NOURISH Kasia Stiggelbout

Ever wonder how neuroscience and mindfulness can harmonize to improve mental health? That’s precisely what we uncover, as we welcome Nkechi, an acclaimed neuroscientist and mindfulness expert. Nkechi shares her unique insights from fMRI studies, shedding light on the transformative benefits of mindfulness, particularly in managing mental health issues. Tune in as we navigate the less-traveled lanes of embodiment, discussing how it veers from conventional mindfulness practices and the tell-tale signs of disembodiment to look out for. 

As we shift gears to discuss the transformative power of mindfulness, you will discover the astonishing physiological changes that take place in the brain and body amidst mindfulness meditation. Drawing from personal experiences, we dissect how mindfulness has been a vital tool for us in managing anxiety and depression. We go on to explore the profound mind-body connection and the promising role of mindfulness in managing stress and inflammation, both notorious for their association with chronic diseases. 

Lastly, we delve deeper into the world of embodiment and its intriguing interplay with mindfulness. Learn about the true essence of being embodied and the perils of disembodiment, a state often induced by stress, trauma, and the mundane distractions of daily life. Nkechi regales us with her personal experiences of being disembodied, offering us a first-hand account of this state of being. We brainstorm various techniques to reconnect with your body, emphasizing practices like body scans and check-ins and even movement and dance as forms of emotional expression. Tune in to earn a deeper understanding of the significance of embodying different archetypes and cultivating greater awareness of our body's communication and support system.

To Connect with Nkechi, follow her on Instagram @ndnlifestylist or visit her website,  https://www.nkechinjaka.com/
Support the showTo connect with Kasia
@Nourish_Podcast (​​​​Instagram) www.nourishpodcast.co Submit topic/theme/speaker requests

What does the founder of NextSense, a former Google X director, have to share about the fascinating world of consciousness and the mind-body connection? Jonathan (JB) Berent – an avid practitioner of polyphasic sleep, lucid dreaming enthusiast, and someone deeply interested in altered states of consciousness – takes us through his journey in this enlightening conversation. We unpack his fascination for the interplay between subjective experiences and science, touching upon his spiritual practices and unique sleep routine.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the world of altered states of consciousness, not just from a theoretical standpoint but from Jonathan's own experiences and observations. We also discuss the scientific measurements of these states and how they are clinically oriented around wake and sleep states. From Jonathan's personal experiences, we get an intriguing insight into the concept of flow and how it can bridge the subjective with the objective. We also touch upon the physiological processes that our brain undergoes during these states and how we can observe and comprehend what's happening.

In the latter part of our conversation, we examine the role of ego in entrepreneurship and how to mindfully manage it. Using his own experiences, Jonathan illustrates the power of dreams and the delicate balance between ambition and surrender. He also shares how the teachings of Saad Guru, a renowned yogi and visionary, have shaped his journey and helped him make better decisions. So, sit back and join us on this mind-expanding exploration of consciousness, science, and much more.

A bit about JB:

Jonathan "JB" Berent is a visionary leader who is passionate about exploring human consciousness and unlocking its full potential. As the CEO and Founder of NextSense, he has combined his extensive business experience with cutting-edge scientific research to develop innovative biosensing wearables.
Throughout his executive career, JB has managed teams of more than 110 people and overseen budgets of $50M or more at public companies Oracle and Google. However, in 2016, he decided to follow his lifelong passion for exploring the connection between the mind and body and left sales and partnerships to focus on developing brain-sensing technologies at X, the moonshot factory.
JB's innovative work has earned him numerous speaking engagements at prestigious universities such as Stanford and UCSF, as well as conferences such as the Chan Zuckerberg BioHub and the Stanford Medicine Big Data Health. In June 2022, he was featured in a long-read cover story in Wired magazine, which highlighted his groundbreaking work in the field of biosensing wearables.
JB graduated with Honors from Stanford University with a Philosophy and Religious Studies degree.
Support the showTo connect with Kasia
@Nourish_Podcast (​​​​Instagram) www.nourishpodcast.co Submit topic/theme/speaker requests

"Non-Toxic Living" – when you hear it, what do you think of? Organic food, green juice, maybe drinking filtered water? (Teaser: The health of that water may actually depend on more than its source – it could also be influenced by the container it comes in!)
Today, we're delving into environmental toxins and toxicants: what are they, where are they hidden (cookware, makeup, even yoga pants?), and how do they impact your hormones, fertility, overall health – and even the health of future generations?
I have the privilege of speaking with Jenna Hua, a registered dietitian, environmental health scientist, and Founder & CEO of Million Marker. Jenna is a staunch advocate for understanding how our daily consumption habits affect our well-being. Jenna's journey, from studying food environments in China to founding a health tech startup, is as inspiring as it is informative.
Our discussion navigates the murky waters of toxins, often concealed in products we use every day, and their significant impact on health and fertility. Jenna sheds light on both persistent and transient toxins, explaining their intricate effects on our bodies. She also opens up about her personal fertility struggles and how they led her to establish Million Marker, underscoring the heart-wrenching reality that these toxins can harm unborn children and echo through generations. Jenna's insights into the regulatory measures taken by the government to manage these toxins are as illuminating as they are thought-provoking.
But it's not all gloom and doom. Jenna equips us with practical advice on detoxing from toxins and making lifestyle changes that can protect our health. From the importance of choosing organic products and reducing plastic use to selecting the right cookware, Jenna provides actionable insights for a healthier life. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration into the world of toxins, their impact, and the steps we can take to safeguard our health. Uncover the dangers lurking in your non-stick pans, the fragrances you love, and even your everyday receipts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their health.
Jenna's Bio:
Dr. Jenna Hua, an environmental health scientist and dietitian by training, is passionate about the environment, public health, and everything food. Jenna holds a BS in Nutrition and an MPH and PhD in Environmental Health Sciences from UC Berkeley, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford Medicine.
Frustrated by the lack of data regarding how harmful chemicals (like BPA, phthalates, and parabens) from plastics and everyday products affect our health and clinical outcomes, and the absence of a personalized approach to mitigate harmful chemical exposures, Jenna set out on a mission to change this.
She founded Million Marker, a health-tech startup dedicated to empowering everyone with the data and tools to determine how the products they use, the food they eat, and the water they drink negatively or positively influence their health. Million Marker helps people understand what chemicals are inside of them—and then provides simple solutions for quickly reducing harmful chemicals through mail-in test kits, lifestyle audits, product recommendations, and counseling.
To connect with Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/million_marker/
To learn more about Million Marker: https://www.millionmarker.com/
Support the showTo connect with Kasia
@Nourish_Podcast (​​​​Instagram) www.nourishpodcast.co Submit topic/theme/speaker requests

Ever wondered if the cure to your health woes could be found in nature? Get ready for an enriching exploration into the spiritual essence of plant medicine with the incredibly knowledgeable Antoinette Chirinos. Raised in Peru amidst traditional healers, Antoinette brings a fascinating blend of wisdom on the power of plants, the role of shamans, and the intricacies of harvesting. We take a hard look at the potential risks of overusing psychedelic plant medicines and question the impact of a consumerist mindset on this ancient practice.

Antoinette also opens up about her personal struggle with health issues, and how she trusted her intuition to triumph without resorting to surgery. We discuss the significance of treating root causes rather than symptoms and the empowerment that comes from taking control of your own healing journey. This leads us to delve deeper into the role of plant medicine in healing, the importance of doing the internal work, and the caution needed to avoid overusing plant medicine ceremonies. Tune in to discover the potential plant medicine holds for your journey to wellbeing, and learn to respect its sacred nature.

Core themes:
Exploring Plant Medicine: A journey into the world of plant medicine and its spiritual essence.Traditional Wisdom: Antoinette's background growing up among traditional healers in Peru.The Power of Plants: Insights into the healing potential of plants and their significance.Shamans and Healing: Understanding the role of shamans in traditional healing practices.Harvesting Rituals: Delving into the intricacies of harvesting plants for medicinal use.Risks of Overuse: Examining the potential dangers of excessive use of psychedelic plant medicines.Consumerist Mindset: Questioning how consumerism impacts the ancient practice of plant medicine.Personal Healing Journey: Antoinette's personal struggle with health issues and her intuitive triumph.Root Cause Healing: The importance of addressing root causes of health problems.Sacred Nature of Plant Medicine: Respecting the sacredness of plant medicine and its role in wellbeing.
To connect with Antoinette:
https://www.instagram.com/antoinnettecm/https://www.tiktok.com/@antoinnettecmhttps://www.antoinnettechirinos.com/Support the showTo connect with Kasia
@Nourish_Podcast (​​​​Instagram) www.nourishpodcast.co Submit topic/theme/speaker requests

Back for another season is one of your favorite episode themes:  Seasonal Living and Health according to Chinese Medicine.

Today's topic? Living in alignment with Autumn with Anne Woods.

Anne Woods is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in San Francisco. Her approach to modern medicine is gentle and empowering. Rooted in ancient healing modalities such as acupuncture and Eastern medicine, therapeutic movement, nutrition counseling, and herbal medicine, she believes we can teach the physical, emotional, and spiritual body to achieve balance. Anne has a passion for helping people with acute and chronic pain, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances, natural skincare, and stress. Her intention is to help people feel vibrant and alive in their bodies so they can live fully, with peace in their heart and mind. She has been teaching yoga for over 14 years in a variety of styles. When she is not in the clinic, Anne enjoys spending time in the ocean, tending her garden, ceramics, and cooking up nourishing dinners with friends and family. 
💫 We cover :
The importance of seasonal transitionsThe difference between summer, late summer, and autumn as seasons according to Chinese MedicineThe core organs that need to be nourished for the autumn seasonLate Summer & Autumn: element, color, emotionsImbalance vs. IN-balance for the Autumn seasonPatterns in Chinese Medicine associated with the Autumn seasonFoods for Autumn - how to bring back balance via nutritionTips for starting a NEW movement routineWhy breath work is crucial for AutumnWhy Anne does NOT support traditional cleanses (and what she recommends instead)Skincare for autumn+ SO much more💫 Mentioned on today’s podcast:
Episode 1 on seasonal livingThe new BLOG!The Garden Wellness shopSeasonal Zines💫 To connect with Anne:
The Garden SF (wellness clinic)InstagramSpotifySupport the showTo connect with Kasia
@Nourish_Podcast (​​​​Instagram) www.nourishpodcast.co Submit topic/theme/speaker requests

Do you ever wonder about the ancient wisdom of shamanism and the profound transformation it can spur within an individual? Today, I'm thrilled to share my compelling conversation with Judy Lieblein an esteemed herbalist, reiki master teacher, visionary activist, and shamanic practitioner. Our insightful discussion unfolds around the intriguing spiritual system of shamanism and the transformative experiences that punctuate this journey, such as the intriguing phenomena of fragmentation and shamanic death.

We journey deep into the heart of shamanic death, contrasting it with soul fragmentation and dissociation. Judy illuminates how this experience can trigger a profound reshaping of belief structures, leading us to the core of who we are. As we uncover these layers, we also explore how the echoes of childhood traumas and unexpressed feelings can bind us to the past, and how recognizing and breaking these patterns can imbue a fresh perspective and personal growth.

As we delve into the enigmatic realm of plant medicine, Judy shares her wisdom about the romanticization and overconsumption of these potent substances. We emphasize the importance of recognizing plant medicine for its true purpose - powerful medicine, and debate the nuances of its use and distribution. Lastly, we acknowledge the potential of these plant allies to help us uncover our greatest potential and express gratitude for our shared time. Join us on this enriching journey into the world of shamanism, healing, and personal growth.

To Connect with Judy (Or Gathering Thyme):
https://gatheringthyme.com/https://www.instagram.com/sacredroseherbals/https://www.instagram.com/gathering.thyme.shop Support the showTo connect with Kasia
@Nourish_Podcast (​​​​Instagram) www.nourishpodcast.co Submit topic/theme/speaker requests