Food, Feels & Banana Peels

Pain is something almost everyone experiences, yet many people feel stuck managing it with temporary fixes that never address the deeper cause. In this episode, I’m joined by holistic pain relief educator and reflexology expert Njideka N. Olatunde for an insightful conversation about holistic approaches to pain management and how we can support the body’s natural ability to heal.Dr. Olatunde is the founder of the Focus On Healing Wellness Institute and has spent more than four decades helping people understand pain from a whole-body perspective. As a naturopath, master reflexologist, educator, and author, her work focuses on medication-free approaches that empower individuals to take an active role in their healing using practices such as reflexology and “Touchology”—the healing power of intentional touch. In our conversation, we explore:Why pain is often a message from the body, not just a symptom to suppressThe powerful connection between stress, emotions, and physical painHow reflexology and touch can help reduce tension, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing responseSimple techniques you can use in the moment when pain appearsOne of the most empowering parts of this discussion is that Dr. Olatunde shares easy, practical tools listeners can try right away—small shifts in awareness, breath, and touch that may help interrupt pain patterns and bring relief in real time.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by chronic tension, recurring aches, or the cycle of treating symptoms without understanding the root cause, this conversation offers a refreshing and hopeful perspective. It’s a reminder that healing can begin with something as simple as listening to the body and reconnecting with the wisdom within it.Take a deep breath, get comfortable, and join us for this thoughtful conversation about holistic pain relief and the power of touch.To connect with Dr. Olatunde visit focusonhealing.comFor a free pain management download visit touchologyreflexology.comTo connect with Laura: laurapifer.com

In this episode of Feel Peel Thrive, I’m joined by Dan Esposito, founder of The Undu Method, former NFL player, elite track and field athlete, and national-level competitor. Dan’s early life was shaped by high-level training, discipline, and a deep trust in his body’s ability to perform at the highest levels.But after years of elite athletics, that relationship with his body began to shift. Dan found himself navigating chronic pain, fibromyalgia, autoimmune challenges, and connective tissue issues that no amount of traditional conditioning, grit, or conventional treatment seemed to resolve. For someone whose identity had been built around strength and performance, the experience was both physically and emotionally disorienting.Instead of turning away from his body, Dan chose to listen more closely. He began exploring the deeper layers of healing — fascia, inflammation, nervous system regulation, mobility, recovery, and mindset — becoming a student of his own physiology along the way.Out of that journey, The Undu Method was born: a practical and holistic system designed to help people undu the patterns, habits, and stressors that keep the body stuck in pain, restriction, and dysfunction.Dan’s path also led him to create Flexibility Fuel, a supplement formulated to support connective tissue health, mobility, and recovery as part of a broader, integrated approach to healing and long-term vitality.This conversation explores what happens when an elite athlete is asked to redefine strength — moving away from pushing through pain and toward a more sustainable, compassionate relationship with the body.If you’ve ever struggled with chronic pain, felt disconnected from your body, or wondered whether there might be another path toward healing, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical wisdom from someone who has lived the journey himself.To connect with Dan check out undu.meInstagram @almightyespoTo connect with Laura visit laurapifer.com

Welcome to Feel. Peel. Thrive. — the podcast where we explore health, healing, and what it truly means to feel well in your body, your mind, and your life. In this episode, I’m thrilled to talk with Beth Sturdevant, a dynamic healer, artist, and energy medicine practitioner based in Ottawa. Beth’s work spans personal transformation, spiritual healing, and holistic insight — all aimed at helping people release what’s holding them back and step into greater clarity and purpose. Her passion for healing — both within ourselves and in the environments we inhabit — is as deep as it is inspiring. We also dive into the heart of Property Healing Ottawa, a service that energetically removes, resets, and restores the energy in your homes, offices, and properties. Together we talk about what happens when spaces hold onto old energy, how that can show up in our lives, and why clearing and balancing the energy of our environments is so essential before we thrive in them. Whether you’re curious about subtle energy, the interplay between environment and wellbeing, or ready to deepen your connection with your own space — this conversation will leave you thinking in new ways.If you’re enjoying these conversations, I’d love for you to stay connected. Following the podcast, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who might resonate truly helps Feel. Peel. Thrive. grow and reach more people who are seeking deeper wellbeing and healing. Your support means more than you know, and I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this community.You can learn more about Beth and connect with her at ⁠⁠https://www.bethsturdevant.com⁠⁠. You can explore Property Healing Ottawa at ⁠⁠https://www.propertyhealing.ca⁠⁠. I⁠f you'd like to keep building energy awareness in your life, access more episodes, and connect with me click here! And visit my YouTube channel too!Let’s continue to feel deeply, peel back what no longer serves, and thrive into the life you’re meant for.

In this episode of Feel Peel Thrive, I’m joined by Kisha Reynolds—Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, and a powerful advocate for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, or BFRBs.  We have a compassionate conversation on BFRBs, deep sleep, and how hypnotherapy can support nervous system healing.Together, we explore the often-overlooked connection between the nervous system, deep sleep, and the subconscious patterns our bodies hold. Kisha shares how hypnotherapy can gently support regulation, awareness, and healing—especially for those navigating BFRBs and chronic stress.This is a grounded, compassionate conversation about listening to the body, working with the nervous system rather than against it, and opening new pathways toward rest, safety, and self-trust.✨ If you’re curious about sleep, the subconscious, or alternative support for BFRBs, this episode is for you.If this conversation resonated with you, I’d be so grateful if you’d follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need it. Your support helps Feel Peel Thrive grow, reach new listeners, and bring these conversations about healing, the nervous system, and self-awareness to those who may be searching for them. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping this information ripple outward in such a meaningful way.To connect with Kisha visit: https://www.321deepsleep.comTo connect with Laura or be a guest on the podcast visit: laurapifer.com

What happens when you shine a gentle light on the unseen layers of healing, sleep, and the nervous system—and aren’t afraid to explore the shadows along the way? In this rich and curiosity-sparking conversation, I’m joined by Pete Bernard: Spiritual Alchemist, energy medicine practitioner, sacred space holder, and soon-to-be published author. Pete shares his grounded yet expansive approach to addressing the non-physical roots of imbalance through spirit, energy, and consciousness. We dive into topics like shadow work, sleep as a mirror of health, nervous system regulation, and his concept of “spiritual snorkelling”—all woven together with intuitive insights and real-life stories from his own journey and work with thousands of clients. This episode invites you to reflect on how the reality you experience is one you actively shape, and how awareness can be one of the most powerful healing tools of all.If my work has supported you in any way, sharing it with others truly helps my podcast grow and reach more people. I’m deeply grateful for YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcast reviews for Feel Peel Thrive. They take just a minute, but your support goes a long way and means more than you know.Pete's new book Red Rain: Available soon on AmazonTo contact Pete Bernard: the8thfire.comFor More information and resources visit laurapifer.com and you tube @laurapifer-holistic health.

In this episode I talk to Stephanie Keezer, Psychologist, about her role in supporting people through traumas and other life stressors and transitions. Stephanie helps people navigate challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress management, parenting (especially as it relates to challenging behaviour and/or anxiety in children). She has experience working with adults and children with ADHD, and helps them to understand and utilize their unique strengths as well as promote neuro-affirming strategies to address their needs.In this episode, we discuss the nervous system and its importance in achieving and maintaining overall health. Stephanie breaks down - fight, flight, freeze, faun and flock into simple terms everyone can understand and can reflect upon in their own life. She also talks about the importance of somatics in her practice and how connecting with the body and emotions are instrumental in healing.Stephanie helps clients harness their own innate strength and resiliency and guides them toward creating the life they want to live.  She shares with us her knowledge and experience and provides insight into tools we can use to navigate life's challenges as they arise.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Deborah Zucker — Naturopathic Physician and author of The Vitality Map — joins us to explore what it truly means to take responsibility for your health!We discuss her 9 Keys to Deep Vitality, the power of self-awareness, and how to build a foundation for lasting well-being that honors your whole self — body, mind, heart, and spirit. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or simply ready for a more joyful, aligned way of living, this conversation is for you.Get in Touch with Dr. Zucker: vitalmedicine.com Insta: @deborahzucker Facebook: Vital Medicine***Plus for a special download and discount for podcast listeners visit: vitalmedicine.com/podast***For more information and resources from Laura check out: Laurapifer.com Insta:@feelpeelthrive Facebook: Laura Pifer

Welcome to another transformative episode of "Food, Feels & Banana Peels" where we delve into the stories of ordinary people who have faced life's most daunting challenges and emerged stronger, healthier, and more enlightened! In this bonus episode, I'm honoured to feature Brian Nori, a remarkable individual whose journey of healing and self-discovery will inspire and captivate you.In 2011, Brian was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) after experiencing a debilitating optic neuritis flare-up. Despite having access to top-tier medical professionals, he found himself at a crossroads, unable to find the comprehensive healing he so desperately sought. Frustrated and determined, Brian took his health into his own hands, embarking on a profound journey of alternative healing.Brian's quest for wellness led him to make radical changes to his diet and lifestyle. Through meticulous research and experimentation with different foods and supplements, he began to uncover the powerful connection between diet and autoimmune diseases. His dedication to a vegan, organic diet and the elimination of inflammatory foods played a pivotal role in his recovery.However, Brian's journey did not stop there. He ventured deep into the Amazon Rainforest, where he immersed himself in the ancient healing practices of the Shipibo tribe. Through transformative Ayahuasca ceremonies, Brian delved into his subconscious, addressing deep-seated emotional and psychosomatic blockages. This profound experience not only facilitated his physical healing but also brought about a deeper understanding of himself and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.Brian's story is a testament to the power of holistic healing and the importance of listening to one's body. His book, "The Autoimmune Awakening," chronicles his journey and offers insights and strategies for others seeking to take control of their health. Brian's message is clear: true healing comes from within, and by embracing a multifaceted approach, we can all find the path to wellness.Join us as Brian Nori shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming Multiple Sclerosis, the wisdom he gained from the heart of the Amazon, and his ongoing mission to inspire others to find their own path to healing.Book : ⁠http://www.theautoimmuneawakening.com⁠Check out Brian's art as a reflection of his amazing journey featured at ⁠http://www.norigallery.com⁠

In this bonus episode, I chat with internationally recognized health and lifestyle expert Kristin Grayce McGary. She's an author, speaker and an authority on autoimmunity, functional blood chemistry analysis, thyroid & gut health, alleviating pain, family wellness, extreme exhaustion, resolving blocks to healing, and food as medicine. Kristin Grayce specializes in integrating mind, body and spirit in healthcare through a uniquely individualized approach. And so much more..... We discuss how functional medicine testing can help to identify imbalances in our bodies that the modern medical system can't access with it's standardized testing. Kristin Grace shares her knowledge, wisdom and guidance to help people understand the health of their body, mind, and Spirit and how functional and other holistic tools can help to identify and resolve root causes of dis-ease. Check out more info on Kristin Grayce and some of her free resources here Check out more about Laura here

In this final episode of the first season I chat with Dr. Brigitta Ziemba, a paramedic for ten years, trained Naturopathic Doctor and Cranio-Sacral Therapist. Our chat covers the Naturopathic approach to health and dis-ease and how it differs from Allopathic (Western) Medicine as we know it. She also provides perspective on the importance of nervous system regulation and overall health, and how cranio-sacral work can support the release of nervous system traumas at the root of dis-ease. We chat about food, green allopathy and SO much more! If the podcast hasn't already changed your perspective on health and dis-ease, it will after this episode! To connect with Brigitta: IG@naturally_neuro To connect with Laura: laurapifer.com, IG: @foodfeelsbananapeels

In this episode I chat with Rachel Cogan. She shares her journey of being diagnosed with auto-immune disease over a decade ago and more recently LADA - Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults. She discusses her use of the Carnivore Diet to reduce consumption of sugars and manage her insulin levels as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications, and so much more. Rachel freely shares her experience with food and how it's changed her life, and offers helpful tips that can help others to consider alternatives to manage their blood sugars. To connect with Rachel: FB Rachel Maria IG: Iam.rachelinspired To Connect with Laura: laurapifer.com IG: FoodfeelsBananapeels

In this episode I chat with Kathy Fisher of Calgary, Alberta. A former Family Lawyer, poet, theatre performer and so much more, she shares her difficult journey with Crohn's and Colitis - when little was known about this dis-ease. Kathy shares the medical system's solutions: intense long-term pharmaceuticals, to removing nearly all of her colon, and her difficult journey in enduring symptoms and eventually finding the natural medicine path that saved her life. Tune in to learn about Kathy's journey through dis-ease, advocating for herself, and eventually becoming happier, healthier and able to return to her life. Connect with Kathy @ [email protected] Connect with Laura @ laurapifer.com

Join me for this chat with Dr. Anmar Salman, an Ottawa-based Medical Doctor as we chat about his views as a Western Medical Practitioner on Dis-ease and Health. In this episode we chat about where modern medicine falls short and how collaboration can be the key to helping people overcome dis-ease. To check out Anmar's Blog : Off the Cuff Connect with Laura @ Laurapifer.com

Food & Dis-ease. We all know things we're eating aren't good for our bodies.... but do we listen? Lisa Roers shares her story of losing control of mobility in her body and so much more. Her quest to find the root cause of her illness lead her to discover what Western Medicine couldn't: the true root cause and cure - healthy digestion! Join me Sunday to learn more about food & health and why the saying "you are what you eat" is unequivocally true! Spotify, Apple and You tube (Laura Pifer) Resources from Lisa: Lisaroers.com Check out Lisa's podcast: Sunshine Cafe podcast Chris Wark: Chrisbeatcancer.com And to connect with Laura: Laurapifer.com

In this episode I chat with Kylie Delfino, a Holistic Health Professional for more than two decades. Kylie shares her own frightening health journey, her recovery to heath and all she learned on her journey. Kylie has extensive experience with Cancer research and is now working with two US Universities and a private Clinic in California on a foundational project that promises to change health as we see it. The exciting research project focuses on precognition of the subconscious mind and measuring vibrations sent to the heart. You won't want to miss this as we discuss the role of the nervous system in overall health and how this is subconsciously influenced.....and so much more! Resources from Kylie: 1) Hoffman institute San Francisco, California  Video - Healing childhood trauma, Negate Love Syndrome Explained:   (2) How trauma is held in the body:  The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk M.D.   Perter Levine Somatic Healing:    Connect with Laura

In this episode I chat with Meliane Paquin-Bureau about her journey with substance abuse and how she came to forgive, love and accept herself on her healing path. Meliane openly shares some of the darker parts of her journey and how she found the light again. She offers some great insight into tools that can help us all find acceptance on our healing paths. To connect with Meliane visit myblissfuljourney.ca  FB IG The reiki master in recovery

In this episode I chat with Lynda Heyden-Carroll, a former corporate finance executive, about the sudden and tragic loss of her teenage daughter. Lynda shares her journey through the roller coaster of thoughts, emotions and health challenges that plagued her for many years. She tells with us how she came to terms with her grief, rose above it, and reclaimed her health and happiness holistically! She reveals insights into her healing journey and valuable information that can support those in healing from loss. To connect with Lynda: https://lyndaheyden.com/ To Connect with Laura: laurapifer.com

In this episode I chat with Tanya Farlinger, an entrepreneur and owner of two busy spas in Ottawa. Tanya shares her story of her surprising diagnosis of colon cancer at the age of 37 and how it changed her life path. She discusses alternative modalities to conventional treatment and how her perspective, appreciation for self-care, and so much more changed. She is living her happiest life, now 12 years cancer-free and fulfilling her purpose of bringing others joy. Tanya credits her encounter with dis-ease as the wake-up call that forced her to change everything! Connect with Tanya at exhalospa.ca exhalo on facebook or @exhalospa on instagram Connect with Laura@ laurapifer.com or @foodfeelsbananapeels on instagram

In this episode I chat with former Marketing Executive Lisa Marie DeSanto about her health journey. She began having "menopausal-like" symptoms that continued to worsen to a point that she was having trouble functioning in her everyday life. She was misdiagnosed by the medical community for an extended period of time, then decided to take control of her health and find answers another way. It wan't until she sought the help of a Naturopathic Doctor that she began to get answers. She was finally diagnosed with MCAS and began her journey to healing her body, holistically. Lisa Marie shares all she learned on her journey in hopes it will inspire others to advocate for themselves and their health. You can connect with Lisa Marie at https://www.lisamarieconnections.com/ Check out Lisa Marie's new podcast coming in February From Lemons to Limoncello To connect further with Laura visit laurapifer.com

In this episode Rhonda openly shares her journey with disordered eating - in particular bulimia- and the healing that took place as she made peace with food and herself. Rhonda offers insight into her two decade long battle with disordered eating and discusses the tools that helped her overcome it. Whether you are emotional eating, have an unhealthy relationship with food (binge eating, strict boundaries, see food as good/bad etc.), or simply interested in learning more, you'll love Rhonda's raw revelations of her trials and tribulations on her journey to healing bulimia naturally. Connect with Rhonda on Insta or Facebook @eclipseholistichealing Resources: The F*** It Diet, Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It Connect with Laura on Insta @foodfeelsbananapeels or Laurapifer.com

In this episode I chat with Lisa Sabatini, a successful business woman who built and ran a flourishing corporate business and sister corporation..... until her health crashed. Lisa opens up about her journey with Lyme disease that left her bedridden for a year. She shares the difficulties of her illness and the long journey to recovery. She provides us with knowledge, insight and what she learned on her journey through dis-ease to health. Her experience changed her into the healthy, happy and fulfilled path she's on today as an Energy Medicine Practitioner. To learn more about lisa visit lisasabatini.com To lean more about Laura and how she can support you in living healthier and happier visit laurapifer.com

Welcome to Foods, Feels & Banana Peels! In this episode I'll share my story. My journey with health and dis-ease has been filled with many ups and downs and changed the way I look at myself, health and life overall! I'm sharing the insights and revelations I found on my journey through dis-ease and reclaiming my health, in hopes they will inspire you to consider health from a different perspective. I also hope my story will reach those who are struggling on their health journey and help them to see themselves differently. In my experience, understanding and fully supporting ourselves on all levels is the key to our health. You can learn more about me by visiting laurapifer.com

This is a short description of what you can expect to hear about on my upcoming podcast :)