Cultivate Calmness Podcast: Find Your Calm, Cultivate Your Mind

In this eye-opening episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela is joined by functional dietitian and founder of Nourished by Taylor, Taylor Lechner, to discuss the often-overlooked connection between hormonal birth control and mental health. Taylor shares her personal and professional journey of recovering from the pill, uncovering root causes like high copper and gut dysfunction that can tr...

In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we take a deep dive into Father’s Day—a time to celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives, but also a moment to acknowledge the grief that may accompany this special day. Whether you're grieving the loss of a father, experiencing a challenging relationship, or simply reflecting on the role fathers play in our lives, this epis...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela is joined by Jonathan Miller from Miller Counseling to discuss social anxiety, a disorder that often slips under the radar in therapy. Jonathan, with his 25 years of experience, sheds light on what social anxiety is, its subtle but powerful impact on daily life, and the role of exposure therapy in overcoming it. Together, they explore how so...

In this episode of The Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we dive into the topic of boundaries—why they are essential for our mental health, how they protect us, and how to set them in a way that fosters healthier relationships. Whether it's managing difficult family dynamics, handling emotional triggers, or learning how to say no, setting boundaries allows us to define what’s acceptable in our lives. Th...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness podcast, Kaela Vance discusses the power of analogies in explaining and processing trauma. Kaela shares several effective analogies, such as the car accident, smoke detectors, and backpacks full of rocks, to help listeners understand the complexities of trauma and healing. Through these analogies, she demonstrates how simple comparisons can facilitate emot...

In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela shares her personal journey of navigating Mother's Day after the loss of her mother at a young age. Reflecting on how her relationship with Mother's Day has evolved over the years, Kaela opens up about her experience of growing up without a mother, finding comfort in non-traditional mother figures, and learning to heal from grief....

In this episode, Kaela shares her key takeaways from the Seeking Whole Health, Christian Holistic Health Conference, where she gained a wealth of knowledge on holistic healing practices, including the importance of nourishing both the body and mind. From learning about the impact of our modern food systems to exploring the intersection of faith and wellness, Kaela discusses how these insights can...

In today’s episode, Kaela Vance shares her excitement as she prepares to attend the Seeking Whole Health Conference. As a holistic mental health counselor, Kaela is eager to learn more about a variety of topics, from food sensitivities and hormones, to herbalism and gut health. She reflects on how these new insights will help her not only in her personal life but also in supporting her clients and...

In today’s episode of Cultivate Calmness, Kaela delves into the science of negative thought patterns, or "cognitive distortions," and offers practical tips for shifting those patterns. She discusses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, introducing listeners to cognitive restructuring techniques that can help them reframe their negative thinking into a more positive and realist...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela shares the joys of springtime in Ohio and the benefits of spending time outdoors for both physical and mental wellness. She discusses how gardening, grounding, and soaking up the sun can improve mood, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being. Kaela also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks throughout the day, whether by walking o...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela explores the profound feeling of being "alone" during difficult times, even when surrounded by supportive people. Drawing on the classic poem "Footprints in the Sand," she reflects on how God’s presence remains with us, especially during the darkest moments of our lives. Kaela shares personal insights from her own journey of faith and experi...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela discusses her personal journey of losing trust in the medical system and how it led her to explore more holistic approaches to health and wellness. She shares the importance of questioning healthcare providers, doing your own research, and advocating for your own well-being when traditional medicine doesn't seem to align with your experience...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance reflects on her recent spring break vacation and how it provided an opportunity to practice mindfulness in a simple and calming way. As she shares her family’s experience searching for sea glass, Kaela connects this activity to mindfulness, highlighting the importance of focusing on the present moment to regulate our body and mind. Fro...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into a common experience many clients face: walking into therapy feeling like there’s nothing to discuss. She explores the underlying reasons why people often feel they don’t have anything to share and offers valuable insights into how we can uncover deeper emotions and struggles, even when it feels like everything is going well. Drawi...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance explores the surprising connection between food aversion, picky eating, and tongue ties. She shares her personal experience with food aversion and reveals how an issue as simple as a restricted tongue movement could affect your ability to eat certain foods. Kaela discusses how tongue ties and lip ties can impact eating habits, speech,...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, a licensed professional clinical counselor, shares behind-the-scenes insights about the therapy world that many clients may not know. From confidentiality rules to dual relationships and the unique challenges therapists face, Kaela takes listeners through what it's like to be a therapist and the ethical considerations that guide their...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance explores the topic of 12-Step Recovery programs, particularly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and shares insights from a recent luncheon with Michelle Risser, a local therapist and CEU provider. Kaela discusses the foundations of AA and its 12-Step process, highlighting its broader applications for various addictions and the importance of s...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into the powerful connection between exercise and mental health, exploring the science behind how physical activity impacts our brains and emotions. She discusses how exercise increases feel-good hormones like endorphins and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, but also emphasizes the importance of listening to your body...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela explores the benefits of Earthley's herbal tinctures and supplements, highlighting their powerful natural properties and how they can support overall health and well-being. With Earthley's annual tincture sale happening now, Kaela shares her personal experience using these products, including those that support immunity, energy, gut health,...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between your gut health and mental well-being. From the surprising role of serotonin—mostly produced in the gut—to how the foods we eat can directly impact our mood, energy, and overall mental health, this episode breaks down the science behind it all. We discuss how diet influences gut bacteria, serotonin produc...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into the concept of betrayal, exploring the powerful principle "If it’s hysterical, it’s historical." She shares a thought-provoking clip from a sermon by Pastor Ken Murphy and therapist Jim Cress, discussing how past wounds often influence our emotional reactions to betrayal in the present. Through personal anecdotes and professional...

In this episode, we kick off 2025 with a conversation about the different approaches to health and wellness, focusing on the terms "holistic," "integrative," and "functional". Kaela explores the importance of understanding these concepts in the context of both mental and physical health. She discusses how these terms are often used interchangeably, but their meanings can vary, and how they influen...

In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we wrap up the year with a candid discussion about navigating the complexities of the holiday season. From managing family dynamics and setting healthy boundaries to honoring loved ones and finding moments of joy, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for handling the unique challenges of this time of year. Whether you'r...

In this episode of Cultivate Calmness, we explore the surprising and often overlooked impact of hormone disruptors on your health and well-being. From everyday household products to hidden chemicals in cookware, personal care items, and more, these endocrine disruptors can wreak havoc on your hormones, affecting everything from metabolism to mental health. Join me as I share practical tips for ide...

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we explore the unpredictable nature of grief and how memories, even decades later, can resurface with surprising emotional intensity. Reflecting on a personal story, Kaela shares insights about the enduring process of grieving and how our emotions evolve with time. Whether you're navigating grief yourself or supporting someone else through loss, t...