The Other Way

In this episode of 'The Other Way,' I'm interviewing Emily Smith, a licensed acupuncturist specialized in both traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese acupuncture. We delve into the differences between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture, the importance of energetic health, and how societal interactions impact our wellbeing. Emily shares her journey and insights into cultivating healthy energy, emotional work, and the interconnectedness of life, offering valuable perspectives on holistic wellness. We cover: Exploring Japanese acupuncture and how it differs from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Understanding energetic health, how it impacts well-being, and ways to cultivate and protect energy. Recognizing and managing "energy vampires" vs. "energy givers" in relationships and activities. Practical tips for processing energy through movement, connection, and setting boundaries, especially during the holiday season. Embracing a holistic perspective on health that integrates physiological, emotional, and energetic dimensions. About Emily (in her own words): Holistic Medicine caught my attention after I saw how Western Medicine generally provides one-size-fits-all treatments based on data for primarily white men. My relationship with my health and wellness has been fraught with confusion and misinformation. Many traditional cultures have medicinal wisdom for all stages of life, and Western Medicine has learned from this. Still, it doesn`t help us understand how we can assist our bodies in maintaining wellness. This is where I come in. I love helping people find their personal user`s manual. Our body always communicates with us, but in a language we haven`t learned or prefer not to listen to. Once we learn to listen and appreciate our bodies` signals, our minds can relax, and our bodies will become trusted allies and precious homes for peace, inspiration, and aliveness. This, I believe, is our birthright. Posture Matters—our bodies are finely tuned instruments. Misalignment and chronic postural compensations change our healthy, energetic flow. Additionally, energetic holding patterns from injury, developmental/ systemic social wounding, and environmental stress wreak havoc on our natural well-being. Breathing and movement are essential to wellness and pain free living. I help people enjoy our modern lifestyle by remembering innate wellness and resilience. To connect with Emily: https://emilysmithacupuncture.com/about/emily

In today's episode, I am diving into a topic near and dear to my heart: finding a balance between striving, achievement, and spiritual surrender. I chat with Bristol Baughan—founder of Regenerative Media Lab, author, leadership coach, and executive producer—who shares her journey of redefining success with a regenerative mindset. We delve into topics like burnout, the balance between masculine and feminine energies, the importance of cycles in creativity, and how to cultivate a regenerative fuel for sustainable achievement. Plus, hear Bristol's insights on practicing surrender and navigating uncertainty in today's world. We covered: Moving from an extractive and destructive approach to productivity to a regenerative Our energy as “fuel” + how certain kind of fuel (lack/scarcity based/competitive) is more destructive vs. constructive Bristol’s own story of burnout and redefining her relationship with success, productivity, and creation How “surrender” isn’t about giving up - how to do so while still moving forward The power of cycles in our work and creation process The interconnectedness of masculine and feminine energy in the workplace - and why we need both (and likely need to cultivate more feminine energy!)

Join us in a deep dive with Elaine Glass, author of "Get Quiet: Seven Simple Paths to the Truth of Who You Are" as we explore the universal quest for identity and inner peace. Elaine shares her personal journey of surrender, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening, offering insights to help you reconnect with your authentic self amidst life’s chaos. This episode inspires self-reflection and a beginner’s mindset, guiding us towards inner harmony and fulfillment.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Stephanie Phelan, whose journey takes her from the high-energy world of the Today Show to the calming, intentional practice of yoga. After the tragic loss of her brother, Stephanie found a path to healing and transformation through mindfulness, meditation, and Ashtanga yoga. She opens up about turning moments of anxiety into empowering energy and how yoga taught her to find strength in stillness. Stephanie’s story reminds us that even through life’s hardest moments, there’s a way to live with heart and purpose. Grab your headphones and let’s dive into this inspiring, soulful conversation!  Here’s a little look at what we’ll be covering today: Transition: the practical and spiritual aspects of a massive life change Stephanie’s journey with a powerful career shift The power of loss and grief into transformation; how Stephanie’s experience losing her brother propelled a deeper awakening The power of meditation and mindfulness to bring awareness to our experiences (the benefits + the tangible “how” behind this practice) The power of finding the “Dharma” or spiritual wisdom in everyday life; bringing your movement routine or even a traffic jam into part of your practice Navigating life as both a business owner and spiritual teacher  + SO MUCH MORE! About Stephanie:Stephanie Phelan M. A. is founder of Inner Light Shine, an integrative approach to mind/body healing. Stephanie is also a published author and a former producer for The Today Show. Following a distinguished career with NBC Network News, Stephanie’s personal yoga practice evolved into a pathway of service and teaching following life-altering events.Sincere devotion led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, to complete 1000 hours of Yoga Alliance Teacher Trainings, and on-going study with renowned psychologists and yoga scholars.After decades of study and practice, Stephanie ultimately calls LIFE her greatest teacher. Her Ashtanga-inspired Vinyasa Flow classes are a fusion of seamless sequencing, carefully curated soulful playlists, humor, and alignment instruction. She weaves wisdom from yogic scriptures into a dynamic and sometimes sweaty class that focuses on the breath as a pathway to steady the mind, open the heart and allow for an experience of clarity and inner calm. She radiates love and joy. You will leave class smiling with your inner light shining.Connect with Stephanie: IG: stephanieingridphelanwww.stephaniephelaninnerlight.comSerenity in Sardinia, Yoga RetreatMetta Yoga StudioThe Studio Mill ValleySoulful Flow, Haramara Yoga Retreat

Hi, dear community! Have you ever wondered what juicy sex, breathwork, and constipation have in common? If you’re like me, and you had no idea - this episode will be a t.r.e.a.t. for you! All my ladies (and men) out there listening: we’re diving into pelvic floor health with Tanya Goodrich, a PT, DPT, and expert in pelvic health. You’re going to love her infectious energy and passion for the health of our pelvic floor - and with good reason. These important, layered muscles are the base of our core and affect so much: from our breath to our ability to birth, poop, pee -> and have amazing sex. Some of what we’re gonna cover today:  What is the pelvic floor and how does it affect our overall health The link between constipation and your pelvic floor, urinary issues, painful sex, and so much more How to optimize your pelvic floor health pre- and post-pregnancy (and in perimenopause and beyond) Why Kegels are NOT the answer for everyone + the potential link between constricted pelvic floor muscles and your “Type A” personality Tips for birthing better What is diastasis recti, why it matters, and how to treat it + SO MUCH MORE! I was on fire after our interview. It is rare that I bring on a guest who covers a topic I know so so little about - but I truly think this is the FUTURE of wellness hype. Let’s dive in.About Tanya:Tanya Goodrich, PT, DPT, a distinguished figure in women's pelvic health, brings over 15 years of experience to her practice and advocacy efforts. With a background in dance from the California Institute of the Arts and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of California, San Francisco, she possesses a unique blend of expertise. As the founder of Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy, Tanya specializes in addressing a wide range of pelvic health issues, including those related to pregnancy, postpartum care, menopause, pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and sexual health. She extends her influence beyond clinical practice, serving as a recognized speaker on these topics and providing guidance to organizations like Ever now, focused on menopause care, and Blossom Birth and Family, a nonprofit supporting women and families in the Bay Area. Through her comprehensive approach and dedication to education and innovation, Tanya Goodrich continues to make significant contributions to improving women's pelvic health and well-being. Tanya was recently featured in Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper as an "Architect of Change" for women's health.Connect with Tanya: IG: Thehealthypelvis 

I am so excited for this episode and conversation as we welcome the one and only Emily Greene, also known as Emily the Medium,  to the podcast! Today we are exploring the spiritual side of fertility and the world of spirit babies. Emily shares her unique ability to connect families with their spirit babies, offering a deeper look into the energy of conception, the meaning behind miscarriage, the two-week wait, and so much more.  Spirit babies: what are they, how do they show up We discussed WHY diving into spirit realms or energetics is crucial to our fertility journey. The energetics of conception, miscarriage Spirit babies pass us by? Do they evolve? The two-week wait -> what is happening during that time?  Are spirit babies propelling our evolution + so much more! If you want to dive deep into this concept, today’s episode is for you. I’d also say that it’s not just for women or couples looking to conceive; it’s relevant for everyone across all stages of this journey. About Emily:Emily Greene, known professionally as Emily the Medium, is a highly acclaimed psychic medium, who specializes in supporting families connect to the energies of their children, or their ‘spirit babies’, at all phases of their journey: whether they’re struggling with fertility challenges, in the preconception phase, or while they’re pregnant. In addition, Emily also supports families in raising their sensitive children, and helping them to acclimate to Earth, as well as helping individuals understand and master their innate intuitive abilities.Connect with Emily: IG: Emilythemedium

In this episode, I open up about the unexpected blessings that can come from life’s toughest moments. When my mom was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, everything changed. But through the struggle, our family found a closeness we hadn’t felt in years. Watching her respond positively to chemo brought a sense of peace I never expected, teaching me the deep power of surrender and acceptance.In a world that’s all about hustle and deadlines, I reflect on what happens when you let go of control and redefine success on your own terms. Meditation and the art of acceptance have completely transformed how I handle life’s curveballs, from canceled plans to unexpected challenges. Instead of letting anxiety run the show, I’ve found more ease by considering both the worst and best-case scenarios—leading to a sense of fulfillment that feels more genuine.Join me as I share how this mindset shift has changed both my personal and professional life, and why I’m stepping into a future that’s less focused on outcomes and more centered on living in the present.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Villafranco, a former ER physician turned founder of Osmia, a non-toxic skincare brand. Sarah opens up about her incredible journey from the intense world of emergency medicine to creating products that promote natural beauty and health. She shares what it was like to shift her identity and purpose, offering a truly inspiring perspective for anyone considering a big career change.We dive into the harmful chemicals hiding in everyday skincare products—think parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances—and the impact they can have on hormonal health and fertility. Sarah breaks it all down and gives us practical tips on how to detoxify your routine without the overwhelm.We also touch on some of the larger issues, like the risks these chemicals pose to pregnant women and cancer patients. It’s all about empowering you to make safer, healthier choices without feeling alarmed. Towards the end, Sarah and I get real about aging. We push back against the anti-aging narrative, exploring how Osmia takes a refreshing stance by not promoting anti-aging products. Instead, we celebrate natural beauty, embracing imperfections, and encourage a more positive outlook on aging. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to nourish their skin and soul, while living in harmony with their body at every stage of life.About Sarah:Dr. Sarah Villafranco attended Georgetown University Medical School, and went on to complete a four-year residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University. She moved to Colorado, where practiced as a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Aspen Valley Hospital, Snowmass Clinic, and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO. She stepped away from the emergency room to launch Osmia Skincare in April of 2012. She remains a licensed physician in Colorado, and helps people find skin health as CEO of her brand.Connect with Sarah: IG: osmiaskincare 

I am so excited to welcome our next guest - a very special mentor of mine, Susan Griffin-Black, co-founder of EO Products. Today we're joining Susan as she shares her journey across fashion, Founding EO products, her Zen practice, and motherhood. Susan talks about balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with mindfulness while raising a family and staying true to her values. Her story is filled with incredible moments from her early days at Esprit to discovering the wellness industry at Neal’s Yard in London. We also dive into the challenges of growing EO Products from her garage and the balance between work and life. Plus, hear her insights on ethical business, funding, and building a company that aligns with family values. This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create sustainable, values-driven businesses!About Susan:Susan is a proud mama of two wildly creative artists and is now a joyful grandma, too! She’s also the heart and co-founder/co-CEO of EO Products, a personal care brand that started in her garage in 1995. Alongside her partner Brad, Susan set out to make the magic of pure essential oils something everyone could experience. Since 1997, they’ve been crafting their products right in Marin, staying true to their roots. It all began with a simple stockpot of shower gel in their garage, and now it’s become a journey they never could have imagined—one led purely by passion and a whole lot of heart.Connect with Susan:IG: sgriffinblack &  eoproducts 

What can Zen philosophy teach us about navigating the unpredictability of entrepreneurship and life? Tune into The Other Way as we chat with Leo Babauta, bestselling author and founder of Zen Habits, to explore how we can embrace joy and opportunity, even in the face of chaos. Leo shares his personal journey with a warmth and authenticity that will resonate with anyone who’s going through tough times. From overcoming imposter syndrome to practicing mindfulness, Leo’s wisdom shines as we discuss practical ways to live fully in each moment. We also dive into the power of compassion and curiosity for personal and professional growth. You won’t want to miss this heart-to-heart episode filled with insightful lessons from one of the most genuine voices in simplicity and mindfulness. Let Leo’s mission to help others thrive through uncertainty inspire you.  About Leo:Leo Babauta is a simplicity blogger & author. He created Zen Habits, a Top 25 blog with a million readers. He’s also a best-selling author, a husband, father of six children, and a vegan. In 2010 moved from Guam to California, where he leads a simple life.He’s also a Zen student, and is on a mission to help the world open through uncertainty training.Connect with Leo: IG: officialzenhabitsLinkedIn: leo-babauta-zenhabitszenhabits.net