Beyond Hot Flashes: Navigating Menopause with Knowledge, Confidence & Whole-Body Care | Dr. Neelima Deshpande

The body is constantly communicating. Signals move between cells, helping coordinate growth, repair, metabolism, and countless processes that sustain life. Peptides are part of that communication, and they’ve become the focus of a rapidly expanding conversation about recovery, performance, and longevity.But as public interest grows, so does the challenge of understanding what’s supported by research, what remains experimental, and what’s being amplified by marketing.In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Dr. Jeff Gross, a neurological surgeon and founder of ReCELLebrate, for an accessible conversation about therapeutic peptides and their place within the evolving field of regenerative medicine.Drawing on his background in biochemistry, neurological surgery, and spine care, Dr. Gross shares the perspective that led him from the operating room toward exploring cellular communication and approaches to improving health span. We discuss why peptides have captured the attention of physicians, patients, and biohacking communities, and why understanding the evidence requires looking beyond enthusiasm alone.How do researchers move from an intriguing biological mechanism to a treatment shown to help people? What can personal experiences contribute to that conversation, and what can’t they establish? What questions should we ask about safety, quality, and the long-term implications of emerging therapies?This conversation invites listeners to explore the possibilities while developing a clearer understanding of the questions that still need answers.About Dr. Jeff GrossDr. Jeff Gross, M.D., is a neurological surgeon with fellowship training in spinal biomechanics, an author of medical research and book chapters, and an international speaker whose work encompasses spine care, athletic injuries, regenerative medicine, longevity, and biohacking.He earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, before completing his medical degree at George Washington University School of Medicine. During his medical studies, he also contributed to virology research.His postgraduate training included a residency in neurological surgery at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in spinal biomechanics at the University of New Mexico. This training provided a foundation in the nervous system, spinal function, and the mechanical forces that influence injury and movement.Over decades in medicine, his clinical work has included spinal conditions and athletic injuries involving the hips, knees, shoulders, and spine. His academic contributions include book chapters and medical research cited more than 1,000 times, and ReCELLebrate identifies him as an international award-winning speaker at biohacking and stem cell conferences.Dr. Gross founded ReCELLebrate in Henderson, Nevada, where his work focuses on regenerative medicine, longevity, and personalized biohacking consultations. His approach emphasizes considering conservative options and exploring alternatives before surgery when appropriate, with an interest in improving both function and health span.Connect with Dr. Jeff GrossReCELLebrate | Services, resources, and consultation inquirieshttps://recellebrate.com/Dr. Gross’s biography and teamhttps://recellebrate.com/meet-the-team/[email protected] & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

Menopause can change how you sleep, how you feel, how you connect with others—and how you recognize yourself in your own body. Yet many women enter this transition with little preparation, unanswered questions, and the sense that they’re supposed to navigate it quietly.In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Dr. Neelima Deshpande for a conversation about approaching menopause with greater understanding, practical support, and confidence. Together, they explore a perspective that makes room for physical symptoms, emotional wellbeing, sexual health, relationships, and the everyday habits that shape how we care for ourselves.Dr. Deshpande brings three decades of experience in women’s health, with specialties in menopause, sexual health, urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Her background spans obstetrics and gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health, and psychosexual therapy. She integrates medical care with counselling, nutrition, functional movement, and coaching to create an approach centred on each person’s needs.Her work is also informed by her own experience of spinal surgery, fibromyalgia, pain, and disability—and the process of rebuilding a life of fitness, energy, and vitality. Having navigated menopause herself, she brings both professional knowledge and personal understanding to this chapter of women’s lives.This conversation invites women to ask questions, seek support, and take an active role in their wellbeing through menopause and the years beyond.In this episode, we explore:Looking beyond hot flashes to the wider experience of menopauseNavigating changes in confidence, identity, and emotional wellbeingMaking space for conversations about sexual and urinary healthThe role of mindset, movement, and nutrition in Dr. Deshpande’s approachWhy individual history, needs, and preferences matter in menopause careMoving from fear and frustration toward greater understanding and agencyConnect with Dr. Neelima Deshpande:https://www.myndmyself.com/listing/dr-neelima-deshpande/Book mentioned in this episode:The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond by Louann Brizendine, MDhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/591607/the-upgrade-by-louann-brizendine-md/Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

What might change when we begin to see ourselves as part of nature—and listen more closely to the needs, instincts, and rhythms of our own bodies?In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Betsy Kudlinski for a conversation about Renaturing: Reconnecting with Nature & Ourselves. Betsy shares an approach that brings together her experience with animals and the natural world, somatic practices, and an exploration of the patterns we develop to navigate life.Together, we explore the relationship between our surroundings and our inner experience, how protective habits can shape our sense of self, and what it means to make more room for connection, relief, and joy. Drawing on her personal journey through chronic pain and anxiety, Betsy offers her perspective on developing self-trust and recognizing the signals we may have learned to overlook.About Betsy KudlinskiBetsy is a Somatic Experiencing® practitioner with more than 35 years of experience working with animals and in nature. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary and Animal Science, spent six years as a zookeeper, and has extensive experience with horses and farm animals. Her Renaturing practice draws on training in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Practice®, Reiki, life coaching, and voice work. Based in the woods of Vermont, she works with individuals and groups to support greater connection with their bodies and their own nature.Connect with Betsy:Website: https://betsykudlinski.comExplore Renaturing: https://betsykudlinski.com/renaturing/Free resources: https://betsykudlinski.com/free-resources/Article library: https://betsykudlinski.com/article-library/Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

A feeling you can’t explain. A message that arrives in meditation. A teacher whose words seem to confirm something you’ve quietly known for years.Spiritual guidance can offer comfort, clarity, and a sense of connection. But how do we discern what resonates with us? How do we distinguish intuition from fear or the answer we’re hoping to hear? And what happens when seeking guidance leads us to question our own authority?In this episode of Rooted & Wild, I’m joined by Theresa Vee to explore Who Holds the Answers? Intuition, Spiritual Guidance & Personal Authority—a conversation about remaining open to the unseen while staying connected to our bodies, our judgment, and our everyday lives.Together, we explore:• Intuition, inner knowing, and the practice of spiritual discernment• Theresa’s experiences with angelic communication and unseen guidance• The importance of boundaries and personal agency in spiritual exploration• Seeking support without handing over our authority• Bringing spiritual wisdom into the choices and relationships that shape our livesTheresa Vee is a speaker, spiritual teacher, holistic health coach, and Angelic Channel with more than 20 years of experience as a holistic practitioner. A Certified Ayurvedic Counselor and professional member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, she is also an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500-hour level, Reiki Master, Integrative Energy Therapy Master Teacher, and Certified Marma Point Therapy Practitioner. Her training includes holistic wellness and hormone health coaching, and she is an ordained priestess and interfaith minister in the Order of Melchizedek.Her work supports highly sensitive people, empaths, creatives, and those called to serve others in developing healthy boundaries, navigating overwhelm, and reconnecting with their own guidance. Informed by her personal journey through anxiety and disconnection from her body, Theresa brings physical well-being, emotional awareness, and spiritual practice together—with an emphasis on helping people reclaim their energy and authority.This episode invites you to reflect on where you seek answers—and how the guidance you receive can deepen your relationship with yourself.Connect with Theresa:https://theresavee.comTap into your intuition with Theresa's 3-part mini-course: https://theresavee.com.securechkout.com/TapIntoIntuitionCORooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

What if folklore were something we lived, rather than simply stories we remembered?The customs we inherit, the rituals we repeat, and the ways we mark the changing seasons can connect us with our heritage and the places we call home. But how do we bring those traditions into contemporary life in ways that feel meaningful?In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Tracy Nicholas for “Everyday Enchantment: Folklore, Animism & Our Connection to Nature.” A folklore researcher, author, and host of the Folkloring podcast, Tracy invites people to become active participants in living traditions.Her approach combines folklore with doing: exploring how inherited stories, customs, and practices can become part of daily life. Drawing on European folk traditions, her work encourages connection with ancestral wisdom while inviting curiosity about how we carry it forward.This conversation explores:• Practical folklore and how it can become a living, everyday practice.• Animism and approaching nature through relationship.• Traditions as sources of meaning, heritage, and belonging.• Bringing mindful attention and creativity to familiar activities.• Connecting spiritual practice with care for the planet’s resources.• Discovering opportunities for wonder in the commonplace.Tracy’s work brings together folklore, mindful living, and creativity. As an animist, she places nature at the center of her spiritual practice and continually considers how to reduce her environmental impact.She is the author of Mind Over Magick, which draws on science, psychology, philosophy, and common sense to examine beliefs about magick and how it works. She also serves as the theatre and film correspondent for The Folklore Podcast. Tracy holds a degree in Stage Management from Columbia College and a Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University.An invitation to consider the traditions you carry, the relationships you cultivate, and the possibilities for enchantment in everyday life.Connect with Tracy, explore her community, listen to Folkloring, and find Mind Over Magick:https://folkloringlife.comRooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

A stiff neck after a long day. Sore muscles after working in the garden. The familiar ache that makes it difficult to get comfortable.For generations, people have turned to aromatic plants as part of their care rituals. Today, essential oils offer a concentrated connection to those plants—but understanding what’s inside the bottle matters just as much as knowing how to use it.In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Dori Shackelford to explore essential oils for pain and discomfort, from their aromatic compounds to practical approaches for everyday use.Based in Lakeland, Florida, Dori is a wellness educator, entrepreneur, and community builder who has been a dōTERRA Wellness Advocate and Educator since May 2014. Through education, events, and mentorship, she helps people explore natural wellness and build lives rooted in purpose and connection.Together, Henry and Dori explore:• Essential oils commonly used for muscle tension and everyday discomfort• Copaiba and blends such as Deep Blue• The plant compounds behind different oils’ properties• Application methods, carrier oils, and the importance of dilution• Safety considerations and the place of essential oils within a broader approach to careA conversation about getting to know the plants behind the products—and making thoughtful, informed choices about how we use them.Explore Essential Oils:https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/HenryHawkShop the Pain Relief Bundle:https://link.doterra.com/WDf7CaRooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

What happens when we stop meeting every challenge with force?We tighten our grip, brace for what might happen, and try to hold everything together. Over time, that effort can become so familiar that we barely notice the tension we carry—or how it shapes the way we move through life.The meditative arts invite us to pay attention. Through movement, breath, and stillness, we begin to recognize our responses to pressure and explore what it means to remain grounded while allowing ourselves to adapt.In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Jeff Patterson, a former Marine, author, and martial arts and meditation teacher with more than three decades of experience. Having studied with skilled masters from seven countries, Jeff has dedicated his work to making Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation accessible and practical for everyday living.The author of three books, creator of two audio courses, and producer of hundreds of instructional videos, Jeff has helped thousands of students explore the meditative arts. Through The Yielding Warrior, he shares a philosophy of yielding that invites greater awareness, adaptability, and resilience.Together, Henry and Jeff explore how these ancient traditions can become a way of engaging with life—through our relationships, our responses to stress, and the attention we bring to ordinary moments.In this conversation, we explore:• Yielding as a practice of awareness, adaptability, and strength• Tai Chi and Qigong as forms of movement-based meditation• The relationship between breath, physical tension, and emotional balance• Ritual, active, and philosophical approaches to meditation• Bringing meditative awareness into everyday activities• Finding a practice that fits your life and developing consistencyWhat might change if we learned to recognize when to act, when to soften, and when to make room for a different response?CONNECT WITH JEFF PATTERSONThe Yielding Warrior:https://theyieldingwarrior.comPortland Tai Chi Academy:https://portlandtaichiacademy.comNorthwest Fighting Arts:https://nwfighting.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/TaichiYieldingYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIzitJZ8CLWysspfvgtMZbwInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theyieldingwarriorRooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

Some stones are believed to restore our energy. Others invite us to release what we've been carrying.For centuries, crystals and gemstones have been used in spiritual and healing traditions to encourage tranquility, emotional balance, protection, and renewal. From the soothing violet hues of amethyst to the gentle pink of rose quartz, certain stones have become treasured companions in practices devoted to rest, self-love, and inner healing.But how do we work with crystals when we're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally depleted, or simply in need of a little tenderness? Can the stones we choose to surround ourselves with become part of a meaningful practice of nurturing our emotional and spiritual well-being?In this episode of Rooted & Wild, I'm joined once again by Caroline Crawford, jewelry artist, practicing witch, and founder of Caroline Crawford Originals, to explore the world of crystals for self-care and the ways gemstones have traditionally been used to support rest, healing, and emotional well-being.Together, we explore the stones associated with calming the mind, easing emotional burdens, encouraging self-compassion, and creating a sense of energetic harmony. Our conversation moves through crystal correspondences, metaphysical traditions, and the ways gemstones can be incorporated into meditation, personal rituals, and everyday moments of restoration.Why are some stones believed to absorb or transmute difficult energy while others are associated with comfort and emotional healing? How might we choose crystals that resonate with what we're experiencing? And what does it mean to create a self-care practice that honors not only the physical body but also our emotional and energetic lives?Drawing from gemstone lore, magical traditions, and Caroline's decades of experience working with stones, this conversation invites us to explore the mineral kingdom as a source of beauty, comfort, and spiritual connection.In this episode, we explore:• Stones for self-care: Crystals traditionally associated with relaxation, restoration, emotional balance, and healing• Rest and tranquility: Gemstones believed to encourage peaceful energy, quiet the mind, and create a calming atmosphere• Emotional healing: Exploring stones associated with compassion, forgiveness, releasing grief, and navigating difficult emotions• Self-love and compassion: The traditional associations of rose quartz and other heart-centered gemstones with kindness toward ourselves• Energetic cleansing: How crystals are used in spiritual practices intended to release stagnant energy and restore a sense of harmony• Crystal rituals for self-care: Incorporating gemstones into meditation, rest, intentional reflection, and everyday spiritual practices• Choosing your stones: Developing an intuitive relationship with crystals and discovering which gemstones resonate with your personal needsAbout Caroline CrawfordCaroline Crawford is a jewelry artist, practicing witch, and the founder of Caroline Crawford Originals, based in Flagstaff, Arizona.With more than 30 years of experience creating jewelry, Caroline has developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty, individuality, and symbolic significance of gemstones. Her handcrafted pieces celebrate the character of each stone, bringing together artistic expression, craftsmanship, and a distinctly magical sensibility.Caroline's relationship with gemstones extends beyond their physical appearance. Drawing from her spiritual practice and decades of working with the mineral kingdom, she explores the traditional correspondences, energetic associations, and personal meanings that make stones such enduring companions in magical work.Through Caroline Crawford Originals, she creates distinctive jewelry for those drawn to pieces that express their individuality, celebrate the natural world, and carry a little mystery.Connect with CarolineCaroline Crawford Originals:www.carolinecrawfordoriginals.comRooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

What happens when we ask the universe for something?A candle on a birthday cake. A falling star. A quiet hope we’ve never spoken aloud. Wishing is woven into the human experience—a way of imagining something beyond our present circumstances. But what turns a passing wish into a meaningful possibility? And how might the way we express our desires influence what we notice, the choices we make, and the opportunities we pursue?In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Brownell Landrum for a conversation about The Art & Science of Wishing: What Happens When We Ask the Universe? Together, they explore the relationship between wishing, intention, and action, bringing curiosity to the space where scientific inquiry and spiritual possibility meet.Brownell is a storyteller, TEDx speaker, and author of over a dozen books, including The Art & Science of Wishing. With an MBA and a background in corporate business and entrepreneurship, she combines an analytical mind with a longstanding interest in metaphysical mysteries. Her curiosity about the sciences involved in wishing emerged while writing her novel, A Love Story to the Universe, and also informs her show, Cosmic Wishes, where she helps guests explore and develop their wishes.In this conversation, we explore:• What distinguishes a wish from a goal, an intention, or a prayer• The science Brownell draws upon in her approach to wishing• How attention and perception may influence the possibilities we recognize• Discovering what we truly want beneath other people’s expectations• The process of turning a personal wish into a “Cosmic Wish”• Balancing a clear desire with openness to unexpected outcomes• The relationship between wishing and taking action• Meeting unfulfilled wishes with curiosity and compassionA conversation about giving our hopes a voice—and considering what might change when we allow ourselves to imagine a different future.Free Resources from BrownellWish for a Peaceful, Positive, and Purposeful 2027Explore a simple, fun, and free program:https://cosmicwishes.com/2027wishes/Read Chapter 1 of The Art & Science of WishingDownload the first chapter free:https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qfhl9a3m8vConnect with Brownell LandrumCosmic Wishes:https://cosmicwishes.com/Website:https://brownelllandrum.com/Author Website:https://brownelllandrumauthor.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/brownell.landrum.authorInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/brownelllandrum/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@brownell.landrumLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brownelllandrum/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brownell.landrumRooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

Where do you put your energy when so much about the future feels uncertain?Elections, the economy, artificial intelligence, and reports and rumors of war. Questions about safety and security, alongside family matters and the responsibilities of everyday life. There’s plenty to occupy an anxious mind. We follow the news, anticipate problems, rehearse conversations, and search for reassurance. But when does trying to prepare for the future become a pattern that keeps us from living in the present?In this episode of Rooted & Wild, Henry Hawk welcomes Dr. Diana Hill to explore The Anxiety Trap: Moving from Overthinking to Wise Effort.Diana is a clinical psychologist, executive consultant, and international trainer whose work brings together psychological science, contemplative practice, and the challenges of everyday life. She is the author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most and host of the Wise Effort podcast. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she helps individuals, leaders, and teams develop psychological flexibility and navigate uncertainty with greater awareness and intention.Through her work with Wise Effort, Diana invites us to examine where our energy is going, recognize when our efforts are keeping us stuck, and consider how we can direct our attention toward what matters most.Together, we explore:How we use, overuse, and misdirect our energy when facing uncertaintyRecognizing habits of thinking, self-protection, and avoidance that keep us stuckPsychological flexibility and staying present rather than becoming consumed by past regrets or future anxietiesMaking room for fear, grief, and the discomfort of not knowingThe three foundations of Wise Effort: being curious, being open, and being focusedIdentifying what drains us and what supports a more meaningful lifeDirecting our energy toward our values, relationships, and the things that matter mostAt the heart of this conversation lies a practical question: When we can’t control everything that happens around us, how do we choose where to put our effort?Even with unanswered questions, we can take a step toward the people, relationships, and possibilities that give our lives meaning.Learn more about Dr. Diana Hill:https://www.drdianahill.comRooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.