The Refined Hippie

Ep 127: In this episode, I'm joined by Carly Foley for a deep dive into all things GLP-1, from the science behind popular medications to their natural counterparts within the body. We explore the rise of microdosing, the powerful role of the gut microbiome in weight regulation, and what Ayurveda teaches us about root causes of imbalance. We share foods, supplements, and lifestyle shifts that may h...

In today's episode we're diving into one of my all-time favorite wellness staples: matcha. This vibrant powdered green tea may be a popular choice at trendy coffee shops, but its roots run much deeper. Used for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies and traditional medicine, matcha is so much more than a pretty latte. We'll explore its rich history, its powerful antioxidant properties, and why it's...

Ep 125: On this episode we explore the topic of the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body that sends information to and from the brain to every vital bodily system. We chat about how the vagus nerve impacts our heart, lungs, digestive tract as well as mental health, anxiety, and depression. Topics Include: what is the vagus nerve what does the vagus nerve connect how to measure vagus...

Ep 124: In today's episode I chat about my recent life updates, including my podcast hiatus and husband's health scare. I also share some exciting BIG NEWS at the end. Topics: podcast hiatus social media  wellness burnout my husband and his collapsed lung experience at hospital spontaneous pneumothorax Big NEWS Reveal! 

Ep 123: Today’s episode with Robert Cheeke, a New York Times bestselling author and longtime vegan activist. His new book, The Impactful Vegan, applies the principles of effective altruism to animal advocacy work to determine how to do the most good for animals.  If you care deeply about animal or planetary suffering, it can overwhelming to know what to do. Robert’s evidence based research is not...

Ep 122: While we cannot choose our genetics, we do have the power to decide what we put in our bodies and how we care for them. This insight has become a guiding principle for Madeline Lee, the creator of Superfree Food , a company focused on creating delicious and satiating anti-inflammatory foods to help nourish and "embrace regenerative and expansive healing". Madeline's gut journey began when...

Ep 121: On this episode we chat all about the healing power of mushrooms for our pets with Joni Kamlet, a Registered Veterinarian Technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant.  When her dog, Waffles, was diagnosed with mammary cancer in 1996 (the same time Joni was diagnosed with ovarian cancer), Joni decided to go a different route, trying a plethora of alternative healing modalities,...

Ep 120: On this episode we chat with Michael Hobson, founder of the award winning Aquene Springs, all about water! Michael has spent the last decade studying water in all its capacities. His takeaways shed new light on not only what good water can do for our bodies, but also the importance of silica for our systems, especially as we age.  Topics: Michael's road to water structured water  water qua...

Ep 119: CBD is becoming more widely used and recognized, but what about in skincare? Today's guest is a trailblazer in the world of CBD skincare and spa treatments. Taylor Jameson, owner and CVO of The Hemp Spa in Wilmington, NC, began her journey with CBD after experiencing its remarkable benefits for managing her chronic pain, leading her to break free from traditional pain medications.  Driven...

Ep 118: On this episode we chat with Amber Law , a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in clinical, regression, and spiritual hypnotherapy, all about hypnosis, visualizations, and the power of the mind. Topics Include: how Amber got into hypnotherapy what is hypnosis who can be hypnotized meditation affirmations empowering you to become the controller how to get the life you want deprogrammin...

Ep 117: On this episode we chat with plant-based lifestyle and mindset coach, Kathy Davis, all about meal planning. Kathy has been eating vegan for more than 9 years and whole food plant-based for over 4. One tool she used to stay consistent and make her plant-based lifestyle sustainable was meal planning. She founded the Meal Plan Accountability Club to help others become efficient and effective...

Ep 116: Today's guest, Lauren Levine, is no stranger to the podcast. She joined us on episode 56, when we chatted all about diaphragmatic breathing and the power of the breath. Since that interview Lauren has been through a lot of changes that led her to a new passion as a psychic medium. Lauren is now an Intuitive Medium along with being a Movement and Breath Specialist and Mentor. She works with...

Ep 115: On this episode I sat down with Lauren Burke, founder and coach of Power House Happy. Lauren helps clients shed what's holding them back, discovering their new truth and self. She's also a yoga teacher and volleyball coach.  Topics Include: behind the scenes of film making human connection how to build community  being vulnerable  the four agreements people pleasing  high control groups an...

Ep 114: On this episode I do a quick overview of the Huberman Lab's podcast episode all about alcohol. This was an excellent episode by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, where he discusses the overall effects of alcohol on the body, brain, and health. I have created a 30 minute review on my main take aways from the show. Topics: is alcohol neurodegenerative chronic drinking basic chemistry of alcoho...

Ep 113: Today's episode is with Dr. Crystal Heath, a veterinarian in the Bay Area who also happens to be vegan. In a profession that is supposedly all about ANIMALS, you would think this wouldn't be that uncommon but unfortunately and oddly enough it is. Dr. Heath is an outspoken animal rights advocate, on the founding committee of Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown , which urges the Ameri...

Ep 112: The "greatest generation" had a lot of daily habits that helped give them a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and an overall sense of life contentment. On this episode we explore the 5 habits we should bring back from our grandparents. Most of these may seem pretty basic, but they can have profound effects on our mental and physical well being. 

Ep 111: Today's episode is your Adaptogens 101 course, where we chat all about these incredible plants, herbs, and mushrooms that have astounding health benefits and help the body manage stress. Topics Include: history of adaptogens adaptogen qualifications primary adaptogens secondary adaptogens  ashwagandha shilajit cordyceps how to consume adaptogens Anima Mundi www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca...

Ep 110: When I started having digestive issues years ago, one of the first things I did was become gluten-free. Of course at the time I had no idea why, it was just a buzz word floating around, but it did help. I felt lighter and more clear headed. Many others are seeing the benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle and there's now a surge of gf products on the market. However, as with anything, they ar...

Ep 109: It's the dreaded c-word, cancer, the second leading cause of death in the world.  On this episode we chat with Nathan Crane , a certified holistic cancer coach and natural health researcher. Nathan's also a best selling author, inspirational speaker, and 20x award-winning documentary filmmaker. But how does a person become passionate about cancer?  We get into Nathan’s story of being a tro...

Ep 108: A new season of the podcast is here and we are taking off with a bang, chatting all about wellness burnout and compassion fatigue, two psychological phenomenon that can happen to many of us trying to live a healthy and/or compassionate lifestyle. I started using the term 'wellness burnout' after learning of friends and clients (even myself) who'd experienced exhaustion from their health jo...

Ep 107: The health of our GI tract is finally getting the attention is deserves. However, many people believe they can just take a probiotic and call it a day. But just as everything in the supplement industry is concerned, not all probiotics are created equal.  Today’s guest is Natasha Trenev, dubbed “The Mother of Probiotics”, having significantly contributed to the evolution of the probiotic in...

Ep 106: On this episode we chat with Lucas McLawhorn, founder of Well-Fed Ed , a healthy food truck located in coastal North Carolina with an emphasis on educating others (particularly kids) on the benefits of proper nutrition.  Lucas’ discovery of the benefits of 'food as medicine' developed after a successful outcome with cancer. We get into all the details surrounding that trying time, as well...

Ep 105: Trauma is shown to cause a 60% increase in risk of developing an autoimmune disease. On this quick solo episode I chat about my experience lately with discovering past trauma and how to go about finding peace. Topics: my experience with past trauma and trying to heal types of trauma  methods for healing meditation Eastern Body, Western Mind book

Ep 104: There is still a lot of confusion revolving around cannabis, but as more research and science comes out showing the indisputable benefits, the more understanding and less stigma there seems to be towards this plant. On this episode we chat with one of the co-owners of FlowGardens , an indoor cannabis cultivation company, about the basics of cannabis. FlowGardens is dedicated to cultivating...

Ep 103: Being exhausted as a new mom is common in our society, and like many complaints in Western culture has been normalized. But if the fatigue is extreme one could be suffering from post natal depletion, a term that is just now being more widely used and recognized. The condition can even last for up to 10 years after giving birth.  On this episode we chat with naturopathic doctor Amy Hawkins...