The Surviving to Thriving Podcast

Dr. Rachel Yeager
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Surviving to Thriving—the podcast for women who feel stuck in their health and want to feel like themselves again. If you’re exhausted, brain-foggy or anxious even though your labs look “normal,” you’re in the right place. Here, we dig into the hidden root causes behind Hashimoto’s, chronic stress, hormone shifts, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues and autoimmunity. We share holistic, real-life strategies that blend cutting-edge science, natural and functional medicine, and intuition—so you can restore your energy, find mental peace and feel balanced without the pressure to be perfect.

  1. Mar 5

    Am I Going Crazy? The Neuroinflammation of Lyme & Autoimmunity

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking through a dream or trapped in a two-dimensional simulation, this episode is a vital lifeline for understanding derealization in chronic illness. We peel back the terrifying "psychiatric" labels to reveal the true culprit: physical neuroinflammation triggered by Lyme, mold, and autoimmune flares. You’ll learn how a "histamine storm" and activated microglia force your brain into a survival-based perception shift that blunts your emotions and mutes the world around you. Most importantly, we discuss why this state isn't permanent and how lowering brain inflammation is the essential first step to feeling solid again. You aren't losing your mind; your brain is simply an organ under fire, and there is a clear path back to yourself. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule

    22 min

  2. Feb 5

    Is Your Brain on High Alert? Understanding Glutamate and Cytokines

    Ever feel like you’re doing all the "right" things—breathing, meditating, resting—but your body is still stuck in a state of high alert?In this episode, Dr. Rachel Yeager explains why nervous system regulation is a physical capacity, not just a mental one. If you’re feeling "wired but tired," overstimulated, or foggy, the issue isn't your willpower—it's a biochemical roadblock.We dive into the 5 physical factors blocking your healing: **Histamine & Cytokines: The internal "fire alarms" of inflammation. **Glutamate: Why your brain’s "gas pedal" is stuck on high. **Ammonia & Metabolic Waste: The "toxic noise" causing brain fog and irritability. **Catecholamine Surges: Understanding those middle-of-the-night adrenaline spikes.Stop trying to force relaxation and start creating the internal conditions your body needs to feel safe. It's time to move beyond survival mode and finally start thriving. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule

    24 min

  3. Jan 1

    Why Your Body Won’t Let You Relax: When Mindset Work Isn't Enough

    If you’re tired of being told your anxiety is "all in your head," this episode is for you. Dr. Rachel Yeager explores why anxiety is often a physical alarm—not a mindset flaw. Discover how physiological triggers like blood sugar drops, mineral deficiencies, and gut inflammation create feelings of dread and "wired" energy. Learn why you can't think your way out of a biochemical emergency and how to start supporting your nervous system from the cells up. Inside the episode: Physical Red Flags: Why your anxiety spikes when you’re hungry or during your cycle. The Root Cause: How inflammation and mineral gaps mimic panic. Support vs. Regulation: Why your brain can't settle until your body feels safe. Stop fighting your symptoms and start fueling your recovery. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule

    18 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    When Your Mind Is Loud and Your Intuition Is Quiet: The Biological Reason You Feel Disconnected

    Do you feel disconnected from your intuition? It's not broken; your body is likely overloaded. Dr. Rachel Yeager dives into how intuition is a blend of your physiological and energetic state. In this episode, you will discover: *The Nervous System Barrier: Why being in fight-or-flight (survival mode) makes it nearly impossible to access your gut feeling. *Yin vs. Yang Energy: How intuition relies on the feminine energy of "receiving" rather than society's dominant "yang" energy of pushing and forcing. *Subconscious Roadblocks: How subconscious beliefs (like "I'll be judged" or "I'm not safe") create "blocks" that prevent you from being an open vessel for guidance. *Embodied Clarity: The critical role of embodiment—where your soul fully anchors into a regulated body—for clear decision-making and direction. *Regulation Practices: Simple yet powerful steps like grounding, breathwork, and subconscious clearing to let your instinct flow without second-guessing.Stop surviving and start receiving the clear guidance that is always waiting for you. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.

    43 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    Surviving to Thriving (Feat. Mind Body Besties): Why You Can’t Focus: ADHD or Something Deeper? The Hidden Roots in Genetics, Environment, and Brain Healing

    Special Episode: Dr. Rachel Yeager features a deep-dive conversation from her Mind Body Besties podcast with therapist Katie. We move past quick fixes to explore the holistic root causes of ADHD and ADHD-like symptoms. We discuss the overlap with anxiety and PTSD, the clinical diagnostic views, and the three physiological types: genetic, blood flow, and inflammation-induced. Learn about the crucial role of neurotransmitter imbalances (like dopamine) and the power of testing. Discover naturopathic supports (supplements, diet, brain health strategies) and effective therapy approaches to naturally rebalance your brain chemistry, improve focus, and reclaim your energy and clarity. Stop surviving and start thriving! Listen to more Mind Body Besties: @mind.body.besties Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.

    33 min

  6. 10/02/2025

    What If Your Anxiety Isn't in Your Head? The Cellular Answer.

    Are you exhausted, overwhelmed, and experiencing physical symptoms alongside your anxiety? If therapy, diets, and supplements have only offered temporary relief, the root cause might not be in your head—it might be in your cells. Dr. Rachel Yeager, ND and Holistic Health Consultant, uncovers the science and soul of healing by explaining the Cell Danger Response. You'll learn: How chronic stress and inflammation send signals that force your cells (and your mitochondria) into a shutdown state. The critical link between your brain's "CEO" function and physical issues like hormone imbalance, gut problems, and chronic fatigue. How to differentiate between psychological and biochemical-driven anxiety using clear physical clues. Why unlocking survival mode at the cellular level is the key to truly healing, not just managing symptoms. It's time to realize your body isn't broken—it's just expertly wired for survival. Tune in to learn how to help it finally feel safe and shift from surviving to thriving. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.

    23 min

  7. 09/04/2025

    The CEO of Your Health: A Brain-First Approach to Healing

    This episode of "Surviving to Thriving" argues that the brain is the "CEO of the body" and the key to overcoming chronic health issues. Dr. Rachel Yeager explains that chasing individual symptoms is often ineffective because the brain's stress and survival responses can drive physical ailments.She proposes a **holistic, brain-first strategy** that uses physical interventions to shift the brain from a "fight or flight" state to a "rest and heal" state. The episode highlights three key areas to target:* **Balancing cortisol**, the body's main stress hormone.* **Regulating neurotransmitters**, like serotonin and adrenaline.* **Optimizing sex hormones**, which act as a protective anti-inflammatory buffer.By focusing on the brain's foundational role, you can achieve lasting health improvements and avoid the cycle of symptom relapse, ultimately moving from simply surviving to truly thriving. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.

    21 min

  8. 08/14/2025

    Maintaining Inner Peace, Calm, and Grounding in the Chaos

    Dr. Rachel Yeager discusses how to maintain personal well-being when life feels overwhelming and chaotic. She shares her personal journey and practical strategies for staying grounded physically, mentally, and emotionally. The core of her message is that healing isn't a destination you reach when stress is gone, but a continuous process integrated into daily life. Dr. Yeager details her personal routine, which includes: Conscious Mornings: Starting the day by connecting with nature, speaking to your body, and avoiding external stimuli like news or social media to set a calm tone. Intentional Daily Habits: Using positive language for to-do lists, scheduling realistic tasks, and nourishing your body with high-protein meals and proper hydration. Regulating Your Nervous System: Incorporating movement, getting full-spectrum light exposure, and being mindful of how you consume food and information. Preparing for Rest: Creating a wind-down routine that includes avoiding stimulating content, reading, and ensuring a quiet, dark sleep environment to support the body's natural restorative processes. Dr. Yeager emphasizes the importance of a strong inner compass—a deep connection to one's intuition and values. This allows for a grounded response to stress, rather than a panicked, fear-based reaction. By focusing on consistent, small actions, she believes anyone can cultivate a sense of peace and joy and navigate life's challenges from a place of strength and balance. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Surviving to Thriving—the podcast for women who feel stuck in their health and want to feel like themselves again. If you’re exhausted, brain-foggy or anxious even though your labs look “normal,” you’re in the right place. Here, we dig into the hidden root causes behind Hashimoto’s, chronic stress, hormone shifts, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues and autoimmunity. We share holistic, real-life strategies that blend cutting-edge science, natural and functional medicine, and intuition—so you can restore your energy, find mental peace and feel balanced without the pressure to be perfect.

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