Authentically Shawna

Brian Plante, Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and Relatefulness expert joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Brian specializes in helping individuals embrace their true selves through embodied connections. In this episode he shares practical strategies for fostering meaningful conversations and deeper connections. If you are interested in working with Brian, you can find his services  here  or on his...

Christina Nguyen, MS, Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), one of Dr. Shawna's providers, joins her on today's episode.  Christina is a women's health specialist acupuncturist specializing in fertility, hormone health, and cycle syncing. In this episode she shares how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the female body, how to optimize your lifestyle with your menstrual cycle, and how...

James Astrero, Nurse Practitioner (NP-C), one of Dr. Shawna's providers, joins her on today's episode.  James owns IV Bungalow in Long Beach (Naples neighborhood), CA. He discusses what IV therapy is, common reason to receive IV therapy, and key ingredients to look for if you are interested in getting an IV. To find out more about working James and his team, click  here .  #authenticallysh...

Dr. Richard Gerardo, D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic), one of Dr. Shawna's providers, joins her on today's episode.  Dr. Gerardo discusses the number one factor he sees impacting health: chronic stress. He shares how he learned about structural stress through the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), explains the difference between acute and chronic stressors, and describes how he has seen our soc...

Dr. Laurel Kwon, ND (Naturopathic Doctor), one of Dr. Shawna's providers, joins her on today's episode.  Dr. Laurel discusses one of her favorite modalities, ozone therapy. She shares how it works, its benefits, and why it is safe and effective for almost all patients. She also discussed food sensitivity screening, liver detoxification, hormones through the female lifespan, and the key bon...

Lyndell Higgins, actor, singer, dancer, artist, teacher, and entrepreneur, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  As a business owner, Lyndell incorporates her artistic background into her daily life. Lyndell shares how her theater and teaching background shape her life as an entrepreneur from the hiring process to communicating with her employees to letting an employee go. She believes that ar...

Melissa Turner, Impact Campaign Development Director at the American Heart Association (AHA), joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Melissa shares the history and evolution of the AHA, the impact of the Go Red for Women campaign for women's heart and brain health research, and the AHA's role in health advocacy.   Dr. Shawna is a 2026 Woman of Impact Nominee through the AHA. She is fund...

Steven York, B.A. in music and a current M.M. in choral conducting graduate student, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  This is the first musical episode (think '90s sitcoms that have a musical episode) of the podcast! Together Steven & Shawna compiled 10 English Christmas carols to highlight the history of carols from the 15th - 20th centuries. In the episode they discuss the histo...

Kim Rogers, founder of RogersHood Apothecary and inventor of the ParaFy kit, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Kim, known as the "Worm Queen", shares her transformative journey from Western medicine to holistic healing. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of parasites, mold, and yeast in our bodies and offers insights into maintaining wellness th...

Natalie Samson, Board Certified Genetic Counselor and Founder of Golden Genetics, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Natalie differentiates between medical & lifestyle (also known as lifestyle genomics) genetic tests, how to use genetics as a tool for increasing healthspan (which is different from lifespan!), and current practices in genetic testing.   If you are interested in working w...

Yvonne Prowse, Spiritual Director & Director of Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Yvonne defines spirituality, shares the benefits of working with a spiritual director, and how to cultivate spiritual practices in the day-to-day & in a retreat setting.  If you are interested in a spiritual retreat at Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre, you c...

Philip Wilson, President of Relax Saunas of Momentum, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Philip shares the benefits of far infrared saunas, their history, and the unique technology behind Relax Saunas.  If you are interested in purchasing a Relax Sauna after listening to today's episode, use code: DRSHAWNA for $150 off your purchase from November 10-17, 2025. After November 17, code: DR...

Heidi DeBrincat, certified GYROTONIC® Method trainer, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Heidi shares knowledge gained over a 40 year career as a movement practitioner and the transformative work of the GYROTONIC® Method. She discusses the unique aspects of the decompressive movement system, the importance of mind-body connection in movement practices, and the lessons learned from personal...

Dawn Hoezee, President & CEO of Contact Reflex Analysis (CRA) & VerVita, joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Dawn shares the work of her father, Dr. Dick Versendaal, DC and how that led to the formation of both CRA & VerVita. She discusses the importance of a heart-centered approach to life, tools to support menstruation, and how VerVita essential oils can help you process emotio...

William Marsh, Director of Education & Quantum Systems at Premier Research Labs, shares his expertise on nutritional science with Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  William shares the benefits of consuming high quality food & supplements, what could be causing your supplements (no matter the quality) from performing optimally, and the easiest biohacking tool you've probably never hear...

Angie Noack, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and Senior VP of Business Development of Braincode Centers shares her expertise on neurofeedback with Dr. Shawna on today's episode.  Angie shares the science behind neurofeedback, who can benefit from neurofeedback both from an injury & prevention perspective, and how a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) brain map can help you under...

Brooke McKeever shares her 18 years of expertise in light therapy with Dr. Shawna on today's episode. Brooke is the co-founder of Ultra Red Light Therapy in Newport Beach, CA where she is light therapy practitioner, teaches others how to use light therapy in her "Light Academy," sells light devices, and is a business coach.  Brooke shares the science behind red light therapy, who red...

Join Dr. Shawna on a solo pod about the behind the scenes of her recovery process. She discusses how she manages a team of practitioners to help her heal, when she hires/fires a practitioner from the team, and how the past 8 years have taught her to trust her intuition about next steps.  For up to date information about the podcast, follow Dr. Shawna on Instgram @drshawnaberk.

Join Dr. Shawna for a travel episode about historical sites in the Toronto area, one of her favorite vacation destinations. Below is a list of locations she visited the past two summers (and a couple on her list for the next visit). Happy traveling! Markham  https://www.markham.ca/arts-culture-library/markham-museum Richmond Hill  https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/Richmond-Hill-Heritage-Ce...

Welcome back to the Authentically Shawna Podcast !   Season 2 will be a continuation of sharing authentic conversations from across the health & wellness space, hosted by Dr. Shawna Berk, DPT. The first four episodes of the season will focus on experiences/ideas from Dr. Shawna's trip to the Toronto area in July '25.    In the first episode, Dr. Shawna talks about the 6-Day Silent Retr...

In the last episode of the season, Dr. Shawna shares how she produces the podcast and the tools she uses (not sponsored) in the creation process. She also shares what she is launching in the fall, a six month membership to teach everyday wellness tools that can be done in between practitioner visits (more to come!) which will launch in October '25. The best way to stay up-to-date with Dr. Shawna u...

Oliver Hartan, Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Matrix Repatterning Practitioner, and Matrix Repatterning Lead Instructor joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode to talk about how the Matrix Repatterning Technique (created by Dr. George Roth) views the body.  Oliver shares what happens to bone & organs with impact injuries and how these structures are assessed and treated with Matrix Re...

Matt Peterson, yoga teacher, pilates instructor, personal trainer, kung fu practitioner, and artist  joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode to talk about how practicing physical modalities (yoga, kung fu, & strength training) has changed him as an artist & person.    Matt shares how he first started practicing kung fu, what his daily practice currently looks like, and the perspectives he...

Tanya Claire, Image Consultant and Wardrobe Stylist joins Dr. Shawna on today's episode to talk about branding your image & figuring out your personal style.   Tanya shares her thoughts on designing a wardrobe for your lifestyle, when to rebrand your style, how to use accessories to tell a story, and when to follow (or not follow!) a fashion trend.  Interested in working with Tanya, you ca...

Dr. Jenn Au PT, DPT, CHt somatic mindfulness coach, Doctor of Physical Therapy, holistic bodyworker, retreat guide, and the host of the "Coming Home Podcast" joins Dr. Shawna on this week's episode of the podcast to talk about coming home to yourself through reconnecting with who you are. Dr. Jenn shares how she uses somatic hypnotherapy, meditation, & mindfulness to help her cli...