The Western Hippie | Holistic Healing for dogs, horses, and humans

Michaela Mae & Willie the Corgi
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Western Hippie Podcast! I’m on a journey to find the best w-holistic remedies for my dogs, horses, myself, and YOU! Because we’re not just one thing. We’re not just an arm, an emotion, or a heart, we’re ALL OF THE THINGS, and it’s all connected.My goal is to1) Share my findings with you2) Teach you how to develop your own holistic healing philosophy 3) And take care of your dogs and horses in a way that’s best for you and themI promise to talk about all the things: the good, the hard, the beautiful, and the ugly and share those in the most honest and authentic way I can.If you have a subject you want me to cover, please send an email with the subject line PODCAST TOPIC to michaelalpaluck@gmail.comThank you for being here at The Western Hippie. Willie and I appreciate you ♥️

  1. Feb 11

    When the Body says NO: What is your relationship to rest?

    In this informal and heartfelt catch-up episode, Michaela shares a personal lesson she had to relearn the hard way: sometimes the most powerful medicine isn’t a supplement, protocol, or remedy — it’s rest. After pushing through early signs of illness, Michaela found herself dealing with extended fatigue that forced her to fully slow down. What could have been a few days of recovery turned into weeks of exhaustion — not because her body failed her, but because she resisted what it was asking for. This episode explores a cultural blind spot many of us share: a broken relationship with rest. Michaela talks about how overworking, productivity guilt, and the desire to “push through” can actually prolong healing — and how learning to listen to the body changes everything. She dives into:  • Why fatigue is often a healing signal, not a problem  • How resisting rest can extend recovery time  • Workaholism as an emotional escape pattern  • Why we prefer solutions that don’t require change  • Learning to see the body as an ally, not an enemy  • The layered lessons behind quitting caffeine and burnout  • The difference between sitting still and truly resting  • Rebuilding a healthy relationship with downtime  • The creative and intuitive power that comes from doing nothing This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask:  When your body says no… do you listen? Timestamps (20 min episode) 00:00 – Informal Catch-Up & “When the Body Says No” 02:10 – Getting Sick & Resisting Rest 04:20 – Fatigue as a Healing Phase 06:10 – Work as an Escape & Productivity Guilt 08:00 – Why We Resist What the Body Needs 09:45 – The Body Is Always on Your Side 11:20 – Lessons from Quitting Caffeine 13:10 – The Difference Between Sitting & Resting 14:50 – Rebuilding a Relationship with Rest 16:10 – “Doing Nothing Leads to the Best Something” 17:30 – Final Reflections & Listener Invitation Links Mentioned: • Email for Dr. Mark DePaolo Q&A interest: michaela@michaelamae.com Keywords (comma separated) rest and healing, fatigue and recovery, holistic health mindset, nervous system rest, burnout recovery, listening to your body, productivity guilt, western hippie podcast, mind body connection, healing through rest, body signals, work life balance healing Support the show

    22 min

  2. Jan 26

    What causes inflammation? Let's explore.

    In this second foundational episode of The Western Hippie Podcast, Michaela walks listeners through a major mindset shift in how we approach health for ourselves and our animals. Most of the time, we’re taught to treat symptoms — inflammation, joint pain, thyroid issues, skin problems — without asking the deeper question: what is causing the inflammation in the first place? Using her own dog Willie’s health journey as an example, Michaela shares how she moved from throwing every “best” joint supplement at the problem… to stepping back and asking whether she was treating the effect instead of the cause. That shift led her to explore liver function, toxin overload, and detox pathways — and ultimately changed how she approaches healing altogether. This episode dives into:  • Why inflammation is an effect, not the root cause  • The “fire vs. arsonist” metaphor for symptom-chasing  • How toxin overload can overwhelm the liver and drive disease  • Why simplifying diet and digestion creates space for healing  • The importance of establishing a baseline before detoxing  • How to think in terms of root cause instead of labels and diagnoses  • Building “bumper lanes” so you can experiment safely and confidently This conversation isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about learning how to think in a way that leads to true sovereignty — where you feel empowered to understand your animal’s body instead of feeling dependent on complicated protocols. These foundational episodes are designed to be returned to again and again, because everything else builds on this way of thinking. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Why This Is a Foundational Episode 01:40 – The Problem with Treating Symptoms 03:10 – Willie’s Health Crash & The Turning Point 05:10 – Diet Changes vs. Root Cause 06:40 – The Fire vs. Arsonist Metaphor 08:10 – How Toxins Overload the Liver 10:00 – Why Inflammation Is an Effect 11:30 – Creating “Bumper Lanes” for Safe Experimentation 13:00 – Detox, Baseline, and Rebuild Phases 15:00 – Willie’s Progress After Detoxing 16:40 – Applying Root-Cause Thinking to All Health 17:50 – What’s Coming Next (Ozone Therapy Teaser) LINKS: • Herbs of the World – Cellular Detox: https://herbsoftheworld.com/products/cellular-detox%E2%84%A2-p56-for-pets?_pos=3&_psq=cellular+detox&_ss=e&_v=1.0 • EpiGenius for Dogs (joint + gut + vitamin support): https://ishoppurium.com/?giftcard=thewesternhippie  • EE System (regenerative light therapy): https://www.unifydhealing.com/locations  • Book: The Emotion Code: https://amzn.to/4q3jToZ  • Dr. Mark DiPaolo / Ozactin / Ozone Therapy: https://www.depaoloequineconcepts.com/collections/ozactin  • Your email for Q&A interest: michaela@michaelamae.com KEYWORDS: root cause healing, dog detox, liver detox for dogs, inflammation in dogs, holistic dog health, toxin overload, dog arthritis natural support, gut and liver health dogs, foundational healing principles, western hippie podcast, holistic animal health, dog health sovereignty Support the show

    19 min

  3. Jan 19

    Why a raw diet is NOT always the best for our dogs with Danielle Ruccia from Detoxify2Purify

    In this episode of The Western Hippie Podcast, I sit down with Danielle for a deep, honest conversation about dog health, gut healing, and why simple often works better than complicated. We talk about why raw food doesn’t work for every dog, how gut inflammation shows up as skin issues, reflux, and chronic symptoms, and why so many pets are struggling today despite their owners “doing everything right.” Danielle shares her personal journey healing her nearly 19-year-old dog, what actually made the difference, and why foundational gut support comes before supplements. This conversation also dives into: Why home-cooked food can be more supportive than raw or kibbleHow fear-based messaging keeps pet owners overwhelmed and stuckThe role of the gut in immune, skin, and neurological healthWhy over-supplementing can backfireHow slowing down and simplifying can lead to real healingIf you’ve felt confused, discouraged, or overwhelmed trying to support your dog’s health, this episode will help you zoom out, reconnect to the basics, and approach healing with confidence instead of fear. This is an educational conversation meant to empower you with perspective, not overwhelm you with protocols. Connect & Learn from Danielle: Danielle's Instagram Book a 1:1 Session with Danielle Join Danielle's Skool Connect with Michaela Michaela's Instagram Keywords dog gut health, holistic dog health, natural dog healing, dog digestion issues, gut healing for dogs, dog immune system health, pet gut health, holistic pet care, western hippie podcast, dog food inflammation, raw food for dogs pros and cons, home cooked dog food, over supplementing dogs, dog detox safely, natural dog detox, dog longevity, aging dogs naturally, best diet for dogs with gut issues, signs of gut inflammation in dogs, how to heal dog gut naturally, simplifying dog health, empowered dog owners, holistic dog nutrition Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not medical or veterinary advice. Always use your own discernment and consult with a licensed professional when making decisions about your animal’s health. Support the show

    1h 10m

  4. Jan 12

    HOW we think is MORE important than WHAT we think.

    In this foundational episode of The Western Hippie Podcast, Michaela lays out one of the core principles behind everything she teaches, shares, and stands for: learning how to think is far more important than being told what to think. Drawing from her background in horse training, home building, health, and personal healing, Michaela explains why foundations matter — and how the habits, beliefs, and thought patterns we build early on determine whether something can withstand pressure over time. This episode explores why values matter, how discernment works, and why blindly following information (even well-intentioned information) can quietly lead us away from where we actually want to go. Michaela shares how she learned to stop outsourcing her authority — in health, dog care, spirituality, and life — and instead build what she calls bumper lanes that allow for experimentation without losing sovereignty. You’ll hear about: Why foundations determine long-term outcomes (in horses, health, and life)How to identify whether someone’s values align with where you want to goThe difference between believing blindly and discerning deliberatelyWhy overcomplication is often a fear tacticHow to audit your thoughts instead of adopting themEstablishing “bumper lanes” so you can experiment safelyWhy certainty is often more persuasive than truthHow to stay in control of your mind in an information-saturated worldThis episode is for anyone who wants to feel more confident in their decisions — whether for themselves, their dogs, or their horses — without outsourcing their intuition or authority. This is the episode Michaela will continue to point people back to as they enter her world, because everything else builds on this foundation. 🔗 Referenced Episode Why I chose NOT to take Ozempic: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968454/episodes/16290788 What’s Coming Next An upcoming interview with Danielle from Detoxify to Purify, sharing how her 18.5-year-old dog is thriving — and what happens when we’re willing to question mainstream narratives and test what actually works. Keywords / Tags discernment, critical thinking, holistic health philosophy, western hippie podcast, intuition and logic, thought audits, values and identity, animal health advocacy, sovereignty, healing foundations Support the show

    18 min

  5. Jan 5

    It's okay to not be okay.

    In this short and deeply honest episode of The Western Hippie Podcast, Michaela shares what she’s learning in real time as she navigates grief after losing her childhood horse — her heart horse. This episode explores a truth that often gets pushed aside in personal development and healing spaces: sometimes the healing isn’t in being okay — it’s in letting yourself not be okay. Michaela reflects on how our culture is obsessed with managing, numbing, or bypassing pain instead of allowing it to do what it’s meant to do: transform us. She shares how grief, sadness, anger, and discomfort all have a purpose — and how suppressing them often leads to trapped emotions, physical symptoms, and deeper disconnection from ourselves. She also revisits a pivotal moment in her own healing journey and explains why saying “it’s okay” when it isn’t can quietly create distrust within ourselves and block our intuition. This episode is for anyone who: Is grieving the loss of an animal or loved oneFeels pressure to “be okay” before they actually areNotices themselves numbing, scrolling, or distracting instead of feelingNeeds permission to sit with uncomfortable emotions without fixing themWants a more honest, embodied approach to healingYou don’t need to rush your grief.  You don’t need to manage your pain away.  And you don’t need to pretend you’re okay to be healing. Referenced Episode (Highly Recommended Listen) Michaela references a powerful earlier episode in this conversation — one she still revisits herself — where she first learned that freedom came from admitting something wasn’t okay: Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968454/episodes/11174797 Keywords / Tags (for podcast platforms) grief after losing a pet, pet loss healing, animal grief, emotional suppression, trapped emotions, healing grief, nervous system healing, intuition and trust, trauma-informed healing, western hippie podcast Support the show

    14 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Navigating Grief After Our Animals Cross the Rainbow Bridge

    In this episode of The Western Hippie Podcast, Michaela opens up about navigating grief after losing one of her soul animals — her horse, Capone — and shares what she’s actually doing in real time to move through grief without suppressing it. This isn’t a “just remember the good times” conversation.  It’s an honest look at why grief is so uncomfortable in our culture, how suppressing it creates trapped emotions, and what it looks like to let grief move through the body in a healthy way — especially when it comes to the animals who shape our lives so deeply. Michaela talks about: Why grief isn’t something to “fix” or rush throughHow suppressed grief can show up later as anxiety, depression, or physical painIdentifying your go-to protective or numbing mechanismsApproaching yourself with curiosity instead of criticismUsing creativity as a way to transmit grief, not avoid itWhy isolation makes grief harder — and how support helps release itWhat horses have taught her about emotion, protest, intelligence, and healingThis episode is for anyone who has loved an animal deeply, lost one, or feels like they were never taught how to actually grieve — just how to keep going. You don’t have to be okay yet.  And you don’t have to do this alone. Links & Support Mentioned in the Episode: • Book a 1:1 emotional release / trauma healing session with Michaela:  https://stan.store/msmichaelamae Support the show

    32 min

  7. 11/15/2025

    Hail Mary Treatments for Dogs: Natural Healing Treatments EVERY dog owner needs to know

    When conventional vets say “there’s nothing else we can do,” that’s when these treatments step in. In this episode, Ms. Michaela Mae breaks down the holistic “Hail Mary” treatments every dog owner should know about — from energy medicine to cutting-edge therapies that give dogs a second chance at life. You’ll learn about the treatments most people never hear about until it’s too late, and how to find (and afford) real healing options that work with your dog’s body — not against it. If you’ve ever felt powerless after a diagnosis, this episode will help you take your power (and your dog’s health) back. Free Trainings & Resources The Substance That Must Not Be Named Training → https://thewesternhippie.myflodesk.com/mmstraining Free Dog First Aid Kit → https://thewesternhippie.myflodesk.com/dogfirstaidkit 1:1 Session / Support → https://stan.store/msmichaelamae CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro | What Are “Hail Mary” Treatments?  04:20 – The Turning Point: Why Owners Deserve More Options  10:10 – Energy-Based Therapies (EE System, Scalar Light & More)  16:40 – Ozone, Acupuncture, & Laser Healing for Dogs  25:00 – Hormone Therapy & Fasting for Recovery  33:45 – Detoxing, Diet, and the “Do No Harm” Philosophy  42:00 – Real Talk: Hope, Healing, and Holistic Advocacy LINKS: Supplements & Support EpiGenius for Dogs → https://ishoppurium.com/?giftcard=thewesternhippie Pet Health and Nutrition Center → https://www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com/ Cellular Detox for Dogs → https://herbsoftheworld.com/products/cellular-detox%E2%84%A2-p56-for-pets Gut Support → https://a.co/d/8QnNz27 Treatments & Practitioners Visit an EE / Light System → https://www.unifydhealing.com/ Find a Vet for Ozone → https://o3pets.com/pages/vet-map Find an Acupuncture or Holistic Vet → https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/#!directory/map/ Erik Verdouw Physical Therapy → https://www.erikverdouw.com/ Dr. Karen Becker → https://drkarenbecker.com/ Additional Reading FDA Report: Pentobarbital in Dog Food → https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/cvm-foia-electronic-reading-room/food-and-drug-administrationcenter-veterinary-medicine-report-risk-pentobarbital-dog-food The Forever Dog by Dr. Karen Becker & Rodney Habib → https://foreverdog.com/ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. I’m not a veterinarian — just a holistic practitioner and dog mom sharing what’s worked for my clients and community. Always consult with your vet or trusted animal-health professional before making changes to your dog’s care plan. Support the show

    38 min

  8. 11/08/2025

    IVDD in Dogs: Recovery without Surgery

    When your dog is suddenly in pain, can’t walk, or loses mobility, it’s terrifying — especially when surgery feels like the only option. In this episode, Ms. Michaela Mae dives into IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) — what it is, why it happens, and how recovery without surgery is possible through a holistic approach. Drawing from her experience helping clients navigate IVDD, Michaela breaks down what’s actually going on in the spine, the steps she’s seen work time and time again, and the mindset shift required to support your dog’s healing process. From detoxification and gut health to ozone therapy, chiropractic care, and physical rehab, she shares a full roadmap for supporting the body naturally — and most importantly, compassionately. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by diagnosis or unsure where to turn, this episode will remind you that there are more options than you might think — and that hope, science, and nature can coexist beautifully. Get My Free Dog First-Aid Kit https://thewesternhippie.myflodesk.com/dogfirstaidkit Book a 1:1 Consultation stan.store/msmichaelamae CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro | Understanding IVDD  05:30 – What’s Happening in the Spine  12:10 – The Body’s Ability to Heal Naturally  18:40 – My Approach to Supporting Recovery  25:55 – Supplements That Make a Difference  33:20 – Ozone, Laser, and Physical Therapy  40:00 – Empowering Dog Owners to Choose Holistic Options RESOURCES MENTIONED EpiGenius for Dogs: https://ishoppurium.com/?giftcard=thewesternhippie Animal Essentials: https://animalessentials.com/ Pet Health & Nutrition Center: https://www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com/ Cellular Detox for Dogs: https://herbsoftheworld.com/products/cellular-detox%E2%84%A2-p56-for-pets Gut Support: https://a.co/d/8QnNz27 EE / Light System: https://www.unifydhealing.com/ Find a Vet for Ozone: https://o3pets.com/pages/vet-map Find an Acupuncture or Holistic Vet: https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/#!directory/map/ Erik Verdouw Physical Therapy: https://www.erikverdouw.com/ Dr. Karen Becker: https://drkarenbecker.com/ FDA Report on Pentobarbital in Dog Food: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/cvm-foia-electronic-reading-room/food-and-drug-administrationcenter-veterinary-medicine-report-risk-pentobarbital-dog-food KEYWORDS ivdd in dogs ivdd recovery without surgery ivdd treatment for dogs intervertebral disc disease dogs dog back injury recovery holistic dog health natural healing for dogs ivdd dog recovery dog spine injury dog paralysis recovery Support the show

    44 min
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Welcome to the Western Hippie Podcast! I’m on a journey to find the best w-holistic remedies for my dogs, horses, myself, and YOU! Because we’re not just one thing. We’re not just an arm, an emotion, or a heart, we’re ALL OF THE THINGS, and it’s all connected.My goal is to1) Share my findings with you2) Teach you how to develop your own holistic healing philosophy 3) And take care of your dogs and horses in a way that’s best for you and themI promise to talk about all the things: the good, the hard, the beautiful, and the ugly and share those in the most honest and authentic way I can.If you have a subject you want me to cover, please send an email with the subject line PODCAST TOPIC to michaelalpaluck@gmail.comThank you for being here at The Western Hippie. Willie and I appreciate you ♥️

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