HEAL with Kelly

What if everything you’ve been told about anxiety only scratches the surface? We’re taught to quiet our thoughts, reframe our worries, and “think positive.” But what if the real root of anxiety isn’t in your head at all, it’s in your body? In this transformative episode of the HEAL with Kelly Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Russell Kennedy - physician, neuroscientist, and best-selling author of Anxiety Rx, who has made it his life’s mission to uncover what truly heals anxiety. Drawing from his own decades-long struggle with crippling worry, psychedelic journeys, and breakthroughs in somatic healing, Dr. Kennedy reveals how anxiety is actually an alarm state stored in the body, often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma. Together, we explore why coping strategies and pharmaceuticals often fall short, and how practices like “sensation without explanation,” breathwork, and inner child connection open the door to real healing. Dr. Kennedy also shares why suppressed anger can turn children into adults locked in victimhood, how worry tricks the brain into false certainty, and why reclaiming a spiritual connection with yourself may be the missing piece in resolving anxiety. This episode is practical, eye-opening, and deeply human. If you’ve ever wrestled with anxiety or love someone who has, Dr. Kennedy’s wisdom will help you understand it in a whole new way, and guide you back to a place of calm, safety, and inner trust. Key Moments You’ll Love ✨: 🧠 [0:06] LSD, Stand-Up Comedy & The Moment Dr. Kennedy Hit Rock Bottom 💡 [1:20] Anxiety Lives in the Body, Not the Mind — The “Alarm” Discovery ⚕️ [4:08] Sins of the Medical Industry & Why Doctors Miss the Root Cause ❤️‍🔥 [12:01] Panic Attacks Explained: Fear of Fear & How to Stop the Spiral 👶 [20:11] The Inner Child, Repetition Compulsion & How Familiar Feels “Safe” 🤝 [28:22] Healing Through Somatic Awareness, Safety & Community 🌌 [39:02] Science vs. Spirit: Why True Healing Is Spiritual, Not Medical ⚡ [50:05] Fear, Victimhood & Reclaiming Power by Feeling Instead of Thinking LINKS Dr. Russell Kennedy website: https://www.dr-russ.com/ Dr. Russell Kennedy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanxietymd/ Anxiety Rx book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42Bg0ys HONEYLOVE: Go to https://www.honeylove.com/HEAL and use our exclusive link to get 20% OFF. See where you can watch HEAL Documentary now by going to:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/documentary.html ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read The HEAL Book with double the content of the movie:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/book.html⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join Our Email Community:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.healwithkelly.co/subscribe.html⁠⁠⁠ Join Our Substack: ⁠⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I wanted to share a special conversation with you this week — a bonus episode that’s very close to my heart. I recently joined my dear friend Aaron Lazar on his new podcast, Impossible Dreams. You may remember Aaron from his inspiring episode on HEAL with Kelly. He’s not only a Broadway star and a beautiful soul, but also someone courageously walking through one of life’s greatest challenges — living with ALS — with extraordinary heart, humor, and hope. Aaron’s perspective on healing and his unwavering spirit continue to move and inspire me deeply. I’m honored to help share his story and amplify his message. Aaron Lazar: Impossible Dreams - Watch on YouTubeAaron Lazar: Impossible Dreams - Listen on AppleAaron Lazar: Impossible Dreams - Listen on SpotifyAaron Lazar - Follow on SubStackAaron Lazar - Follow on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very tests your doctor says are “normal” are actually missing the real reason you feel exhausted, foggy, anxious, or out of balance? For millions of people, thyroid issues are at the heart of their symptoms — yet they’re often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or mistreated.   In this episode of the HEAL with Kelly Podcast, I sit down with McCall McPherson, PA-C — a physician associate, TEDx speaker, and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic — to uncover the truth about thyroid health and the issues with how the conventional model addresses it. McCall shares both her medical expertise and her personal journey with hypothyroidism, shedding light on why so many patients aren’t getting the answers they need and what we can do differently.   Together, we explore the crucial differences between Hashimoto’s, Graves’, and hypothyroidism, why relying on TSH markers alone misses the bigger picture, and the labs that actually matter. We talk about the role of inflammation, toxins, and stress in autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as the hidden connections between thyroid health, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.   McCall also opens up about controversial topics many doctors don’t discuss — from the risks of birth control and misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy to the overuse of GLP-1 drugs. And she offers practical, empowering lifestyle shifts — from food to relationships to microdosing peptides — that can make a profound difference in daily health.   This is an eye-opening and life-changing conversation for anyone who has ever been told their labs are “normal” but still knows something isn’t right. Key Moments You’ll Love✨: 🌪️ [0:06] Medical Gaslighting & Why Doctors Dismiss Symptoms 💤 [1:25] McCall’s Healing Crisis: 17 Hours in Bed Each Day 🧬 [6:18] Hashimoto’s, Graves & Hypothyroidism Explained Clearly 🥛 [12:25] Foods That Trigger Hashimoto’s (Why Dairy Tops the List) 🧠 [15:54] Trauma, Childhood & The Root of Autoimmune Disease 💊 [18:05] Hormone Replacement Therapy: Myths, Risks & Breakthrough ⚡ [25:09] GLP-1 Medications: Microdosing, Risks & Life-Changing Results 📚 [49:27] McCall’s Upcoming Book & The Mission Behind It LINKS McCall McPherson website: https://www.mccallmcpherson.com/ McCall McPherson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/ Modern Thyroid Clinic website: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/ See where you can watch HEAL Documentary now by going to:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/documentary.html ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read The HEAL Book with double the content of the movie:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/book.html⁠⁠⁠ Join Our Email Community:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.healwithkelly.co/subscribe.html⁠⁠ Join Our Substack: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Black, a visionary inventor and fascia expert, shares her incredible journey from a near-fatal illness to discovering the transformative power of fascia. She reveals how unresolved trauma and toxins can become trapped in our bodies and discusses the crucial role fascia plays in health, longevity, and emotional well-being. Ashley introduces her new product, NeXcia, and offers insights on practical fascia care routines. Plus, she explores the fascinating connections between fascia, memory, and community, highlighting how our environment influences overall vitality.

In this enlightening discussion, MaryAnn DiMarco, a celebrated psychic medium and author known as The Medium Mentor, dives into the world of spirit guides and connection. She reveals how asking for guidance can be as simple as calling on a loving friend. Hear her insights on overcoming fear and doubt that block our intuition. MaryAnn also opens up about her personal journey through challenges like menopause, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and forgiveness. Discover practical tips for recognizing signs and trusting divine timing in your life!

We live in the most distracted generation the world has ever seen. Our attention is constantly fractured — pulled between devices, endless notifications, and the pressure to always be “on.” The result? We feel scattered, disconnected, and lonelier than ever, even as we chase more ways to stay connected. But there is another way forward. In this episode of HEAL with Kelly Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Zelana Montminy — renowned behavioral scientist, bestselling author, and one of Maria Shriver’s Architects of Change — for a powerful conversation on how to reclaim your attention in a world built to distract you. Drawing from her extensive work and upcoming book Finding Focus: Owning Your Attention in the Age of Distraction, she reveals the myths behind multitasking, the hidden toll of digital clutter, and why our constant chase for quick dopamine leaves us more depleted than fulfilled. We also explore how distraction has become the pacifier we use to avoid discomfort, and why returning to the fundamentals — sleep, nutrition, presence, and intentional rest — creates the foundation for true resilience and growth. With her unique blend of science, psychology, and holistic wisdom, Dr. Zelana offers a practical roadmap for finding clarity in the noise and remembering what it feels like to be fully present. Key Moments You'll Love: 🔥 [1:29] Palisades Fire: Shared Trauma & Community Loss ❌ [4:21] The Myth of Multitasking Exposed 🎯 [9:11] Attention is Your Most Valuable Resource 🦠 [13:01] COVID's Hidden Gifts: Forced Slowness 🧒 [20:14] Self-Care Evolution: Presence Over Tennis 🎮 [27:06] Why Kids Don't Get Phones Until High School 🍷 [44:15] Alcohol, Sleep & The Clarity Revolution 🎢 [48:42] Being Present During Busy Seasons 💔 [1:02:19] Processing Collective Grief & Community Healing LINKS Dr. Zelana Montminy website: https://drzelana.com/ Dr. Zelana Montminy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.zelana/ Finding Focus book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fL5me2 See where you can watch HEAL Documentary now by going to: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/documentary.html ⁠⁠ Read The HEAL Book with double the content of the movie: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/book.html⁠ Join Our Email Community: ⁠https://www.healwithkelly.co/subscribe.html Join Our Substack: https://healwithkelly.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very foundation of America was built on a system that was never meant to serve us all? And what if reclaiming something as simple and as profound as our intuition could be the key to creating a more just and loving future? In this episode of HEAL with Kelly Podcast, I sit down with scholar, advocate, and bestselling author Anna Malaika Tubbs to explore the roots of American patriarchy. Drawing from her recent book Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us and her celebrated debut The Three Mothers, Anna reveals how patriarchy was intentionally written into law, how it continues to shape institutions like healthcare and education, and why reclaiming women’s intuition is one of the most radical steps we can take toward change. We explore the intentional design of patriarchy in America’s laws, and why recognizing that history is often written by those in power is essential to collective healing. Anna highlights the stories of courageous women who have been erased, yet whose contributions have powerfully shaped our nation’s evolution. Anna also shares insights on partnership, motherhood, and the ways our relationships and communities can model new ways of sharing power…the path to true democracy. This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering, offering a reminder that because these systems were built, we have the power to build something different. Key Moments You'll Love: 📜 [0:00] Constitution & Erasure of Women 🔎 [3:13] Why Focus on American Patriarchy ⚖️ [6:00] Defining American Patriarchy 💡 [9:57] Protecting a Broken Social Order 📖 [13:57] Abigail Adams: “Remember the Ladies” 🌍 [17:09] Parents Modeling History & Awareness 🧬 [22:21] Trauma, Reparations & Healing 🏥 [43:31] Flexner Report & Medical Patriarchy 🤰 [46:59] Fathers of Gynecology & Obstetrics ✨ [55:57] Intuition: A Hidden Superpower LINKS Anna Malaika Tubbs website: https://annamalaikatubbs.com/ Anna Malaika Tubbs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annamalaikatubbs/ Erased Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HGHiMI SPONSORS THERASAGE: Go to ⁠https://www.therasage.com⁠ and use code KELLY to receive 25% off any Therasage product. HONEYLOVE: Go to https://www.honeylove.com/HEAL and use our exclusive link to get 20% OFF. See where you can watch HEAL Documentary now by going to: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/documentary.html ⁠⁠ Read The HEAL Book with double the content of the movie: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/book.html⁠ Join Our Email Community: ⁠https://www.healwithkelly.co/subscribe.html Join Our Substack: https://healwithkelly.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you think Tantra was just about ecstatic sex and ritual like I did? It’s actually an ancient wisdom tradition of self-awareness, embodiment, and liberation — and in this episode of HEAL with Kelly, I sit down with seventh-generation Tantra teacher, author of Break the Norms, and host of The Leela Show, Chandresh Bhardwaj, to explore the deeper truth of this sacred technology. CB is one of my favorite creators/teachers/poets on Instagram, and I just had to have him on the pod to learn more about his history and wisdom. Together, we unravel the myth of “linear healing” and look at why true transformation isn’t about fixing yourself but remembering your innate wholeness. As part of that wholeness, we break down the rooted masculine and the wild feminine and why embodiment — not just mantra — creates lasting change. Chandresh beautifully articulates breaking free from fear-based teachings, trusting the unknown, and letting go of cultural and social scripts so you can live from your authentic self. We also break down the raw, unfiltered truth about Tantra’s goddesses and their power and gifts. This is not just a conversation about sex as a portal for awakening (in fact, we barely touch on it!), but rather a conversation about love as liberation, embracing your enoughness, and daring to play in life’s unfolding with curiosity, courage, and heart. Key Moments You'll Love:🏠 [0:00] Love as Coming Home 🔬 [2:37] Tantra Demystified: The Science of Self-Awareness 👶 [4:06] Growing Up Tantric 💪 [6:02] The Kali Practice: How Meditation Gave a Shy Kid Courage 🎭 [10:01] Breaking the Certification Trap 🌋 [12:02] The Raw Truth About Goddesses ⚡ [13:38] Prana Power: The Life Force That Creates Attraction💔 [17:02] Two Homeless Promising Each Other Home 🎭 [24:36] The Anger Transmutation: From Rage to Emotion 🏔️ [32:02] Rooted Masculine & Wild Feminine 🎪 [40:52] The Anonymous Therapy Sessions That Changed Everything 🪞 [44:12] "I'm Not Your Guru, I'm Your Mirror" 🌊 [52:11] Trust the Unknown: Your Ultimate Protection System 📱 [55:21] Breaking the Dopamine Hunt LINKS Chandresh Bhardwaj website: https://cbmeditates.com/ Chandresh Bhardwaj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbmeditates/ Break the Norms book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4m768V0 SPONSORS THERASAGE: Go to ⁠https://www.therasage.com⁠ and use code KELLY to receive 25% off any Therasage product. See where you can watch HEAL Documentary now by going to: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/documentary.html ⁠⁠ Read The HEAL Book with double the content of the movie: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/book.html⁠ Join Our Email Community: ⁠https://www.healwithkelly.co/subscribe.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wanted a breakthrough in love or life, this conversation is your invitation to explore the gap between where you are and where you want to be — and start creating the beliefs, boundaries, and connections that will close it.  In this episode of HEAL with Kelly, I sit down with The Opposite of Settling author, creator, and mindfulness expert Case Kenny — best known for his viral red handwritten quotes on Instagram — to talk about how the language we use, the trust we extend, and the clarity we command can transform our relationships and our lives. We dive into why “settling down” might be the worst sales pitch for love, the hidden cost of breadcrumbing, and the power of high-maintenance love rooted in reciprocity. Case shares how he turns prompts into powerful self-realizations, why leading with energy instead of matching it gives you clarity faster, and how visualizing your future like it’s already a memory can rewire your mindset. We also discuss making trust your default, using regret as a compass, and the simple but life-changing art of listening to yourself — then speaking to yourself with intention.  This episode is packed with fresh perspectives, practical tools, and heart-opening AHA’s to help you stop settling and start living from your fullest, truest self. LINKS Case Kenny website: ⁠https://www.casekenny.com/⁠  Case Kenny on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/case.kenny/⁠  The Opposite of Settling book on Amazon: ⁠https://amzn.to/45dQAJf⁠  Key Moments You'll Love: 💭 [0:00] The Problem with "Settling Down" - Why Language Matters ✨ [3:02] Settling Up: Relationships Should Make You MORE Yourself 🌰 [8:17] The Acorn Theory: Finding Your True Essence 🖊️ [10:55] The Red Pen Method: Writing Your Way to Clarity 💪 [14:25] NFL Sessions: Turning Feelings into Empowering Mantras 🎯 [22:31] Dating to Be Seen vs. Dating to Be Liked 🍞 [30:18] Breadcrumbs: The One Question That Changes Everything ⚡ [36:42] High Maintenance by Design: Why You Should Love First 📝 [41:46] Contrast Journaling: Finding Clarity in Confusion 🔮 [42:19] Practical Manifestation: Future Memories Method ⚖️ [54:57] Trust as Default & Using Regret as Your Compass See where you can watch HEAL Documentary now by going to: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/documentary.html ⁠⁠ Read The HEAL Book with double the content of the movie: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/book.html⁠ Join Our Email Community: ⁠https://www.healwithkelly.co/subscribe.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to keep living—and loving—after the unimaginable?   This is a conversation about loss—but even more, it’s about love, resilience, and the courage to keep saying yes to life.   In this powerful episode, I sit down with Betsy Thibaut Stephenson—a seasoned crisis communications expert, mother of three, and author of the memoir,  Blackbird: A Mother's Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After. In 2022, Betsy’s world was shattered by a six-week wave of devastating loss, including the death of her 21-year-old son, Charlie, to suicide. What followed wasn’t a quest to “move on,” but a conscious decision to live honestly, feel everything, and find meaning in the aftermath.   We talk about the lie’s depression tells, the complexity of navigating family grief, and the deeply personal stories we craft in order to survive. Betsy shares what it means to relearn how to feel, to hold space for discomfort, and to open up to healing—one small “yes” at a time.   We also explore how spiritual growth, self-compassion, and even anxiety can become part of the long, often nonlinear path to peace.   Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive discussion around suicide, grief, and mental health. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.   LINKS Betsy Stephenson website: https://www.blackbirdbetsy.com/ Betsy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdbetsy21/ Blackbird: A Mother's Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fdG4Vt SPONSORS: THERASAGE: Go to ⁠https://www.therasage.com⁠ and use code KELLY to receive 25% off any Therasage product. Key Moments You'll Love: 💔 [0:00] Understanding Depression's Hidden Strength 📖 [3:45] Charlie's Story: The Shocking Timeline of Loss ⚠️ [11:00] The Dangerous Myths About Depression's "Calm" 🗣️ [14:30] Permission to Grieve: Standing Up to "Don't Cry" 🧠 [15:30] Crafting Your Healing Story: The Brutal Honesty Method 💭 [16:45] Living with the "What Ifs" That Never End 🏠 [27:00] Different Grief Styles: How Families Heal Differently 🌱 [29:25] The Gentle Push: When Self-Care Becomes Self-Sabotage 💪 [40:45] Depression's True Power: Overriding Survival Instinct 🗨️ [45:50] Building the Vulnerability Muscle from Childhood 🌿 [1:02:50] Daily Tools: Snipping the Tendrils of Fear --------------------- See where you can watch HEAL Documentary now by going to: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/documentary.html ⁠⁠ Read The HEAL Book with double the content of the movie: ⁠⁠https://healwithkelly.co/book.html⁠ Join Our Email Community: ⁠https://www.healwithkelly.co/subscribe.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices