Apricot Oak | Trauma Recovery, Psychology, and Faith| Mental Health| Healing|Flourishing - Details, episodes & analysis

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Apricot Oak | Trauma Recovery, Psychology, and Faith| Mental Health| Healing|Flourishing

Rachel Votaw Ochoa

Religion & Spirituality

Frequency: 1 episode/28d. Total Eps: 35

Struggling with anxiety, spiritual burnout, past trauma, or childhood wounds? Join Rachel Votaw Ochoa to discuss clinical psychology, mental health, various healing modalities, and spirituality. Move beyond cycles of brokenness with trauma-informed tools, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing. We explore neuroplasticity, inner child healing, and spiritual wisdom to help you reconnect authentically with God and yourself. Transition from survival to flourishing with faith-based mental health insights. Discover true breakthrough and grow into your destiny.

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Data updated on 26/10/2026

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🇨🇦 Canada - Spirituality
26/10/2026
#91

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How to Move Through Grief When You Can’t Fix the Pain

Season 3 · Episode 17

Monday, October 19, 2026 • Duration 07:04

Grief rarely follows a neat timeline or an orderly checklist. Sharing straight from the heart following the recent loss of her father, host Allie steps into the raw realities of grief and loss. In a fast-paced world that tells us to “stay busy” and push through discomfort, this episode offers permission to pause, embrace the natural waves of heartache, and meet God in the honest questions and deepest valleys.

Whether you are navigating the passing of a loved one, a painful breakup, the loss of a job, or the quiet ache of unmet life dreams, you will find comfort, validation, and practical spiritual perspective for your journey.

Key Insights & Takeaways

Feel the Feelings: Grief cannot be neatly packaged or rushed. Moving through it requires giving yourself permission to fully experience each emotion as it comes, rather than hiding it behind daily busyness.
Make Room for Your Grief: Whether through quiet walks or intentional pauses in your car, setting aside dedicated space allows grief to flow naturally without overwhelming or breaking you.
Honest Wrestling with God: Loss often upends our assumptions about faith. Bringing your rawest pain, disappointments, and questions directly to God can transform fragile faith into deeper spiritual intimacy.

Featured Quotes & Scriptures

"We grieve in a way that is consistent with who we are... There are no set of rules or timetables for resuming a social life, visiting the grave, packing up clothes or toys or changing a room." — Paul D'Arcy, Winter of the Heart
"Don't be afraid of lament. You can't sprint through grief, but avoid self-pity like the plague... You won’t stay in this valley, you’re just passing through." — Susie Larson
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

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The Mindset That Gets You Through Crisis: An Elite Athlete’s Battle Against Stage 3 Cancer with Tim Avery

Season 3 · Episode 16

Monday, August 31, 2026 • Duration 01:13:56

What does it truly take to keep moving forward when the ground beneath your feet falls away? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with NCAA National Champion runner and music curator Tim Avery to unpack what resilience looks like in the face of life-altering crisis.

From the peak of athletic excellence and running DIY music scenes to receiving a devastating Stage 3 testicular cancer diagnosis that had spread to his lungs and liver, Tim shares the mindset, discipline, and faith that carried him through the hardest season of his life.

Whether you are navigating a health battle, mental exhaustion, or a personal valley of your own, this episode will remind you how to anchor your thoughts, lean into community, and choose the curative path forward.

In This Episode, We Explore:

The Mindset of an Athlete in Crisis: How discipline and mental training from cross-country running became essential tools for enduring medical trauma.
Separating Emotion from Reality: The power of focusing on the doctor’s curative plan rather than letting panic take the wheel.
Reframing the Treatment: Why seeing chemotherapy not as "poison," but as the cure, transformed the recovery process.
The Healing Power of Community: How music venues, friends, and fundraisers rallied to bring light and support into the darkest moments.
Quiet Faith & Inner Grounding: Leaning into Hebrews 11:1—choosing faith in the unseen when the outcome is uncertain.
Redefining Purpose Beyond the Valley: Transitioning from raw intensity into patience, gratitude, family life, and fatherhood.

Episode Highlights:

Welcome to Apricot Oak: Breaking through the hardest seasons of life
Meet Tim Avery: From NCAA National Champion to music community leader

Returning to Your True Self: Seven Strategies for Emotional Healing through Self-Care

Season 3 · Episode 15

Monday, August 17, 2026 • Duration 15:14

True self-care goes far beyond bubble baths, spa days, or material treats. In this episode of the Apricot Oak podcast, we take a deeper look into the psychological and emotional meaning of self-care: a vital practice for healing past wounds and restoring a healthy, authentic connection with yourself.

We explore how early life patterns - like people-pleasing, overachieving, and emotional suppression - create a divide between your true self and the person you present to the world. When you learn to attend to your own needs with compassion, you not only find inner peace but also build the foundation necessary to love and connect well with others.

Key Takeaways:

Beyond Surface Pampering: Why authentic self-care is about how you relate to your mind, body, emotions, and boundaries.
Healing Early Attachment Wounds: Recognizing how survival strategies from childhood can disconnect you from your core identity.
The Connection Between Self-Care & Relationships: How loving and attuning to yourself enables healthier connections with those around you.
Practical Strategies for Daily Life: Seven actionable steps to bridge the gap back to your true self, from kind self-talk and daily check-ins to body movement and emotional curiosity.

Connect with the Show:

Instagram: @ApricotOakPodcast
Subscribe & Review: If you found value in this episode, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

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How to Set Boundaries & End Power Struggles -Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick

Season 3 · Episode 14

Monday, July 27, 2026 • Duration 41:52

In This Episode, We Discuss:

As parents working to break generational cycles and raise healthy kids, it’s easy to slip from gentle parenting into total exhaustion. How do we stay regulated when our kids are dysregulated? How do we hold boundaries without crushing their spirit—or burning ourselves out?

In this episode of Apricot Oak, Rachel sits down with Flora McCormick, LCPC—parenting coach, licensed clinician, host of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, and mom of two. Flora shares her practical, highly actionable framework for Hybrid Parenting: learning to be kind and firm at the exact same time.

The Gentle Parenting Trap: How the shift from "powerless kids" in past generations has overcorrected into "powerless adults" today—and why it leads to burnout.
The "32-Mile Marathon" Mindset: Why staying calm during a tantrum starts with building non-judgmental mental muscles before the chaotic moments happen.
Kind & Firm Mantras: Grounding phrases like "It’s not my job to make my kids happy" and "Kind is clear, clear is kind" to help you stand firm against power struggles.
The "25-Year-Old" Exercise: How shifting your perspective from the quick win to long-term character building changes how you handle daily conflicts.
Real-Time Examples: Practical scripts for getting out the door without yelling, dealing with pushback over screen time/treats, and de-escalating intense meltdowns.
The 30-Second Reset: One game-changing, 24-hour strategy you can try today to instantly shift the energy in your home when your child is defiant.
Key Quotes & Mantras from Flora:

"All feelings are accepted, but certain actions must be limited."

"Listen to the music, not the lyrics—look at the tone, not just the argument."

Carrying the Torch: Returning to Apricot Oak After Loss

Season 3 · Episode 13

Sunday, July 26, 2026 • Duration 04:11

In this short update episode, I’m stepping back to the mic after a few months away. After pausing the show following the passing of my father in April, I’m sharing a bit about this season of grieving, honoring his legacy of wisdom and kindness, and how carrying his torch forward is shaping the heart of the podcast.

We’re officially back, and I'm so grateful you're here for the journey.

What’s coming up next on Apricot Oak:

Parenting & Connection: Practical strategies, tools, and mindsets you can try right away as a parent or caregiver.
Overcoming Hardship: An inspiring interview on surviving brutal physical health challenges and finding strength through general life struggles.

Thank you for your continued support, ratings, and reviews—it truly helps our community grow!

Connect with the Show:

Instagram: @apricotoakpodcast
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review if this episode encouraged you today!

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Understanding Your Vagus Nerve: Moving from Survival Mode to Safety with Melissa Armstrong

Season 3 · Episode 12

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 40:15

Do you feel like you can never truly relax, even when your to-do list is empty? In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, host Rachel sits down with holistic health coach Melissa Armstrong to understand why our bodies stay "on edge."

We explore Polyvagal Theory—the science behind your body's internal map of safety and threat. Melissa explains that many of us aren't just "stressed"; we are living in a chronic state of functional freeze, where we get things done but feel completely disconnected from ourselves, others, and God.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Science of Safety: Why safety isn't just the absence of a threat, but the presence of internal peace amidst chaos.
Functional Freeze: How high achievers stay productive while their nervous systems are actually shut down.
The Trauma-Body Connection: Understanding how past wounds (from playground bullying to chronic stress) create inflammation and physical symptoms today.
The Vagus Nerve as a "Communication Superhighway": How your body sends more messages to your brain than the other way around.
Practical Somatic Tools: Simple, "stupidly simple" ways to signal safety to your body right now through breath and awareness.

Key Quote:

"Safety isn't the absence of problems... it's the presence of internal peace amidst the chaos." — Melissa Armstrong

Timestamps & Highlights

[00:00] – Introduction: Moving from breakthrough to flourishing.
[04:15] – Defining "Functional Freeze": When your body is a place you can't rest in.
[08:42] – The Biblical Promise: Why the Bible promises difficulty but offers peace through a regulated spirit.
– What is Trauma? Gabor Maté’s definition and how it disconnects us from our bodies.

Reclaiming Your Identity: Turning Broken Pieces Into Purpose with April Farlow

Season 3 · Episode 11

Monday, March 23, 2026 • Duration 55:10

What happens when the labels you’ve built your life around suddenly fall apart? April Farlow joins us to share how a devastating medical detour and a lost season of her 20s forced her to strip away every title to find her true identity. Discover how the broken pieces of your life align to reveal a beautiful, unexpected purpose.

In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, host Rachel (trauma-informed therapist) dives deep into the psychology of "Who vs. Whose." April Farlow, leadership coach and author of Pieces of You, reveals how a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder led her to build a life on "false stability" until the truth set her on a path toward radical authenticity and a place of flourishing.

If you are navigating trauma recovery, seeking well-being, or trying to reconcile your faith with a messy reality, this conversation offers the "mirrors" you need to see the masterpiece God is building.

The Identity Shift: Why rooting your self-worth in roles (parent, professional, high-achiever) is a recipe for a "crushing" collapse.
The Kaleidoscope Metaphor: A powerful framework for seeing how your "shattered pieces" are being aligned into a beautiful pattern.
Authentic Leadership: Why leading from your history of brokenness is more effective than leading from your successes.
Finding Your "Tension": Practical steps to identify the burdens in your life that point directly to your calling.

[04:15] – The trap of "Who vs. Whose": Distinguishing your roles from your foundation.
[12:30] – The London Detour: Facing a season of extreme family trauma and "shattered pieces."
[21:10] – The Label of "Unstable": Living 4 years under a medical misdiagnosis and rigid stability rules.

Stop Repeating the Past: Breaking Cycles With Kathy Stommel

Season 3 · Episode 10

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 • Duration 01:14:53

About Today's Episode:

Are you tired of trying all the things to find healing without seeing real change?

In this powerful episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of faith and holistic mental health with guest Kathy Stommel. If you’ve felt stuck in old patterns or overwhelmed by the weight of the past, this conversation is the invitation your soul has been waiting for.

We explore the reality of healing trauma through a lens of trauma-informed spirituality, moving beyond surface-level fixes to engage in deep soul work. Kathy shares her profound insights on how we can begin breaking generational cycles by addressing the emotional and spiritual wounds that have been passed down through our families.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Practical tools for healing that integrate your faith with modern psychological understanding.
The difference between "spiritual bypassing" and true spiritual wellness.
How to navigate faith-based trauma recovery without losing your connection to God.
Steps to achieving lasting emotional wellness by listening to the wisdom of your body and spirit.

Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been seeking a breakthrough for years, this episode provides a compassionate roadmap for anyone ready to move from survival mode into true flourishing.

Connect With Today's Guest: Kathy Stommel can be found at:

https://www.ignitingpurpose.net/

kathleenstommel@gmail.com

IG: @Igniting_Purpose

How to Rewire Your Brain for Flourishing: Positive Psychology & Soul Work with April Thorndyke

Season 3 · Episode 9

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 01:13:09

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE:

In today’s episode, we are diving deep into positive psychology—the scientific study of what truly makes life worth living. We’re going to explore how this field moves us beyond just 'getting by' and into a state of genuine flourishing. We’ll also look at the 'why' behind it all: how focusing on our strengths and cultivating well-being can actually rewire the brain, providing you with the practical tools to build a healthier, more intentional life.

I want to thank April for showing up and sharing her expertise on the Apricot Oak Podcast.

Also, a huge shout out to my loving husband who edits the show. I couldn’t do this without him and am forever grateful for him.

ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST:

April Thorndyke is the Founder and CEO of Empower Counseling—an organization recently celebrated as the 2025 'Best of Georgia' in Mental Health. April is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has built a remarkable career on the foundation of creating safe, judgment-free spaces. Whether she is helping clients navigate deep-seated trauma, supporting families through the perinatal journey, or serving our military and veteran communities, April’s mission remains the same: to foster self-acceptance and empower people to see their lives through a brand-new lens.

Beyond her clinical work, she is a no fluff, authentic and encouraging voice in the podcasting world as the host of Empower Hour.

CONNECT WITH APRIL:

April Thorndyke can be found on Instagram @empowercounselingpllc

She is on TikTok, Facebook, and you can find her at:

where you can also access her podcast Empower Hour.

Healing Your Nervous System to Live the Life You Love

Season 1 · Episode 8

Monday, January 26, 2026 • Duration 54:48

ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST & EPISODE:

Today’s episode is very special because of my absolutely lovely guest. Today you’re going to hear from a phenomenal woman, Anna Valentine. She holds a Master’s in Drama Therapy from New York University, is a Registered Drama Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Mind Body Medicine with a Specialization in Integrative Mental Health from Saybrook University.

Today Anna will talk about some of her story and how she has endured a horrific trauma and how she found her path to recovery and healing. In her journey she has become a healer and is sharing her knowledge and wisdom on how to cultivate a healthy nervous system in order to live the life you want for yourself.

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A little more about Anna:

She has previously served on a Private Assertive Community Treatment team at the world-renowned Menninger Clinic. She has worked with a myriad of populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including a forensic psychiatric unit at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the Veteran Affairs Hospital in West Haven, Conn., and a day program in Brooklyn, New York, for individuals with chronic and persistent mental illnesses. She has worked as the expressive arts therapist on the Ellenhorn PACT team in New York City.

From the forensic psychiatric unit of Bellevue Hospital to working with veterans and individuals facing chronic mental illness, Anna has been on the front lines of complex care. But what makes her work truly electric is her 'whole-body' approach. As a registered yoga teacher and certified personal trainer, she doesn't just talk about healing; she utilizes improvisation, poetry, and physical movement to unlock growth where traditional talk therapy often hits a wall.

She is a representative for the North American Drama Therapy Association and a true visionary in integrative mental health.

Apricot Oak | Trauma Recovery, Psychology, and Faith| Mental Health| Healing|Flourishing - Details, episodes & analysis

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Apricot Oak | Trauma Recovery, Psychology, and Faith| Mental Health| Healing|Flourishing - Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Apple Podcasts

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Amazon11

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