This week, Joy chats with Colette Baron-Reid bestselling author, internationally acclaimed Oracle expert, spiritual intuitive, personal transformation thought leader, educator, speaker and host of “INSIDE THE WOONIVERSE,” a weekly podcast series that uncovers personal stories of spiritual awakening and transformation. With her infectious laugh and warm personality, Colette’s conversations are inviting, hilarious and always thought-provoking.   In this episode Colette gets vulnerable while sharing her life’s journey to become a spiritual intuitive. Her raw honesty about her trauma, including rape, may not be for everyone, so if this is something you don’t want to hear, just skip ahead to the 22 minute mark. Colette shares tons of simple, actionable tips to help you connect with your own intuition and spirit. She also discusses the incredible process she undertakes when creating her oracle decks. You'll love her honesty and exuberant energy!   If you want to connect with your intuition and develop a personalized spiritual practice for 2023, then you won’t want to miss this episode. So settle in with a cuppa your favourite uplifting tea and get ready to be inspired to connect to the Wooniverse!   Episode Highlights:  How Colette connected with spirit and intuition from a very young age.  Her incredible life story and how her vivid dreams helped her know herself & her family history.  How she first became interested in reading cards.  Her connection to animism and what that means.  The story of her addictions and how she healed.  The process of transitioning from an aromatherapist to doing spiritual readings. The difference between tarot and oracle cards.  How to use oracle cards as a tool to connect with spirit. An incredible reading done by Colette for the Joyous community.  A close look at Colette’s supportive spiritual community.   Colette’s reading for 2023. The importance of showing up as yourself in the world to create change. What Colette is most excited about for the coming year.  The spiritual meaning of the number 44 and why she chose it for her new oracle deck.  The process that Colette goes through to create an oracle deck & her artwork. How painting encourages vulnerability.  The way we should be stepping into the new year.     Resources:   Colette’s Website   Colette on Instagram   Colette on Facebook   Colette on TikTok    INSIDE THE WOONIVERSE Podcast    Oracle Circle Membership   Free Vision Board Challenge   More about Joyous Health:    Check out our award-winning blog Joyous Health   Check out Joy’s bestselling cookbooks   Sign up for the Joyous Health newsletter   Follow Joyous Health on Instagram   Find Joyous Health on Facebook   Learn more about  The Joyous Health Business Program   Check out our full line of Natural & Organic Haircare and Body Care.   Join Joy’s Hair Care Challenge at Natural Hair Care Challenge   Explore Joyous Health Kids at Joyous Health K

89: Exploring the Wooniverse with Colette Baron-Reid, Spiritual Intuitive

This week, Joy chats with Dr. Aliya Visram a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and co-founder of wellbe family wellness clinic in Toronto. She is also the co-founder of bloom balance, a collection of wellness products rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She combines her background in pre and postnatal care and pediatric wellness with a passion for Eastern Medicine techniques and practices for a deeper understanding of the way the body functions. As a mother herself, Dr Aliya is on a mission to create accessible wellness options for families to help them grow and thrive. In this episode Dr. Aliya shares simple, actionable steps you can take to start your own self-care practice to increase energy and vitality. She also discusses the most common issues she sees in her practice along with tips for you and the family to incorporate for joyous health. You’ll love her vibrant energy and holistic approach to wellness! If you’re looking for simple advice you can incorporate into your routine to increase energy flow and balance in your body then you won’t want to miss this episode. So settle in with a soothing cuppa tea and get ready to be inspired to boost your chi, naturally!   Episode Highlights:  How Dr. Aliya became interested in chiropractic, acupuncture, and self-care practices rooted in Eastern medicine. Her work with women during pregnancy and post-partum. The importance of having a community to support you after childbirth.  What TCM is and how she practices it.  A description of chi, energy flow, & meridians. How stuck chi can cause imbalances in the body.  Issues that can cause chi to become stuck.  At home suggestions to increase the flow of chi. The benefits of facial acupuncture.  The most common health concerns she sees in her practice.  How acupuncture can be a great part of a self-care routine.  Dr. Aliya’s favourite simple health hacks for balance.  The importance of incorporating activities that increase blood flow in the body.  Why you want to change how you support your body at different times of year. Individualized approaches to balancing your energy.  Dr. Aliya’s journey through the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. Why she loves using gua sha at the end of the day to release tension.  What to look for when shopping for gua sha.  The top health issues she sees in kids in her practice. Her top recommendations for raising healthy kids.     Resources: Dr. Aliya on Instagram  bloom balance on TikTok bloom balance on Instagram bloom balance on Facebook wellbe family wellness on Instagram Dr. Aliya’s Website  bloom balance Website wellbe family wellness Website   More about Joyous Health:  Check out our award-winning blog Joyous Health Check out  Joy’s bestselling cookbooks Sign up for the Joyous Health newsletter Follow Joyous Health on Instagram Find Joyous Health on Facebook Learn more about  The Joyous Health Business Program Check out our full line of Natural & Organic Haircare and Body Care.

88: Health Hacks to Increase Energy & Vitality with Dr. Aliya Visram, Chiropractor

This week, Joy chats with Neil Pasricha, the best-selling author of nine books and journals including: The Book of Awesome, a spinning rolodex of simple pleasures based on his 100-million-hit, award-winning blog 1000 Awesome Things. He  thinks, writes, and speaks about intentional living and all his current work focuses under themes of gratitude, happiness, failure, resilience, connection, and trust. His books are New York Times and #1 international bestsellers, have spent over 200 weeks on bestseller lists, and have sold over 2,000,000 copies across dozens of languages. In this episode Neil shares simple, actionable steps you can take to start your own therapeutic journaling and gratitude practice. He also highlights how cell phone addiction can impact our physical and mental health. You’ll love his vibrant, upbeat energy and interesting takes on everything from loneliness to the power of browsing at a bookstore.  If you want simple, actionable advice to invite more gratitude and intention into your daily life then you won’t want to miss this episode. So settle in with a cuppa your favourite  cozy tea and get ready to be inspired to live intentionally!   Episode Highlights:  How personal loss inspired Neil’s career as a writer & best-selling author.  The therapeutic benefits of writing & journaling.  The impact of keeping your cell phone in your bedroom.  Simple tips to start a journaling & gratitude practice.  The signs of toxicity in our culture.  What is the loneliness epidemic? Why he’s returning to his focus on resilience, happiness, and gratitude.  How our amygdala & social media impacts our thoughts.  The way smart phones & automatic scrolling suck up our time & impact our health.  The big three “P” problems with cell phones.  Easy tips to reduce your cell phone use.  The positive power of reading fiction, memoirs, and biographies. Why single tasking is the new multitasking, especially when reading. The importance of supporting your local bookstores.  The power of browsing bookstores.  A deep dive into Joy’s favourite parts of Neil’s new book: Our Book of Awesome.  Why Neil invited the community into the creation of his newest book.  The comfort of re-reading books and rewatching movies.  Some of the powerful, small moments of joy that bring gratitude to Neil’s life.  Neil’s current favourite book recommendations.  Why he reads non-fiction in the morning and fiction at night.     Resources: Neil’s Website  3 Books Podcast Neil on Instagram Neil on Twitter Neil on Facebook Sign up for Neil’s Newsletters Ahh Life Daily Emails Forest Cell Phone App Neil’s Author Page- Get all the AWESOME Books!   More about Joyous Health:  Check out our award-winning blog Joyous Health Check out  Joy’s bestselling cookbooks Sign up for the Joyous Health newsletter Follow Joyous Health on Instagram Find Joyous Health on Facebook Learn more about  The Joyous Health Business Program Ch

87: Cultivating Intention & Gratitude with Neil Pasricha, Best-Selling Author

This week, Joy chats with Brian Keane, a Reps qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer, certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sports Nutritionist. He also hosts one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcast which is regularly featured #1 on the iTunes Health Charts. Over the past seven years, he has gone from working full time as primary school teacher to one of Ireland’s leading thought leaders on all things health, fitness and nutrition. This episode is packed with wisdom designed to help you find your personalized approach to optimal health and wellness! In this episode Brian shares his evidence-based suggestions for creating an individualized approach to fitness and wellness. He shares loads of inspiring and actionable tips that you can start incorporating into your life straight away. You’ll love his honesty and fresh take on how to approach fitness and strength training.  If you want simple, actionable advice to help you get started on your personal fitness journey, then you won’t want to miss this episode. So settle in with a cuppa your favourite  cozy tea and get ready to be inspired to take your health and your life into your own hands!   Episode Highlights:  How he transitioned from working full time as a teacher to running a successful fitness business. How his personal health issues inspired him to learn more about nutrition. How he faced his fears and embraced life as a fitness entrepreneur. The important question he asks himself before making a life decision.  What the fitness industry gets wrong about weight loss. The difference between weight loss and fat loss. Why calories aren’t the only thing that matter for health. The importance of nutrient density when it comes to a healthy diet.  Why sleep, strength training, and recovery are so important for achieving health goals.  Why dropping calories too low can have the opposite of the intended effect.  The importance of strength-training for balancing women’s hormones.  How he takes an individualized approach with every client he works with. The three principles he works off of when it comes to nutrition.  The importance of using different metrics for success instead of just the scale.  Why he believes it’s important to remove the morals from foods.  His thoughts on the body positivity movement.  How to start on your personal fitness journey.  The importance of filtering who you learn from.  Tips to improve your sleep quality for optimal health.     Resources: Brian on Instagram Brian on TikTok Brian Keane Fitness Podcast Brian Keane Fitness Website Sign up for Brian’s Newsletter! Brian on YouTube Brian on Facebook The Keane Edge Book Rewire Your Mindset Book The Fitness Mindset Book   More about Joyous Health:  Check out our award-winning blog Joyous Health Check out  Joy’s bestselling cookbooks Sign up for the Joyous Health newsletter Follow Joyous Health on Instagram Find Joyous Health on Facebook Learn more about  The Joyous Health Business P

86: An Individualized Approach to Wellness with Brian Keane, Personal Trainer

This week, Joy chats with Jill Heinerth, one of the world’s premier underwater explorers and the first person to dive inside iceberg caves. Jill leads expeditions into extreme environments to advance scientific and geographic knowledge. She is an acclaimed polar explorer, cave diver, author, speaker, filmmaker, and climate advocate. Joy fell in love with her best-selling book, Into The Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver which details her journey into the extreme world of underwater cave exploration where she has had to overcome fear in order to go where no one has gone before. You will LOVE this chat!  In this episode Jill shares her experiences exploring some of the most beautiful and dangerous ecosystems in the world. She talks about the importance of using her fear to help her assess the risks of any dive to keep her and her team safe. You’ll also love her simple tips to help you live a life that supports the health of the planet. After listening to this episode you will feel inspired to follow your passion to create a life of adventure and joy.  If you want to learn all about the incredible world of cave diving and the animals and ecosystems below the surface, you won’t want to miss this episode. So brew up a cup of ultra-soothing tea, settle in, and get ready to be amazed by Jill’s incredible life story!   Episode Highlights:  How Jill’s love of water and innate curiosity inspired her career as an underwater explorer.  The important role fear plays in keeping her safe as she explores.  How she prepares mentally for her dives to remain fully present. What she feels and experiences as she explores underwater caves.   How she overcomes the “chattering monkeys” of her mind while she dives. Some frightening moments she experienced during her dives.  How she follows her intuition & pragmatism to choose or reject expeditions.  Why aging and getting married changed the way she approaches her dives & risk-taking. Why she has no regrets in her life.  The incredible story of how she was the first person to dive into an iceberg cave. The types of marine life she will see when ice diving.  The work she does with biologists to help understand the life that is found in caves.  How she made her childhood dreams come true & turned the story into a children’s book. How she uses the power of deep breathing to stay calm and present.  The privilege she feels at getting to see rare sea life in their natural habitats.  The differences between a cold and a warm water dive.  The importance of learning skills and risks for success in any endeavour.  Why you need to guard yourself against complacency.  Some of Jill’s favourite dives out of the 8000+ she’s done over her career.  The experience she had diving 300 feet under a popular restaurant.  How major storm systems impact cave diving conditions.  Details about her most recent cave diving project in the Ottawa River.  Her favourite dives in Ontario cave systems and w

85: Facing Your Fears with Jill Heinerth, Underwater Explorer

This week, Joy chats with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, the department head of critical care at The Ottawa Hospital. As a researcher, he is interested in using ICU resources more efficiently and improving access to palliative care in the ICU. He also created ‘Solving Wellness’ a virtual health & wellness platform for health care professionals. The goal of ‘Solving Wellness’ is to help address health care burnout and provide health, fitness and self care for its members. In this episode Dr. Kyeremanteng shares his experiences working in the fast-paced environment of the ICU and how he takes steps every day to increase his resilience to prevent burnout. He also highlights the importance of investing in prevention and mental health support for achieving overall wellness. After listening to this episode you will feel empowered to take small steps every day to support your health and prevent illness. This chat will stick with you because it’s so inspiring! If you want to learn how to take simple steps to support your physical and mental well-being then you won’t want to miss this episode! So brew up a cup of detoxifying tea, settle in, and get ready to be inspired to support your health, naturally!    Episode Highlights:  How Dr. Kyeremanteng was inspired to become a doctor from a young age.  Why he was attracted to practice intensive care medicine–communication and community! How he stays calm and balanced amidst the chaos of the ICU to bring compassion and care to his patients.  The different wellness and lifestyle hacks that Dr. Kyeremanteng uses to build his resilience.  Why knowledge of wellness and self-care is so important to support healthcare practitioners and prevent burnout.  His experiences working in the ICU during the pandemic and how that inspired him to create Solving Wellness for healthcare workers.  His tips for eating well as a shift worker. Suggestions for supporting good quality sleep as a shift worker. The importance of managing other pillars of health if you’re lacking your sleep.  How to develop your own 80/20 rule for maximum health impacts.  Why swapping sugary drinks for water is an easy first step to take to improve health. The importance of setting up your environment for success–keep the good stuff around! Why he prioritizes good food to support energy and mental health. What is decision fatigue and how to limit your decisions for optimal health.  Simple hacks to help save time and energy to support your wellness. The importance of productivity and time efficiency. What is pandemic recovery and how does it relate to mental health? Why he doesn’t think Canada invests enough in mental health support and counselling. The importance of mental health for overall physical wellness.  Where he thinks the hospital system fails patients in supporting mental health concerns.  The importance of being innovative to promote true, lasting, and deep rooted healing. How little things can make a big differenc

84: Increasing Resilience & the Power of Prevention with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng

This week, Joy chats with Melanie Cruikshank, the founder of Toronto-based clean beauty brand dalish Cosmetics whose mother said she was born to wear lipstick and heels. After attending Cosmetology & Aromatology school - the study of Plant & Botanical based Chemistry, she knew she wanted to create nontoxic cosmetics so her customers could feel confident and fabulous. Her mission is to create clean, luxurious beauty products that you feel good about using, that are vegan, easy to apply, feel amazing on, are long lasting, sustainably sourced and come in killer shades.  In this episode Melanie shares her struggles growing up with acne and how she was inspired to create a line of cosmetics that are as accessible as they are clean. She also goes into detail about the foods, habits, and lifestyle tips she follows to support glowing health from the inside out. After listening to this episode you will feel empowered to ditch the toxic cosmetic chemicals and get ready to enhance your beauty, naturally!  If you want to learn more about holistic approaches to skin health, the cosmetics industry, and how to choose the best products for yourself and the planet, then you won’t want to miss this episode! So steep your favourite cup of beauty-boosting tea, settle in, and get ready to be inspired to live a clean beauty lifestyle.    Episode Highlights:  How her childhood anxiety and learning disability impacted her overall health & confidence. Melanie’s struggles with acne and the bullying she encountered. Her magical first experience with makeup and how it became a tool to help her survive her teenage years. Her experience with intense medications to get rid of her acne and how they impacted her body.  The opportunity she received to go back to school for plant-based chemistry.  How that education gave her the ability to recreate her favourite products.  The importance of a holistic approach to whole body health.  How drying products designed for acne can actually make it worse.  Helpful tips to move past skin obsession after a severe skin condition.  Foods that Melanie avoids to support her skin health.  The focus she places on whole, organic foods to nourish her skin from the inside out.  The importance of adapting your routine depending on the phase of your life. How balance in your diet and lifestyle can impact your skin health. How she stops the binge/restrict cycle when it comes to food. Why meal prep is the foundation of her healthy eating plan.  The supplements that Melanie takes for healthy skin.  Why she loves taking mushroom supplements for gut health.  Melanie’s lifestyle approaches to skin health.  The importance of sleep for skin health.  How she manages her stress levels as an entrepreneur.  The importance of strength training for hormonal balance and feeling strong in your life.  The creation of da lish cosmetics.  Why she wanted to create clean cosmetics that were beautiful and functional. Her focus on creat

83: Clean Beauty with Melanie Cruickshank, Founder of dalish Cosmetics

This week, Joy chats with Josh Gitalis, a Clinical Nutritionist who is a recognized expert in the fields of clinical detoxification and therapeutic supplementation. He runs a Toronto-based, private practice, with a worldwide client base. As a leader in his field, Josh teaches Clinical Nutrition for several natural health colleges and is the first Canadian nutritionist to become an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP).   In this episode Josh shares his wealth of knowledge on all things vitamin D from what it is and how it functions in the body to the best ways to incorporate it into your life. You’ll be amazed to learn how this humble nutrient impacts everything from immune function to gut health to bone density! After listening to this episode you’ll have all the knowledge you need to start incorporating safe vitamin D supplementation into your routine. If you’ve been looking to learn more about vitamin D and why we need it for vibrant, happy,  joyous health then you won’t want to miss this episode! So brew a cup of your favourite tea, grab a pen and paper, and get ready for a deep dive on this super nutrient!   Episode Highlights:  What vitamin D is and how it functions in the body.  How our sex hormones are derived from cholesterol.  Every cell in our body has a receptor for vitamin D. How vitamin D tells our cells how to function. Why vitamin D is still classified as a vitamin instead of a hormone.  The top health benefits of vitamin D.  The role of vitamin D in modulating the immune system. How the digestive tract is impacted by vitamin D deficiency.  What is intestinal permeability (or leaky gut) and how it impacts overall health. The impact of vitamin D on bone and tooth health.  The important relationship between vitamin D and calcium. The connection between vitamin D deficiency and mental health.  All about the blood brain barrier and mental health.  How sun exposure creates vitamin D in the body.  How your body multiplies the effectiveness of vitamin D over time. Other major health benefits of sun exposure. A breakdown of the solar spectrum and how it impacts the circadian rhythm. How sunscreen impacts the production of vitamin D.  The best sunscreens to use.  The importance of maintaining appropriate blood levels of vitamin D to prevent certain illnesses.  How to practice safe sun exposure.  Other great sources of vitamin D to use throughout the year.  Why you typically can’t get enough vitamin D from food.  The importance of testing your vitamin D levels, even if you get a lot of sun.  What range you should look for in your blood tests.  The lag time between scientific proof and public policy.  How to test your vitamin D levels in Canada.  How vitamin D status can influence health costs.  Josh and Meghan’s informative website The Vitamin D Hub.  The best form of vitamin D to take for optimal absorption.  Why not everyone needs to supplement with vitamin K. The importance

82: Diving Deep into Vitamin D with Josh Gitalis, Clinical Nutritionist

This week, Joy chats with Desiree Nielsen, ​​a registered dietitian who takes an evidence-based, integrative approach to her dietetics work, with a focus on anti-inflammatory, plant-centred nutrition and digestive health. ​​She is the author of multiple books, including one on anti-inflammatory nutrition called Un-Junk Your Diet, a plant-based cookbook called Eat More Plants: 100 Anti-inflammatory Plant-centred Recipes for Vibrant Living, which became a #1 National Bestseller, and her new cookbook on gut health, Good For Your Gut: A Plant-based Digestive Health Guide and Nourishing Recipes for Living Well. She also hosts the evidence-informed wellness podcast, The Allsorts Podcast, where she interviews leading experts on topics such as gut health, plant-based nutrition, and more. In this episode Desiree shares actionable steps to help reduce bloating and train your digestive tract to enjoy more plant-based foods. Desiree is a wealth of knowledge and the simple, but powerful information she shares will change your gut and your life forever! After listening to this episode you will feel empowered to make small, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle in order to support lasting health.  If you’ve been struggling with digestive health and overwhelmed with conflicting information on how to heal then you won’t want to miss this episode! So grab your favourite cup of tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to heal your gut, naturally.    Episode Highlights:  How Desire’s love of food led her to a career in dietetics.  Desiree’s aha moment of learning how food can impact health. The decision she made to switch from pursuing a medical degree to becoming a dietician.  What plant-based nutrition means to Desiree.   Her focus as a dietician: digestive health, plant-based nutrition, and chronic inflammatory disorders. Why she thinks dieticians can be more specific in their recommendations to empower clients.  Why you should eat 30 different plants a week to nourish your microbiome.  How to incorporate this many plants into your diet. Hint: herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains all count as plants! The role of a healthy microbiome, especially in the ascending colon, for overall health. What are short chain fatty acids and why should you care?  The interaction between gut health, immune health, and nervous system function.  The power of butyrate in improving the inflammatory response.  Why inflammation is a critical immune response.  How short chain fatty acids impact the nervous system.  Why IBS is considered a disorder of gut-brain communication.  How changes in the enteric nervous system may impact our mental wellbeing. Different causes of bloating and what to do about them. The role of psychological stress in altering the function of the digestive system.  How dysregulation in the abdominal wall can impact digestive function.  Why tight pants can cause bloating.  The importance of chewing yo

81: Simple Hacks for a Healthy Gut with Desiree Nielsen, Registered Dietician

This week, Joy chats with Kristi Soomer, ​​the founder and CEO of Encircled, a Canadian-made line of versatile, sustainable clothing that helps women streamline their wardrobes. Encircled was born out of her love of travel and dislike of checking a bag–her first dress was created on the floor of her condo in 2012! Since then she has grown Encircled into a seven-figure business that was named a certified B-corp in 2018. She is committed to meeting high ethical standards in all aspects of her company, from using fabrics that honour the environment to providing good working environments and fair wages to all her employees.    In this episode Kristi discusses how she got into creating comfy, ethical clothing, her journey as an entrepreneur, and the differences between fast and slow fashion. She shares some of the most sustainable fabrics to look for when shopping and which ones should be avoided when possible. After listening to this episode you will feel ready to start asking questions about where your clothes come from so that you can make the healthiest possible choices. If you’ve been looking to learn more about the fashion industry and its impact on your health and the health of the planet then you won’t want to miss this episode! So grab your favourite cup of tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to be inspired to start building your sustainable wardrobe!   Episode Highlights:  How Kristi was inspired to start her slow fashion brand by traveling 100 000km/year! Her transition from a career in consulting to running a slow fashion line, with no previous fashion experience! The importance of testing things, making mistakes, and learning as she went.  How she faced her fear and quit her job to start her own business. Where she found the strength to face her doubts and keep going! The difference between slow fashion and fast fashion brands. What azo dyes are and why we should be concerned about them in fast fashion clothes.  How to tell if your clothes contain these dyes by using Blue Sign or OEKO-Tex certifications. Why certain clothes are sprayed with chemicals prior to shipping overseas. How companies use many chemicals that aren’t regulated and can be disruptive to hormonal health.  The impact of these chemicals on hormonal health.  How to look for ethically produced garments from around the world.  The exploitation of women in the garment supply chain.  How to shop ethically on a budget.  The best way to sustainably shop for kid’s clothing.  Why perfect shouldn’t be the goal and what you should aim for instead.  Documentaries Kristi recommends to learn more about fast fashion & denim.  The importance of learning more to make better choices for clothing.  The most sustainable fabrics Kristi recommends looking for when shopping. Fabrics Kristi recommends avoiding if possible for the health of the planet. Why shopping ethically is a continuum.  The best way to dispose of clothing you no longer wear. 

80: Dirty Secrets of the Fast Fashion Industry with Kristi Soomer, Founder of Encircled

This week, Joy chats with Hannah Sunderani, ​​the creator of the popular blog Two Spoons. Since she was last on the podcast she’s become a mum and authored The Two Spoons Cookbook: More Than 100 French-Inspired Vegan Recipes. She is an editor at the feedfeed, a contributor to Best of Vegan, and a recipe contributor to THRIVE and One Green Planet. Her recipes have also been featured in numerous magazines including Better Homes and Gardens, Simply Gluten-Free, VegNews, House & Home, and Hello! Fashion UK. To say she knows good food is the understatement of the year! In this episode Hannah discusses her journey with infertility and what life is like with a ten month old as she runs her own business. She also dives deep into the creation process behind her new cookbook and shares her passion for simple, delicious food and sharing it with friends and family. After listening to this episode you will feel inspired to get in the kitchen to create meals the whole family will love.   If you’ve been looking for an honest representation of infertility, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the pure joy of delicious food then you won’t want to miss this episode! So grab your favourite  cup of iced tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to be inspired to take your plant-based cooking to new culinary heights!   Episode Highlights:  Why she and her husband decided to move back to Canada to start their family.  The mental health struggles that accompanied Hannah’s fertility journey. The creative, healing process of writing her cookbook… and then finding out she was pregnant! The community connection that comes from sharing your truth.  Her experience with IVF and how her husband supported her journey.  Hannah’s suggestions for supporting the body during fertility treatments.  How trying so hard to get pregnant can be counterproductive.  The importance of focusing on mental health so the health of the body can follow. Why she loves nature walks.  How she juggles raising an infant while launching a cookbook. The importance of having a village to help raise your family.  The importance of asking for help when you need it.  Why new moms need time to themselves for their mental health. How Hannah researched her cookbook while living in France. Hannah’s experience watching the vegan scene blow up in France during the 4 years she lived there.  How her food memories inspired the recipes in the Two Spoons Cookbook.  How she learned from her local vendors at farmer’s markets to diversify her cooking. The weave of traditional and modern French cooking in the recipes Hannah created. Hannah’s favourite recipes from her cookbook.  Her 10-month old son, Oliver’s, favourite recipes from her cookbook. Her experience with baby led weaning and why it wasn’t the best method for her family. The importance of not placing expectations on what your baby’s food journey looks like.  Why you don’t have to create separate me

79: Navigating Infertility, Motherhood, & Entrepreneurship with Hannah Sunderani, Cookbook Author

This week, Joy and Walker chat with Stewart Brown, founder of the amazing, research-backed supplement company Genuine Health. He has been in the natural health and supplement industry since he was 16 years old and cannot imagine anything more important that he could have dedicated his life's work to. He knows his company has the opportunity to change people’s lives every day, and he takes that responsibility very seriously. He is passionate about looking at the latest research in nutritional science to drive innovation in their products so that you can live a life of vibrancy and vitality! In this episode Stewart discusses how he got started working in the natural health field and how that led him to open his own health food store in the mid 80s in the heart of the LGBT community in Toronto. Shortly after, the HIV crisis hit and his store, Supplements Plus, was in the heart of the epidemic. You’ll learn how this experience eventually led to the creation of Genuine Health and his passion for educating people on the simple pillars of wellness that create a foundation for lasting health. After listening to this episode you will feel inspired to make small, lasting changes so you can live your healthiest and happiest life! If you’ve been looking to kickstart your own healthy habits and incorporate more nutrient density into your diet, you won’t want to miss this episode! So grab your favourite  cup of iced tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to learn how to thrive!   Episode Highlights:  Stewart’s introduction to natural health and how he got interested in this field as a teen.  How the industry has evolved in the last 40 years.  The issues he had navigating the traditional healthcare system as a teenager.  How the world of natural health helped him discover the root cause of his health issues.  The importance of treating the root cause of your issues and not the symptoms to achieve optimal health. Stewart’s experience running a health food store in the LGBT community in the 80s during the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  How his store became a refuge for the community at this time.  His experience working with the AIDS Committee of Toronto. The importance of being educated on the supplements and products you use to get the results you are looking for.   What inspired him to create a line of products that make a difference in people’s health.  Stewart’s absolute favourite part of the natural health industry.  The interesting history and development of greens+ How sugar can impact mood.  Why we need to build a strong foundation of nutrition, movement, and love for health.  The importance of simplifying, not complicating, our approach to health.  How Stewart transitioned from health food store owner to developing and selling supplements.  The research done at U of T behind why greens+ makes people feel so amazing.  How the polyphenols in greens+ help with bone growth.  The importance of eating the rainbow.

78: A Simplified Approach to Natural Health with Stewart Brown, Founder of Genuine Health

This week, Joy chats with Abby Lai, who became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist after suffering from eczema that was so severe her doctors said it was the worst that they had ever seen. Since she discovered a holistic approach to health, she has become passionate about helping people overcome eczema, naturally. She is the host of The Eczema Podcast, which has helped eczema sufferers around the world with over 100,000 listens and 500,000 views on YouTube. She is also the founder of Conqueror Skincare, which is an all natural product line to help eczema and dry skin. In this episode Abby discusses her experience with conventional eczema treatments and how she came to discover a more natural, whole body approach to overcoming her condition. She is a wealth of knowledge on all things eczema and shares how our environment, thoughts, diet, lifestyle, gut health, and digestion can all impact the health of our skin. After listening to her speak, you will be filled with hope for an eczema-free future! If you’ve been struggling with dry, inflamed, or eczema-prone skin, you won’t want to miss this episode! Abby shares tons of actionable tips on everything from food triggers to lifestyle shifts that you can start exploring today. So grab your favourite anti-inflammatory tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to learn to support your skin health from the inside out!   Episode Highlights:  Abby’s journey with eczema from infancy.  The toll that being 90-95% covered in rashes took on her mental health and self-esteem.  The frustration she felt by being told her skin would never heal.  How the environment or emotions can impact your skin health.  What inspired her to explore a more natural treatment program for her skin.  The connection between eczema & mental health issues such as depression. What is topical steroid withdrawal?  The connection between the microbiome, mental health, and skin health.  How severe eczema can impact your social and personal life.  Her experience with allopathic eczema and allergy treatments.  Some of the side effects she still experiences from her steroid medications.  The turning point that sent her down the path to a more holistic approach to eczema care. How she discovered the connection between diet and skin health.  The triggering foods she eliminated to start seeing skin healing results.  How she balanced her body to experience more food freedom, without causing an eczema flare.  The power of healing the gut and balancing the microbiome to support skin health.  The top food triggers people with eczema should avoid as they’re healing.  How poor fat digestion can cause skin flares. The importance of liver health when it comes to eczema healing.  How getting to the root cause helps clients with multiple skin issues.  Other less well-known triggers for eczema!  The surprising link between dental infections and eczema.  How antibiotics can impact skin health and what you can do to prevent

77: A Holistic Approach to Overcoming Eczema with Abby Lai, Nutritionist

This week, Joy and Walker chat with Meghan Telpner, a Toronto-based author, speaker, nutritionist, and founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. She’s written two bestselling books: UnDiet: Eat Your Way to Vibrant Health and The UnDiet Cookbook. Meghan’s success in cultivating a global community of UnDiet enthusiasts and Culinary Nutrition Experts has garnered her a feature in Forbes, and ranked her as one of the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada.  In this episode Meghan discusses the big changes she’s recently made in her career and the new direction in which she’s being called to serve. This exciting change includes sharing information on coherence practices, what they are, and how you can use them in your life to create more confidence, trust, and courage in making the best decisions for you and your family. After hearing Meghan speak you’ll be ready to get still and reconnect with your truest sense of self.  If you’re looking for actionable steps to help you find stillness, clear your mental clutter, and reconnect with your intuition, you won’t want to miss a moment of this chat! Meghan clearly and simply explains exactly how to start your own coherence practice, today! So grab your favourite soothing tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to tap into your intuitive power!   Episode Highlights:  Meghan’s health journey and how it inspired her to learn about nutrition.  Her journey learning how to cook- from canned pasta sauce to the creation of her own cooking school, the Academy of Culinary Nutrition! How she continues to teach at the edge of her knowledge in order to create the change she wants to see in the world.  The importance of understanding that what we need today may not be what we need tomorrow and being open to growing and changing.  The big changes Meghan is making to her career and how she came to those decisions.  The role her intuition played in her decision making process. What intuition can look like for different people.  The difference between expansive and contractive thoughts.  Her advice for people struggling to find the courage to listen to their intuition.  The importance of removing distraction to move towards wholeness. The connection between connecting with who you are at your core and the courage to follow your intuition.  The power of finding stillness and quiet (and how to do it!) to connect with the truest version of yourself.  What is the flow state and how it relates to your sense of self.  How to clear the “clutter” in your life to find out who you really are. How to become a co-creator in the most magical life you can imagine.  How to facilitate becoming more intuitive in as little as 5 minutes a day.  Why finding the balance between pragmatism and intuition is key for finding harmony in your life.  Her new programs that include movement and coherence practices, designed to help people activate their creative mind.  How coherence practices can help cre

76: Getting Quiet & Tuning Into Your Intuition with Meghan Telpner

This week, Joy chats with Meg De Jong, a holistic nutritionist whose areas of expertise include nutrition for anxiety and gut health. Her deepest desire is to support people in truly thriving in their bodies and minds. She teaches her clients to eat in a more self loving way that helps them feel grounded, calm, and nourished, while addressing underlying health imbalances that can worsen anxiety. Meg went through many of her own health challenges, which led to her work ensuring that fewer people are left confused and struggling like she once was.  In this episode she discusses factors that increase your risk of developing anxiety, how hormones impact mental health, and the foods and nutrients you can incorporate to support your body and mind. She highlights the importance of being gentle with yourself and pursuing a balanced approach to managing your anxiety that includes body-loving lifestyle tips. After hearing Meg speak you will be filled with hope and optimism for an anxiety-free future!  If you struggle with anxiety, you won’t want to miss a moment of this chat. This episode is packed with gentle, but actionable tips that you can start incorporating straight away to nourish your body and feed your soul to support optimal mental health. Grab your favourite cup of nervous-system soothing tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to learn how to thrive!   Episode Highlights:  Why learning nutritional tips to manage anxiety are more important than ever. Why it’s important to approach managing anxiety in different ways.  Meg’s health journey, which included an eating disorder, OCD, and anxiety.  Her experience with medication and the path she took to support her body.  How Cognitive Behaviour Therapy played a crucial role in her healing journey.  Why coffee can be a trigger for anxiety and why you shouldn’t quit cold turkey. What factors can put you at an increased risk of developing anxiety.  The connection between IBS and anxiety.  How your hormones can contribute to anxiety.  Why women are twice as likely to develop anxiety over men.  The role of the gut/brain axis and why it matters.  Foods that can make anxiety symptoms worse. What the Standard American Diet is and why it doesn’t support mental health.   How the microbiome can impact neurotransmitter production.  The connection between gut inflammation and brain inflammation in mental health.  The role of undiagnosed food allergies (such as gluten, dairy, etc.) in contributing to anxiety.  How removing alcohol when you’re struggling with acute anxiety can improve your mood and gut health.  Why elimination diets are so helpful for determining food allergies.  How she encourages her clients to mindfully pay attention to labels and food additives to discover links between food and mood.  The power of intuition combined with working with a practitioner when figuring out triggers.  How nutrition school helped her make peace with food and her body.  How she

75: A Gentle, Balanced Approach to Managing Anxiety with Meg De Jong, Holistic Nutritionist

This week, Joy and Walker chat with Bryce Wylde, one of Canada's leading alternative health experts, Bryce is a highly knowledgeable and respected natural healthcare practitioner whose specialty is homeopathy, clinical nutrition, supplementation, and botanical medicine and whose focus is rooted within functional medicine. He’s been a guest expert on Cityline, The Marilyn Dennis Show, and Dr. Oz where he’s shared his knowledge on genetics and immunity for optimal health.  In this episode Bryce discusses the importance of figuring out your unique genetic predispositions and supporting your optimal health with evidence-based supplements and lifestyle habits. He dives deep into the power we have to turn certain genes off or on in order to promote optimal health for a long lifespan. After listening to this episode you’ll be empowered to take control of your health by balancing your immune function and lowering chronic inflammation through personalized health hacks.  If you’re ready to nerd out on genetics, superfoods, powerful supplements, and other natural health hacks then you won’t want to miss this episode. Grab your favourite cup of green tea, settle in with your notebook, and get ready to learn how to best support your personalized optimal health!    Episode Highlights:  How Bryce got started in television and shared his natural health knowledge with the audience.  The importance of theanine for brain health and function and what form is best.  Why the form of ingredient in your supplement matters more than the brand name.  Why drinking green tea alone may not be enough to get you to the clinical dose for theanine’s therapeutic effects.  How theanine counteracts the effects of caffeine to prevent the jitters.  The new meditation device that can help safely stimulate alpha waves in minutes.  Why we should be incorporating medicinal mushrooms into our diets.  How your genes impact your metabolism of compounds like caffeine.  Bryce’s perspective on the pros and cons of genetic companies like 23 and Me. The difference between association and causation when it comes to how genes impact health.  How different gene variations can impact the way they’re expressed in your life.  The importance of not considering genetic predisposition as the final say in whether you will or won’t develop a certain disease or condition. The empowering knowledge that you can change the expression of your genes through diet and lifestyle habits.  The impact of estrogen dominance and the simple lifestyle change that helps manage symptoms.  The role of methylation in health and how you can support it with the right nutrients.   The most common health concern he sees in his practice.  How he uses herbs and nutraceuticals to support immune health in his clients.  The importance of regulating, not just boosting, immune function.  The role of inflammation in chronic health conditions.  The difference between the innate and adaptive immune s

74: Hacking Your Way to Optimal Health with Bryce Wylde, Natural Health Expert

This week, Joy and Walker chat with Rachel Molenda, a Mindset and Life Coach who specializes in supporting women in transforming the limiting beliefs that are keeping them stuck so they can step into the life they desire. She used this work to radically transform her own life and is passionate about supporting women on their growth journey. Her process can help shift beliefs around money, readiness, your body, and beyond so you can step into the juicy life you deserve. She is also the host of the award-winning Fill Your Cup Podcast where people can get advice on how to live their most authentic lives.  In this episode Rachel discusses the importance of uncovering and addressing our subconscious beliefs and rewriting the “script” playing in the background so that you can find what’s holding you back from stepping into your dream life. She explains that we live 95% of our lives from our subconscious mind and through cultivating awareness and action, we can change the beliefs that guide our thoughts, feelings, and actions for the better.  If you feel stuck in your current situation and are looking for guidance on how to take the next scary step forward, you won’t want to miss this episode. Grab your favourite cup of tea, settle in with your notebook, and prepare to be inspired!    Episode Highlights:  Rachel’s shift from an intuitive eating focus to supporting her clients through mindset coaching. How mindset work has influenced her own life.  How she helps herself and others get over their own self-doubt.  Why readiness is a lie and you should learn to work with the fear you feel.  How to connect to your passion and let that drive your action.  How trusting and surrendering to your intuition is an antidote to perfectionism.  Why being an entrepreneur forces you to look at your “stuff” to move forward.  How Rachel stepped into her bravery to create the life she was meant for.  Tips to decipher between feelings and gut instincts to help you make decisions.  Why connecting with your higher self can help you connect with your intuition Why many of the limiting beliefs you may have aren’t universally true.  The connection between childhood experiences and limiting beliefs as adults. The difference between little “t” trauma and big “T” Trauma.  Why it’s important to do the work and explore where your beliefs come from to move forward.  How childhood experiences help form our subconscious mind.  The importance of challenging the beliefs that come up in our minds to see if they’re serving us or not.  The tools Rachel uses to help her clients navigate those thoughts. Figuring out who you would be without certain thoughts driving your behaviour.  How creating your environment can make it easier to consciously choose new thoughts.  Why limiting beliefs don’t always have to come from a negative experience.  How we live most of our lives from our subconscious mind.  How using our conscious mind 5% of the time c

73: Step Into Your Dream Life with Rachel Molenda, Mindset Coach

This week, Joy chats with Dr. Ellen Vora, a holistic psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health by considering the whole person and addressing bodily imbalances at their root. Dr. Vora received a B.A. from Yale University, an M.D. from Columbia University, and is board-certified in psychiatry and integrative holistic medicine. She is the author of the new bestseller, The Anatomy of Anxiety and she’s here to share her evidence-based approach to holistic mental health.  In this episode Dr. Vora discusses the root causes of anxiety and the variety of holistic tools she uses to support her patients. Her approach looks at the whole person and all the dietary and lifestyle tools they can use to not just alleviate symptoms, but truly heal on a deep level. She discusses the difference between “true” and “false” anxiety and the empowering knowledge that these “false” anxieties are relatively easy to correct based on her recommendations.  If you struggle with anxiety, you won’t want to miss Dr. Vora’s grounded and gentle approach to healing. This episode is packed with actionable steps you can start incorporating straight away to nourish your body and soothe your nervous system. So settle in with a pen and paper because you won’t want to miss a single one of her powerful recommendations!   Episode Highlights:   Dr. Vora’s transition from strictly allopathic medicine to a more holistic approach.  How her health journey led her down this path to integrative medicine.  Dr. Vora’shealth struggles with low mood, anxiety, migraines, PCOS, rashes, and digestive issues.  The importance of our environment on our health. Why mental health is never just the physical OR the psychologica, but bothl.  How changing your physical inputs can impact your mental health. How Dr. Vora incorporates TCM, Ayurveda, acupuncture & yoga in her treatment of anxiety.  The power of being heard by your practitioner on your healing journey. The role of intuition in Dr. Vora’s practice and the journey she took to trust herself.  Dr. Vora’s top tip to help you tap into your intuition.  The important difference between intuition, fear, and future-tripping.  What Dr. Vora means when she describes “false” anxiety.  How the stress response impacts the brain.  The physical causes of false anxiety, including blood sugar imbalance. How to tell the difference between true and false anxiety.  Why it’s important to connect with, and act on, our true anxiety.  How Dr. Vora differentiates between true and false anxiety in her practice.  How dealing with false anxiety provides a grounded foundation to deal with true anxiety. The importance of a softer approach to nutrition and mental health.  Actionable steps for dealing with false anxiety.  The importance of sleep when starting your mental health healing journey.  How to get a better night’s sleep by supporting the circadian rhythm

72: A Holistic Approach to Healing Anxiety with Dr. Ellen Vora

This week, Joy chats with Sisley, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Acne Coach and Health & Wellness Blogger. She is based in Vancouver, Canada and takes advantage of all the city has to offer to support wellness. Sisley helps women clear their acne naturally through holistic nutrition, skincare, supplementation, lifestyle and mindset. She is the founder of the health and wellness blog, The Pure Life, and has organized and hosted workshops, retreats and group programs for women from around the world. In this episode Sisley discusses the root cause of acne including the role of digestive health and environmental triggers and even healthy foods that can trigger a breakout! Joy and Sisley share so much wisdom about how to prevent breakouts, treat acute flare ups, and live a balanced life free of the food fear that so many people with acne experience.  If you’ve been struggling with breakouts or acne and are looking for clear, actionable steps you can take to support healthy skin, you won’t want to miss this episode. Sisley’s approach to nutrition and skin health is realistic and grounded in research and experience. So settle in with a glass of this  gut-loving Golden Elixir and your pen and paper because you won’t want to miss a single skin-loving tip!   Episode Highlights:  The health journey that inspired her to become an acne-focused nutritionist.  How she followed her intuition when all her test results came back inconclusive.  How her life changed forever after going to nutrition school.  The steps she took to heal her digestive issues.  What androgen hormones are and how they can impact acne development. What role a healthy gut plays in the prevention of acne.  Why most people struggle with gut health. The power of the microbiome in managing acne and mental health. The role of the microbiome in estrogen metabolism. The importance of hormonal detoxification after taking the birth control pill. Why having a BM 1-3 times a day is key to optimal health.  What your breakout locations can tell you about your acne triggers.  Her best tips to support digestive health. Why it’s important to think about HOW we’re eating, not just what we’re eating.  The changes you can make to your diet after you heal your gut.  Why patience is important when healing your digestion.  The different types of casein found in dairy and why that matters. Better alternatives to cow dairy if you have acne.  The top 3 most common food triggers for acne How sugar impacts the gut microbiome and cravings.  The connection between blood sugar balance and acne.  Sisley’s recommendations for banishing sugar cravings. Why a protein-rich breakfast is the key to blood sugar balance.  What to look for in an acne-friendly protein powder.  Why maca may not be the best superfood for acne-prone skin. What healthy foods can trigger acne breakouts. The psychological impact of acne.  The #1 thing she suggests you start TODAY for healthy skin.  What happens

71: Supporting Gut Health for Clear Skin with Sisley Killam, Acne Nutritionist

This week, Joy and Walker chat with Tonya Papanikolov, Holistic Nutritionist, educator, founder and CEO of Rainbo, a Canadian medicinal mushroom company. She is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, holds a Bachelor of Nutrition and Nutraceutical Sciences from the University of Guelph and is a certified Reiki and Kundalini practitioner. She believes that radiance starts on the inside by eating whole plant foods and learning to interpret and listen to the wisdom of your body.    In this episode Tonya discusses the connection she has with nourishing foods and her self-care rituals to inspire others so they can experience health and vitality. A major part of her healing journey included medicinal mushrooms and her passion for their healing power led her to create her own mushroom company in 2018. Her knowledge on the interconnection between fungi and health is sure to empower you! If you’ve been hearing a lot about “adaptogens” and “functional” or “medicinal” mushrooms, but aren’t quite sure what that means or how they work, then you won’t want to miss this episode. Tonya shares the history and magical healing powers of medicinal mushrooms in a fun, approachable, and inspiring way that will have you ready to discover your very own spirit mushroom!   Episode Highlights:  Tonya’s morning practice that helps her start the day feeling grounded and alert. How she transitioned from a night owl to an early bird! The power of ritual for creating lasting health changes.  The practices Tonya used to heal her illness from mold in her home. How she coped with living in an environment that was making her sick.  The importance of trusting your body’s healing powers.  The magical encounter where Tonya first fell in love with mushrooms.   Her first hand experience with the miraculous healing magic of mushrooms. How she felt called to create her mushroom company, Rainbo. The beautiful benefits of reishi mushrooms. The history of magical, medicinal mushrooms in human civilization.  Why Tonya wants to educate and change the narrative around the power of mushrooms.  The unique, combustible mushroom you’ve never heard of! Tonya breaks down adaptogens and how they work in the body. The connection between mushrooms and adaptogens. Best mushrooms to support the nervous system: cordyceps and reishi  Tonya’s favourite spirit mushroom! The immune modulating powers of medicinal mushrooms.  Lion’s Mane and the compounds it contains for neuroprotection & focus! The importance of using mushrooms long term for optimal benefits.  What inspired Tonya to start her own mushroom company.  Her advice to entrepreneurs just getting started.  The story of her entrepreneurial journey.  Her best-selling functional mushroom products. The best process to access the nutrients inside mushrooms.  How to choose the right medicinal mushroom for your needs. The king and queen of medicinal mushrooms.  The unique difference between fungi a

The Joyous Health Podcast

The Joyous Health Podcast

Get Started

Download the App