Episoder
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Welcome back to another episode of Wellness Renegades Pod! I'm your host, Jason Stein, alongside my guest, the amazing Dr. Mark T Brinson.
Today, we're diving into the fascinating journey of Mark—our very own wellness genius and the brilliant mind behind Evil Bone Water. From his roots in North Carolina to his disciplined years in the military, we discover his passion for Chinese medicine. Mark’s story is one of resilience and unyielding dedication to ethical business practices.
In this episode, we’ll talk about
Mark's injury ended sports career which led to military
Why Mark chose Acupuncture over OsteopathyHow he balances business ethics while maintaining patient trust
Creating unity and collaboration amidst AcupuncturistsLinks
Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/q60a4
Dr. Mark T Brinson Bio:
Mark Brinson is a Doctor if Oriental Medicine with over 30 years of experience in the healing arts. He now is CEO of Saint Apothecary that makes Evil Bone Water in St Petersburg, Florida.
Social Links:
- Instagram: @evilbonewater
- Website: evilbonewater.com
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Welcome back to another transformational episode of Wellness Renegades! I'm your host Jason Stein, and today, we are honored to have Michelle Grasek join us to navigate the tumultuous waters of the wellness industry post-COVID. Michelle, a veteran in the field, will shed light on the intricacies of marketing in our new digital era, especially for wellness entrepreneurs.
Together, we'll dive deep into the shift towards online marketing and the importance of understanding the essentials of SEO before pouring resources into digital strategies. Michelle brings her personal experience to the table, including the art of negotiation with ad firms and the critical analysis of whether increased online traffic genuinely converts into patients.
We also talk about
How COVID impacted wellness providers.
Understanding SEO manipulation and how to invest wisely.
Negotiating prices for ads or SEO investment.
Frustrations with insurance and considering going cash pay only.
Growth of telemedicine and potential outreach to rural areas
Links
Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/cdH37
Michelle Grasek Bio:
Michelle Grasek is the host of the Acupuncture Marketing School podcast. She's a practicing acupuncturist and marketing strategist and she's been teaching marketing, both online and in-person, over a decade. In that time, Michelle has taught marketing to over 3,500 acupuncturists. It’s her mission to help you grow your business using marketing techniques that are genuine and generous.
Through MIchelle's articles and online PDA courses, she aims to help you outline a strategy, focus on marketing that’s authentic, and get new patients every week. She shares all of her practice-building tips at michellegrasek.com and on social media @michellegrasek.
Social Links:
- Instagram: @michellegrasek
- Website: www.michellegrasek.com
- Acupuncture Marketing School online class [15 PDAs]
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Creating Mushroom Topicals to Heal Pain
Join us in this riveting episode of the Wellness Renegade Podcast as we dive into the world of integrative medicine with Jonathan Conforti, co-head of product management at MYCO CLINIC. Discover how they've revolutionized topical treatments with their mushroom-packed products, offering natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that smell great.
We talk about:
From idea to market for MYCO CLINIC's topical products
Inflammation's impact and pain relief through ingredients
Offering free samples to promote MYCO CLINIC products
New gummy mushroom sleep supplement coming soon.Links:For more information on increasing profits without burning out visit: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/iyGO1
Jonathan Conforti's Bio:
Jonathan Conforti, a trailblazer in the health sector with nearly a decade of experience, is known for his transformative role at Aidance Scientific. His career journey, beginning in clinical software, reflects his dedication to bridging technology and patient care. Conforti's philosophy evolved, leading him to focus on natural pharmaceuticals years ago. At Aidance Scientific, he has played a pivotal role in innovating natural topical treatments, thriving in the company's two-decade-long tradition of success in natural health products. Most notably, Conforti spearheaded the launch of "MYCO CLINIC," a topical and upcoming ingestible products marking a year in the market. MYCO CLINIC topical pain relief products are the first to combine the anti-inflammatory benefits of functional mushrooms – including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Shiitake - with proven analgesics menthol and camphor. MYCO CLINIC's ingredients work synergistically to offer deeply penetrating rapid relief. MYCO CLINIC is available as an ointment, cream, oil and roll-on. Available exclusively to health care practitioners.
Additional Links:
If you are a licensed Practitioner, please take a moment to try the MYCO CLINIC - Click Here to Try MYCO CLINIC for Free
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Marketing Trends: What's Working Now to Attract PatientsWelcome, Wellness Warriors, to another empowering episode of the Wellness Renegades Podcast! I'm your host, Jason Stein, and today we're diving into a transformative discussion with the amazing Chen Yen. Chen's journey is nothing short of inspirational, as she transitioned from a traditional pharmacist to becoming a beacon of hope for holistic healthcare practices.We talk about:
Social media - is it effective or not right now?Educate public, promote holistic care, and attract patientsPredictions about future technologies and astrologyGetting referrals from MDsLinks:For more information on increasing profits without burning out visit: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/jAHN4
Chen Yen's Bio:
Chen Yen is a 6 & 7-figure practice makeover mentor and founder of Introverted Visionary, helping introverted visionary holistic health practitioners grow fulfilling 6 & 7-figure practices in ⅓ of the time it typically takes, without having to do it the exhausting extroverted way. Acupuncturists & holistic practitioner clients who want to accelerate practice growth are able to create innovative practices that go beyond trading time for money.
Acupuncturists & practitioners who want to accelerate practice growth come to us to put them on the map speaking + attract MD referrals or create innovative practices that go beyond trading time for money.
Clients include American Society of Acupuncturists board member, former American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine board Member, board members of acupuncture state boards, past President of American Association of Naturopathic Physician, past president of American Chiropractic Association Sports Council.
Additional Links:
How to Become an In-Demand Practitioner: by Sharing Your Passion & Knowledge as a Thought Leader: https://fillmyholisticpractice.lpages.co/newpatients (including how our clients are bringing in 5-26 new patients/mo)Winning the MD Referral Game: 3-5 Referrals/Wk from MD Referrals:https://getmoremdreferrals.com/growFind out how Chen Yen can help you grow your practice faster: http://introvertedvisionary.com
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Dr. Pranav Lad's background is a tapestry of rich cultural heritage and contemporary medical study, setting him apart in the field of medicine. His story is one of bridging worlds, drawing on deep-rooted practices from his birthplace in India and the advanced methodologies learned through western medical training. This dual perspective equips Dr. Lad with a unique vantage point to treat his patients with a holistic approach that honors both the ancient and the new.
In this episode we discuss:
● Rethinking His Medical Degree and Choosing a Holistic Path● Spending More Time with Patients● Identifying the Role of Digestion● Understanding Ayurvedic Doshas● The Power of Lifestyle Changes● Finding the Journey of Poverty to WealthWellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to the script: https://shorturl.at/amDETSponsors: JaneApp
Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Dr. Lad's Bio and Website:
Dr. Pranav Lad, an accomplished physician with a diverse educational background, holds a BSc in Biology from the University of New Mexico, an M.D. from the Medical University of the Americas, and an N.D. from Sonora University University of Health Sciences. His passion for medicine extends beyond practice to teaching at the Ayurvedic Institute. Now, Dr. Lad is happily settled in Albuquerque, NM, where he dedicates himself to providing personalized care to his patients in his thriving private practice.
Website: https://www.healingartsofveda.comFacebook: Healing Arts of Veda
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Arion Light's upbringing was a unique journey guided by hippie parents who firmly believed that money was the villain in life's story. As he navigated the twists and turns of his own path, a profound realization dawned upon him - money could either shackle us with stress or grant us the wings of freedom. In his career, he uncovered a powerful truth: the key to both entrepreneurial success and life fulfillment lies in the art of embodiment. Arion Light discovered that our choices shape our destiny, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.
In this episode we discuss:
● Why Do Entrepreneurs Struggle with Money● How We Can Create New Money Paradigm● The Single Biggest Business Key● The Two Steps to Creating a Healthier Relationship with Money● Why Wealthy People Aren’t Bad● Finding the Journey of Poverty to WealthWellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to the script: https://bit.ly/WRepisode17Sponsors: JaneAppJane is a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based practice management software that offers a full suite of features to help acupuncturists run their practices more efficiently.
Here are a few ways Jane can help streamline your charting workflows:
● There’s no need to start from scratch. Pick and customize a chart or intake form from Jane’s Template Library, created and shared by our acupuncture community.Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Bio, Social Channels and Website:
Arion combines potent state mastery with clear business strategy so you can truly ravish your world with your gifts, make your unique impact on those you serve, and get paid. This is the ethos of The Embodied Business Institute. He lives in Victoria, Australia, by the Birrarung river, with his beloved son (a budding teen entrepreneur himself) and his dogs, and continues to write and create programs to inspire embodied entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, their gifts & their service in a truly authentic and unique way.
Wealth Warrior Meditation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arion_light/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearewarriorsoflove
Website: https://www.embodiedbusinessinstitute.com/the-village
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Lori Kennedy went from sickness to health and from clinician to business owner. As a 19 year old in college Lori hit a health crisis and was so sick she was unable to function. Western treatments were unable to help so she began to explore holistic medicine and found the power of movement and food to heal. Come listen as we learn more about her journey and how she helps other providers now.
In this episode we discuss:
● Why Bios Might Not Matter● The Difference Between Business and Clinical Skills● How To Move From Single Sessions to Programs● Raising Your Business IQ with Books● Western Medical Model and the Loss of Accountability● When to Use AI and When Not To Link to the Transcript: https://bit.ly/WRepisode16Wellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegadesSponsors: JaneAppJane is a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based practice management software that offers a full suite of features to help acupuncturists run their practices more efficiently.
Here are a few ways Jane can help streamline your charting workflows:
● There’s no need to start from scratch. Pick and customize a chart or intake form from Jane’s Template Library, created and shared by our acupuncture community.● Speed up your charting by creating custom keyboard shortcuts that auto-populate sentences or paragraphs in your chart entries. This can be especially handy for documenting your most commonly used pressure points, treatment plans, and more.● Add billing and diagnosis codes to chart notes and appointments at the same time for a convenient insurance billing experience.Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Bio, Social Channels and Website:
Lori Kennedy is first and foremost a mom to her two kids. She’s the Founder & CEO of The Wellness Business Hub, a global business development company for alternative practitioners and coaches who are starting and growing an online business. The Wellness Business Hub’s mission is to revolutionize how practitioners and coaches do business so they can have flexibility, freedom and financial stability while they transform lives for a living.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorikennedyinc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507638994&ref=xav_ig_profile_web
Website: https://www.thewellnessbusinesshub.com/What type of online program is right for you? https://www.wbhvirtualclass.com/program-type
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Prepare for a journey as we delve into the fascinating world of Dr. Ken Weizer: Naturopath, Cancer Survivor, and intrepid adventurer. Dr. Ken's has been a stalwart presence at Providence Health Systems' integrative oncology clinic for the past 22 years. But what sets Dr. Ken apart is his approach to cancer care, one that prioritizes the well-being of the entire person, transcending the confines of a mere diagnosis. Join us for a conversation that may challenge your perceptions of cancer treatment.
In this episode we discuss:
Going Beyond the Lump and BumpNew Stats on Cancer and the Rise of CancerWhat Are the Steps to Prevent More CancerAI And the Next Generation of PractitionersFiguring Out What Works for Integrative ProvidersTrying and Failing in LifeWellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to Transcript: https://bit.ly/WRepisode14Sponsors: JaneAppJane is a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based practice management software that offers a full suite of features to help acupuncturists run their practices more efficiently.
Here are a few ways Jane can help streamline your charting workflows:
There’s no need to start from scratch. Pick and customize a chart or intake form from Jane’s Template Library, created and shared by our acupuncture community.Speed up your charting by creating custom keyboard shortcuts that auto-populate sentences or paragraphs in your chart entries. This can be especially handy for documenting your most commonly used pressure points, treatment plans, and more.Add billing and diagnosis codes to chart notes and appointments at the same time for a convenient insurance billing experience.Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Social Channels and Website:
Dr. Ken Weizer doesn’t use social media. He can be found at https://www.providence.org/doctors/naturopathy/or/portland/ken-weizer-1023148186
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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with John Friess, serial entrepreneur, cofounder and CEO of Metolius Hemp. As Co-Founder and CEO of Metolius Hemp Company John and his team of co-founders are working to innovate the industrial hemp industry in a manner like no other company. They were recently awarded the ‘Most Pioneering CBD Company In North America’ supporting their vision and mission around what they deem the EXIT P.A.C.T.To learn more about EXIT P.A.C.T. visit https://www.mycannabis.com/metolius-exit-pact-harness-the-power-of-hemp-to-overcome-addictions/In this episode we discuss:
Hemp and the future of CBDHow farms are decreasing and usage of CBD is going upWhy most CBD products are under dosedHow ramping production and minimizing quality is not the way to goAnd how John’s son with autism was helped with CBDWellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/.
Link to the Transcript:https://bit.ly/WRep14
Instagram: @WellnessRenegadesSponsors: JaneAppJane is a HIPAA-compliant, all-in-one practice management software that’s loved by the acupuncture community.
Jane offers online booking, electronic charting, insurance billing, and integrated payments (to name a few) to help make your day-to-day easier.
To learn more about Jane, visit jane.app/acupuncture-us
John Friess’s Bio:
John Friess is focused on founding and building the marketability, viability and exit ability of idea and emerging stage startups. He has worked with hundreds of startups and is currently the CEO and cofounder of Metolius HempSocial Channels and Website:
Website: https://metolius.hemp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metoliushemp
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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Khanita Suvarnasuddhi, an acupuncturist, chiropractor, and martial artist. Brace yourself for a wild ride as we unravel the secrets of content creation and perseverance. Driven by her passion for health and wellness, Dr. Khanita spills the beans on how she grew her Instagram following to over 300K and gives us a sneak peak into where she is headed next.
How her scarf video and bleeding an acupuncture point where the pivotal point in her going ‘viral’What kept her going on social media when she wanted to quitHow instagram and social media followers have attracted more patientsDiscovering her newfound love for hyperbaric chambersHow her own life is creating a clearer vision for her channels and practiceWellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to the Transcript: https://bit.ly/WREpisode13Sponsors:JaneApp: jane.app/payments Free Trial: WELLNESSRENEGADE
Dr. Khanita’s Bio:
Approaching healing from an integrated perspective, Dr. Khanita blends her background of movement therapy, martial arts, chiropractic and Chinese Medicine to create a supportive environment for holistic transformation to take place.Social Channels and Website:
Website: https://arayaholistichealth.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBb7tMnxgd7QqOS54rcU_uA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/araya_hpm/
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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, an acupuncturist who specializes in Ophthalmology. Andy shares with us his journey from humble beginnings into becoming a millionaire acupuncturist.Andy also talks aboutHow he went from fascination to obsession as he discovered the world of eye care and Chinese Medicine.
His humbling start and lessons learned as new acupuncturist presenting to Western providersSharing about why he created an oil based eye drop that was needed in the marketplace.Leveraging his power of ADHD to make it a strength in running his practice.And his top tip in creating a positive Money Mindset in the field of acupuncture and wellness.Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to the Transcript: https://bit.ly/WREpisode12
Dr. Rosenfarb’s bio:Dr. Rosenfarb is a world renowned expert on Chinese Medical Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Acupuncture, and Functional Integrative Ophthalmology. He has been specializing for over 25 years and has worked with thousands of patients from over 50 countries who fly into New Jersey to work with Dr. Rosenfarb.
Links:Website: https://acuvisionacupuncture.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retinitispigmentosasupport
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyrosenfarb/
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In this episode, we chat with Michelle Grasek, an acupuncturist who also specializes in marketing. Michelle shares with us her journey to becoming an acupuncturist and how her grandmother’s experience with acupuncture sparked her interest in the field.Michelle also talks aboutHer love for marketing and how she started her blog on Acupuncture Marketing.
The biggest struggles acupuncturists and healers face in marketing their practice.How the COVID pandemic impacted Michelle’s practice and how she shifted focus.The importance of thinking outside the box and finding one’s passion points to avoid burnout.What’s coming up for her in 2023 and how letting go of insurance gives you more timeWebsite: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://bit.ly/WREpisode1
Michelle Grasek bio:
Michelle Grasek is the host of the Acupuncture Marketing School podcast. She's a practicing acupuncturist and marketing strategist and she's been teaching marketing, both online and in-person, for 9 years. In that time, Michelle has taught marketing to over 3,500 acupuncturists. It’s her mission to help you grow your business using marketing techniques that are genuine and generous.
Through MIchelle's articles and online PDA courses, she aims to help you outline a strategy, focus on marketing that’s authentic, and get new patients every week. She shares all of her practice-building tips at michellegrasek.com and on social media @michellegrasek.
Social Links:
- Instagram: @michellegrasek
- Facebook
- Website: www.michellegrasek.com
- Acupuncture Marketing School online class [15 PDAs]
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In this episode, Jason Stein interviews Tik Tok funny man Brehan Crawford. Brehan is an Acupuncturist and Chinese medicine professional in Oregon where he treats patients with complex & chronic conditions such as Lyme disease and Fibromyalgia.Join Jason and Brehan as they talk about:
How Brehan got started in Tik Tok
Keeping it real with other professionals who comment
What it’s like discussing COVID and Lyme Disease online
Website: https://www.crawford-wellness.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawford_wellness
IG https://www.instagram.com/crawford_wellness
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In this episode, Jason Stein and co founder Dr. Rachel Sterry, discuss the life of the entrepreneurial parent as we continue to live through the Pandemic and as they navigate business and parenting with two small kids in a tiny home. Join Dr. Rachel and Jason as they talk about:
Getting Country BotoxThe Intersection of Parenting and Business
Dads and Moms and the DifferencesFinding Your Flow with Kids
Connect with Dr. Rachel and Jason SteinWebsite: https://WellnessRenegades.com
Wellness Renegade Podcast: http://wellnessrenegades.podbean.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/https://www.facebook.com/jason.stein2LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imjasonstein/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imjasonstein/
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In this episode, Jason Stein interviews Christine DeLozier, acupuncturist, herbalist, Chinese Medicine expert, and author of “Diet for Great Sex,” a guide that walks readers through the specific foods that lead to great sex and dives deep into the science of how it works.
When an acupuncture client came in asking if she could help them improve their sexual health, Christine DeLozier began to search for the root of what makes sex great physiologically. She discovered nerves, blood vessels and hormones operate in synchrony was the secret to success - and that this trifecta could be affected by diet. Now, she uses this knowledge to help people develop dietary strategies to live healthier lives - in and out of the bedroom!
Join Christine and Jason as they talk about:
The psychological and physiological ingredients of great sexHow antioxidants reduce sexual dysfunctionWhy you should start incorporating leafy greens into your diet - stat!The small dietary changes that create big resultsIdeal date-night foods and cocktailsThe effect of environmental toxins on hormones and fertilityWhy nutrition isn’t as prevalent in Western MedicineFor a full transcript of the episode, visit: bit.ly/WR8Transcript
About Christine DeLozier
As an acupuncturist and herbalist in private practice, Christine DeLozier, L.Ac., specializes in sexual health, treating males, females, and all orientations and identities.
Acupuncture is great for sexual function, but to address the underlying mechanics of consistently great sex, the key is diet. For this reason, she works with patients to develop dietary habits that support their sexual goals.
Connect with Christine DeLozier
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietforgreatsex/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMepWNyND/
Website: https://christinedelozier.com/
Get your copy of Diet for Great Sex at http://bit.ly/DietForGreatSex
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In this episode, Jason Stein invites Dr. Rachel Sterry onto the show to discuss what inspires certain people to break from the status quo and become Wellness Renegade.Convinced there was a better way to do business than working a traditional 9 to 5 job (or to the detriment of your own health) Jason and Rachel set out to find it. They entered the wellness industry and quickly started to notice a pattern: those with healthier work environments had healthier lives. And those who had healthier lives had healthier businesses.It was from this idea that Jason and Rachel founded the Wellness Renegades, a community where rogue wellness entrepreneurs can find the support, direction, focus, advice, tools, and relationships to craft better businesses and better lives.
Join Jason and Rachel as they talk about:
what inspired them to become Renegadesthe corruption of the health insurance industrythe value of a communitybartering and “in-kind” agreementsthe characteristics of a Wellness Renegadetaking risks and making big life changesovercoming a fear of setting boundariesexciting Wellness Renegades projects in the worksFor a full transcript of this episode, visit http://bit.ly/WRPEpisode7
Connect with Jason and RachelDr. Rachel’s Website: https://fitmamapdx.com/
Jason’s Website: jasonstein.com
Wellness Renegades Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wellnessrenegades
Email Jason: [email protected]
Email Dr. Rachel: [email protected]
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In this episode, Jason Stein interviews Dr. Matthew Hicks, ND, a naturopathic doctor who has made it his life’s work to help people live healthier, happier, and better lives through the use of psychedelics. Dr. Hicks has always wanted to use naturopathic medicine to help people to recover their mental health - but it wasn’t until a fateful presentation by Erica Zelfand, ND that Matthew discovered the potential (and power) of using psychedelics to aid in healing. An ND degree and many years of research and training later, Dr. Hicks now leads Ketamine and Psilocybin Retreats, facilitates Psychotherapy and Psychedelic Therapy Training, and is designing programs for Psilocybin Therapy. Join Dr. Hicks and Jason as they talk about:
Oregon’s progressive new laws concerning Psilocybin - and their riskshow Ketamine and Psilocybin workthe future of Psilocybin - will it share the fate of CBD? microdosingthe good and the bad of hallucinogenic side effectswhy psychedelics are not yet a part of mainstream medicineand how to navigate the challenges that come with being a pioneerFor a full transcription of the episode, visit: http://bit.ly/WRP6Transcript
About Dr. HicksDr. Hicks is the founder of Synaptic Integrative Care and Training Institute in Portland, Oregon, offering ketamine assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic therapy training. He is the medical director of Silo Wellness offering psilocybin and ketamine retreats in Jamaica and Oregon. He also hosts the Integrative Psychiatry Review podcast.Connect with Dr. HicksSilo Wellness Retreats: https://siloretreats.com/
Synaptic Integrative Care and Training Institute: https://www.synaptic.care/
Podcast: https://www.drmatthewhicks.com/
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In this episode, Jason Stein interviews Dianne A. Allen, a gifted intuitive mentor, author, speaker, podcast host, and SSP technician, determined to help people break free from outdated thinking, reshape their personal narrative, and let their light shine.A talented and gifted person herself, Dianne is well-versed in helping people of all paths make friends with the trials and tribulations of being gifted. She knows the gifted experience comes with brilliance, wonder, and insatiable curiosity… and overstimulation, loneliness, and frequent misunderstanding. Over the past four decades, she’s worked with kids, coaches, CEOs, and Grammy winners alike to help them realize their truth, manage their highs and lows, and find a community where they’ll feel seen and celebrated. Join Dianne and Jason as they talk about:
The “shadow side” of giftednessHelping others see the greatness inside themselvesHow to be a good steward of your own beingEnsuring financial flow in unpredictable economies The important connection between the Vagus Nerve and the nervous systemHow to share your truth… and be heardThe importance of having a community. The incredible power of words and their ability to jumpstart - or hinder - your growthConnect with Ms. Dianne AllenWebsite: MsDianneAllen.comVisions Applied (Dianne’s publishing company) - VisionsApplied.comSomeone Gets Me Podcast: someonegetsme.podbean.comSomeone Gets Me Community: members.someonegetsme.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallenLinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/?hl=en
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOu4J24z4iz3Dskj8RIg5jQ?disable_polymer=trueTranscript:
Jason Stein 0:01 Hi, this is Jason Stein, and welcome to another episode of the Wellness Renegades Podcast. Here, we explore the crossroads of wellness entrepreneurs like you and me, who are committed to making money while helping others live healthier lives, people who are going up against big pharma insurance conglomerates, and the mainstream medical models. In each episode, we journey into the challenges and breakthroughs it takes to own your own business, pave the path through conventional medicine, and truly become a Wellness Renegade. Today I'm here with Ms. Dianne Allen. Welcome, Dianne.
Dianne Allen 0:42 Hi, Jason. I'm glad to be here.
Jason Stein 0:45 Let's go ahead and tell the listeners just a little bit about who you are. Because I know you to be someone that's worked with Grammy winners, someone who's been a best selling author, someone who understands what it is to be talented and gifted, someone who understands addiction - the list goes on and on. So, in one sentence tell the listeners who you are.
Dianne Allen 1:09 One sentence: I am a gifted intuitive that helps people break out of the trance of living a life lower than they should and bring out their light - no matter what way it is,-whether it's free from addiction, or make friends with being gifted or all of those different things you just mentioned about me - because my core belief is that everybody has the right to health, wellness and happiness. And, the only thing in our way, is believing lies and our own belief systems that hold us back. So, my mission is to help people break through all of that, so that we're not living the lie anymore.
Jason Stein 1:46 It's so interesting: there are so many lies these days! Both in our own head and in geopolitics everywhere. So, what I'm really - I'm gonna roll up my sleeves with you today because I'm really interested in the conversation of talented and gifted. And for children, we know what that means: they go into TAG (Talented and Gifted) programs, they're in advanced classes, they're in college credit. But as an adult, there's this word I'm learning about: "2e." What, what the hell is that? What does that even mean "2e?"
Dianne Allen 2:20 "2e" is the short term that we use in the gifted world, it means twice-exceptional, which means the person is gifted, which means a high IQ with overexcitability and all of the gifted pieces. And there are other variants as well, like executive functioning issues, or maybe ADHD, or their learning strategy is different, or they're very, very sensitive, or they're very intuitive, or an empath. And so, this person not only has the challenges of being gifted (which has its own challenges), but they also have another overlying situation happening. So they need even more support and more guidance and assistance from people who are a little further down the road because sometimes it can get very tricky. So like I'm 2e, I have more than one thing going on. Most of the people I work with do, whether they call it that or not. That label comes mostly through the educators and gifted people. So the medical model, people don't use that. They don't - most of them don't even know what it is. And so it's - it's those of us who are really engaged with helping people live their vision. And two, we can get overlooked and misdiagnosed all the time.
Jason Stein 3:31 Well, I'm really curious about this, because I'm wondering like a grown adult who is either successful or striving for success? How many of them are willing to say, "Well, I'm twice exceptional?"
Dianne Allen 3:46 Probably none, unless they have been educated on what that really means.
Jason Stein 3:51 Mm-hmm.
Dianne Allen 3:51 And I most of the people that I work with Jason, they wouldn't call themselves gifted until I kind of helped them see that it's an asset that they maybe have been labeling as a liability. Or they had the misconception that calling themselves gifted or twice exceptional was an elitist kind of comment. And really, that's not the case, so they have to kind of make friends with themselves first. Most adults wouldn't use that language unless they're taught what it really means and can see that yes, you know, it's an exceptionality - but it doesn't mean that there's something wrong.
Jason Stein 4:23 So what happens to these people? Like, I think about, if we're using this chewy terminology of the kids in high school, there was one kid I know that got a perfect score on his LSAT. Clearly, he had other challenges. And so, when we're thinking about, like, educationally, children get a tremendous amount of support when they are high functioning and they are talented and gifted. What happens to the adult that is highly talented and gifted? What happens to them?
Dianne Allen 5:02 They can get lost in the system. They can get judged, missed, and feel really alone. And sometimes they struggle with addiction and feeling totally isolated. Some people try to hide their gifts, because you know, they want to be normal and fit in. I tried it, I made it about five minutes, I can't - that's not my skill set at all! And it's so we feel kind of like outliers like nobody really gets us and, and in some respects, only about 2% of the population actually will, because it's - it's a small, very small percentage of the population. And so that can get missed, they can get fired from jobs because they're, they're very intense and very focused. Often. I'm working with somebody now who's a business coach for a big medical facility and, and they were trying to fire the director of nursing because she was intense and focused. I'm like, well, let me see, you're running a hospital in the middle of COVID, you're totally gifted and talented, and you're dialed into solution... and the people above you want to talk about lunch or what's on TV. To a twice exceptional person, that's ridiculous, because you're saving lives. The concrete brain has trouble flipping back and forth in that transition, and so I try to help advocate for people, like, if you have a really gifted, talented person around and they get intense, be happy about it because that means they're solving problems nobody else can see.
Jason Stein 6:28 And let's just talk about this parallel between being gifted and addiction. Is the addiction - I'm assuming that it's to numb out that "I'm not normal, I'm different, I don't fit in." Or where does the addiction come in?
Dianne Allen 6:44 It sometimes is that, but it also very frequently starts because that glass of wine or that cocktail will ease the abundant input. You know, like the brains tired, there's so much going on. One of my new clients just said "I feel 1000 things at once, and now what do I do?" And so, that takes so much energy. When you learn that, oh, that glass of wine or that drink will numb it or slow it down even, you get that relief. But what you don't know is you're playing with fire, and you keep searching for that relief, and then pretty soon it can turn into a big problem, rather than using a healthier coping skill. So it - sometimes you can feel everything and nothing at the same time.
Jason Stein 7:29 And so I would think that - that with the proper support, that these talented and gifted individuals become great leaders in the world, is that true?
Dianne Allen 7:41 I believe it's true. I believe that's - that's where the solution to the bigger problems are within the gifted, the twice-exceptional people who can see it. They suffer often from existential depression, which medicine will not help. So, when somebody says I've tried all this medicine, and it didn't work, or it only helped a little bit, I start looking in the existential arena. Then, I start noticing that they can see solutions that nobody around them can see. So, if you see a solution to a big problem, and nobody around you gets you or can see it, that creates a sort of depression - but it's not solved with medicine. It's solved by making friends with that and then bridging yourself into the paradigm so that you can make the solution happen.
Jason Stein 8:22 Let's bring this down to like the street level of like existential depression. I don't think I'm 2e, I don't quite know what that means. What does that mean - existential depression?
Dianne Allen 8:36 It means that it's not chemical - that would be endogenous depression. It's not exogenous depression, which means (it's caused by a) situational, behavioral, or a change or transition. Existential means that it's above the cognitive, it's in the more in the spiritual realm. And most of the time, what you will hear somebody say is, "I'm really depressed because I can see the solution and nobody can hear me." They speak it maybe in a boardroom, or to their partner, to their family, like, "I can see what to do here. I can see the problem for the pollution, or I can see global warming, I can see what to do." And everyone around them poopoos it or denies it, or pretends like they're not even talking.
Jason Stein 9:27 Yeah.
Dianne Allen 9:28 And then they get depressed because nobody, nobody gets it, even though they can see it as clear as day. And here's the interesting thing, Jason. Typically, they're right.
Jason Stein 9:38 Yeah.
Dianne Allen 9:39 And the world takes about two or three years to catch up with them, you know.
Jason Stein 9:42 I think about Einstein, I think about Edison. I think about all the people that in the beginning, the masses thought they were crazy, and that they had no value. And it wasn't until later that their genius was truly appreciated and seen and so, what words of wisdom do you have for that person that's saying, "I see the solution." And everybody's like, "You should be locked up."
Dianne Allen 10:12 The word first word of wisdom is if you see the solution, document it, write it down, do a video, draw it out, do whatever, and then seek people who will hear you and you're going to find them in the gifted/twice exceptional community, because we all get it. And even if I can't understand what your solution means, I get that it is the solution. And so the moment you feel heard and understood, that's the game changer.
Jason Stein 10:39 Hm, and so I'm not invited to these conferences. And so what's one of the organizations that people could know about?
Dianne Allen 10:49 Well, every state has their own gifted consortium or gifted group. But the international one is called SENG. It stands for Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted. It has the largest online library of resources, has monthly online meetings and a conference once a year where I speak in that conference. And it's, it's really fun because you get to be affirmed. You know, you have gifted children. So when you act like you're not gifted, I'm going to call you out on it, because it's not true.
Jason Stein 11:20 They get that from their mother, maybe. I yeah, I wasn't in TAG. But I think I have a gift in emotional intelligence, for sure. But normal IQ in the same community, do people talk IQ at all, or no?
Dianne Allen 11:39 They talk IQ, they talk overexcite abilities and intensities. They talk - they're just now talking about addiction. It's funny, I used to want to talk about it, and the powers that be, years ago, would always say, "Well, we don't have addiction problems in gifted people." So I opened a gifted substance abuse recovery center that filled up right away, so I let them see that that's not the case. Now they're letting us talk about it. And they talk about education things, they talk about coping skills - everything you can think of.
Jason Stein 12:07 Now, I told you, we're going to roll up our sleeves, and I'm really curious: Right now, if you're listening to this later in time and space, there's huge things going on with the US in politics and a breach of the Congress and Donald Trump is on his way out and a new President-Elect Joe Biden's coming in, and, and is Donald Trump 2e?
Dianne Allen 12:35 Um, probably the dark side of a lot of it.
Jason Stein 12:39 Okay, and then -
Dianne Allen 12:41 It can go awry. See, giftedness can go awry. They did a test of all of the gang member leaders in jail. They're all gifted.
Jason Stein 12:49 Okay, that makes sense to me. I would think that the gifted people become leaders and they become leaders of the Mexican Cartel. They become leaders of democracy. They become leaders of technology. They become leaders of everything. So then, if we talk about this, I just want to talk a little bit about the shadow side. So when we look at Donald Trump, in my experience, he is able to create a narrative and have people follow the narrative even if it's a false narrative. And I'm wondering, in the 2e world, are our narcissists 2e often or sociopaths or -
Dianne Allen 13:49 Those are two totally separate things. They don't correlate - at all. They don't correlate at all, but they can intertwine and they can be in the same person, but there's no correlation.
Jason Stein 14:00 Okay. And so, talk a little bit about why you think Donald Trump is gifted?
Dianne Allen 14:13 Well, because when I've watched him before he became president, he, he is very skilled at learning a system and finding all the holes in it. And mastering that, he's skilled at meeting somebody and finding their weak spot that they may not even know they have and exploiting it all over the place. He is a master at creating plausible truth, which means I can tell you something that's not true and tell it to you enough, in enough different ways, where you begin to say, well, maybe it's possible. That's why half - most of the people in the world are going "Well, I don't know what to believe." because it can come off so real. It's also - the screaming and yelling fits are very common in 2e people who are overwhelmed and overstimulated and don't take care of themselves and don't give themselves downtime. Too much, too quick will make any of us lose it. So there's that too. He's also calculating a lot of it. So, he's got more than one issue going on. The problems, as I see them are more mental health related and more undisclosed motive related, that leaks out. And yes, I am, I'm sure he's gifted, because somebody not gifted, could not manipulate and do all the things he's been doing over the years long before he became president.
Jason Stein 15:44 I'm just really curious why you think the people around him aren't trying to help him more if he does have some mental health challenges. Is it just because of power?
Dianne Allen 16:00 I would say first and foremost, denial, and secondly, fear,
Jason Stein 16:05 The fear of what?
Dianne Allen 16:07 Reprisal, being harmed, not being heard - because you know, when somebody points something out, he fires them or, or goes after them in some manner. And so, if somebody is afraid for their livelihood, or afraid for their life, or has a high fear level that he instills in them to control them. If they already had that propensity, then they're stuck, because what's one of the parts of high fear? It's freeze. You can't make a decision, can't do anything any different. Plus, there's the denial, and plus, there is cognitive re-ordering of what's going on. So I can think of my way around in a massage situation and say, "Well, it's not that bad." Well, if I tell myself, "It's not that bad enough," I believe it, even if it's not true. And I'm stuck - I'm in the trance.
Jason Stein 16:58 I get it. So it's actually creating a different reality, and then living whatever your reality is. My question, this is really an interesting thought. Like, there's a lot of talented and gifted leaders, but then there's people just on the street level, right? And so if I were to have a friend that acted like Donald Trump, but I saw their greatness as well, what can I do as a friend -
Dianne Allen 17:28 Point out their greatness. You know, like, I just - in my Someone Gets Me Community, I just did a post for everybody reminding them that they're perfect, whole and complete exactly as they are, they lacked nothing. And so when it's your friend, and they're having a hard time, you listen to them. You understand that that hard craziness is an overwhelm response. And then when it all decompresses, when they're all done losing it, then you say, "You know, what I see? The truth I see about you is you're kind or compassionate," - whatever it is you see, and you start speaking the truth that I see about you is, the truth that I see about you - and you keep saying it so that they can hear it, because it can't unhear you. Mm hmm. Right, so, and you help point out to go down that road, like, go down the road of the light, and educate. I educate a lot on, you know, maybe maybe the fact that you're having a hard time with all this overwhelm and all this anger is because anger comes from pain, and pain, the definition of pain is disconnection. So if you're disconnected in there, it's gonna feel kind of weird. So here's things that we do to get connected. Yeah, there are all kinds of things we can say, as friends to teach and ease somebody into seeing that. They might be struggling, but that doesn't mean it's hopeless.
Jason Stein 18:48 Yeah, it's interesting, because I guess I'm a bit of a skeptic that I would think that someone that is 2e, and they're moving into the shadow side and, and if I try to share what I see - my perspective, my truth - that they may feel like their cups already full, like they know it all, and they understand it all. And they can't really receive anything, because they have their own truth.
Dianne Allen 19:16 Well, that's why I said, first of all, you let them totally decompress. You don't try to say what you think when they're hyped, when they're overly stimulated, because it won't get in, number one. And number two, when you keep it very simple, this is what I see: there's no argument there. If you keep going and say, "Well, I feel this way" or bla bla bla and all that pontificating. People do that, that doesn't help. You know, like when I've had meltdowns before, I have a really good friend in my life, and she says, I see the truth of your being. Now there's times where I wanted to punch her when she said that, but the truth is, she sees the truth of my being. And so yeah, I might be looking crazy right now and I might be losing my mind because I'm overwhelmed. But at the end of the day, when I finally calm down - because they will calm dow -. Okay, there's, there's a higher truth in here, there's something in here. And that's why, like, all my clients I work with can call me anytime they want to, because the meltdowns usually don't happen 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. Yeah, so if they're having a tough day, or they just need to be brought back down to earth a little bit, then I have a real good skill set at helping to do that. Everybody needs other people in their corner, at least four or five people that can get it, that aren't going to be afraid of the meltdown looking because with high gifts comes in all kinds of ups and all kinds of now,
Jason Stein 20:36 I really appreciate what you're saying. Because when I work with people, I noticed that the people that reach out more, do better. Like I don't prompt them to reach out, it's the ones that on their own, that they use the laser call, or they email or text me outside of sessions. They actually do a lot better.
Dianne Allen 20:58 You've got to have support.
Jason Stein 21:00 And so for those, I'm curious as a learning question for me: for those that, you know, could benefit from more of that? Do you just remind them? Or do you prompt them? How do you bring it up?
Dianne Allen 21:13 Sometimes I remind them, and sometimes I use my impish kind of humor. And if if I intuitively go, "You know, I haven't heard from so and so." or "You know, they're probably going through something", or whatever it is, I'll just call them and say, "Hey, what are you doing?"
Jason Stein 21:29 Good! So you're not gonna let it ride out.
Dianne Allen 21:32 And then they go, "Huh, what?" I go "No, seriously, what are you doing? I was just thinking about you, what are you doing?" You know, or whatever, or ask them what kind of shoes they're wearing, or some question that's a little bit off, but they know it's me. So though, they'll humor me and then then they can have the opening to say something if they want to, or not, or whatever. But I know that it takes two to engage in that and sometimes when somebody is overwhelmed, the ability to reach out at a certain point goes away. So because the person's in freeze, right? They're in danger. So that's why I do a lot of SSP with people and really help get the nervous system to work in their favor.
Jason Stein 22:07 Okay, let's bring it street level: what's SSP?
Dianne Allen 22:10 SSP is Safe and Sound Protocol. It's a pre-cognitive music intervention that reregulates the entire nervous system. So herbs and vitamins you take get received by your body better. Your emotions are more aligned and calm. If you get stressed, you come back down quicker. All of your organs are affected because a Vagus Nerve is what it works on. So, most 2e people in my world, most people in this day and age could use some nervous system regulation. So I work both with their nervous system and with their belief system. And then, you know, how do you manage all of it?
Jason Stein 22:51 Yeah, it's such a weird conversation. Because as you're, as you're speaking, I could see how in some ways the listener might be like, she is just out there. What is she even talking about? And other people are like, you know, it's been proven with science that we are vibrations - there's a vibrational measurement that you can have on the body. So of course, sound waves are going to help heal the body. And our thought process somehow with the Internet has gone awry. Where is it that we can bring people back as renegades? that being a renegade doesn't mean that we're speaking like a ethereal crystal star - Like, no common sense - but really bringing it into the practical. So let me give you an example: I've been watching the vaccine conversation online. Lots of people like "Run out and get your vaccine!", right? Lots of people like, "There's way too many side effects - don't get your vaccine." and it becomes this like, thing. And but if you're pro vaccine, you're doing it because you want to save lives. I think that's the argument, right?
Dianne Allen 24:05 I guess.
Jason Stein 24:06 But most of those people aren't pro-starvation, where they're spending as much or equal amount of time to helping feed the hungry, which also saves lives. So my mind just like I think people have become stuck in their lands of like, "This makes sense. And I can't, I can't come to your side, because I've already made up my mind." And so what do we do with that?
Dianne Allen 24:35 Oh, I love this question. The first thing I do - and I got in a conversation about a similar thing last night - I made a comment and then the person jumped on the other side and started kind of getting all heated. So when they were all done being all heated, I said, "Well, I have a different view than you and one is there are no sides." And the moment that you go into that dualistic, "Pick a side!", you just cheapen all of life. So, let's get out of the "sides." I didn't mention anything about that other side, because that's not even what I was talking about, right? And so I don't live in the duality of "pick a side," I choose to live in the reality of good stewardship. And if I'm to be a good steward of my mind, my emotions, my body, my connections, all of it, then my question, the higher question is, how am I - am I being a good steward? For some people getting the vaccine might be being a good steward for them, in their world, and in their their life, whatever that looks like. And for others, it might be the opposite, or some variance in the middle. And we're all different. See, people think that everyone sees things the way we see and all the brains think the same. The truth is, no one sees anything exactly the same as anyone else. We have neurodiversity - our neurons are different - and we have different autobiographies and different sensitivities. It's impossible for two people to feel and see and experience anything exactly the same. Not possible. So we have to get out of these goofy, crazy ideas, and say, go within, and be a good steward of your own being, whatever that looks like. I mean, look how long into the pandemic, Jason, it took for them to say vitamins like zinc and vitamin D would help you.
Jason Stein 26:27 They're still not saying it. They're still I don't know why there's not like, you know, the Wash Your Hands ads? I don't know why there is an ads like "Take Vitamin D!"
Dianne Allen 26:36 Well, I've seen some ads about taking Zinc and vitamin D here.
Jason Stein 26:41 And you're in, you're in Florida?
Dianne Allen 26:43 I'm in Florida. Not much, a little bit. Finally! It's only been a few weeks. And those of us who are the Renegades are like, well, if we're going to be good stewards of Earth, of our bodies of - of all of this, then a stewardship means taking the highest and best care - not just average. It means like doing the very best we possibly can. So, we make our own decisions, and we get as much information as we can. So sometimes, as a Renegade, I find myself quietly educating, speaking my truth quietly and clearly. And when I got jumped on last night - and I have been jumped on by very many people -They just jumped to the other side and assume I'm for the other side, I said, "Who said that? I didn't say that."
Jason Stein 27:30 There is a lot of assumptions being made.
Dianne Allen 27:32 And so when I challenge that they back out and go, "Yeah, you're right." I said, "Well, I invite you to listen a little bit more clearly to those people that you're engaging with, because you were wrong." Now, what - does it change their long term behavior? I don't know. I don't, you know, but I want to stay in integrity.
Jason Stein 27:51 Well, one other thing, I wanted to talk about integrity. And, and this 2e conversation is really money. Like we the economy just did this very weird thing - partly because of politics, like many places had to lock down. You're one of the people that I know, that had an incredibly good 2020 financially. And so when we're all over the map, and a lot of Wellness Renegades are like, I want to be a Renegade, but I have to make a living. What do you say to them?
Dianne Allen 28:28 Yes. Yeah. They're correct.
Jason Stein 28:33 And any other words of wisdom there?
Dianne Allen 28:37 I am - well, again, I, I'm a Renegade in the sense that I start everything spiritually. So when I have financial things happen - and I have financial things happen - it is true that my 2020 was a banner year. But it was true because I said yes to opportunities that were outside of what I typically do. I'm good at it. And I'm probably the best at what I was doing, that I know of. And it was outside of my typical work. So I am aware that it was a potential anomaly. But that doesn't mean there won't be another anomaly coming. Right? Like, we have to be aware that it's not new, normal flow, whatever that means. So I always say I have a little affirmation, I say, and that is "God is the source of all my supply. Abundance comes to me and always." So, you can replace that with anything you want to, but I see God as the greater order of the universe. And so I say that all the time. Like, I don't know where it's coming from. I have no idea. But what I do do is I say yes to the opportunity, even when it's outside of what I think it should be. Like if somebody calls me says, "Well, I want to work with you, but I don't want any of those programs. Will you do something else?" If it's something that I can do, my answer will be yes. I just accepted a new client that is asking for something outside of what's my typical program, whatever that looks like. And I said yes, because we aligned spiritually and mentally and she's 2e and doesn't know it yet. So, we have to be flexible, we have to be willing to step into really who we are. And what I see a lot of providers doing in this space, is giving way too much power to fear, and way too much power to lack and limitation and excuses that they tell themselves. I freed myself from that trance some time ago, and it still pops in once in a while. But I have enough people that shake me silly when it shows back up. Like, no, that's not it. But we have to be willing to step into it and say, if this is who I am, and this is what I bring to the table, there's more to you than just the one thing you think you do.
Jason Stein 30:48 Yeah, you know, I like it. I'm really wondering how we can invite more people into uncomfortability. And uncomfortability doesn't have to be bad. Like, you know, my family and I, we moved from the big city to the small town. We made major moves this past year, and there was some fear, but the rewards, were a thousandfold the fear. And so I just I'm excited of what you're saying that you're just - what I hear in what you're saying is that yes, people want your help, they want support, that you find a way to say yes, in ways that work for you. And that we have to deal with money, we have to start pivoting, that the old economy is probably changing. And we have to start to think of how do we shift and transform our businesses as renegades in a way that works in 2021?
Dianne Allen 31:47 Correct and 2021 and moving forward. And one of the things I remind myself and I remind everybody I work with is that love, the vibration of love and the vibration of money are on the same level. So how you love yourself and others, shows how you treat your money. If you're fear based around money, then you most likely are fear based around relationships and the whole idea of love. So there's a lot of internal work to do to elevate above, you know, consciousness-wise to elevate above that fear-based stuff. And then what happens when you do that, when you free yourself from the trance?Opportunity starts showing up, and they're never what you think. I always tell everybody, Jason, whatever you think it's gonna be, that's not it. So don't - I don't care how smart you are, or how genius of a brilliant visionary you are. You can lay it out for me today, and I will guarantee you in 90 days, if you keep saying yes, it's not that. It's something more amazing. But you have to have a starting point that turns you on. Right? It's never what you think. And so I think as Renegades, we, you know, we're good at like saying, okay, we're outside the paradigm of the culture, the big pharma people and all that noise. Well, we got to get outside of our own boxes and realize that the self-imposed box is more damaging, because there's way more going on. And we have way more to bring to the table. And so why do we silo ourselves into "I'm an acupuncturist," or "I'm a chiropractor," or "I only do herbs," or whatever it all is, right? What if we just said "Yes, I know that I bring amazing, powerful healing energy to the world," and then let the universal wisdom show us how to bring it to the table. And it always shows up amazing. It's just never what you think. So when you try to make it be a thing...that's playing cheap.
Jason Stein 33:43 I love that. And I've seen you do this. I've seen you lean all the way in into the unknown. I've watched you do that. And so my question for the listener, who is - start like they're just at square one - what's a way to start trusting source or the universe even more? What's one simple way people could do that?
Dianne Allen 34:04 Say yes.
Jason Stein 34:06 Say yeah?
Dianne Allen 34:06 Say yes, and I had that my very first thing I started doing was saying "I get to do -" blah, blah, blah, instead of "I have to do -" blah, blah, blah. Okay, I choose, I choose words that have empowering energy behind them. Like when you just mentioned about teaching people go into the uncomfortable, I don't use the word uncomfortable, because it has energy culturally, that slows people down. So I say use the words "interesting", "curious", "Wow," - like, "Let me check this out!" Now my energy is more receptive. It lands on me better, whatever the opportunities are, right? So I started changing my language set, which then changed my ability to receive.
Jason Stein 34:47 Yeah, so it makes you more alive to be curious and interested, rather than being uncomfortable.
Dianne Allen 34:54 Exactly. And it might feel uncomfortable, but if I use the word uncomfortable, because of the energy of that word in our culture and the language, we shut down. But if I say, "Wow, this is like really kind of amazing, huh? Check it out." Now I'm diving in deeper. And I might be uncomfortable or not - but that's not what I'm focused on. So it doesn't have the power that it would if I go," Oh my God, this is hard.".
Jason Stein 35:19 It is amazing how much words impact. Like, people say that nonverbal communication is really, really important, and I agree with that, but words do have triggers and powers in a way that nonverbal communication doesn't touch. Like you - yeah, go ahead.
Dianne Allen 35:37 Words are co-creative. Words have energy behind them. And culturally, words have energy behind them. So there's a lot to it.
Jason Stein 35:47 So I want to leave people with some hope, because we're in some very interesting times to get curious about these interesting times. See, I'm taking your information right away and applying it. And one of the things you have as a podcast, right, like your podcast is called, Someone Gets Me? \
Yes.
Dianne Allen 36:11 Where can people find it?
At Someone Gets Me on Apple, Spotify, Pandora - every place that you can listen to a podcast, it's under Someone Gets Me. It's on Podbean, they can go to my VisionsApplied.com website, and there's a feed there with the podcast on it. Or they can go to my YouTube channel and watch the videos on Ms. Dianne Allen.
Jason Stein 36:32 I've been on your podcast, I've listened to your podcast and you end the podcast by asking people what they would have on their billboard?
Dianne Allen 36:41 If there is a billboard that the whole world was gonna see? Yes. What would you put on your billboard?
Jason Stein 36:46 And what is your answer?
Dianne Allen 36:47 Yes.
Jason Stein 36:49 It just says yes?
Dianne Allen 36:53 It would say yes, and it would be in Italic and a really cool font with exclamation point and a little heart after it.
Jason Stein 37:02 I love it. I think my vibration would raise if I was driving down the freeway and I saw something - I would probably turn around to see what's the dot com? Where's the hashtag? And if it just said yes, exclamation point, it would make me smile. So Ms. Dianne Allen, I appreciate having you here today.
Dianne Allen 37:24 Well, thank you, Jason, for having me here. It was it was fun to respond and listen to your questions, not having any idea where we were going in the beginning. It was great.
Jason Stein 37:34 Well until next time, everyone, take a moment to find the Renegade in yourself. Bye for now.
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Episode 4: Money, Lean Living, and Standing up for What You Believe In with Dr. Rachel SterryIn this episode, Jason Stein interviews Dr. Rachel Sterry, a naturopathic physician who helps soon-to-be mamas balance their hormones… and their sanity!
After declining an offer to attend Harvard Medical School, Dr. Rachel received her medical training from the National University of Natural Medicine. She’s worn many hats over the last 10 years - personal trainer, yoga instructor, physician, doula - but her mission remains the same: to help mothers reclaim their health and live the life they envisioned outside of the broken mainstream medical industry.
Join Jason and Rachel as they talk about:
How to balance making money and living your life on the Renegade pathGetting rid of the stigma that naturopathic physicians are “less than” M.D. and D.OsWhy she’s stopped taking insurance in her businessThe power of letting go of things you don’t believe in and holding space for what you want in lifeWhat Dr. Rachel loves most about having a lean business and lifeHer advice for Wellness Renegades for heading into 2021Connect with Dr. Rachel:Website: www.fitmamapdx.comEmail: [email protected]: https://vimeo.com/user62629609Transcript:
Jason Stein 0:03 Hi. Hi,
Dr. Rachel Sterry 0:05 This is not Jason Stein, and welcome to another episode of the wellness Renegade podcast. Here, we explore the crossroads of wellness entrepreneurs like you and me. We're committed to making money well, helping others live healthier lives, people who are going against big pharma, insurance conglomerates and the mainstream medical models. Each episode, we journey into the challenges and breakthroughs it takes to own your own business, pave a path through conventional medicine and truly become a wellness.
Jason Stein 0:38 I wanted to hear somebody else say it. So I invited my partner in crime my partner in personal life, professional life, and my wife, Dr. Rachel Sterry. Welcome, welcome. I'm not using a microphone today, so I hope that we're picking up the sound okay, because our life has changed dramatically in the last six months.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 1:05 It's accurate!
Jason Stein 1:06 You want to tell them a little bit about where we've gone, what we've done?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 1:10 Well, we started in Portland, in a charming little bungalow, built in 1910, in southeast Portland, and uprooted and moved to about as far east as you can go in Oregon: Joseph. And where the morning temperature is about 18 degrees. And there's snow on the ground as we speak. And we're living in a tiny house in an RV Park, which is way classier than it sounds. We recently bought commercial real estate and are creating something spectacular.
Jason Stein 1:49 More to come on that. Now, one of the reasons I wanted to have you on the podcast was that you are a true Renegade: you work for yourself, you have two kids under five years old, you have so many credentials - personal trainer, yoga instructor, physician. It just goes on and on,
Dr. Rachel Sterry 2:17 I was a doula, but I didn't keep that one up.
Jason Stein 2:19 And so my question to you, like, the first question is, how do you navigate how to make money and live your life on the renegade path?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 2:35 Hmm. It is an interesting question, because, um, although money is certainly an important facet in our society, it's never been a driver. For me. It's always been sort of this elusive thing that was out there. And it wasn't until I met you that I started to change my relationship with money and realize that it's not just about saving. It's about being in circulation.
I don't know if this is something that you've shared with others, but I am. I am I would frugal be the right word.
Jason Stein 3:11 Yes, you are frugal. Yeah.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 3:14 Um, I enjoy saving and not spending. So, you know, my tactic when I lived alone was playing games with myself, like, how long can I go before I turn the heat on? Because that's gonna save money. Or how long can I go without buying any new food and see like how much of my pantry I can go through? Little things like that. One winter, I didn't turn my heat on at all. So I'm back to your original question. The balance of making money is the only way that it's really worked for me is to find something that I genuinely love doing. And I am passionate about helping others live in a healthful way that's in integrity with themselves. And I believe that most of us are not there. Unfortunately.
Jason Stein 4:08 It's interesting, because when I met you, I remember you had a lot in - well, let me back it up. When we first met, we met in the gym and I asked you to coffee and you weren't sure as a business coach and consultant if I wanted your business, or I wanted your *business*
Dr. Rachel Sterry 4:29 Did you know?
Jason Stein 4:29 No, I really did. I just wanted to take you. I wasn't interested, I wasn't interested in being your coach until I found your accounts receivable was outstanding of not letting your patients know that they owe you money. And I remember that journey as you started to become more and more clear that as a wellness practitioner, you can't just give it all away.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 4:53 Yeah, it's okay to ask to get paid. But it's a hard journey because there are many times where I spend an entire session with a patient and I, um, you know, a lot of the work that I do - well, I order labs and I write prescriptions, and I but so much of it feels like counseling, because so much of our illnesses are chronic disease, and so much of that is, is really laid upon this stressful environment that we've created. And so a lot of my work is centered around talking to people about the biggest stressors in their lives and how to realistically shift them in a meaningful way that will stick. And I oftentimes felt guilty about like... well, I mean, like, anybody can talk to somebody. So I don't want them to feel like I'm taking advantage of them. I just, you know, I'll see if they remember to pay me.
I remember the guilt went away when she when when you met a wellness coach that was making like, triple what you were making with like a 10th of the knowledge base and pissed and how angry you were
Not at myself but at her! I was like "You charlatan, that's ridiculous." I want to at least get paid like a fifth of that.
Jason Stein 6:20 So the other thing that I remember you navigating around money was you were offered a very high end position with an HMO as a naturopathic physician with a six figure position. And you turned him down.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 6:37 I did. I did that happened.
Jason Stein 6:40 That must have felt good.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 6:42 Ah,
Jason Stein 6:45 Not at the time?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 6:47 It was what'd it feel? How did it feel? It just felt like, Well, I know I can't do that right now. Um, and it wasn't necessarily because I didn't believe in the company at the time. But I had Cooper, and he was, oh, he was less than a month old. And they were offering, you know, six weeks, or if that, because I would be relatively new to the company. And I countered with halftime proposal. And, you know, they had enough applicants that they didn't need to accept that because they were looking for a full time position. But when I have clarity on something, it's never, never really very difficult for me to decide. And I think that the universe knew that I wouldn't be happy even as a part time, because I don't know, I spend an awful lot of time for my kids.
Jason Stein 7:45 You do love our kids. It's true. So I'm gonna put you on the spot. And I often run into renegades that really sometimes struggle with money, because it isn't a driver. But they also struggle with visibility. Because like you they're extremely humble. And I'm wondering, um, you originally wanted to be cardio surgeon, cardiovascular. Yeah, cardiovascular surgeon, and you got accepted to Harvard. And you don't ever let anyone know that not in your bio?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 8:27 I did. I changed my bio, because you harped on me for three years.
Unknown Speaker 8:30 So, why was that so hard?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 8:31 Because I didn't go. So why does it matter?
Jason Stein 8:34 Well, because you were you got to choose whether you could go or not.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 8:38 Lots of people get to make choices. Not everyone, it's not every choice you've made in your life.
Jason Stein 8:43 So is the only reason that you put it in your bio is because I asked you... that I thought it
Dr. Rachel Sterry 8:48 Didn't just ask! Every time we talked...
Jason Stein 8:51 I did, I harped. It's true. And so is that the only reason you put it in? And now that it's in? Do you feel that it adds value?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 8:59 I just try not to look at my bio!
Jason Stein 9:04 There was zero transformation or breakthrough in that conversation there. I am curious if you guys are listening to this podcast, if you reach out to us, if you were a naturopathic physician or even a healer of some sort, and you did get into Harvard Medical School, would you let people know or not?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 9:25 It just feels obnoxious and braggy? What like, if that's not the path I chose to take? Why am I putting it in there except to be like "ding ding ding!", ring your own bell.
Jason Stein 9:35 Well, because your bio, especially in this climate when more and more people are online looking for health care options or wellness options. It is important to have that thing. It's one of the things that sets you apart. But I am curious from you guys, because maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 9:58 You don't have to do that!
Jason Stein 10:01 I do I do sometimes. So, let me ask you some other questions. Um, have you ever felt treated by the medical community as "less than" for being a naturopathic physician rather than a DO or an MD?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 10:18 Absolutely. But more so my patients are really... what do they say? "I have to talk with my real doctor." or -
Jason Stein 10:28 "With my real doctor," that's what they say to you?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 10:31 Or "I was seeing I was seeing a real doctor before I came to see you." Or, I mean, "I'm open to anything, even things that are crazy." I mean, it's nothing overtly negative, it's just these little side comments where they clearly in in their mind, you are not at the same level as the medical doctor that they were seeing through their insurance or their HMO or whomever.
Jason Stein 11:00 And so most people may or may not know, in the state of Oregon as a naturopathic physician that you can take full insurance. You had your DEA license, so you can prescribe hardcore drugs.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 11:14 Yeah, you're you're licensed as a primary care physician, you can do minor surgery, you can prescribe narcotics, you can do the whole shebang. And I did have my DEA for goodness, 10 years, six years, some number of years. But I realized that I didn't believe in the medications that it allowed me to prescribe. And it was paying into a system I didn't agree with. So I stopped doing that. I got off the insurance panels, because I really didn't agree. I still don't agree with the system as it exists, which is why I don't have health insurance myself. Because I don't want to pay into either end.
Jason Stein 12:02 Now that can be a whole nother episode, because that's something we don't talk about a lot. But we do have some systems and strategies around
Dr. Rachel Sterry 12:12 Yeah, don't get hurt.
Jason Stein 12:13 Well, no, that's not. Yeah, great. That one only works for those but their heads in the sand works for me. And you got hit by a car.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 12:22 And what happened? Is it being covered?
Jason Stein 12:25 It is being covered. It is.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 12:27 By our car insurance!
Jason Stein 12:28 Fine, it is. So, we're going down a rabbit hole. I am curious about this insurance conversation because I'm adamant about it as well. I try to let my clients choose for themselves. But I believe it's a mucked up system. And that many times as a wellness Renegade, if you're taking insurance, a couple things can happen. One is they have a team of people trying to deny your coverage. Every year, they're trying to give you lower coverage. And they can do chargeback. So do you remember when BlueCross BlueShield came to you? And they were like - how much was that?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 13:05 It was close to $5,000
Jason Stein 13:07 So $5,000 they came back to you. And they're like "We made a clerical error. You owe us $5,000." And did you pay?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 13:14 I was enormously lucky. Like, that wasn't luck. It was because of my stellar service. But my patient paid it.
Jason Stein 13:26 Oh, so your patient. So you asked your patient?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 13:28 I did not. She got the same letter that I did. And she knew what was happening. And she contacted me - you know, my money issues, I wouldn't have asked her to pay for it. And she said, "This is not right. I want you to be paid for your services."
Jason Stein 13:40 Now, how freeing was that when you stopped taking insurance altogether?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 13:45 It should have never taken in the first place. It was, Yeah.
Jason Stein 13:48 What would you say for the listeners that are wellness renegades and they're like, but it's where the majority of my money comes from?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 13:57 Um, would you sell drugs?
Jason Stein 13:59 Nice, good answer.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 14:00 Um, would you steal cars and break them apart and sell them for their parts? Because you can get a lot of money that way. Do you prostitute? Because those things make a lot of money? That's what I'd say.
Jason Stein 14:14 Yeah. So you're against it, apparently.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 14:17 Yeah, I mean, fear is a huge driver. I get that.
Jason Stein 14:19 Yeah, you were in it for a long time where you didn't want to let it go. Yeah,
Dr. Rachel Sterry 14:23 I guess that my feelings of - my feelings around supporting things I believe in and letting go of things, I don't know, have gotten stronger as I've gotten older? They've also gotten a lot stronger since I've had kids. And so I think I have the freedom to do that. And I really have seen time after time when you open space for something to come in. And it can't come in if the space isn't there. It can't happen until you're willing to learn to let it go, it can't be filled.
Jason Stein 15:02 That makes sense. And I've seen that myself where people say, "Well, I'll wean myself off." And the challenge is that it becomes, and you said, would you sell drugs, it is like a drug when you're getting paid by someone else by third party, but then they want to get involved. They want the chart notes, they want to say how much the payments going to be. And if they ever come back to you, and they're like, nope, we've decided not to pay you well...
Dr. Rachel Sterry 15:28 And just google opioid addiction in the US. And like, that's a whole nother rabbit hole. But I mean, insurance pays for that.
Jason Stein 15:36 Yeah, it is interesting that they pay for a lot of things that you and other providers may not offer. So it's a game, and you got to choose how to play the game for you. I'm not against my clients taking insurance when they're playing the game. And they know it's a game. But I don't think it's a good long term strategy. Because you never know when they're going to change the rules. So we've changed our lives dramatically. And one of the things that I love about being a wellness Renegade is when you're, when you're not in lots of debt, and you get to create what you want to create. It's easy to be nimble and make changes quickly. What's the number one thing you love about moving from being? Yeah, yeah, for those that can't see you, because there are a lot of podcast listeners. Rachel is moving into yoga poses. What's your favorite thing about having a lean business where you can be nimble, you can make changes, you can move to a small town, you can live in a tiny house, what do you love about it?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 16:55 I feel like I'm living in integrity. That's what I love most about it
Jason Stein 16:59 In the last five years, where did you feel most out of integrity?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 17:07 Probably in the advice that I would give patients over and over and over again, about, you know, letting go of the fear of work, and the the never ending to do list and allow yourself to lean into freedom and possibility. Like, you know, I recognize now, being outside of the city, that so many of my days were spent, not spinning my wheels, that is an inaccurate representation. But I'm not - I'm not a good idler. And so I would fill my days up. And technology, I guess there's - there's really the baseline, I see how it's sort of taking over the world, I see the way that people are connected to their phones and their iPads, and I watch this younger generation. And I'm scared. And so I think that being in this place, I finally gave up my cell phone. I'm off of all social media, although I am coming on to help you just with Wellness Renegades as like, not as Rachel but as part of that entity. I'm so using it in ways that I can get on board with. But letting, truly letting go, of the ways that I don't agree with.
Jason Stein 18:41 It's interesting because you're you lean really towards lean technology, but your business and Wellness Renegades is 100% online. So you had a patient today?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 18:54 I did. And you know, I mean, I've always said I I prefer in person. When I see people, I like the one on one connection or the group connection. I enjoy teaching classes in person. Right now, that is just not an option for really, anyone anywhere. Well, at least in Oregon, I don't know how it isn't all the other states with COVID-19. And so it has been an interesting play between the two worlds. But part of what I'm looking forward to, and what we're creating, is the community building aspect.
Jason Stein 19:39 One of one of my favorite things - because you've traveled with me as we've traveled to different countries - is meeting a client for the first time live. And it's really interesting noticing that a client that you sit down to and talk to, might be a lot taller or a lot shorter than you expected. So that's always fun to meet a client live. Uh, I'm curious for Wellness, Renegades, you know, the community, you know, several of the people, what do you think will be most helpful in the year 2021? in becoming more of a Renegade, for, for anyone, for the listeners, for the people within our own community.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 20:32 There's the million dollar question.
Jason Stein 20:34 Yeah.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 20:35 What do I think will be the most helpful? And I think that going inward and discovering which practices in your daily life in your business life are you engaging in purely because you think you should be based on someone else's recommendations? Or out of fear? And figuring out how to let those go.
Jason Stein 21:03 Hmm, I like it. I like it, because another client that you know, recently said, the internal community that we have on Facebook, of providers - this person said, what we're doing more than anyone else is that they're seeing is helping people transform fear. Yeah, well, any final words before we close out today?
Dr. Rachel Sterry 21:34 Any final words? Um, how did you know? How did I know what - how did you know that you were asking me out for my *business* and not my business?
Jason Stein 21:52 Oh, um, it's a great question. How did I know? Because I would have started with just a phone call. And I would have met you either at your office or somewhere else. I wasn't a business coffee shop person. So because I asked you to coffee. That wasn't my MO. Yeah.
Dr. Rachel Sterry 22:16 So the woman you're meeting who owns a practice here - should I be worried?
Jason Stein 22:27 No, that's a that's a past student. And, ah, I'm meeting her for coffee - not because I'm wanting her business. She's got a -
Dr. Rachel Sterry 22:38 I'm kidding!
Jason Stein 22:39 Great, great. And this is the person that digs with teeth and bones. Yeah. So anything else? You keep going, I'm gonna have to edit something out. So, I'm going to just say thank you for being here!
Dr. Rachel Sterry 22:57 Oh you're so welcome!
Jason Stein 23:00 Alright, so this is Jason Stein, Dr. Rachel, and we're Wellness Renegades. Peace.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
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In this episode, Jason Stein interviews Maisie Hill, menstrual health expert, birth doula, and author of “Period Power,” a best-selling book that serves as a profound but practical blueprint to harness your hormones and get them working for you. Having struggled with debilitating period pain for years, Maisie set out on a journey to discover ways she could better understand and connect with her reproductive system. In questing for an answer, she trained in Chinese medicine acupuncture, the Arvigo techniques of Mayan abdominal therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, and paediatric acupuncture. Now she uses this knowledge - and her own unique way of treating - to help women discover the power of their own menstrual cycle Join Maisie and Jason as they talk about:
How to combat the stage-fright and perfectionism that comes with going viralKnowing the worth of your service and experienceThe transformative opportunities fear createsGetting published and finding an ideal agentInvolving men in discussions surrounding menstrual healthChoosing between passion projects as a entrepreneurStrategic alliances in businessHow to build a quality followingConnect with Maisie
Website: https://www.maisiehill.com/contactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maisiehillwombwhisperer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_maisiehill_/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/maisiehill_?lang=enLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/maisie-hill-40468517a
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