Awakening Aphrodite

With the stress, rush and caffeine of the modern American lifestyle, it’s no wonder thyroid disorders are rising along with skyrocketing levels of hormonal imbalances and adrenal fatigue. Are there alternative ways to heal thyroid dysfunctions without resorting to the life-altering pharmacological techniques touted by conventional medicine?  Sydney Ross Singer, my guest in this episode, has some promising new information that indicates a link between vocal expression and thyroid health. This association between sound and thyroid disorders was long understood by Ayurvedic medicine, and Sydney is working hard to bring these relevant findings back to light. Sydney Ross Singer was my popular guest on Episode 119, a critically important conversation on how bra-wearing obstructs lymphatic flow to elevate womens' risk of developing breast cancer. That episode could maybe even save your life, so please check that out and share it with the women in your life!  After receiving graduate training in biochemistry and being awarded his master’s degree in anthropology from Duke University, Sydney Ross Singer decided to pursue a career in the new and emerging field of medical anthropology. To better understand how culture and environment affects human health, he went on to complete three years of medical school at the University of Texas to become one of the first medically trained anthropologists in the United States. In this episode we have a thought-provoking discussion about the thyroid and it's energetic and esoteric connection to the 5th chakra of the body, which is the area of the neck, upper back and chest area. We discuss the more mechanical, physical components of this area of the body as well as it's more symbolic and metaphorical association with our personal will and the way we communicate and express ourselves, in particular, our speaking and our listening. In addition, Sydney teaches us about the standard pharmacological "treatment" for thyroid disorders while also introducing some effective, practical and easy (!) lifestyle behaviors and mindsets that we can possibly engage in which might help us avoid invasive radiation-based treatments, chemicals and pharmaceuticals by rebalancing  the thyroid and hormones safely and holistically.   Specific products mentioned in this episode: Create your own sound healing sanctuary with the Core Harmonizer - one of Amy's favorite tools! Visit Amy's recommended products page on her website and enter code "fitamytv10" for your discount! TIME STAMPS 00:13:08 Old Technologies 00:18:57 Thyroid Health In The Modern Day 00:25:17 Iodine And Nuclear Weapons? 00:29:43 The Thyroid’s Unique Location 00:32:50 The Truth Behind Ablating The Thyroid 00:40:17 The Voice’s Effect On The Thyroid 00:46:30 The Throat Chakra And Self Expression 00:51:08 Syd’s Science-Fiction Theory On Human Design 00:56:52 Shape Determines Function 01:01:43 Boosting Your Self Expression 01:07:57 Tips For Hyperthyroidism 01:14:52 Syd’s Academia Website You can find Amy and sign up for her newsletter at amyfournier.com. Watch this episode on YouTube at Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV. Check out Amy's favorite products and with special discount coupon codes at Amy's eStore!

Did you know that 1 in every 10 kids has asthma? Or that 1 in every 13 kids experiences food allergies? Were you aware of the rising rates of autism, which now occurs in 1 of every 68 children? These numbers are only growing, and in fact, one in THREE children has either allergies, asthma, ADHD or autism. Is this ringing a bell? Do you have kids? Do they have any of these disorders? Do you know kids that do? Well, odds are you probably do because one third of them have some kind of disorder. We didn't have that when we were kids. What changed? Well, as today's amazing guest, Zen Honeycutt, points out, “they don’t make food like they used to!” In this essential episode, Zen will shed some encouraging (and much needed) light onto the loaded topic of US food processing, labeling and hidden GMOs. I truly believe that you cannot be empowered unless you can make decisions through informed consent, and empowerment's what this show is all about. Zen Honeycutt is the Founding Executive Director of Moms Across America, a non-profit National Coalition of Unstoppable Moms. With the motto "Empowered Moms, Healthy Kids " Moms Across America has grown rapidly, over 600 leaders have created nearly 1000 community events in all 50 states in the past 5 years. Moms Across America empowers and amplifies the voice of the mom locally and nationally to create healthy communities by raising awareness about GMOs and related pesticides in our food. Zen has been featured on major mainstream news stations and documentaries, and is a former Consumer representative to the California Organic Products Advisory Committee. She is an international speaker and author of Unstoppable: Transforming Sickness and Struggle into Triumph, Empowerment and a Celebration of Community. To learn more about Zen and her life-changing work, visit momsacrossamerica.com or watch her free YouTube film, Communities Rising, on YouTube! Her activism regalia is currently discounted at 40% off– just enter the code "team" at checkout to match my two dogs who will be rocking their Moms Across America sweaters very soon :) TIME STAMPS 00:09:26 Moms Across America 00:14:31 Zen’s Background 00:23:45 How Zen Nearly Lost Her Son 00:27:48 Parenting Through Food Allergies 00:31:02 Autism Symptoms & Healing Your Gut 00:36:23 Three GMOs You Need To Know 00:38:45 Glyphosate In Your Body 00:42:46 You Can’t Wash Pesticides Away! 00:46:10 Why The Massive Uptick In Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease? 00:49:23 Ted Talk: Patriotism On A Plate 00:50:38 GMOs & Food Labeling 00:55:49 This Advice Will Change Your Life 01:01:46 Glyphosate In Your Everyday Products 01:04:56 The Newest Research: School Lunches 01:12:13 There Are Safe Weed Killer Alternatives! 01:16:51 The New Neighborhood Food Network Initiative 01:19:23 More About Zen And Her Initiatives You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV! For special discounts on her FAVORITE products, visit her affiliate page!

Today I am feeling called to share a beautiful and immemorial prayer with you. Welcome to Fast Friday, an extra bonus mini conversation with just you and me! These quick, sweet episodes are one of my favorite ways to drop a little love and inspiration in your ear to carry with you through the end of your week. The topics I choose are quite broad, but I usually share ideas, poems, affirmations or tips that have impacted my life in some significant way. This Peace Prayer by St. Francis of Assisi is particularly special to me, as it is to many. It’s a beautiful prayer, often spoken on important occasions that call for reflection and reverence. I hope the sentiments in this prayer resonated with you. Please share with a loved one or leave me a review if you feel so inclined! Thank you for joining my tribe! You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV! For special discounts on her FAVORITE products, visit her affiliate page!

So, how does hormonal birth control actually work? And, for that matter, what does “informed consent” really mean? In today’s episode, you’ll be plunged into a deeply educational discussion on the feminine hormonal cycle with my amazing (repeat!) guest, Dr. Nathan Riley. You’ll hear about many of the key hormone players in the dance of your natural rhythms, the societal forces that have historically laid shame on women’s sexuality and the true intelligent nature of your menstrual cycle. We also launch into a discussion on the incredibly important grassroots film, The Business of Birth Control, which you can stream at thebusinessof.life. Dr. Nathan Riley is an allopathic MD who is popularly known as The Holistic OBGYN. Dr. Nathan’s patient-centered approach in medicine is informed by his reverence for the human body, mind and spirit– a perspective that is unfortunately lost on the impersonal, business-centered hospital institutions of our world today. As an OBGYN and provider of Hospice and Palliative Care medicine, Dr. Nathan’s holistic practice is uniquely grounded in profound experiences of birth and death. As you’ll come to know in this episode, Dr. Nathan is wholeheartedly committed to understanding human physiology and helping his clients heal at the source rather than “medicating away” presented symptoms. If you missed it, I highly recommend tuning into Nathan’s first appearance on the show, Episode 89. If you love Nathan and his approach to wellness, go check out his podcast, The Holistic OBGYN Podcast, of which I am a subscriber and total fan. You can also learn more about Dr. Nathan at his website, belovedholistics.com or visit him on Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn. The information in this podcast is absolutely critical for all women (and men!) to know. Please share this episode with anyone who you think would benefit from true knowledge of the menstrual cycle, fertility and birth control. And if you’re looking to stream The Business of Birth Control with a discount, use Nathan’s code, “beloved50” at checkout. TIME STAMPS 00:08:18 Connecting With Authenticity 00:13:46 The Dehumanization Of Medicine 00:16:11 Defining “Informed Consent” 00:25:35 Episode 89 With Dr. Nathan Riley 00:26:23 The Business Of Being Born and the Business Of Birth Control 00:28:43 Episode 120 With Sara Charmoli 00:30:44 Synthetic Endocrine Disruptors 00:38:39 Amy’s Experience On The Pill 00:42:10 Menstruation As A Vital Sign 00:53:13 The Cyclical Nature Of The Feminine 00:58:03 Remnants Of Historical Shame 01:01:53 The Period As Your Personal Biotracker 01:03:02 Menstrual Cycle 101 01:07:22 How Birth Control Works 01:12:30 Cosmological Worship Of The Feminine 01:18:04 Nathan’s Thoughts on thebusinessof.life  01:27:09 Nathan’s Podcast

Finding skincare products that align with my mission, values, feelings and philosophy is an exquisitely challenging task. There are countless obstacles in the way of connecting with products that are nontoxic, ethically sourced and that satisfy my body and soul. In the rare chance that I DO come across someone like Hanna Mehrabani and her small business, Seeb and Solace it is a true god-given blessing. Hanna is a geo-physicist who began her career, ironically enough, fracking the earth for oil. In this episode you’ll hear about the massive shift in consciousness that brought her from the hyper-masculinized fracking-mindset back to the sacred oil formulating traditions and holistic practices of her home country, Iran. At Seeb and Solace, Hanna meticulously oversees each step of production, ensuring that the soil and water that nurture her crops are whole, carefully maintained and free of the toxins that otherwise permeate the majority of our natural environment. Her products made with love, care, and complete transparency, and are sourced from an international chain of healthy, conscientious and ethical farms. In this episode, you’ll hear about Hanna’s incredible life story: from her birth into the Iran-Iraq war to her discovery of skincare as a medicine for the overloaded and traumatized nervous system. We discuss the root cause of autoimmune issues like psoriasis and eczema and refer to the skin as a female organ, symbolizing our sacred boundaries and self expression. We talk about the true nature of biodynamic farming, the critical importance of soil health and the magical properties of saffron for your skin, body and emotional wellness.  Hanna has generously provided Awakening Aphrodite listeners with a discount to Seeb and Solace products! Enter the code “fitamytv” at check out at seebandsolace.com and enjoy the natural richness of biodynamic oils that will nourish you on both cellular and spiritual levels. You can also follow Hanna on Instagram at @seebandsolace. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting me with your review and share with your friends and family! TIME STAMPS 00:10:25 Masculine-Feminine Harmony 00:15:08 Hanna’s Background 00:18:54 Healing Through Nature 00:23:49 The Magnetism Of Gratitude 00:26:40 Born Into The Iran-Iraq War 00:32:16 Discovering Skincare 00:36:51 What Seeb & Solace Is All About 00:42:25 The Lost Integrity Of The Organic Label 00:43:40 Soil Health And Biodynamic Farming 00:48:24 GMOs Won’t Feed You 00:53:27 Micronization And Ozonation 00:56:53 Healing Heart Harmony Saffron Mist 00:59:14 The Politicization Of Saffron In The US 01:02:57 Behind The Name 01:05:12 Think While It’s Still Legal 01:06:16 Your Special Discount to Seeb and Solace You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on YouTube at Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV. For special discounts on her favorite products, visit her eStore!

You’ve probably heard that psychedelics, regressive hypnotherapy and even "shadow work" can help access and heal deep layers of the unconscious, but did you also know that we can do the same thing just by breathing?! Sounds crazy, right? Don't get me wrong, this isn't just any type of breathing, but done with the right methodology, focus, set and setting, breath work can have amazing and long lasting effects to mind, body and spirit (as I attest to in this episode!). Breath work is currently a hot topic in the holistic wellness community thanks to the renewed psychedelic movement and figures like Wim Hoff… but to be honest, it’s not a modality that I’ve personally had the greatest luck with. Having tried a few different breath work sessions without “results,” I was finally referred to Effiji, the unique breath work practice of Sarah Charmoli, my wonderful guest today, and her business partner, Elijah. As business leader, head of communications and master facilitator for Effiji worldwide, Sarah Charmoli is passionate about the transformational power of Effiji Breathwork and the practices that make up the holistic program designed to support people in their personal consciousness work. Sarah has successfully organized, executed and co-led multiple weekend intensives and programs across the globe. She is committed to the growth of each individual called to work within the framework that Effiji provides for their exponential evolution and to the growing community of individuals supporting one another on this path. In this transformational episode, you’ll hear about the pivotal life moments that guided Sarah to her dream work and she shares potent advice for getting out of your own way, developing magnetism and being “realized” through both failures and successes. We talk about why breath work is so powerful, the value of a passionate breath work facilitator and what sets Effiji apart from other breath work approaches. As usual, I get very personal and talk about my Effiji breath work journey with the hope that it inspires you to dive in and feel into your own unconscious layers. I have GREAT NEWS! Sarah has generously gifted a 50% discount to Awakening Aphrodite listeners so you can experience Effiji for yourself! You can sign up for their remote breath work sessions at effijibreath.com and enter code "fitamytv50" at checkout. You can find out more about Sarah and her work on Instagram at @effijibreathwork, Facebook and Youtube channel. TIME STAMPS 00:09:46 Interview begins 00:11:19 Sarah’s origins 00:15:55 Pivotal moments 00:21:00 Realizing through failure 00:23:13 Magnetism 00:28:53 Breath work popularity 00:36:55 What is Effiji? 00:39:21 Your breath is your teacher 00:42:59 The facilitator’s role 00:49:18 Selling water by the river 00:56:29 How do we use breath work? 00:58:41 Amy’s Effiji experience 01:02:47 Permission to let it rip 01:12:08 How to connect with Effiji breath You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV! For special discounts on her FAVORITE products, visit her affiliate page!

Ladies…what is the first thing you do when you get home after a long day? First, you probably take off your shoes, and secondly… you remove your bra, right? Whew! What a relief!  That is your body communicating with you! We put up with minor discomforts all day long to be "socially acceptable," and yet the source of this particular minor discomfort (the bra!) may be causing us undue harm in the long term.  Sydney Ross Singer, my guest today, has been researching the link between bras and breast cancer for decades, and according to him, bras should come with a warning label like cigarettes do. Wow! Get ready for some mind blowing statistics, an insider’s scoop into the business side of our medical system and the physiological rationale behind the international free-the-nipple movement. After receiving graduate training in biochemistry and being awarded his master’s degree in anthropology from Duke University, Sydney Ross Singer decided to pursue a career in the new and emerging field of medical anthropology. To better understand how culture and environment affects human health, he went on to complete three years of medical school at the University of Texas to become one of the first medically trained anthropologists in the United States. In this episode we discuss the physiological, cultural and psychological impacts of the bra along with its complex history and modern multi-million dollar industry. Sydney believes that the root cause of breast pain, cysts, edema and cancer is directly linked to the bra's restriction of critical lymphatic circulation. Sydney explains his unconventional breast cancer research and tell us about his life experiences as an explorer of human culture and "cancelled" member of modern medicine. You'll hear my personal synopsis of my past two months of living bra-free (spoiler alert: I LOVE it!) as well as my perspective as a woman on this charged issue. You can learn more about Sydney's work at BrasAndBreastCancer.org and his absolute must-read book, Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, which he co-authored with his wife, Soma Grismaijer. If you feel passionate about this topic, can join their international Bra Free self-reported study at brafreestudy.com to further this important research! Please subscribe, share and leave a review to let me know what you thought about this episode! I love your feedback and I hope this conversation sparks your inspiration :) TIME STAMPS 00:11:05 Animal Testing In Medicine 00:14:05 Culturogenic Disease 00:22:54 The Bra-Breast Cancer Correlation 00:26:25 The Mysterious Lymphatic System 00:32:38 The Dangers Of Your Bra 00:40:40 Signs That Your Bra Is Causing A Problem 00:47:09 Reconnecting With Our Bodies 00:51:57 The Bra In Psychology And Culture 00:53:41 Amy’s Testimony To The Braless Lifestyle 00:59:35 Nipple Phobia And Double Standards 01:02:58 The General Rule 01:09:42 Cancel Culture And Industry Interference 01:15:18 Our Medical Corporatocracy  01:22:42 Where To Find Syd You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV! For special discounts on her FAVORITE products, visit her affiliate page!

Where does unwavering self-confidence end and narcissism begin? Have you ever worried that acting confidently from a place of unconditional self-love may be mistaken for narcissism? Is there an alternative explanation for the conventional and toxic “narcissism” of the West? I find the gift of having a unique perspective to be especially rich when we consider different cultures’ interpretations of myths, fairy tales and religions. In this episode, I read a card from Ari Honarvar’s Rumi’s Gift Oracle Cards: an exquisite deck of cards that allows me to explore poetry, images and insights selected by my soul. Today, my soul chose to share a reading from Ari’s oracle card on confidence. It features a powerful Rumi poem and the Persian tale of Narcissus: the beautiful– and mortal– son of the gods. You may be surprised to hear that Ari’s telling recounts a man driven by his own dazzling self-love rather than the famously flawed idea of vanity. This Persian approach to the myth of Narcissus reminds us that the root of confidence is in realizing that the beloved is “...manifest and unmanifest,” and that we are always welcome to dive into a self-love that is deeper than our image. Ari is an award-winning writer, visual artist and speaker. She is the Iranian Musical Ambassador of Peace, Vice President of Gente Unida (a human rights border coalition), and founder of Drop Poems Not Bombs. I was honored with Ari’s presence as a guest on my show in Episode 36: Feminine Strength Among Terror; Surviving Heartbreak, Fear and Uncertainty and Finding the Beauty, Joy, Treasure and True Freedom in Suffering with Rumi and Ari Honarvar. I highly recommend tuning in to hear Ari’s amazing story! If you enjoyed today's Fast Friday episode, I would LOVE to hear about it! Please leave a review (on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!), share & tag me on Instagram! Let’s do this together! You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV! For special discounts on her FAVORITE products, visit her affiliate page!

Hey, we all feel better when we go out in the warm, bright sunshine, don’t we? Have you ever been stuck inside or been in stormy weather for days when all of a sudden, BOOM, that big beautiful sun came out? And you stepped into that fresh air and felt the sunlight warm your mind, body and spirit? Well, GUESS WHAT? It’s not just your imagination! There is a real physiological and biochemical reaction that happens in your body when the sun contacts your skin. Our bodies, our food and all of life on the planet evolved to thrive in the sunlight. But what about skin cancer, melanoma, premature aging and sunburn, you ask? You'll hear all your answers in this second episode with Dr. Elizabeth Plourde. When Dr. Plourde's studies revealed that sunscreens actually promote melanoma and harm all life in the oceans, she devoted her life to presenting the truth behind today’s environmental damage in books, scientific articles, medical conferences and consumer groups. When “Kid Safe” sunscreens were marketed, Dr. Plourde redoubled her efforts to dispel the myth that zinc and titanium oxides are “kid safe.” Not only are they “not kid safe,” they are not “ocean life safe,” as they kill the phytoplankton, the foundation of our oceans' food chain. Sunscreens are not only toxic and dangerous for people and ALL of life but they are also... totally UNNECESSARY! As you'll learn in this episode, we can create our own internal "SPF" through dietary choices and lifestyle! Dr. Elizabeth Plourde recently appeared on my show in Episode 116, The Biology of Femininity, which I highly suggest you check out to learn more about her personal story and extensive research background. Her published books include: EMF Freedom: Solutions for the 21st Century Pollution 3rd Edition 2018 Sunscreens Biohazard 2: Proof of Toxicity Keeps Piling Up 2018 Sunscreens Biohazard: Treat As Hazardous Waste 2012 Hysterectomy: The Best or Worst Thing that Ever Happened to Me? 2003 Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal & Hormone Replacement 2002 TIME STAMPS 00:08:34 Sunscreen Is Bad! 00:10:10 The Importance Of Vitamin D 00:15:17 The Fragility Of Our Coral Reefs 00:17:16 What's Toxic About Sunscreen? 00:24:30 How To Boost Antioxidants In Your Diet 00:30:35 You're Drinking Whatever You Apply To Your Skin 00:34:30 What About Aerosol Sunscreens? 00:37:36 The Interaction Between Chlorine And Sunscreen 00:42:18 Are Zinc Nanoparticles Okay? 00:49:10 Dr. Plourde’s Websites You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV! For special discounts on her FAVORITE products, visit her affiliate page!

What does it mean to feel like “yourself”? Are you energetic? Joyful? Do you love to wear certain colors or repeat specific phrases? Did you know that there is an orchestra of miniscule compounds flowing from your organs and glands and through your bloodstream that together create this beautiful dynamic art piece you call “yourself”? Well, these little reality-weavers are called HORMONES! The topic of hormones has come up in many episodes of Awakening Aphrodite because...WOW, they determine so much about us: how we look, how we act, how we feel, our quality of life and so much more!  This information-rich episode features Dr. Elizabeth Plourde C.L.S., NCMP, PhD, a prolific researcher, author and clinical laboratory scientist. Her extensive background includes working with cutting edge DNA and cancer research laboratories, dissecting and debunking the Western idea of "sunscreen," educating the world about EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) and guiding women through menopause as a North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner.  Surprised to find that her ovaries had been removed along with her planned hysterectomy at age 43, Dr. Plourde dove deep into the research on biology and female physiology as her health rapidly deteriorated. Our organs are NOT dispensable and our hormones are here to support us through ALL phases of life. We’ll talk about the role of estrogen in bone health, cardiovascular health, sleep and neurological fitness as we journey through Dr. Plourde’s fascinating life story and wise advice for women's health. We also dive into EMF’s and their mysterious impact on the health of people, animals, insects and nature worldwide. Let’s educate ourselves, lead healthy, happy, vibrant lives and take care of our beautiful planet! Thank you for joining me, and please consider leaving me a review and sharing this episode with someone you love. Dr. Plourde's amazing book titles include: EMF Freedom: Solutions for the 21st Century Pollution 3rd Edition 2018 Sunscreens Biohazard 2: Proof of Toxicity Keeps Piling Up 2018 Sunscreens Biohazard: Treat As Hazardous Waste 2012 Hysterectomy: The Best or Worst Thing that Ever Happened to Me? 2003 Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal & Hormone Replacement 2002 TIME STAMPS 00:11:02 Dr. Plourde’s Voracious Search For Truth 00:14:18 Research vs The Researcher 00:16:57 North American Menopause Society Cetified Menopause Practitioner 00:19:17 Dr. Plourde's Hysterectomy 00:25:43 Don’t Skip To The Conclusion! 00:30:51 More Than A Baby-Making Home 00:38:00 Death By Osteoporosis 00:45:04 The Inaccuracy Of Hormonal Blood Tests 00:48:53 The Origin And Role Of Progesterone 00:57:24 The Reality Of EMFs 01:10:51 Episode 63: All Things EMF 01:22:42 Look Into Our Upcoming Episode On Sunscreen! You can find Amy at amyfournier.com and watch this episode on Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV! For special discounts on her FAVORITE products, visit her affiliate page!