From the Heart with Rachel Brathen

The mold saga at Rachel’s house continues this week, but with some major lessons, miracles, blessings and resiliency sprinkled in. Now with somewhat of a game-plan on how to move forward, Rachel has been able to reflect on the past few weeks with a clearer head and a lighter heart - and that is when she noticed something miraculous. Even in the darkest times, grace can still find you.On the show today, Rachel shares the true miracles that have come her way since finding toxic mold in her house. They come to her in the form of genuine kindness from strangers, a cabin in the woods and chance encounters that have reminded her that there is a purpose to life’s hard times, and when you learn to let go, beautiful things can come your way. Now able to tap into her true power and resiliency, Rachel is ready to get things done.Today’s episode will make you believe in miracles - one of them being the strength you have in yourself to get through any challenge that comes your way. You can do hard things, because you’ve done them before. Tune in to lean into trust - in those around you, in the universe, and especially in your own ability to make it through. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still deep in a mold crisis, Rachel’s entire future shifted when a mystery mold man fell out of the sky and landed in Aruba. After a few minutes in her house with a flashlight, this man could tell Rachel one very important thing: she is not crazy. Even after being forced to leave her home, losing all her belongings and suffering from mold illnesses, the worst part of this journey for Rachel has been that nobody has believed her. No one has been able to see her in this trauma.This happens to us so much in life, especially as women. Our lived experiences are denied. When this happens, there is one thing that we must do: it is imperative that we trust our intuition. If the universe is pushing you toward something, that is likely the way forward. Tune in for an episode that will remind you that even in the hardest of times, the universe has your back. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you make it through when your world is crumbling around you? In today’s episode, Rachel shares her best advice, resources, and practices when it comes to crisis management.The first thing we need to do is acknowledge when we’re in a crisis. Sometimes big life events feel manageable, while smaller things make us unravel. Instead of trying to soldier on, admitting that you’re having a hard time can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Rachel defines what a crisis is and shares some personal examples from her own life of different crises she has moved through and the causes behind them. Ultimately, no one else can tell you when you’re in a crisis or not. It all depends on how you’re coping.If you’re having a hard time right now, tune in to learn the steps Rachel takes to keep her sanity in an insane world. Lower your expectations, take care of your basic needs, vent, feel, and move. The only way out is through. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As of last week, Rachel received the devastating news that she has dangerously high levels of mold in her house. Her family has had to move out immediately, get tested for mycotoxins, find contractors, doctors and mold experts that can help, and they will possibly lose all of their belongings… including their home. Trigger warning – bring tissues for this episode.After years of taking great care of herself and her family (eating vegan, taking supplements, investing in water and air filtration systems, etc) it has been a complete mystery as to why Rachel is constantly feeling unwell. The answer came with the results to a mold test that told them to get out now.In today’s episode, Rachel shares openly about this entire experience. How did she find the mold in her house? What tests did she use? How can you get rid of mold? What impact does this have on your health and wellbeing? And if there is a solution to this… what is it? Tune in for the whole story, and send Rachel, Lea and Dennis lots of love in the coming weeks.For more resources on mold, follow @drjillcrista, @dr.jess.md, @themoldguy, @pjharlowwellness, @frolicandflow, @survivingmold, and @lifeaftermold on Instagram.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode of From the Heart, Rachel is joined once again by her best friend: the accidental influencer, Olivia Rothschild!While laughing their way through this episode, they tackle all topics best friends usually discuss, from Botox, running, and that time Rachel was arrested while driving Olivia’s scooter, to deeper conversations on true friendship, home births, empowering women, and allowing joy into your life.This fun, light-hearted and positive episode will have you laughing until your stomach hurts. Grab your best friend and some popcorn and tune in now! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does self-love mean to you? We spend so much of our day-to-day lives rejecting our whole selves. When we feel bad, we usually try to make ourselves feel better rather than sitting with what is true for us in that moment. But how could this denial ever be considered self-love?As Rachel continues to battle pneumonia, she reflects on the mental stress of not feeling her best. Diving deeper, she uncovers a cyclical pattern rooted in deep childhood trauma as her daughter approaches the same age Rachel was when she first experienced her asthma attacks.Ultimately, life comes with ebbs and flows. If we reject certain parts of that experience, we reject ourselves. Self-love needs to be rooted in loving all parts of who we are. Tune in to hear Rachel’s journey toward self-love, and find a little more compassion for yourself along the way. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should you do when you want to let go, but can’t? In today’s episode Rachel is not only battling pneumonia, she is battling her own mind as well. In order to heal, we need to rest. But what if resting just gives rise to anxious thoughts, limiting beliefs and the added pressure of feeling like a failure?The truth is, life will always throw us curveballs that remind us we are not in control. The only thing we can do from there is to pray, to ask for help, and to sit with it. Tune in as Rachel shares a story that shines a light on the path toward healing. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the yoga community, we are conditioned to opt for holistic methods of healing before we turn to Western Medicine, something that has served Rachel and her family well for years. Suddenly sick with pneumonia, Rachel opens up about her current condition in today’s episode. On antibiotics and using a machine to help her breathe, Rachel experienced resistance, shame, and the same fear she felt at 5 years old when battling severe asthma. It all changed the moment she placed her antibiotics on her altar and realized - resisting healing will not help you get better. And resisting pain is a huge source of pain in itself.We are quick to judge different forms of medicine, but maybe the answer isn’t found in one or the other. Maybe instead it is found in dropping the resistance, finding the intricate balance of discernment, and opening yourself up to all forms of healing. After all, we are so fortunate to be able to even make the choice! Tune in today to open your heart and begin your healing journey. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, in celebration of Valentine's Day, Rachel has everybody’s favorite guest on the show, her husband Dennis Schoneveld! Tune in as Rachel and Dennis discuss all things on love, intimacy, balance and communication.In his humble and hilarious way, Dennis shares openly and candidly about his relationship with Rachel, commitment, communication, goals, travel plans, and the untapped parts of his personality. Is he considering a career in politics or photography? Does Dennis want to move to Sweden, or buy property in Costa Rica? Where does he see himself and his family in 5-years, or has he ever planned that far ahead? Most importantly, will he ever take the 14 foot Christmas tree out of the yard, or stop eating chips horizontally on the couch?Of course, the Yoga Girl Community sent in some amazing questions via Instagram! In this episode, Rachel and Dennis cover a wide array of topics; from how to speak with Lea about LGBTQ+ choices, morning routines, the importance of man and lady caves, working out, how they show their love to each other without saying I love you, and so much more. A true celebration of love and family, this heartfelt conversation is not to be missed! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever wanted to be a person who runs, but when you try it’s the absolute worst? After suffering from asthma, pretending she ran when she didn’t, and always giving up after a few minutes, Rachel now finally calls herself a runner. In today’s episode, she shares the 5 simple steps that brought her from hating every second of a run to running 10K in complete bliss. Running doesn’t have to be hard. It's all about getting out there, moving the body, dropping in and communing with nature. Did you know that you can run at your own pace? Give yourself permission to slow down! This episode will remind you to listen to your body, drop into the present moment through the breath, and remove all expectations when it comes to running. Tune in to get started, and find more motivation by visiting Yoga Girl on Spotify and checking out the RUN playlist. The best time to go for a run might just be today! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices