Abundant Wellness With Andrea- From Surviving to Thriving in Mind, Body and Spirit

Andrea Jones
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

You were meant for so much more than just getting by and just making it through the hard things in life that get thrown your way. Discover new ways to thrive and walk in wholeness of mind, body and spirit.

  1. 16h ago

    Episode 138: From Balancing it All to Embracing Capacity: Raising Neurodivergent kids with Amy Jones

    Parenting neurodivergent kids while navigating your own neurodivergence can challenge everything you thought parenting was supposed to look like. In this episode, Andrea sits down with functional nutritionist, ADHD life coach, and applied neuroscience student Amy Jones for an honest conversation about parenting, ADHD, executive function, regulation, and letting go of the pressure to make family life fit into a certain box. Together, they explore why identifying your family’s core values can change the way you approach everything from chaotic mornings and after-school meltdowns to meals, homework, clutter, and routines. They also discuss the importance of recognizing both your child’s capacity and your own—and why “capacity” may be a much more helpful goal than the elusive idea of work-life balance. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Co-regulation when you’re dysregulated too • Identifying the core values that actually matter to your family • Working with executive-function differences instead of against them • Creating routines and rituals that support regulation • Understanding your child’s “battery level” and available capacity • Navigating clutter, organization, and competing executive-function needs • Letting go of shame and the pressure to parent the “right” way • Why balance may be the wrong goal—and capacity may be a better one This conversation is a reminder that a healthy family doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s family. Sometimes the greatest freedom comes when we stop asking, “How should this look?” and start asking, “What does our family actually need?” Connect with Amy Jones: Instagram: @amyjonesnutrition

  2. Sep 2

    Episode 137: God Is Not in a Rush: Hope for the Weary Parent

    How do you keep hoping for your child’s healing when the road has been long, exhausting, and filled with unanswered questions? In this deeply personal episode, Andrea shares a part of her family’s journey she hasn’t talked about publicly before—the complicated space between accepting your child exactly as they are and still believing that more healing and greater function may be possible. After years of PANDAS, therapies, evaluations, brain training, and constantly searching for the next right step, both Andrea and her daughter reached a point where they were simply tired. Taking a break brought its own fears: What if we’re missing a critical window? What if I’m not doing enough? What happens if I stop pushing? But that season revealed something important: God wasn’t in the same hurry Andrea was. This episode explores the intersection of parental grief, nervous system capacity, faith, striving, and hope—and what it can look like when you become too weary to carry hope yourself. Sometimes faith isn’t pushing harder, praying harder, or finding the next intervention. Sometimes it sounds like: “God, I can’t hold this hope right now. Will You hold it for me until I can carry it again?” If you’re raising a child with neurodivergence, developmental challenges, chronic illness, PANDAS/PANS, or another complex diagnosis and you’re exhausted from trying to get them across the finish line, this episode is for you. You don’t have to know the entire path forward today. Maybe the invitation in this season is simply to rest, allow yourself to be loved, and trust that God can order the next steps when it’s time. For more practical support around grief, nervous system regulation, and parenting through complex seasons, join Andrea inside the Thriving Together community.

  3. Aug 25

    Episode 136: The 3 Foundations for a Less Insane Back to School Routine

    Back-to-school season can bring a lot of change—not just in schedules, but in our kids’ sleep, mood, blood sugar, nervous system regulation, and immune health. In this episode of the Abundant Wellness Podcast, I’m sharing some of my favorite practical strategies for helping kids transition back into the school year with more stability and resilience. And as always, we’re looking beyond behavior to understand what may actually be happening in the body—especially for kids who are neurodivergent, anxious, easily dysregulated, or simply struggling with the transition. We’re talking about why sleep may be one of the most important (and overlooked!) tools for supporting your child’s brain and nervous system, how an overtired child can actually look more wired and dysregulated, and why an earlier bedtime can make such a significant difference. I’m also breaking down simple ways to build more blood-sugar-stabilizing meals and snacks, including why I’m constantly reminding my own kids, “Don’t forget your protein!” We’ll talk about protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates and how they work together to support energy, mood, and growing brains. Finally, we’re getting into immune support as kids head back into classrooms, activities, and all of those inevitable new exposures. I’ll share some of the foundational strategies I use with my own family, including gut support, probiotics, vitamin D, elderberry, and other simple ways to support immune resilience throughout the school year. In this episode, we cover: Why sleep is foundational for mood, behavior, learning, and nervous system regulation How being overtired can actually make kids appear wired or hyperactive Creating a simple, calming bedtime routine Why after-school meltdowns may be signs of physiological stress—not simply “bad behavior” Building protein-forward meals and snacks for steadier blood sugar and mood Supporting neurotransmitter production through nutrition Simple immune-support strategies for back-to-school season Supporting the gut as part of your child’s overall immune and mental health Whether your family is heading into public school, private school, homeschool, or something in between, my hope is that this episode gives you a few simple tools to make the transition feel a little more manageable—and help your child feel their best as they begin the new school year. Resources mentioned in this episode: Kids Back-to-School Meal & Snack Guide Fall Kids Immune Support Guide

  4. Aug 19

    Episode 135: Realistic Expectations of Back to School with Neurodivergent Kids

    Back-to-school transitions can be incredibly stressful for neurodivergent kids—but we don’t talk nearly enough about the toll those transitions can take on the parents helping them through it. In this episode, Andrea shifts the focus from “What does my child need?” to an equally important question: “What do I need to carry this well?” You’ll learn how to identify the parts of the school transition that create the most stress for you, consider what support could make that load lighter, and intentionally create more margin during demanding seasons. Andrea also challenges the traditional idea of “self-care” and replaces it with something deeper: nourishment. What does it look like to nourish the body, mind, and spirit God has entrusted to you—not because you’ve earned it, but because you matter too? In this short, practical episode, we talk about: Identifying the most stressful parts of your day Asking what support you actually need Taking things off your plate during transitions Creating buffers around predictably stressful moments Why your child’s need for co-regulation affects your own nervous system Returning to the basics: food, hydration, rest, movement, play, and connection Learning to care for yourself when self-care was never modeled for you Loving and stewarding yourself well because God loves you If you’re feeling overwhelmed or realizing you don’t even know what you need anymore, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join the Thriving Together community for free nervous system trainings, community conversations, and additional support. This school year may require a lot from you—but you deserve to be supported through the transition, too.

  5. Aug 11

    Episode 134: Mold, Indoor Air Quality & Your Health with Jason Earle

    What if the environment you live in is affecting your ability to heal? In this episode of the Abundant Wellness Podcast, Andrea Jones sits down with Jason Earle, founder of Got Mold and Mycolab, to unpack the often-confusing relationship between mold, dampness, indoor air quality, and human health. Jason shares his deeply personal journey—from childhood asthma and severe allergies that mysteriously disappeared after leaving a musty farmhouse, to discovering the connection between buildings and health and eventually becoming one of the early pioneers in mold detection and indoor environmental assessment. Together, Andrea and Jason discuss why mold-related illness can be so difficult to navigate, why testing alone shouldn't be used to diagnose either a person or a building, and what to look for when you suspect your environment may be contributing to symptoms. In this episode, you'll learn: Jason's personal history with asthma, allergies, and environmental exposures How leaving a moldy farmhouse dramatically changed Jason's health Why our homes can be thought of as an extension of our immune system The difference between mold and the larger issue of building dampness The "Fast Four" (or "Fast Five") questions to ask when evaluating your environment Why a history of water damage is one of the most important clues What visual signs of moisture and dampness to look for in your home Why musty or earthy odors shouldn't be ignored How your symptoms changing when you leave a building can provide important information Why recent renovations and new construction can introduce additional chemical exposures Why Jason believes a mold assessment is really a moisture assessment How to approach environmental testing without falling into fear or confirmation bias The limitations and potential problems with ERMI, petri-dish/settling-plate testing, mycotoxin urine testing, and other commonly promoted tests Why a test from a building cannot diagnose a person—and a test from a person cannot diagnose a building How conflicts of interest can influence mold inspections and remediation recommendations What to look for when choosing an independent environmental professional Why addressing the source of moisture is often more important than simply testing for mold The importance of considering air, food, and attitude when supporting recovery The role of the nervous system in environmental sensitivity and healing How Jason moved from mold avoidance toward resilience and being able to live a normal life again Why healing doesn't have to mean living in fear of every exposure A key takeaway One of the biggest messages from this conversation is that context matters. Rather than relying on a single test result to determine whether a person is sick or whether a building is unsafe, Jason encourages a more comprehensive approach: look at the history of the building, signs of moisture, odors, symptoms, and how those symptoms change when you're away from the environment. The goal isn't to create more fear around mold. It's to understand your environment, address problems strategically, and create a healthier space that supports your body rather than constantly challenging it. Resources mentioned Jason has created a dedicated resource page for this episode with an educational ebook, inspection guidance, and additional resources: gotmold.com/abundantwellness You can also learn more and connect with Jason through Got Mold and find additional information about indoor environmental health.

  6. Aug 4

    Episode 133: Perimenopause, Anxiety & Neurodivergence: Why You Feel Like You're Coming Undone with Erin Kerry

    If you've ever found yourself thinking, "What is happening to me?" in your late 30s or 40s, this episode is for you. Perimenopause isn't just about hot flashes or irregular periods. For many women—especially those with a history of trauma, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or neurodivergence—it can feel like an unraveling of your emotional resilience, your identity, and even your sense of safety. In this deeply honest conversation, I'm joined by my friend and fellow functional medicine practitioner, Erin Kerry, to talk about our own experiences navigating perimenopause while balancing motherhood, careers, neurodivergent families, and healing from past trauma. Together we discuss: Why perimenopause can feel like you're "coming undone" The surprising connection between fluctuating hormones, neurotransmitters, and mental health Why old wounds and trauma often resurface during this season How declining progesterone and changing estrogen levels affect anxiety, sleep, focus, and emotional regulation The shift from people-pleasing to stronger boundaries and greater authenticity Practical strategies that have made the biggest difference for us—including nutrition, movement, sleep support, progesterone, and nervous system care Why this season isn't simply something to survive, but may actually be preparing you for your next chapter One of our favorite takeaways from this conversation is the idea that perimenopause may be "the chaos before the calm." While the transition can feel overwhelming, it also creates opportunities for deeper healing, greater wisdom, and a stronger connection to who you truly are. Whether you're in the middle of perimenopause, wondering if your symptoms are hormone-related, or supporting someone who is, this episode will remind you that you're not losing your mind—and you're certainly not alone. Resources Mentioned: Erin Kerry's podcast: Sparking Wholeness Erin's books: Live Beyond Your Label and Kitchen Therapy Connect with Erin on Instagram: @SparkingWholeness If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe to the Abundant Wellness Podcast and share it with a friend who needs the reminder that healing is possible—even in the middle of life's biggest transitions.   Ready to get to the bottom of the hormonal chaos? Book a Root Cause Call with the Fit Mom Functional Medicine Team HERE

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 132: The Missing Conversation About Kids, Processed Foods & Brain Health with Sharon Cryan (FoodNerd Inc)

    Is your child eating enough… but still missing the nutrients their growing body and brain desperately need? In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Cryan, founder and CEO of Food Nerd Inc., to unpack the hidden problem of "silent malnutrition"—where children may have plenty of food but are still lacking the nutrients their bodies need to thrive. We dive into what really happens during food processing, why two products with similar nutrition labels can have vastly different effects on the body, and how convenience doesn't have to come at the expense of health. Whether you're raising a picky eater, navigating food sensitivities, or simply trying to make healthier choices without adding more stress to your day, this conversation offers practical hope and encouragement. In this episode, we discuss: Why childhood malnutrition is actually increasing despite food abundance The difference between food and true nutrition How food processing changes the way your body uses nutrients Why nutrient density matters more than calorie counts The connection between processed foods, inflammation, and chronic illness Simple ways to bridge nutritional gaps without striving for perfection How Food Nerd is rethinking convenience foods for busy families This episode is a refreshing reminder that healthy eating doesn't require perfection—it starts with giving our kids more opportunities to nourish their growing bodies, one bite at a time. Connect with Sharon & Food Nerd Inc.: Website: https://foodnerdinc.com Instagram: @foodnerdinc   Ready to dive deeper and get to the bottom of your child's health issues? Schedule a root cause call here https://fitmom.co/kids

  8. Jul 8

    Episode 131: When Smart Kids Struggle: Understanding Giftedness Beyond IQ with guest Mark Talaga

    What if your child is incredibly bright... but still struggles with emotional regulation, friendships, executive functioning, or everyday life? In this eye-opening conversation, Andrea sits down with Mark Talaga, counselor, founder of the Center for Identity Potential, and host of the Hopelessly Gifted podcast, to unpack one of the most misunderstood forms of neurodivergence: giftedness. Together, they explore why highly intelligent children are often overlooked, misunderstood, or even misdiagnosed—and why exceptional intelligence doesn't automatically translate into emotional maturity, flexibility, or executive functioning. You'll learn why many gifted children experience "asynchronous development," where advanced abilities in one area coexist with significant challenges in another. Mark shares how comprehensive assessment, understanding a child's unique developmental profile, and shifting away from behavior-based assumptions can completely change the way parents support their children. Andrea also shares personal insights from parenting her own neurodivergent daughter, highlighting the importance of trusting parental intuition, embracing individualized support, and remembering that children do well when they can—not simply when they choose to. Whether you're raising a gifted child, navigating autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or simply trying to better understand your child's unique brain, this episode offers practical wisdom, hope, and reassurance that there is always a path forward. In this episode you'll learn: What giftedness really means—and why the label is often misunderstood The concept of asynchronous development and how it impacts behavior Why gifted children are frequently misdiagnosed with other conditions How executive functioning, sensory processing, and emotional regulation fit into the picture Why comprehensive testing can be one of the most therapeutic steps a family takes How to trust your instincts as a parent while building the right support team Why children aren't choosing to struggle—and how that perspective changes everything If you've ever looked at your child and thought, "I know something is going on, but I can't quite explain it," this conversation is for you. Connect with Mark Talaga: Center for Identity Potential: https://centerforidentitypotential.com Hopelessly Gifted Podcast: https://hopelesslygifted.com

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You were meant for so much more than just getting by and just making it through the hard things in life that get thrown your way. Discover new ways to thrive and walk in wholeness of mind, body and spirit.

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