Beat Autoimmune & Thrive! with Palmer Kippola

Dr. Christine Schaffner, ND is a board-certified naturopathic physician who helps people recover from complex, chronic illness using a powerful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge biological, natural, and energy medicine. She leads her own clinic, Immanence Health in Washington State, and works with clients virtually as well.Dr. Schaffner is also the host of The Spectrum of Health podcast, where she interviews top experts on a wide range of holistic health topics. I had the honor of being a guest on her show to share my journey of reversing autoimmune disease naturally.You may remember Dr. Schaffner from episode #5 of Beat Autoimmune & Thrive, where we explored How to Love Your Lymph. What I appreciate most about her is her compassion, curiosity, and deep commitment to educating both patients and practitioners about the often-overlooked root causes of chronic illness—and the many mind-body-spirit tools available for true healing.Full disclosure: Dr. Schaffner is my personal doctor and dear friend. I'm thrilled to welcome her back to the show.In this conversation, we explore her own profound healing journey, what she’s seeing in her practice today, and how she brings together a vast array of healing modalities to support those navigating complex health challenges like autoimmunity.Quote: “I believe anyone can overcome anything.” What’s Inside: 02:25 Dr. Schaffner’s story and most recent life threatening health journey 20:50 What is Terrain Medicine and how can people access it?33:15 The invitation to receive and be a collaborator with your body on the quest to healing and full health36:09 The masculine and feminine components of healing and systems of regulation40:30 Tools, modalities, and practices Dr. Schaffner has found to be transformational for herself and her patients47:38 EMDR for healing from acute and chronic traumaResources Mentioned:Dr. Christine Schaffner website: https://www.drchristineschaffner.com/Dr. Christine Schaffner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drschaffnerDr. Joe Dispenza website: https://drjoedispenza.com/Veda Austin, The Living Language of Water: https://www.vedaaustin.com/vedas-bookHealing Modalities and Practices:EMDR: https://www.emdria.org/Somatic Healing: https://traumahealing.org/Mei-lan - Angelic Frequency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Pn5puYb0oHeartmath science, blog, and tools: https://www.heartmath.com/Resonance devices: AO Scan: https://aoscanglobal.com/Energy for Life (formerly NES Health) https://www.e4l.com/Neural therapy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_therapyOzone therapy: A clinical review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3312702/Dr. Bradley Nelson’s books: Emotion Code and Body Code https://drbradleynelson.com/Biofield Tuning: https://www.biofieldtuning.com/Non-profit psychedelic science, research, education, and policy: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): maps.org Ancient Medicines: Kambô - traditional Amazonian frog medicine ritual; and Rapé - sacred snuffLimbic Retraining:The Gupta Program: https://guptaprogram.com/DNRS: https://retrainingthebrain.com/Primal Trust: https://www.primaltrust.org/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Medicine Total Health Transformation Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery and strategy call: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/#beatautoimmuneandthrive

Dr. Shani Robins is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Wisdom Therapy™, a therapeutic approach he pioneered in 1998. He teaches psychology and wellness courses at a number of schools including Stanford University, Foothill College, and College of San Mateo.Dr. Robins holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from UCLA, an M.A. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, and a second Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He has been a California Board Licensed Psychologist for over 20 years.Blending the best of Western psychology—including Emotional Intelligence and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—with Eastern practices like mindfulness, compassion, gratitude, and humility, Dr. Robins helps people reduce suffering and live with greater wisdom.He specializes in psychotherapy for anxiety, anger management, and career counseling, working with individuals, couples, and groups. His integrative approach combines CBT, Mindfulness Meditation, and Wisdom Therapy to help clients lower stress and enhance well-being.In this inspiring episode, Dr. Robins shares practical strategies and timeless wisdom to help you break free from anxiety, pain, and emotional struggles—whether you’re healing from an autoimmune condition or simply seeking to live a more meaningful life. Learn how to reframe challenges, overcome cognitive distortions, practice mindfulness, and cultivate self-compassion, gratitude, optimism, and humility. Dr. Robins shows us how to be wiser and freer, starting with your very next thought.Quote: “How we think significantly influences how we feel.”What’s inside this episode?02:26 How wisdom and well-being can be defined when it comes to dealing with and healing chronic illness 13:54 Wise vs. unwise thought patterns, and the understanding that how we think directly correlates with how we feel  20:05 How we can approach and respond to new health challenges in a wiser and more skillful way25:26 Understanding mindfulness as a practiced skill that allows us to consciously observe our thoughts and create the opportunity to shift them35:35 How shifting our perspective through actively changing our biological default for survival and practicing gratitude frees us from suffering 43:50 How we can practice more humility, self-compassion, and optimism59:00 Final words from Shani on the practice of living a wise lifeResources mentioned:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) workbooks:Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think - https://amzn.to/4i8pW7SFeeling Good: The New Mood Therapy - https://a.co/d/6jUl00SShani’s website: Wisdomtherapy.comWant my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/apply/

Dr. Keesha Ewers, a board-certified expert in Functional and Ayurvedic medicine, shares her journey from perfectionism to healing. She unveils the Freedom Framework designed to reverse autoimmune diseases through addressing childhood trauma. The conversation emphasizes the holistic connection between emotional well-being and health, including the importance of recognizing dosha imbalances and practicing self-compassion. Dr. Ewers introduces innovative tools like Pebble Therapy for mindset transformation, advocating for curiosity and compassion in the healing process.

Sunjya Schweig, MD, an integrative medical doctor and founder of the California Center for Functional Medicine, dives into the world of chronic illness and autoimmunity. He discusses the importance of a data-driven approach for personalized patient care, highlighting foundational healing steps anyone can take. The conversation touches on the critical link between infections and autoimmune disorders, the impact of mold exposure, and the role of technology in managing health. Schweig emphasizes that understanding the root causes of illness is key to true healing.

My guest today is Dr. Keesha Ewers, a board-certified Functional and Ayurvedic medicine expert, Doctor of Sexology, trauma-informed psychotherapist, conscious dying doula, MAPS certified MDMA-assisted psychotherapy therapist, and founder of the Academy for Integrative Medicine Health Coach Certification Program. With over 30 years in medicine, she developed the HURT Model to understand how childhood trauma impacts adult health, leading to her Freedom Framework for reversing autoimmune disease.Dr. Keesha is a best-selling author of several books, including Solving the Autoimmune Puzzle: The Woman’s Guide to Reclaiming Emotional Freedom and Vibrant Health. She also co-hosts Liberating Generations with her daughter, a podcast on breaking free from intergenerational trauma.I’ve had the pleasure of being part of Dr. Keesha’s Reverse Autoimmune Disease Summit and deeply appreciate our generative and expansive conversations. Today, we’re diving into the well-established connection between childhood trauma and autoimmunity—and the profound potential for healing.Quote: “You weren’t robbed of a life you were supposed to have, you’re living the life that you’re supposed to live.”What’s inside this episode?02:30 Dr. Keesha’s big “wake up” and how she discovered the connection between trauma and autoimmunity 11:53 Understanding the perception and belief that everyone has some level of trauma 25:28 The approach of curiosity for reversing autoimmune, and when are you “done” working on your trauma?34:42 What well-digested trauma looks like 39:55 What the best form of trauma healing is44:27 The impact or trauma on you if you consciously or subconsciously forget it49:20 Ways to access trauma that your body knows or feels, but that you can’t remember52:37 Final words of wisdom from Dr. KeeshaResources mentioned:Dr. Keesha’s website: https://www.drkeesha.com/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/

Dr. Heather Moday is a board-certified physician and immunologist who specializes in integrative and functional medicine. In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Moday pursued a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Weil. She is also a certified functional medicine practitioner through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Moday is the author of "The Immunotype Breakthrough: Your Personalized Plan to Balance Your Immune System, Optimize Health, and Build Lifelong Resilience," a wonderful book that explores different immune system types with strategies for achieving optimal health. Today Dr. Moday helps people transform their health by teaching them how to optimize their environment, nutrition, and stress management to balance their immune systems. I’m delighted to have her join me today to share simple lifestyle habits you can embrace to balance your immune system so you can both heal and prevent autoimmunity.Quote: “Your immune system doesn’t care if you have a deadline.”What’s inside this episode?02:30 Dr. Moday’s story and transition from allergist and immunologist to integrative and functional medicine practitioner 08:45 The patterns Dr. Moday saw emerge and the four different immunotypes 14:35 Where you can find quizzes and other resources to help you identify what type of immune system you have15:16 What Dr. Moday is seeing as the main drivers of autoimmunity 23:54 What’s the first step Dr. Moday takes when a patient comes to her with a constellation of symptoms and autoimmune disorders 29:00 Top solutions and strategies you can do to address chronic stress and other things that are contributing to autoimmunity 35:24 How to identify types of stress reduction techniques that work for you40:50 Final message from Dr.Moday regarding patience and being gentle with the healing processResources mentioned:Dr. Heather’s Website and Immunotype book: https://modaycenter.com/Follow Dr. Moday on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctormoday/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you are determined and committed to reclaiming your best health and life, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/

Dr. Bill Rawls has spent over 30 years in medicine as an OBGYN, but a personal battle with chronic Lyme disease in his 40s led him to discover the limitations of conventional medicine and the potential of alternative treatments. Through holistic and herbal therapies, he restored his health and became passionate about promoting cellular wellness to address and defend against microbes and other root causes of illness.Today, Dr. Rawls helps others achieve wellness through modern herbology. He shares his insights in his bestselling books, Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution, highlighting the importance of herbal phytochemicals in protecting cellular health and boosting the body's defenses.I’m thrilled to have Dr. Rawls back with me again today (previously featured in episode #41 talking about healing at a cellular level through herbal medicine) to dive into healing from chronic Lyme.Quote: “Cells are what make us work and when they’re not working right you get symptoms.”What’s inside this episode?01:18 Dr. Rawls primary chronic Lyme symptoms, what didn’t work, and what did work03:10 What is Lyme? How long has it been around? How do you get it? And, is it a life sentence?07:35 The ways that Lyme can be transmitted11:20 Why some people who get bitten by ticks never have symptoms and some people are taken down 17:15 Is healing from Lyme about eradicating the disease completely or to keep the microbes dormant?24:16 Lyme as an autoimmune condition, and what makes the host more susceptible to Lyme31:05 A recap of what lifestyle factors are necessary to heal  35:35 Cellular health and wellness explained 41:00 Healing in a moldy environment45:38 How you can use herbs to heal54:15 Top herbs for addressing Lyme and their effectiveness 58:30 How long should you take the herbs 01:02:00 Addressing the cell and the power of root cause functional medicine 01:05:57 Where to find Dr. Rawls and free resources for your healing Resources mentioned:Dr. Rawls’ website, book, articles, health consults: https://rawlsmd.com/Dr. Rawls’ books: The Cellular Wellness Solution: Tap Into Your Full Health Potential with the Science-Backed Power of Herbs - https://amzn.to/3Ug1SqhUnlocking Lyme: Myths, Truths, and Practical Solutions for Chronic Lyme Disease - https://amzn.to/3A4FcT6The book that got herbs on everyone’s radar and changed Dr. Rawls’ life: Healing Lyme: Natural Healing of Lyme Borreliosis and the Coinfections Chlamydia and Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, 2nd Edition by herbalist, Stephen Buhner - https://amzn.to/4g0qbANDr. Rawls store: supplements & health coaching: https://vitalplan.com/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to reclaim your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/

Adrian Klaphaak is the founder of A Path That Fits, a holistic career and life coaching company that serves clients all over the world. His company IS his life’s work – his path that fits. He’s poured all of himself into creating the most effective and meaningful coaching programs possible because he wholeheartedly believes that everyone has a path that fits, and he knows what a difference it makes to find it. Adrian’s formal training comes from The Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Mindfulness & Somatic Psychology, and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). He’s one part coach, one part purpose guide, one part entrepreneur, and one part therapist. He’s also studied mindfulness meditation, rites of passage, and has a deep reverence for nature and its wisdom. Now, you may be wondering, What in the world does career coaching have to do with autoimmune healing? Here’s my short answer: healing is about becoming who you truly are, whole and aligned with your authentic self, mind, body, and spirit.I personally worked with Adrian many years ago when I was struggling with finding my own path that fit. While I was good at and enjoyed my corporate roles in high tech sales and marketing I intuitively knew that these jobs in the corporate world weren’t the meaning I was seeking or my life’s purpose. That there was something else deeper, more meaningful, and more authentically me that I was seeking, and Adrian helped me Find My Path That Fit.In this replay episode which originally aired as episode #20 in January 2024, I’m thrilled to be able to reshare this timely and meaningful conversation with Adrian about alignment, about finding purpose, about becoming more YOU.Quote:“There is a lot of vitality, wellness, and health in doing work that you love and feel aligned with.”What’s inside:02:22 Adrian shares his own career crisis and mismatch06:24 Back pain and sciatica was a big catalyst for change but would last 15 years10:22 The birth of Adrian’s daughter was the event that brought healing and a pursuit of mind-body medicine14:51 Adrian discovers that he was not in touch with internal anger and grief; that being a people-pleaser, a nice guy, and putting pressure on himself to achieve was keeping him from expressing more difficult emotions.17:51 My riff on the autoimmune personality types: people pleaser, perfectionist, overachiever, striver, and the added risk for autoimmune issues decades later22:15 One of the things Adrian sees often in clients is, “What I thought I should be doing…;” or “Because my parents wanted me to do this…” or “I grew up without resources…”  24:26 I share my experience working with Adrian in 2012 when I was trying to find my path that fit.33:29 Adrian highlights the steps of his process for career change38:20 The importance of the informational interview39:50 How doing a career change “test drive” can make the change easier, more real, and more natural47:00 How pain or illness can be a huge teacher or catalyst for growth. And how it’s about doing the best we can while still being human. 51:23 Where to find Adrian and a bit about his group coaching program. Resources mentioned:Adrian’s website: https://apaththatfits.com/I am a proud supporter of and affiliate for Adrian’s 3-month Career Pathfinder Coaching Program. Enter coupon code: beatautoimmune for $100 off: https://apaththatfits.com/the-career-pathfinder/My case study working with Adrian: https://apaththatfits.com/blog/palmer-case-study/Want my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to reclaim your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/

Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum (aka Dr. Sandi) is the founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), a collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). Dr. Sandi is a leader in the field of health coaching education.An educator and licensed clinical psychologist for over 35 years, she was a pioneer in blending functional medicine principles with positive psychology, cognitive-behavior therapy, and mind-body medicine. She is the author of Functional Medicine Coaching, Stop Panic Attacks in 10 Easy Steps, and How to Give Clients the Skills to Stop Panic Attacks. She has her own healing story of overcoming ADD, panic attacks, and Reynaud’s Syndrome. In today’s conversation we discuss a number of important topics including:How people seeking to heal from autoimmune disorders can apply powerful positive psychology techniques How people can address anxiety and panic attacks and What’s important about working with a health coach and what the future is like for health coaching as a profession.Quote: “You can always say, I have more to achieve. That’s the key to healthy aging.”What’s inside this episode?01:55 Dr. Sandi’s story, how she went from teaching, to getting a PhD in clinical psychology, to focusing on mind-body medicine, to learning about nutrition and functional medicine, to starting the FMCA program at age 6507:10 The importance of having meaning, purpose, mission, and passion in your sixties and beyond and how Dr. Sandi is able to be a leader in this field09:05 Get inspired: check out how many pushups Dr. Sandi does EVERY day – at age 74. It’s not twelve; it’s twelve sets!15:08 The importance of intrinsic motivation and how there is always another level to attain; and how to get started developing healthy habits20:15 Why understanding your strengths is so important to developing a positive mindset, especially when it comes to overcoming autoimmunity25:36 What “PERMA” stands for and why we need it for a life well lived33:01 Delving into panic attacks: Dr. Sandi’s personal experience with panic attacks in her twenties, how she healed, and what you can do to change your thoughts, distract yourself, recover fully, and prevent panic attacks42:00 Anxiety is tied to the future; depression is tied to the past. How to be free in the present moment43:13 What is a functional medicine health coach; why are they so important in helping others take control of their health; and how they undergo transformation themselves47:27 Where can you learn more about becoming a health coach or to connect with Dr. Sandi50:29 Dr. Sandi’s vision for the futureResources mentioned:Dr. Stacy Sims, exercise physiologist: https://www.drstacysims.com/Discover your strengths free survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) book: Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine by Candace Pert, Ph.D.: https://amzn.to/407ritDPositive Psychology: https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/Book: The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy: https://amzn.to/408lZKrFunctional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA): functionalmedicinecoaching.orgConnect on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FunctionalMedicineCoachingAcademy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsandi/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/sandrascheinbaum/Dr. Sandi’s Books: Functional Medicine Coaching: Stories from the Movement That's Transforming Healthcare: https://amzn.to/4fwEi0hStop Panic Attacks in 10 Easy Steps: https://amzn.to/41PqZoxStay tuned for Dr. Sandi’s upcoming book: Your Health Coach Will See You NowWant my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to reclaim your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/

Dr. Jill Carnahan, MD is a dual board certified medical doctor and the founder and Medical Director of Flatiron Functional Medicine in Colorado. She specializes in searching for the underlying causes of illness through cutting-edge lab testing and personalized medicine protocols.Dr. Jill has her own powerful healing stories from breast cancer, then Crohn’s disease, and then debilitating mold toxicity. In our last interview (Episode #11), I interviewed Dr. Jill about her bestselling book, Unexpected. It’s part autobiography, her healing stories, and prescriptive wisdom from her many years as both patient and practitioner. Dr. Jill is also executive producer, film writer, and featured in a new award-winning documentary about her journey overcoming illness called Doctor/Patient.This time, I’ve asked Dr. Jill back to talk about all things MOLD. It’s something she’s personally experienced, I’ve personally experienced, and it’s something we are seeing more and more of in our Functional Medicine practices. It’s something that needs to be discussed openly because if it’s ignored, it can be the foe that takes you down or keeps you down if you’re trying to heal from complex chronic autoimmune challenges. You won’t want to miss this masterclass on mold!Quote: “Clean air, clean water, clean food. Start with the basics."What’s inside this episode?01:50 Dr. Jill’s journey with mold illness 08:14 What’s the big deal with mold?14:08 Important details about cleaning spaces where mold once was, even if the mold is considered “dead” or “dry”18:20 Common symptoms, autoimmune conditions, and diseases that a moldy toxic environment can trigger and contribute to 23:45 Mold testing and more symptoms to be aware of32:15 The first environmental or home test to start with if you have a tight budget, and steps to follow 36:20 Testing the human body 45:45 What is a “mold-dog”?42:11 Where do you start once you’ve identified that you have a mold reaction and are dealing with autoimmunity 46:20 Things you can do to keep your environment clean and prevent mold from becoming an issue 51:30 Final words from Dr. Jill and what she personally practices to maintain good health Resources mentioned:Dr. Jill’s website: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/Subscribe to Dr. Jill’s newsletter: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/newsletter-signup/Dr. Jill’s Book - Unexpected: Finding Resilience through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith: https://a.co/d/iAwFZlCDr. Jill’s documentary: https://doctorpatientmovie.com/QPCR home tests - Envirobiomics, RealTime Laboratories:https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/ermi/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://realtimelab.com/emma/?utm_source=chatgpt.comUrine Mycotoxin tests - Vibrant Wellness, RealTime Laboratories, Mosaic Diagnostics:https://www.vibrant-wellness.com/test/MycotoxinsTesthttps://realtimelab.com/https://mosaicdx.com/test/mycotox-profile/Visual Contrast Sensitivity test (free): VCS Test:https://www.vcstest.com/Mold Dog inspection: https://mold-dog.com/Home mold cleaner - EC3 Mold Cleaner: https://microbalancehealthproducts.com/products/ec3-mold-solution-concentrate.htmlWant my help reversing an autoimmune condition?If you live in the continental U.S. and are committed and determined to reclaim your best health, I offer Functional Natural Medicine Autoimmune Reversal Programs over Zoom. Get on my calendar for a free 30-minute discovery call, here: https://palmerkippola.com/functional-medicine-autoimmune-reversal-program/