Inner Martial Arts: Exploring Nervous System Regulation in Autism and Trauma with Holly Bridges In this revealing episode of the 'What Really Makes a Difference' podcast, Dr. Becca Whittaker and her guest, Holly Bridges, uncover the transformative power of nervous system regulation for individuals suffering from trauma, autism, PTSD, and more. Through a mix of personal narrative and professional expertise, the conversation enlighten us on how regulating the nervous system can profoundly influenc...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This episode delves into the often challenging and transformative journey of caregiving, featuring Aaron Blight, founder of Caregiving Kinetics and an internationally renowned consultant on caregiving, aging, and healthcare. Aaron Blight, recognized as one of the top 100 healthcare leaders, shares his personal journey into caregiving following a sudden need to care for a loved one, highlighting the profound impact it had on his family's life and career. He walks us through the emotional and oper...
Apr 30, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this engaging episode, Dr Becca converses with guest William Comer as they delve into the essence of leading a vibrant and healthy lifestyle. From Dr. Whittaker's journey towards discovering the impact of diaphragm strength on overall well-being to Comer's diverse experiences in teaching, real estate, and various physical activities, the conversation covers the broad spectrum of health. They explore the transformational benefits of using the 'breather apparatus' for diaphragm strength, contri...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode we learn alongside Cindy Jones, a veteran mental health therapist specializing in trauma, to discuss practical tools and insights for fostering resiliency and regulating the nervous system. Cindy shares her personal journey of turning a professional challenge into an innovative solution, leading to the creation of the Bi-Tapp device, which harnesses bilateral stimulation to help individuals manage their anxiety, stress, and trauma recovery more effectively. She explains the conce...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this rich and engaging episode, we meet Shuna Morelli, the creator of the Body-Mind Bridge Institute, and explore the fascinating interplay between natural healing, the body's wisdom, and the power of psychedelics for deep emotional and physical healing. Shuna shares her comprehensive journey, starting as a high school teacher, evolving into a licensed hypnotherapist and massage therapist, to ultimately founding the Body-Mind Bridge Institute. Through her journey and written work, including t...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode I talk with Tara Kephart, a multifaceted yoga instructor and wellness advocate. The discussion explores Becca's personal health challenges, the transformative power of yoga, and practical approaches to health and vitality. Tara shares her unique philosophy on teaching yoga, underlining the significance of creating an inviting atmosphere for both the masculine and feminine experiences. They discuss the importance of ancient wisdom, the art of surrender within yoga, and integrating...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 19
J oin us in a groundbreaking journey into the world of regenerative gardening with master gardener William DeMille. William shares his invaluable expertise on soil regeneration, sustainable practices, and the transformative power of gardening here as we discover the essentials of soil health, the magic of microbial-rich compost, and practical tips for nurturing your garden. Delve into William's educational program that empowers students through personal gardening projects aimed at addressing soc...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Think it’s normal to pee your pants *just a little*? Let’s think that over again. :) Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr Lindsay Mumma, DC, an expert renowned for her holistic approach to health, who focuses on the often-overlooked areas of pelvic floor, and posture / kinematic chain alignment. Discover the profound impacts of pelvic floor dysfunction on overall wellness, alongside innovative methods for rehabilitation and maintenance through posture, breathing, and specialized exercis...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Si t with Kole Whitty in part 2 of this conversation as she takes us on a deep dive into the world of psychedelics and plant medicine/teachers, exploring their role in mental health, personal development, and traditional cultures. With 15 years of experience, Kole emphasizes the critical aspects of set, setting, and experienced facilitation to offer a more safe and transformative experience. She sheds light on the cultural practices of introducing plant teachers in South American communities and...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this engaging episode we sit with transformative coach and speaker, Kole Whitty, to delve into the intricacies of health, personal growth, and the healing journey beyond traditional modalities. Dr. Becca shares her own health crisis that led her to realize the continuous nature of the healing process, while Kole opens up about her challenging journey from trauma and drug abuse to becoming a leading figure in personal and spiritual development. This episode introduces the 'Condor Approach,' a ...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In today’s episode we get to hear stories and insights from Abigail Levie, a young entrepreneur in the health and baking sector. Abigail tells the story of founding Abigail's Oven Sourdough Bakery, a business she started at the age of 10. Thanks to her sourdough preparation methods and the way she chooses her flour suppliers her bread is much friendlier for gluten-sensitive individuals, including her father and so many of us.. Abigail went on to learn about agriculture and soil science, and she ...
Feb 27, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Wondering what is actually in , on, or missing from your food? How can we get what we need for health when healthy food seems expensive, soils are depleted, and so much food (especially in the US) is sprayed with chemicals we know are bad for us, or animals are raised in unhealthy environments and pumped with chemicals themselves? YOU ARE FAR FROM ALONE in asking these questions, and William Demille is on the show today to share insights related to all of it. He is a master regenerative gardener...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Meditation, Mindfulness, and Powerful Emotions, Less Suffering Required with Yael Shy Enjoy a deep dive into mindfulness and emotional processing with Yael Shy, exploring how meditation can help us create more peace in our internal lives and to live more fully in the present moment. As the founder of Mindful NYU, the largest campus-based mindfulness initiative in the country, an author, speaker, and coach in the realm of meditation and mindfulness, she is more than equipped to teach and does so ...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this comprehensive discussion, acclaimed biomechanics expert Dr. Tom Michaud underscores the crucial role of foot strength in health and well-being. As a chiropractor that has worked with multiple Olympians, he knows his stuff, but it doesn’t only apply to Olympians. You and me, those exercising or wishing they could do it more safely, and for ages teen to elderly can all find something engaging in this conversation. He outlines the significance of foot, leg, lower back and diaphragmatic stre...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Dr. Koby Taylor, a pharmacist from Southern Utah, shares insights into his health approach that puts emphasis on nutrient deficiencies and how they impact mental health. He talks about the effects of these deficiencies on the body's chemistry, shedding light on how they influence the need for medications. Dr. Koby stresses the importance of amino acids derived from proteins, which are essential components of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and their significance in how we feel in ...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this interview we connect with Dr. Liz Letchford, an expert in biomechanics, kinesiology, and athletic training, as she talks about her unique approach to guiding people to reconnect with their bodies and heal from trauma. She unpacks the concept of proprioceptive awareness, or body's ability to sense itself (the sixth sense), and shares how an increased awareness of the body can lead to many benefits like less injury, greater control, and stronger emotional resilience. From her personal expe...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 9
The Powerful Tool of Nervous System Regulation with guest Amanda Nova In this episode we get to collaborate with Amanda Nova as she shares ways to regulate the nervous system, as well as WHY that is a good idea in the first place, and what can easily landslide in our health if we get out of balance. Amanda is an expert in nervous system regulation and a holistic health practitioner, sharing practical tools and wisdom on health vitality, stress management, hormone balance, and gut health. We also...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Ryan Gosling was right! (No surprise there…) Let’s talk about getting IN THE WATER as a serious help in feeling more vitality and health in our bodies. Today Dr. Becca explains how moving in water can make a big difference in reducing chronic pain and more. Admittedly, there are lots of valid reasons why we don’t…so let’s talk about those, too! Then we move, as always, to the WHY of what things make a difference. Travel with us through the lymphatic system, sensation, attention, and neurology, a...
Jan 09, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Michelle is a former corporate warrior, trained chef and multipotentialite whose own health issues and battles with traditional medical doctrine inspired her to upend the way the world tackles health, wellness and prosperity.She soon became one of Paleo’s most outspoken evangelists, then co-founded and is CEO of Paleo f(x)™, the largest Paleo event in the world. She is also the co-author of Primal Uprising, and co-founder of Primal Alchemy, both created to optimize health, expand consciousness a...
Jan 02, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 6
What really makes a difference in weight loss? And is healthy weight loss really about the weight or the dress size.. or is it about much more than that? Some of these answers you know or can guess. And…today’s show is guaranteed to give you a few things to think about no matter what size you are. Julia Christine is a health and nutrition coach that has transitioned into complete wellness coaching. Her approach to weight loss is less about the dress size and more about the mental health involved...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Hormones! What helps or hurts them? More than you may know! In this episode we build on part one and explore how cortisol, gut, liver, mindset, food, and some medical or herbal medicine may hurt or restore hormone balance. Time to dive in! Testosterone…Responsible for FAR MORE than just sex drive! Who wouldn’t want enough of this! 6:20 What destroys testosterone in frogs, as well as men and women…and it is in more of your food than you think 8:47 Does marijuana use affect testosterone? What abou...
Dec 19, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In part one with Jon Romney, ND he shares his journey into naturopathic medicine and what it is really like as a practitioner working with complicated cases that require more than traditional eastern or western medicine alone. (Some patients require teamwork of perspective and tools!) We learn where to look as the basics of health, more about how chronic stress may be affecting gut, liver, brain and hormonal function, and lay the building blocks for part 2 in our conversation, which covers the i...
Dec 13, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 3
01:05 How Dr Judy helped me walk and balance again, a stunning reality on the way to the bathroom 04:40 Different types of Cranial-sacral training 06:33 An osteopathic (and chiropractic) philosophy of medicine: the body possesses self-regulatory and self-healing mechanisms, and how those structures are working (or not) is deeply tied to its function (or dys-function) 10:43 Dr Judy’s journey through becoming a doctor, veteran, and clinician that noticed how much structure and movement mattered, a...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Get ready for a powerful perspective as Adrianne walks us through her journey of "over-productiveness" and "old-rusted-gate sorts of boundaries", through a massive health loss and into a time of great healing. Join us for her vulnerable and insightful views on boundaries, acceptance, play, and vitality... a conversation worth listening to more than once. 3:13 How Adrianne’s creativity quieted a rambunctious group of teens…with Becca inside it. 7:37 Are we really responsible for other people’s he...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Who I am , and what you can expect to welcome into your life when you hit play!
Nov 25, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1
