Apricot Oak | Trauma Recovery, Psychology, and Faith

Do you feel like you can never truly relax, even when your to-do list is empty? In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast , host Rachel sits down with holistic health coach Melissa Armstrong to understand why our bodies stay "on edge." We explore Polyvagal Theory —the science behind your body's internal map of safety and threat. Melissa explains that many of us aren't just &quot...

What happens when the labels you’ve built your life around suddenly fall apart? April Farlow joins us to share how a devastating medical detour and a lost season of her 20s forced her to strip away every title to find her true identity . Discover how the broken pieces of your life align to reveal a beautiful, unexpected purpose . In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast , host Rachel (trauma-inf...

About Today's Episode: Are you tired of trying all the things to find healing without seeing real change? In this powerful episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast , we dive deep into the intersection of faith and holistic mental health with guest Kathy Stommel. If you’ve felt stuck in old patterns or overwhelmed by the weight of the past, this conversation is the invitation your soul has been waiti...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: In today’s episode, we are diving deep into positive psychology —the scientific study of what truly makes life worth living. We’re going to explore how this field moves us beyond just 'getting by' and into a state of genuine flourishing . We’ll also look at the 'why' behind it all: how focusing on our strengths and cultivating well-being can actually rewire the brain , provi...

ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST & EPISODE: Today’s episode is very special because of my absolutely lovely guest. Today you’re going to hear from a phenomenal woman, Anna Valentine. She holds a Master’s in Drama Therapy from New York University, is a Registered Drama Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Mind Body Medicine with a Specialization in...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: In today’s episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Megan Babcock. She is the Founder of It’s Your Story to Tell. She is also an Award-winning coach, bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host equipping leaders and transforming lives at the intersection of faith and neuroscience—helping people rise with purpose and leave a lasting legacy. You are in for a treat as yo...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: It is such a gift of hearing MORE from the extraordinary leader and a true force in the world of human transformation: Marilize Smit —Founder, CEO, and Global Head of International Coaching for Mind Studio . I loved my conversation with Marilize so much, we made it into a two part series. In this second episode with Marilize, She discusses how the brain actually drives leade...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: Today, you get the real treat of hearing from the extraordinary leader and a true force in the world of human transformation: Marilize Smit —Founder, CEO, and Global Head of International Coaching for Mind Studio . Today's show is part one of a two-part series where we talk about various topics focused through the lens of neuroscience and how understanding one's brai...

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST AND EPISODE: It is an honor to introduce to you today my guest, Leslie Lamb.  Leslie is a writer, a speaker, a Christian, a counselor of many years, and podcaster of the Sifted Wheat Podcast. She has a deeply thoughtful and smart podcast, where she invites questions and has conversations about faith and relationships. In today's episode, Leslie shares her POWERFUL story...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: Ready to experience less stress, more peace, and deeper, more fulfilling relationships? Today on The Apricot Oak Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Anita Webster. Anita is a trauma therapist, educator, and consultant who specializes in evidence-based, brain-and-body approaches to recovery from complex trauma. Originally from Australia and now living in the U.S., she brings both...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: In this episode, we dive into a really important conversation about attachment—what it is, how it shows up in marriage, and practical ways to strengthen and improve your attachment with your spouse. I’m so excited for you to hear from her today. ABOUT MONICA TANNER: Monica is a certified relationship coach, the host of the Secrets of Happily Ever After podcast, and the proud...

About Today's Episode & Guest: Today’s episode is a special one. Apricot Oak Podcast is just beginning its third season. This episode is the very first in our new series on attachment. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring how the way we connect with others—and with God—shapes so much of our emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. I’m so honored to introduce today’s guest, H...

Wishing you a wonderful and happy Summer Season! Apricot OakPodcast is taking a summer break and will be back in the Fall with new episodes for you. Take care of yourselves, find the joy, and enjoy this season! love, Rachel @apricotoakpodcast

In this conversation I have the privilege of interviewing a talented and skillful therapist, Stephanie Chase, LMFT. Stephanie helps us understand what EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—is all about. You will learn why EMDR is such a powerful, research-backed tool for helping those navigating symptoms of post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, relational conflicts, sleep distur...

If I had one message to give to the world at this point in my life, it would be this one. It is raw, it is personal, and it is the greatest truth and wisdom I have known. I submit this short message to you to ponder and even test its validity for your life. It is my hope you receive something in it for you.

In today's interview, I get to introduce to you another one of my favorite people. She has been a great friend to me over the years.  You will love hearing from Jeannie Boyer today! Today we’re going to talk about a variety of topics from nutrition, stress management, self-care, and how nutrition effects mood, and overall health; we’ll also be talking about perimenopause & what women can do to...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: This is a very special interview with one of my most favorite people on the planet. In today’s conversation, you will hear from Melissa Nakatani, a life long friend. She is full of life, energy, and her sense of humor is contagious.  I find her extraordinary at anything she sets her mind to. I invited her on today to talk about the challenging subject of grief and loss. As s...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: Today’s episode is INCREDIBLY SPECIAL. You will gain so much from listening to this episode with Elizabeth Foster.  If you have ever gone through or are going through a really tough time in life, or someone you love is going through the most difficult challenge of their lifetime, you’ve got to listen to this interview. In today’s interview, Elizabeth shares her story of how...

Happy New Year to you all! It has been a fun journey to start this podcast with you. Thank you for all your support and encouragement this past year. I appreciate all my listeners and am wishing you all the very best for 2025! Be gentle on yourself and pursue what brings you joy! I'm looking forward to offering you some more great interviews to inspire you to grow and rise into the life you're des...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE & GUEST: Today’s show is an introduction to my friend Laura Cortez’s story of coming out of oppression and religious torment. It is such a privilege to experience her powerful story how she overcame this trauma brought on by her church and church’s leadership. Despite facing these profound challenges of spiritual oppression, Laura has not only found her way through the mi...

ABOUT TODAY'S EPISODE: Today's show is a short episode that guides you into a spirit led mindfulness experience. We've talked about trauma, stress, and taking care of oneself and one's own nervous system on this show. I wanted to provide you with an experience of taking care of yourself through mindfulness; that is, coming to oneself without judgment, but with openness. So let this short episode g...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: On today’s episode we talk about various subjects, particularly my guests’ story in how they have broken free from anxiety, sexual addiction, and various forms of dysfunction in their lives. We discuss relationships with self and others, specifically defining codependence and interdependence and how those show up in relationships.  In our discussion we shed light on  unhealt...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: In today’s episode, I engage in a discussion with Melissa Armstrong, an extraordinary individual with a compelling personal journey. Melissa shares her insights on healing the broken parts of our lives using a holistic approach, offering practical tools and strategies that can help us along the way. One of the key topics we explore is generational trauma—how the experiences...

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: I am so excited for this opportunity to interview Pastor Jake Taylor.  You do NOT want to miss this one.  Jake Taylor shares his story of facing anxiety and depression and how he overcame these challenges. Also, you will receive wisdom, knowledge, and applicable ways to combat mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.  He intertwines a perspective of...

Do you or someone you love struggle to overcome trauma from the past? This episode I introduce trauma and share my favorite treatment modalities for working through trauma. This episode offers you practical steps you can take to begin overcoming trauma, whether your trauma stems from a specific one-time traumatic event or from complex trauma that has shaped your character and worldview. You will h...