Pursuing Health

How do meditation, breathwork, and tapping influence the brain—and what can they teach us about healing, connection, and resilience? In this episode, I speak with four thought leaders exploring the neuroscience and practice of inner calm: Niraj Naik, creator of SOMA Breath, on breathwork rooted in Pranayama and how rhythmic breathing and brief hypoxia strengthen mitochondria and balance energy. Nick Ortner, founder of The Tapping Solution, on how Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) calms the amygdala, lowers cortisol, and helps rewire stress and cravings at the brain level. Dr. Lisa Miller, author of The Awakened Brain, on how meditation shifts us from rumination to guidance, activating the brain’s natural capacity for oneness and enduring alpha waves associated with peace and spiritual connection. Dr. Tony Nader, neuroscientist and leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement, on TM’s measurable effects on blood pressure, brain coherence, and even collective consciousness. From ancient practices to modern neuroscience, this episode explores how tuning the mind and body can transform stress into clarity—and reconnect us to our shared field of consciousness. Related Episodes: Ep 289 - Niraj Naik on Efficiency with Breath Ep 223 - Tapping to Reduce Stress with Nick Ortner Ep 277 - Dr. Lisa Miller on the Science of Spirituality + Mental Health Ep 303 - Tony Nader on Exploring Consciousness + Transcendental Meditation  If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Have you ever felt trapped in a thought you couldn’t shake? In this episode, Julie shares how the belief “I’ll never be organized” kept her stuck in anxiety and overwhelm—and how Byron Katie’s The Work helped her break free. Through four simple questions, she discovered a way to shift limiting beliefs into empowering ones. Listen in to learn how this tool can open new possibilities in your own life. Please share your thoughts with info@pursuing-health.com, or connect with me on Instagram @JulieFoucher. Related Episodes: Ep 309 - How I Created My Life Plan Ep 20 - Julie Foucher on Her Current Daily Schedule, Medical School Applications, Preventing Injury, and Advice for the CrossFit Games Open If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

What matters more—quality or quantity when it comes to nutrition? And how does diet connect to stress, longevity, and overall health? In this episode, we’re bringing together highlights from some of my favorite past conversations on nutrition and lifestyle. You’ll hear from: Brigid Titgemeier on how changing her diet transformed her health and why food quality comes first Dan Buettner, author of Blue Zones, on what the world’s longest-lived communities teach us about diet, environment, and relationships EC Synkowski on foundational nutrition principles, the 800g Challenge, and protei Chris Kresser on how stress and restrictive dieting can slow metabolism Dr. Cate Shanahan on the impact of seed oils and dietary toxins on cellular health It’s a packed episode with practical takeaways to help you think about food—and health—in a more holistic way. Related Episodes: Ep 22 - Brigid Titgemeier on Functional Nutriton Ep 272 - The Secret to Longevity: Dan Buettner on the Blue Zones Ep 95 - EC Synkowski on Optimizing your Nutrition Ep 189 - Chris Kresser on HPA Axis Dysfunction and the Stress Response Ep 302 - Cate Shanahan on The Dangers of Seed Oils If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

I first learned visualization as a young gymnast, used it in CrossFit, and now I’m finding it just as powerful in everyday life.  In this week’s episode, I share how this simple tool can help you show up with more confidence, presence, and joy—no matter what challenge you’re facing. Please share your thoughts with info@pursuing-health.com, or connect with me on Instagram @JulieFoucher. Related Episodes: Ep 319 - Finding Purpose Beyond the Podium Ep 315 - Mind Over Muscle: The Power of Mental Training in My CrossFit Journey If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

In this special episode, I’m sharing a compilation of some of my favorite conversations with five of the most decorated athletes in CrossFit Games history: Rich Froning, Tia-Clair Toomey, Mat Fraser, Katrin Davidsdottir, and Annie Thorisdottir. These episodes span the past ten years of the podcast—starting with my very first recording ever, with Rich Froning. It’s been incredible to reflect on how much the show has evolved, and even more powerful to revisit the insights these champions shared. We talk about their mindset towards competition and pressure: what drove them to the top of the sport, what continues to fuel their training, and the habits behind their success. Whether you’ve been following the podcast from the beginning or just tuning in, I hope you enjoy this look back at some of the most inspiring conversations I’ve had with the Fittest on Earth. Related Episodes: Ep 001 - Rich Froning on Competition, Shifting Priorities, and Discovering his Purpose Ep 52b - Tia-Clair Toomey on Realizing Her CrossFit and Olympic Dreams and Finding Confidence Ep 56 - Katrín Davíðsdóttir and Ben Bergeron on The Process of Creating a Champion Ep 153 - Mat Fraser + Sammy Moniz: Sweethearts on a Mission Ep 271 - Annie Thorisdottir: a CrossFit Legend on the Will to Win If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

I’m sharing a personal story from one of the most challenging seasons of my life—balancing the intense demands of medical school with training for the CrossFit Games, all while navigating grief and major life transitions. A pivotal conversation with my mom forced me to pause and ask a question I had never truly considered: Why was I doing all of this? What followed was a powerful realization about the role of purpose in sustaining us through life’s most difficult moments. I hope this reflection encourages you to examine your own "why"—and to rediscover meaning in the things that matter most. Please share your thoughts with info@pursuing-health.com, or connect with me on Instagram @JulieFoucher. Related Episodes: Ep 315 - Mind Over Muscle: The Power of Mental Training in My CrossFit Journey Ep 309 - How I Created My Life Plan If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

As we celebrate 10 years of the Pursuing Health podcast, I’m filled with gratitude—for where we’ve been and where we’re headed. What started in 2015 as a way to stay connected to the CrossFit community has grown into a space for conversations around all aspects of health—physical, emotional, and beyond.   Looking ahead, I want to make this next chapter even more intentional and meaningful—and I’d love your help. What episodes have resonated most with you? What topics or voices do you want to hear more of? I’ll be sending out a few feedback opportunities in the coming months, including some one-on-one calls. If you’d like to be part of shaping what’s next, I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for being here—for listening, sharing, and growing with me. I can’t wait for what’s to come. Please share your thoughts with info@pursuing-health.com, or connect with me on Instagram @JulieFoucher. Related Episodes: Ep 300 - Q+A with Nicole Carroll Ep 200 - Q+A with Pat Sherwood If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

As we celebrate nearly 10 years of Pursuing Health, I’m thrilled to share another solo episode! This week I’ll be sharing insights into the shadow sides of social media, and the need for digital boundaries. I’d also love to hear from you! What topics or guests would you like to see featured on the podcast in years 10 and beyond? Are you interested in more solo episodes, or is there something specific you’re curious about? My focus continues to evolve, and I imagine yours does too—so let’s shape the journey together! Please share your thoughts with info@pursuing-health.com, or connect with me on Instagram @JulieFoucher. Related Episodes: Ep 231 - Digital Wellness with Nina Hersher Ep 139 - Stress: The Elephant in the Room with Dr. George Slavich If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD, is an internationally recognized Ayurveda and integrative medicine practitioner, a certified yoga therapist, and a former ER doctor. Her approach brings together Western medicine with the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda from her South Asian lineage. Dr. Avanti is the former co-lead facilitator at Northwestern Medicine's Osher Center for Integrative Health, hosts The Healing Catalyst podcast, and offers courses on integrative medicine. She is a sought- after speaker and advisor in the wellness community, sharing her knowledge with Fortune 500 companies, top academic institutions, and leading industry and medical conferences. She has also been featured in notable outlets such as the Huffington Post, Goop, mindbodygreen, and more. You can connect with Dr. Avanti via Instagram @avantikumarsingh, and get your own personalized box at myarvasi.com Related Episodes: Ep 289 - Niraj Naik on Efficiency with Breath Ep 288 - From the Vault: Dr. Wayne Jonas on How Healing Works If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

As we near the 10-year mark of Pursuing Health, I’m excited to bring you another solo episode! In this one, I reflect on how my mindset evolved throughout my competitive CrossFit career, and how I came to understand the powerful role our internal narratives play in shaping our lives. I’ll also share the strategies I still use today to cultivate the best version of myself. I’d love to hear from you! What topics or guests would you like to see featured on the podcast? Are you interested in more solo episodes, or is there something specific you’re curious about? My focus continues to evolve, and I imagine yours does too—so let’s shape the journey together! Please share your thoughts with info@pursuing-health.com, or connect with me on Instagram @JulieFoucher. Related Episodes: Ep 260 - Tiny Habits to Create Behavior Change with BJ Fogg Ep 262 - Upgrade Your Language with Mark England If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.