The Alternative Flight Plan

Kristin Barnes
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED DAILY

Hosted by Dr. Kristin Barnes—naval aviator, endurance athlete, naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and psychedelic-assisted therapy coach—The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast explores integrative and alternative healing through lived experience and expert insight. Each episode offers grounded conversations on trauma recovery, resilience, and mind–body health for those seeking a new path toward wellness. Learn more or book an appointment: https://meridianpassagewellness.com

  1. MAR 2

    Return of the Exiled Child: The Way Back to Wholeness w/ Keith W. Fiveson

    Healing becomes possible when the nervous system stops bracing for impact. Keith W. Fiveson shares a grounded approach that blends mindfulness, breathwork, narrative repair, and parts-based understanding of protectors and coping strategies—without overselling outcomes. Themes include: Breath as spiritus: a practical bridge between physiology and meaningWhy “autopilot” keeps people stuck, and how small shifts create spaciousnessFood, shame, and the “hungry ghost” pattern many carry quietlyKindness with boundaries: compassion that tells the truth and changes behavior Follow the show to save conversations that support your wellness journey → https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ

    49 min

  2. FEB 16

    When Trauma Becomes a Turning Point with Jim Pehkonen

    You don’t need a more disciplined mindset. You need a safer internal operating system.A freak accident put Jim Pehkonen in a moment where he was sure he was dying. What surprised him wasn’t fear. It was peace. And when he came back, the work he’d been doing for decades around trauma, family systems, and resilience started to shift direction.This episode follows that shift and lands on a theme that’s hard to ignore: young men are often expected to carry everything alone, then criticized for where they go to find belonging.A few grounded waypoints from this conversation:Trauma isn’t a contest. Different stories can leave the same nervous system imprint.Healing moves with understanding, not self-punishment or “powering through.”Masking who you are taxes the nervous system more than most people realize.Community isn’t a buzzword. It’s a condition for repair.If you’re navigating trauma recovery, chronic stress, or the feeling that the old way of coping isn’t working anymore, this one offers a steady framework and a human reminder: healing is possible.Watch full episodes on YouTube. → https://www.youtube.com/@alternativeflightplan

    40 min

  3. FEB 13

    Holistic Healing for Veterans with Gary Hess of VAHA

    Since 2001, far more veterans have been lost at home than on the battlefield.It’s time we start talking about what healing really means.On this week's Alternative Flight Plan, Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with former Marine Gary P. Hess, who found his way out of deep trauma through intentional plant medicine, breathwork, and community support.Today, Gary leads Warrior Tribe Assembly and VAHA, helping veterans and first responders reconnect to themselves and rediscover purpose through holistic and peer-led care.This episode is about breaking stigma, rebuilding trust, and finding real ways forward — beyond pills and protocols.Learn more or get involved:👉 https://warriortribeassembly.com/👉 https://meridianpassagewellness.com/Like. Share. Keep the conversation going — healing starts with awareness.#TheAlternativeFlightPlan #DrKristinBarnes #VeteranMentalHealth #PlantMedicine #HolisticHealing #Veterans #FirstResponders #TraumaRecovery #PeerSupport #CommunityHealing #NaturopathicMedicine #HealingJourney

    47 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    The Art of Connection Through Transformation

    Trauma doesn’t just disrupt the body—it can disrupt meaning. Signals arrive without context. Sensations don’t add up. What once felt intuitive becomes confusing, even alien. In this episode, Christine Ruch offers a grounded framework for understanding why this happens and where healing often needs to begin: the nervous system. When the nervous system is locked into protection, the body can speak loudly without being understandable. Restoration isn’t about forcing regulation or chasing outcomes—it’s about rebuilding capacity, safety, and trust over time. The conversation explores the difference between change and transformation. Change tends to be linear and goal-driven. Transformation unfolds in cycles, advancing and retreating, resisting timelines. Many people seeking healing have already tried fixing symptoms while keeping the rest of life the same. Christine challenges that model, pointing to how daily patterns, identity stories, and unresolved stress can quietly keep the nervous system in a state of dysregulation. A central reframe runs through the episode: what if the body isn’t betraying you—what if it’s communicating? When safety increases, interpretation becomes possible. And when interpretation becomes possible, agency can return. Visit Meridian Passage Wellness to begin your Healing Journey: https://www.meridianpassagewellness.com

    51 min

  5. 11/03/2025

    From Pain to Peace Through Counterstrain

    In this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Holly Christy—naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and founder of The Bridge Back Project—for a fascinating look into the world of fascial counterstrain, an emerging hands-on therapy changing how we understand chronic pain, trauma, and healing. Dr. Christy shares insights from her recently published study in the Military Medicine journal, which examined the impact of counterstrain therapy on veterans and first responders living with chronic pain and PTSD. Together, she and Dr. Barnes explore how this precise, physiology-based approach can help reset the body’s nervous system—offering relief where traditional medicine often falls short. From life-altering patient stories to groundbreaking clinical results, this conversation sheds light on the future of integrative care. Dr. Christy also discusses her vision for expanding access through The Bridge Back Project, which funds treatments and research for trauma recovery and supports practitioners dedicated to this work. If you’ve ever wondered how the body holds—and can release—pain and trauma, this episode is a must-listen. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/dgVEeVONee0 #AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #DrHollyChristy #BridgeBackProject #CounterstrainTherapy #PTSDRecovery #ChronicPainRelief #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealing #VeteranWellness #FirstResponderSupport #MindBodyMedicine #TraumaHealing #IntegrativeHealth 00:00 Introduction to Alternative Healing Paths 01:20 Understanding Fascial Counter Strain 05:59 The Specificity of Counter Strain 08:51 Chronic Pain and Mental Health 11:58 The Bridge Back Project and Research Initiatives 17:41 The Study on PTSD and Counter Strain 23:44 Physiological Responses to Trauma 29:21 The Role of Counter Strain in Healing 35:34 Expanding Access to Counter Strain 39:19 Conclusion and Future Directions

    49 min

  6. 10/06/2025

    Finding Hope in Alternative Healing with Angela Skudin, Co-Founder & CEO of Casey Skudin 343 Fund

    When you’ve tried everything and the system still fails you—what’s next? In this deeply moving episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Angela Skudin, founder and CEO of The Case Skudin 343 Fund, to explore healing beyond the conventional. Angela shares her powerful personal story of chronic illness, medical gaslighting, and finally finding relief through alternative therapies like iboga and bee venom therapy. Her journey from near collapse to mission-driven advocate is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Angela opens up about her late husband Casey—a 16-year FDNY veteran—whose legacy inspired the founding of the 343 Fund, an organization dedicated to bringing life-saving psychedelic therapies and holistic healing to first responders. From battling Morgellons disease and Lyme to investing in pre/post-journey support systems, she unpacks the reality of healing on your own terms. This is more than medicine—it’s a revolution in how we care for those who serve others. Watch the full episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast featuring Angela Skudin and host Dr. Kristin Barnes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OfAtApyAIx8 #AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #AngelaSkudin #343Fund #FirstResponderWellness #PsychedelicHealing #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicIllnessRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #IbogaineTherapy #VeteransSupport #WomenInWellness #PodcastEpisode #TraumaHealing #HolisticHealth 00:00 The Quest for Healing: First Responders and Alternative Medicine 02:53 Angela's Journey: From Chronic Illness to Healing 05:43 The Power of Iboga: A New Path to Recovery 08:49 Morgellons Disease: Misdiagnosis and Stigma 11:40 Neuroplasticity and Healing: The Role of Psychedelics 14:54 The 343 Fund: Supporting First Responders' Healing Journeys 17:43 Building a Supportive Community: Integration and Coaching 20:32 Sauna Therapy: Detox and Recovery for First Responders 23:52 The Future of Healing: Vision for the 343 Fund 26:40 Conclusion: A Call to Action for Support and Awareness

    49 min

  7. 09/15/2025

    Transformation Through Functional Medicine with Dr Sandra Scheinbaum, Founder and CEO of Functional Medicine Coaching Academy

    In this insightful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, a pioneering clinical psychologist and founder. Together, they explore how small daily habits and mindset shifts can profoundly influence our health, emphasizing that our destiny isn’t solely determined by genetics. Dr. Sandra shares her journey from traditional psychology to integrating functional medicine, positive psychology, and mind-body techniques—empowering listeners to take control of their well-being and challenge limiting beliefs about health and aging. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sandra emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and personalized support in navigating chronic health conditions, menopause, and even disordered eating. She discusses how coaching can serve as a powerful tool for fostering self-advocacy and resilience, especially for women over 50 who are seeking purpose, vitality, and a renewed sense of possibility. Her approach encourages a mindset shift from limitations to opportunities, inspiring listeners to embrace health at every age. Don’t miss this inspiring episode—watch the full conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dAyQVioRJRk Whether you're interested in redefining your health journey, exploring natural approaches, or learning how mindset impacts well-being, Dr. Sandra’s expertise offers valuable insights. Subscribe to The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast for more conversations that empower you to craft your own healing path. #FunctionalMedicine #MindBodyHealth #HealthAtEveryAge #WomenOver50 #TheAlternativeFlightPlan 00:00 Empowerment Through Health Coaching 02:45 The Journey to Functional Medicine 05:59 Mindfulness and Its Impact on Health 08:50 Navigating Testing in Functional Medicine 11:37 The Role of Health Coaches 14:44 Understanding Genetics and Health 17:52 The Psychology of Eating 24:43 Cultural Influences on Eating Habits 31:45 Metabolic Health and Body Image 39:40 Menopause and Empowerment

    47 min

  8. 08/25/2025

    The Intersection of Naturopathy and Psychedelics with Dr Erica Zelfand

    Welcome to the Alternative Flight Plan Podcast hosted by Kristin Barnes! In this enlightening episode, Kristin sits down with Dr. Erica Zelfand, a renowned naturopathic doctor from Oregon, to explore the powerful intersection between science and soul in medicine. They delve into how alternative modalities, including psychedelic medicine, can bring a deeper, more holistic approach to healing—bridging the gap between conventional and indigenous healing systems. Dr. Zelfand shares her journey from growing up in a Russian-American family to becoming a medical director involved in innovative retreats and therapies that support mind, body, and spirit. Tune in to hear how she combines her medical expertise with soulful practices to help patients reclaim their lives. You can watch the full episode on YouTube here: [https://youtu.be/GjPp6HbNvI8). In this conversation, Dr. Zelfand discusses her personal experiences with psychedelic medicines like psilocybin and ayahuasca, emphasizing their role in accessing the unseen layers of healing—such as beliefs, karma, and ancestral wounds. The episode also highlights the importance of safety, cultural differences in medicine practices, and the need for authentic integration and community support. Whether you're curious about how psychedelics can be used responsibly or how naturopathic medicine can incorporate these powerful tools, this episode offers valuable insights. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the future of healing modalities and how we can merge science with soul to create more compassionate, effective care. #AlternativeMedicine #PsychedelicHealing #HolisticHealth #NaturopathicMedicine #SpiritualHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney 00:00 Bridging Conventional and Alternative Medicine 01:40 Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine 05:59 The Journey to Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor 09:51 Cultural Influences on Healing Practices 13:33 Understanding Naturopathy and Its Distinctions 17:19 Exploring Psychedelic Medicine 21:28 Challenges in Regulated Psychedelic Practices 25:10 Healing Retreats in Mexico 29:26 Navigating Bad Experiences with Psychedelics 33:06 The Role of Integration in Healing 37:17 Indigenous Practices vs. Western Approaches 40:58 The Importance of Holistic Assessment 44:55 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by Dr. Kristin Barnes—naval aviator, endurance athlete, naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and psychedelic-assisted therapy coach—The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast explores integrative and alternative healing through lived experience and expert insight. Each episode offers grounded conversations on trauma recovery, resilience, and mind–body health for those seeking a new path toward wellness. Learn more or book an appointment: https://meridianpassagewellness.com

Information

  • Creator
    Kristin Barnes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kristin Barnes
  • Show Website
    The Alternative Flight Plan