Vagus Nerve 101

Ep 127: In this episode, I'm joined by Carly Foley for a deep dive into all things GLP-1, from the science behind popular medications to their natural counterparts within the body. We explore the rise of microdosing, the powerful role of the gut microbiome in weight regulation, and what Ayurveda teaches us about root causes of imbalance. We share foods, supplements, and lifestyle shifts that may help support the body's own GLP-1 production, probiotics, and more!! Topics Include:  different types of GLP-1 medications growing trend of microdosing gut microbiome's influence on weight FMT (fecal microbiota transplant)  Ayurveda and what dosha is more prone to sluggish metabolism how GLP-1 is produced in the body foods and nutrients that support natural GLP-1  the role of Akkermansia and other probiotic species  supplements to enhance gut health can a person safely transition off synthetic GLP-1 drugs hydroponic vegetables gardening  and more! Carly's IG: @wholisiticwellnessworks www.wholisticwellnessworks.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie

In today's episode we're diving into one of my all-time favorite wellness staples: matcha. This vibrant powdered green tea may be a popular choice at trendy coffee shops, but its roots run much deeper. Used for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies and traditional medicine, matcha is so much more than a pretty latte. We'll explore its rich history, its powerful antioxidant properties, and why it's become a go-to for those looking to boost energy, focus, and overall well-being without the jitters of coffee. I'll also share how I incorporate matcha into my daily routine, some fun recipe ideas, and what to look for when choosing a quality matcha. Topics Include: the origins of matcha how matcha is grown and made matcha health benefits different grades what to look for when choosing matcha how to make matcha at home my favorite ways to have matcha Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder History of Matcha

Ep 125: On this episode we explore the topic of the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body that sends information to and from the brain to every vital bodily system. We chat about how the vagus nerve impacts our heart, lungs, digestive tract as well as mental health, anxiety, and depression. Topics Include: what is the vagus nerve what does the vagus nerve connect how to measure vagus nerve health vagal tone what causes low vagal tone stress, mental health, anxiety microbiome and the vagus nerve improving vagal tone exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve and more!  Osea Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist Diaphragmatic Breathing Podcast Episode 

Ep 124: In today's episode I chat about my recent life updates, including my podcast hiatus and husband's health scare. I also share some exciting BIG NEWS at the end. Topics: podcast hiatus social media  wellness burnout my husband and his collapsed lung experience at hospital spontaneous pneumothorax Big NEWS Reveal! 

Ep 123: Today’s episode with Robert Cheeke, a New York Times bestselling author and longtime vegan activist. His new book, The Impactful Vegan, applies the principles of effective altruism to animal advocacy work to determine how to do the most good for animals.  If you care deeply about animal or planetary suffering, it can overwhelming to know what to do. Robert’s evidence based research is not only inspiring, but also can help alleviate the fatigue that people who care deeply can experience. Topics Include: Robert's life growing up on a farm vegan bodybuilding leading by example what inspired him to write The Impactful Vegan effective altruism maximizing the good we can do in the world how to save the most animals animal charity evaluators vegan strong method  relieving compassion burnout  and more! Learn more and how to order The Impactful Vegan. Robert's IG: @robert.cheeke www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie  

Ep 122: While we cannot choose our genetics, we do have the power to decide what we put in our bodies and how we care for them. This insight has become a guiding principle for Madeline Lee, the creator of Superfree Food, a company focused on creating delicious and satiating anti-inflammatory foods to help nourish and "embrace regenerative and expansive healing". Madeline's gut journey began when she was just 18 years old and diagnosed with Crohn's, an often devastating digestive disorder. She went in and out of the hospital, tried different pharmaceuticals, and somewhere along the way discovered and began studying all about anti-inflammatory foods. This inspired her to focus on nutrition to improve her health, leading her to create products centered around that goal. Eventually, Superfree Food was created and Madeline is passionate about sharing its benefits and her story. Topics Include: getting diagnosed with Crohn's at 18 years old discovering the anti-inflammatory approach trauma  rest and digest hustle culture life in NYC animal friends  creating Superfree Food high quality fats parasympathetic state escaping a restrictive mentality social media and more! Get 15% off your first online order with the code BEARAINBOWBODY. www.superfreefood.com Madeline's Superfree IG: @superfreefood Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 121: On this episode we chat all about the healing power of mushrooms for our pets with Joni Kamlet, a Registered Veterinarian Technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant.  When her dog, Waffles, was diagnosed with mammary cancer in 1996 (the same time Joni was diagnosed with ovarian cancer), Joni decided to go a different route, trying a plethora of alternative healing modalities, including raw feeding, homeopathy, and herbs. Both of their positive responses to natural therapies started Joni on her holistic path, and she has been working in the field of integrative veterinary medicine ever since.  Joni is passionate about holistic options for humans and animals alike.  Topics Include: Yogaville ovarian cancer signing an AMA starting the path of integrative healing Joni's dog Waffles getting diagnosed with mammary cancer becoming a veterinarian nurse mushrooms for cancer mushrooms in history are mushrooms safe for cats and dogs species appropriate diet dry kibble  supplementing for pets Lion's Mane for cognitive function Real Mushrooms  and more! www.realmushrooms.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie.com www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 120: On this episode we chat with Michael Hobson, founder of the award winning Aquene Springs, all about water! Michael has spent the last decade studying water in all its capacities. His takeaways shed new light on not only what good water can do for our bodies, but also the importance of silica for our systems, especially as we age.  Topics: Michael's road to water structured water  water quality in the USA memory of water science and its resistance to new ideas municipal water Aquene Springs quartz crystals blessing our food lightly mineralized low versus high surface tension in water RO (reverse osmosis) water what is silica reasons we need silica high pH waters how to make silica rich water at home detoxing heavy metals silica and aluminum aluminum and dementia speaking kindly to water and ourselves Use the code TRH10 to receive 10% off your order at Aquene Springs!  www.aquenesprings.com Aquene Springs IG: @aquenesprings www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie Also, be sure to check out episode 51 about water and the environment. 

Ep 119: CBD is becoming more widely used and recognized, but what about in skincare? Today's guest is a trailblazer in the world of CBD skincare and spa treatments. Taylor Jameson, owner and CVO of The Hemp Spa in Wilmington, NC, began her journey with CBD after experiencing its remarkable benefits for managing her chronic pain, leading her to break free from traditional pain medications.  Driven by a passion for the transformative power of CBD in her own life, Taylor made the bold decision to incorporate CBD skincare into her esthetics practice. This marked the birth of North Carolina's first Hemp Spa, where a commitment to holistic wellness and results-driven treatments became the cornerstone of her approach. On this episode we chat about all things CBD skincare and cannabis, showcasing Taylor's dedication to providing a holistic and effective skincare experience while normalizing cannabis and beauty. Topics: Taylor's discovery of CBD for pain management cannabis and skin The Hemp Spa importance of education normalizing cannabis beauty industry cannabis and racism endocannabinoid system top beauty benefits of CBD sourcing products regulation and quality topical CBD labeling tinctures legalization and The Farm Bill Aerolase laser treament and more! The Hemp Spa IG: @thehempspa The Hemp Spa The Refined Hippie IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com   Other CBD Episodes: Ep 104: The Basics of Cannabis with David Miller from FlowGardens Ep 80: Salt Therapy, CBD Skincare, and Healthy Living with Liana Belanich Jones Ep 73: All About Cannabis with John Malanca Ep 15: Deal with PCOS, Hormones, and All About CBD with Elizabeth Kuntz

Ep 118: On this episode we chat with Amber Law, a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in clinical, regression, and spiritual hypnotherapy, all about hypnosis, visualizations, and the power of the mind. Topics Include: how Amber got into hypnotherapy what is hypnosis who can be hypnotized meditation affirmations empowering you to become the controller how to get the life you want deprogramming old beliefs fear state fight or flight immune system shifting the perspective visualizations common reasons people get hypnotized how limiting beliefs can develop www.healingleavesnc.com Healing Leaves IG: @healing_leavesnc www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie