equal access to self-care resources, they offer suggestions for more accessible forms of self-care that can benefit everyone. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between trauma, chronic illness, and neurodivergence, along with practical tips for finding balance and fostering self-acceptance. Whether you’re a neurodivergent individual seeking understanding or someone looking to support a loved one, this episode is packed with knowledge and empathy. Note: If you're watching the video, please be aware that Dr. Ellesar is bathed in a bright red light, which helps prevent migraines and assists her due to eye difficulties. This serves as both a practical tip and a potential trigger warning, as it creates a distinct color scheme compared to Iesha's portion of the interview. Tune in for an authentic and enlightening discussion that emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices in mental health and wellness. Don’t miss it!

Join us for a real, unedited, and unfiltered conversation about burnout—what it is, how it impacts us, and the steps we can take to combat it. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into our personal experiences, share valuable insights, and discuss the importance of self-care in a world that often demands too much. Tune in and get ready for an authentic dialogue that aims to resonate with anyone feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. Let’s navigate the complexities of burnout together! Listen now and start your journey toward a healthier, balanced life. 💪✨