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Explore every episode of the podcast Sick and Seeking

Dive into the complete episode list for Sick and Seeking . Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
E11 S3 | Navigating the Journey of Chronic Illness and the Impact of Tick-Borne Diseases with Ali Moresco07 Mar 202500:48:31

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this enlightening episode of the Sick and Seeking podcast, I have a candid conversation with Ali Moresco about her unexpected journey with chronic illness, particularly focusing on tick-borne diseases. Ali shares her personal experiences navigating the healthcare system and underscores the vital role of advocacy and support in her journey. 

We address common misconceptions about tick-borne illnesses, the importance of accurate testing, and how service animals can enhance the management of chronic conditions.

Join us for this heartfelt exploration of community, resilience, and the transformative power of turning personal trials into advocacy work.

Conversation Highlights:

  • The Reality of Chronic Illness: Ali opens up about how a tick bite drastically altered her life, bringing to light the seriousness of tick-borne diseases and the challenges they present.
  • Importance of Advocacy: We emphasize the critical role advocacy plays in navigating healthcare and encourage listeners to seek help when needed.
  • Misunderstanding Tick-Borne Diseases: Ali clarifies that many tick-borne diseases present with flu-like symptoms, and less than 30% of Lyme disease cases exhibit the characteristic bullseye rash.
  • The Role of Service Animals: We highlight how her service dog, Scout, has been instrumental in managing her condition, providing both physical and emotional support.
  • Addressing Long COVID: We also touch on POTS as a long-term complication of COVID-19 and discuss the broader implications of the pandemic on chronic health issues.
  • The Journey of Grieving: Ali reflects on the emotional journey of grieving one’s former self while adapting to the realities of chronic illness and the importance of community support.

Quotes:

"Ticks carry hundreds of diseases."

"POTS is essentially long COVID."

"We need more knowledge sharing."

Connect with Ali:

Website | Instagram  

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E10 S3 | Healing Through Movement: Erica Hornthal on Dance Therapy and Emotional Well-Being15 Feb 202500:57:21

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I interview Erica Hornthal, a dance and movement therapist, about the powerful connection between movement and emotional expression. We explore how dance movement therapy goes beyond traditional dance, highlighting its significance in mental health and self-awareness.

Erica shares her insights on the mind-body connection, emphasizing the need for a rich movement vocabulary and the importance of giving oneself permission to move freely. Our conversation reveals movement’s therapeutic potential in processing emotions, fostering deeper self-connection, and promoting healing. We also discuss the intricate relationship between trauma and the body, advocating for a holistic approach to self-acceptance amid chronic pain.

Join us as we unpack the transformative power of movement therapy and its role in emotional healing and self-discovery.

Conversation Highlights:

  • The concept that “dance movement therapy finds us, not the other way around.”
  • How dance serves as a rhythmic expression of emotion, reflecting our mindset.
  • The significance of embracing our individuality in movement.
  • The process of emotional release through movement and creating safe spaces for expression.
  • The connection between trauma and the physical body, advocating holistic approaches to healing.
  • How chronic pain management can improve through body trust and awareness.

Quotes:

“Dance is just another form of expression.”

“Tears are a natural part of the healing process and should not be shamed.” 

“Trauma and somatics have to go hand in hand.”

“Your pain doesn't have to be your identity.”

Connect with Erica:

Website | Instagram


🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E1 S3| Welcome to Season 3! Host Leslie Field is "Sick" and Seeking a Living Kidney Donor13 Sep 202400:23:09

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Season 3 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

Thank you for being listener and joining me on this journey of sickness and healing. Please share and forward this episode to anyone you know who may be interested in donating a kidney and giving me the gift of life.

I would love to speak to you about kidney donation and naming me as the recipient. Email me: Leslie @ sickandseeking.com

To start the evaluation process go here:

https://www.uclakidneydonor.org/

For more information on kidney donation:

https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/transplants/kidney-transplant/living-donor-transplant/how-become-kidney-donor

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E12 S2| SURPRISE EPISODE! Enjoy My Gentle Body Meditation & Guided Somatic Movement for Pause & Nervous System Regulation24 May 202400:21:33

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

❣️ My name is Leslie Field, and I’m a Somatic Practitioner of Embodied Movement and I help people reconnect to their innate body wisdom through therapeutic movement practices.❣️ I am also the creator and host of the Sick and Seeking Podcast - Hi!

I created a gentle body meditation and guided somatic movement practice to give you better insight into the work I do outside of podcasting.

Some of the practices and words shared in this meditation come from my mentor, teacher, friend, Erin Pace, of the Responsive Body Practice.

Why am I Somatic Practitioner of Embodied Movement? Well...

We live in a culture that is depressed, anxious, and unwell. Most people are living from the neck upwards and are cutoff from their body sensation and emotional experience. There's a destructive shoving down of feelings leading to illness and a loss of knowing who we are and what we want. So how do we come back to ourselves and find wholeness? Somatic Embodied Movement.

Embodied movement is about coming back to the body and becoming alive to the signals, messages and sensations as a compassionate and curious witness. This type of movement practice helps us map our sense of self both internally and externally. Feeling ourself grows our sense of self.

Being open to the full array of sensory and emotional perception -- from awe, wonder, and pleasure, to pain, sadness and grief -- allows us to savor the full human experience in body, mind, and spirit.  So that we can come back to feeling our strength, aliveness, vitality and ultimately: wholeness.  

I offer small, intimate classes in Pasadena, CA as well as work one-on-one on zoom. If you are curious and want to know more, let's chat! Email: Leslie@LeslieAField.com

"I felt balanced and a zen-like calm after class."

"Leslie has a gift for creating a safe, comfortable environment in to help heal the  nervous system through movement. I noticed an immediate difference in my general well-being and even my digestion following her class."

"I was able to ground myself and attune to my body's needs, accessing emotions that can be difficult to open up to."

"
I moved through unresolved grief that I didn’t realize needed attending to."

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E11 S2| Host Leslie Field of Sick and Seeking Shares Her 22 Year Journey with Chronic Kidney Disease19 Apr 202400:58:16

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Well, here we are! The final episode of Sick and Seeking Season 2!

After you listen to this episode, I invite you to go BACK and listen to any episodes from season 1 or 2 that you may have missed. They are still wonderful episodes, even if they are from a year or two ago. 

AND, I’m going to ask a favor - can you rate and review the Sick and Seeking Podcast whenever you listen to your podcasts? It helps the podcast to be more easily discovered by people who it may support and serve on their healing journey. 

We’re doing something a bit different this week. If you’ve listened to this podcast, you know that I share about myself here and there, but I’ve never done an entire episode all about me. Well. Today is the day!

Please share and forward this episode to anyone you know who may be interested in donating a kidney and giving me the gift of life.

I would love to speak to you about kidney donation and naming me as the recipient. Email me: Leslie @ sickandseeking.com

For more information on kidney donation, check out these links:

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/becoming-a-living-donor
https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/patients/about-donation/

If you're interested in being evaluated to be a kidney donor:

https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/transplants/kidney-transplant/living-donor-transplant/how-become-kidney-donor

To start the evaluation process go here:

https://www.uclakidneydonor.org/

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E10 S2 | Mind Body Coach Rebecca Tolin Shares How Somatics, Creativity and Curiosity Processed Her Emotional Trauma and Led Her from Health Crash to Cure29 Mar 202401:00:16

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Episode 10, Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

In this episode, I chat with Rebecca Tolin, a Mind-Body Coach and creator of the Be Your Own Medicine Program. Rebecca shares her experience navigating a medical system focused only on physical symptoms, neglecting the underlying emotional trauma.

Rebecca states:

“Through no fault of my own, I found myself in a system that only focused on physical symptoms. I needed to process emotional trauma to address my symptoms at the root.” - Rebecca Tolin

Conversation Highlights:

  • Rebecca’s traumatic experience as a journalist and its impact on her health.
  • Her 13-year battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and reliance on allopathic medicine.
  • Discovering mind-body healing through Dr. John Sarno’s work, leading to her remission.
  • The importance of self-compassion and unconditional love in health management.
  • How Mind-Body Coaching helps people find safety within themselves.
  • Understanding emotions as cues regarding safety from the brain and nervous system.
  • Learning to be present with body sensations through mindful awareness.
  • Uncoupling emotions from thoughts during challenging times.
  • Honoring internal voices to prevent physical manifestations of unprocessed feelings.
  • Connecting with the deeper wisdom of the body, mind, heart, and soul.

Quotes:
“Everything we’re discussing applies whether or not you have a physical illness. It’s about finding acceptance and unconditional love for how we present ourselves.” - Rebecca Tolin

“When I gave loving attention to my body’s sensations, underlying emotions surfaced, often bringing relief. This practice became my medicine.” - Rebecca Tolin

Connect with Rebecca:
Website | Facebook | YouTube 

Read About Rebecca’s Story HERE

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E9 S2 | Adding Healing to Healthcare: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Gina Calderone Shares How Life Experience Deposits into the Physical Body, and What Your Symptoms are Telling You09 Mar 202400:58:17

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Episode 9, Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Dr. Gina Calderone, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at C Force Studio. We faced some technical challenges during recording, which may affect the audio quality, but rest assured, the content is invaluable and shouldn’t be missed!

As Gina beautifully articulates:

“People can go to acupuncture, energetic healing, or yoga, but when our invisible wounds hide from us, we don't know how to find them. The body does a great job of helping us survive, but when we need to heal, pain often becomes the indicator.”

Join us as we explore the interplay of physical and emotional healing for a better quality of life.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Gina’s 20+ year journey as a physical therapist and her reputation as "The Body Detective."
  • The connection between physical pain and emotional trauma, including how headaches may relate to intellectual overload.
  • The importance of tuning into our inner voice and recognizing bodily signals.
  • Insights from Carolyn Myss on energy medicine and archetypes that shaped Gina’s perspective on illness.
  • Understanding how life experiences can affect our physical energy.
  • Unraveling the patterns and core issues that underlie pain and conditions in the body.
  • Exploring how the mind processes thoughts while the body conveys feelings.
  • An introduction to polyvagal theory and its relevance to trauma.
  • Gina's plans to teach physio-energetic anatomy, connecting life experiences to physical symptoms.

Quotes:

“And our bodies usually give us clues. The symptoms are the map, providing all the information we need to know. We just have to learn how to tune in.” - Gina Calderone

“The longer a wound sits in the body, the more it decays and causes more problems.” - Gina Calderone

Connect with Gina:
Website | Instagram 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E8 S2 | Somatic Practitioner Emma Gordon Shares How Regulating the Nervous System is the Key to Healing Trauma Held in the Body23 Feb 202400:55:55

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Episode 8, Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with somatic practitioner Emma Gordon from Body As Compass. Emma shares profound insights about healing, trauma, and the wisdom that emerges through deep emotional work. 

Join us as we explore the journey of healing and the transformative power of somatic practices.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Personal Healing Journey: Emma discusses her own experiences in healing from trauma.
  • Body Wisdom: We explore how the body operates from a place of wisdom for survival.
  • Self-Compassion: A starting point for befriending the body.
  • Mind-Body Connection: The importance of aligning the mind and body instead of having them work against each other.
  • Healing from Safety: Finding external safety before connecting to the body.
  • Nervous System Awareness: Understanding the nervous system's role and how dysregulation occurs.
  • Neuroaffective Touch: This therapeutic approach can help release trauma patterns stored in the body.
  • Importance of Touch: Human connection is essential for overall well-being.
  • Joy and Resilience: Stepping into joy and pleasure as a means to heal the body.

Quote:

“You can't think your way through trauma, and there's a lot of shame surrounding being traumatized. This creates negative feedback loops, but we can’t consciously choose to regulate our nervous system.” - Emma Gordon

Connect with Emma:
Website | Instagram 



🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E7 S2 | Breaking Down the Barriers to Eating Well So Bodies Can Heal - Kristina Evans Functional Nutritionist Counselor02 Feb 202401:08:27

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Episode 7, Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with Kristina Evans, a Functional Nutritionist Counselor at Annyssa Wellness. Recently, I've been working with Kristina to improve my diet, and I can honestly say that the changes have made a significant impact on my gut health and overall well-being.

Kristina's compassionate approach truly stands out. She meets you where you are, offering support without judgment, which has been invaluable on my journey with food. I’m excited to share this enlightening conversation with you.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Working with a Functional Nutritionist: Kristina discusses her role in helping clients break down barriers to healthy eating and body healing.
  • Understanding Inflammation: We explore how the gut often plays a central role in inflammation and its connection to various health conditions.
  • Digestion Breakdown: Kristina explains how each part of the digestive system contributes to overall health and the issues that arise when things aren't functioning well.
  • Building a Healthy Microbiome: Tips on consuming a diverse diet rich in soluble fiber to support gut health.
  • Gut-Brain Connection: The importance of reconnecting the mind with the body for optimal health.
  • Long-Term Healing Journey: Healing often requires time and support, and Kristina emphasizes this need throughout the process.
  • The 80/20 Rule: Guidance on approaching food in a balanced way without feeling overwhelmed.

Quote:

“We don't talk about it. Why would I be excited about it? Because I have seen healing occur. If you can get the gut working correctly, then you will heal. You will be able to dare I say, go into remission from a lot of conditions. You will calm them down. The distance between flares will extend and the severity of flares will decrease. That's the beauty of working in the gut.” - Kristina Evans 

Connect with Kristina:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E6 S2 | Difficult to Diagnose: Holistic Endometriosis and Hormone Expert Dr. LJ Johnson Shares What You May Not Know or Understand About Endometriosis19 Jan 202400:41:58

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Episode 6, Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

In this episode, I speak with Dr. LJ Johnson, a Holistic Endometriosis and Hormone Expert dedicated to empowering women to improve their quality of life despite their health challenges. This insightful conversation will change everything you thought you knew about endometriosis.

Join us as we explore these vital insights on navigating endometriosis and improving your overall well-being.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Personal Journey: Dr. LJ shares her 16-year struggle to obtain a proper endometriosis diagnosis amidst limited options from conventional medicine.
  • Shift to Holistic Health: Her realization that conventional approaches weren’t enough led her to retrain in functional medicine and holistic health.
  • Understanding Endometriosis: We discuss how endometriosis involves uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, along with its stages and symptoms, which can vary widely among individuals.
  • Diagnosis Challenges: Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, often requiring processes of exclusion; Dr. LJ emphasizes the role of an excision surgeon for confirmation.
  • Surgery Insights: She compares ablation versus excision surgery in treating endometriosis.
  • Finding Trusted Care: Dr. LJ advises on the importance of seeking doctors and surgeons who genuinely understand your needs.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Practical tips on identifying trigger foods that cause inflammation and how to implement lifestyle changes for relief.
  • Root Cause Focus: How functional medicine can uncover the underlying issues affecting your body.

Quote:
"I really and honestly turned my pain into my passion. It took me 16 years to be properly diagnosed with endometriosis, yes, 16. That was 16 years of blaming myself, my doctors, and feeling dismissed while literally pleading for help." - Dr. LJ Johnson

Connect with Dr. LJ:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E5 S2 | Movement Teacher Amber Ryan of The 360 Emergence Shares the Shifts That Happen When Practicing Embodied Movement, and How Dance Can Assist with Moving People Away from Numbness and Back into Connection With Their Body15 Dec 202301:01:10

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Episode 5, Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

In this episode, I chat with Amber Ryan, a movement teacher and mentor, and co-founder of The 360 Emergence—a spirit-driven movement practice that combines embodiment, personal growth, and a strong ethic of care and justice.

Amber beautifully captures our shared passion for embodied movement with this quote:

“And numbing is also one of those vibrations that the movement practice can help assist moving people away from. Whether it's stuffing something down or feeling overwhelmed, numbing can arise for many reasons. Through movement, we can begin to warm that freeze and bring people back into their bodies.” - Amber Ryan

Join us as we explore how movement can be a pathway to reconnecting with the body and embracing the full spectrum of life’s experiences.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Energy Flow: How stagnant energy in the body can be shifted through movement to invite vitality.
  • Mindful Breathing: Utilizing breath as a tool for deeper presence and self-awareness.
  • 5 Rhythms Influence: Amber discusses how Gabrielle Roth’s 5 Rhythms ecstatic dance method helped her establish healthier patterns in support of her body.
  • Breath's Power: The profound changes that occur with a full, deep breath.
  • Embodied Movement Benefits: Participants often experience feelings of freedom, connection, rejuvenation, and stress release.
  • Raw Emotion Expression: Dance creates space for authentic emotional expression and movement of energy.
  • Community Support: Movement can offer solidarity for those facing illness or chronic pain.
  • Healing Through Tears: Amber discusses how crying can serve as a softening and healing release.

Connect with Amber:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Resources:
The 360 Emergence: Remember Center (Free!)
Calm Your Nervous System
Amber’s Sound Cloud Music and Mixes That Inspire Movement

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E4 S2 | Be in the Richness of Life as it Arises Through Your Body: Holly Wodetzki Shares How Her Embodied Dance Methodology Helps Women Come Back to Intense Aliveness in the Body30 Nov 202300:54:37

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Episode 4, Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

In this episode, I chat with Holly Wodetzki of Sensual Embodied Dance about the transformative power of dance in awakening a deep sense of aliveness in the body. Through her unique approach, Holly helps women reconnect with their innate vitality.

Conversation Highlights:

  • From Yoga to Dance: Holly shares her journey from yoga to free-form dance and the richness it brings.
  • Body Awareness: We discuss how tight areas in women’s bodies become prominent when encouraged to move toward pleasure.
  • Erotic Pulse of Life: Holly explores eroticism as a vital pulse within us.
  • Dissolving Boundaries: Dance practices can break down personal barriers, fostering unity with nature.
  • Emotional Flow: We highlight the importance of intimacy with bodily sensations to allow life and emotions to flow.
  • Releasing Tension: Dance enables women to let go and embrace life’s full spectrum.
  • Chronic Pelvic Tension: Many women experience a disconnect from their lower bodies, leading to chronic tension.
  • Embodiment and Music: Holly discusses the relationship between embodiment and dissociation, and how music evokes various emotional states.

Quotes:
“And the distinction between me and other is something that the mind draws. Through practice, you can dissolve those boundaries and feel a unity.”  

“When we let life move through us, things don’t get stuck, allowing us to avoid unexpressed emotional residue.” 

“Will you dance with this too? For those facing hardship, can you still engage, even in pain, recognizing it as part of your story?” - Holly Wodetzki

Connect with Holly:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Resources:
History of Butoh Dance
How to Use Music to Boost Motivation, Mood & Improve Learning | Huberman Lab Podcast

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E9 S3: Sourcing Safety During the SoCal Fires: A Meditation & Gentle Embodied Movement Practice for Relaxation & Nervous System Regulation14 Jan 202500:45:20

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

As I sit with the heaviness of the devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades Fire here in SoCal, I felt deeply moved to create and share this meditation and gentle movement practice with you. This tragedy has impacted so many, including people I know who have lost their homes or who are mitigating smoke damage, and it has left a profound ache in my heart.

The Eaton Canyon Fire in Altadena, CA destroyed what I consider my local community, a place that is a mere 15-min drive from my house. Witnessing the pain and loss has been overwhelming and it's taken me a few days to feel resourced and ready to help people with what I love to do most: guiding people back to their bodies in a slow, gentle, and loving way.

Finding our way back to feeling our bodies in times of pain, difficulty, grief and sadness may feel impossible, and this is completely reasonable. We sometimes must numb away from our inner world to continue moving on with our lives. And you may need to stay there awhile. 

But in time, when you're ready, this is a practice to begin melting that icy, numbing hold so that you can process all that is shoved down, unattended to and waiting to be lovingly felt and compassionately witnessed. This may feel scary, but it can be done one gentle breath, one small loving touch, one small movement at a time. 

Sending the signal to your body: 

You are safe.

You are loved. 

You are safe.

You are loved. 

In this time of uncertainty and grief, I hope this meditation and practice offers a moment of peace, grounding and healing. Take your time with you; move slowly. Don't rush. Let your body have moments to breathe and rest while navigating these challenging times. 

This is my love letter of support to all of us navigating these difficult emotions and honoring the beauty and resilience of my local Altadena and Pasadena communities that has given so much to me.

Sending love, light, and comfort to everyone affected, and may we continue to find ways to support and uplift one another through this time.

With Love,

Leslie

---
The words in this meditation were directly taken from or inspired by my two mentors: Erin Pace of the Responsive Body Practice and Michaels Boehm author and creator of the Wild Women's Way. 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E3 S2 | Functional Medical Health Coach Dawn Karwoski Shares How Connecting to Her Roots, Reigniting her Faith, Finding Community and Regulating Her Nervous System Paved the Path to Remission17 Nov 202301:06:06

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I chat with Functional Medical Health Coach Dawn Karwoski from Well Rooted Life about her remarkable healing journey after a significant health crisis in 2017.

After years of battling various health issues and mystery illnesses, Dawn consulted numerous doctors in search of solutions. Ultimately, she found true healing by reconnecting with her roots, reigniting her faith, and building community support. Today, she shares how she achieved remission from all her chronic conditions.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Empath Awareness: Dawn discusses her realization of being a sensitive empath, which shaped her health journey.
  • Health Crash Revelation: Dawn shares her experience with hashitoxicosis, a rare condition that triggered a major health crisis.
  • Food and Healing: Discover her journey with food, including elimination diets and rebuilding a positive relationship with nourishment.
  • Self-Advocacy: Dawn emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition and advocating for yourself in medical settings.
  • Faith and Regulation: She discusses her return to faith and techniques for effectively regulating her nervous system.

Quotes:
“I started doing nervous system regulation… paired with my functional medicine practice, I bounced back from that health crash and eventually went off all my medication.” - Dawn 

Specialty tests through alternative practitioners often aren’t covered by insurance, leading to unexpected expenses.” - Dawn 

“Just because a doctor suggests something doesn’t mean I have to follow it blindly. It’s essential to view this as a choice.” - Dawn 

“If our body isn't ready to heal, throwing strategies at it might fail.” - Dawn 

Connect with Dawn:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Resources:
Dawn’s Favorite Recipes

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E2 S2 | Bringing a Historical and Personal Lens to Medicine and Healing: Author and Professor Ed Cohen Discusses What Medicine Doesn’t Know in His Book Titled On Learning to Heal03 Nov 202301:11:41

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Sick and Seeking Episode 2 of Season 2 features author and professor Ed Cohen who shares all about his new book: On Learning to Heal - What Medicine Doesn’t Know

At thirteen, Ed Cohen was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease—a chronic, incurable condition that nearly killed him in his early twenties. At his diagnosis, his doctors told him that the best he could hope for would be periods of remission. Unfortunately, doctors never mentioned healing as a possibility.

In On Learning to Heal, Cohen draws on fifty years of living with Crohn’s to consider how Western medicine’s turn from an “art of healing” toward a “science of medicine” deeply affects both medical practitioners and their patients. He demonstrates that although medicine can now offer many seemingly miraculous therapies, medicine is not and has never been the only way to enhance healing. Exploring his own path to healing, he argues that learning to heal requires us to desire and value healing as a vital possibility. With this book, Cohen advocates reviving healing’s role for all those whose lives are touched by illness.

Topics Discussed:

  • Ed’s Crohn's Disease diagnoses over 50 years ago at the age of 13 
  • His self-proclaimed “adolescence on steroids” when he was treated with high doses of prednisone 
  • His life-changing healing trances that spontaneously occurred while severely sick and recovering in hospital 
  • Ed’s 40 year quest to understand why medicine knows a lot about being sick, but not a lot about getting better and healing
  • How healing is our birthright, and in our culture we don’t give healing the respect that it’s due 
  • How we are made into an ‘anybody’ for medical purposes when really each disease is particular and specific to each person 
  • The idea that medicine is a fee-for-service enterprise, and it sells itself to us as being the best treatment by using diagnosis and prognosis
  • How medicine was first considered an art of healing, and one way this was practiced was through Asclepion Temple Healing 

“And then when I finally got out of the hospital, I had an exit interview with my surgeon and he said this thing that just seared itself into my brain. He said: You were the sickest person I've operated on in five years who's still alive and I have no idea how you got better so quickly.” - Ed Cohen

Connect with Ed: 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
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Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E1 S2 | Naturopath Debra Lee (she’s back!) Shares the Essential Elements and Nutrients We Need to Function Properly and Create a Healthy Self-Healing and Self-Regulating Environment in Our Bodies20 Oct 202301:09:54

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Season 2 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast! For our season opener, I’m excited to welcome back Naturopath Debra Lee, who was a fan favorite in Season 1, Episode 7, where she discussed the toxins we encounter daily. With her insightful knowledge and the popularity of that episode, I had to bring her back for more.

In this episode, Debra and I explore the essential elements and nutrients vital for creating a healthy, self-healing, and self-regulating environment in our bodies. We focus on clean water, minerals, good salts, probiotics, and fresh produce.

Join us as we explore how to foster health through conscious choices about essential elements!

Conversation Highlights:

  • Lifestyle Over Genetics: Debra shares that 80% of our health is determined by lifestyle choices, not genetics.
  • Essential Nutrients: We discuss key nutrients needed for proper body function, including clean water, good salts, minerals, probiotics, and fresh produce.
  • Hydration Insights: Learn how much water you should drink, when to drink it, and the best types of water.
  • Fluoride Differences: We explain the distinction between sodium fluoride and calcium fluoride and why it matters.
  • Mineral Importance: Debra highlights that while our bodies can manufacture some vitamins, they cannot produce minerals, which must come from our diet or supplements.
  • Key Minerals: We explore critical minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride, and iodine, and what deficiencies may look and feel like.
  • Gut Health: The roles of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in maintaining a healthy gut are discussed.
  • Support Local Farmers: Debra emphasizes the benefits of buying from local farmers or farmer's markets beyond environmental concerns.

Connect with Debra: 

Website

Resources:

(For 20% off use this code when ordering: 20%_EDDB17_4W ; this is an affiliate link)

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E14 S1| Wrapping Season 1 and Exciting Things to Come on Sick and Seeking and Beyond!30 Jun 202300:34:48

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Hello Sick and Seeking Listeners!

I know it’s been a few weeks. I’ve been pondering how to close out my first season, and if you don’t know this about me, I tend to overcomplicate things—hence the delay! I wanted to create a big storytelling moment to share my chronic illness journey and what it’s like living in my body. But honestly, that felt a bit overwhelming. Behind the scenes, I’ve been working on completing a couple of certifications (more on that later!) so I can bring women together in connection and movement. I’ve decided to keep this episode simple and start with a reflection on Season 1 before discussing what’s coming next for me and the Sick and Seeking Podcast.

One of my mentors, Sheri Rosenthal, often says that heart-centered entrepreneurs have a hard time asking their communities for support, and I can totally relate to that.

As I wrap up Season 1, I have a few requests:

1. Head over to my website and sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I release new podcast episodes or open Wild Women’s Way Circles, Unstructured Movement Classes, and Transformational Wellness Retreats.

2. Rate and review the Sick and Seeking Podcast on whatever platform you listen to. This greatly helps my podcast reach more listeners.

3. Follow and engage with the Sick and Seeking social media accounts

➡️ Instagram: Sick and Seeking Instagram
➡️ Facebook: Sick and Seeking Facebook
➡️ YouTube: Sick and Seeking YouTube
➡️ LinkedIn: Sick and Seeking LinkedIn

4. Share my podcast with friends or anyone in your network who might enjoy listening.

5. Join the Sick and Seeking Community group on Facebook to stay informed about my activities related to the podcast, unstructured movement, and transformational retreats.

Podcasting can feel like a lonely pursuit, so please reach out via social media or email me at leslie@sickandseeking.com. I’d love to know why you listen, what topics you’d like to hear more about, or recommendations for inspiring people I should check out in the healing space.

Until September—goodbye, and thank you for listening!

xoxo,
Leslie

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E13 S1| Honoring Emotion as the Sacred Informer - Erin Pace Shares How Unstructured Movement Can Help Escort Emotion Out Of Our Bodies (Pt. 2)27 May 202300:54:47

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I reconnect with Erin Pace, a somatic therapist, embodiment guide, and intuitive body reader. If you haven’t yet listened to our previous conversation titled “The Body is a Realm of Wild Discovery,” I encourage you to check it out after this episode.

My passion for unstructured, organic movement practices has deepened, and I hold profound respect for the healing work Erin offers. Embodied and sensual movement has been transformative for me, and I’m eager to spread awareness about its positive effects, particularly for women seeking to rediscover trust and connection with their bodies.

Join us for this enlightening conversation on the power of movement and emotional connection!

Conversation Highlights:

  • Embodying Emotion: We discuss honoring the deep emotions women carry in their bodies and the importance of feeling these emotions.
  • Sensory Awareness: Erin emphasizes that emotions are housed in the body until we release them.
  • Desensitization: We explore how desensitization occurs as a survival mechanism, recognizing sensitivity as a strength.
  • Inviting Ease: Discover how introducing ease can generate more energy within the body.
  • Intelligence of the Body: We reflect on what arises when we check in with our bodies and connect with the divine.
  • A.L.I.V.E. Practice: Erin shares her A.L.I.V.E. acronym for a daily affirmation practice, helping foster awareness and intentionality.

Quotes:

“Emotion can feel like a scary foe, and I invite that is should be a sacred informer” - Erin Pace

Connect with Erin:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E12 S1| The Body Is a Realm of Wild Discovery - Erin Pace Shares How Unstructured Movement Can Re-establish Trust In the Body (Pt. 1)13 May 202300:49:55

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with Erin Pace, a somatic therapist, embodiment guide, intuitive body reader, soul coach, and meditation facilitator. Erin shares insights on achieving wholeness and trust in our bodies through supportive environments.

This is the first of two discussions with Erin, focusing on body awareness and healing.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Exploring the Body: Erin discusses how connecting with our bodies opens up space for self-discovery.
  • Presence and Aliveness: We highlight the importance of being present with our sensations, leading to a more joyful experience.
  • Chronic Illness and Distrust: Living with chronic illness can foster disconnection, showing the need for reconnection.
  • The Power of Breath: A simple, conscious breath can ground and support us.
  • Reconnection Approach: Erin shares her methods for working with individuals seeking to reconnect with their bodies.
  • Balancing Energies: We discuss attuning to both feminine and masculine energies within ourselves.
  • Observer vs. Judge: Learning to observe our experiences rather than judge them is crucial for healing.
  • Embracing Feelings: We explore how to navigate profound feelings without fear or judgment.
  • Cultivating Curiosity: Practicing organic movement with curiosity can deepen understanding of our bodies.

Key Practices:

Erin emphasizes actions to foster a connection with the body, including:

  • Receiving
  • Exploring
  • Listening
  • Recognizing
  • Celebrating

Connect with Erin: 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin

Resources

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E11 S1| Shamanic Practitioner Amy Dempster Shares the Healing Power of Nature22 Apr 202300:56:38

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Amy Dempster about the profound ways nature can serve as a supportive and healing force in our lives. Amy is the host of The Earth Keepers Podcast, which has been a source of inspiration and comfort for me during challenging times.

Join us as we explore our connection to the earth and how it can enrich our wellbeing.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Rediscovering Connection: She reflects on her upbringing on a farm and how she gradually lost her connection to the land after college.
  • Intuitive Abilities: We discuss Amy's journey of remembering her psychic and intuitive gifts, and how nature communicates with us beyond our five senses.
  • Frequency and Vibration: Amy explains the concepts of frequency and vibration, highlighting their impact on our health and experiences.
  • Raising Vibration: We talk about practical tools that can enhance the vibrational quality of our environments.
  • Benefits of Being Outdoors: Discover why spending time in nature is essential for our well-being.
  • Ions in Nature: We discuss the presence of positive and negative ions in our environment and their effects on us.
  • Mindful Walking: We encourage listeners to leave their phones behind and take leisurely walks as a way to reconnect with nature.
  • Ancient Wisdom of Plants: We reflect on the deep knowledge that plants hold and how they have interacted with humans throughout history.
  • Electromagnetic Frequencies: Amy sheds light on how modern electromagnetic frequencies impact our health.
  • Our Ancestral Connection: We explore how many of us have lost our intimate connection with the land through generations.
  • Nature as a Partner: Finally, we discuss the long-standing relationship between humans, psychoactive plants, and fungi.

Connect with Amy:

Website | Facebook | Instagram |
  
YouTube| Podcast

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E10 S1| How Faith and Prayer Can Get You Through The Darkest Moments - Nicole Moyer Shares Her Story of Living with: Cystic Fibrosis; Type 1 Diabetes; Hashimotos Disease; Cervical Cancer; Chronic Kidney Stones and Kidney Failure08 Apr 202300:59:10

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend Nicole Moyer, who shares her experience navigating life with multiple health challenges, including cystic fibrosis, Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's disease, cervical cancer, chronic kidney stones, and kidney failure. Despite these obstacles, Nikki approaches life with humor, positivity, and a strong sense of faith. Her infectious spirit and big heart shine through, and I feel grateful to call her my friend.

Join us for this inspiring conversation that highlights resilience in the face of chronic illness, offering encouragement and insight for anyone dealing with health challenges!

Conversation Highlights:

  • Health Challenges: Nikki discusses the various health issues she manages and how they affect her daily life.
  • Listening to Our Bodies: We explore the dilemma of honoring our body’s signals versus pushing through discomfort to fulfill our daily obligations.
  • The "Fine" Facade: Nikki opens up about the tendency to say we’re "fine" even when we’re not feeling well.
  • Invisible Illness: We address the challenges of living with conditions that are not visible to others, making it hard for people to understand what Nikki experiences.
  • Understanding Cystic Fibrosis: Nikki explains what cystic fibrosis is and how it impacts her body.
  • Trikafta Breakthrough: We discuss the incredible impact of Trikafta, a medication released in 2019 that has significantly improved Nikki’s lung function.
  • Faith and Support: Nikki shares how prayer and her faith in Jesus serve as powerful sources of strength during difficult times.
  • Psalm 91: We discuss how Nikki believes that reciting this prayer helped her avoid dialysis.
  • Fostering Life: Nikki shares her experience as a foster parent and the joy it brings her.

Connect with Nicole:

Instagram



🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E9 S1| Chronic Illness Coach and Advocate Alyssa Truelove Shares Her Story of Living with Endometriosis and Fibromyalgia11 Mar 202301:08:00

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I chat with coach and advocate Alyssa Truelove about her experience living with two chronic conditions: endometriosis and fibromyalgia.

Alyssa offers insight into her diagnosis story, sharing the shocking news she received at just 19 years old of her endometriosis. We discuss the significance of recognizing that your feelings and experiences are valid, even when your illness is invisible and not easily seen by others.

Join us as we delve into the realities of living with chronic illness and the importance of community support in the healing process.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Diagnosis Journey: Alyssa reflects on her endometriosis diagnosis and the impact it had on her life.
  • Validity of Experience: We explore the importance of acknowledging your body's sensations, even when they’re invisible to others.
  • Living with Chronic Illness: Alyssa shares her strategies and mindset for managing daily challenges associated with both conditions.
  • Advocacy Work: Insight into Alyssa’s role as a founder and advocate for the Chronically Ill Society, offering support to others facing similar struggles.

Connect with Alyssa:

Email | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website



🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E8 S1| The Story of Cecil, Abby's Grapefruit-Sized Dermoid Cyst04 Mar 202300:56:27

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, Abby shares her incredible journey with Cecil, a grapefruit-sized dermoid cyst attached to her right ovary. She recounts the harrowing realization of having such a large mass growing inside her body and the challenges she faced along the way.

Join us as we navigate Abby's story and discuss important aspects of understanding ovarian health.

Conversation Highlights:

  • The Painful Awakening: Abby describes the sudden, stabbing pain that prompted her to seek immediate medical attention.
  • Understanding Dermoid Cysts: We define what dermoid cysts are and delve into their peculiar characteristics.
  • Ovarian Torsion Risks: We discuss the potential complications of ovarian torsion and the impact it can have on reproductive organs.
  • Surgical Concerns: Abby shares her fears about losing part or all of her reproductive organs during the surgery to remove the cyst.
  • Finding Humor in Hardship: Discover how humor helped Abby navigate tough moments in her health journey.
  • Navigating Healthcare: We explore the intricacies of managing a long list of doctors and medications, and how to maximize medical insurance benefits.
  • Alternative Therapies: Abby discusses the potential for complementary therapies alongside traditional treatments.
  • Mental Health Matters: We address the challenges of dealing with anxiety and depression while managing physical health issues.
  • Setting Small Goals: Abby emphasizes the importance of setting achievable goals post-surgery to maintain motivation.

Update on Leslie’s IUD: Leslie shares her recent experience with spotting and mini-periods, likely due to a shifted IUD. More details will be shared on the Sick and Seeking YouTube page soon.

Connect with Abby:
Instagram

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E8 S3 |The Journey of a Spoonie Ninja – Tessa Muldoon21 Dec 202401:00:32

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I have an intimate conversation with Tessa Muldoon, also known as the Spoonie Ninja. Tessa shares her inspiring journey through chronic illness, particularly the management of dermatomyositis and other autoimmune diseases. Our discussion explores the emotional complexities of living with invisible illnesses, the impactful role of IVIG treatment, and the significance of self-advocacy and community support. Tessa emphasizes how sharing personal stories can foster connections and promote understanding in the face of chronic health challenges.

Conversation Highlights:

Tessa's Health Journey: Tessa shares her health struggles starting in 2012 with severe itching, leading to her diagnosis of dermatomyositis.

Understanding Invisible Illness: We explore the challenges of living with an invisible illness, often invisible to others.

Transformative IVIG Treatment: Tessa explains how IVIG has significantly improved her quality of life.

The Spoon Theory: This concept is discussed as a useful tool for energy management for those with chronic conditions.

Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The importance of humor in coping with chronic illness is highlighted as a key source of resilience.

Multiple Diagnoses and Impacts: Tessa shares her experience with multiple diagnoses, including congestive heart failure, and links them to her birth defect and autoimmune issues.

The Importance of Advocacy: We talk about how self-advocacy and education empower those managing chronic conditions and promote awareness.

Emotional Impacts on Loved Ones: The emotional strain on families and caregivers is discussed, stressing the significance of supportive networks.

Redefining Independence and Empowerment: Tessa emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in empowering individuals in the chronic illness community.

Creating Community through Storytelling: Sharing personal stories fosters a sense of belonging and mitigates isolation.

Quotes:

"IVIG is life-saving."

"It's like liquid gold."

"I had to be very intentional about protecting my energy."

"My goal is to help at least one person."


Connect with Tessa:

Instagram | TikTok

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E7 S1| Naturopath Debra Lee Educates Us on the Toxins in Our Daily Lives: What Are They and Why We Want to Avoid Them11 Feb 202300:57:34

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with Debra Lee, founder of Middle Tennessee’s Wellness Bridge Consulting. As a Traditional Naturopath, Certified Natural Health Practitioner, and Lifestyle Coach, Debra is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier choices. 

In this enlightening conversation, she discusses the over 500 chemicals we encounter daily and the potential symptoms that can arise from exposure.

Join us as we explore the critical connection between our health and the environment.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Role of a Naturopath: Debra explains why individuals seek naturopathic support in their health journeys.
  • Environmental Toxins: We discuss how chronic illness relapses can be linked to the hidden environmental toxins found in everyday products.
  • Unregulated Commercial Products: Debra sheds light on the dangers of commercial scents and air fresheners that may contain unlisted ingredients.
  • Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils: Learn how to select high-quality essential oils for health benefits.
  • Body Detoxification: We explore how various organs help eliminate toxins and the connection between exposure to chemicals and our health.
  • Common Toxins to Avoid: Debra highlights harmful substances like formaldehyde, aluminum, parabens, and aspartame that may be present in the products we use.
  • Differentiating Fluoride Types: We clarify the distinction between sodium fluoride and calcium fluoride and why it matters.
  • Gentle Detox Suggestions: Debra advises against harsh detoxes and recommends starting with mild detox options like dandelion or cilantro tea.

Quotes:

“Don’t become overwhelmed and do it a little bit at a time.” - Debra

Connect with Debra:
Website 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E6 S1| Sally Wolf on Dancing Through Cancer and Using Positive Psychology to Thrive Amidst Life’s Challenges03 Feb 202301:11:56

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with Sally Wolf, a wellbeing advisor, advocate, and speaker, who empowers others to thrive personally and professionally through her company, LightWorks.

Sally shares her journey as a breast cancer patient and now Stage IV thriver, leaning into healing through positive psychology, which she began studying after her first diagnosis in 2016.

Join us as Sally reflects on her seven years with breast cancer, discussing how she has danced her way through adversity and found meaning in life’s challenges.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Dance as Healing: Sally discusses how dance became a significant part of her healing journey after receiving her first cancer diagnosis in 2015.
  • Flourishing Tools: We explore how self-awareness and effective tools can support us in challenging moments.
  • Listening to Intuition: Sally shares the importance of trusting your body and intuition, even when medical professionals may not express concern.
  • Post-Traumatic Growth: We highlight Sally’s journey of resilience and the importance of recognizing personal growth after trauma.
  • Career Pivot: Sally discusses her work in bringing positive psychology into the corporate world.

Quotes:

“Dance helps you speak with your body and quiets the overthinking mind.” - Sally

“I have the responsibility to share my story and connect with others because other people did that for me.” - Sally

Connect with Sally:
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Resources:
Sally’s dance teacher 
Sally in Allure
Positive Psychology - Where Sally Studied

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

E5 S1| Julia LeFrancois on Ableism, Crip Kinship, Body Neutrality, Disability Justice and Living With Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis28 Jan 202300:47:37

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with storyteller and scholar Julia LeFrancois to discuss her journey living with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Julia is passionate about advocating for social and disability justice through her research and activism. Together, we explore vital topics like the societal invalidation of chronic illnesses, ableism, and the concepts of body neutrality and disability justice.

Join us for this insightful conversation that highlights the experiences of living with chronic illness and the importance of advocating for disability justice!

Conversation Highlights:

  • Challenging Diagnoses: Julia shares the difficulties in diagnosing fibromyalgia, often dismissed by the medical community.
  • Personalized Treatment: We discuss the journey of finding both conventional and holistic therapies to support self-care.
  • Body's Brilliance: Julia expresses the frustration of a body that behaves independently of her efforts to manage health.
  • Feelings and Self-Compassion: We explore the self-loathing, shame, and anger that may arise while trying to intuitively connect with one’s health.
  • Body Neutrality vs. Body Positivity: We contrast these concepts and discuss their implications for self-acceptance.
  • Disability Awareness vs. Justice: We delve into these distinctions and the importance of disrupting societal norms.
  • Crip Kinship: Julia describes the empowering community of individuals with disabilities resisting unrealistic standards.
  • Healing Through Storytelling: We discuss how articulating our journeys can be cathartic and healing.

Quotes:

"It's this rollercoaster that just doesn't end. Unless you have mental illness or chronic illness, it's hard to understand." - Julia

"We don’t experience things just in our bodies or just in our minds. We experience them simultaneously." - Julia

Connect with Julia:
Website 

Resources:
Shayda Kafai - Crip Kinship
Patty Berne - Disability Justice
Tricia Hersey - Nap Ministry

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E4 S1| The Body Holds Many Messages For Us – Lizzie Redman on Living with Chronic Pain21 Jan 202301:06:54

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with strategist and leadership coach Lizzie Redman. Four years after a memorable night in New York City filled with oysters and champagne, Lizzie began experiencing mysterious symptoms that have led to her ongoing journey with chronic pain. She shares valuable lessons and insights she's gained while navigating this challenging experience.

Join us as we explore the complexities of living with chronic illness and the personal growth that can arise from these challenges.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Embracing Change: Lizzie discusses how changes in our bodies can be tough yet can also bring unexpected gifts.
  • The Weight of the Question: We explore the heaviness of asking someone with chronic illness how they're feeling and the challenges they may face in articulating their experiences.
  • Recognizing Fatigue: We dive into the importance of honoring our need for rest and sleep, which can often be overlooked.
  • Movement and Joy: Lizzie highlights the role of dance and organic movement as avenues to reconnect with our bodies and experience joy.
  • Shared Journeys: Hearing others’ stories can resonate deeply, stirring emotions and sensations connected to our own experiences.
  • Mind-Body Connection: We discuss the intricate relationship between the brain and the physical manifestations of pain.
  • Nervous System Awareness: Lizzie shares her suspicion that her symptoms may be linked to an overactive nervous system.
  • Emotional Labor: The time and effort required to manage chronic illness effectively are discussed.
  • Self-Pressures: We reflect on the dangers of putting undue pressure on ourselves regarding our health.
  • Community Support: Lizzie illustrates the isolating nature of invisible illness and the vital role that community can play in one’s healing journey.

Quotes:

“When our body doesn’t cooperate, it’s fighting for us.” - Lizzie

“What I learned is that pain does come from our brain.” - Lizzie

Connect with Lizzie:
Website | Linkedin

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E3 S1| Reema Doshi’s Story of Living with Inflammatory Breast Cancer and How Women Can Empower Themselves in Medical Settings to Advocate and Get What They Want and Need22 Dec 202201:11:18

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with my dear friend Reema Doshi, who was diagnosed in 2017 with a rare form of breast cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Reema's journey through diagnosis and treatment is both enlightening and empowering, and I'm excited to share her story with you.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of seeking medical attention and advocating for oneself during a health crisis.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Listening to Your Body: Reema emphasizes the importance of recognizing any abnormal signs in your body and taking the time to investigate them seriously.
  • Busy Lives and Medical Help: We discuss how life’s busyness often interferes with seeking professional medical advice when it’s needed most.
  • Collecting Data: Reema shares her experience of gathering pieces of information throughout her medical journey, and how confusing it can be.
  • Importance of Early Diagnosis: We emphasize the critical role of early diagnosis in successful outcomes for breast cancer.r.
  • Significant Moments: Reema reflects on the impactful encounters and knowledge she gathered during her treatment journey.
  • Media Misrepresentation: Reema speaks about how the media often misrepresents the realities of undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Supporting Others: Reema offers insights on how to support someone going through treatment, acknowledging that everyone’s needs are different.
  • Post-Treatment Journey: Reema discusses her ongoing medical journey, the challenges of "chemo brain," and managing the fear of cancer recurrence.

Quotes:

“Women often lose months in getting diagnosed because they get stuck in this loop of not knowing how to advocate for themselves.” - Reema

“I wasn’t sure if the chemo was going to kill me or the cancer.” - Reema

“I am beyond my cancer.” - Reema

Connect with Reema:
Website

Resources:

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E2 S1| A Holistic Approach to Supporting People on Their Healing Journey — From the Perspective of Medium, Therapist and Primal Priestess Ceryn Roundtree21 Dec 202200:54:05

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with my dear friend Ceryn Rowntree, a medium, therapist, writer, and primal priestess. We connected several years ago in an online coven, and I can’t wait for you to hear about her transformative journey and profound insights.

Join us as we explore themes of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.

Conversation Highlights:

  • A Health Awakening: Ceryn shares her life-changing experience with Toxic Shock Syndrome, which led her to a deeper understanding of her menstrual cycle and internal rhythms.
  • Connecting with the Unseen: We discuss the importance of reconnecting with the unseen parts of ourselves and returning to our bodies for true healing.
  • The Power of Rituals: We delve into how rituals can help manifest our intentions and bring our desires into reality.
  • Reclaiming Goddess Stories: Ceryn talks about her research on goddess stories that have been overlooked in history, particularly those portraying women in a negative light.
  • Emotional Healing: We explore how emotional conditions can manifest physically, and how addressing our emotions can support physical well-being.
  • Living in Alignment: We highlight the importance of stepping into our power and embracing authenticity to avoid living in a state of dis-ease.
  • Balancing Action and Surrender: We discuss the dynamic nature of healing, emphasizing the balance between taking action and allowing for surrender.

Quotes:

“The problem is when we've become so disconnected from our bodies or so distrustful of our heads or our hearts, for whatever reason, we can't follow that inner guidance.” - Ceryn Rowntree

“I believe you can heal yourself.”
- Leslie Field

Connect with Ceryn:
Website | Divine Feminist Community | Facebook | Instagram

Resources:
Spirit and Destiny Magazine
Project Earthwork 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E1 S1| Jessica Gillespie on Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and How Therapy Can Support People Who Want to Find Their Way Back to Connection21 Dec 202201:02:47

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with my best friend, Jessica Gillespie, to discuss her experience living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Jessica brings a unique perspective to our conversation, and together, we reflect on the surprising parallel of being diagnosed with major medical conditions around the same time. I’m excited for you to hear her story and get a glimpse into our long, quirky, and loving friendship.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of living with RA, offering insights and support for anyone grappling with chronic illness.

Conversation Highlights:

  • Recognizing the Discomfort: Jessica shares the frustration of sensing that something is wrong with her body but struggling to articulate it, leading to moments of second-guessing her instincts.
  • Invisible Illness: We talk about the challenges of living with an invisible disease and the misconceptions that often accompany it.
  • Fear of Flare-Ups: We discuss the anxiety associated with the possibility of future RA flare-ups and how that impacts daily life.
  • Medication Considerations: We delve into the potential long-term effects of prescription RA medications and how they contribute to the quality versus quantity of life dilemma.
  • Mind-Body Connection: We discuss how emotional experiences manifest physically, reinforcing the interplay between mental and physical health.
  • Therapy for Connection: Jessica illustrates how therapy can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and acknowledge their feelings rather than push them away.

Quotes:
“Everything we feel emotionally is all physical.” - Jessica Gillespie

“Healing from trauma is going to give people…a greater access to who they really are or who they always were.” -
Jessica Gillespie

Connect with Jessica:
Website

Resources for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
https://www.helpfightra.org/
https://www.arthritis.org/
https://www.rheumresearch.org/

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E7 S3 | Navigating Chronic Illness and Mental Health with Chronic Illness Soul-Sisters Stacie Munnell, Yolanda Jimenez and your host, Leslie Field06 Dec 202401:13:07

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I share a ‘fly on the wall’ style conversation with my two chronic illness soul-sisters: Stacie and Yoli. We candidly discuss the complexities of living with chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. Our conversation sheds light on the essential role of friendship and community support in navigating these health battles.

Join us for this insightful discussion that highlights the resilience required to manage chronic illnesses and the importance of self-advocacy, body awareness, and finding humor amidst struggles.

Conversation Highlights:

Stacie's TMS Journey: Stacie shares her experience with TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment, emphasizing its positive impact on her chronic pain and mental health.

Yoli's Battle with Endometriosis: Yoli opens up about the challenges of endometriosis and the misconceptions she faces while seeking medical opinions.

Leslie's Ayurvedic Practices: Leslie provides an update on her health and how incorporating Ayurvedic practices has influenced her self-care routine.

The Emotional Toll: The trio discusses the emotional challenges associated with living with chronic conditions, including grief and isolation.

The Power of Self-Advocacy: They emphasize the importance of standing up for oneself in healthcare and seeking multiple perspectives when navigating their health journeys.

Building Connections: The conversation highlights the vital role of community and connection in healing, including the joys and difficulties of maintaining relationships.

Finding Humor: They explore how humor can be a powerful tool for coping with the realities of chronic illness life.

Quotes:

"A lot of people with chronic illnesses don't completely understand that there's a mental health aspect that goes along with it." - Stacie M

"If I'm already at rock bottom, there's only one way up." - Yoli Jimenez



🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E6 S3 | Reconnecting Mind and Body Through the Alexander Technique with Casey Butterfield15 Nov 202400:49:37

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with Casey Butterfield, a practitioner of the Alexander Technique and somatic movement educator who helps people recognize and release tension in their body. Together, we discuss the importance of body awareness, the impact of chronic pain, and how the Alexander Technique can help individuals use their body in the most functional, optimal way. Casey shares her personal journey through pain, which ultimately led her to discover the Alexander Technique.

Conversation Highlights:

Understanding the Alexander Technique: Casey explains how this practice helps individuals use their bodies efficiently and without pain.

Chronic Pain's Impact: We discuss how chronic pain can affect overall quality of life, work, and daily activities.

The Role of Body Awareness: Understanding how to move effectively begins with heightened body awareness.

The Importance of Touch: We explore how touch can create deeper connections to body awareness and healing.

Lessons from Infants: Infants learn to move through trial and error, informing how adults can reconnect with their movement.

Posture and Movement: We delve into the connection between posture and movement, and how practice can improve both.

The Head-Body Connection: The head plays a critical role in movement, and restoring this connection enhances body function.

Somatic Practices: These practices can help restore healthier movement patterns that many lose due to sedentary lifestyles.

Knowledge Equals Empowerment: Understanding body mechanics can lead to pain relief and improved well-being.

Quotes:

We can move with more ease and freedom just by knowing a different way about how our body works.” - Casey Butterfield

Connect with Casey:

Website| Instagram



🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E5 S3 | Navigating Grief and Loss with Licensed Therapist and Founder of the Kintsugi Grief Center - Vanessa Fierstadt02 Nov 202400:46:02

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I have a heartfelt discussion with Vanessa Fierstadt, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of the Kintsugi Grief Center. Together, we explore the deep and often complex themes of grief, loss, and healing, drawing from Vanessa’s personal experience as a young widow and her commitment to supporting others through their grief journeys.

Join us for this enriching conversation that navigates the intricate landscape of grief, providing insights and support for anyone experiencing loss.

Conversation Highlights:

Vanessa’s Path to Grief Work: Vanessa shares how her own experience with loss inspired her to dedicate her life to grief support.

The Mission of Kintsugi Grief Center: We discuss how this organization was created to bridge the gap in available resources for those navigating grief.

Understanding Grief as a Lifelong Process: We talk about how grief evolves and shifts over time, highlighting its persistent reality.

Societal Stigma: We touch on the discomfort surrounding discussions of death and grief in society.

Anticipatory Grief: Vanessa emphasizes the significance of anticipatory grief as a valid and intricate experience.

Pet Loss: We address how the loss of pets is often overlooked in grief discussions, and the deep emotional bonds we have with animals.

The Physical Manifestation of Grief: We explore how grief can affect the body and overall health.

Acknowledging Emotions: It's crucial to express grief and honor all feelings, including anger, as a natural part of the healing journey.

Continuing Bonds: Vanessa provides insights on how grief does not erase our connections to loved ones.

Emerging New Self: We talk about how grief can lead to new realizations and aspects of ourselves that come to light post-loss.

The Importance of Community: We discuss the vital part that therapy and group support play in the healing process.

Quote: 

“I’m one of the people who believe that we grieve for the rest of our life, but that it changes shape and it changes weight and it changes size. It doesn’t go away.” -Vanessa

Connect with Vanessa:
Website | Instagram

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E4 S3 | Understanding Cellular Health, the Root Causes of Illness, and Promoting Healing by Reducing Cellular Stress - Dr. Bill Rawls18 Oct 202400:54:14

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode, I have a revealing conversation with Dr. Bill Rawls, who shares his inspiring journey from chronic illness to wellness through a targeted herbal protocol. Dr. Rawls emphasizes the crucial need to identify and address the root causes of illness while prioritizing cellular health. He explains that our symptoms stem from stressed cells and that true healing involves helping these cells recover.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern scientific understanding of health!

Conversation Highlights:

The Role of Cellular Health: Dr. Rawls emphasizes that to achieve wellness, we must focus on the root causes of illness and the health of our cells. He shares how symptoms are merely manifestations of cellular stress.

Microbes and Chronic Illness: We dive into the impact of microbes on our health, discussing the concept of micro-dormancy, where these pathogens can linger and reactivate during stressful times.

The Healing Power of Herbs: Dr. Rawls highlights the exceptional cell-protecting and antimicrobial properties of herbs, which have been utilized for centuries. He explains how herbs can aid in cellular protection and overall wellness.

Nutritional Insights: He underscores the importance of incorporating whole foods, vegetables, and herbs into our diets to compensate for the nutritional deficiencies caused by modern farming practices.

Practical Wellness Strategies: Dr. Rawls provides practical tips for maintaining optimal health, which include filtering water, using air purifiers, and managing stress effectively.

Quote:

"Drugs don't affect cellular stress, so they don't promote healing. The herbs that I'm referring to block all these cellular stress factors." - Dr. Bill Rawls

Connect with Dr, Bill:
Website | Instagram | Community

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E3 S3 | Unlocking Ayurvedic Wisdom: Gut Health, Holistic Living, and Mindful Medicine - Dr. Shivani Gupta04 Oct 202400:52:43

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast! In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta to delve into the ancient Indian system of health and healing known as Ayurveda. 

Dr. Shivani outlines how Ayurveda is a holistic lifestyle that aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.

Join us for this insightful conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern health practices!

Conversation Highlights:

  • Understanding Ayurveda: Dr. Gupta details how Ayurveda serves as a lifestyle practice that prioritizes alignment between the body, mind, and spirit.
  • The Six Pillars of Elemental Design: We explore the essential components of Ayurvedic practice: knowing your dosha (mind-body constitution), living in harmony with nature, ensuring gut health, adhering to a Sattvic diet, engaging in self-care, and incorporating healing spices into your routine.
  • Dr. Gupta's Personal Journey: She shares her own path to discovering Ayurveda, highlighting the critical roles of sleep and gut health within this traditional medicine.
  • The Importance of Gut Health: Our conversation emphasizes the foundational significance of gut health and how dietary choices affect overall wellness. We discuss the widespread normalization of poor gut health and stress the need to pay closer attention to our dietary habits.
  • Mindful Eating and Health: The episode also touches on the concept of mindful medicine, exploring how supplements, herbs, and spices can support well-being. We wrap up with a look at Fusionary Formulas—Dr. Gupta’s line of products designed to enhance wellness.

Quotes:

"Ayurveda is a lifestyle. It is a practice."

"We must live in rhythm with nature if we want to have balanced and great health.” -Dr. Shivani Gupta

Dr. Shivani has also provided a special code just for YOU, my listeners: use SICK AND SEEKING to get 15% off at FusionaryFormulas.com!

Connect with Dr. Shivani:
Website | Instagram

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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E2 S3 | Navigating the Challenges of a PCOS Diagnosis and Taking a Holistic Approach to Health - Priscilla Elzen20 Sep 202401:04:41

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Season 3 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

On this Episode, Priscilla Elzen, host of Hand Me The Megaphone Podcast, shares her personal journey with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and the challenges she faced in her 9-year wait for a diagnosis. She discusses the impact of childhood trauma, her busy lifestyle, and the lack of education and awareness around PCOS.

Priscilla also shares her personal experience navigating Lyme’s disease, and mold illness – emphasizing the need for holistic and personalized care, advocating for oneself and seeking alternative healthcare options. 

Conversation Highlights:

  • Learn why it's crucial to be your own advocate when seeking a diagnosis and treatment for health conditions like PCOS.
  • How social media can offer support and information for health challenges.
  • Understanding the different manifestations of PCOS.
  • The gaps in the current medical system regarding women’s health
  • Importance of considering lifestyle, mental health, and trauma in women’s health.
  • Recognizing the emotional challenges that come with chronic illness and the common desire for quick fixes.
  • Understand the significance of a personalized approach to health and wellness.

Quote:

“...the average woman goes nine years undiagnosed with PCOS. That's how long it takes from onset of symptoms to diagnosis.” -Priscilla Elzen

 “Just getting knowledge and voices from other women and collectively raising, I think even within my own family, it's an honor to know that my sisters are going to fight a little harder because their sister's been diagnosed. And I would hope they would.” 
-Priscilla Elzen


Connect with Priscilla:
Website | Instagram 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT


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