Whole by Design

How do you know whether you're following your own path or someone else's expectations? Whether you're questioning what's next, considering a change, or starting your career, this conversation explores how to recognize the difference between external pressure and internal alignment. In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with David Gofman, founder of Gofman Therapy and Consul...

What if the most effective thing you could do as a leader, or as a human, had nothing to do with strategy and everything to do with how you show up? In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Daniel Lieberman, founder and CEO of Valuable Leadership, to explore his model of "humanship" and the Beacon Effect, a six-part framework for cutting through uncertainty, building genu...

Grief doesn’t always follow a clear path. For many people, it can feel layered, disorienting, and difficult to move through, especially when the emotions don’t resolve in the ways we expect. If you’ve been feeling stuck in your grief or unsure how to carry both the love and the pain, this conversation offers a way of understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. In this episode, Dr. Julie Lo...

Stress is often treated like something to eliminate, but what if understanding it differently could help you move through life with more clarity, strength, and intention? In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez is joined by clinician and clinical director Amanda Good to explore the stress equation, a practical framework for understanding why stress affects people differently and how la...

What do high-pressure emergency response and intimate relationships have in common? Communication under stress. In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) Lee Collins to explore what truly strengthens connection in relationships. Drawing from his background in corporate leadership, emergency response, and clinical counseling,...

Fertility is often framed as a purely biological issue, but what if there’s more shaping our ability to create and receive in life than we realize? In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez is joined by Dr. Natalie Grigorian, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Master of Acupuncture, to explore the hidden factors that influence fertility, not just in conception, but across all areas of lif...

AI is changing the way we approach mental health, but what does that mean for our relationships, emotions, and even therapy itself? In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Dr. Rachel Wood, a licensed counselor and leader in cyber psychology, to explore the growing role of AI in mental health. They discuss how AI is being used for therapy, companionship, and self-reflection, the potential b...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and self-harm. Suicidality can be complex, painful, and often misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Faith Ferber, a trauma-informed Viva therapist, and her mother, Brenda Ferber, a writer, to explore Faith’s journey with mental health challenges from childhood through adolescence. They discuss early warning signs, the impact...

Poor sleep can affect more than just energy. It can shape mood, focus, and mental health in surprising ways. In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Andres Barkil-Oteo to explore the hidden connection between sleep apnea and mental health. They discuss why sleep apnea often goes unnoticed, how it can mimic depression or ADHD, and what steps you can take to uncover and trea...

Disordered eating impacts millions of Americans, yet so many people face it in silence. If you’re struggling, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Christie Dondero Bettwy, Executive Director of Rock Recovery, to talk about her personal journey of disordered eating recovery and her work making treatment more accessible. Together, they explore how cultural messages abou...

Psychedelics and breathwork may seem like very different paths to healing, but what if the breath alone could unlock the same powerful states of awareness? In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez speaks with Mark Worster, a psychiatric nurse, entrepreneur, and trauma survivor, about how deep breathwork can be a psychedelic experience without substances. Together, they explore non-ordinary states of consc...

In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with author, filmmaker, and advocate Zara Phillips to explore how co-dependency and hyperfixation act as survival mechanisms that can spiral into addictive patterns.   They unpack why we overthink, people-please, or fixate compulsively when safety feels uncertain, and reveal the two key components Zara credits with sustaining lasting re...

Psychiatric medication can be life-changing, but for some teens, it becomes the only solution offered. If you or someone you love is on medication but still facing challenges and wondering why, this episode is for you. Discover how a personalized whole-body approach to teen mental health can create more lasting results. Dr. Britta Zimmer, Chief Medical Officer of Pacific Quest and expert in integr...

Disorders of the gut aren’t just digestive issues; they’re often signals from your nervous system. If you’ve been struggling with gut issues, anxiety, or chronic discomfort that doctors can’t explain, this episode is for you. Dr. Ali Navidi, licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of GI Psychology, breaks down the science and psychology of the gut-brain connection. He explains how trauma, st...

In this episode of Whole by Design, Robyn Brickel, an expert in trauma-informed clinical work, sheds light on how we are all built for survival. Robyn explores how healing deep-rooted wounds can lead to healthier connections, improved emotional regulation, and a more peaceful life. Tune in for valuable insights on recognizing trauma's impact and practical steps for healing that can transform the w...

Did you know you can use your imagination to rewire your brain and heal trauma? In this episode, Tracy, a leading expert in brain science, explains how visualizing nurturing experiences can create new neural pathways. Learn how the powerful therapeutic approach of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)   can reduce emotional reactivity and transform your mental health, helping you br...

Feeling stuck, drained, or unsure of your next step? You’re not alone. In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Pascale Cook-Fernandes—coach, Reiki master, and founder of Women Finding Clarity—to explore how overwhelm and self-doubt can keep us from fully showing up in our lives. Pascale shares her powerful approach to stepping out of the fog and into clarity, drawing fro...

Have you ever felt like there's a powerful voice inside you, just waiting to be discovered? In this episode of Whole by Design, we explore the profound impact of the human voice and how it can be a tool for healing, confidence building, and authentic self-expression, enabling you to live more fearlessly. We will examine the common inhibitions that prevent individuals from fully expressing themselv...

Join host Julie for a groundbreaking conversation with Aditi Manocha, gut and hormone nutrition coach, as they challenge the dismissive "it's all in your head" approach and explore empowering strategies to advocate for your health. In this episode, we unpack the pervasive issue of medical gaslighting and delve into Aditi's personal journey through the maze of chronic health issues. Discover how co...

Ready to reframe your pain perception, build resilience, and take control of your life? In this episode, Dr. Julie sits down with Jen Uschold to discuss a holistic, science-based approach to understanding and managing pain. By exploring the intricate relationship between the nervous system, mental fitness, and well-being, Uschold provides listeners with practical strategies to change their relatio...

Join host Dr. Julie Lopez for a conversation with Sabrina Hansen of The Relational Mastery Institute as they challenge the conventional thinking around Relationship OCD and explore a more empowering perspective on this debilitating experience. In this episode, we move beyond the limitations of labels like "Relationship OCD" to understand the deeper needs driving these thought patterns and behavior...

DESCRIPTION: This episode of Viva View delves into the complexities of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), from the perspective of the adoptee. Host Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Haley Radke, a prominent adoptee advocate and founder of the popular podcast "Adoptees On." Together, they challenge the traditional view of RAD as a disorder and explore it through a more compassionate lens. This episod...

Ready to understand a key element of depression and all other mental struggles that can unlock healing? Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with intuitive, trauma-informed speaker Claudia Cauterucci for a powerful conversation on redefining depression. Claudia, a renowned psychotherapist, bestselling author, and founder of Dynamic R-Evolution, shares her deep insights into the complexities of mental health....

In this month's episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sat down with Colin Drummond, a trailblazing street journalist with a rich background in traditional and social media. Together, they explore the common experience of anxiety , its origins, and its deeper meanings. Join us for this insightful conversation on anxiety, its roots, and how to navigate it with understanding and compassion.    CONNECT WITH COLIN...

In this debut episode of the Viva View, Dr. Julie Lopez engages in a compelling conversation with Kathleen Hanagan on redefining mental health. Together they explore the dangerous effects of mis-labeling individuals who have experienced trauma. Highlighting the transformative power of compassion and a more accurate view of the human condition, they delve into why it is one of the most crucial elem...