#424 How the Body Holds Fear, Pain and Overwhelm and How to Heal It with Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH

Send us a textThis week on the Less Stressed Life, we’re unpacking The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimie Apigian to reveal how your cells, not just your mind, hold stress and why your body can’t heal when it doesn’t feel safe.Dr. Aimie shares her personal crash-and-rebuild story and explains how stress becomes biology through the “cell danger response.” We talk about high achiever burnout, unconscious stress, and simple ways to create a sense of safety so your body can finally repair.If you’ve ever pushed through exhaustion or wondered why your symptoms linger even after doing everything right, this episode gives you language, awareness, and practical tools to help your body exhale.📖Check out Dr. Aimie's book here: https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/bookKEY TAKEAWAYS: • Stress grows you; trauma overwhelms you • The cell danger response is your body’s emergency brake • You can’t outthink a body that doesn’t feel safe • Healing happens in layers, not all at once • Start by microdosing safety—breathe, feel, softenABOUT GUEST:Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, revolutionizes trauma healing by revealing how our cells—not just our minds—store trauma. Her book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she developed an integrative science-based sequence for the healing journey. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, proving that repairing trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology is possible.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://biologyoftrauma.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draimie/Podcast: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAimieApigianWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!I’m opening up applications for a 90 Day high touch mentorship that will run Nov 1- Jan 31 for online 1:1 service providers. If you’re ready for mentorship that’s both strategic and supportive, apply here → christabiegler.com/mentorship

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Sign up for Brad’s FREE 5-Day Success Accelerator Mindset Challenge starting October 20, 2025 👉 http://www.bradbizjack.com/a/2148154906/pQP36qLFThis week on the Less Stressed Life, we’re reframing the grind. Mindset strategist Brad Bizjack joins me to explore why “I’ll be happy when” keeps high achievers stuck and how to set your emotional thermostat, choose a more resourceful state for the next room, and create success without sacrificing fulfillment.We dig into the difference between pain and suffering, a simple body breath focus recipe to shift emotions fast, how to trade attachment and perfection for purpose and detachment, and why moving from away-from motivation to a toward-purpose fuel source changes everything.If you’ve ever tied your worth to productivity, kept pushing the goalpost, or felt anxious even when things are going right, this conversation offers clear language, practical tools, and real-life examples you can use today.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Choose the most resourceful state for the next room • Thermostat over thermometer: reset your emotional home • Shift state with body, breath, and focus • Trade expectations for appreciation to regain power • Detachment means supporting the dream without letting it own you • Perfection is the lowest standard and guarantees pain • Self-sabotage is often a drive for safety; create safe evidence for growth🚨Join Brad’s free Success Accelerator 5-Day Mindset Challenge starting October 20, 2025 to experience his tools in real time: http://www.bradbizjack.com/a/2148154906/pQP36qLFABOUT GUEST:Brad Bizjack is a personal development expert and master mindset strategist who has helped over 75,000 people in more than 40 countries rewire how they think, feel, and live. As the CEO of a multi seven figure transformational coaching company, his work focuses on helping people break limiting beliefs, rewrite their stories, and create extraordinary success with lasting fulfillment. When he’s not speaking or coaching, Brad is husband to Janiece, dad to Lily, and happiest on the lake with his family.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.bradbizjack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradbizjack/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!I’m opening up applications for a 90 Day high touch mentorship that will run Nov 1- Jan 31 for online 1:1 service providers. If you’re ready for mentorship that’s both strategic and supportive, apply here → christabiegler.com/mentorship

Send us a textThis week on the Less Stressed Life, we’re talking vision, mitochondria, and light with ophthalmologist and UCL researcher Glen Jeffery. We explore why the retina is so energy hungry and how simple exposure to long wavelength light and even plain incandescent lighting can measurably support aging eyes.We dig into wavelength and dose, why morning timing matters most, what makes incandescent bulbs uniquely powerful, and practical ways to protect your eyes from modern indoor lighting.If you’ve ever battled screen related eye strain, worried about declining vision, or felt lost in the red light maze, this conversation brings clarity and simple next steps.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Morning light best activates mitochondria and supports eye health • Just three minutes of red or long wavelength light can boost color vision • Benefits fade after about five days without continued exposure • Incandescent bulbs outperform LEDs for vision and energy support • Blue light and LEDs can drain mitochondrial function • Avoid lasers; low intensity LEDs or sunlight are safest • Daily natural light is the simplest, most effective therapyABOUT GUEST:Dr. Glen Jeffery is a Professor of Neuroscience at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. His research focuses on how aging and light exposure affect the retina and mitochondrial function. He has pioneered studies showing how specific wavelengths of light, including red and infrared, can improve visual performance and support healthy aging of the eye. His work bridges neuroscience, ophthalmology, and environmental health, emphasizing practical, light-based approaches to protect and restore vision. WHERE TO FIND: Email:  [email protected] TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!

Send us a textThis week on the Less Stressed Life, we’re unpacking the messy, confusing, and sometimes stressful world of feeding little ones. Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, a speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, joins me to talk about starting solids, baby led weaning, gagging, picky eating, and how to build a healthy relationship with food from the very beginning.We dig into the myths and realities of baby led weaning, why purees still matter, how to approach picky eating without shame, and the surprising role of sensory exploration and language in shaping food preferences.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing it right” when it comes to starting solids or worried about picky eating, this conversation brings both clarity and practical next steps.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • A flexible combo of baby led weaning and purees works best • Early chewing reduces picky eating risk • Gagging is normal and part of learning • Neutral language builds healthier food associations • Whole food swaps help ease away from constant snackingABOUT GUEST:Jordyn Koveleski Gorman is a licensed speech-language pathologist, feeding specialist, and the founder of Eat Play Say, an online resource hub for parents who want clear, expert-backed answers about speech, feeding, and play development. With nearly a decade of clinical experience, Jordyn leads a team of pediatric specialists serving over 700,000 followers and a community of parents around the world. Eat Play Say has collaborated with companies like Lalo, ByHeart, Primally Pure, and Little Spoon, and continues to expand its offerings, from digital playbooks and developmental handbooks to consultations. As a mom of two, she knows what it’s like to Google everything, and created Eat Play Say so you don’t have to.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.eatplaysay.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatplaysay WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, we’re digging into a bold reframe of cancer: it’s not just about the tumor, it’s about the terrain. Dr. Nasha Winters and I explore how nervous system state, mitochondrial health, oxygen, light, and circadian rhythm shape resilience and healing. We talk about why standard treatments often fall flat without nervous system regulation, how modern inputs overload our mitochondria, and the simple daily habits that create measurable shifts in terrain.If you’ve ever wondered why some therapies don’t stick—or how breathwork, fasting, light, and minerals could matter just as much as labs and scans—this conversation connects the dots.Find both Dr. Nasha's education courses & books here: https://drnasha.com/books-and-educationKEY TAKEAWAYS:Your nervous system is step zero—nothing works if you’re stuck in fight-or-flightMitochondria are the hub of terrain and energy productionOxygen and breathwork are underrated tools in prevention and recoveryDaily rhythm matters: sunrise/sunset light, post-meal walks, and overnight fastingSome “healthy” supplements (iron, calcium, glutathione, methyl donors) can fuel cancer if misusedTiming is everything—especially with red light therapyABOUT GUEST: Dr. Nasha Winters is a global leader in integrative oncology and the author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer. With decades of experience, she bridges conventional care with metabolic and complementary therapies while making complex science feel accessible and empowering. Her passion lies in helping people understand their bodies, build resilience, and embrace new possibilities for healing. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://drnasha.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnashawinters/Practitioner Directory: https://www.mtih.org/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, Tracy Goodwin joins me to talk about the Psychology of the Voice and how our subconscious experiences shape the way we sound. We dig into the seven layers of sound she hears in every voice, the “voice masks” that hide our authenticity, and the five wounds that often cause us to hold back or be misunderstood. Tracy shares how uncovering your real voice can dramatically change connection, confidence, and even business results.If you’ve ever felt like your voice didn’t fully represent who you are — or noticed people misinterpret you despite your best intentions — this conversation will help you understand the deeper psychology behind your voice and how to reveal the truest version of yourself.Take Tracy's quiz on how to unmask your unique voice personality: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/621a5513edca630018200027KEY TAKEAWAYS:Your voice is shaped by subconscious “stories” created from early life experiences.Six of the seven layers of sound are protective masks; only the seventh is your authentic voice.Voice masks like “the cheerleader” or “the people pleaser” block connection and authenticity.The five core wounds — judgment, rejection, abandonment, belonging, and worthiness — are at the root of how we sound.Revealing your authentic voice improves relationships, influence, and trust.ABOUT GUEST:Voice researcher and coach Tracy Goodwin, owner of Captivate the Room and creator of Psychology of the Voice® has taught thousands of celebrities, professionals, and entrepreneurs to transform their voices from the inside out with her unique approach, which gets to the core of a person’s internal voice psychology and external sounds that are repelling, misrepresenting, and costing them 30-90% in impact, influence and revenue. Tracy makes the invisible visible to next-level your relationships, business and overall success. She’s the host of an award-winning podcast and a highly sought after speaker around the globe.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://captivatetheroom.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captivatetheroom WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at I’m opening up applications for a 90 Day high touch mentorship that will run Nov 1- Jan 31 for online 1:1 service providers. If you’re ready for mentorship that’s both strategic and supportive, apply here → christabiegler.com/mentorship

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, JM DeBord joins me to talk about decoding dreams, what they really mean, why they matter, and how they can guide us toward more awareness in our waking life. We dig into why violent or embarrassing dreams are not what they seem, why exes keep showing up, what it means when you smell things in dreams, and how dream journaling can be the “eighth habit” of highly effective people.If you have ever woken up from a dream wondering “what the heck was that,” this conversation will help you understand the patterns, symbols, and stories your night brain is trying to tell you.Find JM DeBord's new book, The Science of Paranormal here: https://jmdebord.com/KEY TAKEAWAYSDreams are stories told in symbols, not literal predictionsViolent dreams often point to boundaries or inner conflict, not hidden violenceEx dreams usually highlight patterns or feelings in current relationshipsSmells in dreams can reinforce the message of the story such as flowers, sewage, or foodJournaling dreams improves recall and helps you recognize repeating themesABOUT GUEST: JM DeBord, known online as “RadOwl,” is the author of several books on dreams, including the bestselling Dream Interpretation Dictionary. As moderator of Reddit’s r/Dreams forum, he has helped thousands make sense of their dream life with a blend of Jungian psychology and practical insight. Through his website Dreams123.com, courses, and trainings, JM makes dream interpretation accessible, showing how our night stories can guide healing, growth, and self-understanding. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://jmdebord.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interpretdreams Website: https://www.dreamschool.net/ WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!I’m opening up applications for a 90 Day high touch mentorship that will run Nov 1- Jan 31 for online 1:1 service providers. If you’re ready for mentorship that’s both strategic and supportive, apply here → christabiegler.com/mentorship

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, Amy Rawls joins me to talk about why you are not what you eat, but what you digest, assimilate, and eliminate. We dig into the difference between digestive enzymes taken with meals and systemic enzymes taken away from food, how enzyme capacity develops in babies, and why so many gut and skin issues trace back to poor digestion.If you have struggled with food sensitivities, skin flares, or supplements that do not seem to work, this conversation will help you understand how enzymes can make all the difference.Enjoy 10% off Transformation Enzymes as a podcast listener by using code LESSSTRESSEDKEY TAKEAWAYSWhy digestion, not food alone, drives symptomsHow enzymes decline under stressThe role of digestive versus systemic enzymesWhy infant enzyme capacity explains early skin and gut flaresFood sensitivities are often a digestion problem, not a food problemABOUT GUEST: Amy Rawls, MS, RD, LD, FMNS, CGN is a registered dietitian specializing in integrative and functional nutrition with a focus on root cause healing and mind-body optimization. She serves as Director of Clinical Services and Education at Transformation Enzyme Corporation, where she leads practitioner education, clinical support, and research on enzyme therapy. Amy has presented nationally and internationally on the role of nutrition and enzymes in supporting whole-body health. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.transformationenzymes.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enzymeamy/Email Amy: [email protected] Education: https://www.mycliniciantoolbox.com/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!I’m opening up applications for a 90 Day high touch mentorship that will run Nov 1- Jan 31 for online 1:1 service providers. If you’re ready for mentorship that’s both strategic and supportive, apply here → christabiegler.com/mentorship

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m talking about relapse and why skin often flares after illness, food poisoning, antibiotics, or stressful events. Instead of viewing relapse as failure, I want you to see it as feedback and your body’s way of asking for deeper support.I share a case study of a child whose skin cleared beautifully, only to flare again after back-to-back viruses and stress, and connect it to common patterns I see in practice. You will learn the physiological reasons relapse happens and how to respond strategically so you can support resilience instead of feeling defeated.If you have ever felt frustrated by flare-ups that seem to undo your progress, this episode will help you understand why it happens and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.KEY TAKEAWAYS • Why skin flares are common after colds, food poisoning, or antibiotics • How immune “soldiers” and gut health play a role in relapse • The way stress impacts digestion, nutrient status, and flare frequency • Why relapse is never failure but feedback from your body • Practical strategies to support resilience including probiotics, bitters, and immunoglobulins🗓️Book a Case Audit with Christa: https://www.christabiegler.com/momentum❓Question for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeLeave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the rest

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, Alison Marras, NTP joins me to share her story of putting Hashimoto’s, PCOS, and IBS into remission—twice. After years of being dismissed by doctors, Alison discovered the power of nutrition, root-cause healing, and nervous system support. While the Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) diet helped her in the short term, Alison learned that restrictive eating wasn’t the end goal—addressing gut health, environment, and emotional resilience was.In this episode, we explore what it really takes to move beyond elimination diets, how mold exposure triggered her second Hashimoto’s flare, and why nervous system health is as important as diet in healing autoimmunity.If you’ve ever felt stuck on the elimination diet rollercoaster, worried about food sensitivities, or wondered how to actually achieve lasting remission, this conversation will help you see what’s possible.KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy AIP can be a helpful tool—but not a long-term solutionAlison’s journey through misdiagnosis, Hashimoto’s, and finding the right supportHow mold exposure triggered her second autoimmune flareThe critical role of the nervous system in calming immune reactivityPractical steps to reintroduce foods and build resilience with autoimmunityABOUT GUEST: Alison Marras, NTP, is a holistic nutritionist, gut health expert, and author of The Paleo Gut Healing Cookbook. After overcoming Hashimoto’s, PCOS, and IBS herself, she now helps women heal digestive symptoms without restrictive elimination diets. Through her In Tune Method, Alison empowers clients to reintroduce foods, reduce inflammation, and create lasting gut health with more ease and joy. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://foodbymars.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodbymars/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!