Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is an internationally known author, speaker, expert, and pioneer of intergenerational trauma’s effect on one’s body, brain, and beliefs. A graduate of Andrew Weil’s Fellowship Program in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Ross is the CEO of The Anchor Program™, online coaching for food and body image issues including binge eating, substance use disorder, and emotional stress-eating.
The former head of the eating disorder program at internationally renowned Sierra Tucson, Dr. Ross is currently a consultant for United States treatment centers that want to include her unique integrative medicine approach to help clients recovering from eating disorders and substance use disorders. She is the author of three books, the most recent of which is The Food Addiction Recovery Workbook.
Download and listen to this episode here, or find wherever you get podcasts.
A recent report from the CDC showed that three out of five teen girls shared they experienced persistent feelings of hopelessness in 2021.
While this statistic is staggering, I listen without batting an eye. Why?
I was one of the three.
I believe there are many things contributing to adolescent hopelessness, and while there are differences between the world of today and the world when I was diagnosed, the treatment options haven’t changed. The treatment options available in the 90s are the same being offered today, 30 years later: medication and therapy.
Unfortunately, those limited options are not treating the root of the issue, and in some cases, may make things worse.
I’ve created a list of contributing root causes to my depression, in hopes that it will help someone take a closer look at potential factors that are not being offered through traditional treatment. The information I share is widely studied and should be well-known, yet it is not.
And our teen girls continue to fall through the rabbit hole of darkness.
Common contributors to teen depression:
1. The oral birth control pill. I was prescribed this in 8th grade due to a heavy menstrual flow and anemia. Within a year I experienced debilitating depression, which is not uncommon, according to the research. The pill depletes B6, crucial for creating serotonin, supporting mitochondrial function, the methylation cycle, and maintaining the gaba/glutamate balance (which we need for calm feelings). The pill affects the gut microbiome, increases enhanced intestinal permeability, and because over 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, this is another risk factor for depression. The pill depletes magnesium, which is needed for the gaba/glutamate balance, among so many other mood-benefiting needs. There are indeed a myriad of nutrient depletions occurring from oral contraceptives. Because the pill depletes the very things needed to counter hormonal issues and premenstrual stress, it is no surprise that a further imbalance occurred in my body, leading to depression symptoms. While for some people this may be a useful tool, ensuring there are enough nutrients available to make up for the lack is crucial.
I’m not one to self-diagnose, but this interview left me reeling for weeks after. I felt so SEEN while discussing the topic of ADHD with expert, Dr. Tamara Rosier. After reading her book, I have such a better perspective on how my brain functions. This episode was so inspiriting, I have scheduled a part two with her already!
Tamara Rosier, Ph.D., is the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she and her staff work with individuals with ADHD (and their families) to learn strategies and develop new skills to live effectively with ADHD. Dr. Rosier is also the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. She is the author of Your Brain’s Not Broken. She is a popular conference and keynote speaker is a frequent guest on podcasts and has published numerous articles about living with ADHD. This episode is dedicated the busting the myths of ADHD and how ADHD impacts the everyday functioning of those who have it.
Download and listen here or find wherever you get podcasts.
Meg Gerber is a Functional Medicine Dietitian, best-selling author, and the founder of Grounded Nourishment. Meg specializes in working with individuals who struggle with cognitive digestive issues. Through her own journey of digestive struggles and autoimmunity, Meg has learned the power of being in your body and listening to its needs. Her #1 bestselling cookbook is available for purchase on Amazon.
Download and listen here, or find wherever you get podcasts.
Stop what you’re doing and check in with your breathing. Is it slow and controlled or short and shallow? The effect on your body is a huge difference, believe it or not.
Justin Ternes is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mental/Emotional Health Coach, Breathwork Facilitator and Human Performance Optimizer. His work is centered on three main pillars: psychophysiology, pain science and breathwork. Dr. Ternes is passionate about helping every patient/client address their physical and/or emotional pain, distress and life limitations in order to find long-term health and fulfilling quality of life. In his spare time he studies and practices a variety of mind-body approaches so he can continually learn new ways to help patients holistically create physical and mental resiliency. He regularly hosts Men’s Mental & Social Health Workshops, as well as Holistic Breathwork Retreats. Residing in San Diego, CA, Justin is a nature-lover, community builder, and passionate teacher of his work.
Download and listen here or find wherever you get podcasts.
Eli Weinstein is a therapist and parenting coach who has worked in a psych hospital, intense outpatient clinic and currently runs his own private practice in NY + NV. He created ELIvation, The Dude Therapist Podcast and became a therapist to fill a need and create a modern outlook on mental health to create a more digestible and relatable view on mental health to help those in struggling times and add some extra inspiration and motivation into everyday life. Eli has been featured on Kelly Clarkson show, The Trauma Therapist, Mimosas With Moms, Holding Space, Breaking Taboo, Therapy Thoughts w/ Tiffany Roe and on multiple podcast ranging from parenting, relationships, mental health and infertility.
In this episode, we cover the topic of parenting in the modern age, how to connect emotionally with our kids instead of stressing them out, and how to be a calm and connected parent.
Download and listen to this episode here, or find wherever you get podcasts.
Jono James is the inventor and CEO of Odin Ice Baths. Jono was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a terminal illness that affects his lungs and other vital organs. When he was first diagnosed, doctors told his parents he had less than 10 years to live. Fortunately, his parents didn’t accept that prognosis and thanks to their unwavering commitment to keep him alive, he is now 34 years old and never been healthier. Jono started experimenting with different treatments and therapies when he was 14 years old because he was acutely aware of the fact that he might only have five years to live.
After trying more than 150 different therapies and treatments he finally discovered the therapeutic benefits of saunas and eventually ice baths, and hasn’t looked back since. Unfortunately, like many other people, he noticed that there weren’t a lot of good quality, affordable ice baths on the market, so that’s when he decided to make his own. Hence the birth of the Odin.
Download and listen here or find wherever you get podcasts.
Alexander Martinez is the CEO and Co-Founder of Intrinsic Medicine and a former Silicon Valley corporate lawyer turned biotechnology entrepreneur. His thorough understanding of the industry and areas for improvement, in parallel with his own patient journey, inspired him to make a public health impact and seek novel medicines for broad patient populations that have been previously underserved by the traditional pharmaceutical industry. Intrinsic Medicine is a therapeutics company leveraging human milk biology to transform irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) disorders.
Download and listen to this episode here or wherever you get podcasts!
I’ve gotten soooo many messages about this latest episode. How can spinach be toxic? And sweet potatoes, too?
This fascinating interview takes on the topic of oxalates. In this episode, we discuss the research behind oxalate overload, the problems with promoting superfoods that contain these toxins, and how to learn to start your own low oxalate journey.
Sally K. Norton, MPH holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Public Health. Her path to becoming a leading expert on dietary oxalate includes a prior career working at major medical schools in medical education and public health research. Her personal healing experience inspired years of research that led to her forthcoming book, Toxic Superfoods, which was released on December 27 everywhere books are sold. As a leading expert on oxalates in food, Sally’s work has been featured by podcasters, radio shows, and several online and print journals. In this episode, we discuss the research behind oxalate overload, the problems with promoting superfoods that contain these toxins, and how to learn to start your own low oxalate journey.
Download and listen here or find wherever you get podcasts.
If you are tired of dieting gimmicks but want to upgrade your health with real, whole food – this is for you!
Feast 2 Fast is a monthlong metabolic reset that takes you through three layers of carbohydrates to help you tune into what your body needs. It’s a way to find balance between “Oh, I’m craving that treat” and “I think I need to add more nutrients to my diet.” It models the rhythms of feasting and fasting that we are all created for.
The format looks like this:
Week One: Real Food carbs
Week Two: Real Food and Whole Food carbs
Weeks Three and Four: Real Food, Whole Food, and Heck Yeah Carbs
The goal is to become more metabolically flexible and balanced in body, mind, and spirit. By stripping your diet down to the basics and gradually adding items in, it’s a great way to partner with your body and listen to its needs!
For the entire program, including the complete guide and hundreds of recipes, the cost is $179. A new group will launch through a private Facebook group on Monday, February 6. Weekly Zoom meetings will also be available for anyone who wants more accountability.
If you have been interested in health coaching, this program will give you the most bang for your buck! To sign up for this session, fill out the form here. For any questions, send me a message!
Sparking Wholeness with Erin Kerry 