What Really Makes a Difference: Empowering health and vitality

Inner Martial Arts: Exploring Nervous System Regulation in Autism and Trauma with Holly Bridges In this revealing episode of the 'What Really Makes a Difference' podcast, Dr. Becca Whittaker and her guest, Holly Bridges, uncover the transformative power of nervous system regulation for individuals suffering from trauma, autism, PTSD, and more. Through a mix of personal narrative and prof...

This episode delves into the often challenging and transformative journey of caregiving, featuring Aaron Blight, founder of Caregiving Kinetics and an internationally renowned consultant on caregiving, aging, and healthcare. Aaron Blight, recognized as one of the top 100 healthcare leaders, shares his personal journey into caregiving following a sudden need to care for a loved one, highlighting th...

In this engaging episode, Dr Becca converses with guest William Comer as they delve into the essence of leading a vibrant and healthy lifestyle. From Dr. Whittaker's journey towards discovering the impact of diaphragm strength on overall well-being to Comer's diverse experiences in teaching, real estate, and various physical activities, the conversation covers the broad spectrum of healt...

In this episode we learn alongside Cindy Jones, a veteran mental health therapist specializing in trauma, to discuss practical tools and insights for fostering resiliency and regulating the nervous system. Cindy shares her personal journey of turning a professional challenge into an innovative solution, leading to the creation of the Bi-Tapp device, which harnesses bilateral stimulation to help in...

 In this rich and engaging episode, we meet Shuna Morelli, the creator of the Body-Mind Bridge Institute, and explore the fascinating interplay between natural healing, the body's wisdom, and the power of psychedelics for deep emotional and physical healing. Shuna shares her comprehensive journey, starting as a high school teacher, evolving into a licensed hypnotherapist and massage therapist...

In this episode I talk with Tara Kephart, a multifaceted yoga instructor and wellness advocate. The discussion explores Becca's personal health challenges, the transformative power of yoga, and practical approaches to health and vitality. Tara shares her unique philosophy on teaching yoga, underlining the significance of creating an inviting atmosphere for both the masculine and feminine expe...

J oin us in a groundbreaking journey into the world of regenerative gardening with master gardener William DeMille. William shares his invaluable expertise on soil regeneration, sustainable practices, and the transformative power of gardening here as we discover the essentials of soil health, the magic of microbial-rich compost, and practical tips for nurturing your garden. Delve into William&apos...

Think it’s normal to pee your pants *just a little*? Let’s think that over again. :) Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr Lindsay Mumma, DC, an expert renowned for her holistic approach to health, who focuses on the often-overlooked areas of pelvic floor, and posture / kinematic chain alignment. Discover the profound impacts of pelvic floor dysfunction on overall wellness, alongside innov...

Si t with Kole Whitty in part 2 of this conversation as she takes us on a deep dive into the world of psychedelics and plant medicine/teachers, exploring their role in mental health, personal development, and traditional cultures. With 15 years of experience, Kole emphasizes the critical aspects of set, setting, and experienced facilitation to offer a more safe and transformative experience. She s...

In this engaging episode we sit with transformative coach and speaker, Kole Whitty, to delve into the intricacies of health, personal growth, and the healing journey beyond traditional modalities. Dr. Becca shares her own health crisis that led her to realize the continuous nature of the healing process, while Kole opens up about her challenging journey from trauma and drug abuse to becoming a lea...

In today’s episode we get to hear stories and insights from Abigail Levie, a young entrepreneur in the health and baking sector. Abigail tells the story of founding Abigail's Oven Sourdough Bakery, a business she started at the age of 10. Thanks to her sourdough preparation methods and the way she chooses her flour suppliers her bread is much friendlier for gluten-sensitive individuals, inclu...

Wondering what is actually in , on, or missing from your food? How can we get what we need for health when healthy food seems expensive, soils are depleted, and so much food (especially in the US) is sprayed with chemicals we know are bad for us, or animals are raised in unhealthy environments and pumped with chemicals themselves? YOU ARE FAR FROM ALONE in asking these questions, and William Demil...

Meditation, Mindfulness, and Powerful Emotions, Less Suffering Required with Yael Shy Enjoy a deep dive into mindfulness and emotional processing with Yael Shy, exploring how meditation can help us create more peace in our internal lives and to live more fully in the present moment. As the founder of Mindful NYU, the largest campus-based mindfulness initiative in the country, an author, speaker, a...

In this comprehensive discussion, acclaimed biomechanics expert Dr. Tom Michaud underscores the crucial role of foot strength in health and well-being. As a chiropractor that has worked with multiple Olympians, he knows his stuff, but it doesn’t only apply to Olympians. You and me, those exercising or wishing they could do it more safely, and for ages teen to elderly can all find something engagin...

Dr. Koby Taylor, a pharmacist from Southern Utah, shares insights into his health approach that puts emphasis on nutrient deficiencies and how they impact mental health. He talks about the effects of these deficiencies on the body's chemistry, shedding light on how they influence the need for medications. Dr. Koby stresses the importance of amino acids derived from proteins, which are essenti...

In this interview we connect with  Dr. Liz Letchford, an expert in biomechanics, kinesiology, and athletic training, as she talks about her unique approach to guiding people to reconnect with their bodies and heal from trauma. She unpacks the concept of proprioceptive awareness, or body's ability to sense itself (the sixth sense), and shares how an increased awareness of the body can lead to...

The Powerful Tool of Nervous System Regulation with guest Amanda Nova In this episode we get to collaborate with Amanda Nova as she shares ways to regulate the nervous system, as well as WHY that is a good idea in the first place, and what can easily landslide in our health if we get out of balance.  Amanda is an expert in nervous system regulation and a holistic health practitioner, sharing pract...

Ryan Gosling was right! (No surprise there…) Let’s talk about getting IN THE WATER as a serious help in feeling more vitality and health in our bodies.  Today Dr. Becca explains how moving in water can make a big difference in reducing chronic pain and more. Admittedly, there are lots of valid reasons why we don’t…so let’s talk about those, too! Then we move, as always, to the WHY of what things m...

Michelle is a former corporate warrior, trained chef and multipotentialite whose own health issues and battles with traditional medical doctrine inspired her to upend the way the world tackles health, wellness and prosperity. She soon became one of Paleo’s most outspoken evangelists, then co-founded and is CEO of Paleo f(x)™, the largest Paleo event in the world. She is also the co-author of Prima...

What really makes a difference in weight loss? And is healthy weight loss really about the weight or the dress size.. or is it about much more than that? Some of these answers you know or can guess. And…today’s show is guaranteed to give you a few things to think about no matter what size you are.  Julia Christine is a health and nutrition coach that has transitioned into complete wellness coachin...

Hormones! What helps or hurts them? More than you may know! In this episode we build on part one and explore how cortisol, gut, liver, mindset, food, and some medical or herbal medicine may hurt or restore hormone balance. Time to dive in! Testosterone…Responsible for FAR MORE than just sex drive! Who wouldn’t want enough of this! 6:20 What destroys testosterone in frogs, as well as men and women…...

In part one with Jon Romney, ND he shares his journey into naturopathic medicine and what it is really like as a practitioner working with complicated cases that require more than traditional eastern or western medicine alone. (Some patients require teamwork of perspective and tools!) We learn where to look as the basics of health, more about how chronic stress may be affecting gut, liver, brain a...

01:05 How Dr Judy helped me walk and balance again, a stunning reality on the way to the bathroom 04:40 Different types of Cranial-sacral training 06:33  An osteopathic (and chiropractic) philosophy of medicine: the body possesses self-regulatory and self-healing mechanisms, and how those structures are working (or not) is deeply tied to its function (or dys-function) 10:43 Dr Judy’s journey throu...

Get ready for a powerful perspective as Adrianne walks us through her journey of "over-productiveness" and "old-rusted-gate sorts of boundaries", through a massive health loss and into a time of great healing. Join us for her vulnerable and insightful  views on boundaries, acceptance, play, and vitality... a conversation worth listening to more than once. 3:13 How Adrianne’s cr...

Who I am , and what you can expect to welcome into your life when you hit play!