The Other Way

This episode takes us on a beautiful journey exploring the deep connections between Buddhism, Reiki, Daoism, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  We dive into Lara’s inspiring path—from her beginnings in Europe to working as a designer in NYC, and eventually immersing herself in the study of Chinese Medicine and Reiki, while embracing the practice of Buddhism.  Together, we explore the essence of Yin and Yang and how energy is at the heart of our experiences, health, and balance.  Tune in to hear how we can live in harmony with Qi, the life force energy that flows through our bodies, relationships, and minds   About Lara: Lara is a dedicated Zen Buddhist practitioner who blends Eastern and Western healing modalities, including Reiki, Breathwork, CranioSacral therapy, Herbology, and Holistic Health Coaching. With over a decade of experience, she helps clients achieve balance and well-being by addressing physical and emotional challenges.  Since 2011, Lara has pursued Chinese Medicine in NYC, earning two Master’s degrees to become a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. As a Reiki Master for seven years, she has trained students worldwide, offering in-person sessions in Southern California and online.   Connect with Lara:IG: laraelliott1

What if the key to transforming your career and personal life lies in embracing discomfort and letting go of numbing habits? In this episode of "The Other Way," we sit down with Cecily Mak, a mother, writer, podcast host, Founder of the ClearLife movement, and co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, who shares her journey from a high-powered career in law to leading a movement focused on intentional living. Today we cover: Cecily’s journey going from 20 years of diverse experience as an attorney, revenue leader, and COO to launching the ClearLife movement, authoring a book, and her podcast Releasing dimmers: aka substances, media, habits that “numb” or alleviate our uncomfortable emotions As a mindfulness practitioner, how Cecily balances aspiration with presence and contentment The key questions Cecily asks herself to tune into her values, her North Star, and honing her intuition Daily practices for tapping into her intuition (including a simple way to recognize “signs” from the Universe) Navigating imposter syndrome and doubt (Even top tier executives and founders experience this! Loved the honesty) How a devastating breast cancer diagnosis pointed her more firmly towards her path (validation that “rock bottom” moments can point us towards our greatest gifts)+ so much more About Cecily:Cecily Mak is a mother to two sons, writer, podcast host, co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, and the visionary behind ClearLife. ClearLife is a journey toward an undimmed life, where intention and presence flourish, unencumbered by the stigmas of addiction.   Cecily's ClearLife journey, influenced by her triumph over breast cancer in 2022 and her late mother's battle with alcoholism, fuels her mission of transformation and healing. Through her work, she extends a compassionate hand to those navigating similar paths, guiding them toward a life defined by connection, clarity, and well-being. With over 20 years of diverse experience as an attorney, revenue leader, and COO, Cecily has spearheaded the growth of startups across various industries, including music, publishing, mindfulness, well-being, and crypto. As co-founder of Wisdom Ventures and co-founding limited partner of How Women Invest, Cecily is a champion for greater human connection and well-being. Her board memberships and support for various organizations, notably at SIY Global, and The U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, underscore her commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility. Whether parenting her two sons, supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs, or engaging with a global community, Cecily embodies the principles of ClearLife, inspiring others to embrace authenticity and heart-centered living. Her dedication to fostering presence, healthier relationships, and intentional living resonates deeply with individuals seeking a path of alignment and fulfillment.Connect with Cecily: On Substack On Instagram On LinkedIn

🌱 BONUS TREAT: Marysia's School of the Sacred Wild Apprenticeship program starts 9/7; we have a special 15% off code for The Other Way listeners: https://apprentice.schoolofthesacredwild.com/plans/1442208?bundle_token=dcd7a347476a35c8b05bba5b42147e80&utm_source=manual (Valued at $525!) What if you could transform personal trauma into a thriving career? Our latest conversation with Marysia Miernowska, a celebrated herbalist, teacher, and earth activist, promises to reveal exactly how she did it. From the brink of homelessness after a traumatic divorce, Marysia built a successful herbalism school, authored insightful books, and launched an award-winning skincare line. Discover the profound wisdom she gained along the way and her practical tips for using herbal remedies to find peace amidst life's chaos. Her Eastern European heritage, especially the wisdom passed down from her great-grandmother, adds a rich cultural layer to her journey.Marysia’s story is not just about professional success; it's a heartfelt exploration of motherhood and personal resilience. We examine the emotional tides of becoming a (single) mother, from the grief over lost freedoms to the deep reservoirs of love and empathy motherhood uncovers. Through personal anecdotes, Marysia shares how she navigated family illness and found beauty even amid hardship. Her experiences offer insightful reflections on accepting life’s cycles of death and rebirth, ultimately fostering greater personal growth and resilience.Finally, our conversation turns to the incredible healing power of nature and herbalism. Marysia recounts her early memories of foraging in Poland and her transformative experiences in Northern Vermont. Hear how she overcame a difficult breakup and near-homelessness, which deepened her commitment to herbalism and community support. Learn about the practical benefits of connecting with nature, from managing acute stress to syncing daily rhythms with natural cycles. Marysia also shares tips on functional freeze, balancing calm and warrior practices, and the importance of morning rituals. Join us for an enriching discussion that might just inspire you to explore the natural world for emotional and spiritual nourishment.To connect with Marysia: @marysia_miernowska on IG  www.schoolofthesacredwild.com (click the link above for 15% off Marysia's Apprenticeship program!) www.sacredrituel.com 20% off use code: SACREDWILD20 

Welcome back to The Other Way! I'm Kasia, your host, and I'm thrilled to reconnect with you all after our season break. As many of you know, I wrapped up last season during a challenging time. My mom was diagnosed with cancer just days before our last episode, and I've been in NYC since mid-July, supporting her, navigating this uncertainty, and celebrating the moments that matter—like my brother’s beautiful wedding, which we brought to New York so my mom could be a part of it. While I have many personal updates to share in a solo episode soon, we’re celebrating the start of a new season today. We’re transitioning into fall, or as Chinese Medicine calls it, “Late Summer.” This Earth element season is a time of transition, marking the shift from the active Yang energy of spring and summer to the Yin introspection of fall and winter. I can feel the change in the air here in NYC, with cooler mornings and the subtle natural shift. We’re only here until Sunday before returning to California, so I’m soaking up every moment with family and the last hints of East Coast summer. In this new season, we’re diving deep into the paths less traveled, all through a feminine lens. We’ll explore themes that resonate with my life journey—women’s health, fertility, career, spirituality, and more. This year has brought about significant shifts for me, both personally and professionally, and I’m leaning into surrender and presence in ways I never imagined. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the themes we’ll be exploring this season: Awakening Fertility: We’ll dive into preconception, conception, and beyond, with insights on how to optimize our bodies, minds, and spirits. Expect conversations with experts in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and herbalism. Cultivating Creative Fertility: Exploring the powerful link between our wombs and creative potential. Modern Spirituality: Applying Zen lessons to our contemporary lives, especially in balancing aspiration and contentment for the ambitious among us. Transitions: Finding peace through life’s stages, from birth and death to identity shifts. Anxiety, Imposter Syndrome, and Creativity: Navigating these common challenges with grace and self-compassion. Releasing Addictions: Tackling our dependencies on tech, stimulation, shopping, and even our own bad habits. And that’s just the beginning! We have an incredible lineup of guests whose wisdom I can’t wait to share. Thank you so much for tuning in and being a part of this beautiful community. I’m beyond excited to embark on this journey with you in the Fall 2024 season of The Other Way. Let’s dive in!

Hi everyone, welcome back to the show. Today’s episode is a season wrap-up and life update. It isn’t something I had been expecting to share, but it’s a profoundly significant update and season of life for me. My initial plans were to share a bit about my recent reiki training in Ojai, a bit about my trip to Spirit Weavers in June, and chat about some business items that have come up along with my Zen practice but life has a funny way of redirecting things. My mom was diagnosed with cancer and frankly, a lot has changed in the last two weeks.  This experience has been painful and also in the strangest ways, openhearted and beautiful. I would never have wished for this experience, but I accept it and have found something to be grateful for throughout it. I deeply credit my Zen and mindfulness practice for this open-hearted perspective.  Sending out love to those who need it - and thanking every one of you for tuning into this season of the other way. Join us in the fall for more conversations about paths less traveled, spirituality, wellness, women’s health, and more.  XX -Kasia

Today we have another hormonal health deep dive for you all: we’re covering female life stages of fertility into perimenopause with Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Maddy Pollack. Maddy’s story is kind of wild: After surviving cancer at 25 years old, she became passionate about nutrition, movement and mindfulness in order to get more control over her own health and to help others do the same. Maddy dove into the world of female hormones a few years later when she realized her stress levels were causing her own hormones to be out of balance.We cover so much today - in really what feels like a conversation not just an interview. Some topics:- Maddy’s journey with cancer at a young age: not just the experience but navigating the mental aspect of such a harrowing diagnosis- The power of food, movement, and mindfulness for health- Debunking misconceptions about food and hormonal health: teaser, protein isn’t all you think it is babes- How the workouts you’re doing might be messing up your hormones- Why mindfulness is so important for hormonal regulation + non meditation ways to practice mindfulness- Maddy’s own wellness routine+ so much more! About Maddy:Maddy Pollack is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, specializing in Women's Hormone Health & Balance. After surviving cancer at 25 years old, she became passionate about nutrition, movement and mindfulness in order to get more control over her own health and to help others do the same. Maddy dove into the world of female hormones a few years later when she realized her stress levels were causing her own hormones to be out of balance. She now guides clients in learning more about their own specific menstrual cycle, syncing foods & movement with their cycle, reducing stress levels through mindfulness and improving their overall wellbeing through a sustainable nutrition approach.To connect with Maddy: IG: maddypollack_health 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Other Way! My goal with this podcast is to feature inspiring guests who are forging unconventional paths in work, life, and health. From experts on women's fertility and menopause to spiritual teachers exploring Zen philosophy in today's world, we dive into multifaceted topics that intrigue me because, well, we're all multifaceted.Today, I'm thrilled to introduce our next guest, the very multidimensional Carley DeMarco, writer, yoga teacher, and founder of Clayton Yoga Studio and The Retreat, a blue light-free haven for physical wellness. Our conversation spans a range of topics: Carley's unique journey founding not one, but two companies Breaking through barriers and releasing what holds us back Embracing leaps of faith in manifesting our dreams Overcoming imposter syndrome and skeptics in innovation Honoring and trusting our inner voice The transformative power of surrender and letting go Clearing space for new beginnings And much more! About Carley:Carley is a writer, yoga teacher, and founder of The Retreat: a monthly print wellness and spirituality newspaper helping you disconnect to reconnect and in-person getaways.To connect with Carley: IG: theretreat.bycarleywww.theretreatbycarley.com 

Hi everyone! Welcome back to The Other Way. I'm thrilled to be here after taking a short break to recover from Spirit Weavers and my Reiki training in Ojai. I'll be sharing an episode about those experiences soon.Today, I'm excited to welcome back an amazing guest, Dr. Gabby Pavelko, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine based in Sausalito, CA. Dr. Gabby is a primary care doctor with a special focus on hormonal and women's health, which will be our topic today. In addition to her practice, Dr. Gabby serves as Chief of Staff at Rootless, a supplement containing seaweed and iodine, a crucial trace mineral for women's health, which we will discuss in detail.In this episode, we will explore the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and perimenopause and menopause, covering topics such as:- The lifecycles of a woman according to Chinese Medicine- Perimenopause and menopause: perspectives from Western Medicine and TCM- Understanding chronic symptoms through TCM and what to do about them- The role of cortisol in balanced hormones- The importance of the thyroid in navigating perimenopause and menopause- Reframing menopause: insights from Asian traditions and celebrating the "Second Spring"And much more!Tune in for a deep dive into women's health and the wisdom of TCM with Dr. Gabby Pavelko. About Dr. Gabby:Gabby earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, specializing in women's health and fertility. She is a California Licensed Acupuncturist.As Chief of Staff at Rootless, Gabby uses seaweed to promote health for people and the planet. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of TCM to advance the narrative of food as medicine. Her career intersects food innovation, plant-based medicine, community building, and women's health.Gabby understands the difficulty of balancing hormones, having struggled with painful cramps and mood swings due to early hormonal birth control. Through lifestyle changes, TCM, and daily seaweed consumption, she has achieved hormonal harmony and aims to help other women do the same.To connect with Dr. Gabby: IG: gabbypavelko &  get.rootlessEmail: drgabbytcm@gmail.comBooking site for appointments with Dr. GabbyGetrootless.comWanna get free Rootless? Keep reading!Rootless Labs is seeking women aged 35+ for a 4-week trial of The Daily Bites. Participants receive 3 free pouches and a 20% subscription discount after the trial. To join, complete a 5-minute survey. Read more here.PREREQUISITE SURVEY LINK

Hi Everyone! I am so beyond excited to welcome back Deborah Eden Tull. Eden is a Zen Meditation teacher, author, activist, founder of Mindful Revolution, and teacher of mine. We had Eden on the podcast in 2022 (link below) and I’m beyond thrilled to invite her back this year to dive deeper into luminous darkness, embodiment, her presence as a feminine teacher in a mostly Patriachical religion (re: Buddhism), and how to find an essence of trust and surrender in the midst of turbulent times.Today we cover:- Luminous darkness: why our relationship with the “dark” is so important- understanding the root of light vs. dark: from yin/yang symbology, to good vs. bad- the power of open hearted listening- Why “sun-shining” or the “always see the light” is actually harming us and those around us- The fine line between aversion to “darkness” and over receptivity without boundaries - how to discover that balance- Endarkenment alongside enlightenment + what that tangibly looks like- Navigating patriachical religions and philosophies as a female Zen teacher and how to foster or re-remember that yin/dark energy within these philosophies- Embodiment: what it is and why it’s important- so much moreAbout Eden:Deborah Eden Tull, founder of the nonprofit Mindful Living Revolution, is Zen meditation/mindfulness teacher, author, and spiritual activist. She spent seven years as a monastic at a silent Zen Monastery, and has been immersed in sustainable communities for 25 years. Eden’s teaching style is grounded in compassionate awareness, non-duality, mindful inquiry, and an unwavering commitment to personal transformation. She teaches dharma intertwined with post-patriarchal thought and practices, resting upon a lived knowledge of our unity with the more than human world. She also facilitates The Work That Reconnects, as created by Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy. Eden has been practicing meditation for the past 30 years and teaching for over 20 years. Her books include Luminous Darkness: An Engaged Buddhist Approach to Embracing the Unknown (Shambhala 2022), Relational Mindfulness: A Handbook for Deepening Our Connection with Our Self, Each Other, and Our Planet (Wisdom 2018), and The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution (Process Media 2011). She lives in Black Mountain,North Carolina, Cherokee land, and offers retreats, workshops, leadership trainings, and consultations internationally.To connect with Eden: IG:  mindfullivingrevolution 2022 Episode

Today's episode is all about fertility, and it's not what you think! I am joined by Alexandria DeVito, MS, CNS, a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility andpreconception health. We're diving into the topic of preconception - from food and environment to age + how your preconception care even affects the health of your FUTURE baby! What we cover: Misconceptions about conception Why Alexandria believes that “age” is not a factor + why! The difference between chronological age and bio age and how it might be influencing your fertility Why male fertility is just as important as female fertility The factors influencing our fertility + what can we do about them How preconception influences generational health What an “ideal” conception state looks like  About Alexandria:Alexandria DeVito, MS, CNS, is a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility andpreconception health. She is the author of 9 Months Is Not Enough: The UltimatePre-pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby-Ready Bod y and Build Generational Health. She isalso the founder and CEO of Poplin, the first pre-pregnancy wellness company. Prior to founding Poplin, Alexandria worked in management consulting at McKinsey & Company. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. She also has a master’s degree in nutrition, extensive training as a doula, yoga teacher, and personal trainer, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, all of which inform her approach to pre-pregnancy wellness.   To connect with Alexandria:IG: getpoplinLI: Alexandria DeVito9monthsisnotenough.comgetpoplin.com